During the month of December, my birth month, I set out to share one positive social media account each day. The goal was to introduce some of the people & organizations who have inspired me this year; 31 folx & groups who are examples of Transformational Positivity in action. I invite you to check out the work they’re doing to make the world a better place. I’ve included links to their websites, just for your convenience (I do not receive any commission).
I know this time of year can be stressful and emotional and sometimes tricky, but I also absolutely love the energy of POSSIBILITY. Standing now on the edge of a new month, a new year, and a new decade with all the hopes & promises that holds, it feels important to share supportive, inspirational resources- even ones as simple yet powerful as social media accounts. I hope that this is as inspiring to you, as it has been to me. I Love You & I am so grateful for you all.
#1- Together Rising is a non-profit organization that I have been following and supporting for a couple of years now. They are bold and courageous and non-discriminatory about who they offer tangible help to, anywhere in the world. Fierce advocates & activists, year-round givers & connectors, they embody LOVE AS A VERB as humanitarians and what it can look like to create & care for the global COMMUNITY.
“HOLIDAY HANDS UPDATE! YOU DID IT!!! Today, through our Holiday Hands program, you met the needs of 550 families in less than 2 hours. You are unbelievable. We at Together Rising are overwhelmed, filled up, exhausted, and mostly – grateful. Grateful for the courage of the askers and grateful for the character of the givers. Grateful that we are able to create the world we live in. Grateful that today, you showed up and created a more beautiful world.
Isn’t it wild? We spend so much time looking at the world with our hearts broken – wishing it were different. Wishing people cared for each other. Wishing people would be kinder, live bigger, think beyond themselves. And then one day we find ourselves jumping in and MAKING IT SO. These 550 families will go to bed tonight in a kinder, bigger, smaller, better world. THANK YOU!”
#2- Tanya Markul (aka Thug Unicorn)
I want to introduce you to the amazingly powerful, deeply healing work of Tanya Markul aka @thugunicorn Over the past 2 years, her words have reached layers of my hidden (and not so hidden) pain with the precision of a surgeon and the love of a healing goddess. Her collection of poetry, The She Book, is my bible, and I had the great privilege of her as a guest on my Transformational Positivity Summit this year.
“I used to absolutely dread this time of year. The holidays would drop me off at the door of an intense emotional blackhole. I’d visit aunts and cousins for Thanksgiving, but I’d never stay for more than a couple of hours.
I was the odd girl out with a pocket full of worthlessness.
On the other side of the family, I’d meet my mom at my grandma’s for an hour, then I’d head back to school (she couldn’t stay either). I was alone. I’d stuff my tear-stained cheeks with Taco Bell in my car on the 3.5-hour drive back to campus.
During the holidays, I’d take every waitressing shift possible, and I’d return to my quiet apartment every night. I didn’t like living alone at all. I was scared and full of fear. (No one knew how lonely I was.) The holidays were hard. I have forever wanted intimacy, hugs, and conversation.
So now, and forever, there will always be a part of me that grieves this time of year, even though it’s different now, and I feel for all who are lonely and don’t have nurturing company this time of year.
So I want to reach out.
Today I’ll light a candle and it will be for anyone who wishes to have more warmth and company in their lives—for those who are calling in community, family, intimacy, and conversation into their lives. Join me if you’d like.
Blessed be. And so it is.
If you’re feeling it now and it’s tough this year, you are welcome to write to me. I’ll hold your message in a sacred space and I won’t share it. I may not get to write back, but I want you to know that every message I receive will be read and I’ll say a prayer for you.
To peace in all human hearts and to peace to all “
#3- Tracy Neely
I am thrilled to get to introduce you to another remarkable woman. Tracy Neely is a healer who has overcome significant challenges in her life. Losing part of her jaw led to her finding her true voice, one that speaks incredible Strength, Clarity, Courage and Love. She’s not afraid of the dark anymore because she has faced it head on, unblinking, with a gentle determination and disarmed it.
I had the immense privilege of meeting Tracy as a guest on my Transformational Positivity Summit earlier this year. She is such an inspiration!
“To only welcome the light side of me is doing a dis-service to the mystery that lives in the dark. I welcome it all!”
