💔 what to do when news + noise break our hearts

[Lovely Things] 2025 Summer Edition

How do we move through the world in times like these? 

People are displaced, devastating news is pinging our nervous systems, and our hearts are torn.

It’s in these moments where our natural response is to shut down, get quiet, and isolate.

But what if we find ways to replenish and commune with our safe people so we can withstand the uncertainty and heartbreak?

In California, I’m honoring the warmer months to meet the summer with reverence, celebrating milestone moments, and turning towards art, artists, and my community.

When I allow myself to feel it all… grief and joy, I have the stamina to sustain myself, my business, and the people I love. 

How are you currently relating and sustaining yourself in this current moment in life?

K, reply to this email and tell me. I really want to know what’s been nourishing you. And I’ll do the same below. 

Here’s my list of Lovely Things to spark some inspiration…

NOURISH 🧘🏽‍♂️

This month, I did a Creativity Co-Working Retreat on the Big Island with my friends Alexandra Franzen, Jen Kem, and Nikki Elledge Brown. 🏝

At sunrise, I soaked in the hot tub (and also at sunset because hot tubs are my love language). 

In the morning, we opened our laptops and “body doubled” as accountability partners to get some deep work done.

Then in the afternoon, we took a stroll around town, walked by the ocean, and told stories over meals and under the stars. 

It’s where productivity + connection + deep rest meet. And it’s exactly how I design my She Builds Business Retreats (next one happening September 11-12!). 

* I actually wrote this Lovely Things newsletter while sitting in this hot tub. 

CELEBRATE 🥳

I’m celebrating my friend Alexandra Franzen who just released an Oracle deck for book lovers, The Bibliophile Oracle Deck. 

She gifted each of us a deck, and I’m obsessed. The texture + design is so delightful. 

The first card I drew was “Romance Novel” and it’s fitting for celebrating my 20-year wedding anniversary last month. 

LISTEN 🎧

Speaking of audiobooks, did you know you can listen to my book She Builds on Spotify and Audible?! 

Some sultry songs I’ve added to my playlist recently: LONGS4U by Deyaz, Silk And Velvet by Annahstasia, and And the Adjacent Possible by OK Go.

CONNECT 👭

I’ve been hosting monthly gatherings for women entrepreneurs at my studio in Lafayette, California. 

It’s a beautiful remembering of the magic that happens when we create space to slow down, drop the masks, and truly show up to connect and support each other. 

Last month, we talked about summer spaciousness. Some questions we explored through journaling and small groups that I offer to you:

• What is feeling heavy, cluttered, or overly complicated in your business right now?
• What could you simplify or release to create more ease, focus, or joy?
• What’s one thing you’re ready to streamline, whether it’s a system, offer, habit, or commitment?
• What spaciousness or possibility might that open up for you?

This month, we’ll talk about how to reset and refocus for the rest of the year in our business and lives. 

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area or know someone who is, feel free to pass this along and join us at the next Sacred Business Circle. They do sell out, so make sure to save your spot. 

READ 📖

Emily McDowell shared her “Letter from Love” on Elizabeth Gilbert’s substack. 

I’ve had the joy of being a business coach + thought partner to Emily, along with her being a part of She Builds Collective and my retreats. 

The way Emily writes, navigates transitions, and creates has always been inspiring to me. 

Here’s an excerpt from Emily’s letter…

“My darling, we know that being in struggle feels familiar, and familiar feels safe. We know it feels dangerous to be too happy. But please know this: love and joy and fun are your original factory settings. In this world filled with ever-present tragedy all around us, to commit to your joy is a revolution. And you were born to be a revolutionary.”

LAUGH 😂

This is so TRUE…

FAVE PURCHASE 🛍

My husband celebrated his 50th birthday this month, and he wanted a new backpack. I was able to find this backpack on Etsy, where I could customize it with his initials. 

INSPIRE ✨

What’s inspired me recently are poems written by Andrea Gibson who passed away this year. 

I’ve been following them for decades since my spoken word poetry days as a teen. 

I had the privilege to see them perform live. And Andrea’s poems always tug at the heart strings in the most profound ways. 

This one is from their book of poems in, You Better Be Lightning.

If this list of “Lovely Things” brought you joy, feel free to share it with a friend. Unplug, dance, and build something meaningful. 

Warm hugs,