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And because this is my most favorite photo bomb....ever?......
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Many, many thoughts and shared memories to come. For now, while I continue to process how absolutely awake I am feeling after this trip, these photo selects will just have to suffice.
In deep gratitude,
Trish
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Pretty regularly I will receive messages from clients, friends, or TGL readers requesting a list of book recommendations for various topics or phases of life. When someone shares an excellent rec with me, they automatically get bumped up a mental love notch in my head, so this is one of my favorite ways to "give" without actually having to spend a dime! I've whipped up a couple of recent favorites of mine for you, here.
Be sure to click "Read More" to see the whole list! Happy Reading :)
Currently on my nightstand:
Be sure to click "Read More" to see the whole list! Happy Reading :)
Currently on my nightstand:
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This book was part of my Haiti themed Christmas stocking from sister and Frank. Apparently, it is "required reading" for anyone headed to the country. I only began reading it 2 nights ago, but am already in love. The true story of Dr. Farmer is so deeply inspiring, if not wholly heart expanding. Your perspective on life, giving, service, and humanity will never be the same after reading this book. It is engaging on every level: mental, emotional, spiritual. I'm a sucker for a good quote. This mini collection houses the best of Cheryl Strayed's powerful Food for Thought messages (from all of her work), and is my current go-to for an instant shift in perspective. |
This is a monster of a book to get through, I'm not going to lie. As a collection of stories revolving around the ancient Wild Woman Archetype, it can feel a bit like a women's lit + folklore course. But, there are precious nuggets of wisdom and guidance to be found in it's pages. My recommendation (and what I'm currently doing) is to take your time reading. Unpack its layers with patience, and let the messages sink in slowly. I am currently enrolled in Brene Brown's CourageWorks program (all three classes) so am continuously referencing her work. Right now we are focused more on Daring Greatly, but Rising Strong is a tool I regularly keep on hand for my coaching sessions. My clients have benefitted greatly from her insights and years of research into human behaviors! |
My favorite reads from 2015 (not necessarily when they were published, just when I happened to get my hands on them!):
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Far and away my most favorite book of 2015. This WWII story manages to be funny, daring, racy, and eye opening of true, nightmarish horrors happening in Russia during that time. I had no idea how little I knew about Russia during this war, and even though this is a work of fiction, it is inspired by true accounts...which, as you'll see, makes it even easier to devour. I can see that quite a few of my recommendations fall in a more "female" category, but if you are a dude -- this story is absolutely for you. I freaking loved this book. |
This was a book club choice of mine, and it agreed with all 7 members...so, that's a pretty good sign! In order to not give anything away, just expect a lovely, mystical mystery that will absolutely make you fall in love with elephants. Or, since we all already know elephants are awesome, it will widen your heart for them even more. (Hint: the elephant facts in this piece of fiction are all true!) |
When you leave an evening love note on the bathroom mirror for your fella to find in his early morning routine....
...you might then wake up to pretty adorable reply.
In case you can't decipher his writing: "Hey, You're a total Baberaham Lincoln.... <----Abe's beard"
Maybe it's because Valentine's Day is right around the corner (a silly, made-up holiday indeed), but I've been thinking a lot lately on how to better express my gratitude for B's love and partnership. This is, after all, a lifestyle blog about gratitude! It is amazing to continue realizing just how right all of the relationship experts of our time, and years past have been: this kind of sustainable love takes work. It takes both of us remembering to administer attention, affection, and appreciation regularly. It takes tiny gestures, sweet surprises, "doing" efforts and "being" efforts. It takes courageously vocalizing Hey, this is what I'm needing from you, and the patience and openness to hear those needs as an observer, and not a judge. It takes acknowledging that these needs and our people will not likely remain the same through all chapters of life because we, too, will not likely remain the same. At their core, of course, they are the ones we have chosen, always. At our cores, we know who we are and what we want from a fulfilled life. And if we are lucky, these changes together and as individuals will serve for positive growth within us and before us. If we are really lucky (which, humbly, I feel that I am), it will be one hell of an incredible adventure to span over a lifetime.
I've said it many times before, but we (B + I) are not perfect at any of these things. Yet, possibly the biggest piece of the gratitude puzzle for me, is witnessing the transformation in us both each time we hunker down to do the work. Many days it is easy peasy -- light lifting, if you will. Others, as natural as can be -- no effort required as we match each other's rhythm. And still others, an extremely conscious effort requiring every last bit of energy we have for the day (or the week). That's just the nature of love, I suppose, and not just in the romantic sense. Love is our natural state of being -- but the world is a bit of crazy place (oofda, ain't that an understatement), and it's important we remember to practice and implement and return to this natural state as much as possible: it's important we remember to do the work for our partners, our children, our families, our communities, our earth, our humanity and YES, always, for ourselves.
