On Dogwoods, Braids, and Becoming Ourselves
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
I’ve been thinking about the Dogwood tree lately. This gorgeous tree stands just beyond the front porch of the cottage we’re renting, and each morning, as I sip my tea and take in her quiet beauty, she teaches me something new.
She doesn’t tower over the forest, competing for attention.
She simply blooms... early, quietly, right on time.
Even when the air still holds winter.
And I’ve been contemplating how delicious it is when we do the same and see that the real work is about allowing ourselves to bloom in divine timing.
I know I’m not here to hustle harder or climb higher.
I’ve stopped measuring my worth by how fast I move or how high I rise.
I no longer chase alignment... I move with it.
I honor my own sacred rhythm and bloom in divine timing.
I invite others to do the same.
My most meaningful work comes from presence... not pressure.
From honoring flow, not forcing outcomes.
From blooming, not striving.
This feels right... for me.
Does this call to you?
Last week in the Red Threads Collective, I sat with women I deeply admire in our sacred circle.
We welcomed Molly McKinley, who shared her “Three-Strand Braid” framework. It is a gorgeous way of weaving our values, natural genius, and vision together.
It wasn’t your typical business talk - it never is around here.
It felt like a remembering.
We spoke about how burnout isn’t a flaw, but a signal.
That your “strengths” aren’t always your truth.
That your genius is where you come alive.
Often, it’s the very thing you’ve been told to quiet.
That resonated so deeply with me.
It reminded me how often we shape ourselves around what’s needed…
And how easy it is to forget what’s innate.
Molly said something still echoing...
“Your braid begins to fray when your work asks you to be someone you’re not.”
Whew.
In this season of my life, I want to live, work, and lead like the dogwood:
Rooted. Graceful. Unrushed.
Still blooming, even when the world isn’t quite ready.
That’s what we’re doing inside the Collective.
We're holding each other through the unraveling and reweaving.
We’re not chasing alignment.
We’re coming home to it.
Together.
This Thursday, we’ll gather again in our soulful circle to reflect on alignment, honor our evolving truths, and share stories that nurture growth, courage, and connection. We will enter a safe space to share what’s stirring in our hearts and hear what’s unfolding in others.
Have you been holding a story, a dream, or even a quiet longing?
This might be your moment to say it out loud.
Come sit with us.
There’s a seat waiting.
You don’t have to be anyone other than who you already are.
You don’t have to bloom on command.
🧶 Simply follow the thread... and join us. 🧶
Want to watch the replay of last week's Thread Talk?
