The Joy Issue JULY 2017 | Series No. 6, Issue No. 4
Pursue Justice, Find Joy with
Hannah Thiesen
CH ASE TH E D REAM • B ASK I N G O O D N ESS • D O O N E TH I N G
The PERPETUAL YOU
We believe in choosing, embracing, unleashing, and celebrating who you've always been – who you already are – who you want to be.
Be YOU...the Perpetual You.
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LETTER from our EDI TOR
THE
THE OFFICE
The Perpetual You 101 Putnam Ave. Hamden, CT 06517
THE LIST
To receive each issue of the magazine directly to your inbox, join our mailing list at:
theperpetualyou.com/read.
T H E C O M MU N I T Y
Look for us on social media @theperpetualyou.
THE SOCIETY
Meet like-minded women in our private FB group, The Perpetual You Society.
THE S U B S C R I P T I O N
Sign up for our PRINT magazine, coming Aug 2017, at bit.ly/TPYandyou.
The PERPETUAL YOU
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e think of changing the world as BIG. We assume our entire life must change. We must go off grid or buy a tiny home. We must go plastic free or become 100% plant-based. We must forgo big box stores, make our own toothpaste, and start cycling to work every day. None of these things are, of course, bad. In fact, they’re all amazing ways to live your life IF these lifestyles also bring you Joy. Joy, as we know, can also come from incremental change, or just from becoming conscious of the ways in which we are already improving our lives and the lives of others. Joy can come from adding things to life rather than viewing change from the lens of what needs to be taken away. There is no joy, nor any justice, in Guilt, Judgement, Pity, Remorse, or Lack. Joy is found in saying Yes, not in saying no.
• Yes to doing good because it renews our spirit. No to doing anything at the expense of our self-care. • Yes to an optimistic outlook that leads to generosity. No to acting out of desperation or fear. • Yes to valuing the work of other women. No to helping other women because we pity them. Yes, we want to change the world—and, yes, we want the change we effect to be authentic & lasting; but only if we don’t have to change who we are. By being your most authentic self, you’re bringing goodness into the world!
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
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P H O T O by @ M A R K I E J O N E S P H O T O G R A P H Y L L C
– ANNE FRANKE
SHOP NOW
Shop the Marketplace The Perpetual You's curated marketplace of responsibly-made, small batch goods is online! theperpetualyou.com/the-marketplace
Intern with Us The Perpetual You is seeking a summer intern who has interest in publishing,
marketing, social media, and/or graphic design. Experience is helpful but more important is the alignment of your values with our professional atmosphere.
The PERPETUAL YOU
To find more at: http://bit.ly/TPYintern.
I N THI S I SSU E
Create Joy by Celebrating Leadership The J OY I S S U E
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FIND US @TH E P E RP E TUALYOU
Realize Crush this thing we call social justice; lift up the woman next to you, even if just by recognizing her—thanking her—buying from her—believing in her.
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Dwell Commune with your neighbors and commit to reclaiming a treasure. Encircle yourself with inspirational art, and the good feelings that go with.
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MO NTH LY MUSI C
Calling all Changemakers + Truthseekers: Our Solidarity + Strength playlist is on Spotify.
Celebrate Celebrate the brave act of a life devoted to helping others, with
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Live
Hannah Theisen, serial entrepreneur & social justice maven.
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Cherish how far you’ve come; believe in how far you will go; release the changemaker inside.
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FIND US @TH E P E RP E TUALYOU
THE M A K ER S
Our makers consistently share their time & talents. We'd love to introduce you to the lovely ladies who contributed to this month's issue.
Lydia
Nicola
Taylor McCarthy
Cover Story Photographer
Cover Story Photographer
Dwell Feature Photographer
@lydiatoll lydiatollphotography.zenfolio.com
@nicolaharger nicolaharger.com
@signed_t.elizabeth t-elizabeth.com
Lydia Toll is a photographer working in Minnesota, MN and around the world. This is her first cover story for The Perpetual You.
Nicola is a Nashville wedding and editorial photographer but has a deep love for all things travel, especially to places that are wild and aren't visited as often as they should be. Her documentary work explores the lifestyles of different people around the world. When she's home, she can be found hanging with her husband and husky pup, drinking way too much coffee. This is Nicola's first cover story collaboration with The Perpetual You.
Taylor is a writer and award-winning artist who is deeply influenced by the delicately complex Earth that surrounds us. A Reiki II practitioner, Taylor aims to raise her children in an authentic, slow-paced, and conscious environment with her husband on their Florida farm. This is Taylor's first Dwell feature collaboration with The Perpetual You.
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P.K.
Lianne
Micayla
Proofreader
Editor
Book Editor
Connect on Facebook
@hilodaisy
@uggly_mugg zucchiniontheceiling.com
Amanda Luisa Nicastro
Lindsay
Krystal
Collaborating Photographer
Collaborating Photographer
Mantra Siren
@amandaluisaart amandaluisa.com
@lindsay_stanford lindsaystanford.com
@krystalbrandt krystalbrandt.com
Nadia
Ashley
Kaitlin
Collaborating Artist
Collaborating Artist
Collaborating Artist
@nadiahorn NadiaHorn.com
@ashleybuntendesign AshleyBuntendesign.indiemade.com
@kaitlin_strange kaitlinstrange.com
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FIND US @TH E P E RP E TUALYOU
THE TEA M
Lee Lee Creative Director & Managing Editor @leeleeinp
The Lee Lee is the #ladyboss of The Perpetual You. A writer by trade, designer by heart, and mother by choice, she seeks intentional practices and a positive mindset. If you’re near Hamden, CT, she welcomes you to stop by her front porch. LEE LEE'S CURRENT TOP 3
Cause: Here for the Girls Activity: Tag Sale Shopping Institution: My Local Library
Kay
Jessie
Staff Photographer
Art Director
@walkerstudiosllc walkerstudiosllc.com
@littlelegendsdesign littlelegends.com
Kay Nass travels New England and beyond chasing sunsets, circling dance floors, capturing tears & laughter, all in the pursuit of preserving stories of love, friendship, and family.
Jessie Leiber is a multi-disciplinary designer striving to make her world more pixel-perfect. When she's not poring over mockups, she can be found singing (loudly) in her car or compulsively buying striped shirts.
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to align your daily practices with your ever-evolving desires
A R T W O R K by @ N A D I A H O R N
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ART BY @KAITLIN_STRANGE
THE LA DY
Malala Yousafzai As a young girl, Malala defied the Taliban in Pakistan, demanding that girls be allowed to receive an education. She survived a gunshot wound to the head and went on to speak out on the importance of education. A visionary and inspiration, Malala is the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
W O R D S by P. K . M C G I L L
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Freedom, by definition, is people realizing that they are their own leaders. – DIANE NASH
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C E L E B R AT E
Changemaking with Sarah Kelly It’s never too late to be the person you’ve always dreamt of being.
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hen I was little, I was called bossy. Thankfully, my kindergarten teacher said bossy could be seen as leadership if directed the right way and I had great parents who took that piece of advice and nurtured me. As a child, I organized tag sales and lemonade stands. I was the teacher when we played school and could be found organizing the neighborhood kids for a game of kickball or tag on the neighborhood field. I continued my “bossy” ways into high school as vice president of my class, organizing youth group events at church, and as head of the environmental club. After college, I thought for sure I would head to DC and get involved in public policy. Then, life (and bills) happened; I let self-doubt limit possibilities. I ended up in corporate sales and then marketing for many years. Life was fine, but it wasn’t the passionate missiondriven life I had always envisioned for myself. In March of 2015, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer and, of course, I was devastated. At the time I was 36, and someone who lived a healthy lifestyle. I mean, I had run a marathon for goodness sakes; I wasn’t the person who got breast cancer.
At the time of diagnosis, I was also 8 months pregnant with my daughter. From March until about August, I was in a fog. My son was 16 months old; I gave birth to my baby and went through months of chemo and then surgery. When September came, I started to feel a bit more normal again. Hair started growing back and I remember thinking: cancer will not define me, but it will push me to change. From an early age I wanted to make a difference. With my mortality in question, I knew I only had one LIFE. I wanted to make that difference, and create that happiness! (As I write this I tear up because I believe in it so fully.) Having cancer and becoming a mother once again gave me the permission and self-confidence to speak up. My sister Leah, business partner and oncology nurse (luckily for me), started doing research into what we put in and on our bodies. From there, a passion about Clean Beauty was sparked in both of us. We started our Clean Beauty business, SaltyGirl Boutique, in April 2016 and, this summer, we launch our natural and organic cosmetic line SaltyGirl Beauty.
