Last year, I began a journey to reclaim my health. After the birth of two kids, a pandemic, and launching Kathryn Hastings, my life had blossomed, feeling rich and full, but my health, on the other hand, had deteriorated. I was winded climbing stairs, and a weak back left me feeling twice my age. I doubted if I could ever regain the youth I once had.

The turning point came during a hike with my kids at Mount Rainier. Surrounded by the quiet power of nature, I remembered the mountain athlete within who grew up in Lake Tahoe, a champion mogul skier and cross-country runner. It was a reminder of my strength and my identity, buried beneath years of motherhood, work and obligation. That realization reignited my belief in myself as a youthful and vibrant person. My husband and I then reshaped our schedules, prioritizing our health: I committed to yoga and Pilates, and he returned to swimming three times a week.

Now, over a year into this journey, I’ve learned to reassess and continually recommit to my health. It's caused me to wonder what other habits have gone missing too. What can be added? What needs to go?

After the retreat in Ireland, I realized that creativity must be a daily ritual for me, as essential as brushing my teeth. Simplicity is key—I carry a journal for ideas and create at least one wax seal each day. These small acts breathe life into my day, allowing my feelings to flow freely. Without creativity, it’s like tartar building up on a tooth—a day of neglect might be manageable, but too long without care hardens to decay.

I find resonance in Vincent van Gogh’s words to his brother, Theo:

In my search for balance between health, work, and art, I’ve realized it’s a process of constant trial and error. It requires regularly recalibrating what’s working and what isn’t, adjusting expectations, and being open to change.

Space For You?

I’m excited to invite you to join a small, intimate group I’m leading over the next six months focused on the art of letter writing. This experience will allow us to dive deeply into creativity and connection through writing, and limited to six people. Each month, we’ll create one highly artistic letter, exploring new ideas and techniques together.

The tuition is $555 and includes meditations, letter sessions, and a luxury stationery kit with some of my favorite supplies (plus a few surprises throughout)! I’ll be participating right alongside you, sending letters as part of this creative journey.

If this sounds like something that speaks to you, I’d love for you to join us. You can reply to this email with any questions or simply sign yourself up here.

Color of the Week: Hades

Inspired by the ancient Greek god of the underworld, this rich, glossy black wax represents the unseen depths.

Hades, in Greek mythology, symbolizes the underworld and the unseen realms, where souls go after death. While often associated with death, he is not an evil figure but rather a fair ruler of the dead, overseeing the balance between life and death. Hades also represents hidden wealth, as his domain includes the riches beneath the earth—metals, gems, and fertility. His symbolism extends to themes of transformation, endings, and the mystery of what lies beneath the surface, both in the literal and metaphorical sense.

Some Inspiration from Art History

This time of year, I find myself drawn to darker themes in art, particularly those that explore slightly taboo topics like death and the things we tend to bury—both literally and metaphorically. This time of year feels perfect for diving into subjects that sit on the fringes of our everyday lives, uncovering what’s often hidden beneath the surface. Here is some inspiration from Art History to explore...

With love,

Kay