For the past few days I've had a hard time focusing….on work, on planning, on keeping up my house….I feel scattered, and tired. Can anyone relate? 

 

With more social events happening in-person (we just celebrated my son's grade 6 graduation at school!), I feel like we're ready to embrace the summer of 2002 with a new outlook and attitude.

 

Through a wonderful workshop led by Capturing Device's Paula Diaz, I've decided to go to summer camp, and have created a personal brochure (above) to guide me throughout July and August. 

 

My theme for summer 2022 is The Shape of Summer - Curved, Creative & Calm. I'm excited to embody these elements into al fresco dining, a signature drink (Transformation Mango Tango anyone?), special events, and my weekly "itinerary". Having an actual brochure makes all of this super fun! 

 

 

 

Lately, I've been thinking about how perfectionism has shaped how I show up in the world, for better and for worse!  Many of you know I was an elite gymnast (this photo of me was taken at the 1984 Olympic trials at Seneca College) and when I think about the structure of the sport, you are aiming for a perfect 10 every time you compete. Although scoring in gymnastics is no longer out of 10, “perfection" still wins. What crazy pressure that is.

 

With this “perfect 10” as a guide for my formative years, it's no wonder I still struggle to tame perfectionism. It's hard work. Perfectionism: Why and How to Beat It: A Guide to Doing Great Work without Fixating on Flawlessness helps us reframe perfectionism and its impact on our lives

 

Authors Dan Shipper, Dr, Clarissa Ong, and Dr, Micheal Twohig suggest that, "when we hyperfocus on achieving our impossible goals, only to burn out, neglect other responsibilities, avoid our goals altogether, or constantly feel miserable even when we’re objectively doing well”, it's time to tame the perfectionism beast by taking action based on our values, not the outcome.

 

 

 

Come visit Calling in the Muse, an online art show showcasing the work of 20 artists, including me and my “Submerged for a Reason” iceberg mixed media collages!

 

So far, we've had 1000+ visitors from 25 countries enjoy the artist profiles, salon video, and slideshow - will you be next? 

 

 

Curious to know why I chose icebergs as my muse for this “Submerged” series of collages? Check out my recent blog post here 

 

You've got to hear this beautiful duet by two of my favourite Canadian singer-songwriters Serena Ryder & Willam Prince. 

 

Have a listen to “Sing me a Song” = wow!

 

 

If you've got decluttering and organizing projects on your to-do list (that ends up on your to-do tomorrow/next week/month/year list), here's a fun way to deal with your space and stuff this summer. 

 

Do the 10-minute tango! Pick one small area/project to focus on, cue up 3-4 of your favourite tunes, set a timer for 10 minutes, and do the dance where you choose what to keep versus what to let go of, recycle, sell, or donate. 

 

Ten minutes is enough time to see and feel a difference and my guess is that if it looks and feels better, you'll want to keep going! So, take 10 minutes to tango with that sock drawer, digital file, admin folder, shelf, or…?! 

 

I'm here to support you (and be your tango partner?) if you know that expert advice and accountability will help get you to the finish line. See below….

 

 

 

 

 

 

This email was crafted with 💕 by me, Jessica: life design coach, mindful organizer, experiential educator, author, chai-lover, creative mama, and Airstream-enthusiast