Linda Dean Hatz

Happy Heavenly Mothers Day to my beautiful mom……with her birthday and Mother’s Day this week…it took me a little by surprise at the depth of feeling…while the missing of her is different…not quite as sharp as that first year, but now, a more tender and profound sense of her loss and not having her here within the circle of our family’s arms.

A few months ago I had done a social media series for my private practice. The series was around folk art and mental health; Harmony in Handcraft, Nurturing Self Care through the Tapestry of Folk Art. I had so much fun creating and felt so connected to that bit of work. I had always meant to share with people where my love of folk art had come from and how that series came about.

I think today… Mother’s Day… is perfect way to honor my mom and share a bit of how my love for hand crafting came to be. Below are some of the pieces of art that my mom created…(cross stitch and quilting were two of her most loved works of art). She taught both my sister and I the art of cross stitching, and taught me to sew and to quilt. The bonds created as she passed down these gifts of making art have stayed with me all these years. I am so grateful and blessed to have so many of her pieces around me. They truly bring me comfort and joy, knowing the love passed through her hands into each stitch is held dearly in the frames on my wall.

This past year I created a bit of a gallery wall, the blending of her work and mine, together. And even as I write those words I am so very grateful (and teary) that she left so me so many gifts; the art of crafting, the love of folk art, the appreciation of the beauty all around, a deep and abiding love of God, and the most precious gift of the bond and love of family. Thank you so much mom for all that you have given to me…to our family. You are always loved and always close in heart.

Road tripping❤️ can’t wait to hear this lady….so inspirational and am ready to learn and grow.

National Sibling Day…Kevin, Laurie, Brian you make my life more beautiful…thank you for that. And our beautiful mom…nothing made her happier than when we all were together❤️

Self-Care Sunday. Sundays through out my own life has taken on different meanings and intentions depending on where I was in my life. And then the fast paced lifestyle and perfectionism kicked in and Sunday started to become a place of dread and anxiety. About not having everything done or ready for the upcoming week. It represented stepping back into worries and “too much to do”. And then something shifted within, along with finding my own life’s work. I have loved, over the past few years stepping into, for me, the recognition of the sacredness and the wisdom of taking this day, this Sunday, for worship and for rest. A day given to us that allows space for reset and connection to our spirit. Listening to what the rhythm that our body and soul might need on this day. Can we embrace this sacred opportunity to nurture our faith, to pause, to rest?. To practice self-care. To find sanctuary for our souls. Listen to your heart’s whisper and in these moments of stillness you may find the essence of self-discovery and renewal. I’m adding a second quote that really speaks me…also said by Paulo Coelho; “Dreams are the language of God” Where are your dreams leading you? Can you reframe your faith and spirituality as a part of sacred self-care?Harmony in Handcraft;Nurturing Self Care through the Tapestry of Folk Art

Little bit of thankful Thursday wrapped within self-care. Taking time to embrace tranquility through the mindfulness practice of walking…walking in the early morning light gives you space to step away from anxiety and worry and to let the air and light wash over you. Stay present in the moment, noticing the details of your surroundings; Breath slows, shoulders relax and the chilled air clears your eyes. Nurture self-care with each step in the embrace of nature. If science is your thing natural light helps to regulate your circadian rhythm, release endorphins for mental clarity, boosts vitamin D and improves sleep cycles. Combine mindfulness with science for a habit that promotes physical and mental wellness. Embrace the quiet stillness, connect with yourself and nature…a harmonious start to a day with balance and well-being. “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Lao Tzo. Art credit. Le Violoniste. Leon Spilliaert. Harmony in Handcraft; Nurturing Self-Care through the Tapestry of Folk Art

Let’s embrace the relationship to food as both nourishment and a part of our self-care rituals. The quote from Virginia Wolfe said it so well way before all the science and research did. “One can’t not think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well” The joy of preparing food sustains our bodies and nourishes our well-being. When we add the gift of breaking bread together…a timeless ritual that transcends mere sustenance…it becomes communal, nurturing our relationships. Creating a space for conversation, laughter, a sharing of thought strengthens the bond between us. Let each bite be a moment of self love and enhance the fabric of our relationships. Cherish these moments, savor the flavors and allow the shared joy around your table become a foundation for lasting connections. A prayer that my brother brought to our family is one that I am always grateful for; Thank you for the food before us, the family beside us and the love between us.

