Life is so imperfect. And beautiful.
If we are to really live – abundantly – we need to make space for messy. We need to embrace the truth that life can be really hard, challenging, scary, and painful – but also a beautiful adventure.
We get to decide who and how we want to be in the world and how we’ll show up to life.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” — Viktor Frankl
The Brave & Beautiful Membership Community is one way that we can gather together and make space.
It’s a place for you to receive evidence-based education & encouragement to help you learn and practice the tools, mindset shifts, and habits that help us live mind-body healthy and show up fully – with joy and purpose – to our imperfect & beautiful lives.
Registration is now CLOSED until January
Doors to the Brave & Beautiful Membership have closed once again. You can join us starting in January 2021. The community is capped at 50 women so spaces are limited.
$150 — 3 months of Brave & Beautiful Membership
*September through November 2020
$240 — 6 months of Brave & Beautiful Membership
*September through February 2020
$400 — 12 months of Brave & Beautiful Membership
*September through August 2021 & 20% off 1:1 consults
*Tech issues happen on occasion; if you have an issue with the shopping cart email me at alifeinprogress@outlook.com for help.
*After submitting payment you will be redirected to a short thank you page and I’ll email within a week or so with next steps
Your guidance in finding new approaches, new ideas, and new attitudes that so resonate with me is part of what I love about Brave and Beautiful. And all of that plus such a supportive and accepting community is just the best! Much more than what I might have imagined if I’d have envisioned a great virtual space to learn and grow. I am so appreciative. Thank you, Krista. —Stacy Low
I joined the Brave & Beautiful Community to have a group of growth-minded women to journey through this season of my life with. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn new strategies for living with purpose as well as supporting and celebrating other women as we share our lives together as part of the community. Brave & Beautiful is a wonderful investment and I would highly recommend making the commitment. —Shana H
Imagine being part of a private community to talk about the things that truly matter to you
January through July I introduce a new topic for the month that we work through together and which supports us in showing up fully – with joy and on purpose – to our imperfect & beautiful lives. In year two and beyond in the membership I will occasionally repeat a module because of its importance, recognizing that each time we visit it, we’ll go deeper into our understanding and practice of the work. August will be a lighter month – there will be no new module, and instead, we’ll make space for review, discussion, and practical application of ideas we’ve already covered.
We’ll start September with a focus on Deepening our Roots of Self-Compassion
Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding when facing suffering
(self-kindness), seeing one’s failures as part of the human condition rather than feeling isolated
(common humanity), and having a balanced awareness of painful thoughts and emotions
(mindfulness) and it is foundational for anyone seeking greater freedom and joy in this world. We’ll explore why self-compassion matters more than self-esteem, how to build a growth-mindset and the importance of practicing a pause between impulse and response.
KEY IDEAS: self-compassion, growth mindset
October’s theme is CourageousTruth-Telling & Healthy Relationships
Using an older definition of courage – to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart – we’ll explore what it will look, sound, and feel like for us to live courageously in our relationships in this season of life. To learn to stand rooted in the truth of who we are, what we need and want, and learn or reinforce practical tools and wisdom for identifying unhealthy patterns and strengthening the relationships that matter most to us. We’ll review how suppressing self for belonging can disrupt our becoming and the tremendous importance of emotional literacy to life satisfaction and quality relationships. And we will learn practical skills and practice taking consistent, purposeful action toward our vision of who and how we choose to be in this season of life.
KEY IDEAS: relationships, courage
November’s theme is Freedom or Living Unshackled
I aim to live every single day “on purpose” and living on purpose includes walking in freedom. This means choosing to live mindful and honest (and willing to do hard work) to identify and then release the ways we hide, shame, judge, allow fear to operate in our lives. It includes owning our stories shame-free (we’ll look at shame research and strategies for finding freedom from shame) and acknowledging the agency and autonomy we’ve given away/possess to be the author of our lives. We will also explore what it means to Hold Space for self and others. Heather Plett writes “By holding space, you create a container for liberation to occur in your life and in society.”
