Tranquility du Jour

Your guide to living a full and meaningful life: creativity, entrepreneurship, mindfulness, travel, style, yoga, making a difference and all things tranquility. Hosted by author, therapist and creative entrepreneur Kimberly Wilson, who lives in DC and dreams of Paris.

Tranquility du Jour Podcast #624: Celebrating 20 Years 01/22/2024

Tranquility du Jour #623: 2023 Year in Review 01/08/2024

Tranquility du Jour #623: 2023 Year in Review In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I share my Year in Review. Hear my top 10 highlights, what went well, what didn't go so well, dreams for 2024, and more PLUS a variety of resources for you! Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as , , Visit for more. New to Tranquility du Jour? _____________________________ Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. —Søren Kierkegaard Hello dear reader. I hope you're finding a gentle landing spot in this new year. Longtime blog readers may recall my over the years. Now there's an annual Year in Review. This reflection exercise allows me to stay accountable, set and review goals, celebrate, and note what needs adjustment. Below is a list of my year’s experiences in no particular order. There's also a brief reflection and resources to support us moving into the new year. To compile this information I reviewed my planner, monthly dreams, birthday exercise (), goodreads app, ballet class platforms, and photos. Needless to say, it's a process! Consider your own 2023 list. Look for patterns, wins, challenges, boundaries, and those sweet moments in between. Although this year may have been challenging, you may just rediscover some gems when you compile your own Year in Review. Oh, and here's with heaps of photos from 2023. Year's Experiences Top 10 Hosted 30+ Coterie events including an Won 1st place for in the International Adult Ballet Festival's Beginner Classical Category ( and ) Turned 50! Celebrated Gizmo's 16th birthday with a Featured as in a ballet calendar Made simplification shifts () Traveled to Paris twice ( and )Released the Created monthly membership Revealed my (now I need to write it!) More Experiences in Random Order Had another hip surgery Collaborated with amazing clients Booked flights for postponed with Went to Paris with Mama Wilson Took 300+ ballet classes Released the Performed in two group pieces at the (one en pointe) Released new Traveled to NYC for three private sessions with my teachers Enjoyed 10 live jazz shows (four in NYC, one in Paris, five in DC) Spent a weekend in NYC with my friend Jenn Hosted my final pet loss support session and virtual retreats Hours of physical therapy Took a Danced through 50+ private virtual lessons Joined Kathryn Morgan and friends in NYC and Philly for ballet weekends Made dozens of Hosted one , the , four virtual retreats, Pink Friday, and Sent 250(ish) snail mail love notes Released Sent 30 newsletter Received my first AARP snail mail, oh my! Attended many therapy-related trainings Enjoyed dozens of tea dates with friends Celebrated 19 years with my partner Tim Planned and launched (doors close 1/13)Read only 18 of 40 books in Goodreads Reading Challenge (bought dozens more!) Updated digital course Worked with a beloved support team Traveled between DC and WV dozens of times Celebrated my dad's 80th in Oklahoma Dabbled in more Saw two Harry Styles shows in Paris Donated 10K to charity—Pigs & Pugs Project, Borneo Orangutan Survival, 1% for the Planet Reflection What Worked Well for Me in 2023? Hosting , trimming , full psychotherapy practice, a bit of travel, virtual private ballet sessions and group classes, second hip surgery, creating and , ate more salads (in wraps), hired amazing support, finalized a new book cover. What Didn't Work for Me in 2023? Lack of mobility for a month after hip surgery, my therapist of nine years retired and booked a one-way ticket to Italy, I lost my signature ring (Tim found it five months later), reading was hard for some reason, challenges managing physical pain, not completing online courses, didn't create as much content as I'd hoped, didn't complete new book draft, exhausted often, excessive vet visits and senior pet needs, brain fog. What Did I Learn About Myself Last Year? I need more rest and simplicity in my life. How Did My Goals for 2023 Unfold? I achieved more than 3/4 of my Year’s Dreams list. Released 25 podcasts, created , had a meaningful 50th birthday, had the band around my femur removed, nurtured the Coterie, streamlined my website (thanks Mara!), gave a proud performance of Les Sylphides, and took trips to Paris. A few that I didn’t meet and are still on my radar: read 40 books, solid pirouettes at the barre and in the center, daily greens. My 2024 Year’s Dreams: complete and release Advanced Tranquility book, healthy pugs, send monthly love notes (), new website, increase color on my plate and eat more veggies/whole foods, learn and perform a made-for-me ballet solo to at the International Adult Ballet Festival, get back en pointe consistently, nurture my loves and clients, incorporate more play and relaxation time, create an "Embrace Your Inner Parisienne" micro-course, finish a few e-courses I’ve signed up for, donate to support orangutans, pigs, and pugs, create AM writing time, create content for you (starting a Substack soon!). Wrap-Up: Overall 2023 was an okay year. Ballet continued to be a dominate presence along with my therapy practice, the Coterie, and pug caregiving. I see this continuing into the new year and hope to make more space to write, cuddle pugs, and read fireside (or by twinkle light). My word/theme for 2024 is attention. What about you? May 2024 be filled with time and space for what matters most to you! Bisous. x Resources /episode/index/show/hiptranquilchick/id/29377948

