If we could

If we could sit together, even if just for a moment
I would encourage you to drop all expectations
Be in the moment
Feel the sunshine on your skin
Listen to the wind as it blows past your ears

I would invite you to open up
Share your heart
Share your dreams
Forget about what is impossible
And indulge yourself in what you truly desire

Together we would plan
We would scheme
We would come up with ways to make it happen
How grand, to let loose
And sink into the magic of it all

What fun we would have together
There would be laughter mixed with tears
Cheers of excitement
Hugs, and hand holding
And the feeling that anything can happen would fuel our souls

We need this time together
To be seen
Be heard
To be reminded that our dreams are needed
And we are worth it

If we could sit together
Oh the things that could happen
Things we haven’t even begun to dream of would unfold
As we breathe life into the unexpected
And trust the journey in front of us

One day
Yes, one day
We will sit together
I feel it in my heart, know it in my bones
And cannot wait to be with YOU!

We Need One Another

I invite you to join me in this virtual circle. Where you can show up exactly as you are. Yes, your hair can be a mess (mine always is). Yes, you can be in your pj’s and even snuggled up in your bed. Yes, you can sign up the moment before class begins.

What matters most is knowing that you aren’t alone. There is a community just waiting to sit with you. No prior experience in anything is needed to attend any of these virtual gatherings. Arrive as you are.

Check out the upcoming classes below to see what is coming up and click on a particular event to register. Note that all times are in EST and all classes take place on Zoom.

In Write Together you will be surrounded by fellow word lovers and guided through writing practice. You do not have to call yourself a writer to join in. The act of putting words down on the page is what matters most.

At Qigong Tara will lead us through breath and movement coming together to create a moving meditation. Qigong merges the body and the environment to create energetic balance and wellbeing. Its goal is to continually bring the body into a state of harmony.

In Art Journaling. Where we gather together in community to create alongside one another. I will provide prompts to get you going and you will have the opportunity to create based on the supplies you have on hand. You do not need to call yourself an artist to join in.

---

Join me over on Instagram @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Showing Up

It is not easy to choose to live wide open
To wear your heart on your sleeve
Share your truest desires
Show up, and try something new

It is not easy to put yourself out there
To take a risk
To go after it
To see what will unfold form your choices

It is not easy

But you do it
Time and time again you show up
Unsure, legs shaky
Never fully ready

You jump in
Because you know you can not live closed up
You know you have to try to see what could be
You know to risk means to live

When you cocoon yourself in
You shut out the possibility
Close yourself off from opportunity
Hide your light that needs to shine

If you never risk you never know

Along the way, there will be bumps in the road
Moments of total failure and perceived embarrassment
Your heart will sink, tears will fall, you will be crushed
But you will still be able to move on

You will lean on your loved ones
Allow the hurt to wash over you
Trust the process
And begin again

You will not allow a speed bump to steer you off course

Continue on you do
And the magic finds you
Your dreams unfold
And when you least expect it you are shining brilliantly

This is wh you show up time and time again
This is why you risk vulnerability
This is why you lean in, speak your truth, ask for help
This is why you never give up

The course may change
The journey may seem trying
But along the way, the pieces fall together
The true nature of your dream reveals itself to you

Let’s Gather Together

I invite you to join me in this virtual circle. Where you can show up exactly as you are. Yes, your hair can be a mess (mine always is). Yes, you can be in your pj’s and even snuggled up in your bed. Yes, you can sign up the moment before class begins.

What matters most is you knowing that you aren’t alone. There is a community just waiting to sit with you. No prior experience in anything is needed to attend any of these virtual gatherings. Arrive as you are.

Check out the upcoming classes below to see what is coming up and click on a particular event to register. Note that all times are in EST and all classes take place on Zoom.

In Write Together you will be surrounded by fellow word lovers and guided through writing practice. You do not have to call yourself a writer to join in. The act of putting words down on the page is what matters most.

At Qigong Tara will lead us through breath and movement coming together to create a moving meditation. Qigong merges the body and the environment to create energetic balance and wellbeing. Its goal is to continually bring the body into a state of harmony. Classes are on Wednesday and Friday.

Then finish off the week with Art Journaling. Where we gather together in community to create alongside one another. I will provide prompts to get you going and you will have the opportunity to create based on the supplies you have on hand. You do not need to call yourself an artist to join in.

---

Join me over on Instagram @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

good enough

Previously the digital world was filled with perfectly curated moments.  It was only the things people wanted you to see and not exactly what was true in the moment.  The tiny corner in the room that looked fabulous but left out the mess that was next to it. The precisely edited video that cut out all the missteps and outtakes.  It felt a bit like rainbows and butterflies and not exactly what true life was.  

