Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 33
August 3, 2020
Tranquility du Jour: 500th Soirée
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I celebrate 500 episodes with my partner Tim, special guest Jamie Cat Callan, and the pugs. Learn my most meaningful interviews, how we’re adjusting during the pandemic, what’s next for me, and why I love my Oklahoma roots. I also announce August’s book club pick and end with gorgeous passage from John Lewis and a toast to YOU!
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj500.mp3
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour: 500th Soirée.
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.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Welcome and learn more here!
Upcoming Events
Fall TDJ Live on Sunday, September 20 from 8-9pm ET
Sign up to learn eight seasonal tranquility tips.
Special Guest
Jamie Cat Callan is the author of four French lifestyle books, including the best selling French Women Don’t Sleep Alone, Bonjour, Happiness!, Oooh, La La!, and most recently Parisian Charm School. Her books have been translated into thirty-one different languages.
Inspired by her French grandmother, Jamie has traveled to Paris many, many times, beginning in the 1970’s. Today, she and her husband live on La Belle Farm in Upstate, New York, where they garden, bake bread and make their own brand of hard sparkling apple cider from their apple trees.
She believes in living simply, with pleasure and lots of joie de vivre. And she loves sharing her French secrets with you! You can find Jamie here.
Words by John Lewis
You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone—any person or any force—dampen, dim or diminish your light. Study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates. […] Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice. And if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see, then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself. ―John Lewis, Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America
Let’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 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: 500th Soirée appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
August 1, 2020
July 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
July in Review
Read 3 books [READ TWO]
Host fun TDJ Brunch with a side of TranquiliT on 7/11 [YES!]
Host meaningful Mid-Year Virtual Retreat on 7/18 [YES!]
Release 4 podcasts [DONE]
Record new Tea with Kimberly videos [YES, NOT YET RELEASED]
Send a TranquiliT and Kimberly Wilson Therapy newsletter [YES!]
TranquiliT rebrand efforts [YES!]
Complete Daily Om writing course [YES!]
Pen and send birthday thank-you notes [YES!]
Set up content calendar [YES!]
Announce next online book club pick [YES!]
July Highlights
Hosted TDJ Brunch and Mid-Year Virtual Retreat
Read Untamed (with you!)
Weekly farmers’ market jaunts
Took daily ballet (and a few yoga) classes
Designed new clothing line label (to be revealed)
Joined The Great Farm Sanctuary Tour and seeing lots of pigs
Matcha latte socially distanced cafe dates with friends
Yoga and soy hot dogs on the 4th
Movie nights with Tim and pups
August Wish List
Daily ballet (or yoga) classes
Read three books/host online book club (join us here)
Send four Love Notes
Release five podcasts
Host 500th TDJ Podcast Soirée
Start private virtual ballet lessons
Get closer on memoir structure
Release two Tea with Kimberly videos
Create new Instagram feature stories
Smooth office move
Organize files
TranquiliT efforts
Weekly creative time/Artist Date
Record eight fall podcast episodes
Set up a virtual sanctuary visit to meet PIGS
Savvy Sources
The Psychology Behind the To-Do List
6 Life Lessons We Can Learn from Dolly
4 Amazing Tidbits from Michelle Obama’s Podcast
How to Inspire Creativity
21 Vegan Smoothie Recipes
Moving Beyond Performative Allyship
50 Ways to Green Up Your Life
10 Houseplant Decor Ideas
How to Tie a Scarf
Back to Ballet After 40
Top Tips for Transitioning to a Vegan Lifestyle
11 Women on Their Everyday Fashion Uniforms
The post July in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 30, 2020
Let’s Talk Sparkle
A star never lets anything dull its sparkle, not even darkness. ―Matshona Dhliwayo
When preparing to write today, I searched my previous blog posts for the word “sparkle” and the last one was this October 2012 piece. What happened to my sparkle obsession?
It’s still inside of me considering I remain drawn to chandeliers, gold accents, Rococo and Belle Époque style, and shiny, ornate objects like gold mirrors with baroque details.
