10 Things That Are Nourishing Me Right Now
Hello Courageous Thrivers,
The first time I went to an energy worker, I came home and energetically threw up for about an hour.
I called her and left a message:
“I just threw up energetically for an hour — is that because of what we did?”
She called me back and said,
“Yes — and I’m so sorry. I could tell you were sensitive, but I didn’t realize you were THAT sensitive. I understand if you don’t want to come back.”
Somehow, I knew that as uncomfortable as it was, it was ultimately in service of my healing.
I went back regularly for several months of talk therapy combined with bodywork.
It was the beginning of what’s now been over a decade of healing and transformation — body, energy, spirit, and mind.
Back in 2013, in the final weeks before I submitted my dissertation, I was super stressed — not sleeping or eating well — and I started dreaming of soup. Repeatedly.
After several of these dreams, I knew my body was serious.
If I wanted it to support me through to the finish line, it needed deep and easily digestible nourishment.
The message was so clear that, for the first time ever during a stressful period, I was able to cut back on sugar, simple carbs, and alcohol — my usual comfort foods — so I could make more room for what actually nourished me.
Fast forward to September 2025.
I’m asking my body and mind to follow my soul’s path — and I’m having trouble meeting the challenge.
But/and/also, I’m focusing on nourishing all parts of me as I go.
Because I am determined to do what’s mine to do — and I know I must do it from a place of deep nourishment.
So today I’m sharing just a few of the ways I’m cultivating a more nourished and joyful way of meeting the challenges of growth.
10 Things Nourishing Me Right Now:
1. My personal tea blend, “Nourishing Radiance”
Created by Brittany Williams of Eudemonia Herbs. You can request your own custom blend to support you here!
2. This talk from Loretta J. Ross
On “calling in” as an alternative to shame and blame. I deeply desire to live like this. She has a new book out too — highly recommend.
3. Hiring Polly Bart of Greenbuilders.com
A badass contractor woman who gives orders to men daily and pays everyone well — including herself. She’s fixing our garage and driveway. Nothing glamorous — just the solid satisfaction of doing what responsible homeowners do, and knowing someone like Polly exists in the world (and in my city!).
4. Daily activations from The Enneagram of Soul
It’s like a compassionate fly on the wall is watching my Enneagram 4 self move through life — seeing where I get stuck and showing me a new way.
5. Leaving home early on my teaching days
So I never worry about being late. I stop at Panera to finish my class plan and settle from the traffic before facing whatever new surprise awaits me.
6. Contemplative spiritual practices
Offered through The Interfaith Alliance. Slow, grounding, real.
7. A pre-teaching prayer ritual (thank you, Danielle Cohen)
Solum Aesculus Body Oil from Uriel + a grounding practice of standing on grass to clear my energy field before I get in the car after teaching.
8. Going to bed by 9:00 pm most nights
Off screens and dim lights by 8:30. Life-changing.
9. Face Nourish oil from SoBotanical
Locally made, woman-owned, and feels like a blessing on my skin.
10. Listening to Thresholds by Sarah Tacy
She has a new 12-week program coming soon called Resourced — it looks amazing.
I have a high-maintenance emotional/energy body and nervous system, so these aren’t my only supports.
Another big one?
Practicing self-compassion. Even as I write this!
It helps calm the harsh judgments I wield toward myself for being “too sensitive” or “needy.”
Kristin Neff’s Fierce Self-Compassion, regular practices with my friend Sara Arey,
talks (and hugs) from my husband Dave Valentine, and therapy — all help me climb this particular hill.
I hope you’ll check out anything from this list that calls to you.
And if you have a nourishing practice of your own that I should add?
Hit reply and tell me.
I’d love to hear.
Deb