Issue #26: Creating + Connecting
Issue #26: Creating + Connecting
A New Community, Empathy in Action, and a NYC Meet Up
At 11 o’clock last Thursday, I swung my extra-large tote bag over my shoulder, hopped into a yellow cab, and smiled to myself, thinking, “I did it.”
When I moved to New York City in September, I came with a list of dreams:
Learn from DvF (my absolute icon + dream mentor)
Make friendships that feel like sisterhood
Create a brand where I feel seen for who I am, and help others feel seen for who they are, helping them bring their dreams to life
As Kaiya, my incredible cohost, and I took our seats for the branding chat we were to give, I saw people creating genuine connections—talking about their businesses and their dreams, laughing over hurrying in in the rain—it felt like magic!
Afterward, during the Q&A, someone asked how to share about your brand when you’re nervous to do so or are feeling “not quite” ready to take the leap.
Immediately, I thought of Elizabeth Gilbert talking about ideas in her book Big Magic.
Gilbert believes that ideas are their own separate entities. They float through space until they find the right home, the right person, who can execute them, until, pouf, they come to life.
If the person who feels that nudge, that calling, doesn’t act or puts it off with thoughts like…
“Maybe someday when I have the time!”
“When I feel confident about the wording I’ll for sure write that article.”
“Surely, there’s someone else who has done this better or differently or already has a large audience.”
That idea has free will to float out into the ether until it finds some brave person who will agree that it’s high time to act.
You don’t have to do it perfect.
You don’t have to reach thousands.
You might not even reach one.
Until someday, one person does read your words, or discovers your art, or cries over your beautiful music.
Until someday, when that one person tells another person about your groundbreaking creation, or your open heart, or the way you cook rice, and that leads them to another thing, which leads them to the thing…
It’s not our job to create without flaw. It’s our job to listen to our gut when inspiration strikes.
Like a match,
Kayli
A Cabin Dinner // Three Muses from Shelby Brion Photography // Ines Longevial Painting // SATC Craig Blankenhorn/HBO
When I attended my first women’s circle I felt excited but nervous. Would it be super weird? Would we sit around meditating the whole time? What if I was like a fish out of water?
Luckily, all of my worries were unfounded because I wound up loving it. Having a safe space to share what was on my mind and connect with like-minded women provided immense joy for me and I actually met one of my best friends at one — hi, Daley!
It’s no surprise that 61% of people who feel a strong sense of belonging have excellent mental health. In fact, my increasing joy + the way I looked forward to attending month after month showed that the proof was in the pudding.
That’s part of the reason I’m SO excited to host my first one for NYC Muses on June 30th. We’ll meet in Central Park at 11 a.m. to sip rose iced tea, connect with one another, and participate in exercises that will leave us feeling more grounded and creatively charged.
Be sure to sign up if you feel called! It’s being capped at 12 people to provide a deeper connection. x
It’s no secret that your happiness grows when someone does something kind for you, but did you know that 89% of us feel better after doing something kind for another?
Sure, donating to causes we care about is incredible (may I recommend The Trevor Project or Behind the Book?), and taking on time commitments like volunteering is admirable, but there are many more ways that we can lift the spirits of others in our day-to-day.
Have you thought about…
✨ Making a point of being a more active listener? Typically, we spend 70-80% of our days engaged in some form of communication. Let’s make it count! Listen to understand, not respond, keep an open mind, and ask questions.
✨ Being on time? Being on time is a small way to show you respect a person’s time + shows they can count on you.
✨ Jetting a pal an article that made you smile?
✨ Babysitting or dog walking? I’ve both babysat for new mama friends + walked a dog for a friend’s pup who is up all night, and I can say they were both so thankful!
✨ Sending snail mail? Popping a simple note or postcard in the mail is such a fun surprise for the receiver!
✨ Showing up for your loved ones? If you hear a friend is taking part in an improv show or that your sister is scheduled to defend her thesis, show up. It might mean getting home a little later than usual, but won’t be seeing them in action be so worth it?
✨ Sending a “How are you?” text?
✨ Expressing gratitude? If your friend had you over for spaghetti, express how delicious it was! If your Mother sent a birthday gift you adored, express how often you use/wear/think about it!
✨ Being the kind of friend you’d like to have?
The Many Lives of Martha Stewart on Amazon Prime: I absolutely devoured this docuseries in one sitting! Martha is truly the queen of reinvention and I enjoyed learning more about how she built her empire. The way she continues to evolve and unveil more about herself with age is both incredibly fascinating + inspiring.
Hutch Drop-Waist Maxi Dress: I love this dress so much I have it in two colors a la my bestie, Nuuly! Now I can’t stop thinking about this fire engine red number. The fabric hangs perfectly, and I just love giving it a little twirl before I leave the house.
Tiny Love Stories from the NYT: If you cried, laughed, and prayed for your own Guzim the doorman, you’ll love these Tiny Love Stories, mini editions of the much-cherished series, Modern Love.
The Intentional Muse is now on Geneva! 🎉
For the longest time, I’ve wanted a space where Intentional Muse readers could go to connect with one another, give recommendations, and talk about everything under the sun — from business, to visualization techniques, to what sandals are best for a city summer.
The Geneva Chat is completely free and is accessible via the Geneva App on your phone or the Geneva website on desktop! I do hope you’ll join us. When you do, be sure to introduce yourself, I can’t wait to say, “Hi-hello!” 👋🏼
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