Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 24
February 23, 2021
Journal Writing
Journaling may be a practice that you’ve done since grade school where you wrote about your crush of the day, a practice you pick up when you’re upset and need a space to process, or something you’ve never done or understood. No matter where you are on your journaling journey, my hope is that this post will be a helpful gateway to engage with the experience.
As Joyce Chapman says in Journaling for Joy, “Through the act of writing things down, you allow yourself to wake up, be aware, and pay attention to what your life has to teach you.”
Journal writing is the process of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and, for many, it can be a therapeutic brain dump to bring light to dark, uncharted territory.
Marion Woodman writes, “My journal became a mirror in which I could see and hear my truth resonating in my own daily experience.”
Ideas to get you started:1. Answer a basic prompt that will change each time you write, “At this moment I’m feeling . . . ”
2. Write an unsent letter—to someone who’s hurt you, whom you’ve hurt, who’s passed away.
3. Capture a nighttime dream.
4. Answer, “What question do I need to answer for myself? What do I want to know? What information do I need to tap into? What would I most like to get out of this writing?
5. Answer, “Where am I in my life right now and where do I want to be?”
6. Explore an issue or experience from the third person or another person’s point of view.
7. Answer, “What’s most on my mind right now is . . .”
8. Use all your senses to describe the setting you’re in.
9. Describe your current self-care strategy.
10. Start with the word “Today” and keep writing.
Journaling is a tool to help explore and better understand patterns, motivations, fears, and struggles. It’s also a safe space to capture dreams, to celebrate, and to grow.
I’ll leave you with this beautiful passage by Susan Tiberghien from One Year to a Writing Life, “With your words you give life to what you see, what you hear, what you touch. In this way you transform the outer thing that you see or touch into something inner. You bridge the outer and inner worlds, the visible and the invisible. This is the gift of journaling. Your daily life calls you in a thousand directions; journal writing centers you. You slow down and write. You learn to look anew at the world around you.”
Let’s get started, shall we?Grab pen, paper, and spend 10 minutes writing using one of the suggested tools above and let me know how it goes! Bisous. x
PS Here’s 11 journal prompts to help you connect with your values via The Good Trade.
The post Journal Writing appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 22, 2021
Tranquility du Jour #529: Dear Paris
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with returning guest and bestselling author Janice MacLeod about her new book Dear Paris: The Paris Letters, the beauty of watercolor, and the challenges of writing.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj529.mp3Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #529: Dear Paris.
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon, or Overcast.
Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more episodes and the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
Upcoming Events
March 21: TDJ Live
March 27: TDJ Style Pop-Up
April 3: Virtual Retreat
Pre-order her new book Dear Paris: The Paris Letter Collections
PicMonkey
Canva
Tracing Paper
Uni-ball vision micro
Insight Timer
Previous Tranquility du Jour Interviews
A Paris Year #402
Paris Letters #325
Find Our Guest
InstagramWebsiteLet’s Connect
Join our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Share resources, get inspiration, make connections, be part of the online book club.
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Audible and get your first book FREE.
Receive weekly inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.
Browse my 6 Books and planner.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TDJ by Kimberly.
Share a review on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. Deets on kimberlywilson.com/review.
TechyTo listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to download the podcast “automagically” on iOS or AndroidThe post Tranquility du Jour #529: Dear Paris appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 17, 2021
A Uniform
Every morning before I hop into the tub, I grab a fresh pair of my organic cotton/organic bamboo capri leggings and organic bamboo 2in1 fitted top as I run the water. There’s no hemming and hawing about what to wear today, whether it will match or be comfortable, or if it’s clean (I have multiple pieces).
When I recorded this week’s podcast, I wanted to share a peek into my daily dress-up process and help you explore your own. Sure, we may not be seeing colleagues or clients in the office, or running into friends at the cafe, or going to events like we once were, but there’s still an opportunity to showcase your signature style—even if it’s just for you.
And it’s never boring. Layers and accessories allow us to make new outfits out of our most basic look. Today I grabbed a faux leather button down dress that I picked up during my last trip to Paris to add to my uniform.
