Hey There Kristen!

In March, I hinted on my social media about a pivot I am making in life and business. Then, last month, I asked you all to watch for it. Here’s the thing - life is full of little pivots and huge pivots - living in transition. Living with chronic illness, for me, has been endless amounts of impactful transitions; from body changes, to diagnosis, to mindset shifts and understandings. I have found joy in the pivot, instead of hurt, overwhelming negativity, and burnout.

*Sometimes it’s simply time to take a selfie! 😇*

As a child, I never wanted to be late. I would cry and stomp and beg to be on time when it seemed we were running late. The lack of control over myself and arrival time was maddening. As a young adult, I would go places early and sit somewhere - at the risk of being bored - in order to be at a meeting, event, or engagement on time. At this point in my life, I have realized how important it is to shift perspectives; to pivot. As far as being on time - I no longer ascribe to “being early at all costs”. For some, being early is just as rude as being late because of the pressure to rush. I also loathe the rush. It makes me feel out of alignment with my values and need for peace and joy. So, this is a pivot towards where I choose to put my energy and efforts. Learning how to pivot through a life of transitions has been super critical for me in life with a chronic illness and a love of learning and growth.

If it’s okay, I would love to share one tip for pivoting in life: take the time to let it happen. This doesn’t have to be “forever”, but it should be enough time to reflect and decide what you want to do and how you want to move forward. Changing directions or starting a new journey or story is almost inevitable in life, and it is easy to get lost in translation. For your own emotional well-being, remain kind and gracious to self and love on you as much as possible, even if the pivot is against your own will... at first. You are greater and stronger than you may even know. The pivot can’t knock you out for too long... it can only help you also to learn and grow.

*Learning and reflecting has allowed me to notice what really gives me joy - working from beautiful views from time to time is a gift for my own heart*

Speaking of learning and growth, that brings me to how I am choosing to pivot in the slightest way in my messaging now: my focus is still on joy, but as a tool towards overall emotional wellness and wealth (definitions to come). I have been feeling a bit like my messaging does not share the necessity of well-being and how joy plays into that. As an emotion, joy is a primary component of emotional well-being, but it is not the only element that is worth looking at these days. It’s okay to look at the hard stuff as well. In fact, it is needed, because where so many are stuck is in a place of pain - physically and emotionally - and despair. It’s more than okay to recognize this, and it is time to take action towards emotional health in the journey. Take stock in who you are and who you are becoming and let that be why and how you pivot to a new understanding of emotional well-being.

Soooo.... this means my newsletters and blog will continue to focus on joy; as a piece of the overall picture of emotional wealth. That is something that we will be learning and seeking over time and I look forward to sharing with you some of the ways I sought and continue to work on emotional foundations in life. Please know that this is in hopes that you will feel supported and able to grasp more substantial tools, but also that you will continue to reach out to those who also need a spark of emotional wellness in their day - whether through their transitions or life of chronic illness. All are welcome!

What Can You Do?

• Share this message with someone who is in transition and may need an introduction to new resources and tips.
• Take some time this week to reflect on ways it has been necessary for your to pivot, how it may have stretched you, and where you think your emotional health may have been affected - for better or worse - at the time.
• Find support - within is great, and community can be a footstool, a step out, from where you start to where you are headed.

What’s New?

• As you read this month’s newsletter, I am in the process of healing (I cancelled my surgery, but seek to heal naturally for now) and would love prayers and light as my pivoting continues! I hope to continue consistency in your inbox, and would love grace as I navigate that with health efforts.
• ***Additionally, I am opening up my calendar this month until June 15th for coffee chats to anyone who may need or know of a need for consults towards people with chronic illness needing assistance starting the government benefit process - whether permanent or temporary. My experience is that there are so many of us out there who don’t realize we can get at least some assistance and I want to be a support for those who are just finding this out. I am offering low-cost sessions so please feel free to reach out if you even think this might be necessary for you or someone else. ****

Thank you all!

Sending Joy, Love, and Deuces!!

Kris G.