Sweet Summertime & Softer Emotions
It finally feels like summer in Wisconsin. After a stretch of rainy days and a steamy 90-degree weekend, we’ve landed in that sweet spot—humid but bearable. The kind of weather where you step outside and it just smells like summer. That scent? It’s one of my favorite things.
This season has always felt like an exhale to me. But even in the warmth and ease, I’ve noticed some anxiety bubbling up lately—especially with some exciting (but new!) things coming up. I’ll be working in my new office this week for the first time (yay!) and offering in-person sessions again. [Check out my July promo here.] But with new beginnings often comes new nerves.
I even made it to church this morning—a small but meaningful win. My anxiety tends to spike in quiet, crowded spaces, but today felt manageable. I’m learning not to silence my anxiety, but to ask what it’s trying to say. Most of the time, it just wants my attention. It’s not trying to ruin anything—it’s asking to be seen.
So this week, I slowed down and listened.
On Friday afternoon, I curled up on the couch and let myself binge-watch The Reluctant Traveler. I didn’t try to process or fix anything. I just let myself be. And surprisingly? That softness made space for feelings to move through me. Not forced, not spiraling—just flowing.
The next day, I felt different. Lighter. More grounded. I had four bridal makeup trials scheduled (spanning from July to October), and it turned out to be one of the smoothest, most enjoyable trial days I’ve had yet. Less anxiety, more presence.
After work, I spent the afternoon with my husband—something that’s felt far too rare lately. We explored our town’s summer festival, where I petted a calf and a couple piglets and immediately decided we need a hobby farm someday. I’m now manifesting land, a few cows & piggies, some bunnies, and of course, space for Hazel and Pearl (and maybe a few more pups?) to roam.
We followed that up with a visit to a local farm stand I found on Facebook (yes, I broke my scroll streak—but for a good cause). I picked up a new cucumber plant for the garden to replace the one the cutworms took out earlier this summer. Then we went for a little drive, dreaming out loud about our future. And this time, it felt different. I wasn’t rushing toward “what’s next”—I was content in the now and excited for what’s to come. That’s a big win.
Later that night, Tye bought me an ice cream cone, grilled dinner on the Blackstone, and mowed the front lawn while I worked in the garden. (We’re on the town’s parade route, so you know we had to clean up a bit!) I’m happy to report: the weeds are going down, and I’ve officially added cardboard and grass mulch to half the garden. You’ll have to catch this week’s Vitality Vignette for the full garden update.
We ended the night watching The Hunger Games series. I remember being disappointed by the movies back in the day—but rewatching them now? They’re actually fantastic. I’m tempted to re-read the books because they must have been even better than I remembered.
This morning, my Oura sleep score confirmed what I was already feeling: the rest did me good.
After church, I sat on the driveway to catch the town parade (and maybe snag a few pieces of candy). As I sat there, comfortably in the shade, I kept coming back to a couple themes that I wanted to share with you:
🌿 What This Week Taught Me:
Feelings need space to move. Sometimes we can only access what we’re feeling when we stop trying so hard to feel it. Rest opens the door.
Community matters. Whether it’s the kind I found in church, at the festival, or with a local bride—I’m craving deeper connection. Especially face-to-face.
That’s one reason I’m so excited about this new season at Élevé. Starting in July, I’ll be offering in-person sessions at both Sacred Space Beauty & Wellness in Eau Claire, WI and at IMPACT WELLNESS in Turtle Lake, WI. If you’re local and looking for support, I’d love to meet you in real life. [Click here to see availability and learn more.]
Virtual sessions aren’t going anywhere, but there’s something special about sitting across from another human and saying: “I see you. Let’s figure this out together.”
Wishing you softness, sunshine, and a little more space to feel this week.
Elizabeth 🌼