Sometimes I get so focused on my schedule that I forget to create space for play. Thankfully, I have children who remind me. A few weeks ago, my daughter reluctantly accompanied me on a location scouting expedition. I was looking for a place to host a feminine leadership retreat I am co-creating with my friend Christine Arylo in September. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin seemed like it would be the perfect spot. After checking out the library and taking care of the business I was there for, my girl asked me if we could explore the grounds. She had seen on the map that there were some swings and she wanted to play. I looked at the time and decided I could slow down my pace for the day.
We wandered along the dirt path and my daughter started singing “Follow the yellow brick road…” I linked my arm into hers and started singing along with her at full voice. We skipped together arm in arm until we arrived at the swing set. I couldn’t resist stepping up and taking this one for a spin.
“Find the Joy Anyway” is a poem I wrote during a particularly emotional and tumultuous time last year. In this 5-minute video, I share the poem as well as the story that inspired it.
Whatever is going on for you today, this week, this cycle, I wish you moments of unexpected joy.
xoxo,
Jennifer
I have several offerings coming up in the next few months. I hope you will join me if you are in Austin. I’m hoping to plan some events in other cities this fall and winter. Let me know if you have something in mind that you think I could add my voice to!
August 11 (Austin, TX): Home Before Supper – an afternoon of storytelling through poetry, song, and improv with In Our Prime. Tickets available here!
August 24 (Austin, TX): House of Mirth – poetry and jazz with Paul Matthews
September 22 (Austin, TX): Fierce Grace Feminine Leadership Retreat with Christine Arylo
October 5-6 (Houston, TX): Brainstorms book signing at Hay House Live