Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 7
February 18, 2023
A Coloring Sheet for You
Grab your crayons, print this PDF, and enjoy some creative play with this adorable ballet coloring sheet inspired by the soon-to-be-released spring balletcore TDJ collection!
Join us for the TDJ Style Pop-Up where I’ll launch the collection on April 1 during this virtual event.
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February 13, 2023
10 Ways to Be Your Own Valentine
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.—Oscar Wilde
Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re single, coupled, or anything in between, this is your day.
Below you’ll find 10 ways to practice being your very own valentine today and every day. No date, dress, or lipstick needed.
1. Practice compassion. Note what is working in your life right now. Be gentle with yourself. Treat yourself as you would a dear friend as Dr. Kristin Neff of Mindful Self-Compassion encourages.
2. Move your body. Go for a walk or bike ride. Take a yoga or dance class. Stretch.
3. Hydrate. Strive for eight 8-oz glasses daily. Start your day with hot water and lemon to detoxify. Sip green juice. Infuse your water with mint. Enjoy a cuppa green tea or a yummy matcha.
4. Rejuvenate. Get eight hours of sleep. Try earplugs, an eye mask, and soft sheets in a cool room. Nap. Listen to your body. Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths.
5. Eat clean. Go light on processed foods. I know, it’s Girl Scout cookie season, but seek out fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. And then savor a Thin Mint, or five!
6. Create space. When we’re scheduled from sun up past sun down even with things we love, it takes a toll. Interject moments of unscheduled time to daydream, nap, be spontaneous, and play. Yes, write it into your planner now.
7. Be still. Use apps like Headspace, Calm, and Mindfulness to track your meditation practice. Sit for 10 minutes and do nothing. Yes, nothing. Follow your breath in and out of the nose. Watch this TED Talk for inspiration. Listen to this meditation I made for you.
8. Compliment. Make a list of things you like about yourself. Pretty eyes, kind heart, sense of humor, organized, thoughtful, creative, curious.
9. Get crafty. Sit down with craft supplies and create something for yourself or a loved one from these 40 DIY ideas. Try one of these handmade Valentine’s cards options.
10. Create rituals. Choose a ritual that will soothe you such as chamomile tea and a hot bath before bed or writing in your journal each morning. What would allow you to infuse your every day with self-love?
This week, do something sweet just for you. Get a mani. Dress up and take yourself out to tea. Write yourself a love letter. Read a book cover to cover. Stay in bed. Sip something yummy—hot cocoa with vegan marshmallows, a cuppa tea, bubbly. Treat yourself to brunch. Go for a stroll with no plan. Buy yourself flowers. Savor dark chocolate with sea salt.
Be your own valentine. Let this be a lifelong romance like no other. Bisous. x
The post 10 Ways to Be Your Own Valentine appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 6, 2023
In Two Weeks . . .
You’re invited to join me and Tim for the 600th Podcast Soirée on Monday, February 20 from 7:30-8:30 pm ET to celebrate 18 years of the Tranquility du Jour podcast AND to attend our 600th episode live! Save your spot here.
To help make this event as meaningful to you as possible, I have few questions for you, my dear listener.
We’ve sure come a long way since our September 2005 launch. Here’s our very first episode. Confession: I made Tim go into the bathroom as I recorded this because I was so self-conscious!
Thank YOU for listening and being an integral part of the Tranquility du Jour community. I can’t wait to celebrate with you on February 20! x
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Tranquility du Jour #599: Dance & Therapy
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Olia Tsopela from The Dancer Next Door about her ballet and grief journey. You’ll hear how she’s navigating the recent loss of her mom, how movement and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) have helped the process, and how dance can be a form of therapy.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj599.mp3Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #599: Dance & Therapy
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.
Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
Upcoming Events
February 20: 600th Podcast Soiree
February 21: Pet Loss Support Session
April 1: TDJ Style Spring Virtual Event
April 15: Seasonal Retreat Immersion
I am a ballet educator who is teaching adult students online in a thorough and professional way.
Ballet technique is a concoction of skills which can be learnt by those who are ready to dedicate themselves to it. Body type, age, and talent have little to nothing to do with performance.
I took my first ballet lesson when I was five, and I still feel equally mesmerized every time I immerse myself in this art. I’ve always felt called to help others along their ballet journey.