KEY IDEAS: holding space, autonomy
We’ll get back to basics in December with a focus on Midlife Self & Soul Care
Part of a sustainable life (or business) is building regular times in our lives to slow down and check-in with what is and is not working well for us and if we are living aligned with our core values and desires. This month we will look at our health and lifestyle practices with a focus on research around optimizing mind-body health (including brain health and breathwork) in the messy middle of life. Our aim is to ensure we’re living in a way that honours our wiring, deepening body awareness, and setting ourselves up for a flourishing, compassionate, engaged season of life. I do NOT focus on body size and this is a gentle, shame-free space to practice loving ourselves well. We’re all practicing.
KEY IDEAS: mind-body health, somatic wisdom
We’ll start the New Year by Ensuring We’re Building a Right-Sized Life
Building a right-sized life means one that is authentically aligned to your unique personality, wiring, needs, desires, life stage, values, and sense of purpose. It is not a fairy tale ideal; it involves truth-telling, questioning, grappling, coming face to face with the reality of what is, and noticing how/where comparison is hijacking your life and happiness. The more we create a life that works with instead of against our wiring, life feels simpler. We’ll briefly examine the distinction between goals and intentions and why this matters, you’ll identify your areas of strength/gifting, natural ability, and explore the things that light you up and how you can infuse your ordinary life with a deep, guiding sense of direction. We may also talk about financial health in the messy middle of life (dependant on a guest interview I’m trying to line up).
KEY IDEAS: comparison, purpose
February’s focus will be on Living Seasonally
We’ll move from our conversation around building a right-sized life to exploring what it can look/sound/feel like to live seasonally. There is wisdom to be mined in every season and instead of resisting what is we can learn to pay attention, listen well, and lean into the natural ebb and flow of energy, creativity, productivity and rest of a flourishing, gentle life. We’ll discuss how to stay awake to the ways perfectionism keeps us hiding, stuck, or feeling less than and how to quiet this noise. Seasonal living invites us to deepen self-awareness and self-compassion as we loosen our grip on what was or what we had hoped for to show up fully to and embrace the imperfect and beautiful season we’re in. You’ll glean knowledge this month that can change your relationship with planning, productivity, and embracing your messiness. We may explore grief as part of this month’s work.
KEY IDEAS: perfectionism, seasonal living
*topics are subject to change
Finding you and your courses have been life-giving for me. I feel like it is a debt I will never be able to repay. —Roxanne R
A monthly roadmap and dedicated guide just for you
Each month we walk through the following structure as we dive into our new topic and apply the work to our lives.
Week One// WHY
I’ll introduce the topic of the month and WHY it matters; we’ll examine our experience and thoughts about it, any compelling research, and we’ll get honest about where we’re at. Self-awareness is essential to sustainable and healthy growth.
Week Two // WHAT
We’ll start talking about WHAT we want for ourselves in this area (we’ll establish personal goals and intentions) while staying grounded in self-compassion and I’ll offer ideas for WHAT we can do to grow and begin practicing the concepts for the month.
Week Three // HOW
We’ll get more specific about HOW to apply the habits, tools, mindset shifts or the practical application of ideas (and how to sustain positive change) and we’ll address issues or resistance that come up; this is about taking imperfect action to move closer to who and how we choose to be in the world.
Week Four // Rest & Reflect
We need time to synthesize and notice what’s showing up for us, and we need time for actual rest. In Rest Week I’m offline though members are welcome to continue engaging with each other and the material. This week also allows time to catch up on videos/work from previous weeks. Week 4 of each module offers (optional) prompts to guide you in self-reflection along with resource ideas for further learning. Every three months we have an extra week to “Rest & Reflect.”
Join the Brave & Beautiful Membership for 3 months – $150 ($50/monthly)
**September through November 2020
Invest in yourself for 6 months – $240 ($40/monthly)
*September through February 2020
Join me inside the Brave & Beautiful community for 12 months – $400 ($33/monthly)
*September through August 2021 & 20% off 1:1 consults
I appreciate all you do! I am very lucky to be part of this group. Truly- the information and insight has helped me to prioritize what matters and take the right steps towards happiness. —Barb S
I so appreciate you, your posts, thought processes, interviews, your way at problem-solving, the content you create, and your support. Joining this group is the very thing that helped me to begin to take steps forward from probably the worst season I’ve ever been through since childhood. I was so stuck and discouraged. Now I am making headway in leaps and bounds!! Brave and Beautiful has been so inspiring and so life-giving for me, as well as my Listening Partnership with (another member) and I just wanted you to know and thank you again. Who you are and what you carry is truly immeasurable in my life. —Joyanne Ferrara
When you invest in this community, you also get…
The Brave & Beautiful community is not about stuffing our lives full to the brim with information; you already have full lives. Setting aside 1.5-2 hours each week will allow you to engage with the material and participate in discussion, though some members spend more or less time. In this community, you will find ample time and space to discuss, reflect, and engage with the ideas in a gentle and encouraging manner. You also get support from me and each other when you feel stuck or need encouragement to keep going.
