A tiny shift to feel lighter today (+ a fun extra!)
Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read
💓A Little Pick-Me-Up! 💕
A normally* tiny daily-ish** newsletter from the world of Mishka Willis
*length and frequency may vary 😊 **I am human!
Vol. 68
Hey there, friend!
It’s soon to be Spring (my fave season 😍) in Portland, and everything is waking up.
🌸 Portland Cherry Blossoms Trees 🌸
🌸 The cherry blossoms are blooming.
☀️ The sun is peeking through more often.
🌿 The air smells fresh, like rain and new beginnings.
And people? They’re standing on sidewalks with their faces lifted to the light, soaking it in like sun-drunk plants.
(Might sound like I’m exaggerating, but at least in Portland, this is probably an understatement!)
And in my house, spring isn’t just about flowers and sunshine—it’s birthday season! 🎂🎉
With birthdays all around me, this time of year always feels like growth, celebration, and big energy shifts.
It feels like everything—nature, people, even my own energy—is reaching, stretching, expanding toward something new.
🌼 And guess what? Your brain and body feel it too.
Your nervous system is wired to respond to the environment, and right now, everything around us is shifting from winter’s contraction to spring’s expansion.
🌿 And here’s the thing—growth doesn’t happen alone.
Just like flowers root together, grow together, and bloom together—we thrive when we’re surrounded by support and connection.
A 30-Second Shift to Feel More Present 🌿✨
Pause for just 30 seconds and try this:
🌞 Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin (or the cool air if it’s cloudy!)
🌿 Notice the first signs of spring—tiny buds, new leaves, a hint of green
🌬️ Take a deep breath and stretch your arms up like a plant reaching for the sun
That’s it. You just told your brain what to focus on—and that tiny shift matters.
Your brain has a built-in spotlight called the Reticular Activating System (RAS)—it filters what you notice. A small moment of intentional awareness can train your brain to find more calm, more connection, and more ease.
You don’t have to think your way into spring—you can feel your way there. 🌸
What If Connection Was as Natural as Spring?
Just like the seasons change, we need spaces that support our own growth and renewal.
I want to create more ways for us to connect—online, in person, or both. Spaces where we don’t have to explain ourselves, where we feel supported, where we can expand into the next season together.
💬 Quick Poll: Pick the one that feels best to you!
🌿 So tell me—What kind of connection are you craving this Spring? 🌸