What August Taught Me
August was an emotional month. It was busy, full, and at times overwhelming, but also deeply recharging. Between the joyful chaos of travel, the grounding moments with family, and the heart-filling presence of friends, it felt like I was moving between worlds constantly. And yet, in all that movement, I found pockets of stillness that reminded me of what really matters. Now, as summer begins to fade and fall comes into focus, I feel both grateful for the memories and ready for what’s next.
Here are five things August taught me:
1. Love is Contagious
This month, I had the pleasure of attending not just one but two weddings. Watching the couples surrounded by their loved ones, committing to each other in such a joyful way, made me instantly happy. Moments like these have a way of lifting our spirits, not just because of the romance, but because love and connection are contagious. When we’re part of that atmosphere, our own body responds by softening stress, making us feel calmer and more grounded.
2. Children Create Memories Even if They Don’t Remember Them
One of my favorite moments was watching my son run barefoot through my parents’ backyard, going back and forth between blackberries and grapes, and kicking a football with my niece on a warm summer night. He likely won’t remember these moments, but he gave me this memory to treasure forever. That’s the beautiful paradox of childhood: while kids live fully in the moment, those moments become lasting anchors for the adults who love them. And being pulled into that carefree presence is a surprisingly powerful reset for our own nervous systems.
3. Privilege is Worth Acknowledging
I also know how lucky I am. To be able to travel for three weeks, reconnect with family, and spend time with friends is not something I take for granted. Some of my friends even traveled for hours with their kids just to see me for a few hours. That kind of effort fills you up in ways no supplement or habit tracker can. Deep connections are one of the most reliable sources of resilience, especially for women, they steady our moods, lower stress, and remind us that we’re not carrying life alone.
4. A Smile Goes a Long Way
Living between cultures always sharpens my awareness of how people show up in public spaces. Austrians (especially the Viennese) aren’t exactly known for their friendliness and August reminded me of that again: grumpy faces on trains, bus drivers yelling, and no one getting up when I clearly had my hands full with a kiddo. In contrast, in the US people may sometimes be seen as “superficial,” but I’ll gladly take a casual, friendly conversation about my child over a wall of silence and frowns. Even small gestures of kindness shift our physiology, they slow the heart rate, ease tension, and leave us more resilient for the rest of the day.
5. Friendship is Showing Up
This month also reminded me that friendship is about showing up, even if it’s not convenient, even if it takes effort. The people who made the time to connect, who rearranged their lives to sit across from me for a coffee, reminded me just how lucky I am to have such relationships in my life. Friendships don’t just feel good; they literally become part of our health foundation. They shape how we handle stress, how our bodies repair after tough seasons, and how supported we feel as women navigating all the roles we hold.
August was a whirlwind of joy, gratitude, and a few bittersweet reminders. It left me feeling full of love, of memories, and of appreciation for the people who make the effort to share life’s fleeting moments. More than anything, it reminded me that connection, joy, and kindness aren’t extras. They are active ingredients for balance, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
Outlook for September
As I step into September, I can feel a shift in energy. Fall often brings a natural rhythm shift for women, kids go back to school, routines change, and our bodies, too, start craving more grounding foods, steadier routines, and deeper rest as the days get shorter. For me, this season also marks a time of sharing knowledge and creating community. I’ll be hosting new workshops and webinars focused on women’s health, while continuing to work with 1-on-1 clients who want more personalized support.
September feels like an invitation: to carry the joy and gratitude of summer into the structure of fall, and to create space for balance, learning, and renewal.