Hi My Golden Friend,

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter! Ours was quietly sweet, with just my parents over for lunch. My mama struggles to hold conversations but she loved the flowers on the table, and the cake for dessert!

Now, if you had walked into my house this past week,
you might have found me… having a tea party.

With a donkey!

Henry, my mini donkey, joined me at the table like it was the most natural thing in the world—which, quite honestly, for him… it was. He did not hesitate to come inside at my invitation!

But for me?
It felt a little ridiculous.
A little unnecessary.
A little… whimsical.

And that’s exactly the point.

This month in My Intentional Year, our focus is Whimsy.

Not productivity.
Not getting everything “back on track.”
Not squeezing more into already full days.

Whimsy.

Somewhere along the way, many of us quietly traded delight for responsibility.
We became efficient, capable, dependable…

…and just a little bit heavy. :( Waah

But here’s what I’m finally learning:

We don’t burn out because we’re doing too little.
We burn out because we’re doing too much—without joy.

Whimsy isn’t frivolous.
It’s restorative.

It’s the moment your shoulders drop.
The unexpected laugh.
The small reminder that your life isn't just something to manage… it’s something to experience.

And the best part is: It doesn’t require a grand plan.

Just a little permission.

This week, you might:
– Use the good dishes on a random weeknight
– Wear something that makes no sense but makes you happy
– Dance in your kitchen while dinner simmers
– Sit outside with your coffee and pretend you’re on vacation

Or… host a tea party.
(Guests optional. Donkeys encouraged.)

This is the first step of GOLD: Give Yourself Permission.

Permission to be joyful.
To be playful.
To not take everything so seriously.

Because when you do, something shifts. You feel lighter. You think clearer, calmer thoughts.
​You remember yourself again.

I filmed this week’s YouTube video with Henry at our tea party (his manners are atrocious, but he's still excellent company!

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And I’d love to know—what’s one small act of whimsy you’re willing to try this week?

With love (and a slightly crooked teacup),
Rachel

PS Several of you mentioned you missed the last live get-together with me. A couple of you said daytime hours would work better. I'll get info to you for the next one soon!

Youtube channel: RachelAnneRidgeGOLD​

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