However, that need for perfection has shifted a bit in the midst of this new uncertainty that the Corona Virus had laid on us.  During this time of social distancing where we are asked to be apart, we are longing more than ever to be together. We want to hold onto some sense of normalcy and are seeking out new and different ways to connect.  

This has opened the door for the messy, imperfect, authentic moments to unfold.  Fumbling with online video, sound not being exactly right, the background behind you a bit in disarray.  It’s ok if you don’t start exactly on time. It’s ok if you try to figure it out while people are on the line.  It’s all ok.  

This moment in time is unique because it is something we have never gone through before and we are all figuring it out together.   We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, in fact, no idea what the next hour will bring. All we can do is show up where we are, exactly as we are.  Even if, and especially if that is not the sparkling versions of ourselves.  

Maybe you choose to get dressed today and put on makeup.  Maybe it’s 8 pm and you realize you haven’t gotten out of your pj’s.  Both are totally ok. You need to do what feels right for you and ditch any ideas of perfection.

The dishes in my sink are piling up.  There are stacks of books on my studio floor.  I am still rocking my comfy clothes. I am giving myself permission to just be as I am.  To do what feels right.  

And I am showing up where I can.  Taking it all digital and getting in front of the camera even when it feels uncomfortable.  Creating Zoom calls to connect my nieces and nephews with their other cousins. Giving them activities they can do virtually together so that they can see one another and laugh.  Happy hour’s with friends and family. Communing with other teachers in the area for virtual gatherings. Creating a place to land with a weekly virtual Community Circle.  

None of it is perfect.  There have been missteps along the way.  Moments when I fumble over words or have no idea what I am going to say next. But it’s good enough, and sometimes that is exactly what we need, good enough.  

I invite you to show up exactly as you are.  Perfectly imperfect. Knowing that you, as you are, is good enough. And that is all the world and those around you need right now. 

it's been awhile, and so much has changed

Hello Courageous Hearts,

It has been a while since I have been here and so much has changed. Life as we knew it has completely turned upside down. Whoever thought just a few short weeks ago that we would be where we are today. My heart weighs heavy with all that is going on in the world, but what I have also witnessed are amazing acts of courage, kindness, and compassion. I feel that more than ever we need one another.

This time of “social distancing” has me hunkering down, appreciating what surrounds me, and seeking out new ways to connect. I feel blessed for technology and the way it is keeping us virtually together.

I have also been putting pen to paper. Taking time each day to document what is happening around me. Noting what is closing, how I am feeling, what I did that day. It feels good to get it down.

I am trying to move my body more often. Working from home has me sitting stagnant for hours on end leaving me feeling exhausted. But I have been starting each morning with a workout and trying to get in an afternoon run or walk. It feels good to move.

I have also been taking time to notice what is around me. Notice the small things that I would usually hurry past. Before this all began I was in a constant rush, rush state. Planning Girl Scout Meetings, going to events, working my 9-5 and also on creating my dreams. I had very little time to slow down and just be.

And now here I stand with all of you. With nowhere to go. Nowhere to be, except be home. And when I am not working I am trying to slow down the pace. Dustin I are cooking more meals together. Going for walks. Zoning out watching Netflix. We are on this rollercoaster ride of emotions together. Sometimes we are doing great, other times the weight of what is going on weighs heavy on my heart.

I am learning to be more compassionate. To not judge myself when I just want to crash on the couch and do nothing. But I am also enjoying connecting with others virtually. It is interesting how I feel more connected to the people I work with then I did when I was in the office. This common unknown bringing us together.

Here’s what I know in this moment:

• We are all in this together.

• I (and you) are not alone. Even if you are living alone. you are connected to this community. Please reach out if you are feeling lonely and know that we all feel that way at times.

• We need each other now more than ever

• Music makes me happy and lifts my spirits

• Fresh air fills me up as well

• It is necessary to reach out

• It is ok to cry

• It is also ok to laugh, be silly and have fun

What is it that you know right now in this moment? I encourage you to write them down so that when you are lost you can turn to that list and be reminded.

One of the things I have been asking myself in the wake of this is “what can I do to help?” “How can I serve?” And although I can’t do much this is what I can do.

I can continue to bring people together through the written word. I will be hosting another round of the Love Notes Postcard Project, sooner than the original expected mid-April date.

We will begin Sunday, March 29th

This round will be a little different. You will be able to join in the old fashion way by sending physical postcards plus there is an option to participate that is purely digital.

