Hi friends – the last 10 days in North Carolina have been hard and sad as our state has navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. It’s been heartbreaking to watch our Western North Carolina neighbors face truly unimaginable devastation and loss. It’s also been disheartening to witness the amount of divisive political rhetoric that is happening when our our power in humanity really comes through shared love, care and banding together.

That said, there is a whole lot of good happening too and it has been incredibly heartwarming to see so many people near and far supporting those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

There is an overwhelming amount of information on social media about WNC, what’s happening and how to help. I think I cried every single day last week as I read stories, watched videos and shared posts. I also spent a very large amount of time taking in this content, talking about it with others and trying to find ways to help. It was hard to focus on anything else.

One final plea…this region will need our assistance for a long time to come. Recovery efforts are still ongoing and we haven’t even scratched the surface of rebuilding yet. So many have lost homes, businesses and even their whole towns/communities. Please continue to support through donations of supplies, money or time for as long as you are able. <3

JOY IS HERE: YOGA COMMUNITY 

One thing that I always find to be true during any hard time is that joy is here too. I have found a lot of comfort and joy being in community at the yoga studio. I think it’s been a healing place for all of us to come together in the spirit of wholeness and service – to remember that we all belong to one another. We have also had some really special ways to support/give to WNC through some efforts one of our teachers has spearheaded, and all of our CY Service Classes in October (Sundays at noon) are benefitting WNC relief.

JOY IS HERE: FINN 

Exhibit two of things bringing me joy. Sunday morning donut dates with my sweet boy.

And a night out at the Charlotte FC game.

JOY IS HERE: BAKING 

Exhibit three: baking. I made my favorite apple spice cake and it was like a warm hug.

JOY IS HERE: RUNNING 

Exhibit 4: running. Always a hugely helpful way for me to process my feelings and move around stuck energy. I owe you guys a big marathon training update post. It’s going really well.

JOY IS HERE: ZOEY’S 10TH BIRTHDAY

Exhibit five: the furry creatures. You guys…Zoey turned TEN on Sunday!

I want to say, “how!?” but it truly seems like a world ago that she joined the fam and became Sullie’s little sister. Zoey has been pretty much the only constant through a whole lot of life changes, ups and downs over the last 10 years and I love her so much.

We had a little health scare a few weeks ago in which I panicked she might have cancer (ptsd from Sullie and our family goldens). All is clear for now but I’m grateful for every day we get with her in these “golden years.”

I’ll share this prayer in closing.

Big hugs, love and joy to all.

xo,
Jen