From a personal style perspective though, I don’t have as much of the sparkle as I did 10 years ago when I loved sequined beanies, silver sequin shoes, and chandelier earrings.
Now my sparkle is more muted—tiny clear crystal ball earrings, pops of leopard-print and pink over my “uniform,” Swedish Hasbeens clogs.
Jamie Cat Callan recently introduced me to Accidental Icon’s work and I’m in awe. Between her and Linda Rodin, I adore how les femmes d’une certain âge express their personal inner sparkle and style. It inspires me as mine continues to morph.
This week’s podcast reminded me of my love of sparkles and also my shift in how I share it. Wondering how to capture and showcase yours? Read on.
Consider the persona you want to express to the world. You want your style to reflect your personality, but it also has to make sense in your type of work (hello, WFH), your overall lifestyle, the city you live in, and align with your long-term goals (like overalls if you’re craving country life).
Set aside 30 minutes to play on Pinterest or to thumb through a few magazines. Create a digital moodboard using Pinterest or collage with a pile of magazines, scissors, and a glue stick.
Consider accessories, social media, beloved causes, body language, entertaining, free time, décor, color, print, wardrobe staples, and texture. How do you highlight your signature style and sparkle?
Think inner and outer beauty—a smile, hydration, skin care routine, red lips, forest bathing, moisturizer, mani/pedi, creating a home sanctuary (flowers, candles, plants, light), rose oil, performing arts, poetry, farmers’ markets, perfume, snail mail, dance, positive mindset, slowing down, pillow spray, easy makeup, oh-so-you accessories.
Remember, our insides help our outsides shine. You radiate and sparkle, my love! Bisous. x
The post Let’s Talk Sparkle appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 27, 2020
Tranquility du Jour #499: Flaunt and Sparkle
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Lora Cheadle about her journey from law to burlesque dancing, ways to find your sparkle, tips to get in touch with your playful side, and how to balance presenting and performing.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj499.mp3
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #499: Flaunt and Sparkle.
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
500th TDJ Podcast Soirée on Sunday, August 2 from 8-9pm ET
Grab your spot to join us in celebration of our 500th episode.
Survey
Fall TDJ Live on Sunday, September 20 from 8-9pm ET
Sign up to learn eight seasonal tranquility tips.
Guest
Lora Cheadle is the author of FLAUNT! After ten years of practicing corporate law in California and Colorado, she chose to change paths to become the radio host and Life Choreographer® she is today. She is a certified hypnotist, personal trainer, burlesque performer, and yoga instructor, as well as a popular writer for People magazine and Elephant Journal. She offers “Find Your Sparkle” coaching programs, workshops, and destination retreats and teaches all over the world. Her home base is in Colorado. Find out more about her work at LoraCheadle.com
Mentioned in the Podcast
Find Lora
Website: https://loracheadle.com/Podcast: https://dreamvisions7radio.com/flaunt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loracheadle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LifeChoreo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lora.cheadle
Book: Flaunt
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 #499: Flaunt and Sparkle appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 26, 2020
Home Practice Essentials
If you’re doing a lot of online classes these days, you may wonder how to set your space up for optimal tranquility. I have a few tips, especially for those of you in tight quarters.
Create a sacred setting with a few favorite things, similar to what I recommend for TDJ Live events and virtual retreats. Think candles, twinkle lights, flowers, plants, crystals, lavender oil, libations, cozy textures—whatever feels good. None of these take up much space and set a nice tone.
Here’s a peek at my ballet and yoga set up in a tiny space. I push my sette toward the dining room table and create my own little studio for daily practice.
For yoga, I roll out a pink or leopard-print yoga mat, have a cork block, damask meditation cushion, and eye pillow nearby and wear my signature 2in1 fitted and capri leggings in black. For ballet, same outfit and substitute the other items for a chair or ballet barre.
Barbara, who’s been donning TranquiliT since 2007 and was a guest on our recent TDJ Brunch, radiates natural tranquility and elegance in her au naturel (undyed organic bamboo) pieces.
