Development Digest - June 2025
“I wouldn't trade one memory, 'Cause you mean too much to me” – Ronnie Milsap
Last week, I said goodbye to my beloved friend, Greta. She was only six years old, but in the five years she was with me, she filled my world with more love, loyalty, and quiet companionship than words can ever express. Greta was a trauma rescue, a gentle soul who came into my life after surviving the harshest of beginnings. And yet, after her healing journey (it took over two years), she met each day with openness and joy.
She taught me how to slow down, savor the small things, and above all, focus on the beautiful parts of life.
Losing Greta has left an ache in my heart and a hole in my life. Even though I am still incredibly sad, I want to honor her by choosing to focus on the beauty in our time together: Our sunrise and sunset walks, her coming around the corner to greet me when I arrive home, her letting me know it’s time for her bone right as dinner with Don begins, helping me brush my teeth before bed. She was my buddy, my shadow, and she never left my side.
To all of you who have offered kind words, flowers, and heartfelt support, I extend my sincere gratitude. Your compassion has meant more than I can say. Greta would have loved each of you.
Greta was a gift, and I wouldn’t have missed my days with her for the world!
With love and gratitude,
Annette
Tune In to Morning Intentions Podcast!
For our month-long podcast series this July, we will be diving into The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict by The Arbinger Institute. Although over three million copies of this book have been sold and it has been recommended to us many times over the years, neither of us has ever read it.
It’s always fun to go through a book on our podcast that we're not familiar with, because then we're all learning and growing at the same time.
July will be a great time to enjoy some summer reading together!
From what we’ve heard from our clients and others, The Anatomy of Peace offers a heart-centered approach to resolving personal and professional conflict by teaching us to move from a “heart at war” to a “heart at peace.” It is a resource that offers both practical and transformative tools, whether you’re facing challenges in relationships, work dynamics, or your inner world.
During our July podcast episodes, we’ll explore the powerful message of this groundbreaking book and learn how to shift from conflict and division to connection and peace, starting from within.
Join us each weekday as we unpack these life-changing insights together. If you'd like to read along, we will be using the Fourth Edition; however, there is no need to purchase the book. You can learn from our conversations and decide later if you’d like to have a copy in your personal library.
Start listening July 1st wherever you get your podcasts – and thank you to all our listeners for joining us!
Click here to check out the book on Amazon.
Can’t Get to Sleep
Hey Annette and Ada!
Okay, so I read about sleep in your newsletter last month, but I can’t seem to get my sleep schedule together. I scroll too much at night, then hit snooze a million times in the morning, and it’s messing with my whole day. I’ve tried a bunch of tips, but nothing really sticks. What’s something actually doable I can try?
Thank you so much for your question. We’re both happy you reached out!
First, please know you’re not alone in this. Many of us struggle with our sleep habits, especially when life feels full and screens seem to follow us everywhere. Some of us – like Ada – find ourselves scrolling when we feel anxious. However, let’s keep the big picture in mind: Being exhausted impacts how we think, how we feel, and how we show up in the world. And that’s why your desire to get your sleep on track is so important.
Here’s a simple first step to help you get started:
Choose one small shift. Just one.
For example, you might decide that 30 minutes before bed, you’ll put your phone across the room and switch to something calming, like a short meditation, a book, or even a gentle stretching routine. Doing something relaxing will be a signal to your body that it’s time to rest, not scroll. (Ada votes for the gentle stretching, as she does this every night before bed, and it truly helps her to get a better night’s sleep.)
When you are ready for your next step, focus on your mornings.
Instead of hitting snooze, see if you can greet the day with something that makes you smile, such as a song you love, a warm, non-alcoholic drink, or even just a few quiet moments to breathe before your day begins.
The key here is kindness. Changing habits takes time, consistency, and compassion (recognizing that you are doing the best you can with the tools and awareness you have at this moment).
If you have a night where the scrolling wins, please don’t beat yourself up. Just notice, reset, and try again the next day.
Each day is a new opportunity to try again! 😊
With care,
Annette and Ada
How Are You Doing With . . .
Click here to download YOUR Challenge!
June’s Recommendation: Resistance Tubes and Bands
Resistance tubes and bands are excellent tools, and they are Ada’s favorite for low-impact strength training because they offer a safe and effective way to build muscle and improve flexibility without stressing the joints. They are ideal for all fitness levels, offering variable resistance to control intensity and range of motion.
Lightweight and portable, they target every major muscle group, making them perfect for home workouts or travel.
Resistance bands are especially beneficial for rehabilitation, seniors, and those recovering from injury. With consistent use, they enhance strength, balance, and coordination to support overall fitness while minimizing the risk of strain or injury.
As with any exercise, please be sure to check with your physician to make sure tubes and bands are a good fit for you.
Self-Care Tip of the Month: Make Yourself the Priority
Making your own self-care the priority IS NOT SELFISH - it’s essential. At the Academy for Personal Development, we teach the philosophy that “we cannot give from an empty well.” Which means that when you continually give your time, energy, and attention to others without pausing to replenish yourself, you eventually run dry.
Burnout, resentment, and even physical illness can creep in when your own needs are consistently ignored.
Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s the daily practice of honoring your well-being through rest, nutrition, boundaries, movement, and meaningful connection. It’s about listening to your body and emotions and responding with kindness rather than criticism.
When you make self-care a non-negotiable part of your life, you become more present, patient, and resilient. You model healthy living for those around you and create an internal environment of balance and peace. Prioritizing yourself means you have more to give, not less.
So, take the walk, drink the water, say no when needed, and protect your quiet time.
You are the well from which your care for others flows!
Keep it full. Keep it sacred.
When your well is full, everything you give becomes a gift of abundance, not depletion.
Salad for Dinner 🥗😋
Both of us are in the habit of enjoying a salad for dinner every other night, and it’s one of our favorite ways to eat well without feeling bored.
Salads are endlessly versatile. You can mix greens, grains, fruits, proteins, nuts, and dressings to create something new every time. From Mediterranean-inspired bowls to Asian-style slaws, no two salads have to look or taste the same. It’s a simple, nourishing habit that invites both creativity and balance to the table.
Here are some of our favorite ingredients:
Spinach
Mixed greens
Fresh carrots
Fresh cucumbers
Green onions
Purple onions
Raw nuts
Olives
Flax seed
Tomatoes (cherry and sliced)
Beans
Radishes
Cabbage
Bell pepper
Zucchini
Yellow squash
Roasted onions
Asparagus
Berries
Potatoes
Artichokes
Rice
Roast beef
Grilled bhicken
Cod, salmon, fish
Smoked salmon
Shrimp
Olive oil
Spices
Cheese
Choose a few ingredients from this list to create an endless combination of delicious salads!
Bon Appétit 😊
