Hi Reader,
What a year 2025 has been. We are nearly through it, and I think we can all agree that we have learned a lot this year. Simply existing certainly hasn’t been easy for anyone, anywhere. Everyday we have many decisions to make and so much content requesting our attention. I’m so very grateful you’ve chosen me and my work; to read along and prioritize taking care of yourself in the ways you’re able to.
"Small steps, big changes" was my phrase and mantra this year. And while the big changes aren’t all that visible (yet), I will say there are considerable shifts that I’m feeling internally, both in my personal and professional worlds. Most importantly, I feel more and more myself with each passing moment. I truly implement this work of self-care healthcare right alongside you and feel excited that there’s even more clarity and inspiration still in the works.
At home, very excitingly, our younger son is walking - his big changes are very visible!
So briefly, 2025 in review...
- I started the year on maternity leave, with a slow return in April that lasted through Summer as my focus was my own personal recovery. This Fall I ramped up my workload as my recovery continued improving and am now nearly back to full swing.
- I had over 60 appointments this year for my own recovery with PTs, doctors/NPs, mental health counselors, chiropractors, and massage therapists. Healing from a complicated birth is a lot!
- Sarah and I have been tidying and clarifying my website and online offerings. We’ve increased posting to Instagram and YouTube.
- I have nearly completed a new program for DRA (Diastasis Rectus Abdominis) recovery and have a resource for C-birth recovery! Be in touch to learn more!
- I have been reflecting on my offerings. I am creating a new format for offerings that will hopefully provide more community engagement, commitment and consistency in programming, and more connection to your Self. Stay tuned!
I wish I could offer you an Oprah inspired “my favorite things” - surprising you with all the gifts like Oprah used to do. Instead, what I can offer are 3 of my “favorite things” to stay regulated in dysregulating times:
- Lay down, rest your arms, close your eyes and breathe - it sounds too good to be true, but that’s it. Bend your knees or place a pillow under your thighs to relax your back. If your mind just won’t quiet, count your breaths backwards from 10. Be here for 10 breaths or 10 minutes, just try to soak in the pause.
- Get weird with some energetic/emotional release - put on a song and dance, shake off the heavy feelings from your legs to your arms to wiggling your whole body, make some weird sounds and weird faces as you move intuitively, draw, scribble or paint your feelings just get them out. Whatever your weird is - lean into it. This time of year brings up all sorts of emotions and energy, make sure they aren’t getting bottled up. Bonus tip: do some of this movement outside or facing a window to really let the energy go. See my version of this in practice here, from about a month ago.
- Gently massage your face or neck. Imagine how you pet a dog or cat, or how you touch a newborn baby. Be soft and find a pace that feels soothing, anywhere from your scalp to your collarbones is fair game and don’t forget around your ears. You can use your whole hand or just your finger tips. A few minutes of this can go a long way. Two bonus tips: 1. follow this up with a look in the mirror, make eye contact with yourself and give a little “You got this; I love you.” 2. gently place your hand on your opposite collarbone during a tough or vulnerable conversation.
And for any last minute shoppers, here is Oprah’s current 2025 list.
As we think ahead to 2026, check out my first regular class series, open to the public, to see if it’s a fit for you. Gentle Yoga at Dartmouth's Woman's Health Resource Center.
Finally, the best gift you can give me this year is to simply recommend someone sign up for this newsletter or follow me on Instagram. Word of mouth referrals are the best thing for any small business.
Here’s to finding time for yourself this holiday season, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. With gratitude,