Tranquility du Jour #622: A Holiday Message 12/25/2023

Tranquility du Jour #621: Your Big Vision 12/11/2023

Tranquility du Jour #620: Looking Back 11/27/2023

Tranquility du Jour #619: Enough As You Are 11/13/2023

Tranquility du Jour #618: Simplifying 10/30/2023

Tranquility du Jour #617: Soul Searching 10/16/2023

Tranquility du Jour #616: Mental Health in Midlife 10/02/2023

Tranquility du Jour #615: Finding your Voice 09/18/2023

Tranquility du Jour #614: September Serenity 09/04/2023

Tranquility du Jour #613: Clean Beauty 08/21/2023

Tranquility du Jour #613: Clean Beauty In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with serial entrepreneur Angela Gargano about the creation of her yummy skin care line, Lola Arnao. We discuss her journey from yoga studio owner and wine sommelier to creating a clean beauty brand. Learn the art of slow beauty and how to create your own nourishing routines. Direct download: Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as , , Visit for more. New to Tranquility du Jour? Upcoming Events : Monthly Tranquility Treats virtual subscription : Launching this fall, join the waitlist : October 14, join the waitlist Video Interview Our Guest: Angela Gargano Angela Gargano is a mission-driven leader and serial entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in creating brands in the diverse fields of wellness, beauty, wine and food. A certified sommelier, yoga instructor, beauty brand founder, and passionate environmentalist, her innovative work has been featured in the New York Times, Wine Spectator, Well+Good, and more. The daughter of two chefs, Angela grew up in her family’s restaurant developing her taste for the simple pleasures in life -- good health, food and wine. A certified sommelier, she worked in the wine industry for over two decades doing everything from getting her hands (and feet) dirty crushing grapes, to founding a women winemakers club, and acting as the wine director at one of the top resorts in the world. Then in 2005 her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create Bliss Flow Yoga, a welcoming yoga studio in Madison, Wisconsin. Over the course of the next decade, through curated programming, superior hospitality, and a commitment to excellence, Angela grew the studio from a shoestring operation to a thriving wellness business. Uniting her passions, Angela introduced the Yoga + Wine program, an innovative offering that got worldwide attention from prestigious publications and allowed her to host workshops and retreats in renowned destinations. Angela's journey as an entrepreneur is defined by her ability to spot trends and her dedication to sustainable, empowering ventures. She embodies both warmth and strength, making her a remarkable force in the business world. Her latest endeavor, plastic-free skincare brand Lola Arnao, is a slow beauty brand designed especially for sensitive skin. Angela says “ I’ve worked in a variety of industries — but all of the brands that I've worked on share one thing — they're all about making life’s little everyday moments a bit more meaningful and memorable. Most importantly, I believe that businesses with a strong and meaningful purpose at their heart — to support our communities, empower women and support sustainability — are the future!” Angela currently resides in the Willamette Valley of Oregon with her two horses, Espresso and Romeo. Find Our Guest Website: Instagram: YouTube: . Mentioned in the Show Let's Connect Receive inbox love through : invites, inspiration, and more. Browse Follow along on and and . Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: . Share a review on , or and you may hear it shared on the show. /episode/index/show/hiptranquilchick/id/27800610

