Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 51
August 17, 2019
Life Lately
What I’m reading
I just finished Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport and HIGHLY recommend it. My screen time has gone down significantly.
Now I’m reading Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb and many, many others. You know about my “problem.”
What I’m excited about
Soaking up Paris over Labor Day weekend.
The launch of the in-person [2 spots left] and online Tranquility Salon.
Seeing Tony Bennett tonight.
September’s TDJ Live.
Progressing to Beginner Ballet 2.
Offering Pet Loss & Grief support groups.
What I’m struggling with
Setting up a content calendar.
Organizing my week better based on energy levels.
What I’m working on
The Tranquility Salon workbook and online offering.
Fall TranquiliT collection.
What I’m wearing
Obsessed with the slip dress over the fleece perfect pant (I know, it’s 90 degrees, but they’re SO cozy).
What I’m loving
Iced Stash Moroccan Mint Green tea.
Fancy barrettes to hold my bangs as they grow out.
Leopard-print everything.
Blank spiral 4×6 journals.
Soft lacy bralettes.
What I’m eating
Brown rice with sesame seeds sprinkled on top.
Ezekiel toast with vegan butter and cheese.
Weekly box from Purple Carrot.
What I’m grateful for
Healthy pets.
Weighted blankets.
Pink pens.
Quiet nights at home.
The post Life Lately appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
August 14, 2019
Tranquilosophy: Pet Loss & Grief
Last night I facilitated a Pet Loss Support Group at Dupont Veterinary Clinic and wanted to share some of the material with you. Although I offered to host it two months ago, I felt nervous as the date approached. Would I do a good job? Would I hold it together considering I’m still mourning the loss of Louis? Would the participants get what they needed? Would my veterinary social work training be enough material?
Arriving 20 minutes early, I settled into the room to review my notes, take deep breaths, and set a clock within view to monitor the group’s pace.
Once the participants arrived, I welcomed them, shared the agenda, set group guidelines, and gave a brief introduction into the challenge of pet loss. Namely, it’s often labeled “disenfranchised grief” as it’s minimized/not openly acknowledged by society, not publicly mourned or socially supported, and there’s no recognized way of grieving.
Also, I highlighted that the loss of a pet is so intense because they’re part of our socialization: daily schedules, cognitive stimulation, exercise, physical security, sense of purpose, identity, serve as reminders of previous relationships/identities, and come with no baggage (you know, we’re not still holding on to what they said when we were six).
Then the group introduced themselves and shared their stories. Afterwards we honed in on a few themes that tend to arise–guilt, feeling irritable, upset at those close to them who don’t get it or grieve differently, feeling tired, unable to focus at work, to get a new pet or not.
Next, I shared an assortment of coping strategies to help keep their continuing bond (find a way to stay connected): Write a letter. Tell a story. Write favorite memories. Create a scrapbook or online photo album. Draw a picture. Display their favorite toys, collars, or clips of hair or braided tails. Create a memory box or memory garden (tree or flowers). Donate some of pet’s items or $ to a shelter in pet’s memory. Hold a memorial service. Clay print their paws. And more!
To close, I went through William Warden’s Four Tasks of Mourning:
1. Accept the reality of the loss
2. Experience the pain of grief
3. Adjust to an environment in which the pet is missing
4. Keep a connection with the pet while also moving forward
Here’s another thoughtful piece on Warden’s work as it relates to pets.
Whew, heavy stuff. After our goodbyes, I walked home with a full heart and gratitude. Grateful for hearing their stories. Grateful for the love our furry beings give us and allow us to offer. Grateful that they found the experience helpful. Grateful for the opportunity to facilitate this work. And grateful for my three rescue pugs (and one rescue kitty) who give me so much.
