June Reflections: Breathing, Trusting, and Living

I am breathing.

I am calm.

I am learning to trust God and His timing more and more.

As I sit down to write this month's blog, I realize that we are already halfway through the year. Six months have come and gone, and what a journey it has been.

January was filled with fear.

February carried anxiety.

March felt overwhelming.

April required courage.

May brought hope.

And June? June feels hopeful too but in a different way. More content. More grounded. More trusting. I am still praying for clarity, but I am no longer trying to force every answer.

Today is the last day of June, and as I look back, I realize that every day this month felt a little more at ease in my own way. Life didn't suddenly become easier, and I still don't have all the answers, but my heart feels lighter. I worried a little less. I trusted a little more. And that, to me, is progress.

This month, from almost every angle of my life, I saw signs that things will be okay.

I was reminded to trust this beautiful process called life.

I had moments that showed me just how far I have come. Moments that made me pause and think, "Wow, I am living a life I never even planned for myself."

When I look back, I can clearly see that God had a plan for me all along—one that was bigger and more beautiful than anything I could have imagined for myself.

I wanted to share this because I know many of you care about me. And for those who have told me that you read my blogs—thank you. Your messages, encouragement, and support mean more than you know. My hope is that by sharing my journey, I encourage you to embrace your own story and give yourself permission to share it too.

One of the highlights of June happened at Namaste Brows & Boutique. During the first week of the month, I noticed we were welcoming many new customers. At first, I wasn't sure why, so I intentionally began asking how they found us. That's when I learned that another threading salon nearby had closed.

The following week, I reached out to the owner because I know her personally. Thankfully, I learned she is doing well. She is simply relocating and traveling this month. As we talked, she told me several times, "You are nice." I remember thinking, Of course you would do the same for me.

Then something beautiful happened. As customers came into our store and mentioned they had previously gone to her salon, I found myself saying, "As soon as I know her new location, I'll let you know."

Almost every customer responded with the same words.

"That is so kind."

"You're so nice."

My response every time was simple.

"I'm just being human."

It reminded me that kindness costs us nothing, yet it can mean everything to someone else.

In a world where competition often encourages us to think only about ourselves, I want to encourage all of us to choose kindness instead.

Let's celebrate one another.

Let's support one another.

Let's believe there is enough room for all of us to succeed.

Kindness is never wasted.

The world needs more humans simply being human.

The last five years of entrepreneurship have taught me many lessons.

One of the hardest has been learning when to say no.

This month, I think I said "no" almost every day.

Not because I don't care.

Not because I don't want to help.

But because I am learning to protect my time, my energy, and my health.

I am intentionally creating space in my calendar for the people who need me most—my family, my business, my customers, and myself.

I am praying for more relaxed days.

I still have a lot to do.

I still have places to go and responsibilities to fulfill.

But I am trying harder than ever to balance my personal and professional life.

I pray that I continue to respect my time, my body, and my mind.

Because if we don't take care of ourselves eventually, we have nothing left to give.

One of the ways I honored those boundaries this month was by taking time away with my family.

Last night, we returned home from Evergreen Lodge Family Resort after a few peaceful days together. It was exactly what my heart needed.

We rested.

We laughed.

We slowed down.

We simply enjoyed being together.

Sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is rest.

On the first day of our trip, we visited the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

It was peaceful.

It was beautiful.

My children and I walked across the river and back. Later, we sat together on a bench overlooking the water, quietly watching it begin its incredible journey. As I looked at that small stream, I couldn't help but think about Namaste Brows & Boutique.

It's amazing to think that the mighty Mississippi River, which flows through ten states and touches millions of lives, begins as something so small. It reminded me that every big dream starts with one small step.

Every business starts with one customer.

Every legacy starts with one decision to begin.

When I opened Namaste, I never imagined all the places this journey would take me. Yet, just like that river, my business continues to grow one day, one customer, one relationship, and one act of kindness at a time.

That little stream reminded me that Namaste has the potential to become something much bigger than I can see today. Not just a business, but a legacy. A legacy for my children, for the artisans we support in Nepal, for the community we serve here in Minnesota, and for everyone whose life our little boutique touches.

Nature is always teaching us something if we slow down long enough to notice.

This month, nature reminded me that we all have to start somewhere.

Don't underestimate small beginnings.

God often does His greatest work through small, faithful steps.

Keep going.

I want to share something very personal.

This July, my sister and her family will be visiting us for six weeks.

We are excited.

We are making plans.

We are looking forward to creating memories together.

But it got me thinking.

How many of us spend weeks planning, shopping, cleaning, organizing, and preparing for guests only to be completely exhausted when they finally arrive?

How often do we work so hard getting ready for a special moment that we don't actually have the energy to enjoy it?

This year, I am trying something different.

I am planning ahead.

I am simplifying.

I am preparing my heart and mind just as much as my home.

I want to welcome my family with peace instead of exhaustion.

For the past fifteen years, I have learned from mentors, books, podcasts, and life experiences. I have listened, taken notes, and gathered wisdom.

This year, I am finally putting more of those lessons into practice.

And that feels like growth.

It feels like a win.

Because success isn't only about building a business.

Sometimes success is having the energy to be fully present with the people you love.

As we move into a new month, I want to leave you with a few questions.

What are you doing this July?

How can you intentionally choose kindness?

Can you free up your calendar enough to soak up the sunshine, slow down, and make memories?

Can you forgive someone?

Can you reconnect with someone you love?

Can you spend a little less time worrying and a little more time living?

Life moves fast.

Too fast sometimes.

But June reminded me that even in uncertainty, there is beauty.

Even in waiting, there is growth.

Even in difficult seasons, there is hope.

So today, I am breathing.

I am calm.

I am trusting God.

And I am grateful.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

May your July be filled with kindness, peace, meaningful memories, and the quiet confidence that God is working even when you cannot yet see the whole picture.

With gratitude,

Jeena