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What we love will eventually fade, but perhaps not in the negative way that we assume. How much we love it, or them, doesn't fade; in fact, it may even grow, but the thing, person, idea, etc., will change if it is healthy and living fully, or well supported to reach its full potential. After all, change is inevitable. Exactly how it will change will be unique unto itself, but it will. We cause ourselves unnecessary suffering by expecting that it will do anything but. 

Just as these Boscobel rose blooms seen here in this photograph, they will eventually drop their petals. It's the natural cycle of any living thing. It's just that each living thing has its own pace. Our mistake is in unconsciously, or consciously, thinking everything can or will stay the same. Whether it's something we don't want to be happening, when we embrace the reality of the cycle of change, we free ourselves from suffering, knowing that in time, everything shifts. Sometimes we can play a part in how it shifts, sometimes we cannot, but we can trust that it will in some way. 

And in the instances when we are quite content with how all is going, we need not be saddened to know that it, too, will change, but allow our awareness of the truth of the cycle of change to remind us to savor deeply, appreciating, without clinging, all that we hold so dear. 

Let's bring this comparison back to the rose shrub. If you have been visiting the blog this month, you have heard that updates to TSLL's memberships will be put in place on August 1st. (more details are shared below as to what those updates are, but rest assured, if you are a member already and are happy with your membership - your price stays the same.)  Since 2009, TSLL has been posting regular content on a consistent schedule of topics, and in 2020, we began our official creation of an online community that is semi-private, enabling members to support TSLL, receive exclusive benefits, and make connections with fellow members from around the world as each one goes about living their unique simply luxurious life. At the time, very few sites had the paywall model. Fast forward six years, and there are a plethora of options, but TSLL's ethos remains the same - offering consistent, regular content centered around "the art of living a life of quality over quantity - cultivating true contentment" (view the regular posting schedule here). 

The new updates being put in place will both strengthen TSLL's future moving forward and ensure those who choose to become a member (the name of each tier - Basic and Top - will be changing as well - be sure to watch July's A Cuppa Moments to discover what the new membership names will be) can trust that they are part of a community where they can grow, relax and dare to dream about living their most fulfilling life - whether they comment regularly or simply visit the blog for its regular content to support their life journey. 

TSLL is here, with the support of members, for you - to encourage, to inspire, to delight your curiosity, to introduce finds that speak to your interests (Francophiles and Anglophiles as well as lovers of quality), to offer a dependable online destination for a respite, a restorative pause, so that you can live the life that brings you to life each and every day. When you become a member, you not only support your own dreams, but the dreams of others in the community. And as I share throughout the Contentment Masterclass, the more people who find peace within themselves, the more peace we have in our world. Yes, I continue to believe it is possible because I know it to be true in my own life and community. 

How does this relate to the rose shrub? With each year, with care from the gardener, while the roses may fade after they have given their beauty for a week or two's time, those petals become compost, and then when the next year arrives, the shrub deepens its roots, sends up more canes so that more roses will be produced, and the shrub evolves into a more grand and remarkable specimen of itself. Gradually, organically, a similar growth is happening with TSLL. It is becoming a community of a vast group of people of all ages, walks of life, experiences, and dreams of what it means to live a simply luxurious life from around the world. Hearing from you, what you share with the community during A Cuppa Moments and during our annual British and French Weeks and throughout the year on various posts demonstrates the inspiring community that is being created. When we hear from others daringly living their dreams or simply choosing a slower, more peaceful way of life, we are reminded that if that, too, is our wish, we can do so, and we have a community to support us in doing so, even if it is virtual. 

As the editor of TSLL, I continually observe and apply what works best to design TSLL's platform so it continues to support this community and communicate what it means to be a member. This is why both prices and available payment schedules will change, and why the names of each membership will evolve to more accurately and elegantly reflect what each membership is. If you have any questions along the way, whether as a member or non-member, reach out to me by email (or respond to this newsletter). I am happy to help. 

Now, to the monthly newsletter to get you caught up on all that has been shared on TSLL.co this June. You will find all of your regularly anticipated content, oodles of news, including the kick-off of preordering of TSLL's 4th book, Savoring the Sojourn, and more! 

Bonne journée !

—Shannon