We don’t always think about work and productivity in the same vein as self-care. And I think for so many of us, we think that loving our work or our career is a luxury vs a means to an end of providing for ourselves and loved ones. When we take the time to embrace work with passion we intertwine professional pursuits with self-care. When work aligns with passion it becomes a source of joy and fulfillment. This harmonious blend not only enhances productivity but also nurtures our mental and emotional well-being. What are your experiences with work and productivity? Are there shifts that you can make to turn work into a fulfilling self-care practice? “Let what you love be what you do”. Rumi. Art credit American Gothic, Grant Wood. Old Woman from Grez, Ivar Nyberg
Harmony in Handcraft; Nurturing Self-Care through the Tapestry of Folk Art

Martin Luther King said it so eloquently; “darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” When we learn to be in good relationship with ourselves, to see our own beauty opens us to the opportunity and gift of relationship with one another. Self-care is also about maintaining and nurturing healthy relationships with others. Participating in reciprocal and balanced connections allows us to flourish. Compassion, kindness and grace offered to one another creates a sense of belonging and purpose. Cherishing these connections with others enriches our lives. Nurturing meaningful relationships brings us back to our own hearts. What relationships are you grateful for today? Who are you thankful for? How can you show a bit of kindness today?
“Your acts of kindness are iridescent wings of Devine love, which linger and continue to uplift others long after your sharing.” Rumi art credit: Ukrainian artist Nadia Volodymyrivna Martynenko. Harmony in Handcraft; Nurturing Self-Care through the Tapestry of Folk Art

Self-Care Sunday. Sundays, for quite an awhile had represented anxiety for the upcoming week…almost wishing Saturdays wouldn’t end so Sundays could last a bit longer. As I dove into research about managing anxiety and the “Sunday Scaries” I’ve noticed that when we are intentional about how we practice mindfulness and habits the more we are able to stay present in the care of ourselves. Do you schedule in a time to journal or mediate?, is it a warm cup of tea and candle light or maybe a walk in nature, letting the cold air brace you into the present moment, lifting your face to the sun. What intentional self-care acts help you embrace tranquility and calm for your upcoming week? Taking care of yourself is a beautiful way to come home to your heart, soothe your nervous system and start your week refreshed. What self-care rituals do you swear by or that you want to start this January?
Harmony in Handcraft, Nurturing Self-Care through the tapestry of Folk Art.

Harmony in Handcraft: Nurturing Self-Care through the Tapestry of Folk Art. Those that know me are used to my metaphor of the process of healing; how we find our way back home to ourselves. That the space within, our heart, our home…there are many rooms. Rooms that hold our connection to others, the connection to our world and earth, our relationship with our values and how we give, our connection to our self and the relationship we hold to our God and spirituality. Returning home is a reunion with the quiet rooms within ourselves, a sanctuary where self-care becomes the art of nurturing our own well-being. May you find that candle within, nurture and care for that light so it burns brightly to bring you home. Come home to your heart.
“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out”. J.R.R. Tolkien art credit Nicola Slattery