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Even though I hadn’t made it to Washington to “change the world,” I had worked for companies like Tom’s of Maine and Dancing Deer Baking Company that have very strong social responsibility initiatives. With our own company, we chose to give back to our community by forming a nonprofit called Foundation4Love. A % of profits from SaltyGirl, along with donations and fundraising money, goes to create meaningful and stress-free experiences for adults going through cancer treatment. This can include a weekend away, spa day, dinner out, sporting event. Our motto is we want our recipients to “Disconnect from Cancer and Connect with Those They Love.” Building a sustainable business that also gives back requires both vision and realistic thinking. Leah and I’s vision is to build a socially conscious brand that empowers women to feel beautiful inside and out, and to be bold and find a voice. We also want to be a place for education and a gathering of community both physically and online. Our challenge and responsibility is to understand the impact we can make now, find partners in the community that want to work with us, define how we can build our brand in order to build greater ways to give back, take opportunities when we have them to share our story, learn from our mistakes, and take care of ourselves so we are healthy to continue to build.
Start Today You don’t have to start your own socially conscious business to give back to your community! By making conscious and responsible decisions, you can be a changemaker, while discovering the joy in the little moments that make up a life.
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Enjoy Things. Every moment presents an opportunity to feel good, about ourselves and about life. From giving yourself permission to enjoy the sunshine to enjoying the feel of healthy products on your skin, take a second to notice what’s bringing you joy, and find time for more of that action.
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Stand for Something. The choice of how to spend time & money is a gift we can’t afford to squander. Whether you find a thrifted lamp you love or volunteer your time to a local shelter; borrow jeans from a friend or donate your bonus to your favorite charity, you can make a difference: one action at a time..
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Change One Thing. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: take small steps. Take even just one step (!) and you’ll be closer to your desired life. Want to feel healthier? Walk 20 minutes a day, or increase your intake of plant-based food. The particulars are less important than the courage to change.
Sarah Kelly is a 2-year cancer survivor who lives by the Ocean in the lovely Kennebunk, Maine with her husband and 2 kids. She feels blessed to share her story and love of clean beauty with her community. Connect with her on Instagram @saltygirlboutique. Article photos by @joshuaatticks; photo above by Kate Kelly The PERPETUAL YOU
L E A DER SHI P M A N U A LS
Rise Sister Rise
Dreams and Thunder
One Part Plant
by Rebecca Campbell, Pub. 2016
by Zitkala Sa, Pub. 2005
by Jessica Murnane, Pub. 2017
Rebecca Campbell is offering up a new kind of sisterhood: one based on our ancient and divinely feminine nature. A call to action, her book is a welcoming in of the feminine energy that has escaped modern society for so long. This guidebook is replete with tools, exercises, experiences, and worksheets to ease us into our feminine selves, and connect us more deeply with our own inner wisdom every single day.
A Native American activist, teacher, musician, writer, and poet, Zitkala-Sa uses words to transform American viewpoints, opening our eyes to a world much older and more established than our own. Zitkala-Sa took the education forced upon her and spun it into a long and fruitful life of learning, living, and working for peace, equality, and compassion between races. She was, and is, a fantastic role model for modern leadership.
Jessica Murnane was not a “healthy” eater. When her wellbeing went downhill, she set out to create a way of eating and living that was deliciously simple, sweet, and joyful. With decadent yet healthful recipes and sprinklings of wisdom throughout, this book liberates us from dieting, calorie obsession, and lethargy. More importantly, it’s a reminder that we can become the true leader of our own lives when we nourish ourselves well.
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REALIZE
C E L E B R AT E
Freshness with Rachel Haas
Fresh food takes center stage in the rich days of summer.
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he warmth of summer is here, the days filled with picnics and eating food cooked over open fires in the fresh air. Celebrations and social events fill our calendars, and we cannot avoid finding ourselves presented with the opportunity of sharing meals with friends and family alike. Fresh fruit stands and farmers markets abound, selling items home-grown and homemade alike. Depending on your area, you might find everything from fruits and vegetables hand-picked and shuffled into baskets, to baked goods and mason jars filled to the brim with home-brewed teas and cold-pressed juices.
Eating in-season, straight from local farms is a gift— to us and to our communities—paving the way to enable those with talents for food and creation to shine and make a living, changing the landscape of the towns and cities in which we live. Plan a trip to your local farmer’s market. Smell the earth still fresh on the vegetables and shake hands with the flesh and bone that pulled them from the ground. Creating a relationship with food is as important and beautiful as it is to eat it. Summer is a time to find nourishment direct from the source.
Feast on more of Rachel's food experiences at @rlhaaswriter or R-L-Haas-Writer.
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Enjoy this simple mix of vodka + amaretto on the rocks, with lemon or a sprig of mint.
The Godmother Classic in its simplicity and beauty, the Godmother is a complementary cocktail to your next lady-centric celebration. Congratulations! You’ve just won a big victory, marched in a gigantic protest, or completed a momentous volunteerled project. A celebration is in order. When women get together to recognize the support we give each other, something special happens. Without the pressure of work, family, or volunteer commitments, conversations get happier and loads get lighter. We linger long into the night just to keep the good vibes going. Whether a monthly get-together or an annual appreciation, remind the women you love how special they are with this classic, simple, and beautiful cocktail.
Photo by Life Unstill Photography.
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C E L E B R AT E
Nature with Julia Grimaldi
Take opportunities to enjoy the simple pleasure of moving your body in and with nature. Summer is a sensual, inspirational time of year. To experience the life you’ve intended for yourself, connect with nature. Embrace movement and celebrate nature, as though you were once again a kid at camp, with ease, possibility and innocence. Give yourself permission to relax; run barefooted and play in the sand; walk or stretch in the perpetual sunshine. Stand tall on the earth; relish the heat. Dream under the stars and sway with the ocean. Create your soulful summer with action: walk, jump, breathe, float, bask, paddle, follow. Repeat!
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Special Offer Save 10% on any purchase from Live A Great Story by using the code “perpetual”
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Product Placement If you’re a shop owner or small batch maker who would like to be featured in one of our issues, fill out our product collab form.
C E L E B R AT E
Justice In the market for more joy? Try shopping with a social justice slant!
1 | Racerback Tank
from Live a Great Story ($28)
2 | Tribal Goddess Mala
from Karma Malas ( from $289) Supports American Himalayan Foundation
3 | All Purpose Oil
from True Moringa ($36) Supports farmers + plants trees in Ghanav
4 | Strawberry Facial Mask from Thesis ($22.95)
5 | Custom Tote Bag
from A Beautiful Refuge ($20)
Every day, in a million little ways, we make the choice to do good. Maybe we pick up a piece of trash in our neighborhood, maybe we set up a free library of books for neighbors to grab. When shopping, we can also make the choice to do good—whether we’re purchasing organic or local food to benefit our family, or we choose to buy ourselves a token from a company whose proceeds benefit another woman’s family. Go ahead; indulge in a little retail therapy. When you buy with social justice in mind, the good feelings will last a whole lot longer. Featured: some of our favorite “give back” products by conscious companies + small batch makers. Click on the title of each product to shop.
Supports Safe Refuge in the Philippines
6 | Juana Bracelet
from Soul Sparkle Magic ($37) Supports Padre Ramos Women's Collective in Nicaragua
7 | Ankle socks
from Bombas ($12) One-for-one company supporting the homeless
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Handmade modern heirlooms for your home
Modern art inspired jewelry for the mildly rebellious flow-goer
casaandcodesign.com
leocadiak.com
Soy Candles | Art | Home
Handmade Leather Travel Notebooks
raynehomedecor.com
redpentravelers.com
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C E L E B R AT E
Empowerment with photographer
Sarah Annay
As a young woman, you don’t know who you are yet. Traveling allows you to feel you can be anyone.
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spend 6 weeks every year in Kolkata, India teaching photography workshops called “Vision for Empowerment” to young women. I work with women who are predominately from the Muslim slums and red light areas of Kolkata and live very difficult lives. A workshop that focuses on the technical aspects of photography, Vision for Empowerment also creates a space for women from all backgrounds to come together and share their visual stories: women who are from the Muslim slums and the Hindu red light areas; women who are illiterate or starting college; women who have been trafficked or grew up in shelter homes under lock and key for protection. The first week of class is always interesting getting to know one another, but by the end we are all holding hands, sharing intimate details regarding selfportraits and learning deeply from one another what our dreams are—and more importantly, taking steps to getting there.
