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Hi collaborator! Last week, my mother-in-law visited and we went out to dinner. The fish market we chose was brightly lit and bustling. I struggled to tune out the chatter of fellow diners as I pierced my focus onto the menu, and felt a tension settling across my neck and shoulders. Then, a softening happened. The menu was easy to read and I noticed the letters GF and DF next to some of the dishes, indicating gluten free or dairy free options. I eyed three of these options with curiosity, and settled on a noodle dish, because I always feel good eating noodles. As we waited for our food, I shared that I had felt anxious at first, but I felt more relaxed when easily knowing which foods I could eat. My mother-in-law then shared about how she noticed the background noise in the restaurant, and that it seemed loud. I agreed as I noticed myself leaning in to this shared experience. This may seem like a tiny thing, to say, “I feel”, and be met with “me too”. But it’s a big deal when we live in a world where we’re socialized to work through lunch breaks, prioritize intellect and words over body language and instincts, to minimize our discomfort so that we don’t make someone else feel bad. No, this is no small thing – it’s a moment of slowing down, noticing what’s happening, speaking truth, and finding connection. It’s a thing we all yearn for, a thing worthy of celebration! I am learning that celebration is nourishment, it’s feeling joy and love…for oneself, and inviting others to share it with you. When we love ourselves and allow ourselves to be nourished, we can then nourish and love others that much more. This moment in which I celebrated my awareness with my family nourished me so that later that night I had energy to recognize Muggins’s ask for a popcorn game, and teach mother-in-law how to play, too. It was a joy to facilitate this sweet interaction, and in the end we all shared a belly laugh when Muggins’s eyes widened at the crunch of a popcorn kernel being accidentally squished underneath their paws. What are you celebrating today? Hit reply to this email and share it with me!
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