If you or someone you know is dealing with the loss of a pet, here are some additional resources:
redrover.org/resource/pet-loss-resources/
rainbowsbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support_Home.htm
lapoflove.com/community/Pet-Loss-Support
resources.bestfriends.org/article/pet-loss-and-grief-resources
pet-loss.net/https://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/pet-loss/
What an honor it is to love and be loved by these beautiful beings. And how painful it is when they leave us, often much too soon. Sending love to you and your furry friend. Bisous. x
The post Tranquilosophy: Pet Loss & Grief appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
August 9, 2019
Transforming the Maxi Skirt
TranquiliT aficionado, Barbara, shared these photos of her transforming the maxi skirt into a wrap, hoodie, neck warmer, and cape. Genius, no? The ballet color is stunning on her.
I’m often blown away by your creativity in curating outfits from a few staples. Ah, the beauty of capsule dressing!
Challenge: try a new way to wear a favorite piece. Turn a short skirt into a capelet or a long skirt into a dress, turn a wrap dress around, or add a flowy pant under a slip dress.
Next week is our fall photo shoot and I can’t wait to share the four new designs with you! Here’s a hint: jumper, duster wrap, crop pant, fleece sweatshirt. I met with my seamstress yesterday and shared a sneak peek over here.
More peeks to come. Looking forward to transitioning into more and more layers with cooler temps, tall boots, and hot cocoa. Happy weekend to you! Bisous. x
The post Transforming the Maxi Skirt appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
August 8, 2019
Guest On the Show?
Interested in being interviewed for the Tranquility du Jour show? I LOVE featuring guests from our community and I just know you’ve got something to say. Share that beautiful voice, story, and expertise of yours!
If you’re so inclined, please fill out THIS form and I’ll be back in touch shortly if the topic feels like a good fit for the precious Tranquility du Jour listeners. Truly, they’re AMAZING!
Also, can you believe the podcast turns 14 next month? My goodness, I remember the days of having to explain a podcast. It’s like a radio show that you can listen to at anytime from your computer. Whhhaaattt?
Now they’re ubiquitous and a staple in our information and entertainment consumption.
Finally, any suggestions on how to celebrate our 14th podcast anniversary? Have a particular topic or idea you’d like covered? Do tell! Thanks for listening and being here. I heart you. Bisous. x
The post Guest On the Show? appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
August 7, 2019
Tranquility du Jour #464: Summer Style
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I share summer style tips, a packing list, and ideas to help you transition into fall with the same summer wardrobe.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
Sign up for Love Notes (exclusive content, personal updates, giveaways) and access Tranquil Treasures.
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #464: Summer Style.
Upcoming Events
FREE Fall TDJ Live: September 15
Luna Yoga Advanced Teacher Training: September 21 – 22 in Montreal, Canada
4-week Tranquility Salon: September 29, October 6, 13, 20 in DC [4 spots left]
Pugs & Pints: October 27 in DC
New Year’s Eve Mini Retreat at YogaWorks Dupont: December 31 in DC [details to come]
New Year’s Salon: January 1 in DC [7 spots left]
NEW Tranquility in Tuscany retreat: August 28-September 4, 2021
Savvy Sources
Mentioned in the Podcast
Latest Tea with Kimberly video
Italy finds (100 euros total) below.
Takeaways? Share your summer style using #tdjpodcast.
Take a screen shot listening to the show, post it and tag me, @tranquilitydujour.
Share a review on iTunes or Amazon and you may hear it shared on the show.
Tranquility du Jour Online
Year of Tranquility (comes with FIVE bonuses)
Tranquility du Jour Daybook (comes with FOUR bonuses)
Eye candy on Instagram
Follow along on Facebook
Watch YouTube
More Tranquility
Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
Browse my 6 Books
Tranquility-filled E-courses
Download the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android
Read about my passion for animals
Favor
Pen a review on iTunes and/or share this podcast via social media.
Pen a review of my books on Amazon or Goodreads.
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 #464: Summer Style appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
Introducing Tranquility Salon Online
Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. —George Bernard Shaw
After hosting Salons in my DC office this past year, I’m delighted to bring the four-week experience directly to YOU virtually. Complete THIS form and you’ll be the FIRST to know when Tranquility Salon Online opens for registration.