As a member of this inspirational community you will receive:
- Educational focus on one topic per month to help you live with purpose, health & joy with weekly exercises/action steps, resources ideas, and worksheets or handouts to support you in doing the work
- Two coaching calls each month on the current topic (you do not have to join live/replays are available)
- Monthly group Zoom call to connect with other members and talk about how we’re applying the material to our lives or get extra support
- Guest interview each month related to our core content
- Access to 2+ months of previous modules that you can download and keep forever ($100+ value)
- Meaningful connection & opportunity to build relationships with growth-minded people including the opportunity to form a “Listening Partnership” with another member
- 20% off 1:1 consults for deeper, individualized support as needed for 12 mos B&B members (and 10% off for other members)
The membership is capped at 50 women so that we can build a relationship and I can offer my attention in meaningful ways. Registration is currently closed.
Get started today with a trial membership – $150
*September through November 2020
Save $120 when you invest in a Brave & Beautiful Membership for 6 months – $240
*September through February 2020
Save $200 when you invest in a Brave & Beautiful Membership for the year – $400
*September through August 2021 & 20% off 1:1 consults
Krista has an incredible gift not only of words but also of really seeing into the struggles common to so many women. Krista doesn’t just leave us to struggle—she helps find a way to shift our mindset, look at our circumstances differently and help us find joy and celebrate the win, no matter how small. She is patient, knowledgeable and caring. The resources she writes are life-giving to me. I find myself learning something profoundly new and helpful each time I go through the materials. —Teresa C
Build meaningful relationships
Coaching calls will be offered via FB Lives – Showing up live is absolutely not required as replays will be available to watch or listen to when you’re ready. Our Monthly Group meetings are hosted on Zoom.
B&B members have the option of joining me live on Zoom for my monthly interviews with special guests. The topics of each interview are selected on purpose to offer further support and food for thought on the membership topic of the month.
I help interested members form “listening partnerships” (kind of a buddy or support system for members who would love a monthly or biweekly call with someone who will listen and encourage, but not give advice) with each other. While I lead the group, I hope you’ll build a relationship with other members and glean encouragement and wisdom from each other as well.
As a community, we gather inside a private Facebook group (Facebook is required to join) – this is where you’ll receive your monthly PDF, applicable worksheets, join the coaching videos (or watch the replays), ask me questions, and connect with other members.
Meeting Schedule Sept-Nov
Week one: Wed, 1 pm MT//3 ET (FB Live in the group)
Week two: Wed, 4 pm MT//6 ET (FB Live in the group)
Week three: Wed, 4:30 pm MT//6:30 ET (Group call on Zoom)
*Times may vary seasonally as I accommodate the needs of members who consistently show up live
*Remember, calls are recorded and always available so you do not have to show up live
I feel like this group has already helped me start living my own life, and for that, I thank you all! —Cindy P
Is the Brave & Beautiful Community the right fit for me?
I love this beautiful gathering of women and believe it offers a unique opportunity to learn and grow together in a kind and supportive environment. But it’s not the right fit for everyone in every season.