Tranquility du Jour #612: Life Lately 08/07/2023

Tranquility du Jour #611: Emboldened to Keep Going 07/24/2023

Tranquility du Jour #611: Emboldened to Keep Going In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Belinda Alexandra about her new book, Emboldened: On Finding the Fire to Keep Going When All Seems Lost. Belinda shares her journey of facing a traumatic event and how she found inspiration in the stories of courageous individuals who overcame challenges. We discuss the importance of resilience, purpose, passion, and connection in living an emboldened and courageous life. Belinda mentions her mother's resilience and wisdom, as well as the stories of Virginia Hall, Carmen Amaya, and Edna Walling, who exemplify these qualities. We explore the need for balance, rest, and moments of stillness to avoid burnout. Belinda highlights the significance of nature and finding tranquility in everyday life. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the beauty and wonder that surrounds us if we take the time to pause and appreciate it. Direct download: Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as , , Visit for more. New to Tranquility du Jour? Upcoming Events : Monthly Tranquility Treats virtual subscription : August 1 : Launching this fall, join the waitlist : October 14, join the waitlist Video Interview Our Guest: Belinda Alexandra Belinda Alexandra is the author of ten best-selling novels. She has been published around the world, including the United States, Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Hungary and Poland. She lives in Sydney, Australia, with her three black cats and a garden full of interesting wildlife. Her interests include dancing (flamenco and belly-dance), piano and foreign languages. A lover of all creatures, Belinda volunteers with several animal charities. Find Our Guest Website: Instagram: Facebook: Let's Connect Receive inbox love through : invites, inspiration, and more. Browse Follow along on and and . Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: . Share a review on , or and you may hear it shared on the show. /episode/index/show/hiptranquilchick/id/27413556

Tranquility du Jour #610: Journey to Stage Part 2 07/10/2023

Tranquility du Jour #609: How to be Fabulous 06/26/2023

Tranquility du Jour #608: Paris Planning & Packing 06/12/2023

Tranquility du Jour #607: Midlife Musings 05/29/2023

Tranquility du Jour #607: Midlife Musings In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Alisa Kennedy Jones about The Empress, midlife, and her go-to products. The Empress is about obsessively curating a less hellish peri/menopause one product at a time so that you can unlock the power of women’s wisdom at midlife to live your best life. http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj607.mp3 Direct download: Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as , , Visit for more. New to Tranquility du Jour? Upcoming Events July 15: Video Interview Our Guest: Alisa Jones Bespoke brand consultant and bestselling author Alisa Kennedy Jones is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on brand intelligence. Fluent in five languages, her celebrated TED talk on epilepsy changed the way we think about creativity, electricity, and the brain, and her debut bestseller Gotham Girl, Interrupted became a global phenomenon in the field of narrative medicine. When not writing her next comedic novel Ellery Allbright Goes Dark, Alisa is having the best time ever heading up a variety of initiatives for Cakewalk Ventures, Ltd., including , , and . As a memoirist, blogger, and screenwriter, her words have been featured widely across national media outlets such as NPR, TED, and as part of the Academy Award-nominated documentary CRIP CAMP, Executive Produced by Michelle & Barack Obama. An advocate for disability, neurodiversity, mental health, and epilepsy, her collection of comedic essays GOTHAM GIRL INTERRUPTED (Imagine/Penguin Random House) was a #1 new release on Amazon and is available everywhere books are sold. Find Our Guest Twitter IG Mentioned in the Show Last week's Instagram Live: Products Recommended by Alisa The Empress SLEEP issue is coming up next, followed by What French Women Know… their makeup approach is all vitamin c-based… the leader for lips, face, and evening dewy glow right now is Let's Connect Receive inbox love through : invites, inspiration, and more. Browse Follow along on and Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: . Share a review on , or and you may hear it shared on the show. /episode/index/show/hiptranquilchick/id/26972181

