@Cristina Tudor first—thank you for trusting us with something so honest. Everything you wrote feels self-aware, compassionate toward yourself, and grounded in real experience. That’s not nothing, especially on a hard day. I love how you named it: sometimes we know our own rules, and then we test them anyway—usually for very practical reasons like income—and then life gently (or not so gently) reminds us why we made them in the first place. That’s learning in real time. And yes… often learning the same lesson more than once 😄. I’ll share something from my own experience: one of the most liberating realizations of my life was admitting that I didn’t actually miss the stress that came with the job I once thought I “loved.” I missed the identity. I missed being competent and valued. But the constant pressure? The mental load? The urgency? Letting go of that has made me healthier—emotionally and physically—than I was willing to admit at the time. So I’m very sympathetic to what you’re navigating right now. About the current job: I don’t think this has to be an all-or-nothing decision in this moment. You’re already doing the most important thing—you’re listening. You’re noticing what your body is telling you. That awareness gives you options. Maybe this job is just a temporary bridge. Maybe it becomes a clear “never again.” Either way, you’re gathering data about yourself, and that’s powerful. Your TM story spoke to me. The fact that you stayed with it through such a difficult season—and then saw its impact reflected back to you by someone else—that’s such a gift. And I love that you chose to sit down and meditate today precisely because you didn’t feel like it. That’s real commitment. I’ve always been intrigued by TM, but I thought it required a pretty significant upfront investment and formal guidance, and I never quite took the leap. I’d love to hear more about how you got started and what the process was really like. Also… how amazing will it be for you to carry that practice with you as you travel? Meditating in different corners of the world, anchoring yourself no matter where you are—that feels very “future Cristina” in the best way.

@Cristina Tudor Thank you for taking the time to share all of this with such honesty and depth. 💛 What you said about avoiding self-care back then because the “return to stress” felt unbearable… yes. That makes so much sense. I love that you’ve arrived at this place now where self-care isn’t just an idea in your head—it’s something you feel in your bones. Your description of TM—your “safe little corner” where work stress has nothing to do with you—was beautiful. I could feel the relief in your words. And honestly? You’ve demystified it for me in a way no brochure ever has. The ease, the enjoyment, the structure, the training… it suddenly feels approachable instead of intimidating. I’m genuinely intrigued now, but still a bit offput by the high price tag. And of course… you’ve inspired me in another way too—I’m restarting my dry brushing routine because of you! 😄 It had fallen off my radar, and reading about how naturally you’ve woven it into your day made me think, “Why did I stop that?” So thank you for that gentle nudge. Thank you for trusting me with so much of your story. Your self-awareness, resilience, and willingness to keep learning (even when it’s uncomfortable) are truly inspiring. I’m cheering you on —stressful days and all. Sending you a big hug back. And please know… your words are helping me grow too. 💕

@Cristina Tudor I love this—especially your very confident “I decide, that’s who!” 😄. That really is the heart of it. To each their own, always. I completely agree with you in theory… and then real life intervenes. Lately, as I look at all the “valuable” (according to him) things my dad has accumulated over the years, I find myself clinging tightly to the idea of Swedish death cleaning like it’s a public service announcement I wish he would stumble upon and fully embrace. Soon. Preferably yesterday. Your slow travel plan sounds amazing, by the way—one suitcase, one carry-on, and a whole world to explore. Whether that earns you “extreme minimalist” status or not, it definitely earns you points for courage and clarity. I love how you approach this with curiosity instead of rules. It feels healthy, grounded, and very much you.

@Cristina Tudor thank you for this—it was exactly the gentle reality check I needed 😄. You’re so right: I don’t get to set the timeline for my dad’s relationship with his “valuable treasures,” no matter how many Swedish death cleaning PSAs I mentally broadcast. I love the way you reframed it—letting our parents enjoy what brings them joy now, because this season with them matters so much more than the logistics we’ll deal with someday. That perspective is both wise and kind. And yes… most of it will eventually make its way to antique shops and Goodwill, and no one will be emotionally scarred by that outcome. So for now, I’m practicing letting it be, protecting my energy, and reminding myself that love matters more than inventory. And I’m happily receiving those positive Swedish death cleaning vibes—may they gently float toward my dad when the time is right 😉.

@Cristina Tudor Are you able to share pics that wouldn't identify your clients? I'd love to see the reception space, and, of course, your sketches!

@Cristina Tudor gorgeous! What a talent!!!

@Connie Riet It sounds like you had an amazing call, and I'm sorry I missed it.

@Julia Dinter I love that. “How good can it get?” is such a simple question, and yet it reshapes everything. I’ve had a similar shift over the past few years. For a long time, I found myself drifting into thoughts like, “Is this all there is?” At some point, I realized how limiting that mindset was. I slowly reframed it into something closer to, “Anything is possible, and I can help make it happen if I’m willing to work for it.” That change didn’t make life perfect, but it made it feel open again. And honestly, my life feels richer and more alive because of that shift. What you’re doing—de-programming old narratives and practicing gratitude alongside optimism—takes real awareness and courage.

@Jennifer Timm We got about a foot of snow. The worst is over and now we're just dealing with cold temps, which is manageable. How are you doing up there?

@Kim Harrison That’s incredibly scary, Kim—black ice is no joke. It’s the most dangerous kind of winter weather precisely because you can’t see it, and by the time you realize it’s there, it’s often too late. We deal with it a lot in Western PA too, and even people who think they know winter driving can get caught off guard. I’m really glad your hospital took care of you by arranging a hotel nearby. That kind of support makes such a difference, especially when you’re showing up to take care of others under stressful conditions. I hope things have settled down a bit now and that you’re able to rest after such a tense weekend.