HARNESSING CHAOS

I love working with my friend and client, Vanessa. As you can tell, she lights up a room.

Even on my laptop, her passion permeates my Studio. And even now, in her new role as instant mother/teacher her determination to make it work is eclipsed only by the omnipresent French red lipstick that is emblematic of a refusal to surrender. 

I love that so many women and men have become instant stay-at-home parents. It’s an extraordinary gift to be able to spend time and space with your children. But not everyone feels called to this endeavor. Oh, how I see you—and I want you to know, I am your champion.

There was never a time in my life when I didn’t feel equally drawn to being both a career woman and mama. I never felt like I had to choose between the two. So many have never had the option. And now, in this unexpected season, I see mamas doing the best that they know-how. 

We all do it differently, don’t we? And that’s truly a beautiful thing. But there are some who relentlessly judge; many of us have been the victim of someone who “knows best.” When I was a young working mama, a neighbor from my son’s preschool approached me and shared, "I am praying that someday you will be a Godly woman." Her comment was referring to my life as both a business owner and mama. In her small world, I couldn't possibly be good at one without the other suffering. 

Over the years I hear her comment in my head when I see a young mama struggling with groceries in one hand and child in the other, adjusting her briefcase on her shoulder while pushing the stroller, calming a hungry infant while shoving her luggage into the overhead compartment. There are so many daily opportunities to change someone’s life for the better by offering a hand rather than an opinion. 

[see Five Things to Bless Families Now, below] 

The people I love are not surprised but energized by the complexity life brings. In fascinating and inspiring ways they seem to understand the power of harnessing chaos. And Vanessa is definitely one of those people. In the midst of now homeschooling three fabulous children plus launching an online bakery [you should taste her biscotti], she is still doing everything she can to take advantage of this time. 

This time. Two compelling four-letter words. 

When I planned an early April launch of the all-new Sanctuary Living, I could not have imagined what was to come. But in so many ways, here we are with this remarkable gift of time to look at our lives and our surroundings, in fresh and unexpected ways.  

That’s what Vanessa and I are doing in the Pop-Up Sanctuary. 

While we’re not able to physically share space in one of the Sanctuary Living workshops or retreats, we’re doing some extraordinary work together, still face-to-face—

reconnecting her with her sacred space, 

uncovering the tools to create rest in a chaotic environment, 

and carving out a sense of retreat that honors the individual needs of everyone in the home.

Let’s spend some time together to uncover what’s important to you! 

And then let’s watch as the best of who you are spreads like morning light into every corner of your Sanctuary. 

Much Love,

jk

FIVE THINGS TO BLESS FAMILIES NOW

~Bake or buy something delicious and do a curbside drop off.

~Nest your favorite wildflowers in a mason jar and drop it at the door [florists are still delivering too]

~Spend some time with their kids on zoom—tell them a story, read a book, or teach them something about your career or favorite passion. 

~Send an egift card to purchase a creative family art project or activity.

~Buy tomato plants and container and inspire the start of a patio garden.