February 2023 Newsletter

Is it just me, or was January a bit of a doozy for many of us this year? I have to be honest and say even though I think I'm one of the most positive people most of the time, January was hard. A good thing was that I started working with photographs, art and writing more, in part as a response to what I needed to process the sudden passing of my sister-in-law, Tesha, on January 3, and then the passing of my maternal grandmother, Madeline, who adopted me as a baby and raised me as her own and who I called mom, on January 10. The above image of a lioness and her cubs was something I made as a result of a detailed and strange dream I had the morning that my grandmother left this plane. I know now that she was coming to visit, one last time.

Note this is a condensed version of the February 2023 newsletter. For the full, interactive and original experience, visit it on FloDesk.

What do you do to deal and heal when you're processing grief? I learned this month to trust reaching out to good friends in moments of anguish, and I also realized that making art and writing helped me to work out what was rattling around in my brain too. Helping a stranger who needed an ear one day lessened the loads of my own personal burdens because I focused on them instead, and, I taught a private yoga class to a small group of women that was so special that I forgot all about my troubles and instead lived in a beautiful teaching moment in a rugged and breathtaking region to facilitate a safe space for them. It was a safe space for me too, but in a different way, and I'm honored that I was asked to be their guide for a few hours.

Madeline Henriette Dodds (nee Seger, Van Brabant)

My grandmother, Madeline, about two years younger than I am now, shortly after she brought me back to Canada to raise as her own, when her daughter, my mother, Maria, died. Despite the circumstances, there is a lot of joy in this photo, I think.

Meet Porter Singer in Episode 58. She’s a singer, artist and yoga teacher with a breathtaking voice. She’s helping others to heal through her skills and gifts.

FINDING HAPPINESS THROUGH EVERYDAY AWE.

JUST FOR FUN: I’m an ambassador for Taylor Jay Designs - and you can try it too with 15% off with code MYA at checkout.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Tracee Ellis Ross speaks about making peace with your own mind on the We Can Do Hard Things Podcast.

WHAT I'M READING: Tami Hackbarth’s 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care Book.

WHAT I'M LOOKING HEART EYES AT: The art of Tracie Pouliot, who did a heart-warming custom portrait of my family and I a couple of years ago.

Custom pencil portrait by Tracie Pouliot of People You May Meet.

HOW TO SAY SORRY (PROPERLY): Many of us get it wrong, despite good intentions. Here’s how to learn to do it better.

MEET KATIE BLOMBERG FEBRUARY 3: She’s a 40-under-40 nominee and a woman making a huge difference in health and wellness. Learn more about her.

TESHA JANICE DAVIS: My sister-in-law lived with the challenges of Lupus for over a decade before passing away suddenly in early 2023 at age 45. This autoimmune condition disproportionately impacts young, Black, women. Learn more at Lupus.org.

MYA IS IN THE WELL BEING RESOURCE GUIDE!

Thrilled to be featured in the popular local Sacramento Well BEing Resource Guide. This was one of the first publications I picked up in my hands after moving to Sacramento nearly 10 years ago - so I'm truly delighted to be featured this year. Please check it out, along with all the other listings, and share it far and wide. So many helpful services and people. Print version coming out later in the spring!

PERSONALLY

This photo below was taken early on the night that severe winds and rain eventually knocked out power and prompted flooding in many parts of the Sacramento region for several days. Before it all went down, I had been fortunate to gather with some dear friends for an early new year dinner party of gumbo, catching-up, and more laughs than we thought possible. Recent research reveals that one of the greatest impacts on our quality and length of individual life depends in large part on the depth of our relationships. So let's heed those pleasant findings and gather whenever and however we can, because it may just allow us to live a little happier, and a little longer. 

With love, until next month,

Megan

January 2023 Newsletter

Happy New Year Friends! I hope you've been enjoying a loving, restorative and just-the-right-amount of excitement this holiday season. With 2023 upon us, of course I've been thinking back on the past year, lessons learned and key takeaways. 

Note this is a condensed version of the newsletter. View the full and interactive original on FloDesk.

