You’re reading The Sunshine Table, a newsletter written by Syd, an NYC-bred Life Coach learning how to melt into life in Amsterdam. Here, I share the challenges and wins of my own journey to joy and fulfillment as a recovering high-achieving people pleaser and perfectionist. You may find comfort, inspiration, and/or community. Welcome 🫶🏻
Joy spotting: the practice of noticing little moments of joy surrounding us all the time (more)
spotting a ladybug on my walk in the park while mid-voice note to a friend
the party banner hung across park trees
the numerous maturing duck families out for a swim in the park
writing my daily expectations on the roof in the warmth of the sun
swimming in the sunshine mid-Monday
reengaging with The Art of Gathering
the first lesson of my copywriting course
the second lesson of my copywriting course
the relatable, vulnerable posts in the Facebook group for said course
handwriting everything before typing
my new bouquet of soft pink peonies
learning the breed of said peonies is “Sarah Bernhardt”
a text from a friend checking in on how I’m doing
a life update voice note from another friend acknowledging how proud she is of herself… almost as proud as I am of her
waking up to a slew of love-filled texts
the presence of taking photos in the park on a real camera
getting lost in a few hours of aimless painting with my new oil paint set
listening to music paired with the muted Rome tennis tournament on TV
waking up to candles lit in the kitchen and living room
my favorite coffee shop bringing me a free cup of their homemade in-progress kombucha… generosity <3
writing my morning pages with two of my best gals sitting on my couch reading, with birdsong in the background
spotting a ladybug on my roof
the moment I saw Kara and Lizzie arriving outside my home
walking along canals and through the park having deep, honest conversations with two of my best gals
the peanut butter brownie from my favorite brownie maker in Amsterdam
the people of all ages enjoying gelato on scattered benches
the pee-in-my-pants laughter after finding a set of “lost” keys in my handbag after two days of blaming A for misplacing them
spotting Lizzie blissfully eating a burger alone on a picnic table in the middle of my Saturday farmers’ market
the joy that filled Kara when she spotted a lemon pie at the market
A telling me I’m beautiful and glowing at dinner
conversations with A while riding on the back of his bike along a quiet canal
Have a beautiful week <3 Sending you lots of love and light.
Love,
Syd