Tranquility du Jour #606: Life Lately 05/15/2023

Tranquility du Jour #605: New Hip Tranquil Chicks 05/01/2023

Tranquility du Jour #604: Your Questions Answered - Part 2 04/17/2023

Tranquility du Jour #603: How to Calm Your Mind 04/03/2023

Tranquility du Jour #603: How to Calm Your Mind In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Chris Bailey about his new book How to Calm Your Mind: Finding Presence and Productivity in Anxious Times. Learn how to be a bouncer for your mind, what a novelty bias is, the opposite of calm, how striving can make us less productive, and more. Direct download: Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as , , Visit for more. New to Tranquility du Jour? Upcoming Events April 15: May 16: Video Interview Our Guest: Chris Bailey Chris Bailey is an author and lecturer who explores the science behind living a deeper, more intentional life. He is the international bestselling author of How to Calm Your Mind, Hyperfocus, and The Productivity Project—which have been published in 35 languages around the world. He is also the author of the Audible Original, How to Train Your Mind. Alongside his wife, Chris is the host of the podcast Time and Attention, and writes a weekly column at , which is read by tens of thousands of people every week. In addition to his writing, Chris speaks to organizations around the globe on how they can become more productive, without hating the process. His latest TED Talk, , has been viewed over 13 million times. To date, Chris has written hundreds of articles on the subject of productivity, and has garnered coverage in media as diverse as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, GQ, HuffPost, New York magazine, Harvard Business Review, TED, Fast Company, and Lifehacker. In an interview, the prestigious TED Talks organization said that he “might be the most productive man you’d ever hope to meet", and the Harvard Business Review called him “a quirky and energetic guide through the productivity thicket”. Recently, Wired Magazine called him an “all-around productivity guru,” and Fast Company called him a "productivity mastermind." Find Our Guest Twitter: IG: Linkedin: Books: Mentioned in the Show Let's Connect Receive inbox love through : invites, inspiration, and more. Browse Follow along on and Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: . Share a review on , or and you may hear it shared on the show. /episode/index/show/hiptranquilchick/id/26417598

