Support for women ripening into their second bite of life.

Dear Reader,

Seven years ago, I was traveling for work when my phone rang with the call every daughter dreads.

My mom was being rushed to the hospital. Her cancer was back—in her heart this time. She might not make it through the night.

I felt completely helpless. And so, so scared.

Our relationship wasn't healed yet. I wanted more time.

Before that phone call, I used to take 3 or 4 trips a year—following whatever called to me. An artist residency in Melbourne. A conference in Vancouver. A beach house in Costa Rica. I'd just... go.

But after that night, without even fully realizing it, I just... stopped.

I told myself I was being practical—saving money, staying close in case my mom needed me. Every time that itch for adventure surfaced, I'd redirect the energy into work, into the house, into what felt responsible.

I followed the order of operations we're all taught: Work before play. Others before self. Effort before rest.

Meanwhile, my daughter was coming into her tween years with this burning curiosity about the world. She watches holiday rom-coms on repeat, dreaming of cobblestone streets and nights at the ballet.

And she started asking:

"Mama, could WE ever go to Paris for the holidays?"

I'd smile and deflect. One day, honey. Maybe when things settle down. Maybe when we've saved more.

But here's the thing about Thea—when she sets her heart on something, she'll ask again. And again. And again.

Somewhere around the 16th (or 100th?) time, something in me shifted.

We were curled up in bed reading, candles glowing, when Thea brought it up. And instead of my usual deflection, I heard myself whisper: "Let's have a look on Airbnb and see some apartments..."

When I stumbled on the apartment Audrey Tautou bought after making Amelie—I just knew. We were going.

Her eyes went wide. My heart did too.

I think a lot about how it takes seven generations to heal forward and back. How the choices we make ripple through time—not just to our children, but backward through the lineage that brought us here.

My mother's illness taught me about fragility, yes. But also about how life stands still when you're being “practical.”

So… I made a choice.

I chose to stop deferring, stop waiting to catch up, stop treating whimsy and pleasure like a luxury I couldn't afford.

And I chose instead to invest in adventure, in enchantment, in my second bite of life.

Because that’s how we finally become the women we are meant to be.

With such love,

Brooke

P.S. Thea came home with a bag of presents for her three besties, everything she needs to make salted caramel chocolate macarons, and plans for an epic Parisian-themed sleepover. Nothing happened with my mom while I was away. The healing is already happening.

P.P.S. If you've been waiting for the right time, for things to settle down, for permission to choose joy...

On January 2nd at 1pm ET, I'm hosting The Anti Vision Board Workshop. You can RSVP here for free.​

I'd love to see you there, Reader. xx