Here she is in her home yoga studio wearing the 2in1 fitted and palazzo pants—perfect for her Kundalini practice.
Barbara writes, “In addition to a steady commitment to slow, local, bespoke eco-fashion (everything in my closet is TranquiliT), I also believe in supporting small, women owned business. Need some ideas to elevate your own home practice? Look no further.”
Here are a few of her favorite home practice essentials (shown above):
TranquiliT (2in1 fitted and palazzo pants)
Meditation Pillows by Mama Wilson
Unscented Candles crafted by Jenny Krahn
Rug and Mala handmade in Mysore and imported by Bristol Marriot
Since we now have access to so many amazing teachers and classes online (I take daily ballet classes with Ballet Academy East in NYC), let’s turn these practices into sensory experiences to nourish our mind, body, and soul. Bisous. x
The post Home Practice Essentials appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 22, 2020
Compassion in Action
There is a strong connection to how we feel about others and ourselves that affects how satisfied we are with our lives.
The Oxford dictionary defines love as “an intense feeling of deep affection.” With that in mind, think about the various things that you love. Possibly chocolate, a family member, a good friend, chamomile tea, a pet, stargazing . . . and the list can go on and on.
Love shows up in a myriad of ways and doesn’t have to involve another person. As the Rumi quote above reminds us, we find love within.
Self-love is not a narcissistic trait; instead it’s taking care of our well-being and overall happiness. It’s critical to our health! When I think back on my inability to set boundaries in my early 20s, I now see that as a lack of self-love. Eager to please, I was involved in relationships (romantic and otherwise) that didn’t contribute to my wellness and instead depleted my energy resources.
Over the years, I’ve become much more cautious. This came with getting to know myself better, recognizing I was an introvert and needed lots of replenishment time, and being slower to share my time. Self-love grows from making decisions and taking actions to support ourselves. It starts with self-awareness.
There is no prescription for this process. It’s a lifelong journey and it’s never too late to start down the path toward self-love. By accepting ourselves—eccentricities and all—our lifelong romance deepens. It also makes us more appealing to others.
Now let’s talk about others—community, friends, lovers, family, pets, causes, colleagues, and more! I’ve always been a fan of the little things. From setting up a scavenger hunt for a loved one, to remembering friends’ birthdays, to putting love notes in a suitcase for Tim to open while on travel, to sending snail mail care packages. I’ll even turn on classical music for my pugs to enjoy when I’m gone. These are ways I show love. What about you?
There are many ways to give love that go beyond my examples above. Relationship expert John Gottman developed the Six Magic Hours as a formula to deepen our romantic relationships. Since we have 168, six hours per week doesn’t sound too far-fetched and includes mindful partings and reunions, appreciation and admiration, affection, a two-hour date night, and a one-hour state of the union meeting.
While that notion was developed for couples, it’s a handy way to think about all of our relationships. Our comings and goings (those you regularly come into contact with), sharing appreciation, and spending time help build all of our relationships and, ultimately, deepen our love and connection.
This level of compassion is best extended to all beings—human, furry, scaly, and feathery. Adopt or sponsor an animal. Forgo products made with palm oil or animals. Try Meatless Mondays. Purchase cruelty-free cosmetics and household products. Support compassionate fashion. Visit and support animal sanctuaries. Volunteer at a shelter or rescue. Boycott puppy mills and fur. Foster a pet. The list goes on and on.
After all, compassion is the new black. Remember we always have a choice. Ask yourself throughout the day, “What would it look like to choose love right now?” Bisous. x
Tee made of organic bamboo by TranquiliT
The post Compassion in Action appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 21, 2020
Mid-Year Retreat Love
Joined by like-hearted souls from Belgium, France, UK, Canada, and across the US, last Saturday we gathered via Zoom for a Mid-Year Virtual Retreat.
These beautiful retreat photos were spotted on social media (#tranquilitydujour) and offer a peek inside the experience.
Together we focused on reviewing our year and designing what remains while working through three modules: 1) Flow: Yoga + Meditation, 2) Reflect: Review Year, and 3) Create: Design Year.
