The prompt goes without saying, but let's check in. Without the obligation to make specific references to the news, politics or a specific current event unless you wish to, what is a word or statement that describes how this week has been for you? My word: Present. In a world where it is so easy to catastrophize beyond the confines of the date of the calendar, I find the the most effective way for me to slow down time is to take opportunities each day to be as still and present as possible. I did NOT watch that nauseating Jubilee cage match. I did NOT watch Meet the Press, which is my favorite US politics TV segment. I did NOT binge motivational content to dream, scheme and project. Instead, I showed up every day here in the Haven starting the week with our new Jobseeker Support Group, in the Identity & Belonging Lab for our R.I.S.E. Leader's Circle and REPLENISH coaching calls, as well as for many of the other communities I am part of—and my mood improved thanks to the positive human interaction with other people just trying to make a difference with the work they do. And I spent a LOT more time with my partner and daughter than in recent weeks. 💛 My mood and my outlook is so much better because of it, and I don't feel guilt about it as I know that my ability to compartmentalize and dosify my consumption of the terror all around us is the only reason I'm even able to get out of bed in the morning, much less function like half of a human being. All this is to say, whatever you are feeling is NORMAL. So if you're seeing this, take a moment to tap in and let us know how you're doing. Let's hold space for all the big and little things—and get ready for an amazing August as I work to fill out our calendar with fun ideas thanks to last week's poll. Remember: if ever you need personalized support during these weird times as you work to build in light of the chaos, we'll be waiting for you in the IBL. Can't wait for you to join us.

Attention change makers ! You hold space for everyone else. But where do your clients go between sessions? I’ve been building something for the moments between breakthroughs—the quiet, invisible battles no one sees. shame.less is a soft tech tool designed to help women of color track emotional wins, process invisible grief, and reset in a way that feels affirming and culturally grounded. The MVP is live, and I’m looking for a small group of early users—including coaches and practitioners who want to offer clients a gentle tool for reflection and growth. If you’re a healer or guide and this sounds aligned, I’d love to share it with you. the link 🔗 to the “app” is here: https://shameless.site play around with it for a bit then if you wish fill out a quick Google Form documenting your experience: https://forms.gle/n9XMcoVDjr6gtJxS7 Note: this post has been approved by admin @Erin Corine Johnson :)

***Edit: Date change! We'll see you on Monday 6/30, same time (11am Central/6pm Central Europe)!!*** Exactly 7 years ago on June 28, 2018, Hola Magnolia was born of a beautiful, unforgettable and affirming moment meeting my first Magnolia Grandiflora—the official state flower and tree of my Indigenous American and Enslaved African ancestors' home state—outside of the US in my chosen home of Spain. Five years later, we were incorporated in my home state of Illinois with the incredible support of my LinkedIn community for the 2nd Edition of the Reparations Race! The world is burning and it seems like there's no way to know what tragic news, intensifying violence or personal loss is looming just around the corner. I can't control much, but I CAN hold space for unconditional celebration—and I'd like you all to join me for an impromptu livestream to commemorate the occasion.. I hope to see you all on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11am Central US (Chicago)//6pm Central Europe (Barcelona) for this special anniversary event with as many of our community members, collaborators and longtime supporters that can join us. We'll be talking about: 🌺 My decision to end The Reparations Race in its current form after this 4th Edition, including how to still join us in uplifting (and FUNDING) Black creators, businesses and projects to close out this incredible project 🌺 What's coming up next for us at Hola Magnolia, and how to support our current objective of ending our summer Business Debt-Free 🌺 How to get even more involved in our growing "Virtual Village" on here on Skool! Link to RSVP and receive the link can be found here in the calendar tab. I look forward to seeing some of you there!

It's a new moon and traditionally you set intentions. I want to set intentions for a fabulous micro retreat this weekend and my New Attitude. But I think I too was not recognizing burnout. Not being super social. No energy to watch the replays. I want to be comfortable in my skin and the abundance of my gifts but feel like a zombie wondering. This precious seed of ideas I carry may not be birthed. The burnout tree is lit. I just want to be with my cat manifesting the ashes. Cue the world's smallest violin.

Here’s an IBL crossover post, because I want to check in with you all as the state of the world (and much of our work as changemakers as a result) continues to spiral. How do you cope with work-related anxiety, even with work you love (even when the physical, mental and emotional toll is much)? Impact leaders and empathic humans hold so much space that we are often running on E long before our bodies, minds and spirits register the deficit. If you’re energy-sensitive in any way on top of your day-to-day load, the moment you return to center and tap back into your own needs, wants and to-do lists, the anxiety can catch you like a rip tide. True to the image, I try to combat this feeling by doing the mental equivalent of swimming parallel to the shore until I can feel the current release me back into calmer waters, where I can float gently to recuperate and then gradually tread way my way back to sandy—then solid—ground. Sometimes, that looks like at least making sure I eat well despite the overwhelm. Other times, it’s protecting my bedtime or even going back to sleep after getting my daughter ready for school and out the door. I think naming (and validating) these mechanisms helps us normalize the journey back to center after a crisis of any magnitude. The “almost there” part of managing our mental health is so important. Feeling every gradient of the healing process brings us closer to ourselves and helps us better understand our capacity at each stage so we can articulate our needs to those around us. I learned this lesson BIG time while organizing this summit, and it helped me get about 300% more sleep than I was getting this time last year with the same workload but with 3x more moving parts. So what about you? Tap in below. I’m listening. 🫶🏾 A reminder that there are just a few days remaining to join us in The Identity & Belonging Lab for $1/day (billed annually). Joining before the price goes up on June 1 locks in that rate for as long as you stay a member. Payment plans available, so I’ll be reaching out to those that have asked for more info before the end of the week.