Author: Lori Deschene
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Pay What You Can for 21 Days of Laughs and Light
My electric toothbrush has seen it all.
I usually look in the mirror when I’m brushing my teeth, and for a while last fall, I often cried when I stared into my own eyes.
I did my best to hold it together in front of my sons—most of the time, anyway. But the mask often cracked when I met my own gaze. Deep sobs set to the gentle hum of my sonic. Life was just that overwhelming—with medical issues, a loved one’s shock diagnosis, and countless other challenges too numerous to list.
Then one day, after months of carrying more emotional weight than I had in decades, I decided to start looking for little ways to make myself smile again. And that toothbrush became a microphone.
First it was dramatic, cathartic songs like Fix You by Coldplay.
Then more hopeful ones, like Hey Jude—tears turning to chuckles with “Jude Jude Judy Judy Judy Judy!”
Eventually, completely ridiculous ones, like Bohemian Rhapsody, complete with head banging.
And suddenly life started feeling a little lighter. I still had problems. I still lacked solutions. But those laughs between the tears got longer and more genuine with every small moment of levity.
That’s what my When Life Sucks: 21 Days of Laughs and Light series is all about. (Spoiler alert: it’s pay-what-you-can—because I know what it’s like when money’s tight!)
I started writing these emails because it can be incredibly hard to find a little relief when life feels like a nonstop barrage of punches from the universe. I also know that sometimes laughter can come with a side of guilt if someone you love has a lot less to smile about.
But small flashes of light really can help us get through the darkness, and they don’t always appear on their own, which is why we have to create them.
These three weeks of emails outline my path to sparking joy, with a little insight and a gentle nudge for you each day.
And though the suggested payment is $19, you can sign up for as little as $1. (Or more if you just love Tiny Buddha and want to give a little more to balance out the $1 signups!)
If you’re ready for a little break from life’s relentless struggles, you can sign up here.
I hope the emails are helpful to you!
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How to Enjoy Food and Feel Good in Your Skin
Have you ever felt like fat and food were your enemies? Like everything would be better if you could just lose weight—and eat whatever you want without consequence?
I felt that way for much of my childhood and teens, when unresolved trauma and low self-esteem led to a long battle with food and my body.
I struggled with bulimia for over a decade, starting at twelve. And though I technically “recovered” in my early twenties, I spent years after trapped in rigid food rules and a lingering fear of eating the “wrong” thing.
It wasn’t until my thirties that I finally felt free with food and truly comfortable in my own skin.
So many of us struggle with food in ways that profoundly affect our lives.
We eat to numb, then restrict to “make up” for it. We obsess over every bite, or we check out entirely. We feel ashamed of our habits, uncomfortable in our bodies, and unsure how to break the cycle.
And the worst part? It can completely consume our lives.
When food feels like a source of stress, it’s hard to be fully present. It’s hard to feel confident. It’s hard to enjoy much of anything.
But when you change your relationship with food—when eating feels enjoyable, your body feels like home, and you’re not constantly judging yourself—everything gets better. Your energy, your self-esteem, your day-to-day happiness.
Since I’ve lived both sides of this struggle, I’m passionate about sharing tools and teachers who help people find that same freedom. And it’s why I’m excited to introduce (or reintroduce) you to Jules Clancy, one of Tiny Buddha’s earliest contributors (from 2011) and this month’s sponsor.
Jules is a former food scientist turned health coach who’s dealt with binge eating herself, so she understands both the biology and the emotional side of food struggles. She’s offering a free 31-minute training called:
The Secret to Eating What You Want AND Feeling Good in Your Clothes
In this short but powerful workshop, Jules shares:
- The 3 essential skills for a naturally healthy relationship with food
- 6 sneaky reasons past efforts haven’t worked (so you can do things differently now)
- The 3 phases of healthy eating (so you know what you’re working toward)
- A surprisingly simple, non-restrictive approach to nutrition
- And a small, doable first step to help you eat with more ease and enjoyment
Jules’ approach is warm, down-to-earth, and backed by both science and experience. And while she offers a paid program as well, the free training alone is incredibly insightful and actionable.
If food has been a source of guilt or stress and you’re ready to feel calm and confident instead, I highly recommend checking out the free webinar.
You can sign up for instant access here.
I hope it’s helpful to you!