After being qualified with two Diplomas in Dance Education and a Masters’ degree in Dance and teaching dozens of students on and off line, I deeply understand anatomy, growth, and pedagogy. My experience has given me enough knowledge to develop my C.O.R.E. (Centre Outline Rotation Experience) framework. This helps me guide my students in order for them to develop their overall alignment, technique, and musicality until they uncover the ballerina they are hiding inside.
Find Our GuestMentioned in the Show
Online course
Our Instagram Live
Receive inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.
Browse my 6 Books and planner.
Follow along on 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.
The post Tranquility du Jour #599: Dance & Therapy appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
February 3, 2023
IG Live Today
Hello my love!
Join me today as I chat with Olia on all things ballet as an adult. Click here at 10 am ET.
Pssst, here’s a video I made on the topic last year, too!
UPDATE: Here’s a link to the IG Live replay!
The post IG Live Today appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
January 23, 2023
Tranquility du Jour #598: Career Self-Care
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Minda Zetlin about her book Career Self-Care. Learn how taking care of yourself is a radical act, the power of journaling, ways to deal with toxic people, how mindfulness helps in work and life, and more!
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj598.mp3Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #598: Career Self-Care
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.
Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
Upcoming Events
February 20: 600th Podcast Soiree
February 21: Pet Loss Support Session
April 1: TDJ Style Spring Virtual Event
April 15: Seasonal Retreat Immersion
MINDA ZETLIN is the author of Career Self-Care and writes the highly popular “Laid-Back Leader” column for Inc.com. Her articles and workshops offer research-backed advice to help ambitious people get the most out of their careers and their lives. Additionally, she is the author or coauthor of several books, most recently The Geek Gap. A former president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), she lives in Snohomish, Washington. More information at www.MindaZetlin.com.
Author, speaker, Inc.com columnist
@MindaZetlin Mentioned in the ShowNEW Tranquility du Jour Videos
Let’s ConnectReceive inbox love through Love Notes: invites, inspiration, and more.
Browse my 6 Books and planner.
Follow along on 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.
The post Tranquility du Jour #598: Career Self-Care appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
January 11, 2023
Celebrating 600 Episodes
Can you believe that we’re less than six weeks away from our 600th Tranquility du Jour podcast? Insert confetti toss!
Yep, we’re celebrating 600 episodes on Monday, February 20 from 7:30-8:30 pm 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, my dear listener.
We’ve sure come a long way since our September 2005 launch. Thank YOU for listening and being an integral part of the Tranquility du Jour community. I can’t wait to celebrate with you on February 20! x
PS Here’s a peek at our 500th Podcast Soiree from August 2020.
The post Celebrating 600 Episodes appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
January 8, 2023
NEW ☕️ Tea with Kimberly Videos
Hello love, here are a few new Tea with Kimberly videos that I’ve recorded for you:
#45 Tips to Start Your New Year
#47 Managing Social Media
Hope they’re helpful and please let me know what else I can create to help nurture you on this journey. Bisous. x
The post NEW ☕️ Tea with Kimberly Videos appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
January 4, 2023
Tranquility du Jour Podcast #597: 2022 Year in Review
In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat share my Year in Review. Hear my top 10 highlights, what went well, what didn’t go so well, dreams for 2023, and more PLUS a variety of resources for you!
http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj597.mp3Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #597: 2022 Year in Review
Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon.
Visit kimberlywilson.com/podcast for more.
New to Tranquility du Jour? Learn more here.
_____________________________
Hello dear reader. I hope you’re finding a gentle landing spot int this new year.
Longtime blog readers may recall my “weeks in review” turned “months in review” turned “season in review” over the years. And, of course, there’s the annual Year in Review.
This reflection exercise allows me to stay accountable, set and review goals, celebrate, and note what needs adjustment.
Below is a list of my year’s experiences. After the top 10, they’re in no particular order. There’s also a brief reflection and resources to support us moving into the new year.
To compile this information I reviewed my Daybook, monthly dreams, birthday exercise (here’s mine from 2021), goodreads app, ballet class platforms, and photos. Needless to say, it’s a process!
Consider your own 2022 list. Look for patterns, wins, challenges, boundaries, and those sweet moments in between. Although this year may have been challenging, you may just rediscover some gems when you compile your own Year in Review.
