This week felt like a blur. Between the freezing temperatures sweeping through New England and the endless to-do lists piling up, it’s been one of those weeks—where time moves fast, but emotions run even faster. The cold didn’t just creep into our coats and bones… it crept into our energy, too. It’s hard to stay motivated when the sun barely shows itself, and the weight of the holidays feels heavier than usual. We’re all feeling the pressure—mentally, emotionally, financially. It’s the time of year when we’re expected to do more, give more, be more, even when we’re running on empty. Some of us are grieving quietly, some of us are holding it all together with a shaky smile, and some of us are just trying to keep the house warm and the lights on. Yet despite all of that, we show up. For our families, for our kids, for work, for responsibilities. And sometimes… we forget to show up for ourselves. If this week has felt like a whirlwind for you, too, you're not alone. This space—our Skool community—is a reminder that even when the world feels cold, there’s still warmth to be found in sisterhood, in honesty, and in the gentle act of checking in with yourself. 💭 Ask yourself: - Have I paused to breathe this week? - Have I acknowledged how I really feel? - Have I offered myself the same grace I give others? As we wrap up the year, we don’t need to have it all together. We just need to keep choosing healing, growth, and empowerment—one day at a time. ✨ Take what you need from the community this week. And if you can, leave a little encouragement behind for another woman who might be quietly struggling. With love, Lourdes 💛

This week, we’re turning our hearts toward one of the most powerful healing practices: gratitude. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset, a way of noticing what is rather than what’s missing. It helps us shift from survival to presence, from scarcity to abundance, and from fear to trust. When practiced consistently, gratitude can rewire our brain, strengthen our relationships, reduce stress, and bring us closer to joy—even when life is hard. 💬 Discussion Focus - What are you grateful for that didn’t feel like a gift at the time? - How can gratitude become a daily habit instead of a seasonal thought? - What does gratitude look like when life feels overwhelming? 📝 This Week’s Journal Prompts - Today, I’m thankful for… - Someone who changed my life (and why): - A challenge I’ve grown from is: - My gratitude list (name 5 small or big things): ✨ Mindfulness Practice: Gratitude Grounding Take 3 deep breaths. Name one thing you can see, touch, hear, and feel that you’re grateful for in this moment. Let it anchor you in the now. 📚 Helpful Resources - 🎧 Podcast: The Science of Gratitude – NPR - 📖 Article: How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain – Greater Good Magazine - 📺 Video: The Power of Gratitude | Brene Brown 👯‍♀️ This Community Is Your Circle Drop your journal reflections or a gratitude note in the Community Chat. Tag a sister and let her know you appreciate her! 💬 Reminder: Walk-ins are welcome to join our in-person group on Tuesdays, 10 AM–12 PM at the O’Dell Women’s Center in Springfield. Free parking available on Tyler Street! 📢 Bonus: This is a Union Capital Club, so joining live sessions (virtual or in person) earns you points! Sign up for Union Capital here and list Lourdes B as your Network Coordinator.