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The best part of the workshop is the final exhibition, where we display the work of every student. I was extremely moved this year when one of my students, Fatma, stood up in front of every guest and said, “We are powerful women and we want to show this with our images.” My favorite photos are the portraits of the girls enjoying photography and laughing. I also love all the street photography I took during our photo walks, particularly in North Kolkata, the oldest and most beautiful part of Kolkata, full of winding lanes and shops. Photography is what brings us together but the class is so much for than an arts workshop. It’s a foundation for relationships that will provide opportunities to these young women who have so many dreams.
Sarah Annay is a wedding photographer, educator, and world traveler. Her newest project is Vision for Empowerment, a photography workshop that provides art therapy and training to disadvantaged women in Kolkata, India. Connect with her at @sarahannayphotography.
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Celebrate Community with Leigh Schwab
The community of natural beauty companies is growing exponentially as more and more women demand sustainability and transparency in all of their favorite beauty products.
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orking toward the greater good is a common goal among clean beauty companies who are striving to make the skin care and cosmetics industry safer for all of us. More so, green beauty companies are challenged to follow sustainable practices when developing products and tasked in finding solutions for creating safer products as well as safer environments for workers. I personally strive to use the safest beauty products I can find. Knowing that many of the companies
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I support focus not only on quality ingredients but environmental factors as well makes me feel like I am supporting a better future for my family. By creating a stir that has helped ban plastic microbeads, questioning the use of certain ingredients, and helping make safer working conditions for employees, the clean beauty community is doing so much more than just providing safe products. Because of these advances, consumers can access safe products, safe packaging, AND know that we’re ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
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The clean beauty industry isn’t hard to navigate because natural beauty companies and small batch makers WANT you to feel good about your products. Still, it doesn’t hurt to double-check that they’re “clean” in all areas of their business.
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Socially Responsible Packaging Using refillable packaging or recyclable packaging creates less waste for our environment and offers safer alternatives to conventional plastic which may contain BPA and other harmful toxins. Naked Truth Beauty uses 100% biodegradable product and shipping packaging. Leigh recommends Naked Truth Beauty
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Ethical Employment Practices Worker safety and compensation can also be a problem in some areas that are high in poverty. Many clean beauty companies provide safe working environments for those in need. If you are interested in a specific beauty line check their website for a mission statement that will explain the company’s long-term commitments and goals. Leigh recommends Kahina Giving Beauty
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Sustainable Ingredient Selection Using safe and natural ingredients is fantastic but not at the risk of unethical practices. Some companies decide to forgo using a specific ingredient because the harvesting of said ingredient is too hard or not done in a clean manner, for example cotton. Choosing organic and reusable cotton rounds reduces pesticides in your home and creates less waste.
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Leigh recommends S.W. Basics Eco Cotton Rounds
Leigh Schwab uses her love for skin care to help educate women about the ingredients in their products and the need for proper skin care legislation in our country. Learn more about her passion for a healthy and simple life on Facebook and Instagram @leighschwab. Photo on p. 32 by @sarahannayphotography The J OY I S S U E
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July Self-Care Toolkit
C E L E B R AT E
Bee Pollen Grapefruit Jet
Athena
Divine Strength with Ashley Dees
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Intuition is a superpower – and it’s not one that is rare to come by. We all have the capability of accessing our inner knowing but it is a skill that takes practice. Learning to trust your body is the foundation to tuning into true joy. Use this month’s toolkit to help you to depend on your divine strength!
HERB
ESSE NTIAL OIL
CRYS TAL
GOD D E SS
Bee Pollen
Grapefruit
Jet
Athena
BENEFITS
BE NEFITS
BENEFIT S
BENE F I TS
Adds nourishment + promotes healing
Uplifts mood + brings energy
Strengthens your energy, well-being, and self-confidence
Reminds us to access our inner knowledge
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ee Pollen is a healing herb and superfood. With the emotional healing properties of flowers, and the energy of bees, these little grains contain over 27 minerals and 22 amino acids. Bee pollen wields a powerhouse punch of nutrients right to your nervous system. One teaspoon a day in your yogurt can ease allergies and add nourishment to your daily health routine. The light, fresh, and citrusy aroma of Grapefruit uplifts the mind, brings energy, and reduces depression. Use carefully on your skin in 1% dilution to avoid sunburns. The oil is not only cooling but also a great aid to keeping your skin and your home clean. Plus, this fragrance is great for uplifting your mood! As a fossil, Jet brings ancient wisdom to your fingertips. Use this stone to reclaim your power when you have given it to others by letting someone take advantage or you or perhaps failing to speak up about what you
really want. Place your jet on your solar plexus while meditating which will strengthen your energy, wellbeing, and self-confidence. Athena, the Greek goddess, is a protector and warrior who will always be by our side, reminding us to access our own inner knowledge first; all we ever need is within us. Through meditation and divine guidance, you can access all you need to know. Athena encourages us to resolves issues, move forward, and trust our gut. Deep down, you know what is right for YOU. If it doesn’t feel amazing–find what does! You have the courage to stand up and find what makes your heart sing. Allow your intuition to guide you and trust that your journey will naturally reveal the power you already have inside.
Learn more about Ashley, and how she teaches and gathers goddesses together at Green Harmony Aromatherapy.
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Celebrate Your Friend’s Style with Cait Sherrick
Style can be as collaborative as it is individual.
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sister’s leather jacket. Whether your Instagram feed, a favorite blogger, or even that woman at the grocery store, we’re always sharing and collaborating and swapping style ideas without even trying.
Sometimes we borrow a trend, like those pom pom loafers that are all the rage; sometimes we borrow a small detail, like putting a pin on our jean jacket; and sometimes we straight up steal—ahem…borrow—our
In sharing our style, we empower ourselves to try new things, we foster connection with the women around us, and we genuinely warm that blogger’s heart because we actually paid attention to her weekly post. Even better, we give what other women do purpose and value. We give us all a reason to support each other on the way up.
e tend to call our mom when we can’t figure out what to wear to that meeting. We check with our friend to see what she’s wearing tonight before we get dressed to go out. And we always, always, always make sure there are two of those t-shirts when we’re out shopping with our sister and we find the cutest graphic tee.
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Borrow a Pair of Jeans Easy and free, borrowing a pair of jeans from your best girl gives you the opportunity to try something new without committing to the cost or the style. Freedom never felt so comfy.
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Dress Just Because. Pair your borrowed jeans with a t-shirt or tank top, some sandals and a long necklace. Simple and versatile you can take this combo from Saturday errands to a backyard bbq with ease. Pictured: jeans, t-shirt/tank, sandals, Leocadia K. Necklaces
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Dress to Impress. Wear a sleeveless sweater blouse, throw on your friend’s jeans and some heels for a business casual Friday look. Add some statement earrings for an extra pop of color. Pictured: jeans, blazer, blouse, heels, Leocadia K. Sun Salutations Earrings
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Dress ‘Em Up. Wear your borrowed jeans with an off-the-shoulder blouse, throw on some wedges a simple necklace and some turquoise cuffs for a dressed up, summery look. Pictured: jeans, off-the-shoulder-blouse, wedges, Leocadia K. Turq Rondelle Bracelets
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Cait Sherrick is a jewelry designer + stylist for mildly rebellious flow-goers at Leocadia K. She’s deeply inspired by modern art, has a boho heart + loves the warm, unconditional love of a good cup of chai tea. Join her on Instagram @caitsherrick for daily inspiration + visit her shop for more every day outfit ideas.
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P H O T O B Y @ S A R A H A N N AY P H O T O G R A P H Y
P E R S P ECTI VES from THE PA N EL
How do you lift others up?
Cat Owner AmLo Farms @catballou24 AmLofarms.com
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I am involved in service work with many women who have been affected by addiction in their lives. I love to help them understand that their feelings are normal, no matter what those feelings are, and that there is hope for a better emotional existence. I carry this over into my business with my team. I believe in feeling empowered and love everything about personal growth. Seeing women reach their goals and find their footing helps me continue to grow as a woman, a business owner, and a friend.