Oh, and here’s an Instagram reel with heaps of photos from 2022.
Year’s Experiences Top 10Got a new hip
Hosted 30+ Coterie events including an in-person tea party
Renovated the Pink Palace (my 600-sqare-foot home)
Won 2nd place for Lilac Fairy in the International Adult Ballet Festival’s Beginner Solo Category [Instagram reel mentioned in the podcast]
Hosted Hip Tranquil Chick’s 16th birthday (so. much. fun.)
Celebrated Gizmo’s 15th birthday
Collaborated with dear clients through therapy
Completed memoir draft 2.0
Developed a big crush on Harry Styles and saw him in Chicago
Traveled to Paris three times
Was a guest on Victoria Moran’s podcast
Signed up for a yoga retreat in Borneo through Borneo Orangutan Survival (obsessed with orangutans)
Was a guest on Mary Michelle Nidffer’s podcast
Went to Costa Rica with Mama Wilson
Took 200+ ballet classes [two months off]
Hosted TDJ Lifestyle E-course
Performed in two group pieces at the International Adult Ballet Festival [one on pointe]
Released new Tea with Kimberly videos
No More Facebook
Simplified TDJ clothing designs
Traveled to NYC for four private sessions with my teacher
Spent a weekend in NYC with my friend Jenn
Hosted 5 pet loss support sessions
Got my Maryland social work license
Worked on memoir book proposal draft
Hours of physical therapy
Took a 16-week pointe class with Broche Ballet and private lessons
Revamped patio garden
Made dozens of Pigs & Pugs Project micro-grants
Hosted two TDJ Style Pop-Ups
Planted 250 trees through Borneo Orangutan Survival
Hosted a TDJ Tenets Masterclass
Coordinated two clothing line photos shoots in DC and Paris
Sent 200(ish) snail mail love notes
Released 26 podcast episodes
Sent 30 newsletter Love Notes
Got more vaccines
Attended many therapy-related trainings
Hosted numerous tea dates chez moi
Dozens of tea dates and ballet dates with friends
Celebrated 18 years with my partner Tim
Planned and launched Coterie 2023 [doors close 1/4]
Introduced the adorable market bag [8 left]
Hosted Tranquil Holidays
Read 32 of 48 books in Goodreads Reading Challenge [sigh]
Updated TDJ Tenets micro-course [coming soon]
Hired a bookkeeping agency
Hired a social media person who I adore
Continued working with a beloved web designer and graphic designer
Revamped some of my website [thanks Mara]
Traveled between DC and WV dozens of times during home renovation
Packed for a week to Paris in a carry-on and shoulder bag
Dabbled in Instagram reels
Sent parents to the Holy Land for a 10-day tour
Bought four tickets to see Harry Styles in Paris June 2023
Donated 10K to charity—Pigs & Pugs Project, Borneo Orangutan Survival, 1% for the Planet
During Sunday’s virtual retreat, I explored these journal prompts along with the group and wanted to share a few nuggets from them.
What Worked Well for Me in 2022? Hosting the Coterie, being off Facebook (video with tips forthcoming), trimming my offerings, full therapy practice, a bit of travel, love my office space, charity donations, home renovation, virtual private ballet sessions and group classes, new hip, memoir efforts.
What Didn’t Work for Me in 2022? Lack of mobility for two months, poor eating habits at times, not enough reading, challenges managing physical pain, not completing online courses, didn’t create as much content as I wanted to, didn’t complete memoir book proposal.
What Did I Learn About Myself Last Year? I can handle a lot of discomfort (hip), I can win an award at a ballet competition, how much I love ballet (and struggle), how grateful I am for my tiny pink home and office, I made many more in person connections.
How Did My Goals for 2022 Unfold? I achieved more than half of the Year’s Dreams list in my Daybook such as releasing 25 podcasts, getting a new hip, nurturing the Coterie, adding video to my podcast interviews and created more Tea with Kimberly’s, streamlining my website (thanks Mara!), setting up solid business bookkeeping, giving a proud performance of Lilac Fairy, remodeling chez moi, and taking trips to Paris. A few that I didn’t meet and are still on my radar: read 48 books, complete my memoir proposal, solid pirouettes at the barre and in the center, daily salad, create e-courses.
