The Ease Issue
Opt for Optimism with
Devin Donaldson Ver Eecke
TRANSITIO N WELL (14) • B E H O USE H APPY (48) • SH AR E Y O UR ST ORY (90)
You started your business because you want to share your gifts with the universe. I did, too. (high five!)
I'm a web & graphic designer for do-good, feel-good businesses.
Overwhelmed and not sure where to start? You want something you're proud of that represents you & your work. You want something that potential clients will see and think, "yes please!" That's what I want for you, too. I provide next-level design support so you can focus on your clients and the amazing work you love!
T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU
CDG@chantelledavisgray.com
We believe in choosing, embracing, unleashing, and celebrating who you've always been – who you already are – who you want to be.
Be YOU...the Perpetual You.
F IN D U S @THEPER PETU A LYOU
L ET T ER from our ED I T O R
THE
I
rejected the notion of optimism
THE OFFICE The Perpetual You 101 Putnam Ave. Hamden, CT 06517
for most of my life. As a natural cynic with a history of clinical
depression to boot, I used to take it personally when someone would smile at me for no reason.
THE LIST To receive each issue of the magazine directly to your
I hung on to my “the world sucks” story until about 5 years ago, when –
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in a life or death decision – I realized
theperpetualyou.com/read.
positivity was necessary, if I wanted to enjoy my life. And lady, I wanted to enjoy my life.
T H E C O M MU N I T Y Look for us on social media @theperpetualyou.
THE SOCIETY Meet like-minded women in our private FB group, The Perpetual You Society.
Still, I’m no natural optimist. Positivity is a daily practice; hope is a muscle that I must strengthen consistently—anything from a good mantra to a mutually beneficial friendship will do. In fact, I’ve curated my life such that even my Facebook feed is a positive escape. And I intend to keep it that way. For my sanity and for my outlook. Better than anyone, I know the dangers of hoping for that which may never come, AND I know that a life without hope is a risk I’m no longer willing to take. Positivity is both tangible and available. I want for each of you to grab it—like I did—and never let go.
THE S U B S C R I P T I O N Sign up for our PRINT magazine at bit.ly/TPYandyou.
T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU
It isn't too late. Time is not running out. Your life is here and now. – CHERYL STRAYED
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F IN D U S @THEPER PETU A LYOU
IN THIS ISSUE
Create Ease by Choosing Optimism M O N T H LY M US I C
Greet the day with our "Hello Optimism" playlist on Spotify at bit.ly/TPYplaylists. T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU
Haven't worked on ToC layout yet
65
Choose Choose to believe in an idea enough to go for it! With Devin Donaldson Ver Eecke of The Optimist Co. W I T H P H O T O G R A P H S BY K E L LY F. P E T E R S O N The EAS E ISSU E
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Realize 14
Convince yourself that August is a beginning rather than an end by indulging in all the easy living, practical optimism, and self-care you want and deserve.
Lifestyle Practicing Optimism....................................... 14 Discovering Clean Beauty............................... 30 Finding Cool Girl Style................................... 34
TPY Faves Books.............................................................. 17
30
Burgers........................................................... 18 GIN................................................................. 20 Movement....................................................... 22 Products......................................................... 24 Self-Care......................................................... 32
Plus Uplifting PNW Travel Photos by @coreylynntucker
34 T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU
27
Dwell Come home to cheerfulness and bliss, and infuse your most-used rooms with vacation-worthy vibes.
Design Infusing Cheerfulness to the Front Porch......... 42 Designing an Intentional Bathroom................... 44 Living in your Dream Kitchen............................ 48
48
90
Live Challenge your preconceived notions of positivity, mindfulness, and authentic sharing.
Mindset Adopting Body Optimism.............................. 80 Being Mindful During a Challenge ............... 84 Realizing the Power of Sharing ..................... 90
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F IN D U S @THEPER PETU A LYOU
T H E MA K ERS
Our makers consistently share their time & talents. We'd love to introduce you to the lovely ladies who contributed to this month's issue.
Kelly
Sarah
Cover Photography
Dwell Feature Photographer
@kfpphotography kellyfpeterson.com
@sarahannayphotography sarahannayphotography.com
Kelly Peterson likes to take photos—to freeze the real moments that are happening right now to treasure now and remember later. She believes in moments over mountains, candids over proper poses, and community over competition. She captures children, families, and weddings with a documentary lifestyle approach, using natural light and meaningful locations. She would choose to sit at the kids table any day! This is Kelly's first cover shoot for The Perpetual You.
T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU
Sarah Annay is a wedding photographer, educator, and world traveler. When she isn't shooting weddings, she’s hiking in Vermont, dipping her toes in the Atlantic, geeking out on photography podcasts, and drinking beer (and coffee—at the same time). One day, Sarah will follow her heart and become a master at hiphop dancing. Check our her newest project at VisionforEmpowerment.com. This is Sarah's second Dwell feature shoot for The Perpetual You.
Lee Lee Creative Director & Managing Editor
Jessie
P.K.
Art Director
Proofreader
@leeleeinp
@littlelegendsdesign littlelegends.com
Connect on Facebook
Lianne
Micayla
Cate
Content Editor
Books Editor
Marketing Assistant
@hilodaisy
@uggly_mugg zucchiniontheceiling.com
@cateclother cordella.org
Amanda Luisa
Kay
Ann Marie
Collaborating Photographer
Collaborating Photographer
Collaborating Artist
@amandaluisaart amandaluisa.com
@walkerstudiosllc walkerstudiosllc.com
@sprinklesofcolor sprinklesofcolor.com
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Christy
Dana
Krystal
Collaborating Artist
Collaborating Artist
Mantra Siren
@cmjohnsonart christymjohnsonart.com
@danutzi danadesignillustration.com
@krystalbrandt krystalbrandt.com
Calling all Creative Ladies! TPY collaborates with artists, photographers, writers, and more. Visit bit.ly/TPYcollab for current opportunities!
Let me help your brand
Words by Lee Lee
Branding & Graphic Design for Passionate Business Owners.
Values-Based Copywriting for Cause-Based Businesses.
Let's start a conversation! j@createlittlelegends.com
wordsbyleelee@gmail.com
T h e PE R PE T UAL YOU
to align your daily practices with your ever-evolving desires