#4- Imperfect Foods
I want to share the good work of @imperfectfoods (formerly known as Imperfect Produce). I have been a huge fan of their work and their mission to reduce food waste, support local farmers & growers, and help provide fresh, nutritious foods at greatly reduced cost to people with low income. I’ve watched as their network has grown and expanded across the US this past year, and feel good about supporting their work with each box of food we purchase.
I remember the times when I was too poor to afford enough food for my son and myself, let alone provide decent, healthy foods and fresh produce. I remember what it felt like to go to bed hungry and wake up hungry, sacrificing my own meals so that at least my kid could eat. I would have LOVED to have had something like this available at the time! The truth is that far too many people are going hungry, while far too much good food is going to absolute waste. I love that Imperfect Foods is doing SOMETHING to make a difference!
“We pride ourselves on reducing waste, but equally important to us is making nutritious food more affordable and accessible to everyone. One way that we invest in this part of our mission is through our Reduced Cost Box program. Anyone who qualifies for SNAP benefits can get a reduced cost box from us that amounts to getting groceries for 50% less than grocery store prices. We’ve delivered over 295,000 reduced cost boxes to date and are so excited to continue to grow this program. Your support is why we can invest in making nourishing food more affordable and accessible for everyone. Thank you!”
#5- Greta Thunberg
I love the passion & dedication of the brave young climate activist, Greta Thunberg. Her voice in the conversation regarding climate change is undeniably powerful, and her grace under immense pressure is the sort of thing that makes my heart stand up in awe. To hear her speak to heads of nations with crystal clarity & such conviction is magnificent, and to watch her live hr life with such high integrity is inspiring.
The fact that Greta is a person who is not neuro-typical is equally important, and draws attention to the sad truth that many people like her are far too often ignored, discounted, abused, bullied and targeted for being different, for speaking up, for existing. I find myself often heartbroken when I read some of the hateful comments directed towards her; people being the absolute worst. It reminds me of how cruelly my own sweet, non neuro-typical brother was often treated in public school and from neighborhood bullies when we were kids. Y’all, I got in lots of fist fights defending him. 👊🏻 #noregrets
We simply MUST do better. For the health of our planet, and for our very humanity.
“School strike week 68. They say more than 500,000 people showed up tonight in Madrid!”
Andrea Ranae is a gifted coach and facilitator of fostering positive change. I had the immense privilege of meeting Andrea and learning from her/them at an intensive retreat designed to increase my leadership capacity. She/they absolutely blew my ENTIRE mind. Trust this: their work is not for the faint of heart. It’s Deep AF. She/they have one of the most powerful presences I have ever encountered, and wisdom well beyond their earthly years. If you let them teach you, if you let yourself be opened up to their inquiry, they will reveal a space in you where your deepest Truth resides, and she will show you how to allow yourself to be at once broken apart by the terror of it and held together within the pure Love of it.
“1- Responsibility isn’t about blame, obligation, fault, duty or burden. It’s about being able to respond. 2- Questions that are more vital than “am I doing enough for the world?”: Are you doing what you want to do? Are you doing what you’re here to do? Are you tending to your needs? Are you using what you have available to you to create the life and world you want? 3- It’s not your job to carry the burdens of the world on your shoulders. But it is your response-ability to show up for the issues of our time with your unique gifts, skills and perspective.”
OMG, the Love I feel for Elephants! Did you know that these majestic creatures are sentient beings with complex family structures run by strong females? 🐘
Another strong and inspiring woman is Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, the founder of Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She has been rescuing elephants from abusive captivity and giving them a life of love & freedom on her sanctuary. Read more by following the work of @elephantnaturepark and learn the rescue stories of these beautiful animals. I can hardly wait to visit this amazing sanctuary during my honeymoon!
“Our big girls really enjoy drinking the water from a garden hose. Look how much fun they’re having.”
#8- Emily McDowell
From surviving cancer to creating non-sappy greeting cards to healing a whole lot of folx with her wisdom, people like Emily McDowell (@emilyonlife) are brilliant beings whose work teaches me, informs me, challenges me and lights me up.
