Self-Compassion & Growth

The day after Hurricane Helene came through Florida, I went down to see the shore line near my Florida home.

Even as I felt devastated at the massive path of destruction affecting so many lives, I was also in awe of all the new shells that had been sprinkled across the sand. They had settled together, colorful piles, inches high and wide, making this beautiful seashell pathway to walk on.

I was struck in that moment how, even with all the tremendous losses it caused, there was also so much beauty that Helene had washed onto the beach.

Then it occurred to me that storms are like that. Along with their destruction they can also serve as massive cleansing mechanisms that make the shore line sparkle in new ways. At least, I know it's been that way in my own life, though of course it's easier to say that in hindsight.

When I found Conscious Girlfriend Academy 2 years ago, I had just washed ashore, after having fled a lesbian relationship that I'd classify as a catastrophic tropical cyclone.

And the Academy was the absolute best place I could have landed.

It was like walking into a hurricane relief center…

A loving community where I could learn to flood proof, rebuild and fortify my lesbian heart wall.

A place of classes and coaching that could finally support me in making sense of what happened, and beyond that, help me become my own kind of relationship weather forecaster.

A safe space filled with tons of compassionate hearts where I could pause and reflect deeply on these woman-made disasters -- Hurricane Harriet, Category 5, Tropical Storm Teresa, Tropical Disturbance Melissa (not their actual names).

What had led me to stay so long in the eye of so many lesbian love storms, and even be drawn to them again and again?

What were my unique vulnerabilities as a lesbian, as well as someone with my own very particular history?

How could I reset my internal barometer to avoid these storms in the future?

And how would I embark on cleaning up all the wreckage from the Category 5?

A lot to ponder.

The seashells yesterday helped.

They reminded me of all the beauty that’s come out of these storms, and is still to come. All the jewels and gems I have found and continue to find scattered in the sand.

If you’ve survived a storm of your own and want to make sense and meaning of it, are in the midst of one, or just want to make sure your inner weather forecaster is fine-tuned, we hope you will join us for the upcoming 7-week intensive: Highway Out of Hell: Healing From Toxic Lesbian Relationships.

This is the first class of its kind that the Academy has ever offered, and it has been a long time in the making. We're certain it will provide illumination and healing to so many of us who have found ourselves in toxic relationships and struggled to leave them, heal from them afterward, or both.

We've got a free* introductory class on October 11th (we do charge $1 if you haven't purchased an Academy class before, just to keep the space safe.) The actual 7-week Intensive starts October 25, and early bird pricing that saves you $100 is available until October 13th. The Intro Class will be recorded, and everyone registered will get the replay.

Already an Academy member? You'll get the whole class free, of course, with no need to sign up.

Even if you've never been on a "highway out of hell" from a toxic, painful or even abusive lesbian relationship, please share this email with others in your life. There is a lot of silence in our community about how bad our relationships can go, so you never know the difference it could make.

Much love to any of you or your loved ones dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. I know we have quite a few members in the southwestern United States who are still in the midst of navigating a crisis. May each of these external and internal storms guide us to support one another in deeper ways that make our communities stronger and more united in times of hardship.

P.S. Not sure if this course or the Academy is right for you? Email us your questions OR get a 30-minute 1:1 strategy session for just $49 to sort it out.