Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 31

Living a Well Life

A great hallmark of mental wellness is the ability to be in the present moment, fully and with no thoughts of being elsewhere. —Wayne Dyer

The World Health Organization defines wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

There are ten different areas of wellness—physical, nutritional, medical, spiritual, social, environmental, emotional, occupational, behavioral, financial. Before digging deeper, I thought wellness was mainly eating good food, living a healthy lifestyle, and having good coping strategies.

A few wellness practices that I’ve incorporated into my lifestyle have had a profound impact on my overall wellness such as having annual blood work, getting my teeth cleaned every six months, starting the day with a cuppa tea, practicing meditation, and moving my body regularly through walking, yoga, ballet, or biking.

And there are many areas where I can grow (a kind understatement) such as flossing daily, setting clear budgets, not getting worked up by the little things (hello, technology), and consuming less sugar—to name a few.

Wellness for me has been a circuitous, meandering journey and it continues to unfold as I learn more and become more self-aware. I’m sure you, too, can relate.

For example, I’ve been impulsive and reacted quickly to everyday triggers (okay, still struggle here), subsisted on mainly sugary cereal and soy milk, and gave into mindless shopping jaunts. None of these were good for my physical, emotional, or financial health.

Wellness is more about making conscious choices rather than operating on autopilot or impulse. We don’t have to deprive ourselves of all treats, but we can become more mindful of what we choose and why.

Practicing wellness is our chance to choose a response that reflects what’s best for us. Sometimes it may be that new vegan cookie at Starbucks, other times it may be freshly-baked kale chips.

As you move through these next few weeks where we’re focusing on wellness in the podcast, take note of your everyday decisions—what you put into your body, how you move (or don’t move), what you focus on, how you feel, what triggers you, your social support system, your core values, your spending habits, your physical surroundings, and your work performance.

Ask yourself, “Does this contribute to wellness?”

Since there’s no one way to practice wellness. Try out a few new tools, consider some habits you may want to shift, and keep those bigger intentions in mind.

Author Deborah Day wrote, “Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort.” Wellness practices will help get us there! Bisous. x

The post Living a Well Life appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Tranquility du Jour #505: Yoga + Writing

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Rachel Burton about owning yoga studios, writing books, living as an INFJ, and more.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj505.mp3

Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #505: Yoga + Writing.

Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast or Overcast.

Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more episodes and the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android.

Upcoming Events

Fall TDJ Live on Sunday, September 20 from 8-9pm ET

Sign up to learn eight seasonal tranquility tips.

TDJ Lifestyle e-course coming this fall.

Join the waitlist.

New Year’s Virtual Retreat on January 1 from 2-5pm ET.

Join us.

Guest

Rachel is an author (pen name Rachel Burton), yoga teacher, paralegal and invisible illness advocate. She writes novels about love and loves tea, The Beatles, ice hockey and dresses with pockets.

Mentioned in the Podcast

Find Rachel

Twitter and Instagram: @RachelBWriter
Facebook: facebook.com/Rachelburton74/
Amazon: author.to/RachelBurton
Website: www.rachelburtonwrites.com

Resources

Rachel’s latest book: mybook.to/TearoomBay

My podcast interview by Dr. Alyssa Adams of The Uncommon Couch

Daybook

Let’s Connect

Join our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Share resources, get inspiration, make connections, be part of the online book club.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.

Sign up for weekly inbox love, 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: TranquiliT.

Share a review on iTunes, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. Deets on kimberlywilson.com/review.

Techy

To 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 Android

The post Tranquility du Jour #505: Yoga + Writing appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

4 Reasons to Shop TranquiliT’s Sale

I hope your holiday weekend is off to a tranquil start and you’re enjoying some much-deserved downtime. In case you’re in need of a few new basics, I wanted to share a special eco-fabulous sale happening through Monday at TranquiliT (soon to be TDJ by Kimberly).

1.

This weekend we’re offering an additional 10% off the 25% off sale prices (yes 35%!) on our top 12 best-sellers in NINE colors with code SALELOVE.

2.

Between you and me, I’ll be phasing out all colors shortly, so grab your favorite pieces in them while they’re still available. Psst, we only have a few yards left of cafe, ballet, and navy stripe!

3.

Your order helps support a local seamstress and a small business plus includes a donation to Pigs & Pugs Project and the planting of a tree!

4.

