I hope you've been enjoying the beauty of spring. This year, I found myself actually appreciating all the rain—it gave me a much-needed chance to slow down. And wow, did I need it!

Meet Manchego: The Kitten with Big Energy

In April, we welcomed a new member to our household: Manchego, a spirited Maine Coon kitten. Our 13-year-old cat DJ wasn’t thrilled at first, but I’m happy to report they’re now best buddies. Manchego is growing fast—already 8 pounds, the size of many fully grown cats!

He has a huge personality and even bigger energy. Which means... not a lot of sleep for us. Eventually, I took the very advice I give so many of you:

If your pet is keeping you up at night, it's okay to lock them out of the bedroom.
A good night's sleep is essential—your body (and nervous system) will thank you.

A Season of Transition

April also brought a major life event: helping my mom pack up and move out of our family home.

Every weekend and day off was devoted to the move—packing, sorting, lifting, cleaning, donating. It was emotional and physically demanding. As someone who deeply values slow living, this change in pace disrupted my usual rhythm of tending to our home, garden, sailboat, and spending time with my husband and friends.

As an occupational therapist, I’d gently encouraged my mom for years to consider a more accessible, one-story living space. But when she finally said yes, I knew what we were in for. So I set an intention for the entire process:

That it would feel easeful.
That the right people would help us.
That the house would sell over asking.
That everything would fall into place with the right timing, cost, and support.

I envisioned my mom in a cozy new apartment—comfortable, safe, and happy.

And somehow, I found the energy. Day after day, I was carried by a deep current. It amazed me. Instead of burnout, I felt motivated, present, and even inspired.

Anchoring Into Self-Care

Any free time I had, I guarded fiercely. After handling the essentials—laundry, groceries, cooking—I carved out moments just for me:

Listening to guided relaxations
Long Epsom salt baths
Sound healing sessions
Weeding the garden
Yoga classes
Doodling and drawing
Quiet tea breaks by the window, watching the rain
Myofascial Release, both with practitioners and my own self-treatment tools

I also attended two MFR seminars, which truly refueled my spirit.

“The key to healing is feeling.”

— John F. Barnes

Of course, there were hard days. Sorting through my late father's belongings brought a fresh wave of grief. I let myself feel it.

My husband, Mike, was a rock—supportive, steady, always showing up. He even reminded me when I needed to pause and rest (which, let’s be honest, I sometimes forget to do).

Feeling It All

I’ve shared before that fascial restrictions can form from not just physical strain or trauma, but also unfelt, unprocessed emotions. When we avoid feeling, the body stores it—tight shoulders, clenched jaws, shallow breathing... sound familiar?

This spring, I made a promise to myself: no more storing emotions.

I allowed space for tears, for laughter, for stillness. I embraced emotional release so fully that I’ve officially switched to waterproof mascara—and I’m not going back!

Support for Your Healing Journey

I hope your spring brought you moments of renewal—quiet time outside, joy with loved ones, space to feel whatever needed feeling.

As we head into the buzz of summer, don’t forget your self-care.

The Transform MFR Resource Hub is here to support you with simple, effective self-treatment tools and videos:

Long road trip coming up? Release your psoas.
Training for a race? Release those quads.
Back sore from golf or gardening? Try releasing your low back.

👉 Sign up or log in to the Resource Hub here
(Note: This is not the appointment booking page!)

Planning Ahead

If you’d like support through in-person MFR sessions, now’s the perfect time to plan.

My August schedule is now available on the Simple Practice portal. If you already have recurring appointments, please log in and cancel any August sessions you can’t attend—this helps free up space for others who need care.

👉 Book or manage appointments here

With warmth and waterproof mascara,

Jessica
Crazy Cat Lady, Myofascial Release Therapist
OT, LMT, RYT, Trauma-Informed Reiki Master

Spring Reflections, Big Moves & a Kitten Named Manchego