Issue #50: holding. nourishing. SPACE.
divorce + resources from this week's podcast episode, infertility awareness week, egg quality, how to help a friend through grief, spring brunch recipes, and the practice of creating space.
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image shared from Elephant Journal article on Holding Space (see below)
Hi friends,
It feels ironic that this week’s newsletter theme is about space coming off of the week and the all female team that went to space and have been telling us all to do the same (which is a whole other conversation). This week we are discussing the kind of space that allows for reflection, for healing, for truth to rise gently to the surface. The kind of space we carve out when life doesn't go as planned, when grief moves in, or when transitions ask us to shed old layers and begin again.
Next week marks National Infertility Awareness Week—something that lives close to my heart. My own experience with infertility cracked me open in ways I wasn’t prepared for. There were moments of quiet grief, unexpected anger, questioning of my body, and grieving the life I had envisioned. It’s a journey that rarely has a clear path or a tidy ending, and yet so many are walking through it or loving someone who is.
This past week on the podcast, we had a heartfelt conversation with Sue Bruckner, a relationship coach who guides highly sensitive women through divorce and emotional transitions. Sensitivity, so often viewed as fragility, can actually be a deep source of strength and clarity. Sue beautifully explores what it means to navigate endings—with softness, grace, and the radical act of staying connected to your heart, even when it feels shattered.
These threads—infertility, loss, divorce, sensitivity—may seem separate, but they all ask us to sit with what hurts and learn how to hold it gently. It can be difficult to know how to move forward or how to offer support for a friend or loved one during a dark time. It's not about having the perfect words or knowing the answer. It’s about being present, bearing witness, and offering love (whether to yourself or someone else) without needing to fix or change anything.
If you're walking through a hard season, please know you're not alone. And if someone you love is in the thick of it, don’t underestimate the power of your presence. Even when we fumble, the effort to show up still matters. Tenderness isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
Lots of love,
Rebecca
holding SPACE + helping a friend through GRIEF
In thinking about this week, we wanted to share two articles that we found that offer great tips for learning to hold space and how to support a friend moving through difficulty or loss.
The article from Aliza and Aja’s features tips from readers and friends for when we’re trying to show up better for our friends.
“As I navigated death, divorce, and a layoff, the people who always knew the right thing to do and say were — you guessed it! — people who’d been through the exact same things,” Maddie writes. “That said, it was equally touching to hear from people who didn’t know what to do, but tried their best anyway.”
We also found this article from Gina Nicole Ballard for Elephant Journal on Holding Space an interesting guide in a world with so much noise.
remember the acronym S.P.A.C.E. and use these five tips:
S = Safety. Feeling safe is a vital aspect of creating and holding impeccable space. We can enhance a feeling of safety by using nonjudgment, securing confidentiality, ensuring inclusivity, being mindful of cultural needs, avoid rushing, and choosing a neutral physical location. When we don’t feel safe, space may become occupied with fight, flight, freeze responses.
P = Presence. We first have to be fully present in our body in order to be fully present for another. By grounding, bringing awareness to our being, setting distractions aside, and using breath, we stay present for another. Being present also involves noticing what’s ours and what’s not. While we can effectively listen and hold a solid intention to allow for others to process, we must commit to not taking on the energy of the other person’s situation.
A = Accept. We can create an accepting space by actively listening, refraining from judgment, using compassion, and letting things simply be. We can also remember when we respond: it’s not about what we say, it’s how we say it. If and when we’re prompted to provide feedback, it’s essential to use an accepting and loving tone—one that says, “No matter what you say, I accept you, love you, and I am here to listen.”
C = Challenges. Challenges and problems are sure to arise, and we don’t have to fix or correct them. When obstacles appear, and we practice being okay with “not being okay,” we can hold excellent space. Allowing the challenges to be sends the message we are committed to sitting through the hard stuff, which provides a safe space for others to share and process.
E = Empty. Space defined is a continuous area free, available, or unoccupied. It’s empty. We can create a safe space by allowing emptiness to be, without needing to fill it. Silence, breath, eye contact, and resisting the need to change anything are all a part of holding a safe space.
national INFERTILITY awareness week. 4/20-4/26
The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by infertility. This does not include LGBTQ+ couples and individuals choosing to parent without a partner who may need assisted reproductive medical treatments to start and grow their families. Founded in 1989, National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is observed every April to show legislators and the public that infertility is an issue that affects many and deserves comprehensive health care coverage.
