When Things Fall Apart
I wasn’t rushing, I wasn’t worrying about the next task—I was just there.
Happy Friday, Friends!
We have a lot of good things happening this week, LIKE A LOT, so let’s dive right into it!
First, I am beyond excited to share that we have none other than Kristin Neff, the self-compassion queen herself, on the Radically Loved Podcast TO-DAY! If you haven’t read her work yet, you’re missing out. Her book Self-Compassion truly changed my life, and we dive deep into why practicing self-compassion is more important now than ever before. You can listen to this episode on Spotify here…
Or watch it on YouTube… *if you are gonna watch on YouTube consider subscribing to our channel. We got some fun stuff coming up you don’t want to miss!
Also, I’m still hosting Radio Headspace this week, and I’ve got to say, today’s episode really hit me in the feels. It’s one of the most personal episodes I’ve ever written, and I’ll go into more depth about what that experience was like in next week’s newsletter, so stay tuned for that. This episode is really special to me because it touches on one of the most difficult relationships I’ve had to navigate—my relationship with my dad and his addiction.
It's all about learning how to show compassion while still protecting your own peace, and how practicing loving-kindness helped me transform what felt like an impossible situation. If you've ever struggled with someone you care about, especially when they’re hurting themselves, this episode is a reminder that healing starts within us, and that boundaries and compassion can coexist. Also, a gentle reminder, there are ads on this, and sometimes they pop-up, we gotta keep the lights on friends, we ask for grace…
For those of you who missed my Reset & Thrive Transformation class, no worries—you can still catch the replay here on Substack under the Training tab.
Yes, there’s a paywall, but here’s something to consider: supporting this newsletter supports the Mindful Love Hub, where most of my content is free and accessible to all. Plus, I always offer free live trainings, so you can always catch those if you're not ready to subscribe. I even gave you access to the replay for 48 hours, so if you missed it, now’s your chance to sign up and watch.
Also, those of you who inquired about my 12 Week Program you can get the info here.
And lastly, just a reminder that my Topanga Retreat is right around the corner the weekend of (November 22nd - November 24th). We still have some day passes and a couple of rooms left, so if you’re on the fence, this is your sign to grab your spot. It’s going to be a beautiful and intimate gathering—an incredible way to reset before the holiday season. Info Here.
Oh! And if you’re itching for a little more adventure, I’ll be teaching at Wanderlust Palmaïa from December 4-8. Come hang out with me and some of my dear friends in paradise. You can get all the info [here] if you have questions email: info@radicallyloved.com.
Check out how AMAZING this place is though!
Okay, housekeeping out of the way—let’s get into this week’s topic.
Have you ever felt like sometimes, it feels like EVERYTHING you do is NOT working? Like every thing you put your effort into, just seems to fall flat?
This brings me back to a book I read many years ago, When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön. I first read this book in the early 2000s when I was managing Jonathan Antin’s salon in West Hollywood. I was just 20 years old, full of sass and a little too much confidence for my own good. Managing 40 celebrity hairstylists wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, but that’s a story for another day.
During that time, I got really into mindfulness, devouring books that helped me navigate life’s challenges. One of my favorite spots back then was a little tea shop called Elixir in West Hollywood. It was this hidden gem—a beautiful, tranquil garden-like space on Melrose, where you could sip tea and just be. They’d serve tea in these beautiful cast iron pots, and I’d sit out in the back, surrounded by the lush greenery, reading and reflecting.
I remember sitting there with When Things Fall Apart, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and allowing myself to slow down. It was one of those rare moments when I felt completely present and connected. I wasn’t rushing, I wasn’t worrying about the next task—I was just there. It’s one of those memories that still gives me a deep sense of peace, and I try to channel that feeling whenever life feels a little too overwhelming.
Fun fact: Torry and I actually went there on one of our first dates, and I think that’s where he learned to stop questioning all my little rituals, lol. He just goes with the flow now, and I love him for it.
I’ve been thinking about that tea shop and the feeling it gave me because lately, it seems like everything is in flux—projects wrapping up, new opportunities on the horizon, and this sense that the world is speeding up while I’m trying to slow down. And yet, like the changing of the seasons, this is all part of the cycle.
I always come back to Pema Chödrön’s words: “Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us.” This idea of leaning into discomfort and letting things fall apart in order to discover something deeper within ourselves has always resonated with me.
Mindfulness Tips for When Things Feel Like They’re Falling Apart:
Create Space for Stillness: Find a place that brings you peace, whether it’s a cozy corner in your home or a quiet spot in nature. Take a few moments each day to sit, breathe, and just be. Let the world slow down around you.
Embrace Imperfection: Life isn’t about having it all together. When things feel chaotic, remember that you don’t have to fix everything. Sometimes the most important thing is to let go and trust that things will work out in their own time.
Nourish Yourself: When life gets busy, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. Make time for nourishing practices, whether it’s a cup of tea, a few minutes of yoga, or a good book. These small acts of self-care can help ground you during times of transition.
So, as we step into this new season, let’s all take a little time to reflect, slow down, and reconnect with what truly matters.
With love,
Rosie