Our designs make WFH chic and cozy, are perfect for layering, use eco-friendly fabrics, and easily dress up or down. I wear the collection for seeing clients on Zoom, taking ballet classes, walking the pups, hitting the farmers’ market and everything in between.

Shop Now
long sleeve wrap tunic in orchid

2in1 flare in heather


2in1 cap sleeve in peach

boyfriend tee in celadon

2in1 slip dress in sky

 

Shop Now

The post 4 Reasons to Shop TranquiliT’s Sale appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Art Journaling

Art journaling (also known as sketchbooking and visual journaling) is the creative process of combining color, words, and images onto a page. This is a fun practice done solo or with a group of friends. No prior experience is needed, so it’s great for beginners.

Consider making an event out of it: invite someone within your pandemic pod to join you, make treats and drinks, play inspiring music, share supplies, spread materials out on the floor or table, experience the magic of creating, host a show and tell at the end.

It differs from scrapbooking in that it’s about the process, not the outcome AND about ideas, not just memories. And the best part? It’s good for you. Studies show that regular art journaling increases the flow of serotonin to the brain and increases the number of immune cells flowing through the body (read more). Let’s get started!

1. Gather your tools: a journal*, black Sharpie or permanent black artist pen, glue stick, ephemera (bits of paper with words and/or images from magazines, etc.). Optional: acrylic or watercolor paint, paintbrushes (or an expired credit card), paper towels, colored pencils, pencil, washi tape, scissors, stamps, stamp pads, wax paper (to place between freshly-painted pages as they dry).

2. Make a background with paint, with a big image, by rubbing a stamp pad over it, or with colored pencils to avoid starting on a blank page.

3. Add images and words from your ephemera into a collage aligned with a theme that resonates.

4. Add your own words by writing over the images.

* Choose any size—from a 3.5 x 5 to 8.5 x 11. There’s no “right” one.

Here’s a peek inside my first one from a vintage 2010 video.

IDEAS:

– Make art out of your favorite quote, poem or lyrics

– Create lists

– Write out your feelings and cover the words with paint

– Create collages using words and images from magazines

– Design a themed page such as self-care, style, and dreams

– Create a page using only images with your favorite color

– Doodle and fill in the doodles with paint

Gather your supplies and design a page that represents creativity to you. Remember, this is all about letting your creative spark emerge. There’s no right way to do this. Promise!

The post Art Journaling appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

September Book Club Pick

Welcome back to the Tranquility du Jour book club!

From one bibliophile to another, I’d love to read stories with you that move us and make us think and to open up important conversations to encourage reflection and deeper understanding.

Together we’ll read books and discuss them over in our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group and hopefully in person someday soon. You in? Hope so!

September Book

More than Enough: Claiming Space For Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth

Description from Her Website

Throughout her life, Elaine Welteroth has climbed the ranks of media and fashion, shattering ceilings along the way. In this riveting and timely memoir, the groundbreaking journalist unpacks lessons on race, identity, and success through her own journey, from navigating her way as the unstoppable child of a unlikely interracial marriage in small-town California to finding herself on the frontlines of a modern movement for the next generation of change makers.

Welteroth moves beyond the headlines and highlight reels to share the profound lessons and struggles of being a barrier-breaker across so many intersections. As a young boss and often the only Black woman in the room, she’s had enough of the world telling her—and all women—they’re not enough. As she learns to rely on herself by looking both inward and upward, we’re ultimately reminded that we’re more than enough.

Why I Chose It

I wanted a book by a Black female author and Elaine’s book kept popping up with great reviews! The content sounds engaging AND her bio is inspiring:

Elaine Welteroth is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist and judge on the new Project Runway. She is known for her groundbreaking work at the helm of Teen Vogue where in 2017 she was appointed the youngest Editor-in-Chief at a Conde Nast publication. She’s now a leading expert and advocate for the next generation of change-makers. She was recently appointed Cultural Ambassador for Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote initiative. She has written for the hit show Grown-ish and has appeared on-camera for a range of media outlets including ABC News and Netflix. Her debut book More Than Enough became an instant bestseller in 2019 and received an NAACP award in 2020.

How to Join

Read the book (here’s a list of black-owned bookstores or download via an e-reader) and join us over on the TDJ Insider’s Facebook group for discussion. Look for the pinned post about the book. I’ll share a few thoughts and prompts by mid-month and welcome you to share favorite quotes and takeaways throughout the month.