At INTERWOVXN, fertile health is one of our core pillars because we believe in holding space for the full spectrum of fertility experiences—including the grief, resilience, and transformation that can come with infertility. This week invites us to break the silence, challenge stigma, and affirm that no one should navigate this path alone. If you or someone you love need support, download our WOVXN Wellness Guide and check out some of the resources and conversations below.
S6 E9: infertility. SUPPORT. intimacy.
In today's episode Rebecca chats with therapists Caitlin Walsh and Cherie Katt about the journey through infertility. They talk about the hidden emotions people experience including the stress, anxiety, and strain it can put on a partnership. They share the importance of knowing the isolation and burden that women carry in this process and the illusion …
EGG health + FERTILITY
While we can’t make more eggs (we are born with all of the eggs we will ever have- about 400,000 at birth) or change genetic variables, there are ways to support egg quality and improve their function as they grow, whether trying naturally or using ART. That 100 day period of maturation (about 3 cycles) when the eggs are activated from hibernation may offer a window of opportunity and set the blueprint for that egg moving forward.
We know all of the following can affect the health of an egg:
Age- As we age, our cells become sluggish as they have have a decreased ability to promote energy production. The amount of energy-producing cells (mitochondria) in the egg itself are also fewer with age which can lead to dysfunction of the eggs replicating capacities and lead to damage of DNA.
Nutritional Status- Being overweight or underweight can affect mitochondrial function as can deficiencies of vitamins, nutrients, protein. and water. Women with PCOS may have issues with insulin resistance that can affect the health of the egg.
Environmental Exposures- As it turns out, eggs are very susceptible to environment in which they mature. Environmental toxins such as pesticides, hormones, chemicals, cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol accelerate the aging of eggs.
Stress- When stress is high, our body (in an attempt of self-preservation) diverts blood flow away from our reproductive organs. This reduction in blood flow reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that supply the ovary.
Genetic Factors- Certain genetic disorders can cause premature ovarian failure or increased likelihood of passing on genetic conditions to offspring.
So what can you do improve your egg health and chances of a healthy conception and pregnancy over the next 100 days? Read our full blog post here for more information.
we are grateful to share support this season with Kindbody MKE.
In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, Kindbody clinics around the country are offering a special promotion to support your fertility journey. Now through April 30, take 20% off IVF, IUI, egg freezing, or embryo banking with code 20NIAW25. Learn more here.
This week’s Five Senses Friday is from our episode 4 podcast guest! Sue Bruckner, a holistic relationship coach and Licensed Professional Counselor, guides sensitive women to transform the chaos of divorce into the best thing that’s ever happened to them by creating nurturing spaces where their heightened sensitivity is honored as a true gift and powerful strength during times of transition.
TASTE: Kamana. Having a sensitive system means that while I love coffee, it (the caffeine) doesn’t always love me. I’m always on the search for alternative, caffeine-free “coffees”. This one has a strong flavor (which I love) and is super easy to brew. Made with mesquite, a superfood that looks, makes and tastes remarkably similar to coffee. It’s caffeine and acid free, packed with health benefits and provides natural energy. I love using my moka pot to brew this, and then I turn it into an Americano.
SEE: Upworthy. Feel good stories delight me to my core. I don’t spend much time on social media these days but when I see a post from Upworthy, I always stop my scrolling and lean in for an uplifting moment of tearful coziness. I just saw they have Pupworthy so I’ll be heading that way soon!
SMELL: Tunisian Patchouli Oil. I’m a hippie at heart. This takes me back to my mountain town farming days. I’ve recently read that the harvesting practices for patchouli are far from sustainable, so I will be on the lookout for sustainable patchouli. Good thing a little goes a long way; it’ll be a while before I need to buy more.
HEAR: Jane Eyre Soundtrack + Dario Marianelli. Weeks before the pandemic started, my kids and I traveled to Europe for a winter vacation. On the nighttime flight home, I discovered Dario Marianelli, an Italian composer, and have been mesmerized by the Jane Eyre soundtrack ever since. I spent hours of that flight looking out the window into the abyss, absorbed by this music:
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TOUCH: Karst Notebook. I love textures. My partner gifted me a Karst notebook this past Christmas. It is paper made from sustainably recycled stone - 100% tree free - and feels so silky and smooth. It elevates my writing experience and makes me feel super special.