The Love Notes Postcard Project is a free, three-week project that encourages individuals to connect through snail mail (and now email). I will match you up with another participant in the group and each Sunday you will receive a writing prompt so that you have a jumping-off point for what to share with your partner.

This global project brings people together and encourages connection through the written word. I have been hosting this project for about seven years and have been blown away by the friendships that have been made. and the kindness that has been shared. Sign up to be a part of this upcoming round and spread a little bit of joy and light during this dark time.

I can also bring people together virtually to connect, meditate, write, and simply be with one another. I have hosted two online gatherings recently and am so grateful for the individuals who showed up. It is wonderful to see one another even if only through the screen.

My next Community Circle is Monday, March 23rd from 8-9pm EST

I am craving simplicity and look forward to showing up here more often. This is my virtual front porch. I invite you to grab a cup of coffee and settle in. I look forward to getting to connecting with you and walking together on this journey of life.

Sending so much love to all of you!

Xoxo
Jennifer

let’s be friends on instagram :: @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

asking for help

I want you to know that you don’t have to do it all on your own.  

The dishes, the laundry, the grocery shopping.  There is a lot that you do to keep your world spinning smoothly.  Cleaning out the garage, wiping down the counter, remembering to take out the trash.  The list feels never-ending. There is also getting everyone where they need to be. Planning for the next troop meeting.  And trying to lift that side hustle off the ground that you are so passionate about.

I see you over there in your corner of the world.  I see how hard you work. How much you show up. How you make so many things happen and most of it occurs behind the scenes.  You give and you give and you give, never really expecting much in return.  

You are a freakin ROCKSTAR.  

But here’s the thing.  I know that the weight of the world feels like it is on your shoulders.  You are carrying all of it and picking up more boulders along the way. But you don’t have to be doing that.  You don’t have to carry it all alone. It’s ok to let the dust and laundry pile up. It’s ok to take a break. It’s ok to ask for help.  

I know it’s hard.  Hard to reach out. Hard to let go.  Hard to give someone there own time to do something that you would have done in half the time.  

But all that responsibility isn’t yours alone.  There are people who will help if you ask. Some will do so willingly others may take a little more coaxing.  And there are others who can do what you are trying to do even better. Let them jump in. Let them help. Together we can do more.  You don’t have to do it all alone. 

You deserve to fill your tank.  You deserve to rest. To ease in.  To simply just be. You deserve to see how things can go beyond what you ever thought they could be when you have the right people in place doing their part.  

We need each other.  We need to reach out and to lean in.  Go ahead, take that first step today in asking for help and easing some of the weight you are carrying.  

What is one thing you can take off your plate today and ask someone to help out with? Share in the comments so that we can all cheer you on.

Let’s be friends on Instagram @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

seek out joy

In the tiny pockets of time when you are doing something ordinary, there is joy lingering right below the surface. You may not notice it as you move through your routines of life, but it is there waiting to be discovered. It wants to be acknowledged. It wants you to sink into its goodness and feel all the feels.

It is there with you when you wash the dishes, put away the groceries and make your to-do list.  It walks beside you as you feel the crunch of the leaves beneath your feet, see the light of the sun peeking between the trees, and hear the sound of the birds chirping.  And it doesn’t leave when you make your bed, fold the laundry, and bring your love a glass of water.  

It is right there waiting for you.  Inviting you in. Hoping you seek it out. 

Joy is a choice.  One that isn’t always easy to make,  I know that there are times we fall down the ‘whoa is me’ rabbit hole and it feels impossible to climb out.  I have been in that bunker many times, sinking into feelings of sadness and despair and inviting others to join in my misery.  It’s an easy road to navigate.

“Happiness is simple. Everything we do to find it is complicated.”

— Karen Mazen Miller

But here’s the thing.  Unearthing joy doesn’t have to be as hard as we think.  It is there, waiting for us. We just need to slow down long enough to be able to recognize and appreciate it.  

The feeling of the blanket on your skin in the morning. The smell of a fresh cup of coffee.  The way the stars twinkle in the sky. The warmth of the sun on your face. The sound of laughter.  

Notice, simply notice these little moments and sink into how they make you feel.  Do they bring a smile to your face, fill you up with a sense of wonder, calm your racing nerves?  If it’s even for a brief moment, that is something.  

Don’t let the joy slip away without giving thanks for its arrival.  Show gratitude for everything that opens your heart up. What you notice and appreciate you invite more of into your life.  

Choose to invite in more goodness! 

What do you want more of? How do you want to feel? Share below in the comments so that you can set the energy of your intention into motion.