I can't think of anything else more worth doing. And being.
How about you?
In Gratitude,
Trish
Over the past five years I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of a number of special and fun weddings -- as a bridesmaid, maid of honor, and an officiant. I truly love weddings, and all of the joy that surrounds them. I'll be adding another two to my wedding party tally in 2016...including my own sister's, where I'll be doubling down as both the maid of honor and the Rev! (I should charge extra for that, don't ya think?)
Because I've gotten such an intimate look into the before/during/after of all things wedding related, I wanted to share a couple of predictions for the trends of 2016....
Because I've gotten such an intimate look into the before/during/after of all things wedding related, I wanted to share a couple of predictions for the trends of 2016....
 Photo Credit: EventsWithGrace 1. Working in a charitable angle. As time goes by, more and more couples live together prior to their wedding day. Which, as much as that may make a grandma or two cringe, means that traditional registries might not be as needed. I've seen folks register with organizations such as the Heifer Project (selecting a couple of baby chicks as a gift is pretty fun!), for example. I'm also seeing couples opt out of reception table gifts in favor of charitable donations. "Thank you for sharing in our day! A donation in your name has been made to ...." [insert charity of choice] kind of thing. In lieu of favors that often get left behind, or tossed aside, this is an awesome choice for spreading the love beyond just your own circle. Millions of dollars are spent each year on weddings, so if even a small percentage of that gets paid forward to a worthy cause, our planet will be a happier, healthier place. Etsy is a great spot to pick up an affordable, unique version of these -- and you'll be supporting small business! Even more love to go around :)  Photo Credit: Paperless Post 3. Making eco-friendly choices, such as using e-vites for showers, bachelor/bachelorette, save the date, or engagement parties + announcements. Paperless Post is one of my favorite places to do just that. They have a number of great (and free!) options, with the ability to also choose more robust or detailed invitations for a small fee. It is extremely easy and intuitive to use, so it takes away a lot of the grunt work in getting these together. Being able to track and message guests all in one place saves time and energy that could be better spent enjoying your engagement! They also look like real deal invites, and not a cheesy web variety. We can see the negative effects of climate change all around us. Choosing additional sustainable vendors for catering, clothing, or florals is another way to show mama earth that we love her and don't want to make her feel worse! |  Me as The Rev :) 2. Non denominational officiants, particularly friends or family members. I may be a little biased about this, considering I have performed wedding ceremonies three times already (which you can read about here, here, and here), but this is a favorite trend of mine. There is something so personal about having someone who really knows and loves you speak about your relationship to your community + tribe. For me, it has always been an honor. This is a particular good choice if you do not have a close religious affiliation. Traditional ceremonies can be long, and almost inauthentic to folks who are only investing in them for the single day. It's my humble opinion that you have every right to think about what marriage, commitment, union, God, or spirit really means to you as a couple, and to work with an officiant to capture that messaging. If you are considering asking a friend to step up for this role, just be sure to check in with your state and county to confirm the legality of this, as it does vary.  My happy bestie and her hubby 4. Special touches that feel right to you, no matter what tradition states! I attended a wedding not too long ago with no ceremonial cake cutting, no first dance, no garter or bouquet toss. And you know what? None of it was missed. It simply didn't feel important to the bride, as she'd rather spend those moments chatting, dancing, and laughing. I also know a gal who asked her grandmother to be a bridesmaid (matching dress and all!), because of their wonderful and close friendship. A cousin of mine sang a song of gratitude to her mom during the reception, while another friend played the piano for her new husband. The point is, if you want to hit every traditional check mark because it's important to you for x,y,z reasons -- great! Have fun, and enjoy yourself. But keep in mind that there is no script to how you are supposed to celebrate this day. You should feel welcome to add, or take away, whatever feels right for you. |
Wishing all you 2016 brides (and grooms!) a memorable and love-filled day! Keep it thoughtful and authentic, and I've no doubt it'll be the best time ever :)
Cheers!
Trish
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*This post was made in partnership with Paperless Post.
I love this photo that the fine folks over at Team Tassy whipped up. As my regular readers know, Frank, my bro, is one of 20 people running an ultra-marathon of 230 miles over 8 days to support families in Haiti. That's him on the right, getting a haircut via a barbershop in Haiti :)
And Esaie, on the left, is so delicious I just want to squeeze him! Pretty amazing how the team cares for each family's individual needs, and sticks with them until they are totally self sufficient in all aspects of a meaningful, healthy life.
I cannot wait to meet them in just 2 weeks! Damn, this is a lucky life.
In Gratitude,
Trish