Tranquility du Jour #602: Your Questions Answered 03/20/2023

Tranquility du Jour #601: Be Well, Do Good 03/06/2023

Tranquility du Jour #601: Be Well, Do Good In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Lauren Brownstein about her new book Be Well, Do Good: Self-Care and Renewal for Nonprofit Professionals and Other Do-Gooders. Learn how to incorporate self-care into the work you do, how gratitude has had a big impact on Lauren, and ways to let your light shine at work and beyond. Direct download: Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as , , Visit for more. New to Tranquility du Jour? Upcoming Events April 1: April 15: Video Interview Our Guest Lauren Brownstein Lauren Brownstein has been working in philanthropy for 30 years as a fundraiser, educator, program manager, and administrator. She helps non-profit organizations, philanthropists, and grant makers achieve their goals through PITCH, LLC, her fundraising and philanthropy consulting practice. She is the author of Be Well, Do Good: Self-Care and Renewal for Nonprofit Professionals and Other Do-Gooders, a Barnes & Noble Bestseller. She has raised millions of dollars for workforce development programs, museums, student support organizations, women’s causes, community centers, international groups, associations, and more. Her areas of expertise include: foundation relations, development planning, and staff and board training. Lauren is known as a “master grant writer” and is adept at clean, concise, compelling writing that helps her clients’ work leap off the page. She delivers learning experiences and trainings that are interactive, results-oriented, meaningful, and fun, drawing on her background in experiential education and the arts. Lauren has led numerous workshops to help individual donors define their philanthropic goals and create charitable giving plans that reflect their values, passions, and priorities. She also has managed the grant making process for a small nonprofit and is a Certified Consultant with 21/64, an organization devoted to advising family philanthropies and intergenerational giving cohorts. As a reflection of her commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism, Lauren has served on the boards of several nonprofits and has volunteered extensively in the community, including eight years as a weekly volunteer at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She was a certified foster parent before adopting a child from the foster care system. Whether teaching yoga, journaling, meditating, crafting, traveling internationally, laughing with friends, or lacing up her sneakers to take a long walk, Lauren is committed to cultivating calm and finding inspiration. She earned a Masters in Teaching in Museum Education from the George Washington University (where she has served as a lecturer on fundraising) and a Bachelors with High Distinction from the University of Virginia. Find Our Guest Mentioned in the Show Let’s Connect Receive inbox love through : invites, inspiration, and more. Browse Follow along on and Shop seasonless, vegan, locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: . Share a review on , or and you may hear it shared on the show. /episode/index/show/hiptranquilchick/id/26131920