The highlights for me included more travel than I (and likely any of us) have done in quite some time. I relished each sunrise and sunset I was able to experience, whether it was in my own yard, out on a walk or hike, or in beautiful Oia, Santorini, Greece, pictured above on Richard and I's belated 25th anniversary trip from last May. Living in ongoing immense gratitude for each time I saw the sun rise or sleep helped me keep perspective for the days when it felt like everything was going wrong. 

Image via the New York Times

Adding to this sense of wonder for me (and probably many of you too) are the images and findings of the James Webb Telescope, one of which is pictured above. In addition to the stunning images that speak directly to the dreamer, artist and photographer in me - my mind gets blown over and over again by how these images are actually being taken backwards in time. We're living in 2023 now, but glimpsing the formation of our own universe over a billion years ago. What?! Yes. The science fiction loving kid I was and still am is all over the amazing revelations that keep unfolding with this story of space, humanity and literally, time travel too.

Episode 56 features Aureya Magdalen, one of my teachers and mentors. We focus on how to Embrace the Sweetness of Life (even when things get tough).

GO TO HARVARD FOR FREE and LEARN ABOUT THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS!

JUST FOR FUN: Astrology for 2023

WHAT I'M EATING: Broccoli Soup (not cream of) and it’s delicious!

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: The Inspired Artist Podcast with host (and singer) Porter Singer.

If you want to see and hear some of Porter's songs, have a peek at her You Tube Channel. Chills my friends. Formerly known as Sirgun Kaur, she has also collaborated with previous guest and mutual friend, Joshua Stoddard on an album in 2019 dedicated to their identically named mothers called, For Pamela.

WHAT I'M LOOKING HEART EYES AT: The Art of Omonivie Okhade and her brand, Tula In Bloom.

WHAT I'M READING: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki.

MEET MIKE SAGUN JANUARY 6: Mike helps men to feel.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO MIDLIFE: What if we allowed more space for ourselves and each other, to age gracefully?

My book, artwork and yoga sessions are always available as gifts for you, or someone you care about. Also, remember last month when I took the plunge and brought MYA to TikTok ? It's been a ride, and I have to say, people really engage with the content over there. I regularly receive messages and comments from complete strangers who are so thankful for the vulnerability and wisdom of MYA guests.

PERSONALLY

You are worthy, listen and watch my new year’s wish for every one of us!

With love, until next month,

Megan

Perfect Broccoli Soup (Not Cream of)

Garnish optional, this soup is just perfect without any other additions, but you may want to dress it up for special occasions or events.

Photo by Polina Kovaleva on Pexels.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli (stems too!)

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 medium size garlic cloves, chopped

• 3-4 medium size carrots chopped

• 1/2 a medium size tomato, chopped

• 1 large/long green onion, chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1/2 cup cream

Optional: Additional broccoli florets to char or steam, toasted croutons, cheese etc. if desired for additional presentation/dressing effects.

*Note, you can use any kind of flour (I use gluten free arrowroot flour and/or corn options). If you want vegan style, try using coconut or another oil instead of butter, vegetable broth instead of chicken and omit the cream, or use a plant-based milk instead. I have not tested/tasted a vegan version, but I’m sure it would be delicious too.

Directions

• Melt 4 tablespoons butter in heavy medium pot over medium-high heat.

• Add broccoli, onions, garlic, carrot, tomato, salt and pepper and saute until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes.

• Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the flour reaches a blonde color.

• Add stock and bring to boil.

• Simmer uncovered until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes.

• Pour in cream.

• With an immersion blender, puree the soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, remove to blend in a regular blender, and then return to the stove to evenly heat once more.

• Add salt and pepper, to taste, and then replace the lid back on the pot.

• Serve hot, option to add a few lightly steamed broccoli florets for color and crunch, cheese or nutritional yeast. (Try it first. It’s so delicious as is, you can decide how fancy you want it to “look” based on the occasion).

• Enjoy! My family and I were elbowing each other out of the way to have more of this. Healthy, tasty and satisfying. We enjoyed it with homemade cornbread.

*Note: I modified and added to a recipe I found online by a husband and wife team, The Neely’s on The Food Network.