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ICYMI Sue on the INTERWOVXN PODCAST
This week on the podcast, we talked with Sue Bruckner, a relationship coach who specializes in guiding highly sensitive women through the tender terrain of divorce. She brings so much insight into how sensitivity can feel like a weight during seasons of heartbreak—and how it can also be a map home to yourself. Her work is rooted in helping women move through endings with clarity, softness, and intention.
resources from the episode
Dr. Elaine Aron Highly Sensitive Person Inventory
Dr. Kristin Neff’s Fierce Self Compassion Book and Inventory
Brene Brown’s Gifts of Imperfection
Dr. Bethany Marshall’s Deal Breakers
Learn more about Sue’s Rising Circle Membership
In Whatever Way You MOTHER – A Mother’s Day Weekend Dance Party
This Mother’s Day weekend, give yourself a permission slip to take up space, move your body, and leave the mental load at the door.
Join us on Saturday, May 10th, for a Mother’s Day Weekend Dance Party: a night of dancing, letting go, and celebrating yourself in whatever way you mother with an incredible community of women.
Whether you’re a mom, an auntie, a mentor, a nurturer, or someone who pours love into your community, this night is for YOU.
Here's What to Expect:
🔥 A high-energy, feel-good dance floor
🎶 DJ DRiPSweat (@djdripsweat) spinning all the songs you forgot you needed
🥔 Tots on the Street food truck for a snack break
🍪 Dessert table featuring Bethmayhem Bakery and Jobea Bakes
💃 A crowd of amazing women ready to celebrate
🍹 A cash bar, connection, and a whole lot of laughter
🛌 And yes, we’ll have you in bed (or at least home) before 11
Saturday, May 10th
Denizen, 4227 W Vliet St, Milwaukee
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Grab your girlfriends for a night of no pressure, no perfection—just pure fun in a space where you are seen, celebrated, and understood. Dress in whatever makes you feel your best and get ready to dance your heart out.
Tickets are limited and will not be available for purchase at the door.
coming to the party? bring period products!
Raspberry Image reposted from @nicehairmke_salon
Our friends Nicole and Jamie from @milwaukeeperiodparties reached out and asked if we could host a period product drive in support of Milwaukee Diaper Mission’s Period Program and we thought what better place than our dance party!
Did you know that 1 in 3 menstruators struggle to afford period products? Want to help? Anyone who brings period products for donation on May 10th will be entered to win a one night stay in a Classic Room at the beautiful Dubbel Dutch Hotel!
Can’t make the Dance Party? The giveaway is only for donations made in person on the 10th, but you can drop off products at Nice Hair Salon (920 South 2nd St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204) through the end of April or stop by the 4th Annual Period Party that Nicole and Jamie are hosting on May 18th!
Other Upcoming Events
MKE HEALTH & WELLNESS Earth Day Clean Up TOMORROW. This is an inclusive FREE, nonprofit event focused on health, wellness, community & sustainability created by Amelia of HER Health & Healing— uniting over 30+ women & BIPOC/LGBTQ+ leaders in the Health & Wellness field & Milwaukee’s diverse residents to commit to a healthier planet & serve our diverse communities. Follow the link to become a part of the INTERWOVXN cleanup crew (bring your friends, kids, neighbors) at Highland Community School (park in the parking lot and meet at 18th Street entrance) from 10am-12pm (or connect with one of the other teams if location works better for you) and then join us at Boone & Crockett for the After Party and Raffle from 12-2pm!
Women’s Entrepreneurship Week (WEW) is an incredible, week-long conference for women entrepreneurs crafted to spark innovation, foster connections, and celebrate the diverse voices of women in business from May 5-9, 2025! Milwaukee Central Library will be the host for She Stands Tall’s annual event, setting the stage for five energizing days of inspiring workshops, talks, and networking opportunities—PLUS a Thursday night party! Every moment is carefully crafted to spark innovation, foster connections, and celebrate the diverse voices of women in business. Learn more about the other amazing keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities and grab your ticket at the link below before prices increase April 16th. If you need financial assistance, please reach out to info@shestandstallmke.com to learn about options. Oh and here are the details on the session we are offering!
PS- check out the ticket giveaway they are offering this weekend!
And we leave you with…
these AMAZING easter/spring brunch recipes
If you are looking for some last minute inspiration for holiday recipes or are planning a spring brunch, we would suggest checking out the post below! There are SO many yummy looking recipes that we want to host a brunch just so we can try some!
Have a great weekend!