Well most of you knew this past year I’ve struggled and got a bit lost in the grief around the loss of my mom. The holidays happened and I am beyond proud of the gift we gave her and our family in the honoring of her…above God my mom loved/loves her family most. Within this journey I have felt healing energy seep back in and I found myself with the phrase Strong on Purpose and what it meant for me. To Choose, To Decide, To Honor. And within these actions comes the word for me…my word for this year…NURTURE. I know when we hear the word strong so many see hard lines, rigid and bold. Strength is also very present in the tenderness we offer, the softness of grace we extend to ourselves and others. To be strong enough to know what nurtures our body, mind and our spirit.
I’ve been sick the passed few weeks and found myself having some space to lean into my more aesthetic side and found myself drawn back into folk art and blending it with my message of self-care, strength and nurturing. Another practice that is important to me…the danish concept of hygee; creating safe and cozy spaces that envelope us in warmth. Particularly on these days of chill and dimmer light, the way we care for ourselves each other is important work. The ability to be a bit more reflective, honoring the slower rhythm of our bodies, to restore; for me, this is the art of wintering. I hope this little series speaks to you, and in some way make a difference in your day.

To the New Year
By W. S. Merwin

Art by Jane Newland

With what stillness at last
you appear in the valley
your first sunlight reaching down
to touch the tips of a few
high leaves that do not stir
as though they had not noticed
and did not know you at all
then the voice of a dove calls
from far away in itself
to the hush of the morning.
So this is the sound of you
here and now whether or not
anyone hears it this is
where we have come with our age
our knowledge such as it is
and our hopes such as they are
invisible before us
untouched and still possible.

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I don’t often talk about some of my specific programs and offerings on this part of my Facebook but, first, I am beyond excited to be working with a team of amazing, bright and strong women within this program, and secondly, Strong on Purpose has the opportunity to dramatically change the lives of people that I love and care for. Get ready for our amazing program launch this January!!
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These past several years I’ve learned the power of our physical wellness and the impact it has on our mental wellness and I am more motivated than ever before to help people find their Health and renewed Hope. A really cool series on Netflix…Live to 100… loved that the message is that it doesn’t have to be such a struggle! It really is about lifestyle. Please reach out if this resonates with you and you are looking to move towards a journey of a healthier happier you. I would be honored to have the opportunity to support you on this next part of your journey❤️

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I’m not sure what I expected this coming spring…I just knew I felt quiet and not ready to even think of being creative let alone connected. But I do think that God, the universe and the seasons within offer us an opportunity to start to release. And all of the sudden, even with the sadness of my mom’s birth month and Mothers Day approaching…I feel a little bit of waking. Literally the month of May is about lifting away the weight of debris, to allow light and air to touch places that have held darkness and dormancy. For the first time in awhile I am feeling ready…and I wonder if you are experiencing something similar? The nudge of soft winds, and warm light that touches our face and our souls. I think I’m ready…are you? Let’s take those first steps of spring🍃🌸

Grief…I find myself not even sure of what words can capture the moments that are jagged in heart, that draw us inward seeking the familiar voice, the smile, the intimate moment of eyes catching one another. I keep trying to find my way to the surface to step back into a life that would honor my mother and my own passion for serving others. I do know that gratitude is a part of this journey…gratitude for the lessons, for the relationships, the bonds that grief has cultivated. I’m grateful for an ability to take the time to practice softness with myself and with others. I’m thankful for family and community that allows space for healing and comfort. I took my first road trip today, and brought my mom with me. I saw her in the newly greening pastures, in the steeples that I passed, and the flowers that graced the path. Most of all I am so very grateful for who my mom is, …that she is very present within my love.

I have been taking a bit of a break these past several weeks to care for my mom. And then the unthinkable happened and I was left with a grief I didn’t know existed. It’s probably the most difficult and profound process that knocks the strongest to their knees and with the loss of my mom a few weeks ago I find myself wanting to stay quiet and private…and torn when was the right time to share my personal experience. And yet as today rolled around and it being International Woman’s Day I was led past my need for quiet to honor my mom. In these past 2 weeks, taking time to be reflective, my mom was an amazing example of a strong woman. A woman of principle, faith, and had an abiding conviction of love and forgiveness. She gave me that, she taught me well with an unconditional love. Thank you to my mom, thank you mom for all that you gave. Thank you for being my home. And thank you to all the women out there who are holding space for those around you. May we all have a net of women who are loving us, holding us steady and celebrating who we are.