“Personal growth! It sounds so fun! Who doesn’t love growth? TURNS OUT the process of growth is actually not that fun and in fact, often feels like: pain, confusion, failure, loneliness. It’s hard as hell to identify and dismantle all your defense mechanisms and habitual thinking and basically everything you believe has kept you safe for your entire life. It involves doing a whole lot of stuff you don’t want to do (which is the point, because what we think we want is often the thing keeping us stuck in a place of suffering). But! Eventually you start to feel the growth. You notice you’re triggered less. Your inner critic shuts up every once in a while. You make different choices. Your relationship with yourself begins to shift. That’s the good part. Keep going.”
The work James-Olivia of @inquisitive_human does is to help with understanding, cultivating, and living within Right Relationship. With Self. With Others. With the world we live in. Dig in, Loves, it’s juicy work.
“Every relationship you have is a relationship *you are in* …unless you aren’t. How do you diminish, hide, or avoid yourself to manage someone else? What would you rather do instead?
In Right Relationship, there is room for you.
The past week’s theme seems to have been how we try to manage other people’s perceptions, judgments, actions, feelings, accusations, opinions, emotional states, behaviors, and responses by making ourselves slowly (or quickly) disappear from our most important conversations and relationships.
What if you showed up as the real you—all of you—and trusted yourself to safely navigate the consequences of your authenticity?”
#10- Tanya Geisler
I cannot say enough about the beautiful, utterly transformative work of Tanya Geisler. She is a wonderful coach, to be sure, and so much more. When she is holding space for you while you are working through your own Imposter Complex issues, you are held in such grace, power, reverence, and deep caring. You are truly Seen. You are allowed to BE exactly, wholly, completely, YOU. And it is simply magical.
“I’m always amazed when a new client apologizes for being emotional in a session. Worrying about what I’ll think. It’s an epidemic – worrying about how we’ll react to each other.
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People… I’m a professional.
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THIS is what I do. This is what ALL coaches do. All that deep-listening and ideation and strategy and compassion are God-given gifts that I nurture and tend to. No doubt. SELF-MANAGEMENT is the skill I paid tens of thousands of dollars for and spent thousands of hours mastering.
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So bring it. Bring the mess. Bring the tears. Bring what you think is a shit show.
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I’ve got it all. I’ve got you. That’s my job. That’s ALL coaches’ jobs.
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We’ll find your way forward. Because we are going to need your voice, at top level. We’re going to need your arms, your heart, your soul and all that you have got if we’re going to turn this thing around.
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With only love and zero judgment.”
#11- Jessamyn Stanley/The Underbelly Yoga
I know that I am not the only person who dreads conversations centered around food/exercise/health/bodies. When I began following accounts like @theunderbellyyoga it was such a relief to see all bodies normalized! As a queer, black, plus-sized yogi, Jessamyn Stanley’s work is so empowering and life-affirming for so many folx around the world. Soooo much Love for them.
“Stop assuming someone’s health based on the way their body looks 👏🏻👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿💯💯 #everybodyyoga” 🎨: @handsomegirldesigns
I am so happy to share my friend Chef Jeff with you! We met on a plane leaving Orange County for the East Coast sometime last year while we were both flying solo. He was just about to launch his own cooking channel and I was just about to launch my public speaking career. We became fast friends and I promised that I would look forward to being able to share his passion for cooking & wine pairing. Well hooray, that day has come! I hope you will check out all of his videos and try out some of his yummy recipes! I love how REAL he is. His tutorials feel like I have the nicest private chef teaching me how to make amazing meals. And, since he also has his own vineyard, he knows his stuff when it comes to great wines.
#13- Cristina Mittermeir
Cristina Mittermeir (“Mitty”) is an incredible photographer and activist whose images have been featured on National Geographic, Sea Legacy, and in fine art collections. Her work is both life-affirming & heartbreaking, all in one breath. She reminds me of the awesome beauty, power, and fragility of Nature and our place in it.
