A Few of my favorites.

Every now and then I like to share a post that’s on the lighter side of life. It’s also been almost a year and a half that I’ve officially had my own business and private practice (time really does fly!) so I thought it would be helpful to share a little about myself for those of you who are new around here and a few of my favorite things that have helped me, made me think, and made me laugh, especially this last year. So, here we go! 

Three things about me: 

1. I grew up surfing, shell hunting, and playing volleyball in Central Florida. The beach is still the place where I feel the most relaxed and at peace...and while I’m not as athletic as I used to be, I still love to get out when I can and hit a volleyball around. 
2. Coffee and books are staples in my life. I start every morning with a cup of hot coffee, even on the 100+ degree Texas summer days. I end every evening reading some sort of book, usually a good mystery! Reading for fun is one of the ways I practice taking care of myself. 
3. Getting to work with people who are hurting or simply wanting a safe space to talk is one of the biggest privileges to me. It’s work that is hard, brave, and courageous...and I wouldn’t want it any other way. 

Okay, now, let’s talk about a few things that have become my favorites over the past 18 months or so! Some of these may seem like small things, but trust me when I say that small things really ARE big things right now. 

First, let’s talk about coffee. As you now from earlier, coffee is a staple in my life. My husband would argue to say that coffee is a priority in my life, but that seems a bit “much”...he drinks iced tea so he just doesn’t get it, poor guy. Anyway, being able to make Summer Moon Coffee at home during this pandemic has been a #LIFESAVER. This is not an ad or any type of sponsorship, I’m just here to tell you, it’s the best coffee. Smooth, rich, low acid, and so flavorful. When I drink a cup of this coffee, I slow down and really savor it. It reminds me to enjoy the little things! 

Second, PODCASTS. As a business owner who wears many other hats, most of my personal growth and development comes from podcasts. I listen when I’m on my walk, folding laundry, or cleaning stuff up around the house. One of my absolute favorites is Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead podcast. I was able to go through the Dare to Lead training last fall with a wonderful facilitator and our cohort was just thrilled when Brene launched this podcast. Each week she interviews guests who are creating books, content, and companies who exhibit the skills to BE a daring leader. I learn so much! If you’re a leader wanting to develop your own leadership skills and positively impact the culture around you, take a listen. 

Lastly, one of my favorite things has been following the Good News Movement account on Instagram. This is a social media account that only shares good news from around the world! Some of the posts do make me tear up a bit because they are such great reminders that there are wonderful, thoughtful people around us. And the rest of the posts just make me laugh out loud because they are plain funny and cute. If you’re wanting to brighten up your social media feed, definitely give them a try.

I hope you enjoyed this change of pace a bit! I have to admit, this was fun to write. I’d love to hear in the comments what are some of your favorite things that are helping you, making you think, or making you laugh.

Be well, 
JoEllen