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WHAT IF LIFE WAS JUST A PRACTICE?
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When I was still offering one-on-one coaching to folks, I would invite them to consider the quote above during the first or second session. So I ask you, what if life was just a practice? Would we take it all so seriously?

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​REALITY CHECK

I get it - life can be serious, and the world in 2026 can be a very heavy place if you have a soul. The responsibilities of adulthood are not for the weak of heart. But stick with me for a minute, because I want you to remember that some things we cannot change, and some we can!

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So I got to thinking about life as practice. What if we are all just practicing this thing called life (I mean none of us have done this before, right?!)? What if we are just practicing what it means to be human every day? When I would ask my clients what life might feel like if they came at it like a practice every day, they all said the same thing. It would feel like FREEDOM.

So what gives?

We know the logic behind skill acquisition, whether learning AI, how to swim, pickleball, bike riding, or learning an instrument; we KNOW it will require practice because we have never done it before. So why, when it comes to our own humanity, are our expectations so high?? We are drowning in expectations that we haven't even set for ourselves and working to measure up to unattainable standards of "success," that are driven by messages that keep us from having that very thing we strive for - peace and presence.

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​So what would happen if we just LIGHTENED THE F*CK UP?
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What risks would we take if we knew messing it up was just part of being human? Would we postpone our dreams? Would we give up on all we wished for when life started "life-ing?" NO, we would persevere because we know it takes practice!!
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I'm going to share the advice I give my children. I tell them they have three priorities every day:

1. Keep your nervous system regulated.
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   When we feel stressed or anxious or reactive, we cannot stay present. Our minds go to fight or flight, and our body responds with rapid heartbeats, getting the sweats, inability to focus, etc. So when that happens, what is required to come back online? I've taught them many ways to get regulated (and for ya'll you can check out my book JOYHeals, which explores 15 ways to do so!)
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2. Ask yourself, how much fun can I have today? (And plan it!)
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   When we prioritize things that make us happy, we can be present for more of the challenges life throws our way. Life is short; have more fun. It's simple, yet we resist it. If life is a practice, then practice having more fun. What could be the downside?
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3. Give back.
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   When we hit a low day or have a tough time getting out of the "muck," the quickest way back to the light is by serving someone else. Small acts of kindness can go a very long way. It can be a call to a parent or elderly relative to listen to one of their stories (even if you've heard it 100 times). Donate blood and become a 2-gallon donor like me! Grab an extra coffee during your afternoon run for a colleague or stranger! Do a beach clean-up. Whatever you choose, I promise you will leave feeling better.

I hope you consider taking on life as a practice. After all, NONE OF US have ever done this before. So perhaps lay off the heavy for a while and take on more whimsy. Maybe practice having more fun - that seems a muscle worth building.
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Explore life courageously. What if life was just a practice? I wonder what might happen if you took on that philosophy? I hope you plan to find out!
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Big love,
​Gabrielle
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P.S. and in other news...

BUSINESS UPDATES + AMAZING CLIENTS
​I am super psyched to be working with three amazing clients.
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One is Salon685 - a luxury hair studio located in Shrewsbury, NJ. I have been working with them as their fractional Chief Ops Officer to help expand their business and revenue, develop/formalize SOPs, and create a professional development track for each role at the salon, and an employee handbook. It was a challenging and wonderful project. The results are incredible. If you are in the area and need a good hair day, please visit Alissa and Regina!
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The next amazing woman I get to call a client and friend is Chef Cara. Cara is beyond talented, and together we are working on business development, bringing her "meal prep" into client kitchens, and expanding client offerings like kitchen re-orgs and pantry overhauls. If you need a private chef for a beautiful and intimate celebration, give us a call. If you love to cook, and need us to get your menu set for the week with all your prep done and recipes ready, we got you! Cara serves delicious food, locally sourced and with an absolutely stunning aesthetic.
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The third is a woman, Julie Shafir, who is the genius confectioner behind Vivian Rose. Julie and I are working on a company rebrand, experiential opportunities, unique collaborations, and new mini-macaron lines. I am her Chief Collaborator and excited to chat with anyone who is in the business to order corporate gifts, plan weddings (great favors!), food editorial and/or boutique hospitality. The possibilities are limitless, and her European macarons are bite-sized luxury.
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UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS

I'm excited to share that I will be a featured author at two upcoming events. Links below for more information.
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​August 27th | Book Sales & Signing ​
Outside of Booktowne | Manasquan Meet Me on Main
6-8pm
Main Street, Manasquan NJ
​Free event. Street closes for Thursday evenings in the summer with shops that bring their wares to the streets with food, drink & entertainment
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​October 21st | Bad Moms 5th Annual Girls Night Out​
​Author Table | Book Signing & Gift with Purchase
6-9pm
South Gate Manor · Freehold, NJ
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Thanks for reading!! xoG
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