Connecting Deeply- september 2025

The first Monday of the month aaaand it's September 1?! Heck yes!! It's going to be a good month!

Hello lovely people! How are we all doing?!  This month's newsletter is coming at you from just north of London in the UK and to be honest, I'm still in shock that my leggies have taken me this far! Also, in shock that it's September- what the heck! It's Labor Day for my friends in the US, so I hope you're reading this email a bit later than you typically would because you got a little extra sleep (: 

To be completely honest, I don't have a whole lot for you all this month. I'm ~trying~ to do this thing, where I stay as present as possible, being exactly where I'm at, because I know this trip of a lifetime will come to an end. It has been a whirlwind since last month's newsletter and I had forgotten how much being on a bicycle all day every day really forces you to be present. I'm doing my best to take it all in (even the really hard, flat out sh*tty parts haha!). When I'm not just completely gassed out from the day, and am lucky enough to have wifi, I've been pouring a lot into the retreat I'm co-hosting in October. I know I've talked so much about it, but I'm getting so so excited to see some of you all and share everything that we've been working on! It's really going to be a special 5 days and I'm doing everything in my power to keep it within a reasonable budget! A little lower in the email I share about a discount we're offering for you and a loved one if you both sign up! (Like a discount that brings this retreat to only $1000!!!)

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Anywayyyy, this past month while cycling, Arden and I have met some incredible people in a lot of different countries (Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France & now England!). They've let us into their homes, do our laundry, hang out with their kiddos, laughed at our bikes with only 8 gears, let us help them cook dinner, and we've shared in some of the best conversation of my life. Not exaggerating. In addition, I've spent more time continuously in nature than I have in a long time and I'm feeling my creativity, inner peace and sense of belonging just skyrocket. This month of being on the bike has actually made me reflect so much on my chosen word for the year- connection. 

While bike touring, we utilize this amazing website and platform called Warmshowers. It's where people host you in exchange for nothing! Seriously. They do it out of the kindness of their hearts and typically because they have been in your shoes and know how amazing it is to have a warm shower, a hot meal, and maybe a cozy bed to sleep in every once in a while. These interactions are typically only for a few hours in the evening and the next morning and that's it- you're out of there. They are miniature, compact interactions that are honestly what I remember most about these bicycle adventures. The landscapes are beautiful and the physicality is intense, but the people are unbelievable and all so unique.

After staying with a couple in Belgium who are in their 70s  -get this: they aren't even cyclists! Their daughter, who actually sounds really similar to me, is out traveling the world and has cycled around a bunch! She is the one who has utilized Warmshowers, and although she doesn't have a place to host, her parents were willing to do it! So she just does the coordinating but we actually never even met her, just her awesome Mom and Dad) - we were so inspired by the conversation we had. Cor, the dad, is a bit of a philosopher and his wife, Mieke, is an artist. Two unbelievably open-minded individuals who just about built their entire home themselves, let their children go on to do whatever their heart desired and are now at a stage where they're looking back on their life in reflection and a renewed sense of purpose! We got deep, yall! And in only a few hours, and never meeting each other before that. It really made me consider my own conversations I have with the people I'm closest to, and in some instances, have known my entire life. How can we dive deeper? How can we ditch the small-talk and actually get to know one another on a more meaningful level? With new friends, old friends, our parents, our children, our nieces and nephews, the grocery store workers, our spouses and significant others.

I don't know the best answers to those questions, but I do know that finding the answers starts by simply being more open and receptive to those conversations. And then just doing it! Engaging in those talks, asking more questions, becoming a better listener. So this month, that's a priority of mine- better and deeper connection. I've pondered quite a bit on this and have offered some journal prompts at the bottom of this email. I hope they help! That's it though, you all- leaving this a bit open ended so you can keep the train of thought rolling and let your own mind wonder!

Oh yeah, I'll be back in the US in early December... let's get together!!!! I have been missing you all so, so much and have big dreams for next year! Sending you love, love, love in September. Thanks as always for being here <3