It doesn’t happen often but there are some moments that completely change your life. They tend to be unexpected and something you never could have planned for. They may knock you to the ground, push you out of your comfort zone, and possibly make you recognize some very real truths about yourself.
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If you ever come looking for me you will most likely find me outside. Breathing in the fresh air, soaking in the sunshine, and connecting with nature. This is what grounds me and brings me joy.
Recently I had the opportunity to connect with two dear locals girls to chat about Love Notes as we explored a part of the Appalachian Trail together. Kristen and Marybeth are the founders of 7th Heaven Hikes. They believe that life is supposed to be a joyful experience for everyone. They have a deep appreciation for nature and connecting with individuals. They have just began their business venture together even though it has been long in the works before they even realized it. They are a magical duo and refer to themselves as the Wonder Twins.
Kristen and I met at Yoga Teacher Training. Her spirt and spark lit up the room. I admire her courage, the way she takes on challenges even when she is uncomfortable, and her deep spirited nature. She is also a Jikeden Reiki Practitioner. I have gone to her for Reiki treatments and always left feeling lighter and more energized.
The work that Kristen and Marybeth are doing is so needed in today's world. It is all about getting outside, connecting with nature, feeling the warm sunshine on your skin, breathing in the fresh air, and connecting with individuals. It is about stepping away from technology and stepping into this beautiful world that mother nature created. As we hiked we saw many hearts which confirmed that it was a true Love Notes walk.
You can connect with 7th Heaven Hikes through their website, Facebook page, and Instagram.
What I love most about 7th Heaven Hikes is the in person connection with community. This has been a focus for me. I am most comfortable connecting with others through the written word. Through writing I can cut right to the heart of the matter and do not have to worry about small talk. As an introvert in person gatherings can take a toll on me. I want to jump into the juicy stuff but struggle to know how to get there. So I go where I am comfortable and listen rather than speak.
But I am craving sitting across from you. Looking into your eyes as we share our stories. Reaching out and holding your hand. Getting to know your mannerisms and being able to hear the sound of your voice. Connecting in person allows us to go in deeper. To really see one another.
I have connected through the written word with so many amazing individuals in the Love Notes community. It is filled with wide open hearts and I am always left in amazement for how giving, compassionate, and empathetic they are with one another. I dream of gathering together. Sitting around a giant campfire, telling stories, sharing our hearts, and simply just being together. Oh the magic that would unfold if we were all in one place!
Until I can iron out the details for a larger gathering I would love the opportunity to meet up with local Love Noters.
I am based out of Mahwah NJ and will be doing something in the Bergen County area on the afternoon of August 5th. If you are around I would to meet you.
We can do so much more when we come together than we ever can alone. And when we join together in person we are that much stronger. I look forward to seeing you!
Have any questions feel free to drop me a note: jennifer@jenniferbelthoff.com
The Love Notes Postcard Project is a divine adventure of snail mail magic. It is a three week project where individuals are paired up with one another to send one postcard a week based off of the weekly writing prompt.
The individuals who participate are overflowing with kindness and love. This project would not be possible without their wide open hearts and willingness to reach out to a stranger. I am beyond grateful for each of them.
What is amazing to me is that the people who are a part of Love Notes are so different yet at the same time very similar because they all understand the human condition of wanting to connect with others. Below are just some of the incredible individuals and where you can find them on the world wide web.
I invite you to grab a cup of tea and visit their virtual porches. Stop by to say hello and let them that you were there.
When the universe wants to teach you a lesson it doesn't give up until you learn it.
I am an introvert. I tend to observe rather than engage. I take in all that is happening around me. But when you only observe you stand on the outside and no one knows what is going on with you inside. There are times I feel isolated and lonely. There are times when I feel defeated and unsure.
One of the ways that I connect is by showing up to this space and spilling open the contents of my heart. It allows me the opportunity to share my story. In sharing my story I hear from others who are going through something similar and it makes me feel less alone.
All to often I feel like I need to do it on my own. I do not like to ask for help and when others try to help I push them away. I am a pleaser and want to do anything to make someone else comfortable. I think of others needs before my own even when they are willing to help me. When it comes to my work I feel like it all has to be done by me. I bog myself down with trying to do it all. But no one person can do everything.
This is the lesson the universe has been trying to teach me. The lesson I have been pushing away time and time again. But within these last few weeks I am learning that I can't do it all alone. I need to reach out. I need to invite others in.
My sister in law showed me this by sharing a very personal story publicly. In doing so she connected with other tender hearts who have gone through or is going through what she had. In sharing her story she helped others to know that they are not alone and in turn she learned that when she felt isolated that there were others out there going through what she had.
It is our stories that invite others in.
It is our stories that connect us.
It is our stories that bring us closer to one another.
It is in telling our stories that we help our hearts heal.
For the past couple of years I have been on a journey to eat more mindfully and move my body daily. Karen and Katrina from Tone It Up have been my inspiration. I want to have more energy, a clear mind, and feel strong.
I have lingered on the outskirts of the Tone It Up Community. I longed to find a couple of other girls from NJ who followed the plan but never took the effort to really seek them out, until now. They just kicked off their next challenge and I actively pursed finding others from my area. It has been such a blessing to know they are out there. I never would have found them had I not sought them out. Together we are going to go through this. We will be there to support one another to hold each other accountable and let each other know it is ok when we slip up.
The theme for this challenge is actually titled 'Stronger Together'. That could not have been more appropriately titled. The universe showing up again to try to teach me this lesson.
When I was younger I was terrible at math. I remember sitting for hours at the dining room table with my dad as he tried to explain it all to me. It took a while but once I got it, I had it. My mom always said she could see the moment the light bulb went off in my head and I understood what he was explaining.
If my mom was here today I think this would be one of those moments she would see the light bulb going off. I am FINALLY learning to invite others in. To share my heart not only in the written word but through stories and conversations. I crave and desire that face to face connection. Being an introvert it can be hard to show up into that.
Writing has given me the opportunity to pour my heart out and learn that when I did so I would not be rejected. It is ok to share. It is necessary to share.
I have grown steady on these writing legs but it is time to spread my wings and dive in deeper. Knowing that we are stronger together I feel deep courage and confidence inside my heart to keep stepping forward on this journey. It is time to open up and let others see me in ways that I have not done so before.
I invite you to join me on this journey. To take these steps together. To encourage one another. To let each other know that they are not alone. Will you join me?
open your heart & share your story
Hello I'm Jennifer! A writer, podcaster and heart-centered guide. I believe in the power of the written word and am here to guide you in opening your heart.
