Touching, Matching, Feeling
Between work travel, end-of-school-year activities, and the celebration of mothers (including me!), this month has been full. Full of motion, emotion, and meaning. And still, in the midst of all the fullness, I’ve carved out small but powerful moments to be still and stay connected—to myself, to others, and to what matters most. Here are a few of those moments I’d love to share with you:
Grounding
Most days, I’m barefoot. Partly because we’re a shoeless house, but mostly because I choose to be. Whether I’m checking the mail, sitting on the front porch, or working on the patio, I’m feeling my way through the day—literally.
Depending on the hour, my toes are met with cool patio bricks or dusty wood planks. The textures shift, but the feeling is the same: freedom. A freedom that I want in every part of my life. I wouldn’t dare walk barefoot in a place that’s unsafe or unfamiliar. But here, where my feet meet the surface beneath me, I feel most at home. What feelings does the ground beneath your feet evoke?
Gripping
In 2014, I attended an event as a guest of a friend. I filled out a card, had a great time, and forgot all about it.
Until May 1, 2025.
I got a call, email, and text—“You’ve been identified as a preliminary match for a patient with a blood disorder.” Only 0.03% of people on the national registry are ever called. I could be one of them.
Last week, I had an info session. This week, I completed my blood testing. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to provide lifesaving bone marrow or stem cells. It’s exhilarating—and a little terrifying. What kind of lifesaving work—literal or figurative—are you doing or dreaming about?
Gifting
As a coach, I treasure being coached. It took me a while to realize that I’m worthy of the same sacred space I hold for others.
During a recent session, I shared how passionate I am about partnering with Black women to imagine a more rested and joyful future. My coach lit up. She offered a resource that immediately clicked: The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte.
It’s a guide to reframing goal-setting driven by how you want to feel, not just achievement. It’s reinforcing what I’m truly after—peace, joy, connection, freedom, abundance. And some new additions - bold, appreciated, playful - are surfacing too. Which feelings most influence how you show up each day?
As summer approaches, I’d love to hear how you’re reclaiming rest and joy. There are so many beautiful memories to be made and stories to be told. Let’s keep connecting, sharing, and creating space for rest and joy—together.
Joyfully,
Elandria