Tessa Homesteader/ Life Coach/Farmstay Hostess The Chittle Homestead @tessachittle TheChittleHomestead.com
Cate Creative Director Cordella Magazine @cateclother Cordella.org
Dani Founder Core Chakra @core_chakra CoreChakra.com
Kaliada Designer/Co-Founder Kaliada @kaliada_ kaliada.com
The most important way I lift up my own daughter, and every person I come in contact with, is to offer opportunities for them to honor their values, connect with nature and each other, and to flex their creative muscles in many different contexts. The ability to actively engage with the world around us not as passive bystanders but as MAKERs of the world we want to live in is, in my opinion, true empowerment..
I try to practice kindness all day, every day. When I feel grateful for someone, I try to tell them, either just speaking it out loud or by sending a little postcard in the mail. It's amazing how powerful these small gestures can be! I put my heart into creating an uplifting and beautiful women's mag, which I freely offer to others with so much love and admiration.
I try to get people to see the silver lining in every experience. It’s so easy to get stuck in a victim mentality when life gets tough, but that can lead to feeling even more overwhelmed and depressed. Every experience we have is a teachable moment and I try to share that with others and practice it myself.
Words are powerful, so I believe that inspiring others through kind words and action is not Fashion; it's a lifestyle. I also believe that little girls with dreams become women of vision. Through my small business, I create opportunities to train my teen daughter, nieces, and any other young girl who is interested in work ethics, skills and abilities that they will need later on in their professional lives.
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Aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. – H I L L ARY CL I N TO N
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to align your physical space with your ever-evolving self
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A R T W O R K by @ N A D I A H O R N
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reusable bag
/ rē'yōōz b( )l bag / noun A visionary product + divine accessory The J OY I S S U E
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Re-use. Re-hang. Reclaim. Whether you fill your home with flea market finds or accent sparingly with select thrifted treasures, you’re improving the world—one reclamation at a time.
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intage is once again in style. Why? Because the women of the world recognize that timeless equals beauty, classic can be classy, and reclamation is the aesthetic that fills the soul. Hanging a wicker light can be practical and pretty in a tropical kitchen. Shelving made of reclaimed barn wood can be inspiring in a Texas home. Repurposed industrial lighting can balance out a suburban ranch. Or—you can go your own way. 1950s glam…Eclectic + Mod…Bordering on Victorian… The best part of reclamation is “to each her own.”
In intentional design, as in life, the choices are just as important as the end result, and the process is just as important as the final design. Reclamation, then, is radical: an announcement to the world that you choose to re-use something that still has life left inside. We get to decide what goes in our houses. We get to embrace the style for which our soul calls out. We get to choose how we will change the world.
Photo by @sarahannayphotography
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Artsy Aesthetic C U R AT I N G A N I N S P I R AT I O N A L H O M E
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Does your home bear the marks of intentional design? We’d love to feature you! Send us an email: hello@theperpetualyou.com
When you enter Joanna Fisher’s home, you’re immediately struck by the eclectic vibe and sense of calm. Joanna is an artist and has applied that creative outlook to her main living area. She’s also intentionally curated a collection of art that is inspirational – from paintings of women she admires to a commissioned portrait of herself by a young artist she mentored
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hile working on this issue, I was stuck on what kind of space to show you on these pages. How in the world could I represent an entire theme of women’s leadership in a DIY-esque article? I then met Joanna for coffee down the road and we discovered that we were across-the-street neighbors. As serendipity would have it, Joanna’s home is built on the principle that being surrounded by women who inspire you is non-negotiable. Joanna didn’t choose every color of painted wall in her home, nor did she painstakingly select the wallpaper. Rather, she thoughtfully adorned the walls with art and treasures she loves to have nearby. She reframed the layout so that the dining room is also a workspace, when needed. She allowed the home to be what it was even while organically adapting it to her natural habits. Just as we fall in love with a person who isn’t “perfect” but is perfect for us or we go after a job that everyone else thinks we’re crazy for wanting, Joanna found her home and knew it was the one. The result? An inspiring space that is 100% hers and welcoming to all who enter.
Tell us about your home: What do you love about it? How did you go about designing it? My house was built in 1850, and it has been well loved and well cared for all these many years. I love the history that it holds, the unique details in the craftsmanship that doesn’t really exist in newer homes. I’ve only been here a year, so the house and I are still getting used to each other, but one of the first things I did after arriving was filling it with meaningful works of art. What did you most enjoy about the design process? Making “mistakes”! There are so many pieces that I love, that I was SO sure had a place in a certain room or a certain corner. But, as I continue collecting new things, purpose shifts, meanings change. So I try to remain flexible and fluid in where and how I display my pieces.
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How does your space fit into your work/life blend? I work from home, and am lucky enough to have a dedicated room to work in. However, in practice, I’ve found that throughout the work day, I need to get up and change spaces. So, while my morning work routine includes closing myself in the office to answer emails and manage photo storage, I find that getting up then to get another cup of coffee often brings me into my dining room. The light I get during the morning hours there is beautiful, and I find that the light itself helps my productivity. How does art function as inspirational decor in your home? I’ve been very intentional about the pieces I commission and collect in my home. One of my favorite collections is a series of paintings I commissioned of women who inspire me. A Massachusetts artist, Danielle of Curious Darling took on the project, and painted portraits of Vivian Maier, Virginia Wolfe, Katharine Hepburn, and Joni Mitchell. These pieces hang in the dining room, and
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often while I’m working there in the morning, I feel like I’m working in the company of those great ladies. How does art relate to what you do for a living? I’m very lucky to be a professional artist full time, so my work life and my art flow into each other. Surrounding myself with pieces from other artists inspires me and inspires my work. Are there any specific pieces in your space that speak to women & leadership? The series by Curious Darling is particularly inspiring to me. Sometimes the arts as an industry can feel isolating, since artists generally work alone. Those paintings so beautifully capture those incredible women, and I feel like I’m working in their company. Which piece of art in your home brings you JOY? The piece that brings me the most joy is the portrait that a high school student painted of me. She was struggling with a desperate desire to attend an art college, while her family didn’t completely approve
Dwell on This Too many times we think we “should” buy something because of its perceived value—whether that value is financial or aesthetic. Guess what? Whoever’s putting that pressure on you isn’t the one who will be in your home from day-to-day. You are! Here are a few strategies to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for your next favorite piece:
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Art is Personal. One of Joanna’s favorite pieces is an embroidery panel from 1920 of a nude form with her hair in a loose bun that she found at a local thrift shop for $3. She had it custom framed, and hung it in her living room. The price someone else puts on a piece doesn’t mean anything: If it’s $3 and no one sees the value but you, that’s all that matters!
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Art is Subjective. Who says “art” has to hang flat on a wall, or be put in a frame? From teacups to a goat’s skull, the art on Joanna’s walls is proof that anything can be inspirational and beautiful. Trinkets and treasures, whether a collection or one standout piece, can establish a mood just as adamantly as a knockout painting or portrait can.
of that as a career choice. Wanting to encourage her in a way that was something more than just saying “I did it and so can you!,” I purchased the piece to cover some of her application fees for art college. Passing by is a daily reminder of how beautiful that piece makes me feel! List 3-5 words you’d use to describe your home. Antique, unique, colorful, joyful, home.
Connecticut native Joanna Fisher began her photography journey over ten years ago, andhassince been nationally and internationally published for her contributions in the wedding industry. She volunteers her late summer months teaching and sharing her love for the art of photography with small, underprivileged villages in Mexico. Photos contributed by Joanna Fisher
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Product Placement If you’re a shop owner or small batch maker who would like to be featured in one of our issues, fill out our product collab form.
Shop the Look Products Inspired by Joanna’s space
Inspiration can come from the most unassuming accessories when you group them together intentionally. Choose three items that you love and display them on your coffee table or a bookshelf you pass by every day. Click on the title of the products below to shop a similar look.
1 | Painted Peacock Tray
via Pier 1 Imports (from $44.95)
2 | Personalized Trinket Box from ETSY (from $26.92)
3 | Gold-Beaked Doorstop
from Anthropologie (from $24)
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The PERPETUAL YOU
Open Community G O O D V I B E S + G R E AT J O Y IN ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA
Words & Photos by Taylor McCarthy
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Back in 2010, when Evelyn and Greg Dales spoke of their old lives in New Hampshire where they had created an open, communal space, friends became “excited enough to work to make it happen” in Florida, says Evelyn. Thus the idea of a collaborative, creative, educative and supportive space in the arts district of Englewood, Florida sparked—an idea that became what is now The Open Studio, run by Evelyn and Greg and their friend Sue Drummer.
