🙋🏾♀️ 💒 3rd Spaces? Why they Matter to My Health + Whispers Trail Mix Recipe!
So I first heard the concept of third spaces about a year ago on Danielle Bayard-Jackson Friendship podcast “4 Things we are Getting Wrong about Third Spaces“.
When I listeend to the episode I was so intrigued. She was outlining a concept although I didn’t know the official name of, it most definately struct a nerve. I have those spaces! They are incredibly important to me.
A third space (or “third place”) is a social environment outside of home and work/school where people gather, connect, build relationships, and experience community.
First space = home
Second space = work or school
Third space = community connection space
Third spaces are important because they support:
emotional health,
social wellness,
belonging,
creativity,
and community building.
They are often informal, welcoming places where people can simply be rather than perform or produce.
💒 Examples of Third Spaces
Coffee shops
Libraries
Churches
Community centers
Book clubs
Gyms or walking groups
Teaching kitchens
Barber shops & beauty salons
Parks
Volunteer organizations
✨ My Third Spaces 😁
The YMCA and Zumba!
Many moons ago I wrote a post on my love for Zumba! There is real research that shows a significant health connection between women who regularly attend Zumba and their health!
“The Research Team observed dance fitness intervention based on Zumba Fitness classes generated notable improvements in a wide range of Health-Related Quality dimensions in sedentary middle-aged worker women.”
After nearly 3 years, I can honestly the research is true 💯!!
Zumba has become such a critical part of my health journey, each year I “gift” my Instructors a little gift. Just some home-made trail mix in a cute baggie with a note that says, thank you for showing up!
It may not mean alot to some, but without the energy, fun and character they all bring to class I don’t think I would show up so religiously.
Not to mention the connection I recieve from all the ladies that attend. Zumba truly is my Jam!
My Church!
I grew up in the church, so no matter where I’ve lived in the world, attending my church always felt just as much like going home, as my Mothers house.
It’s the one place I typically don’t have to perform, or fulfil an expectation.
I get to see, hug, and worship with some of my favorite people in the world!
My cookies from the church cookie-swap!
The Teaching Kitchen….
After nearly 5 months, I went to my first teaching kitchen class as a “helper not teacher”. The first quarter of this year I lost my mojo for a bit… Tough professional losses, parenting, self-doubt, and many other situations became priority. I had to fall back in love with food as health.
Fortunately, we have some amazing Instructors at the TKC who stepped right in.
After class Wednesday, I got super emotional writing about my return. The folks embraced me, shared their stories and seeing the TKC operate just gave me a renewed sense of joy. I’m right back to sharing my recipes, testing ingredients, and bugging my Mom and best friend with “what I cooked for dinner tonight” hahaha!
This recipe is definately going in my future cookbook…. de-lish!!!!!!!
All in all, if you have a space hang onto it for dear life! If you don’t consider making a “mid-year” goal to do so!
WhispersTrail Mix Recipe
This is the trail mix I make to give as little gifts to my Zumba Instructors! They LOVE it! One Instructor said “it didn’t even make it past the car. I immediately ate it when I got to the car. 😆
Best part… it’s nut free!!!
Ingredients
1 cup Dried apricots, chopped
1 cup M&Ms
1/2 cup Pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup Sunflower seeds
2 cups Chex cereal
1 cup Dried coconut slivers
1 cup Dried blueberries
1 cup Banana chips
1/2 cup Dried figs, chopped
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: dried apricots, M&Ms, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, Chex cereal, dried coconut slivers, dried blueberries, banana chips, and dried figs.
Gently toss the mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer the trail mix into an airtight container or resealable bags for easy snacking.
Store in a cool, dry place or enjoy it immediately during your next adventure!
Enjoy your delicious homemade trail mix!
Happy Eating!
J
Want more? 😁 Grab a Copy of the Book!
Be prepared to make this book messy! Seventeen months into my personal wellness journey, a lightbulb hit. The 7 dimensions of health model, is an ongoing journey, not a destination. So, I chose to create the journal I wish I had. Elevating your health helps everyone in your life. This journal is filled with “quick read” nuggets and easy to follow templates that will help you swag and sway between each health dimension attuned to personal harmony. When we don’t, that’s when the body keeps score. Some of these lessons were hard fought, many laughter was involved. Take a walk with me and listen to the Whispers!