Wondering how to create your own uniform?Notice those pieces that you constantly reach for. You know, the ones that feel good on your skin, you feel like you shine in all day long, and they make sense with your lifestyle. Sure, it may be a jogger pant and tee right now. I mean, loungewear is all the rage in our WFH lifestyle. So you may want to spice up the jogger pant and tee with a blazer and scarf or a wrap tunic and chunky necklace.Schedule a closet purge to donate those pieces you haven’t touched in months and don’t plan to touch again. Maybe it’s that non-stretch shift dress that never fit quite right or the not-so-comfortable skinny jean. Give these a new home.Notice if there’s any favorite pieces you’d like to refresh or build upon. If so, make a small shopping wish list. Perhaps you’d like a less pilled chunky sweater to layer over your uniform or a skinny pink belt to wrap around your uniform.Once you’ve narrowed down your closet to your favorites, explore ways to mix and match the pieces to make a variety of looks.Save the dateTo help bring this concept to life, I’m hosting a TDJ Style Pop-Up on March 27 at 1pm ET. During this festive one-hour gathering, learn how to create and style a capsule wardrobe featuring eco-friendly, locally-sewn TDJ designs. I’ll be joined by a few TDJ aficionados to share their favorite ways to wear a piece! Register here.
A new uniform convert
I am so digging the new Capri thicker noir leggings and the longer 2 in 1 … WOW! I’m so so happy and they are legit my go to!!! Thank you for your designs!! —Amy H.
Remember, a uniform is all about ease, less decision fatigue, and finding something that feels uniquely you and is easy to dress up or down. Wishing you comfort and joy as you adorn your beautiful body every day and I hope this post helps make the process even smoother. Bisous. x
The post A Uniform appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 15, 2021
Tranquility du Jour #528: Creating a Uniform
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I share ideas for creating a uniform and designing a capsule wardrobe. Learn how to pair down to the basics (while keeping your flair), how a uniform and capsule wardrobe make your days smoother, and a few wardrobe essentials (hello, LBD).
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj528.mp3Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #528: Creating a Uniform.
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon, or Overcast.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
Events
March 21: TDJ Live Masterclass
March 27: TDJ Style Pop-Up
April 3: Spring Virtual Retreat
My uniform: 2in1 fitted top and capri leggings Mentioned in the Show
Seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TDJ by Kimberly
My Wardrobe Confessional
21 Ways to Pair My Uniform
Minimalist Vegan on Wearing the Same Clothes Daily
Candidly How to Create a Uniform
Join our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Share resources, get inspiration, make connections, be part of the online book club.
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Audible and get your first book FREE.
Receive weekly inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.
Browse my 6 Books and planner.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Share a review on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. Deets on kimberlywilson.com/review.
TechyTo listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.The post Tranquility du Jour #528: Creating a Uniform appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 9, 2021
Everyday Mindfulness
This week we’re exploring the TDJ Tenet Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the process of deep awareness and accepting each experience, each sensation, thought, or feeling, just as it is, without trying to change it.
I use it as a practice to better understand my triggers and myself.Hmmm, why does that email bother me so much? What about that comment upset me? Why do I feel sick to my belly when I think about X?
Rather than an immediate reaction, it’s helpful to notice what we’re experiencing, name it, and then navigate the situation with better understanding.
This is my favorite quote about pausing that habitual reaction. Viktor Frankl said, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Isn’t that powerful? We can experience freedom by recognizing that we have a choice once triggered and/or engaged and what we choose allows us to grow.
As Pema says, “You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.”Emotions are like weather patterns that change and pass. Even when we’re experiencing sadness, anxiety, or rage, if we give these feelings space, they’ll gradually diminish.
What would help you navigate your internal storms this week? Bisous. x
PS Enjoy this downloadable with ideas on experiencing more mindfulness in the everyday.
The post Everyday Mindfulness appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 8, 2021
Tranquility du Jour #527: Life is Practice
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with returning guest Annie Mahon about using mindfulness to get through a health crisis, how it’s changed how she’s living now, and the lessons she learned.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj527.mp3Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #527: Life is Practice.
