Issue 1 | January 19, 2024

Welcome to the very first edition of “Heartfelt Fridays!”

My intention is to share insights about intimacy and relationships — twice a month.

Expect stories straight from the heart, down-to-earth advice, and real talk about the beauty and complexities of relationshiping.

We’re diving deep into what it takes to build and sustain genuine, healthy connections. Think meaningful chats, a sprinkle of loving-kindness, some soulful self-reflection, and a lot of realness.

We’ll cover the essentials – from communication that reaches the heart to the grace that binds us together.

Why Fridays, you ask? Because Venus rules Friday. And astrologically speaking, Venus represents love, harmony, and relationships. 🥰

So, get cozy —we’re in this together. You’re not just my readers; you’re my partners, and we’re all just trying “to get through this thing called life.”

WELCOME TO OUR SPACE!

 

 

 

This Week’s 🗓️ Musings

Tough conversations are inevitable in any relationship. But it’s not just about what we say. It’s how we say it.

This week, I had a moment where I had to navigate a challenging discussion with my doctor. And in the interest of transparency, I have to tell you I rehearsed handing her her entire a**.

I was in the shower imagining giving her the business, you hear me?! But then my wise adult self asked, “How would you feel if somebody came at you like that?” 😮‍💨

That took the wind out of my inner child’s sails real quick.

So, instead of coming in guns blazing at the start of the visit, I quietly asked if I could have a word in private at the end. Then, I addressed my concerns like the mature-trying-to-keep-her-side-of-the-street clean adult I am.

The conversation was productive and civil. She was receptive, and I didn’t act a fool.

This experience reminded me that the golden rule is golden for a reason, and treating people how you want to be treated creates space for understanding and resolution.

Tough conversations are opportunities for growth.

And while there are times when handing someone their a** is the move, most situations call for an approach that allows both parties to feel heard, respected, and valued.

Mission accomplished.

Must 📖 Reads

  1. 100 Days of Happiness by Fausto Brizzi – This brilliant novel explores a dying man’s last days. Funny, heartwarming, and delightfully human.
  2. Letters From Love w/Elizabeth Gilbert – The “Eat Pray Love” author has a brilliant Substack. I think this letter will resonate with you. 😉 And I invite you to ponder Liz’s question, “Dear Love — What would you have me know today?
  3. Maybe You Don’t Know What Love Is – Mark Manson is brilliant at deconstructing complex ideas —like love. Which I appreciate because, like the rest of us, I’m always open to more concrete ways to connect with, understand, and feel —love.

Try This: 

Set aside an hour with a loved one this weekend for an uninterrupted ‘heart-to-heart.’

Turn off your phones, get cozy, and share three (3) things you appreciate about each other.

Gratitude is magnetic. Coupled with this simple activity, you can transform the environment of your relationship in one sit.

Try it. If it feels good, do it periodically. If not, don’t.

Last Little Nudge:

Before you switch off your notifications and close your laptop for the weekend… you do that, right? 🤔 Here’s a little more inspo to warm those cockles.

✍🏾 Journal Prompt: Reflect on a moment you felt deeply connected to someone this week. What was said or done that made you feel this way? How can you cultivate more of these moments?

💭 Quote to Ponder: “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” — Audrey Hepburn.

✉️ Gentle Reminder: In the rush of life, remember to pause and appreciate the people around you. It’s okay to take time to respond to others as long as you do so with intention and care. Your relationships are more about depth than speed.

🎧 Mood Music: I’ve curated a playlist perfect for unwinding, reflecting, and savoring those heartfelt moments. May these melodies be the soundtrack to your weekend.