This morning I woke up and wondered what I could share that felt important in the midst of all this sadness we're experiencing as a country right now. I wondered how I could write a post about textiles or pillows and actually feel like it had any substance or relevance at this moment.

I've always been a very sensitive person....when something tragic happens, it gets inside really deep, it lingers, it coats me. I have to steer clear of certain types of films, imagery...because they kind of scar my heart. I've learned through different experiences and as I've gotten older, how to get myself back to joy...like a formula that I can use to dig myself out of the sadness.

When I was coaching people, we used to create these joy lists, that they could use to do the same or anytime they wanted to feel more alive, more inspired, more centered.

The process of grief is healthy, natural and doesn't need to be rushed. But, sometimes it's hard to find our way back to joy after grief.

As many of you have I'm sure, I've also grappled with the feeling of guilt when I find myself laughing or feeling good when something tragic has happened in the world..... Asking myself..."is it too soon?" "is it disrespectful to those who have passed that I'm here feeling good in this moment?"

My heart says no, it's not. My heart says that those who have passed are in a divine place...they are free of sadness, free of guilt, free of anger, free of any negative human emotion....because now, they are ALL SOUL. And they want us to find our joy....not let our joy be stolen by hate. Finding joy is how we fight back....because JOY, LOVE, PEACE, always win.

Here are a few things on my joy list....I encourage you to make your own for whenever you need to get yourself back to joy.

1. 5 minutes in the sun

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2. Time with my girl

3. Saying a prayer. When I really allow myself to let go and let God (whoever your God may be) and trust that it's all in God's hands, I find peace.

4. Connecting with my husband. He brings me back to my center. Always has.

5. Weeding my garden. Such a sense of satisfaction and definitely seems to simultaneously weed out the negative thoughts in your mind.

6. Looking at Moroccan Tile....hey...everybody has their thing.

7. Pinterest...get's me right back to my happy place.

8. Creating something....art projects bring me back to my heart center.

Love to you, Love to Orlando, Love to Christina Grimme's Family and all the other souls on this earth who are suffering right now.

So Much Love.

Meditation has always been something for me that I felt I needed to aspire to, but always seemed to remain just out of reach. I would try and try but I would never be able to quiet my mind long enough to feel like it did me any good. I’ve had every single one of my holistic care practitioners tell me that Meditation was my missing ingredient…so it’s always felt extra frustrating that I had such a hard time doing it. I recently found an app that has completely transformed my experience with meditation and has inspired me to create a meditation altar in my home, to support my new daily practice. I have always had spiritual elements throughout my home that keep me feeling connected, but there is something inside me drawn to the idea of having a specific space where I can sit and meditate every day…even if it’s just for 10 minutes.

Meditation altars have been around for centuries, to provide people a place to connect to their higher self and support their spiritual practice. Whatever your spiritual or religious beliefs, they are a beautiful addition to any home and help to remind you of a power greater than yourself along with your ability to rise above any obstacle this human existence may throw at you. They can be adorned with meaningful statues, crystals, candles or a simply a piece of art that inspires you to be your greatest self. Whatever you choose to bring into this sacred space, it should create a calm, peaceful and inspiring feeling within you.

Tiny or awkward nooks that you don’t know what to do with are a GREAT place to transform into altar spaces…although, they can of course be anywhere that you’re little heart (or spirit) desires.