The things that get us through (in)voluntarily transformation
/Life was tough before COVID-19 showed up and shifted things to a place we’ve never seen before.
Life is now challenging for all of us in new ways.
It reminds me of when I first left college, completely out of my element without a religious home or academic structure to make me feel safe.
Few things are as peculiar and baffling as being 22 years old, but also toss in a faith crisis, stunted social skills and over-the-top constant anxiety? This was the first of a series of semi-involuntary “who am I” life transformations. Not to say I’m all cute and transformed and everything’s fine now. But who I was then and who I am now are very different creatures, and it didn’t happen by accident. It took a lot of intentional work.
How many times have you been catapulted out of safety?
Has life ever kicked you out, shoved you down a flight of stairs, squashed all your hopes and dreams…?
I’m not talking about just a little uncomfortable, but the real “my life will never be the same” punch in the face?
What got you through those times?
What helped you transform into who you are today?
People, books, music, experiences?
The path of transformation as I’ve experienced it needs help.
I haven’t liked to accept the help; I have resisted the help; I have tried to imagine help is something else.
But I’ve got a hunch that what helps us through transformation is probably just as critical as the actual inner change we’re being called to explore.
Launching monthly giveaways this month
So I’m launching something today that makes me really excited because deep down inside I think I’ve always wanted to be Santa Claus. I like giving presents, and I want to send the GOOD stuff to you.
Each month there will be a giveaway—some combination of skincare or bath care or a new book, or all of the above. This is the kind of giveaway I wish others offered: reliable, easy to join and full of genuinely helpful items (no filler crap). For the foreseeable future, the giveaways will have some combination of:
mini skincare bottles and samples
things that smell like Colorado: mini body washes/lotions, bath salts, bar soaps, etc.
items that help awaken the senses like aromatherapy mists and other “wake me up” items
books that have made a long, lasting impression on me (I am more of a learner than a voracious reader, so these books will be legit)
How to stay in the loop on giveaways and terms for entering
Each month I’ll have a different giveaway “treasure hunt.” I don’t like giveaways that make me like/follow 21 different accounts and sign over the rights to one of my kidneys. Joining the giveaway each month will be easy.
The best ways for staying in the loop on the monthly giveaways are:
Being on my email list. At the beginning of every month, I’ll include directions for joining that month’s giveaway.