Hello beautiful souls! I'm so excited to invite you to our very first monthly Tea & Talk session happening this Saturday, October 4th at 9 am (CST) right here in our Skool community! What is Tea & Talk? Tea & Talk is our cozy monthly gathering where we come together with our favorite mugs of tea to discuss seasonal wellness topics in a warm, supportive environment. Think of it as a virtual tea party with friends who share your interest in natural wellness and mindfulness! This Month's Topic: Creating Your Autumn Herbal Apothecary As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, our bodies naturally seek different support. This Saturday, we'll explore how to stock your home with fall herbs and remedies that can: - Support your immune system as seasons change - Bring warming comfort on chilly days - Boost your energy as the days grow shorter I'll be sharing some of my favorite autumn herbs (and yes, I'll definitely talk about my elderberry syrup obsession that gets me through every fall!), simple recipes you can make at home, and practical ways to incorporate these herbal allies into your daily routine. What to Expect Our Tea & Talk sessions are relaxed and interactive! We'll start with a quick hello and community check-in, dive into our monthly topic, and leave plenty of time for questions and sharing. The whole session will last about 35-40 minutes. You don't need to be an herbal expert to join—whether you're just curious about herbs or you've been making your own remedies for years, there's a place for you in this circle. How to Prepare 1. Brew your favorite tea to sip during our chat 2. Find a comfortable, quiet space where you can relax 3. Bring any questions you have about autumn herbs and wellness 4. Come with an open heart and mind! I truly believe that connecting with seasonal herbs helps us align with nature's rhythms and tap into ancient wisdom that supports our modern lives. I can't wait to share this journey with you!

https://www.skool.com/live/bkDTdy8dJZM Here is the link (you can find it on the calendar) for our first Tea & Talk! Here's the format: Welcome and Intro (greetings & intro to discussion topics) Check-in (hellos and personal wins) Discussion (wellness topics group discussion) Q&A (if you have any) Preview of next month Goodbyes (express gratitude and farewell....until next month) Here is the first post to learn more about this: https://www.skool.com/april-joy-wellness-8257/join-our-first-monthly-tea-talk-session?p=56e160c4

Happy Thursday, beautiful souls! Today, I want to invite you into a gentle moment of reflection—a Wellness Wheel Check-in. Imagine your life as a vibrant, nature-inspired wheel, with each spoke representing a different area: career, money, health, relationships, personal growth, fun, and your physical environment. When all the spokes are strong and balanced, your wheel rolls smoothly along the path of life. But if one or two are a little wobbly, the journey can feel bumpy—I’ve definitely felt that uneven ride myself! Let’s explore together: Where do you feel most balanced right now? And where could you use a little extra support or nourishment? Maybe your career is thriving, but your fun and recreation spoke is looking a bit thin. Or perhaps your relationships are blooming, but your health could use a gentle nudge. I’ve been there—sometimes my “fun” spoke is just a tiny sliver, and I realize I need to sprinkle in more laughter and play. I’d love to know: What area of your wellness wheel feels out of balance for you? Is it stress management, self-care, connection, or something else entirely? What would help you feel more supported and empowered on your journey? Your voice matters here, and this community is a garden where we can all grow together. As your wellness guide (and fellow lifelong learner who’s navigated plenty of bumpy roads!), I’m here to create resources, workshops, and support that truly meet your needs. So, what would you love to see more of in this space? Guided meditations, herbal wisdom, stress-busting rituals, or maybe a cozy chat about setting boundaries? 🫶 Let me know in the comments—your feedback will help me plant seeds for new offerings that nurture your unique path. Share your check-in below, and let’s support each other in finding more balance, joy, and peace. We’re in this together, and I’m so grateful to walk this journey with you. With warmth and wildflower optimism, April

I also have a Substack and write longer articles about guess what....herbs and mindfulness but I also write about nutrition and moving that body. Here is one article that I thought everyone here would enjoy. https://open.substack.com/pub/apriljoywellness/p/herbs-for-the-overwhelmed-mom-natural?r=242yv1&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

Hello, beautiful souls! Today, I want to share a personal story that truly transformed my approach to self-care and wellness. It's about learning to give myself grace - something I know many of us struggle with. A few years ago, I found myself in a constant state of overwhelm. As a mom, teacher, and budding wellness coach, I was juggling so many responsibilities that I felt like I was constantly falling short. Every mistake felt magnified, and my inner critic was working overtime. Sound familiar? The turning point came during a particularly stressful week. I had missed an important deadline, snapped at my kid, and felt like a complete failure. As I sat on my bedroom floor, tears streaming down my face, I remembered something a mentor had once told me: "Treat yourself as you would a dear friend." In that moment, I realized I would never speak to a friend the way I was speaking to myself. This realization led me to develop a simple 3-step self-compassion practice that I now use daily and share with my clients: 1. Pause: When you notice you're being hard on yourself, take a moment to pause. Take a deep breath and create a little space between you and your thoughts. 2. Acknowledge: Recognize what you're feeling without judgment. Say to yourself, "This is a moment of suffering" or "This is really difficult right now." 3. Nurture: Offer yourself kindness. Place a hand over your heart and feel its warmth and gentle pressure. This simple gesture activates your body's calming response. As you practice these steps, incorporate this gentle hand-to-heart breathing technique - Place one or both hands over your heart. - Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, feeling your chest rise beneath your hands. - Exhale slowly through your mouth, allowing your body to relax. - Repeat this for 3-5 breaths, or until you feel a sense of calm. This practice has been a game-changer for me. It's helped me navigate challenging moments with more grace and kindness towards myself. Remember, self-compassion isn't about being perfect; it's about being gentle with yourself as you grow and learn.