Reflections and a Big New Idea

Hello! Happy May! May is my favorite month in Asheville, and after Hurricane Helene swept through in September, the resilience of the land we occupy often brings me to tears in the best way. Every leaf and bloom feels extra precious this spring. Additionally, an 18-year brood of cicadas has risen from the ground and the air is literally buzzing with energy. My kids have woken up early every morning to go on “cicada hunts” in our backyard and no leaf or blade of grass has gone unturned around here :)

A similar energy has been showing up for me. I’ve been thinking about my work over the past 8 years. In 2017, I moved away from a group practice and started my solo private practice. I will always remember that time as finally feeling like myself—finding my flow, finding my voice, finding my true calling in the world. Not trying to fit into something that I had a hand in designing, but wasn’t fully mine. I found my agency in a way that empowered me to shine in my own way and share from a place that felt authentic to me.

And now, I’m feeling into that sense of agency more than ever. The airspace of attachment theory and romantic relationships has become extremely crowded. That’s fine, but it’s not for me. I’ve stepped away from social media and it has been incredibly refreshing. Attachment theory doesn’t fit into tiny boxes (trust me, I’ve tried!). There is too much nuance! And I’ve said it once and will probably say it forever: we can consume all the content we want but it’s not fully integrated until we are using it in relationship. I want to focus my energy on supporting people with the integration piece and showing folks how we can use this work effectively to see changes in our relationships. I want to teach and share, but in longer form that social media can provide.

I’ve been anticipating a pivot in my work for (if I’m really honest) YEARS. I’ve been calling in something new and the idea dropped in a few weeks ago. I’ve been feverishly writing and brainstorming and that’s my favorite place to be—creating something new that feels hopeful, exciting, and healing from the jump.

Moving into parenthood (and the pandemic), I had a robust and beautiful community. I felt so seen and supported. But parenthood has changed me and my community has shifted, too. In addition to having limited time, I’ve grounded more deeply into what is important to me. I have less time for things that don’t feel essential and I know that may sound harsh, but it’s very real. On full days with my children, I have a difficult time finishing a sentence (and by that I mean, one singular sentence) without being interrupted, so what I choose to say needs to be meaningful, direct, and sincere. I’m also less than 3 months out from my 40th birthday (!!!), so midlife looms! I couldn't be more grateful to get older, and I’m craving simplicity and am drawn to a “back to basics” approach with a lot more depth--beyond the basics, really. I’m craving connection, but in a small circle, a more intimate way. I need this just as much as the folks I’m offering it to.

So that being said, I’m sharing this new idea and new project with you. I’m calling this a “project” because I fully expect it to evolve and shift over time, especially with input and contributions from the people who choose to participate. It’s a project because it’s a work in progress—showing up with integrity in relationships, healing old wounds, and exploring what feels comforting and nourishing to you in your connections. And you know me: no overnight changes, no quick fixes. Just the work ahead of us, and we get to decide how we want it to feel. But most importantly, we aren’t alone in this lifelong work, and that’s what this project reflects.

I want it to feel fun. Supported. Interesting. Inspiring. Motivating. And deeply, deeply healing. I want it to feel like just the thing you’ve been looking for, because it’s that for me.

So here it is! The new idea and the new project:

If you’ve always wanted more in relationships, if connection and community have felt elusive to you, if you understand that being in relationship is both a gift and a challenge in the world that we are in, this project is for you.

This group is for the deep feelers, the intentional creators, the people who want depth in community. It’s for people who are tired of going it alone. It’s for folks who want to connect and count on each other and engage in reciprocity. It’s for people who want to just be together in fun ways that nourish us and make life worth living.

We will connect and come together for 6 months. Each month will have a theme that we will dig into and reflect on. We will meet as a group several times during the month, including bonus gatherings that you are welcome to join if you choose (Candelight yoga! Shared meals! Co-working/body doubling! Morning coffee!). The Relational Nourishment Project will also have private podcast episodes designed especially for this program. Finally, there will be a group messaging board to stay connected between meetings to share resources, information, and reflections.

We begin in September! If this speaks to you and you’re interested in learning more, please explore the landing page for the project and submit an application. I am so beyond excited to offer this, and I really can’t wait to connect with you in this way. I think it’s going to be magical.

Thank you for your support and kindness. And of course, if you know anyone who might be interested in the project, please share it with them. Social media isn’t the place it used to be and I don’t feel pulled in that direction anymore, so word of mouth it is :)

Big hugs and hope to see you soon,

Elizabeth