LOL Letter — July Update
LOL Opening Reflection
It's hard to believe we're already halfway through the year.
Half the year.
When I realized it, my first thought wasn't excitement.
It was, Lord...where did the time go?
Suddenly, my mind started pulling up all the things I said I was going to do in January.
The unfinished projects.
The ideas that are still sitting on my list.
The things I thought I'd have figured out by now.
For a moment, I could feel that familiar temptation to panic.
You're not doing enough.
Time is slipping through your fingers.
You're behind.
Then I laughed.
Because I started an entire business built around helping people press pause before the panic and emotional swirl starts catastrophizing everything.
So...I decided to take my own advice.
When I slowed down, I started looking beyond the unfinished list.
And something surprised me.
The moments that mattered most actually happened.
I took care of my family’s needs.
I walked across the stage and celebrated my graduation with my family.
I launched Living Out Loud.
I began building educator renewal experiences.
I started the first LOL 90-Day Flex.
I made memories with the people I love.
Those weren't small things.
Somehow, though, the unfinished tasks had become louder than the milestones.
Isn't that interesting?
Our minds have a way of letting what remains undone overshadow everything we've already accomplished.
Now, don't misunderstand me.
Some of those unfinished projects absolutely deserve my attention.
But not all of them deserve my anxiety.
There's a difference.
If something truly matters, then maybe it's time to make a plan and give it the attention it's been asking for.
But if it doesn't...
Maybe it's time to tell that task to be quiet.
It will get done when it gets done.
And until then, it doesn't get to steal today's joy.
🌸 The 90-Day Flex Journey
One of the things I've been smiling about this month is watching everyone realize they don't have to earn a "perfect week."
That's how so many wellness programs make us feel.
Miss one workout...
Eat one piece of cake...
Forget to drink enough water...
And somehow it feels like we've failed.
Not here.
Around here, we simply pick up where we left off.
Tomorrow is still available.
The next meal still matters.
The next walk still counts.
The next bottle of water is ready.
That's the kind of wellness I'm interested in building.
Living Out Loud Is Taking Shape
This is where readers get to see behind the curtain.
Something like:
When I launched Living Out Loud, I knew the vision.
This summer has been about building the structure that supports it.
Then mention things like:
completing the website
creating clearer service offerings
building educator renewal experiences
developing systems for Discovery Calls
preparing future community experiences
Looking Ahead
One of the projects I'm especially looking forward to sharing is a collaboration with Diversity in Action. It's still in development, and I'll be excited to tell you more as it gets closer to launch.
Over the next few months I'll continue sharing reflections, growing Flex, meeting with educators, and preparing new experiences for 2027.
I'm looking forward to seeing where these conversations lead.
Is a Discovery Call Right for You?
One of the things I've enjoyed most over the past several months has been simply sitting down with people and listening.
Sometimes the conversation is about retirement.
Sometimes it's about caregiving, leadership, educator well-being, or navigating a season that feels uncertain.
And sometimes people simply need a space to think out loud before deciding what comes next.
A Discovery Call isn't about having everything figured out before we meet.
It's simply a conversation.
If you're wondering whether Living Out Loud offers the kind of support you're looking for, I'd be honored to connect with you.
Schedule a Discovery Call
Closing Reflection
Maybe before you look at everything that's unfinished, spend a few minutes remembering what truly mattered this year.
You may discover you're farther along than you think.
Blessings,
Sonya