Here's what I did differently this time


Hi Reader,

I really hoped I'd be able to walk yesterday.

Here's why:
Last year I ran my first 10k. And even though I finished, I was in tons of pain. I could barely finish the race and walk back to the car.

It was the kind of pain that makes you think, Did I break my body? The kind of pain that might make someone else say, Why on earth would you ever do that again?

But here's the thing about me. If something is hard but it's aligned to a larger goal or vision. I won't let the pain or challenge get in the way. Instead, I ask:
What needs to change?
How can I find the ease?
What kind of support do I need to make this doable?

It's not about pushing through.
It's about listening.
Connecting.

Although I had originally hoped to run the half-marathon at that event this year (a bit ambitious) I decided to stick with the 10k so I could take my time and build a good foundation.

This time, I didn't just want to finish. And I didn't care about my time. I wanted to finish feeling good.

To do that, I needed to change how I was relating to my body.
I needed to push less and listen more. I needed support.

And y'all, I nailed it.

I finished the race with significantly less pain—and it came much later than last year. That tells me my approach worked. I made progress. And maybe it helped that I was running with my favorite person—my husband.

Here’s the part that matters for you:
Because I approached my goal with strategy and support, I now know what I need to do to hit my half-marathon goal next year (maybe sooner—who knows?).

I want you to have that same kind of support.

The kind that helps you take the hard, meaningful things in your life—and make them more doable.

Because just pushing through pain isn't a way to live.

You deserve ease.
You deserve joy.
You deserve deep meaning in how you move through your life.
And I believe that kind of living makes the world better for all of us.

So let me ask you—what’s something you want that would bring more meaning and purpose to your life in this season?
Just hit reply and let me know.


Over the last few months, I’ve been thinking about how to improve this newsletter. I want to be sure I'm sending information that actually makes a difference for you and doesn't just create noise or clutter in your inbox.

Because I’m not here to just “send emails.”

I’m here to help more people feel real peace, purpose, and connection—the antidote to loneliness, overwhelm, and depression.

And I believe our world deeply needs that right now. Don’t you?

Based on your feedback (thank you!), I’ve made a few changes to how I show up in your inbox:

🗓 1st & 3rd Tuesdays – You’ll continue receiving my Points of Connection newsletter: thoughtful, story-rich, and filled with practical guidance to help you feel more peace, purpose, and connection.

✉️ 2nd & 4th Tuesdays – I’m now sending a Short & Sweet edition of Points of Connection: a quick, meaningful pause to reflect, reconnect, and breathe. I’ll share something that’s been helpful in my life or work, along with one or two thoughtful resources.

To celebrate the update, I made you something new:

✨ The 5-Minute Weekly HEART Reset
A quick, calming, printable reflection guide to help you reduce overwhelm and burnout—without needing to overhaul your life.

You can do it once or return to weekly (or whenever you're feeling out of alignment).

Download your Weekly HEART Reset here 👇

Weekly HEART Reset_SherriMHerman_0725.pdf

Also, I recently created a short welcome email series for newcomers.

It gives you a feel for what Points of Connection is really about—why I write it, what I believe in, and how I hope it supports you. It also includes a bit more about me and the intention behind my work.

Click below to sign-up for the welcome series if you'd like to experience it:
👉 Send me the welcome series

Whether you’re new or have been here from the beginning, I’m so glad you're here and that we're on this journey together.

If this email made you pause, reflect, or feel a little more connected—would you think of three people who might need that too?

Forward this to them. You never know the impact a simple message can have on someone’s day—or even their life.

Thank you 💛

And remember, you are always loved—no matter what.

warmly,

Sherri

Was this useful? Help me to improve!

With your feedback, I can improve the letter. Click on a link to vote:

Click here to get your own letter from me delivered straight to your inbox.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this email is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional mental health, medical, or other advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider or mental health professional with any questions you may have regarding your well-being. Never ignore or delay seeking professional help because of something you read in this email or on my website.

© 2025 Sherri M. Herman. All rights reserved.

www.sherrimherman.com

You’re receiving this because you signed up for a free resource or newsletter from me, Sherri M. Herman. Now you’re on the list for Points of Connection—my semi-monthly email that goes out on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. I know your inbox is crowded (mine too), so thank you for making space for this. I do my best to make each one worth your time. You're free to unsubscribe anytime but I hope you'll stick around. Good things are in store.

Unsubscribe · Preferences
Sherri M. Herman Counseling & Consulting
8500 Normandale Lake Blvd, Ste 350, Bloomington, MN 55437

Points of Connection

If you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or lonely, Points of Connection helps you discover more peace, purpose, and connection.

Read more from Points of Connection
tree on roof

Hi Reader, A tree fell on our house. That’s not a metaphor. A large maple tree literally split and landed on the roof recently. We had just gotten home from a social event and a date night when our neighbor came over to give us the news. A significant portion of the tree had cracked and fallen—but it was still partially attached, so it hadn’t crashed through. Unlucky… but also kind of lucky that there was no serious rupture on our roof. This is a stressful event; however...I didn’t spiral...

kintsugi bowl, pottery with cracks filled with gold

Hi Reader,Welcome to the short & sweet edition of Points of Connection—delivered every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. This is your quick moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. I’ll share what’s been helpful in my own life and work, along with one or two thoughtful resources you might find useful too. You’ve probably seen those beautiful Japanese bowls repaired with gold. It’s called kintsugi, and it’s the art of mending broken pottery in a way that honors the cracks instead of...