May Newsletter: Joy, Renewal, and Choosing You

Hello, gorgeous! Can you feel that? The air is a little warmer, the days are getting longer, and there is an unmistakable sense of "newness" everywhere you look. Welcome to May. If April was about planting seeds and navigating the transition into spring, May is where we actually start to see the bloom.

For many of the high-achieving women in our community, this time of year can feel like a bit of a whirlwind. Between wrapping up school years, hitting mid-year professional milestones, and trying to plan the perfect summer, it is incredibly easy to put your own needs on the back burner. But this month, we are doing things differently. Our theme for May is simple yet radical: Joy, Renewal, and Choosing You.

In this edition of our monthly newsletter, we’re diving deep into what it means to actually reconnect with your body, highlighting the resources we’ve built for you over the last month, and getting you plugged back into the community. Because let’s be real, high-level success shouldn’t come at the cost of your soul.

A Month of Meaningful Renewal

Did you know that May 4th is officially "Renewal Day"? It’s the perfect time to hit the reset button on any habits that aren't serving you. This month also marks Mental Health Awareness Month, which hits home for so many of us who are navigating high-pressure careers and busy personal lives.

Renewal isn't just about a spa day (though those are great). It’s about a nervous system reset. It’s about looking at your daily routine and asking, "Does this give me energy, or does it only take it?" If you’ve been feeling like you’re running on fumes, consider this your permission slip to slow down. Joy isn't a reward for finishing your to-do list; it’s the fuel that helps you do the work in the first place.

In Case You Missed It: The April Recap

We’ve been busy on the blog lately, dropping some deep dives into the topics that matter most to your wellness journey. If you had a hectic April, here are three "must-reads" to help you catch up:

1. 10 Reasons Your Routine Isn't Working

Are you checking all the boxes but still feeling stuck? It might not be your effort; it might be your strategy. We broke down the most common pitfalls high achievers fall into when trying to optimize their fitness and life. From ignoring your nervous system to over-training, we identify why the "hustle harder" mentality is actually holding you back. Read the full post here: 7 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Routine

2. Choosing a Retreat: What You Need to Know

The buzz for our Cartagena trip has been incredible! But how do you know if a retreat is actually what you need, or if it’s just another "vacation" that will leave you exhausted? We shared five essential things every woman should know before booking a fitness or wellness retreat. This is about making an investment in your transformation, not just a trip for the Gram. Read the full post here: 5 Things to Know Before Our Cartagena Trip

3. From Burnout to Body Reconnection

This one is personal. Burnout isn't just a mental state; it’s a physical one. When we lose touch with our bodies, we lose our most powerful tool for navigating stress. We explored how a holistic wellness program can change the way you handle burnout by focusing on reconnection rather than just "pushing through." Read the full post here: Why Holistic Wellness Changes the Burnout Game

Move With Us: The May Community Schedule

There is something magical about moving together. Whether it’s hitting the pavement for a walk or losing ourselves in the rhythm of a dance floor, community is the "secret sauce" to staying consistent. Here is where you can find us this month in Houston!

Stryd Walk Club

If you haven't joined us for a Stryd Walk yet, what are you waiting for? This isn't just a "walk in the park." It’s a chance to connect with other like-minded women, clear your head, and get those steps in without it feeling like a chore. Community walking groups change the way you see fitness, it becomes social, supportive, and, most importantly, fun. Learn more about our community walking groups here

Zumba with Autumn

Ready to shake off the stress? My Zumba schedule for May is locked in, and I want to see you there!

• Post Houston: Join me on the first Thursday of the month for a high-energy session with some of the best views in the city!

• Trebly Park: For the rest of the month, you can find me every other Thursday at 6:30 PM in Trebly Park (Houston, TX).

Check out our Zumba guide to get the lowdown on what to expect before you hit the dance floor.

Going Deeper: Presence Group Coaching

While the walks and the dance classes are amazing for the body, some of you are looking for something deeper. You’re looking for a way to bridge the gap between "working out" and "living well."

That’s where Presence Group Coaching comes in.

This isn't your standard fitness group. It’s a space designed specifically for high-achieving women who are ready to stop performing and start living. In Presence, we focus on the nervous system, mindful movement, and the radical act of body reconnection. If you’ve felt a nudge that it’s time for a more holistic approach to your health, this is your sign.

We are currently opening spots for our next cohort. If you want to move from burnout to a state of empowered presence, I’d love to have you join us. Explore Presence Group Coaching here

Why "Choosing You" Is the Ultimate Power Move

As we wrap up this month's newsletter, I want to leave you with a thought. For a long time, we’ve been told that choosing ourselves is "selfish." We’ve been taught that our value lies in how much we can do for others, our clients, our families, our companies.

But here is the truth: You cannot pour from an empty cup. More importantly, you shouldn't have to be empty to be considered "good" or "successful."

Choosing you means:

• Saying "no" to a meeting so you can say "yes" to a walk.

• Honoring your body’s need for rest without feeling guilty.

• Investing in a coach or a program because you deserve to feel good in your skin.

• Prioritizing joy over productivity.

Renewal doesn't happen by accident. It happens by choice. This May, I challenge you to make yourself the priority. Whether that’s joining us for a Zumba class, finally reading that blog post that’s been sitting in your tabs, or simply taking five minutes to breathe deeply in the garden, do it for you.

Let’s Make It a Great Month!

I am so grateful to have you in this community. Seeing you show up for yourselves is what keeps me inspired every single day. Let’s make May a month of breakthroughs, belly laughs, and genuine reconnection.

Don't forget to follow along on social media for daily tips, "Penny-wisdom," and behind-the-scenes looks at our Houston events.

Go out there and choose yourself today. You’re worth it.

Stay empowered,

Autumn Chastain CEO, Autumn Chastain Wellness

P.S. Ready to take the first step toward a more connected life? Check out our 20 Body Reconnection Tips to start your May renewal today!