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We are in a symbiotic relationship with our environment and when we forget that, we suffer. – EVELYN DALES
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T
he inspiration was the desire to support creativity and sustainability and to offer a place for anyone who has an idea or a passion they would like to share,” says Evelyn. “Although we have designated space for the small businesses on site, we also have open classrooms and outdoor space for extra events offered as a one-time program or something ongoing but not an actual business partner.” The Open Studio (TOS) is a member-based 501 3-C nonprofit organization that hosts a holistic array of mind-body-soul offerings, including: a yoga studio,
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holistic spa with an infrared sauna/massage and body work, art gallery, pottery studio, plant-based food and juice bar, nutritional and lifestyle coaching, art courses, and more. The Spa and Real Juice Bar has recently simplified business through a pre-order system. They offer 100% organic cold pressed juices, fresh and frozen raw superfood smoothies, water kefir, frozen wheat grass shots, cleanses, and 100% organic whole food plant-based meals, snacks, and treats. continued on next page
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Future plans are to add personal and group retreats, which Evelyn describes as a sort of ‘a la carte’ retreat— one where you’d choose what best suits your needs from the list of holistic TOS offerings, with the choice to stay on grounds. Being a walk from the ocean and Englewood’s historic Dearborn Street makes the idea of a retreat even more dreamy. Dearborn Street is Englewood’s oldest commercial area, and has been successful since the early 1900s (look for the Sarasota County Historic Marker on the corner of Mango Street). The Englewood Farmer’s Market, healthy restaurants— like Mango Bistro, where you’ll find The Real Juice Bar organic cold pressed juices—coffee shops, cute boutiques and galleries, and some good ‘ole antique shops line the historic site. On top of all that, Englewood Beach Sunday sunset drum circles are either a short drive or bike ride away. All in all, a magical, holistic place for a retreat.
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Other manifestations include festivals, weddings, and house parties. “Backyard Events” became a real community pleasure this past winter in Florida, events that ranged from band concerts to local craft fairs to poetry readings. Their mission statement is, put simply, one that promotes artists, teachers and entrepreneurs with small businesses that give an inspirational contribution to the community; for that reason, TOS is open to submissions and suggestions for event ideas that follow and enhance their beliefs. The Open Studio is made up of five homes that have abutting lands, which were once separate, private abodes. They all lie on Englewood’s “arts overlay zoning,” which was created to improve the arts district’s land and structures while encouraging artists and creatives to promote inspiring and holistic living. continued on next page
The Open Studio To learn more or make a tax-deductible donation, visit TheOpenStudio.org, or find @TheOpenStudio on Facebook.
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The Open Studio’s first property was serendipitously in this zone, and "green while everything around it was brown,” Evelyn says, recalling how their realtor had described the property. At first, they had no plans beyond the first property until “magically an adjacent property” also opened up, and they intuitively expanded to four more properties. After this, “the grounds began to make sense,” says Evelyn. The three street front buildings were then painted in a bright mustard yellow, which was the original color of the first property (the other two properties are located at the rear of the lands). Evelyn says the yellow has “always drawn attention, is easy to see from the street, and has not faded in the 6 years it's been on the building,” which happens easily in the Florida sunshine. Having a cohesive color makes “everything feel more connected,” she says. For something fun, the trim is painted differently on each building. As for the interior, each building was designed “around the needs of the user and with their participation.” Future plans include murals, “playful” signage and outdoor sculptures. As a TOS community member, I’d like to note the yellow paint is a fortuitous part of the property, as physiologically, the color yellow is known to be associated with joy and, additionally, to be a stimulant to the human mind—perfect for a place full of organically grown good vibes. The Open Studio supports reduction of one’s carbon footprint, so while you wander the space, you’ll be enchanted by the edible gardens that are constructed of native plants and based off xeriscaping or conservation of water; you’ll notice the huge rainwater tank, which sends recycled rainwater to the plants through an underground system.
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When you wander towards the event stage, you’ll be awed by the lush greenery of the banana tree forest and the plant nursery, where you can purchase your own plants to take home. And don’t forget to make some music on the recycled kitchenware through the sound path, and admire the baby pineapples that are organically growing everywhere (pesticides or fertilizers that are not certified organic are forbidden). The Open Studio believes life is symbiotic, and you can sense this by the butterfly and lizard homes seen around the property, which were handmade by Evelyn. She said something that will stick with
me forever: “We are in a symbiotic relationship with our environment and when we forget that, we suffer.” Those powerful words, as simple as they are, hold an immense amount of truth—a truth I feel every time I visit The Open Studio.
Taylor is a writer and award-winning artist who is deeply influenced by the delicately complex Earth that surrounds us. She a Reiki II practitioner who holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Philosophy. Taylor aims to raise her children in an authentic, slow-paced, and conscious environment with her husband on their farm. She is currently dreaming of turning their shipping container into her art studio.
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Q & A with Evelyn Dales, co-founder of The Open Studio How do the businesses work together here? The business partners are autonomous with the intention of having a thriving business environment but each of them support and play off the other. All have our mission statement in common and similar attitudes toward community and the environment as we do. They also work together and support each other. One of the potters recently made a sculpture of the Juice Bar's mermaid logo and gifted it to them....just for fun.
I see that the community feels at home here. Do you think it is because this physical space allows for the evolution of the self for all? That was certainly our goal. We want people to feel they can participate at any level that works for them. Some people hang around for years before they are ready to offer a class or share their passion, others walk on the property and say, "I have an idea" and we say..."go for it." Many people just love to sit in the gardens or take a class and just soak up the energy.
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Everyone here is always so joyful, open, and welcoming. How do you see The Open Studio bringing joy to the community? Living and working in a garden full of life supports joy. We hope that by creating a place where people can see and feel creativity, healthy living and sustainable agriculture working in harmony that they will want to have more and more of those things in their own life. TOS is both an example and a place of support and education to bring those things into one's life if wanted.
How did you design the space to accommodate your entertainment events? Encircled by bananas, a raised berm with large trees, a giant old oak and many new fruit trees‌it really feels like a secret garden in the midst of Old Englewood Village. People often exclaim, "I had no idea this was back here."
What do you see in the future for The Open Studio, in terms of design, community, and business? More of the same, with the addition of the retreat menu in the short term. Longer term we have some capital needs like another bathroom or two, hardscaped paths, and maybe some other fixed covered outdoor space like a pavilion so our grounds and events are even more welcoming.
Do you have any advice for those who are starting or want to start a community space such as The Open Studio? If one could start out with a very intentional business plan and stick to it and make it happen, that would probably be easier. But I wouldn't trade where we ended up for "easier" because we all learned to listen, support, and appreciate what each of us had to offer. Growing organically, whether gardens or an association, may be harder, but the results are worth it.
Serendipitous corresponds to Benjamin Moore 335
In Harmony #5 corresponds to Benjamin Moore CW-535
Let’s Cooperate corresponds to Benjamin Moore 1302
EM POWER ED B Y N ATU R E
A Favorable Sky corresponds to Benjamin Moore 2064-70
The lush gardens of summertime are nothing if not inspiring. Whether curated or left to grow wild, the colors that come out of a well-loved garden are happy and bold. Vibrant shades of green intermingle with pops of color, all set against the perfect fluffy-cloud-dotted sky. Pull up a chair and bring your lemonade; let’s spend some time soaking up nature’s palette. Not a gardener? Here are some ways to bring these lively outdoor colors inside:
In Harmony #3 corresponds to Benjamin Moore 553
Go Bananas
Go Monochromatic
In the right dosage, yellow can be a warm, inviting, and empowering color. Whether sunshine-hued pillows on the front porch or dining room curtains in a sophisticated shade like citron, yellow enlivens a space and harmonizes with other colors.
For a surprising and enriching monochromatic look, choose several shades in the same family of green. Pair these with bright white for a modern look, or with other neutrals like tan and cream for a relaxed, bohemian feel.
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Our homes should inspire us to go out into the world to do great things. – MEL IS SA MICH AELS
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to align your life story with your ever-evolving sense of self
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A R T W O R K by @ N A D I A H O R N
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THR EE QU ESTI ON S
with What's one practice in your daily life that brings you joy? I try to talk to a close friend or family member every day. Staying connected to the ones I love brings me a lot of joy and keeps me from being isolated in work-from-home mode, staring at a computer screen.
