Lifts & Shifts

Lifts & Shifts - Creating what you want/need

On the Nightstand - Remember by Lisa Genova

In Case You Missed It - The Sixty Sparks Challenge

Next week - What’s your Zugunruhe moment?

Just for Fun!

Lifts & Shifts - Creating what you want/need

I was dancing in the moonlight!

Four years ago, I was out for an evening stroll—alone, with only my music for company. It was a lovely fall night, the moon was full, and at the end of a deserted pier, I suddenly felt compelled to dance.

Sounds crazy, I know. But something about the spirit, the music, and the moonlight moved me… so I did it.

No one saw. No one cared.

And I was just—so—happy.

The next day, I told my friend (and e-newsletter editor, Amanda—public thank-you to her! ) what I had done, expecting her to laugh. Instead, she said,

“Let me know next time—and I’ll join you!”

Not what I expected! But like full-moon clockwork, the next month we were out there together, dancing under the moon.

We told two friends, they told two friends… and here we are, four years later—with a DJ (okay, sometimes it’s just me ), but usually DJ Boom Kitty—and occasionally even live music!

We now have a little following and surprise guests from around the world. One participant once told me her happy mood lingers for days after she dances with us.

One particular evening, after a rough day, I almost didn’t go. But since “it’s my party,” I showed up. It only took two songs for my mood to lift and shift.

Why?

Being outdoors (which I love)

Moving my body (which I love)

Being with people (which I love)

Listening to music (which I love)

Each of those things alone is powerful—but layer them together and —magic!

If I’d waited for my mood to change on its own… it probably would have taken much longer and if I’d waited for someone else to start an “Under the Moon Dance Party,” I’m sure I'd still be waiting and so many people would have missed fun times.

Now...your life, your version, your plan...

What stirs your soul the way dancing under the moon stirs mine?

What simple things lift and shift your mood?
When’s the last time you did something just because it made you happy?
What’s your version of a moon dance? Because sometimes joy doesn’t wait for an invitation— it’s waiting for you to press play.

On the Nightstand

Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova

If you get worried when you forget things, this is a very validating read! Here are some of my take-aways.

We forget most of what we experience within a day.
Memory starts with noticing — pay attention and engage your senses.
You find what you look for — focus on joy and magic to shape happier memories.
We store only 8–10 vivid memories a year — create more by breaking routines, having emotional experiences, and journaling or sharing them.
Confidence ≠ accuracy — vivid memories can still be wrong.
Forgetting is useful — it clears clutter and helps you function.

Strengthen Your Memory

Pay attention (the #1 skill).
Limit distractions.
Rehearse and self-test.
Attach meaning and use visual imagery.
Sleep well — naps help, but don’t replace deep sleep.
Challenge your brain — learn, travel, meet new people.
Be kind to your memory — positive self-talk improves recall.
Use cues (lists, sticky notes, context reminders).
Avoid stress and sleep loss — both block memory formation.

Next week - What’s your Zugunruhe moment?

Just for Fun!

If this doesn't make you smile, I give up! I love it when people connect - what question could you ask this to help you connect better? https://youtu.be/jOvmKHtbaUA?si=wfSPhgMpR9oJsp22