The post September Book Club Pick appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

August in Review

Hello love! Monthly I do a review of the month 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 photos from the month plus Savvy Sources I thought you may enjoy. Bisous. x

August in Review

Daily ballet (or yoga) classes [DONE]
Read three books/host online book club (join us here) [READ TWO]
Send four Love Notes [DONE]
Release five podcasts [DONE]
Host 500th TDJ Podcast Soirée [DONE]
Start private virtual ballet lessons [DONE]
Get closer on memoir structure [DOING]
Release two Tea with Kimberly videos [DONE]
Create new Instagram feature stories [DONE]
Smooth office move [DONE]
Organize files [DONE]
TranquiliT efforts [DONE]
Weekly creative time/Artist Date [SO-SO]
Record eight fall podcast episodes [DONE]
Set up a virtual sanctuary visit to meet PIGS [STILL TO DO]
August Highlights

Read The Chiffon Trenches (with you)

Evening campfire time

Starting weekly private ballet sessions

Farmers’ market jaunts (helllllooooo juicy peaches, plums, nectarines)

Decluttering

Socially distanced tea times with friends

Gizmo getting through his dental smoothly

Wearing old toe shoes through a private session (didn’t get en pointe)

[Almost] daily meditation

Discovered Qi flower tea

Watching Belle soak up the sunshine

Doing yoga with Gizmo

Getting vegan (no cheese) pizza from new local spot

September Wish List

Savor time away for Tim’s birthday

Continue daily classes and weekly private sessions

Learn lots at Impact Fashion Summit

Host inspiring TDJ Live on September 20

Open registration for TDJ Lifestyle e-course (launching October 11)

Read three books (including book club pick, to be announced shortly)

Finish declutter project

Collaborate with therapy and coaching clients

Release four podcasts and five Love Notes

Roll out TranquiliT-cum-TDJ by Kimberly

Keep time/space for weekly creative work

Daily meditation

Crystallize Q4 dreams

Savor the turn to fall

Start working with doctor at Barnard Medical Center

Savvy Sources

15 Plant-Based Recipes to Meal Prep

Connection Between Creativity and a Happy Life

Aging in Style

Armchair Travel

An Anti-Racism Resources Guide

Age Gracefully, the French Way

Loving Your Age, Eating Well, and More

Simple Ways to Make Your Home into a Sanctuary

How Journaling Can Help in Hard Times

Fall Fashion Trends

COVID and Your Mental Health

The post August in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Trusting Your Intuition

 

It’s always fun to have the tables turned and be interviewed for someone else’s podcast. I recently sat down with Dr. Alyssa Adams for her new podcast The Uncommon Couch and loved the conversation.

We talked about some of the internal processes I go through when deciding to go after what I want. I shared some personal practices for getting creative juices flowing and the importance of going on an Artist Date.

If you’ve been wondering what to do about a gut feeling you’ve been having you’ll definitely want to tune in.

We discuss:

What I do as a psychotherapist, podcaster, writer and wellness entrepreneur

How each aspect of my businesses evolved into what they are today

The internal process I go through when going after my dreams

How to trust your intuitive nudges

Practices I have to keep creative juices flowing

Advice on why you need to take an Artist Date with yourself

What I’m most passionate about and tips for finding what you enjoy

My vision for the next chapter in business

Have a listen here and please let me know what you think! Bisous. x

The post Trusting Your Intuition appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Tranquility du Jour #504: Creative Transformation + Veganism

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Camille DeAngelis about her new book, A Bright Clean Mind: Veganism for Creative Transformation. We discuss veganism, benefits artists notice, a few vegan artists plus share tips and resources.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj504.mp3

Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #504: Creative Transformation + Veganism.

Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast or Overcast.

Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more episodes and the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android.

Upcoming Events

Fall TDJ Live on Sunday, September 20 from 8-9pm ET

Sign up to learn eight seasonal tranquility tips.

TDJ Lifestyle e-course coming this fall.

Join the waitlist.

New Year’s Virtual Retreat on January 1 from 2-5pm ET.

Join us.

Guest

Camille DeAngelis is the author of five novels (including the Alex Award-winning Bones & All), a third-edition guidebook to Ireland, and two books of “practical philosophy,” Life Without Envy: Ego Management for Creative People and A Bright Clean Mind: Veganism for Creative Transformation. She is also a master-certified vegan lifestyle coach and educator through Victoria Moran’s Main Street Vegan Academy. Camille lives in New England. Find her at cometparty.com.