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon, or Overcast.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
Upcoming Events
March 21: TDJ Live
March 27: TDJ Style Pop-Up
April 3: Virtual Retreat
Annie Mahon (she, they) is a white, Armenian-American, ordained layperson in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh (2009), founder of
Circle Yoga Cooperative
(2003),
DC Community Yoga and DC Yoga Week
(2005), the
Pink House Foundation
(2010)—a grant-making organization supporting the development political and social capital for marginalized groups in the United States, moving land, wealth, and power to historically oppressed groups,
Opening Heart Mindfulness Community
(2014), and most recently
Making-Visble
(2018), an ongoing webinar series grounded in mindfulness and led by those most impacted by issues of social injustice, internal biases.Annie has been a student of mindfulness since the early 1990s. Her book,
Things I Did When I Was Hangry: Navigating a Peaceful Relationship with Food
was published by Parallax Press in 2015.Annie holds masters degrees in both Computer Science, from the University of Michigan, and Religious Studies from Howard University and became a licensed massage therapist in 2011. Her first yoga teacher training was with
Suzie Hurley
at Willow Street Yoga Center in 2004, and she was one of the country’s first certified Children’s Yoga teachers. She is a
certified Focusing professional
,
Trauma-informed Clinical Practice
,
Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
, and many other modalities.Read about Annie’s blog and other inspiration and practical guidance on mindfulness
here
.Mentioned in the PodcastPrevious Tranquility du Jour Interviews
Everyday Mindfulness #341
Mindful Eating #357
Find Our Guest
Instagram @annielakemahonFacebook @rawmindfulness
Twitter @rawmindfulness
LinkedIn @Annie (Chalgian) MahonLet’s Connect
Join our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Share resources, get inspiration, make connections, be part of the online book club.
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Audible and get your first book FREE.
Receive weekly inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.
Browse my 6 Books and planner.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TDJ by Kimberly.
Share a review on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. Deets on kimberlywilson.com/review.
TechyTo listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to download the podcast “automagically” on iOS or AndroidThe post Tranquility du Jour #527: Life is Practice appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 2, 2021
Tranquilosophy: Nurture Connections
Each contact with a human being is so rare, so precious, one should preserve it. —Anais Nin
This week my partner Tim and I shared an inside peek into our 17 years together with a focus on navigating the pandemic. Listen to the podcast here.
In addition to routine, nurturing connections has been emphasized as a critical part of maintaining our mental health throughout COVID (and beyond).
Over the past 11 months, I’ve savored socially distanced tea dates, enjoyed Zoom check-ins, typed out text messages, penned snail mail, and sent emails to stay connected to an intimate cohort. You, too? These touches have been a lifeline during a challenging time.
Even as I type this post, I have 65 glittery Valentine’s Day postcards stamped and ready to send to the Passholder Collective and friends. For me, this is a simple and sparkly way to nurture connections.
Consider a relationship (or three) you want to nurture and choose a way to prioritize it this week. Here are ideas:
Ask how you can support themApologize firstBake something for themHold the door openSay “thank you”Ask how they are and really listenWatch a show together from your own homesSmile (they’ll see your eyes lift under the mask)Send snail mailThink loving thoughtsLet them go firstSchedule an online small group meetup (ex. book club, knitting group)Make a gift for someone strugglingSchedule a Zoom happy hour, brunch, or tea dateListen without interruptingGo for a walk togetherSend Valentine’s cards and/or treats (anyone else obsessed with conversation hearts?!)Do a virtual class together from your own homesSend a thinking of you textPlan a date nightTry a virtual Airbnb experienceOrder takeout to be delivered to your homes and shared together via ZoomGive little gifts of delight (ex. I’ve bought Tim way too many Star Wars socks)How are you nurturing yours right now?Wishing you space for deep connections at a time when we need them more than ever. Bisous. x
The post Tranquilosophy: Nurture Connections appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 1, 2021
Tranquility du Jour #526: 17 Years Together
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, my partner Tim and I discuss navigating the pandemic, dealing with grief, celebrating 17 years, and his love of Star Wars.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj526.mp3Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #526: 17 Years Together.
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon, or Overcast.
Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more episodes and the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
Tim Mooney’s a lawyer specializing in nonprofit advocacy and election law and his bicycle travel podcast is The Pedalshift Project. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram too.
More on the Star Wars figures Tim talks about from the 1977 “empty box” release.
Events
TDJ Live Replay
New Year’s Virtual Retreat Replay
Spring TDJ Live
Spring Virtual Retreat
Washington Post: The Pandemic is Showing Us Which Friendships Are Worth Keeping
CNN: Are We Getting Weirder?
Join our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Share resources, get inspiration, make connections, be part of the online book club.
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Audible and get your first book FREE.
Receive weekly inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.
Browse my 6 Books and planner.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TDJ by Kimberly.
Share a review on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. Deets on kimberlywilson.com/review.
TechyTo listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.The post Tranquility du Jour #526: 17 Years Together appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
January 31, 2021
February’s Book Club Pick
Welcome back to the Tranquility du Jour virtual book club! From one bibliophile to another, let’s read stories that move us, make us think, and open up important conversations.