Hannah
What physical space allows you to be an effective leader? My lifestyle and space are very small and simple. This allows me to be a good leader because I’m not constantly worrying about unimportant things!
For you, what is the relationship of joy & leadership? People are more willing to follow when you lead with Joy! Guilt is a good motivator, but can lead to “rescue” complexes; whereas Joy brings us together by creating an excitement and positive outlook without posturing anyone as a “victim.”
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CAUSEBASED LIFE LIVING AND WORKING FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE
Words by Lee Lee Thompson Photos by Lydia Toll & Nicola Harger The PERPETUAL YOU
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Our country is at a crossroads, and women are standing on the precipice of a grave and radical choice. At no other time in our country’s history have women had the resources and power that we currently have. We may feel insignificant, unworthy, or hopeless; I can assure you that together we are none of these things. Will we let injustice, hatred, and cynicism rule the day? Or will we stand for the welfare of others, knowing we have the courage and compassion required to work for the good of the whole? Will we make meaningful connections with each other so that all people can access community, respect, and Joy?
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erhaps you feel called to live a just life but do not know exactly what that means. Maybe you’re putting forth effort without certainty that you’re making a difference. If you’re feeling out of sorts, exhausted, or lost, even, remembering that small deeds add up to big change can be challenging. In addition to following my own passion, I look to the women around me for inspiration and PROOF that women are choosing to connect with and support others. These women remind me that I am not alone, and they inspire me to continue seeking justice. One such woman is Hannah Theisen, social (and serial!) entrepreneur. After a childhood spent knowing she wanted to A) be her own boss, and B)
help people, Hannah spent time getting her MBA and then worked at a nonprofit, before venturing out on her own and becoming a business woman with a mission. While she recognizes the need for “immediate aid” during disasters or a crisis, Hannah found working in nonprofit didn’t speak to the part of her that wants to instill long-lasting change in the lives of women—and, thus, their communities. Through cause-based businesses, however, she finds that the “problems can be solved in a more sustainable and dignified way.”
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This relentless drive to better the lives of others is both exhausting and inspiring. As Hannah herself freely admits, she’s got a lot going on! In addition to A Beautiful Refuge, where she is still in charge of day-to-day operations, Hannah is a consultant with another company she started, Grow the Good; an eco-lifestyle blogger; and the creator of the Ethical Influencer Network. She also volunteers at Fashion Revolution week! “I’m so intensely passionate about the things I’m passionate about,” says Hannah. Even so, she recognizes the need for self-care, or what she refers to as “pockets of rest.” She has a strong support network, including girlfriends who call to remind her to shut the laptop off and take a day away and her husband, to whom “rest comes naturally.” The people around her provide balance to her “push and motivation.”
Her first stint at cause-based business came while she was working at a nonprofit. There, she created a boutique that sold soaps and jewelry, handmade by women they were serving. She witnessed firsthand how the women involved were receiving valuable training, resume-worthy skills, and—most importantly—an income of their own. Hannah was sold. She felt as if this business was rewriting the future of each woman involved. Since that time, she has devoted her life to “fighting against injustices I don’t think should exist,” she says. This led her to The Philippines, where she co-founded her current (and third) cause-based business, A Beautiful Refuge, a sustainable screen-printing company. Prior to moving to The Philippines with her husband, Andrew, Hannah had “never screen-printed in her life.” Fortunately, she found someone in Minnesota who could teach them the way of the business. Now, she dreams of running an eco-fashion garment factory to create local supply for their screen-printing company’s demands.
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Some of the other key elements in Hannah’s self-care toolkit are working on one thing at a time and pacing herself (balancing out those big dreams!), and retreating to nature when she needs a longer time-out. For the most part, though, her passion for eco-fashion and penchant for cause-based work has created a life she doesn’t need to escape from. Not that there’s glitz and glamour—she’s quick to point out that “a fan on the ceiling” is the only modern convenience in their screen-printing studio—rather, the lasting change that comes from true empowerment is something that she witnesses every day. (Thankfully, she does have an air conditioner in her small apartment!) “Watching the day-today play out makes me really happy,” she says.
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For example, Hannah tells of a recent payday, where women shared what they will do with the income they’ve earned. One woman is starting a college fund for her now 6-year-old. Another planned to buy a bus ticket to visit family. Another is going to start her own small business. Most of the women save much of their paycheck. These are “women living real lives,” says Hannah, just like you and me. Being so close to the women working at ABR has changed the way Hannah thinks about empowerment, specifically in relation to typical cause-based business marketing. Very often, marketing of this nature will “define a woman by the worst thing that’s happened to her,” says Hannah. Rather than appealing to the consumer’s desire for quality, woman-made products, these marketing strategies rely on guilt (my life is so great) and pathos (those poor women). Would you want someone to hire you out of sympathy? Or because you feel a connection with them, and you know they have the talents required to get the job done? “I’ve had some pretty bad stuff happen to me in my life,” she says, “and I really wouldn’t want that in my bio on my website.” Nor do we need to know everything tragic that has ever happened to someone to decide the product they’re making is worth buying. With joy-based marketing, which still relies on storytelling but in a positive and empowering manner, women can purchase from a cause-based business because they want to support women makers, buy from women-owned businesses, or because the particular product being made fulfills a need or brings desired feelings.
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Celebrate the Process Whether you’re a social entrepreneur like Hannah or you’re simply reframing the way you approach everyday life, there will be challenges, roadblocks, and surprises. Being in that process can be less stressful if—ahead of time—you have a list of strategies to rely upon. Below are some of the things Hannah has done when life threw something unexpected her way.
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In this way, says Hannah, “both parties—the woman making the product and the woman buying it—have a positive experience.” The women who work for ABR approve everything that’s written about them on the company’s website or in social media posts. You’ll note the absence of personal tragedies, or language that victimizes rather than empowers. “They tell me what to say, or they say it themselves.,” says Hannah, “These women have their own voices. Let’s let them share. Let’s let them speak. Rather than being a voice for them, let’s give them a platform for their own voice.” “We’re all just women,” says Hannah. If we start thinking differently about the people behind the products, we’ll be “fully connected to the sameness” rather than focused on how they are our “other.” For this reason, the language surrounding empowerment and justice cannot be underestimated. “Language can be used to speak the things that we want to see in the world into existence,” she says.
Fake it ‘til ya make it. Confidence, if heartfelt, can take you a long way. Remind yourself that, in all likelihood, whatever endeavor you’re undertaking will bring you closer to your ultimate goal, albeit sometimes in ways we don’t expect. Manifest “this or something better” and then believe in yourself—after all, you’re the one who counts!
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Learn on the job. You don’t have to know everything about everything before you put that landing page up. You don’t have to have a million followers to start sharing your product. And you don’t need to attend every training available to enter a new field. Many of the lessons can be learned along the way.
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Consult the tribe. When in doubt, call someone. Invite your crew over to brainstorm. Lament to a “tried and true” friend who gets you and supports you no matter what. Also consider setting up an accountability partner and/or joining a group of women with similar goals; planned check-ins encourage you to follow through.
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TRUST. Some days, you just have to go back to the moment when you made this decision and recall the passion you felt. Remembering the WHY behind your decision and actions will sometimes be the only thing that gets you out of bed. And that’s okay. Trust in your purpose. Let the rest go.
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The experiences of Hannah and the women she works with are a healthy reminder of how any act of connection—whether support or solidarity—can effect real change. Though it’s not my calling in life (and probably not yours either!) to move to another country and start a cause-based screen-printing company, I can buy from a woman-owned business. I can connect emotionally to those with whom I have similarities. I can glean wisdom from other women. I can make a commitment to better my world, even if it’s just my little corner of it.
the fact that she gets to fulfill her dream of living in a tropical environment!
On the other hand, Hannah’s life also shows that we have no idea where these small acts of faith will take us. She said yes to volunteering at A Beautiful Refuge, expecting to be in charge of their launch and then move back to Minnesota and proceed with life. Yet, a year later, she’s still fully immersed, enjoying the challenges of the business, along with
What will you say YES to today?
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Any decision, act, or intention can set you on a path previously unthought of. Choosing to think positively can affect your mood, in turn affecting your interactions with others. Buying consciously can better your own life as much as it betters another’s. Believing we’re all equal rather than feeling pity for those with a different life experience than ours can change the world.