Tranquility du Jour Podcast #600: Podcast Soirée 02/21/2023

Tranquility du Jour #599: Dance & Therapy 02/06/2023

Tranquility du Jour #598: Career Self-Care 01/23/2023

Tranquility du Jour Podcast #597: 2022 Year in Review 01/04/2023

Tranquility du Jour Podcast #597: 2022 Year in Review In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat share my Year in Review. Hear my top 10 highlights, what went well, what didn't go so well, dreams for 2023, and more PLUS a variety of resources for you! http://traffic.libsyn.com/hiptranquilchick/tdj597.mp3 Direct download: Subscribe in your favorite podcast app such as , , Visit for more. New to Tranquility du Jour? _____________________________ Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. —Søren Kierkegaard Hello dear reader. I hope you're finding a gentle landing spot int this new year. Longtime blog readers may recall my over the years. And, of course, there's the annual Year in Review. This reflection exercise allows me to stay accountable, set and review goals, celebrate, and note what needs adjustment. Below is a list of my year’s experiences. After the top 10, they're in no particular order. There's also a brief reflection and resources to support us moving into the new year. To compile this information I reviewed my Daybook, monthly dreams, birthday exercise (), goodreads app, ballet class platforms, and photos. Needless to say, it's a process! Consider your own 2022 list. Look for patterns, wins, challenges, boundaries, and those sweet moments in between. Although this year may have been challenging, you may just rediscover some gems when you compile your own Year in Review. Oh, and here's with heaps of photos from 2022. Year's Experiences Top 10 Got Hosted 30+ Coterie events including an Renovated (my 600-sqare-foot home) Won 2nd place for in the International Adult Ballet Festival's Beginner Solo Category [] Hosted (so. much. fun.) Celebrated Gizmo's 15th birthday Collaborated with dear clients through Completed memoir draft 2.0 Developed a big crush on Harry Styles and saw him in Chicago Traveled to Paris three times More Experiences in Random Order Was a guest on Signed up for a through (obsessed with orangutans)Was a guest on Went to Costa Rica with Mama Wilson Took 200+ ballet classes [two months off] Hosted Performed in two group pieces at the International Adult Ballet Festival [one on pointe] Released new Simplified Traveled to NYC for four private sessions with my teacher Spent a weekend in NYC with my friend Jenn Hosted 5 Got my Maryland social work license Worked on memoir book proposal draft Hours of physical therapy Took a and private lessons Revamped patio garden Made dozens of Hosted two TDJ Style Pop-Ups Planted 250 trees through Hosted a Coordinated two clothing line photos shoots in DC and Paris Sent 200(ish) snail mail love notes Released Sent 30 newsletter Got more vaccines Attended many therapy-related trainings Hosted numerous tea dates chez moi Dozens of tea dates and ballet dates with friends Celebrated 18 years with my partner Tim Planned and launched [doors close 1/4] Introduced the [8 left] Hosted Read 32 of 48 books in Goodreads Reading Challenge [sigh] Updated TDJ Tenets micro-course [coming soon] Hired a bookkeeping agency Hired a social media person who I adore Continued working with a beloved web designer and graphic designer Revamped some of my website [thanks Mara] Traveled between DC and WV dozens of times during home renovation Packed for a week to Paris in a carry-on and shoulder bag Dabbled in Sent parents to the Holy Land for a 10-day tour Bought four tickets to see Harry Styles in Paris June 2023 Donated 10K to charity—Pigs & Pugs Project, Borneo Orangutan Survival, 1% for the Planet Reflection During Sunday’s , I explored these journal prompts along with the group and wanted to share a few nuggets from them. What Worked Well for Me in 2022? Hosting , being off (video with tips forthcoming), trimming , full therapy practice, a bit of travel, love my office space, charity donations, home renovation, virtual private ballet sessions and group classes, new hip, memoir efforts. What Didn't Work for Me in 2022? Lack of mobility for two months, poor eating habits at times, not enough reading, challenges managing physical pain, not completing online courses, didn't create as much content as I wanted to, didn't complete memoir book proposal. What Did I Learn About Myself Last Year? I can handle a lot of discomfort (hip), I can win an award at a ballet competition, how much I love ballet (and struggle), how grateful I am for my tiny pink home and office, I made many more in person connections. How Did My Goals for 2022 Unfold? I achieved more than half of the Year’s Dreams list in my Daybook such as releasing 25 podcasts, getting a new hip, nurturing the Coterie, , streamlining my website (thanks Mara!), setting up solid business bookkeeping, giving a proud performance of Lilac Fairy, remodeling chez moi, and taking trips to Paris. A few that I didn’t meet and are still on my radar: read 48 books, complete my memoir proposal, solid pirouettes at the barre and in the center, daily salad, create e-courses. My 2023 Year’s Dreams: get memoir proposal to my agent, healthy pugs, host 600th podcast event (save the date: February 20), send two monthly love notes (), release two monthly , increase color on my plate and eat more veggies/whole foods (less sugar—my life's struggle), carve out more family time, learn and perform at the International Adult Ballet Festival, celebrate my 50th birthday in a meaningful way, get back onto pointe, nurture my loves, incorporate more play and relaxation time (ongoing challenge), create a few micro-courses (any requests?), finish a few e-courses I’ve signed up for, donate to support orangutans, pigs, and pugs, create AM writing time, design spring #balletcore collection, declutter. A Few of My Favorite Reads: The Idea of You by Robinne Lee, Personality Isn't Permanent by Benjamin Hardy, Free Time by Jenny Blake, Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman A Few of My Favorite Shows: White Lotus, Emily in Paris, Fleishman is in Trouble, The Patient A Few of My Favorite Songs: All things Harry Styles especially Falling and Sign of the Times Overall 2022 was a solid year. Ballet continued to be a dominate presence as did my therapy practice, the Coterie, and pug caregiving. I see this continuing into the new year and hope to make more space to write in my journal, create content for you, sip tea with friends, cuddle pugs, and read fireside {or by candlelight}. I’m still finalizing my word/theme for 2023 and feel it bubbling up inside. What about you? May 2023 be filled with time and space for what matters most to you! Bisous. x Resources /episode/index/show/hiptranquilchick/id/25508556

Tranquility du Jour #596: Hagitude 12/19/2022

Tranquility du Jour #595: Peak Potential 12/05/2022

Tranquility du Jour

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