The Candringa Blog
Tuesdays at Sweet Ivy (11/21/2025)
I was listening to a podcast years ago while in the trenches of trying to regain my life. She referenced, Qum, which means to rise and take a stand. That word has since resided in my brain.
How badly I wanted to rise. It’s exhausting to live in pain, and even more exhausting to pretend you aren’t. The process was long. I had to humbly listen to my therapist. Much of the work was arduous, angering, embarrassing, unrelenting, but one day she offered something simpler and softer. Get a part time job that brings you Joy. Where? What do you mean exactly? She further explained my life was too arbitrary, I needed more structure - like starts and finishes -and then repeated, get a part time job.
I knew the answer, Sweet Ivy, a clothing store I loved. The merchandise was fabulous, but the vibe even better. Sometimes I’d eavesdrop on the women working as I pretended to shop longer already knowing my intended purchase. Beautiful, captivating, smart, capable, kind, confident women. I wanted in.
A week later I popped in and asked if they were hiring. The rest is history. It’s now my Tuesday treasure.
I was lonely, and not entirely sure why. I felt healed but not fulfilled. I was on the hunt for good filling. Tuesdays at Sweet Ivy lavished me in love and connection. After all the pain and trauma my external body appeared to look well, but my spirit and mind needed a renovation. Something new and beautiful. I had removed the unhealthy to make room for the new. Sweet Ivy was part of my new.
A decision that seemed so easy compared to most all the other work has become one of my greatest sources of Joy. Embrace those decisions. Small healthy choices lead to a healthy life of recovery and peace.
Tuesdays are about fostering connections with beautiful women and sharing a meaningful space where I feel intense happiness. To quote Aristotle, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” Check.
I purchased a piece of art from them prior to being hired that simply reads, Faith. Faith is a confident trust in something and a commitment to act based on that belief. My heart knew this space was part of my healing.
How do I feel about my girls on Tuesdays? Together we are stronger. Never underestimate the power of your “part time job.”
Inhale Love, Exhale Love (02/14/2024)
Generally, we are focused on what we put into our bodies. Whether it be physical or mental nourishment, we strive to ingest that which makes us happier and healthier. While important, we must also recognize we live this beautiful life communally. What we expel contributes to the health and happiness of others. What we put in, determines what we put out.
I often share with my students, “Inhale love. Exhale love.” Make conscious choices to inhale what shows love for your body and mind, and you are then gifted the ability to exhale what make others feel loved.
What to inhale?
Fuel with food that supports the foundational health of all the cells in your body. We may not feel it, but we are constantly repairing, healing and rebuilding our body. Avoid processed foods. Look for ingredients with just one word.
Move with intention. Simple is celebrated. Take an outdoor walk in the fresh air. Easy stretching, yoga and weight bearing exercises that allow you to feel your personal power are awesome. Commit to moving in some way every day.
Honor your emotions. Let yourself feel it all. When you’re in pain, find the tools to make your way back to love amid the pain. Meditation, dancing, breath work, a phone call to a rock star friend, or a hug have all worked for me.
Get in touch with your spiritual world. For some that’s structured religion and finding a shared space. It could also mean taking a deep dive into your soul through meditation or prayer. A daily gratitude practice, and expressions of generosity are also beautiful conduits to our spiritual world.
Inhale love to ignite your light. Exhale love to be a light for others.