The Brave & Beautiful Community is for women who:
- Are in the messy middle of life
- Are growth-minded, believe that we choose our response to life, and are tired of letting perfectionism, comparison, or fear be the boss of their life
- Are interested in mind-body wellness and want to learn, chew on ideas, grow, stretch, and who believe (or are drawn to the idea that) every season of life offers new gifts and opportunity
- Want to live with self-awareness and self-compassion and walk in quiet confidence and feel ready to take (imperfect) action to build “right-sized lives” of purpose, health, and joy
- Feel a little weary or beat-up by life and are looking for community and support to continue showing up fully – with joy and purpose – to every single day and season of life
This community is not for women who:
- Are in crisis, addiction, or newly diagnosed mental health conditions and need 1:1 professional support
- Are looking for more personal, individualized, deeper support for their health or life (although you may join the membership and also work with me 1:1) to take action and experience positive growth
- Are not yet ready to do the messy inner work to grow, stretch, and take personal responsibility for their response to life or don’t have 7 hours/month to engage with the material
- Are looking for quick or superficial fixes for their pain or struggles
- Don’t feel they can build healthy, respectful relationships with others who may come from a different viewpoint, lifestyle, or life experience
It takes courage to continue forging ahead with intention through all the ups and downs of life. To say yes to growing, stretching, becoming, and to keeping your heart soft as you go. Staying open to the beauty and gifts of life – choosing to witness and receive them – rather than staying stuck in the struggle or pain.
Get started today with a 3 MONTH membership – $150
*September through November 2020
Save $120 when you invest in a Brave & Beautiful Membership for 6 months – $240
*September through February 2020
enjoy 4 MONTHS FREE when you invest in a Brave & Beautiful Membership for 12 months – $400
*September through August 2021 & 20% off 1:1 consults
Before you go, I want you to know that if you don’t feel “brave and beautiful” right now – this group is exactly for you. For most of my life, I felt anything but. But over time, as I learned to show up through fear and finally decided I’m good enough, I realized that I always was far braver than I realized and that I am messy, imperfect, and beautiful too. So are you.
We can choose to SAY YES to showing up fully to our imperfect & beautiful lives.
I look forward to connecting – and if you have any questions about my new community please reach out here.
Krista xo
Krista’s blog simply speaks to me. It’s growth-minded, raw, & real. Sometimes I see myself living the self-care, mindfulness theme well, but other times I just want to move about my day and not overly focus on anything. I wasn’t sure about an online community because I am “offline” mostly. I feel the connectedness though! Gretchen Rubin talks honestly in her Happiness Project about how some days she doesn’t want to hold the door for that slower woman behind her. I appreciate Krista so much for continuing this journey. I really see it as her gift and thank her. —Tara B
Registration for September 2020 is now CLOSED!
Doors to the Brave & Beautiful Membership are closed and I encourage you to sign up to my weekly email to be first to learn when we open up again in December for a January/21 start. The B&B Community is capped at 50 women so that we can build a relationship and so you don’t get lost in a crowd. When you join, you’ll also get great insights from women like this:
- On July 15 I have the privilege of chatting with mom & daughter team Matricia and Mack of Warrior Women who celebrate and teach about their Indigenous culture; we’ll talk about deconstructing all the labels/stories, etc., we grow up with to unearth and celebrate our true, whole, beautiful selves.
- In September I look forward to interviewing Jacob Ernst, Psychotherapist specializing in mental health, about the Routes of Safety Model, or “the trauma-informed love languages” as he calls them, built to assist people in gaining more access to a felt sense of emotional safety (put simply, it helps you answer the question “what makes me feel safe?”).
- Jen Louden, speaker and author of many books including Why Bother? will join me for a conversation about why we should bother and courageous living & truth-telling in the messy middle of life.
- I look forward to talking in November with facilitator & teacher Heather Plett about the concept and practice of Holding Space and in particular the idea that “by holding space, you create a container for liberation to occur in your life and in society. The Art of Holding Space is an instrument for hope, transition, and positive change in our time of near-constant transition, as we yearn to emerge into a new story.” We’ll run a giveaway of her new book!
The email you use to register will be added to or tagged on MY EMAIL LIST so that you receive updates and important details about the membership.
Join the Brave & Beautiful Membership for 3 months – $150 ($50/monthly)
*September through November 2020
Invest in yourself for 6 months – $240 ($40/monthly)
*September through February 2020
Join me inside the Brave & Beautiful community for 12 months – $400 ($33/monthly)
*September through August 2021 & 20% off 1:1 consults
I have followed Krista’s work for a couple years now. She has challenged me to see” how” I’m thinking, and that it’s OK not to be perfect in this messy life. The Brave and Beautiful Membership Community has shown me that others are also seeking answers to a messy life, while still being imperfect. I truly believe we are becoming “Community.” Thank You Krista, for all your hard work, and leadership. —Deb Gates
