I’m writing this from Taiwan, where summer is hot, humid, and steamy — more intense than I’m used to. I don’t usually sweat much, but here, it drips even while I’m sitting still. Most mornings start with 10 minutes of meditation. I’ve been practicing golf with my family and fitting in gym classes when I can. Oddly enough, even in this humidity, I find comfort in the steam room after workouts — it helps me decompress and reset.
Now in the second half of 2025, summer for me means family. After a year of exams, practical hours, surgery, parenting, and building my coaching practice, I’m finally making up for missed time. In my younger days, I’d explore Taipei solo — massages, hair washes, shopping, dining out, nightlife. Services here are amazing and affordable, and I loved the independence. But this season feels different. I’m more drawn to quiet moments at home. My parents are aging, and with each visit, I feel time’s passing more deeply. I want to savor these ordinary moments — shared meals, familiar stories, simple routines.
The small things — chopping vegetables with my mom, hearing my dad’s jokes, watching my daughter in their arms — are where I’m finding the most meaning. They remind me who I am and what I value. Nothing flashy, but beautiful.
I’m noticing more signs of their aging: grey hairs, slower movements, forgetfulness. It brings a mix of love, worry, and vulnerability. Time feels fragile. I want to be more present, patient, and open — even when it’s not easy. These are the moments that matter. These are the ones I’ll carry with me.
Of course, there are days I lose my cool at home, but overall, I’ve been staying true to my wellness goals: nourishing my body with whole foods, exercising daily, spending time with close friends, and soaking up the support and joy of family.
This brings me to something I want to ask you:
What does alignment look like for you? How are you showing up for yourself lately?
When you think about your values — those deep inner guides that shape your choices, joy, and boundaries — how are they showing up in your everyday life? Where are you in sync with them, and where might there be tension or disconnect?
Living in alignment doesn’t mean getting everything right. It’s about being curious and compassionate with yourself as you notice where you’re living in sync with what matters most — and where you might want to gently course-correct.
Here are a few reflection questions to explore:
• When have you felt most alive, joyful, or at peace this year? What were you doing, and who were you with?
• What commitments or habits are helping you honor your values right now?
• Where do you notice friction — situations or choices that pull you away from your sense of purpose or wellbeing?
• What might you let go of to make more room for what truly nourishes you?
As we move further into this year, remember: you don’t need to wait for a new year or a big life event to realign. Life invites us to reset, reflect, and begin again — today, tomorrow, any moment.
As a coach, this is the work I love: helping you reconnect with your values, listen to your body’s wisdom, and take meaningful steps toward a life that feels balanced, centered and aligned. You don’t have to do it alone — sometimes a gentle nudge, a safe space to reflect, or a small shift in perspective can spark real change.
I’m rooting for you to live a life that feels true, kind, and meaningful — one small choice at a time.
What’s one step you can take this week toward greater alignment?
I’d love to hear from you — feel free to reply to this email or drop a comment if you’re reading this on my blog.
With heart,
Joanne