“When I set out to be a photographer, before the internet and social media, I simply wanted to share my experiences. Now, in the digital age that mission remains the same. The main goal of my work is to build a greater awareness of the responsibility of what it means to be human. The beauty of our planet is endless and knows no bounds. On every expedition something new takes my breath away and fills my heart with hope. My fine art is a culmination of my favorite emotions and experiences, and I am overwhelmed by the support and warm response you have shown it. As a thank you, I am gifting my book Amaze, as a special gift, with any fine art purchase in the month of December. For more information on my fine art work, please contact [email protected]”
#14- Infinite Mantra (Lindsay/Linzy Kokoska)
This year I also became a big fan of Canadian digital artist Lindsay (Linzy) Kokoska, aka Infinite Mantra. I feel like I am stepping into another realm when I look at her artwork. It’s so mysterious and ethereal and makes my heart flutter. I love it! In fact, I love it so much that she and I are collaborating to embark on a special project: a gorgeous new Oracle card deck! YAY! If you’d like to know more about our project as it develops and be one of the first to own one of our decks, be sure to sign up for my Positivity mailing list.
#15- Yung Pueblo
I am happy to share the work of Yung Pueblo whose book “Inward” is a wonderful exploration of the journey of healing. Written with a very Zen-like perspective, I often find his words to be comforting in their simplicity and powerful in their precision.
“Moving forward with awareness. Sending love to all beings. May we all be happy and free.” -yung pueblo
I started following Stacy Nai’s work with Anapo Energy a couple of years ago and first connected with her over one of her gorgeous Reiki-infused malas. It’s still one of my favorite pieces of jewelry to wear. Later, I invited her to share her story on my Transformational Positivity summit earlier this year. So powerful! Now, she’s emerging as a healer and I’m here for it.
“So many times I get asked by Clients what their Purpose is. Actually every time. Every single Soul desires to know its Purpose. To feel something Bigger. To feel Connected. I’m here to tell you, I too was longing for this same feeling of Fulfillment. And that I have found it. But where might surprise you. It might shock you and you may dismiss it’s simplicity. And that is why it eludes you thus far. Because we’ve been led to believe it’s a Destination or somewhere outside of ourselves. A job or passion. Even a life of Goodwill. Yes it can be all of them. It can also be so much more. It is You. You are your Purpose.
Whatever that means for you, we can explore the nuances together. There is nothing bigger than You. Coming into yourself and the Truest You is the Key. The TRUEST YOU. Whatever your Truth is. That’s your Purpose. Occasionally we are disappointed by this Truth in a Session, for a brief human moment. Then it Arrives. The feeling of Peace, Calm, Release, Relief and Home. You are home.
And then Know you can make Whatever you Want with it. Make it mean whatever, experience whatever, be whatever.
So if you desire a life of Goodwill, be that.
If you desire a life of Service, be that.
If you desire a life of Exploration, be that.
On and on. Be that.
You can DO anything. As long as it is You doing it. And For You.
Get it?! The True you and not what someone else wants or forces onto you. What lies in your heart and aches to be Lived.
That’s your Purpose.
Following You.
This is how you Save the world and find your Purpose.
Coming into YOU. “ -Stacy Nai
It should be no surprise that I have so many brilliant artists who inspire and influence me; so much of the world is in chaos and pain, and seeing & feeling it (deeply) every day can become overwhelming, debilitating. We must also be able to see what is Good if we hope to move together towards it. By sharing the beautiful art of some of my favorites, I feel an honor of helping to usher in some measure of healing along the way. For myself, this means to include the incredible Beauty found in Nature. Photographer Altug Galip, better known to his millions of Instagram followers as Kyrenian, captures to most stunning images around the world. Pure Beauty.
#18- Lisa Congdon
I adore the artwork of Lisa Congdon for all of its quirkiness, vibrancy, and honesty. Whether I am oohing and ahhing over one of her color family collages, or gently touched by a truthful sentiment like the one pictured here, I can always count on a moment of gratitude whenever her work comes across my feed.