Lee Lee Thompson is the Cofounder and Managing Editor at TPY. She has had the privilege to interview 25 amazing women who inspire others to choose, embrace, unleash, & celebrate the best parts of themselves–their Perpetual selves. Photos on the cover & p. 2, 74-75 by Nicola Harger Photos on p. 7, 9, 67-73, 77-78 by Lydia Toll
Connect with Hannah Connect with Hannah through her blog, Lifestyle Justice, or via her website, Grow the Good.
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My life goal is to create as many jobs for as many people as I can. – HA NNA H TH IESEN
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to align your innermost thoughts with your ever-evolving perspective
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A R T W O R K by @ N A D I A H O R N
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I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y @ A S H L E Y B U N T E N D E S I G N
Protea The oldest flower in the world, Protea is the flower for someone who has proven her courage, overcome big problems, or accomplished a hard task or duty.
The most fulfilled people are the ones who get up every morning and stand for something larger than themselves. – WILMA MANKILLER
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LIVE
BEHIND THE
Body Positive Movement with Meghan Kacmarcik
The world needs more women who are willing to stand up, even if they’re the only ones at first.
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was raised in a female-centric family; my mom, my older sister, my grandmothers—and my dad who was outnumbered but a feminist at least. I watched my single mom hold down a full-time job with an hour commute while having a house to care for and two small humans to raise. I heard stories of my father’s mother who raised three boys and ultimately only left her abusive husband so her sons wouldn’t get hurt defending her. I was taught very early on in life how powerful women could be. And I’ve continued to learn this lesson, over and over, into my adult life. My explorations in body positivity have opened the door to a myriad of women leaders. I stumbled into the movement accidentally; during a period in my life where I was grasping for any pieces of body love and self-acceptance, I came across the movement on Instagram and was instantly captivated.
Body positivity was created by women who were unable to find their bodies in the mainstream. Fat women, women of color, women with different abilities, trans women. It was a result of centuries of women’s bodies being policed, of media only showing one type of body that only 5% of the population actually occupies. Seeing women of all sizes, shapes, colors and abilities put their bodies out there and encourage unconditional love for yourself was magical. It is magic. These women are carving the path out of body hatred for the millions of women who are stuck there. This movement also taught me something I’ve always intrinsically known but never had the facts to support: bodies are a political issue. Beyond the
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self-acceptance and body love are performing imperative roles. For a long time, I thought of being a leader the way I thought of a kindergarten student standing in the front of the line and leading the rest of their class down the hall to the library. One person leading, everyone else following behind. I felt like okay—most of the time—if all I did was follow the line.
idea of what a woman can or cannot do with her body, our culture polices women’s bodies in ways that are, frankly, damaging. Certain body types are valued more than others; certain sizes, certain colors, certain shapes. Women’s opinions are worth more if we look a certain way. We’re more likely to get in magazine spreads or the nightly news if you fit into society’s classic idea of beauty. Some studies show that conventionally attractive women make more money or are more likely to get ahead in their careers. We’re taught that a women’s currency is her body. Growing up, we’re complimented on our cute dresses and lean legs and petite frames. We’re told that we’re cute or adorable and somewhere along the way, it feels like that’s what we’re meant to be. Rarely are we encouraged to be smart, to be curious, to be bold. Young boys build things and are told they’re going to be engineers when girls are playing with dolls and told they’re going to be mothers. Our value is placed entirely in our bodies. The crux of the body positive movement is learning that we are more than our bodies, beyond just accepting them. Accepting our bodies, loving them even, is a radical decision. To not only not fit into society’s standards but to accept yourself regardless? Revolutionary. To know that you are worth more than just your body? Life-changing. That’s why the body positive warriors and all the other women who are encouraging
The PERPETUAL YOU
It took me two decades to learn that it’s okay to speak up or to say something if you think there’s another way to do it. It’s okay to voice your opinions, even if other people don’t agree, even if people get mad. We’re allowed to ruffle some feathers if it means getting more people out of the coop. The women at the forefront of the body positive movements are leaders, but not because one woman is leading us all to the same place. Rather, multiple women are saying, You don’t need to go the same way as everyone else. You’ll find your own way, your own magic. One woman empowers another woman who empowers one more, each of us leaning on the other when we tire or are low on resources. The body positive movement is empowering; also, it provides a safe space for women to ask each other questions so that we can grow and learn, about ourselves and others. We’re building an army of women to fight against society’s impossible standards. We’re all leading—in our own way. I’m proud to be a part of this movement, started on the backs of women who were unafraid to speak out and challenge the status quo, women who recognized that instilling change is powerful and necessary. The only way women will get the pay, acknowledgement, and praise we deserve is if we continue to charge forward, speak our truths, and change the world one person at a time. Won’t you join us?
Meghan is a blogger, body positivity advocate, eating disorder survivor and Registered Dietitian. You can follow along on her adventures on Instagram @sundaesforthesoul or read her blog at sundaesforthesoul.com.
Coming in August!
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Evolved Leadership LEARNING TO LEAD WITH LOVE AND JOY with Katie Rose
The PERPETUAL YOU
We are so fortunate to be ever-evolving beings. With age comes experience, and with experiences comes shifting roles, attitudes, and understandings of ourselves and those around us.
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first became a CEO at the age of 8 when my friend Lisa and I decided to cut all the flowers in my backyard and opened a flower stand. I am not afraid to admit, that at the time, I thought bossing poor Lisa around all afternoon was what being a good leader meant. As I would learn, there is so much more to being a true leader than being “the boss.” Think back, what did leadership look like to you when you were young? Were you eager to lead, or were you intimidated by the concept of being a leader? Were you learning to take risks with your ideas, think critically, formulate thoughts and opinions? Were you seeking out mentors? Who were the people you looked up to? Were they peers or those older than you? In my early 20’s, I was hungry to lead. Given our political climate, there were ample opportunities to dip my toe in the leadership pool. (And I didn’t just dip my toe, I cannonballed right into the pool.) I was seeking out leadership opportunities wherever I could find them—in the workplace, on my college campus, and in my community. I yearned to be in charge of anything and everything. When I reflect on these early years, what I remember most was my intrigue and fascination with the older, wiser women leaders around me. I feverously studied how they behaved, spoke, and thought, wanting to be just like them (or at least my very romanticized version of who they were). I also assumed that being a good leader meant saying yes to everything and everyone, burning the candle at both ends, and sacrificing sleep, good health, and
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It was important to me that no matter who I was encountering throughout my day—staff, interns, clients, or supervisors—that their day was a little bit better because of our interaction. Was I always successful with this? No. I had times when I let my stress or mounting responsibilities get the better of me. Even on these days, though, I would be loving towards myself, remembering my original intention, and make a commitment to try again next time.
overall wellness for “the cause.” Needless to say, by the end of my 20’s, I was feeling pretty depleted. As I slowly crept into my 30’s, my identity as a leader shifted. I accepted positions that placed me into leadership roles with my peers and eventually became a Director. It was an exciting, frightening, and invaluable time in my life. Though I still had mentors and strong women leaders I was turning to for guidance, suddenly I was the one who others were turning to. Being in this role was amazing and, at times, completely overwhelming. Others were looking up to me! Over time, I allowed myself to see what others were seeing in me. I became aware of the importance and privilege of leadership. Because I wanted those around me to feel cared for, and listened to, rather than just “bossed around,” I set an intention to lead with love and joy: for others, and for myself. I further set an intention to do my best to always leave the people I interacted with better than I found them. The PERPETUAL YOU
Leaving our idealistic, high energy, and unstoppable 20s means shifting and shaping. We have a deeper sense of self, who we are, what we want. We notice a sense of others turning to us as “expert,” either in the workplace or home. At first, this identity feels foreign, but we slowly become comfortable, fluctuating between confidence and self-doubt all the while learning that making mistakes is the secret to leadership. We are also learning that leaders wear a lot of hats and that some days some hats don’t fit or fall off. And all the while, we are quietly inspiring others around us, those younger versions of ourselves, who are now secretly or not so secretly viewing us as mentors. I am not quite in my 40’s yet, but I see them on the horizon. Again, I am shifting into a new role as a leader. This time I can feel myself going inward; rather than lead others, I am trying to become a leader in my own world. I seek to have a greater and deeper understanding of who I am and what I want, and to take charge of how I want my life to look and be. Leadership now looks very different than it did in my 20’s. Instead of going one million miles at a time, and being the ‘you can count on me girl,” I have chosen to slow down, think about decisions, and find strength in saying “no”—a valuable part of my identity as a leader.