The past few weeks I’ve taken a closer look at what is Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD) is and some strategies that we can put in place to support the navigation of some really difficult emotions and feelings. I think even with some of the news on a larger scale, it is so apparent that depression, sadness and managing difficult feelings is complicated and hard. Try not to go it alone…lets watch out for one another. Particularly in this season of giving..:giving our attention and care may be the sweetest gift we can offer. One gift of attention that I love to give to my family is cooking and nutrition…I’m including today a recipe that highlights 1) comfort and coziness on a chilly night and 2) ways to use food and nutrition to support our mental wellness. Eggs, mushrooms, garlic, sweet potatoes and kale offer nutrients such as tryptophan, magnesium, calcium, and protein and all have anti-inflammatory properties. I am also offering 2 different vitamin/supplement kits to support mental wellness and stress through out the holiday and winter season. Feel free to reach out for more information and support.

Today I’ld like this post to be a bit interactive…ways to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder…to cope with the shift to low mood and sadness can be hard an isolating. I love the community we have built here and I know so many of you have really cool and helpful strategies as we travel through these months. I would encourage any of you to share what helps for you as you or someone you love navigates SAD if you are comfortable in doing so. As a holistic therapist and wellness/life coach I always encourage people to tap into their inner wisdom and instinct…you know yourself best. Does a warm nutritious soup filled with soft veggies help lift the low, or creating a cozy corner with a candle and book soothe the sadness. Asking the person who you love or care for a hug can create a space of connection. Special lamps and lights, gentle yoga flows can all be a part of a self-care routine that supports feelings of depression. Trust your inner wisdom, know that this will pass and you have people in your corner❤️🍃

Feeling down…sometimes called the “winter blues” can slip in without us even being aware that it’s happening, and all of the sudden we can’t get out of bed…the “5 minutes more” turns into an hour of hiding under the covers. And sometimes an all day “I can’t move” feels scary and overwhelming. And here is where shame can slip in, telling us to hide our feelings, isolating us from the people we care most about. Here is something to examine; does this mood feels familiar…did this show up last year…is there a cyclical predictor to the fatigue, sadness and difficulty maintaining or connecting with the people in your life? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can slip in and be missed for a little while as seasons shift into darkness a little earlier, colder weather hits and we are amping up for the flurry of the holidays and all of the sudden we are in the middle of some difficult feelings. If these symptoms are showing up, 1…know that there are many holistic strategies and supports that can support and shift your mood and energy. Look for tomorrows post for more tips and trick to support you or maybe a loved one experiencing SAD…and 2nd, you always always get to reach out for support and care…You are so worth it❤️You never have to do this alone❤️

With the closing of our mid-week maybe we are feeling overwhelmed or like the weekend can’t get here quick enough…maybe we are frustrated and tired. Breathe in, loosen your shoulders, do a light stretch and ease into a moment of softness. A favorite poet and philosopher, for me, is Rumi. The quote above touches me deeply. As we breathe in let’s remember what allows us stay present within our own needs and being connected with others. To tap into the gentle and tender space of our hearts that makes room for mistakes and misunderstandings. For imperfections. For re-dos and fresh starts. Be soft with your own self. Be soft and tender to those you hold dear.

I can’t tell you have many people I hear saying how quickly time is passing…it’s hard to believe that we are finishing up the second week of July. And with time flying it’s easy to not realize the pressure that is putting on our bodies, our minds and spirits until all of the sudden we are burned out and shut down…check out these signs that you might be needing some extra rest, ideas on how to build in rest.. I’ve thrown in an affirmation and journal prompts to help you reflect a bit on this topic. Reach out if you are needing some support🍃

Monday Mantra…repeat this as much as you need to today to remember that you’ve got this…. On the days you don’t quite trust yourself, can’t quite see the next step…You are stronger and braver than you might feel in this moment. Take a breathe in of trust…exhale the little doubts…