“This time of the year can feel hard. Take care of yourself.” -Lisa Congdon
#19- Jameela Jamil and i_weigh
The next spotlight for my #hellodecember series is the AMAZING body-positive (actually, Body Neutrality) work being done by @i_weigh & @jameelajamilofficial
Jameela Jamil has created a space where a community in i_weigh that is springing up that is overflowing with positivity, confidence, acceptance, inclusion, and empowerment. It’s so inspiring and it lights me up every day. 💖🦋 #theblessingsbutterfly
“Amazing 👏🏼 Your weight does not define your value ✨. | Art by Manchester based artist @ferncooke #iweigh #bodylove
#20- Book of My Shadows
Please meet my friend Montine Rummel, the lovely, witchy soul behind Book of My Shadows (who is actually quite a brilliant, beautiful Light). I had the honor of meeting Montine earlier this year at an intense exploration of self & service in the South of France. She graciously gifted all of us with a copy of her Book of My Shadows, which is filled with astrological insights and self-healing wisdom practices. It’s magic, y’all!
#21- Nicole Lewis-Keeber
This share is extra special. I want to introduce you to my soul sister, goddess, shero, mentor, chosen friend, business bestie and dearest cousin. Nicole Lewis-Keeber is Alchemy in action. Her work of healing and guiding folx through their shadows caused by trauma (and for us entrepreneurs, how that also shows up in our business) is nothing short of transcendence. She’s a no bullshit, “call a thing a thing” leader and incredibly gentle & loving at the same time. I love her so dearly. She’s changed my life for the best.
“This week in my Love Your Business School TM program we have been talking about the importance of values. We have gotten it down to 3 Values that we have that can be the anchor for our business. The discussion has been so rich and I know that this is such a hard exercise to do but they are really digging deep and getting clear. My 3 Values are Authenticity, Freedom, Consent. How about you? What values direct your business?”
#22- Being Boss
Subscribing to Being Boss was probably one of the smartest, most-boss moves I ever made in getting my grown-up entrepreneurial feet wet. Following the work of Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon, the co-founders of the wildly popular podcast and co-authors of the book Being Boss led me to finding the confidence, skills, structure and community that a creative soul like mine desperately needed, all while giving me the permission to be exactly who I came here to be. Even watching their partnership and the business brand change, evolve, and weather some serious burnout this past year has been tremendously positive, and helpful in watching what it can look like to let go gracefully.
#23- Almanac Supply Co.
Emily Thompson of Being Boss is also the queen behind one of my favorite candle and crystal shops, Almanac Supply Co. I love how she has found the perfect way to support her passions of curating rocks & crystals, hand pouring amazing candles, and finding harmony with Nature by living more seasonally.
“To truly #embracetheseasons, you have to live a practice of work and rest. And since Winter is here, the season of rest, we’re settling down for a long Winter’s nap. What does that mean? We’re taking an Instagram break.
You can still shop our website. We’ll still be around slinging candles and crystals. But we’re going to go quiet, until the quickenings of Spring emerge.” #livewithnature
#24- Elizabeth Gilbert
One of my very favorite Instagram accounts to follow is Elizabeth Gilbert’s. She has been inspiring me with her work since Eat, Pray, Love (as she certainly did for millions of us) and I love how she continues to be curious, open, loving, honest, beautiful and bright. Thank you, Liz. Merry Everything.
“Here’s a simple holiday prayer that I made for everybody this morning, offering COMFORT (to those who are suffering) and JOY (to those who are celebrating.) However you are doing out there today, I love you all so much. ❤️LG”
#25- Donte Colley
One of my favorite uplifting feeds to follow is from the brilliant young creative light that is Donte Colley. It has been amazing to watch his star rise this year! His simple, effective combination of energetic dance moves overlayed with positive affirmations, hilariously empowering messages, and emojis has created an ongoing series of viral videos that spread hope & joy.
#26 – Wild Woman Sisterhood
My next share is from @wildwomansisterhoodofficial and @taraisisgerris whose posts have helped me over the year to release some of my fears of being seen in my truest Nature: a wild, untamable and beautiful essence of Truth & Powerful Energy.
Over the years, I have resisted identifying with any of the goddess archetypes for fear that people would judge me, dislike me, avoid me, disown me… but honestly, some people are going to do those things anyway and the truth is that’s their shit, not mine. So this year I really began to look into WHO and WHAT really makes me, Me. She’s a beautiful weirdo, a badass, a goddess of love & abundance, and a keeper of wisdom, Magic, healing and mystery. I cannot wait to reveal more and more.