My 2023 Year’s Dreams: get memoir proposal to my agent, healthy pugs, host 600th podcast event (save the date: February 20), send two monthly love notes (sign up here), release two monthly podcasts, increase color on my plate and eat more veggies/whole foods (less sugar—my life’s struggle), carve out more family time, learn and perform Prelude from Les Sylphides at the International Adult Ballet Festival, celebrate my 50th birthday in a meaningful way, get back onto pointe, nurture my Coterie loves, incorporate more play and relaxation time (ongoing challenge), create a few micro-courses (any requests?), finish a few e-courses I’ve signed up for, donate to support orangutans, pigs, and pugs, create AM writing time, design spring #balletcore TDJ clothing collection, declutter.
A Few of My Favorite Reads: The Idea of You by Robinne Lee, Personality Isn’t Permanent by Benjamin Hardy, Free Time by Jenny Blake, Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman
A Few of My Favorite Shows: White Lotus, Emily in Paris, Fleishman is in Trouble, The Patient
A Few of My Favorite Songs: All things Harry Styles especially Falling and Sign of the Times
Overall 2022 was a solid year. Ballet continued to be a dominate presence as did my therapy practice, the Coterie, and pug caregiving. I see this continuing into the new year and hope to make more space to write in my journal, create content for you, sip tea with friends, cuddle pugs, and read fireside {or by candlelight}.
I’m still finalizing my word/theme for 2023 and feel it bubbling up inside. What about you? May 2023 be filled with time and space for what matters most to you! Bisous. x
Resources
40 New Year’s Resolutions Ideas
How to Create Your Personal Year End Review
22 Ways to Ensure 2022 is the Year You Supercharge Your Career
How to Make 2022 Your Best Financial Year Yet
22 of our Favorite Healthy Ways to Welcome 2022
5 Tips to Meet Your New Year’s Resolutions
My 2019 Year in Review
My 2020 Year in Review
My 2021 Year in Review
Are New Year’s Resolutions Powerful or Pointless?
5 Science-Backed Strategies for Nailing Your New Year’s Resolutions
Pick Your Nudge Word
7 Daily Habits That’ll Improve Your Mental Health in 2023
NEW Tea with Kimberly Video on 6 Tips for the New Year
The post Tranquility du Jour Podcast #597: 2022 Year in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.
December 31, 2022
A Fresh Start
Hello love. Are you feeling the pressure of figuring everything out before we head into the new year?
I feel you.
And I encourage you to transition into this fresh beginning with ease and self-compassion.
We won’t wake up as a new person without our quirks, habits, and struggles on January 1. We’ll still be in the same bodies, with the same tics, and the same human experience. There’s no “new you” around the corner.
I don’t write this to discourage you. I wish to embolden you to recognize that we have the chance to begin again every single day. And multiple times a day by asking, Does this decision serve my higher purpose? or What do I need most right now?
I’ll give an example. I woke up with a massive migraine yesterday and had to scramble to rearrange my plans. My head needed time to adapt to the intense medication and for the throbbing to subside. I couldn’t push through.
After a bit of wallowing under the covers to block the light, I reminded myself that I could reimagine the day. I knew that this overwhelming sensation was temporary in the big picture and at some point the pain would subside.
A few hours later, I staggered out of bed, took care of Gizmo’s needs (he likes to be hand fed and our ½ block walk takes 30 minutes), and settled in for a much slower day ahead.
I share this as a reminder that it’s okay to go slowly into 2023. This year may have been particularly hard for you (I’ve been hearing this from so. many. people.) and it’s okay to be feeling a mixture of emotions right now.
I’m working on my Year in Review (coming next week) and realizing how challenging it has been physically (new hip), mentally (lots of being “on” time), and emotionally (constant caregiving).
However, I’m also noticing a sense of appreciation bubbling up for all these experiences and the ways they continue to shape me as I head toward my 50th birthday in 2023.
I’ll still be toasting 2022 with heartfelt gratitude and welcoming 2023 with a sense of wonder at tonight’s Coterie Welcome Soiree and tomorrow’s Virtual Retreat while also contemplating slight shifts.
I hope you’ll join me in the toast either virtually at our events or spiritually.
I wish you the most tranquil transition into 2023 and the recognition that you have the chance to begin again at any moment. And again. And again. Bisous. x
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