Ever fluid, my leadership identity has evolved as I have grown. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that leading with love and joy is critical to effective leadership. My understanding of myself as a leader looks nothing like what I envisioned for myself in my younger years, and that is so fabulous. What has your journey in leadership looked like? In what ways are you leading with love and joy?
Katie Lynch, LICSW is a psychotherapist dedicated to helping women and couples live more mindfully and love more purposefully. You can connect with her at presentheartcounseling.com.
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JU LY M A N TR A
I welcome powerful examples of feminine leadership into my life.
Mantra by Krystal
The PERPETUAL YOU
Krystal Brandt, Authenticity Coach, is a soulful, sensual siren who lovingly and powerfully guides high-achieving women back to their innermost desires by re-introducing them to their own intuitive whispers of wisdom. Connect with her via krystalbrandt.com.
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Endo Warriors R E P L A C I N G T H E PA I N W I T H C H A N G E
The PERPETUAL YOU
Words by Jessica Murnane
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I was gathering my things after giving a presentation about endometriosis (a chronic and often painful reproductive condition) to a class of junior high school girls. The class had cleared out, when one of the girls flew back into the room. She was out of breath and waving the handout I had given to the class and yelled “I THINK I HAVE THIS!”. On the handout was a list of endometriosis symptoms. A pretty long list too. She said she was able to check off every box on that list. We made some pretty serious eye contact and she looked equally happy (at maybe finding an answer to her pain) and scared (of what that answer might be). I knew exactly how she felt and I was pretty sure I had a new sister.
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ndo sisters. That’s what we call one another, us women, with endometriosis. It’s a club of sorts. I mean it’s not exactly a club you’re dying to get into and being a member doesn’t really come with any cool perks. But once you belong, there’s a real sense of relief. For many of us, it took us far too long to find one another.
The PERPETUAL YOU
According to The Endometriosis Foundation of America, the disease affects 176 million women worldwide (one out of ten women in the US). Close your eyes and think of ten women you know. At least one of them has endometriosis. The scary part is that she might never be able to put a name to her symptoms and pain.
Close your eyes and think of ten women you know. At least one of them has endometriosis.
On average, it takes a woman ten years and eight doctors to be diagnosed with endometriosis. Imagine suffering from a painful chronic condition for ten years and being told it was normal, you were crazy, too sensitive, or in most cases, misdiagnosed and treated for another disease. I know this all too well. I have Stage IV endometriosis and it did take me ten years to be diagnosed. During that ten years I was told I had IBS, bladder issues, indigestion, a possible appendicitis, and once after saying it hurt when I had sex (a text book endo symptom), I was told by a female doctor that “maybe I just needed to relax more in bed.” Why does it take so long to get diagnosed? For starters, women’s pain is not taken as seriously as men’s. Studies show that women are undertreated for their pain and doctors wait longer to give women pain medication than men. Lena Dunham, an endometriosis sufferer, summed it up quite well, “If there was a dick disease taking down 1 in 10 men, women would be expected to get on our knees and offer comfort (plus there'd be a cure).”
The medical community fails women with endometriosis each day. Also, we don’t make the situation any easier on ourselves. How many times have you pushed through pain or illness to show what a strong woman you are? How many times have you turned down someone’s help because of your pride? How many times have we not pressed further when a doctor dismissed you, even though deep down, you knew something was wrong? We do this all the time and it must change. We must become fearless advocates for our health. We must keep asking questions. We must demand care. We must share our stories without shame. We must help and educate other women about this disease.
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We must become fearless advocates for our health. We must keep asking questions. We must demand care. We must share our stories without shame. We must help and educate other women about this disease.
Any opportunity I get, I try to share the word “endometriosis” and its symptoms with other women (men too). I manage to fit it into conversations at cocktail parties, to my clerk at the supermarket, and I’ve even done it once or twice when picking my kid up from school. Before you envision me as a creepy woman forcing unwilling strangers to talk about their periods. I’m not. These conversations are subtle. They’re delicate.
The PERPETUAL YOU
They have humor. But they are very deliberate. And they work. One of those conversations I had when picking up my kid from school? It led to a woman that had been suffering for 20 years finally get an endo diagnosis. Before that day, she had never ever heard the word endometriosis before. So while I’m here, I’m going to share with you too.
W H AT I S E N D O M E T R I O S I S ? Endometriosis is a disorder where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows on the outside. It usually involves the ovaries, bowel, or the tissue lining your pelvis, though sometimes it can spread beyond the pelvic region. During your menstrual cycle, this displaced tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. Because this tissue has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped. This can lead to cyst formation, adhesions, and pain.
Stay Tuned Stay Tuned to the TPY blog this month for some of Jessica's favorite recipes!
W H AT A R E T H E S Y M P T O M S ? • Very painful periods (pelvic pain, cramping, lower back and abdominal pain) • Pain during or after sex • Blood clotting • Painful bowel movements or urination • Excessive bleeding • Infertility (though many women can still have children) • Fatigue and chronic pain • Diarrhea and constipation • Bloating • Nausea and vomiting • Urinary frequency, retention, or urgency • Allergies and other immune-related issues are also commonly reported
H O W I S I T D I A G N O S E D ? Diagnosing endometriosis requires a surgical biopsy, typically involving an outpatient procedure called laparoscopy.
W H AT A R E T H E T R E AT M E N T A N D PA I N M A N A G E M E N T P L A N S ? • Laparoscopic surgery • Diet and nutrition • Alternative therapies (including acupuncture, meditation, exercise, and massage) • Hormone treatment* • Painkillers* * I am not endorsing hormone treatment or painkillers, simply stating these are common treatments.
IS THERE A CURE? There is no cure, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and pain.
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Education is the only way we can create more awareness and begin to help women who endure this disease every day.
If you’re a reading this and thinking that it doesn’t apply to you, I get it. But my guess is that you know at least one woman in your life. Share this with her. If you’re reading this and think you might have endometriosis, find a doctor who will take the time to listen to your symptoms and can refer you to a specialist. Maybe see two. If you know you have endo and aren’t seeing any progress, find a new doctor. Look for one who is well versed in the latest in endo research and surgeries. You’d be surprised how many aren’t. Also look for someone who is open to talking about alternative therapies like diet, nutrition, and holistic The PERPETUAL YOU
wellness practices. These are not cures, but for some, can dramatically make symptoms more manageable. Endometriosis isn’t just about having a “bad period.” It affects a woman’s career, relationships, and even her ability to participate in simple, everyday activities. The pain is debilitating, yet women push through it and remain silent. It’s heartbreaking and education is the only way we can create more awareness and begin to help women who endure this disease every day. We must become endo warriors.
Jessica Murnane is the creator of the One Part Plant movement (she’s working to get everyone on this planet to start eating one plant-based meal each day), author of the One Part Plant Cookbook, host of the One Part Podcast (she loves asking inspiring people inappropriate questions), and wellness advocate (she has a certification in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and works to raise awareness for endometriosis and women’s health issues).
LEADERSHIP (grows within) by LaToya Burton
embracing an inner knowing a sense of connection to the whole because we know we are enough a passing on of wisdom stories regenerating networks through lineage planting the seeds that nourish those to come and honour the roots that ground a knowing that together we rise
About our Featured Artist LaToya is a visual storyteller on a journey of creating space for inspired living. She believes in the power of design and creative expression as a catalyst for growth, happiness, and wellbeing. Her musings, which combine visual and written elements, inspire us to thrive creatively, professionally, and emotionally.
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From Selfless to Self-FullTM Self Discovery for Highly Sensitive, Driven Women. www.christidaniels.com
A Sister Photography Team Traversing New England & Beyond! walkerstudiosllc.com
Fashion/lifestyle/boudoir photographer who travels worldwide
The Magic Star ts Here
lindsaystanford.com
pearlweddingsandevents.com
The PERPETUAL YOU
Photography & Illustration
watercolor artist and designer
mandaluisa.com
ashleybuntendesign.indiemade.com
Sleepwear for a Cause mct-usa.org
Create a life you don't NEED a vacation from. Find out what your people-pleasing ways are costing you on a gif ted 1:1 call with Krystal here: http://bit.ly/TPYCallwithKr ystal
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GI R LPOWER
This month, we're celebrating women helping women. Whether marching, volunteering, participating in a charity event, or spending time with one another, we are stronger together.
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P H O T O by @ LY D I A T O L L
As our freedom deepens, our impact on the world broadens. – N I SH A MO O D L EY The J OY I S S U E
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Celebrate Leadership