August is National Wellness Month

Theme: I AM JOY. PERIOD.

Welcome to August, a sacred time designated as National Wellness Month, a beautiful opportunity to reset, reconnect, and recommit to your well-being. This month is all about self-care, stress management, and creating lasting wellness habits—because your peace is your power. Whether it's your body, mind, heart, or soul, August invites you to pour into yourself.

Let's Move: 2-Minute Plank Challenge – Day 28 and Beyond!

For the last 28 days, we've been holding space—literally and figuratively—in our 2-minute Plank Challenge on WURD Radio, Soulful Sunrise, to remind ourselves of the strength we carry.

Haven't started yet? No worries—it's never too late to join in and get grounded in your inner wellness warrior. One breath. One plank. One moment of power at a time.

Soulful Sunrise: This Week's Guest Interviews

If you missed this week's Soulful Sunrise episodes on WURD Radio (900AM/96.1FM + streaming), catch the joy and brilliance of our guests on SoundCloud:

Dr. Joy'El Ballard – Menopause advocate, OB/GYN, and wellness disruptor

Dviniti Skin Care – Natural beauty and skin wisdom

Mom Your Business with Tanya T. Morris – Capital, coaching, and community for women entrepreneurs

Our guiding theme for the remainder of the year is simple: JOY. Because in a world with so much noise, we need joy more than ever.

New Release: From Bitter to Better – Now in Color!

My debut novella, From Bitter to Better: A Chocolate Momma's Journey to Self-Discovery, has been reissued with full-color pages, added reviews, and a renewed spirit.

If you've already read it, thank you.

If it's your first time, let it be a soulful journey.

If it moved you, please share it with a friend or book club.

Grab your updated copy here.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar!

Sunday, September 7th | 2 PM (ET)

Yin Yoga via Zoom – $7

Slow down, restore, stretch deep, and reconnect with your stillness.

**Registration is a must. Reserve your spot now!

Saturday, September 13th | Time TBA

YouTube Live Launch – Working Title: [Coming Soon]

A joyful, interactive space where we move, plank, chat, and welcome surprise guests. I'll also be announcing our upcoming Mexico Retreat in 2026.

Stay tuned for updates and the title reveal!

Monthly Meditation: "OM – The Sound of Joy"

Take a comfortable seat or lie down.

Inhale deeply.

Exhale slowly.

Let the body be still.

Bring awareness to your breath, and place your hand gently on your heart and another on your belly. Feel your rhythm. Feel your life.

Softly whisper or chant:

Oooooommmmmmm…

Let the vibration awaken the joy stored deep within your root, your heart, your throat.

Repeat:

OM… OM… OM…

Breathe into that sound and allow the throat and chest to vibrate.

Now, place a gentle smile on your face as the body relaxes.

Know this: You are safe. You are whole. You are joy.

Affirmation of the Month:

I AM JOY. PERIOD.

No explanation. No filter. Just JOY—rooted in every cell of your being.

Wishing you a beautiful August filled with ease, energy, and elevation.

With chocolate, gratitude, and grace,

Karen Taylor Bass

@KarenTaylorBass | Soulful Sunrise Host | Author | Corporate Wellness Trainer | AYT-500| Founder of The Chocolate Mommas Club (TM)