Filled with practical tools, poetry, how-tos, and encouragement, we’ll explore FOUR Tranquility du Jour topics: mindfulness, creativity, self-care, and dreams/goals. You’ll learn ways to live with intention and ease as we move into the final months of 2019 and bustling holiday season.
The program includes two live sessions, four weekly video modules to watch at your leisure (or, if you prefer, audio to listen to while on the go), email encouragement, an accountability buddy, a private Facebook group, and more. Each lesson includes an activity such as journaling or meditating to practice on your own while working in your exclusive Tranquility Salon workbook PDF.
In addition to the program and workbook, you’ll also receive a TranquiliT discount code, the Year of Tranquility PDF, a discount on the new Tranquility du Jour Lifestyle course releasing in 2020, and the Tranquility du Jour Daybook PDF.
I’m SO excited to share this special offering with you. Be sure to add your name to the list and I’ll be in touch shortly with more details!
P.S. And for you local ladies, we have four spots left in our in-person Sunday night Tranquility Salon starting September 29.
The post Introducing Tranquility Salon Online appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
August 5, 2019
Self-Care: Deep Breathing
Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.
—Thich Nhat Hanh
Deep, full breathing is an important part of our self-care practice and easy peasy to do in the moment. Each day, pause and take 5-10 deep breaths when you think of it.
Draw the breath in through the nose and fill your belly, ribcage, and chest. Exhale through the nose and release your chest, ribcage, and belly.
Breathe deeply when you’re at a stoplight, stuck in traffic, on a tough call, in a frustrating meeting, soaking in the tub, having dinner with your family—truly, anytime!
Deep breathing helps with digestion, energy, and relaxation.
Excerpt from Year of Tranquility. Download the 15 suggested self-care practices in Tranquil Treasures.
The post Self-Care: Deep Breathing appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
August 1, 2019
White Sneaker Love
For years I was anti-sneakers. Not because they aren’t great for exercise, but because I’d shown up in Europe post-college wearing white, puffy Nike’s with see-through gel soles and soon realized that they were best for college campuses. That was 24 years ago. Clearly it left an impression.
However, after being diagnosed with a painful neuroma, I’ve stuck to shoes with a wide toe box and even got arches to take pressure off the neuroma (although I never seem to remember to insert them).
After debating white sneakers for months, I settled on this Adidas pair. Shortly after, I found these great vegan ones, Veja, and wish I’d seen them earlier. Next sneaker purchase!
In this photo I’m wearing them with a fluffy tulle skirt procured in Venice and TranquiliT boyfriend tank knotted in front. I’ve also paired them with the perfect pant and boyfriend tank, slip dress and perfect pant, and the slip dress solo as shown in photos below.
Who knew they were so versatile and comfy?!
You’re probably already in the know about the white sneaker craze and familiar with the numerous ways to pair them with skirts, dresses, and pants. In case you need more inspiration, here you go:
25 Outfits to Wear with White Sneakers
14 Fresh White Sneaker Outfits
96 Chic White Sneaker Outfits
I’ve enjoyed pushing past my tiny t trauma of traipsing around Europe and feeling out of place with a huge backpack fastened to my body and oh-so-American footwear.
Now I enjoy wandering about with comfy footwear that pairs with everything and doesn’t have see-through purple gel soles. White sneakers, I apologize for coming late to the party and am a new convert. Bisous. x
The post White Sneaker Love appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
Tranquility du Jour #463: Journal Writing 101
This week’s episode is a part of the newly-offered Best Of Tranquility du Jour series. Since many podcast players only go back 100 episodes (whhhhaaaat?!), we’re broadcasting a few favorites and this one shares journal writing tips and resources circa 2006, #20 on Journal Writing 101.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
Join our bi-weekly Love Notes (exclusive content, personal updates, giveaways) and access Tranquil Treasures.
Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #463: Journal Writing 101.
