Finding Community...It's All About The Love

A Month of Transformation

There's nothing quite like community. Whether connecting in person, online, or through a hybrid space like a Zoom meeting, I've discovered something profound and transformational through a recent 30-day yoga challenge.

An Invitation to Transform Together

To all our incredible readers who have been part of this journey: If Life (un)Learned has touched you, challenged you, or supported you through your own transitions, now is your chance to show some love—and invest in a community that's here to grow together.

At Life (un)Learned, you'll find a community of fellow travelers who are:

• Unlearning old habits

• Exploring personal transformation

• Supporting each other through uncertainty

• Experimenting with what works and what doesn't

For just $35 US per year (less than a coffee a month), join a supportive community where you can:

• Find clarity about the direction you're going

• Connect with others experiencing similar life changes

• Feel seen, supported, and cheered on

• Discover new ways of understanding yourself

Prices increase in January, so now is the time to upgrade your subscription!

If Life (un)Learned has been a source of insight, comfort, or inspiration—this is your moment to dive deeper and be part of something meaningful.

The Power of Showing Up

Over the past month, a small group of us committed to a daily yoga practice, meeting weekly to encourage and hold each other accountable. What emerged was far more than just a fitness challenge—it was a journey of transformation.

One participant started off believing she "couldn't write" and ended the month sharing deeply personal reflections. Another experienced such a profound internal shift that colleagues noticed a new sense of peace in the meetings she was leading. Someone else discovered the seeds of a new venture, emerging from the quiet space created by consistent practice.

For me, this challenge was a release. By putting myself out there, experimenting with connection, we created something magical—a community that fundamentally changes people.

Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash

Unexpected Gifts

This practice revealed something beautiful: Sudden, Temporary, Uplifting Gifts (STUGs). I first heard the term STUGs from my friend and grief doula

Dina Bell-Laroche

, she described moments of grief that wash over us as sudden, temporary upsurge in grief moments. In our practice this month, we discovered a different kind of STUG…moments of unexpected joy and connection. Still STUG’s, but the good kind. :)

This month, I found myself wanting to share what was lifting me up and bringing happiness—from Jon Batiste's music to the wisdom from the book "How to Think Like a Roman Emperor" and Joni Mitchell's artistry. My focus shifted to love—telling myself I'm loved, and reminding others they are beloved.

Why Community Matters

Over the past two years, many of you have shared how something I've written has caused you to pause, reflect, and sometimes take action. You've sought therapy, tried something new, or reached out to share how a piece moved you.

To all of you: Thank you. This space of creation and shared humanity has been transformative in ways I'm still understanding.

More of Something Good

In keeping with theme of sharing something good this month. I’m thankful for storytellers like

Cici Sullivan

,

Eve Barlow

and

Pamela Anderson

, who continually inspire and challenge me. This group of writers couldn’t be more diverse, but that diversity of experience and opinion is what I’m seeking. I crave it.

One day, I dream of a Substack road trip—traveling across North America, meeting the incredible community that shows up here week after week, making me laugh, think, and grow. Thank-you, and in honour of the end of our 30-day-challenge…Nameste.

What say you?

1. What are you grateful for: today, this week, this month?

2. Have you been doing something lately to show up for yourself in a way that’s changed you? Tell me more…

3. If you’ve been here at Life (un)Learned for awhile and haven’t said hi yet, please do in the comments below. I’d love to know where you’re from and what you’re finding helpful.