“Christmas is a state of mind. It’s not about the food or the presents. It’s about creating a loving and warm atmosphere. To cherish Peace and Goodwill. That’s the spirit of Christmas. – Tara Isis Gerris
Hopefully you had a Christmas that blessed your Heart♥️” WILD WOMAN SISTERHOOD Embody Your Wild Nature
#27- Tara Isis Gerris
I love the work of Tara Isis Gerris. Her teachings have been so beautiful to read this year as I have allowed more and more of my own unfolding, and my own deepening into the power of Transformational Positivity. You know I love a positivity ritual! 🙏💖🦋
NEW YEAR’S EVE RITUAL
“I use to feel some kind of void on New Year’s Day. A shallow hollow feeling. I never quite felt that sense of new beginnings. I did not really feel the blank clean sense of a fresh and brand new start the way I wanted to.
But then, a few years ago when I was pregnant of my youngest son, I started ringing in the New Year with Ceremony and Ritual.
If you are open for and feel drawn to create your own simple Ritual to consciously wave the passing year farewell and intentionally welcome the New Year ahead, here is a personal guide for you.
1. LIGHT A CANDLE
The flames of a candle unites us with our inner Sacredness. It symbolizes the power of light that burns so bright it drives out any form of darkness, even the most dark dusty corners. It takes only a moment to light a candle. Take all the time you need, your loving intention is what matters.
2. SAY FAREWELL AND EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE TO THE PASSING YEAR
You can write a love letter to yourself and the passing year analyzing every single precious shift and gift this year brought you.
3. WELCOME THE NEW YEAR AHEAD
You can keep it short and simple as opening your heart and arms or dive in the Ocean to experience a fresh vitalizing boost for body and mind or you can put your loving energy and focus into creating a New Year’s moodboard or writing a list of wishes and intentions for the New Year while building a ceremonial fire🔥 and dancing naked under the moonlight! Just let anything you do be motivated by one guiding question: “What would make my Soul dance?” The passing year and the New Year require nothing from you. They are here to support you and allow you to find whatever you need to find. They are your teachers and your guides, opportunities and time to evolve as a human being.” -Tara Isis Gerris
I absolutely adore all of the #fabfive stars of @queereye and the individual good work they each are doing. The irresistible and ultra-fabulous Jonathan Van Ness has a phenomenal podcast called Getting Curious with JVN and it’s brilliant. UGH. i die to see him live and in person on tour.
“As #2019 comes to a close, here at #GettingCurious we thank you all for tuning in, listening and staying curious! Special thanks to all the incredible guests and experts who joined. To #2020 and feeding all of @jvn ‘s curiosity!”
#29- Queer Eye
Few shows this year have had as much of a positive impact on me as the reboot of Queer Eye. The “Fab Five” offer SO MUCH MORE now than a physical makeover as they offer truly inspirational, transformative experiences that span culture, self-care, mindset, And yes, some great fashion & grooming advice too. Do yourself an enormous favor and binge-watch for a fully therapeutic ugly-cry.
#30- The Sparkle Hour
I have to share the awesomeness that is The Sparkle Hour. This is the personal development podcast that my dear cousin Nicole Lewis-Keeber and I created and hosted for 3 years, in which we shared 10 seasons of amazing content, found our voices like never before, and interviewed some of the most life-changing badass womxn from all over the world.
“We have so Loved our time with y’all! Catch up on all of our episodes and get all of our free Sparkle School™️ materials by visiting our website.” -Michelle & Nicole
#31- Blonde Lady and Bald Guy
I’m getting MARRIED! My sweet husband-to-be and I created an Instagram account @blondeladyandbaldguy so that we can share the amazing AROUND THE WORLD trip we are taking for our Honeymoon. AS IF my life couldn’t be more amazing, suddenly, it is. Practicing Transformational Positivity has changed my entire life.
OKAY, that’s my 31! I hope that you have enjoyed this comprehensive list of some of my favorite social media accounts! If you haven’t yet joined my Positivity email list, I invite you to do it today and step into 2020 with me! I am excited to support you moving forward with Clarity and Confidence.
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