Mentioned in the Podcast

Find Camille

Instagram: http://www.cometparty.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cometparty/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj23TGDVeXJCyyVbztwckqQ

https://www.christophersebastian.info/

Black vegan authors/activists

Second podcast with Camille: Life Without Envy

First podcast with Camille: Writing, Veganism and More

https://cynthiakingdance.com/

Let’s Connect

Join our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Share resources, get inspiration, make connections, be part of the online book club.

New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.

Sign up for weekly inbox love, 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: TranquiliT.

Share a review on iTunes, Amazon, or Goodreads and you may hear it shared on the show. Deets on kimberlywilson.com/review.

Techy

To 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 Android

The post Tranquility du Jour #504: Creative Transformation + Veganism appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Ballet Dreams

To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking. —Agnes De Mille

When I slip into my pink canvas ballet slippers to walk into the dance studio wearing all-black leggings and a top covered with a pink chiffon skirt that swishes as I move, I’m transported to the stage. The pianist begins to play as we plié.

As a little girl I loved my twice-a-week ballet classes and especially enjoyed the annual recitals where we’d don tutus, pointe shoes, and dance a story created by my 70-year-old tough love teacher with a strong German accent.

I hung up my toe shoes after junior high to join the high school Pom-Pom team performing at athletic half-times without any interest in the basketball or football games. In my 20s I transitioned to yoga and I’ve spent thousands of hours on my foamy pink mat ever since.

Shortly after selling the yoga studio in 2017, I treated myself to Christmas in Paris and got tickets to see Sleeping Beauty at Versailles. Tim and I sat on a charming red velvet bench on the upper level and watched the beauty unfold below. Mesmerized and jet-lagged, I spent the wee hours back in our Montmartre Airbnb googling adult ballet classes in DC.

Bleary-eyed, I screenshot the possibilities and landed on a Friday noon beginner class at The Washington Ballet. During the rest of my Paris adventures, I had visions of flowing across a studio floor in toe shoes.

When back to DC, I invited a friend to join me, slid into 20-year-old slippers, and tried to follow along in the entry level class. I flailed and fell a few steps behind for the entire 75-minutes and realized how little muscle memory remained—definitely not like riding a bike.

I continued taking a class or two weekly for 18 months and when they announced a Bootcamp that included a performance at the end of the weekend, I cleared my schedule and showed up with bells on both days. Although I was in over my head, I gave the 55-second performance from Giselle (I think) everything I had—hand flourish finale, big smile, and all.

The next few months my class-taking shifted back to mostly yoga since the studio was closer and felt more private than the bright lights and mirrors of the dance studio. Then the pandemic hit and when I found that a favorite ballet academy in NYC was doing online classes, I pulled out my ballet barre and became devoted. Daily classes have become the norm and I’ve also added a weekly private session with my favorite teacher—a Broadway choreographer who offers generous, constructive feedback and has a gentle demeanor.

In the past few weeks, to balance out all the ballet, I’ve added back one weekly yoga class to stretch and return to the familiarity of a practice my body knows well. Lately I’ve been drawn to ballet documentaries (Restless Creature and A Ballerina’s Tale) and books (Raising the Barre and Ballet for Life) with dreams of balancing on one foot, doing a solid pirouette, and slipping into shiny pink toe shoes (the ones in the image above are 30+years old).

Ballet challenges in a variety of ways—from balance to coordination to getting the body to remember the choreography. Some days I end class in tears, others I’m elated. It’s humbling.

As a child, you practice all year for that one recital and I find that mentality ingrained in me. I loved the performance with lights, tutus, crowns, and stage makeup and I love watching it now.

I don’t think it’s super common to take up ballet again in your mid-40s with dreams of getting into toe shoes and performing, but it’s keeping me motivated. While yoga is more about the practice with no ultimate goal beyond enlightenment (lofty!), ballet is a dream.

A dream of twirling on the stage, showcasing how hard you’ve worked, and having flowers thrown your way. Although this may only happen in the privacy of my own home with an audience of my four pets and partner, a girl can dream! Bisous x

The post Ballet Dreams appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

TDJ Tenet Tools {Video}

Tea with Kimberly Episode 24

In the latest Tea with Kimberly video, I Dive into the five Tenets that define the Tranquility du Jour lifestyle: compassion, creativity, wellness, style, mindfulness.

Learn a variety of ways to infuse your life with these Tenets to help find more ease, beauty, and tranquility in the every day. Hope you like it!

Have a video request? Let me know in the comments below or via email. I’m listening! x

Savvy Sources: