This month, we are reclaiming our joy — unapologetically and with intention. There is a time for everything, and right now, we need joy more than ever. So, what sparks joy for you? Is it baking and jamming to your favorite tunes? Reading in a cozy nook with a mystery book? Laughing with friends over coffee and pastries? Whatever it is, give yourself permission to do more of that. Your joy is not a luxury — it’s necessary, it’s healing, and it’s yours to claim.
Sharing this calendar preview to keep us on track! If you like this format, drop me a line and let me know! Let’s chat 👸🏾
August Whispers Theme: Reclaiming Joy! 🙌🏾
Here’s a JOY List!!!
✨ Simple Joyful Activities
Take a walk around your neighborhood
Listen to your favorite high school song
👢Learn a new Dance YES Boots on the Ground!
Call or text someone you love, just because
Bake something from scratch (even if it’s imperfect)
Declutter one small space
Sit quietly with a cup of tea or coffee and no distractions
Write a love letter to your self
Watch a comfort movie or show
Light a candle and have a chat with your friend
Read a chapter from a book just for fun
Buy yourself fresh flowers
Say “no” to something that drains you — and feel good about it
I have LOTs of planned adventures this month… It might be a certain person birthday month! ☺️
📚 Books of the Month
For this month’s books, I first recommend checking them out at the library for Free! Can we talk about the joy of that?!?!? I LOVE the library and check out many many books a month. 🏃🏽♀️ Start with your library!
This month, we’re embracing boldness and joy with our Book of the Month: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. In this refreshingly honest memoir, the powerhouse behind Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal challenges herself—and all of us—to say “yes” to the things that scare us, stretch us, and ultimately free us. Rhimes’ journey from overworked introvert to empowered woman is the perfect inspiration as we lean into joy, connection, and new possibilities.
Our second Book of the Month pick is A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death by Valerie Burns — a cozy mystery that’s as fun as it is clever. Set in a small town with big secrets, this delightful read follows baker and amateur sleuth Maddy Montgomery as she stirs up more than just batter while solving a suspicious death. With warmth, wit, and a dash of suspense, Burns serves up a story that’s perfect for curling up with a cup of tea. If you love mysteries with heart, humor, and a strong Black female lead, this one’s for you!
🥒 Wellness Challenge
Did someone say 10 servings of fruits and veggies a day? Yep — that’s what the USDA recommends, Let’s add more color, crunch, and flavor to your day. Toss berries into your breakfast, snack on sugar snap peas like popcorn, or pile your plate high with roasted veggies.
Try using your Health App to track how many vegetables you are eating a day! We’re not shooting for perfect, just progress!
📝 What’s Coming to the Blog this Month:
A few fun posts are coming up! I’m excited to keep it fresh with these wins that may help you in your day to day as well.
- Farmers Market Haul! – My friends and I visited one of the oldest markets in the midwest, I got some good goodies!
- 🍅 Tomato Love – I fell in love with this fruit in New Orleans. Their love for the “cajun tomato” is incredible. Did it live up to the hype?
- Pre-Diabetes in Remission… a huge accomplishment for me. I’ll chat all about it.
- Soba Noodles– I took another food as medicine cooking class, let’s go international in the kitchen!
- Reclaim joy– our month’s theme deserves a post all on it’s own
Friends I have so much fun writing this blog, and it truly gives me joy and supports my health! Buckle up for a great month! Let’s Gooooo!
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Stay well,
💛 J