Progress, not perfection.
After reflecting on my favorite little things two newsletters ago, I realized that those βlittleβ things arenβt little at all. Theyβre actually quite BIG. Turns out when those things no longer fulfill me, I know itβs time to pause and recalibrate.
Itβs easy to forget this. The quick fixes are just soβ¦. quick. But theyβre not sustainable and leave me feeling more and more depleted with every shortcut I take. Exhausting to say the least so when I went to SJ Jazz Fest with my family two weekends ago (check out the recap here!) I decided not to drink any alcohol.
For me, that wasn't an easy decision to make. Two years ago I made the same decision and had an OK time. But this time? This time was FANTASTIC! I showed myself I can have fun, a lot of fun actually, without alcohol. The way things went a couple of years ago I wasnt sure to be completely honest.
Iβm sharing this because Iβm proud of myself- I feel liberated and empowered! I want you to know that progress is not a steady climb to the top. Whatever your goals are, you can stagger along the way. If you keep trying and stay curious, you will eventually surprise yourself and that feeling is better than any cheap dopamine hit.
I listened to an episode of the We Can Do Hard Things podcast titled βAre You a Dopamine Addict?β (<β- honestly, who isnβtβ¦) that inspired me to share this experience with you. If you could use some inspo too or are just generally interested in the human condition, click here to listen on the Apple Podcasts app or click here if youβd prefer to listen on Spotify. Lmk what you think if you check it out!
Photo of the week: Pierce update! He entered 7th grade this year! Still smart, still handsome, still giving me hell.
StarBody Report
This Friday afternoon we welcome Virgo season followed by a new moon in Virgo that same evening at 11:06pm PST (or early Saturday morning EST). We are moving from the fire that is Leo season, into a more earthy energy and the zodiacal season that will wrap up summer 2025.
Virgo is the earth mother. Sheβs a protector and a provider in her own feminine, grounded way. Virgo is reliable, systematic and analytical- making her an excellent and attentive caregiver. This season is the ultimate season for self care and extending that care to others as well. Letβs review the recommended wellness practices as we say goodbye to Leo season and begin wrapping up summer.
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Because Virgo is an earth sign, getting outside or bringing the outdoors indoors is recommended when you need some grounding. Iβm a big fan of practical, simple, effective rituals so something as easy as taking more walks or sitting under a tree will work.
Because lavender is ruled by the planet Mercury and Mercury is the planet that rules Virgo, it is a wonderfully calming herb to work with during this time. Try some lavender tea or hanging lavender in your home. Lavender essential oil is also available to use during your bodywork treatments with me- just ask! :)
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Virgo rules the digestive system so itβs extra important to take care of your belly right now. Probiotic rich foods like yogurt and kimchi are exceptionally healing during Virgo season.
Bodywork modalities such as abdominal massage or abdominal lymphatic drainage are also suggested. These practices are great for an upset stomach due to stress and/or overthinking which we are all more prone to during Virgo season.
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This Friday during the new moon is the perfect time to reflect and set some intentions. New moons initiate new beginnings so take advantage of this energy and ask the new moon in Virgo for some support.
You can journal, meditate or conversate with the intention of sorting out and organizing (very Virgo) your thoughts around what needs to go in order to create space for whatβs new. For extra insight and to personalize this new moon, check to see which house Virgo is in for you.
Feel free to respond with questions or comments,
:) Ferris
βIf we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.β-Maria Edgeworth