Together we’ll read and discuss in our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group and hopefully in person someday soon. You in? Hope so!
February Book
DescriptionClose the gap between yourself and your spirit—the person you know you can be. Let your choices reflect the person you want to become, not just the person you think you are. Keep moving.
For fans of Cheryl Strayed and Anne Lamott, a collection of quotes and essays on facing life’s challenges with creativity, courage, and resilience.
When Maggie Smith, the award-winning author of the viral poem “Good Bones,” started writing inspirational daily Twitter posts in the wake of her divorce, they unexpectedly caught fire. In this deeply moving book of quotes and essays, Maggie writes about new beginnings as opportunities for transformation. Like kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken ceramics with gold, Keep Moving celebrates the beauty and strength on the other side of loss. This is a book for anyone who has gone through a difficult time and is wondering: What comes next?
Why I Chose ItFebruary is hard. The pandemic is hard. Lack of sunlight is hard. Social distancing is hard. Feeling cooped up is hard. This book felt like a much-need soul salve that we could all use right now—encouragement to keep moving. Have a listen to this NPR interview. I hope you’ll join me!
How to JoinJoin us over on the TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Look for the pinned post in our Facebook group. I’ll share a few thoughts and prompts mid-month and welcome you to share favorite quotes and takeaways throughout the month.
Want a physical copy of the book? Here’s a list of Black-owned bookstores. Or download the book via an e-reader or Audible (use this link for a free 30-day trial and first book).
The post February’s Book Club Pick appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
January in Review
Hello love! Monthly I do a review and also create my next month’s dreams. This reflection exercise allows me to stay accountable, review goals, celebrate, and note what needs adjustment. I duplicate this process in my Daybook , too, since I’m a paper lover!
You’ll also find an assortment of January photos plus a round up of all things TDJ this month and Savvy Sources I thought you’d enjoy. Bisous. x
January in ReviewRead six books
Hosted New Year’s Virtual Retreat {Replay}
Hosted TDJ Live {Replay}
Hosted first TDJ Passholder Collective Co-Creating Session
Felt cortisone shot results fade
Set up Passholder Collective private community (not on FB)
Took 21 ballet classes and 4 yoga classes
Collaborated with clients
Purchased two new poetry books (shown above)
Released four podcasts
Celebrated 17 years with Tim (podcast forthcoming)
Sent four Love Notes
Released one Tea with Kimberly video
Took Belle to emergency vet (she’s on the mend)
Finished Schitt’s Creek and cried (I *love* David)
Took a three-hour workshop on grief
Consumed six boxes of Thin Mints (don’t judge, ha!)
Sent 75 pieces of snail mail
Spent time with my memoir
Set up 2/16 pet loss support group (RSVP link: all welcome)
Starting the “Salad a Day” Challenge (go-to shown above)
Family walks through the woods
Evenings fireside reading
Creating Q1 content calendar
Inauguration Day (OMG!)
Giz the weighted blanket in legs up the wall
Practicing ballet fireside
Collaging 2021 dreams into my Daybook
Discovering Christophe Robin’s rose hair products (thanks Patricia!)
Listening to live jazz concert with Hidden Jazz Club
Zooming with girlfriend
Get a lasting hip cortisone shot
Host fun TDJ Passholder Collective Pop-Up/Private Ballet Class/Co-Creating Session
Read four books
Smooth transitions
Daily salad
Send four Love Notes
Release four podcasts
Plan virtual spring TDJ Style Brunch event
Organize for tax season
Keep AM creative time sacred
Release new Tea with K video
Daily ballet and/or yoga
Collaborate with clients
Pen four blog posts
30 Days of Tranquility Challenge
Your Year’s Dreams
Tranquility in the Aftermath
My Daily Practice
TDJ Live Gratitude + Replay
January’s Book Club Pick
Podcast: Getting Unstuck
Podcast: Celebrating MLK & Inauguration Day
Podcast: The Power of Daily Practice
Podcast: Hello 2021
DIY: How to Make Bath Bombs from Fruit
Rituals to Achieve Goals
9 Best Vegan Comfort Food Recipes
17 Women in Wellness Show You the Inside of Their Fridge
Personal Growth Plan
Tips for Gorgeous Skin
52 Creative Writing Prompts
Make These 21 Books Part of Your Anti-Racism Education
What Is Your Attachment Style?
9 Black Poets Who Make Us Feel Things With Their Words
The post January in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