We turned our attention to what we can control with an eye on personal growth, healthy habits, and coping skills.
For those who weren’t able to join us, I encourage you to ponder:
What has been most challenging about 2020?
What has been most helpful?
What am I most excited to manifest in the second half of 2020?
Our retreat’s beneficiary was Higher Heights for America (recommended by Jamia from podcast #491) and we donated $500 to support their work. They’re building the political power and leadership of Black women from the voting booth to elected office and creating the environment for Black women to run, win, and lead.
Thank you again for supporting this special offering. It was a treat to connect for four whole hours and I look forward to retreating again with you. Bisous. x
The post Mid-Year Retreat Love appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 20, 2020
Tranquility du Jour #498: Love Skills
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with therapist Linda Carroll about the five stages of lasting love, the value of “the pause,” and three magic words to help us with communicating.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj498.mp3
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #498: Love Skills.
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
500th TDJ Podcast Soirée on Sunday, August 2 from 8-9pm ET
Grab your spot to join us in celebration of our 500th episode.
Fall TDJ Live on Sunday, September 20 from 8-9pm ET
Sign up to learn eight seasonal tranquility tips.
Guest
Linda Carroll is the author of Love Skills and Love Cycles. While she has worked as a therapist and couple’s coach for over three decades and has acquired numerous certificates and degrees along the way, she says that her own thirty-five-year marriage is the primary source of her knowledge when it comes to the cycles of love. She lives in Corvallis, Oregon. Visit her online at lindaacarroll.com/.
Mentioned in the Podcast
Find Linda
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LindaCarrollBCC/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Lovecycleslinda
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lindacarrollofficial/
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/LindaCarrollBCC/
Books – https://lindaacarroll.com/books/
Video – https://youtu.be/UBE08BJOprg
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 #498: Love Skills appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
500th TDJ Podcast Soirée
Can you believe that we’re two weeks away from our 500th Tranquility du Jour podcast? Insert confetti toss!
Yep, we’re celebrating 500 episodes on Sunday, August 2 from 8-9pm ET and your presence is requested for the live podcast recording and virtual festivities!
To help make this event as meaningful to you as possible, I have few questions for you.
We’ve come a long way since our September 2005 launch with this episode. Thank you for listening and being an integral part of the Tranquility du Jour community! x
The post 500th TDJ Podcast Soirée appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 16, 2020
5 Reasons to Retreat
5 Reasons to Retreat With Us
On Saturday from 10am-3pm ET I’m offering a Mid-Year Virtual Retreat to help us review 2020 and intentionally design what remains. We’ll engage in deep reflection and playful exploration of a year that’s pushed us well beyond our comfort zone.
Join if . . .
1. You feel overwhelmed and ungrounded at times and are seeking tools to help navigate this tricky time using practices such as journaling, yoga, meditation, and creativity.
2. You love a “digital goody bag” (aka 40-page Guidebook) filled with a jazzy Spotify playlist, my go-to plant-based recipes, how-tos, worksheets, savvy sources, and more!
3. You crave community with like-hearted souls and to connect through our private Facebook group. Or, you’re welcome to make this a solitary experience, too—whatever you need is encouraged!
Kimberly has influenced my life in so many positive ways and this past virtual retreat, focused on creativity and wellness, was no exception. Just a few hours was all it took for me to get inspired, grounded, and motivated about some exciting projects I want to start. I loved her simple action steps, such as habit stacking, wellness planning, and mindful check-ins. I truly credit her two virtual retreats with helping me survive this pandemic with less stress and anxiety. —Laura
4. You want to reflect on the year so far, design the rest of 2020, practice all-level yoga and meditation, incorporate more healthy habits and coping skills, move through guided practices, engage in creative play with ephemera and a Sharpie, and create an action plan.
5. You appreciate practicing self-care and engaging in personal growth in a safe space and look forward to retreating again and again with the replay.
In invite you to prioritize yourself and your year and I’m honored to be your guide on Saturday’s journey. See you at the virtual retreat. Bisous. x
The post 5 Reasons to Retreat appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