Upcoming Events
Luna Yoga Advanced Teacher Training: September 20 – 22 in Montreal, Canada
Fall TDJ Live: September 15
4-week Tranquility Salon: September 29, October 6, 13, 20 [4 spots left]
Pugs & Pints: October 27 in DC [details to come]
New Year’s Eve Mini Retreat at YogaWorks Dupont: December 31 in DC
New Year’s Salon: January 1 in DC
NEW Tranquility in Tuscany retreat: August 28-September 4, 2021
Savvy Sources
Learn More
Mentioned in the Podcast
Takeaways? Share your journal writing practice using #tdjpodcast.
Take a screen shot of you listening to the show, post it and tag me, @tranquilitydujour.
Share a review on iTunes or Amazon and you may hear it shared on the show.
I’ve been listening to Kimberly’s podcast on and off for several years but in the last few months it’s become a MUST LISTEN for me. The variety of topics and guests is wonderful and Kimberly’s sincere upbeat manner is very inspiring. There are a lot of people in this podcast space and I think she is “the real deal”.—KOPelikan
Tranquility du Jour Online
Year of Tranquility (comes with FIVE bonuses)
Tranquility du Jour Daybook (comes with FOUR bonuses)
Eye candy on Instagram
Follow along on Facebook
Watch YouTube
More Tranquility
Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
Browse my 6 Books
Tranquility-filled E-courses
Download the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android
Read about my passion for animals
Favor
Pen a review on iTunes and/or share this podcast via social media.
Pen a review of my books on Amazon or Goodreads.
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 #463: Journal Writing 101 appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
July 31, 2019
June + July Review
June and July in Review
Wowza, it’s August! The past two months are a colorful blur and snippets from them are shown above. A sampling of highlights include hosting Yoga + the Animals, TDJ Soiree VIP meetup, the daylong TDJ Soiree, Mom for 10 days, TDJ Live, Tranquility du Jour Daybook launch fete, and Tranquility in Tuscany. Whew, for an introvert, that’s a BIG list!
In addition I celebrated my 46th birthday and ate tons of homemade pink vegan cupcakes, went to the Tranquil Space teacher training farewell, spent three days in Venice/seven days in Lucca/one day in Florence with Tim and my parents, completed a ballet boot camp and had a 55-second “performance,” released a few Tea with Kimberly videos, announced the upcoming 4-week Tranquility Salon, traveled to and from upstate New York to drop two pups at camp grandparents, released the Daybook, collaborated with beautiful clients, attended Farm Sanctuary’s Pignic on July 4, donated micro-grants to pig sanctuaries and pug rescues, penned a variety of thank you notes and postcards from Italy, attended a 3-day Animal Rights conference, savored two rose tea lattes at Laduree, and went two stepping with a friend.
As I look ahead to August, I see spaciousness and regrouping. No events to host and a quieter calendar. I plan to spend time reading, returning to a writing project, and sipping as much iced mint green tea as possible. Wishing you a joyful launch into this brand new month. May it be filled with things that make you smile. Thanks for being here. Bisous. x
August Dreams
Release 2-3 Tea with Kimberly videos
Create content calendars
Prep TranquiliT’s fall collection
Announce Pigs & Pugs Project’s next event
Outline the new 12-week online course
Take 4-8 ballet and 4-8 yoga classes
Savor the Tony Bennett concert
Enjoy a birthday day trip with a friend
Prep for Paris [off to the City of Light August 29]
Support DC VegFest
Return to work with my beloved writing coach
Read two books
Savvy Sources
Cutting Through Indecision and Overthinking
What Kinds of Emotions Do Animals Feel?
How to Be a Fashion-Loving Minimalist
5 Simple Exercises That Can Help Relieve Anxiety
Top 5 Takeaways from Waking Up at 5am
How to Wear Animal Prints
9 Veg Recipes Even Carnivores Will Love
30 Ways to Practice Self-Love and Be Good to Yourself
The post June + July Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
