Heartful Stories

For personal stories that inspire connection, courage, and authenticity.

Living Courageously#CommunityEventsAnnouncements & NewsReal TalkConnection ToolsChange And TransitionsHeartful StoriesEssi RecommendsMindful MomentsWellbeing
Heartful StoriesHeartful Stories
First Men's Walk & Talk: You won't believe what they talked about

First Men's Walk & Talk: You won't believe what they talked about

Reminder why we need spaces where all humans can just be and speak what is close to our hearts. That kind of light is needed in this world!

Essi Auguste Virtanen
Essi Auguste Virtanen
Living CourageouslyLiving Courageously
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A room full of senior men. A talk on connection. Here’s what happened.

A room full of senior men. A talk on connection. Here’s what happened.

I didn’t change who I was to fit the room. I brought who I am. That made all the difference.

Essi Auguste Virtanen
Essi Auguste Virtanen
Announcements & NewsAnnouncements & News
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4 Years of Connected You! Our story and what's coming next! 🎉

4 Years of Connected You! Our story and what's coming next! 🎉

Four years ago, Connected You was just an idea. Today, it’s a heartful community. Here’s the story, and a look at all things what's coming in this next chapter of us.

Essi Auguste Virtanen
Essi Auguste Virtanen
Heartful StoriesHeartful Stories
11 strangers, 1 shared drawing: the magic of creating together 🎨

11 strangers, 1 shared drawing: the magic of creating together 🎨

What one spontaneous moment of 15-second sketches and 11 open hearts taught me about creativity and letting go.

Essi Auguste Virtanen
Essi Auguste Virtanen
Change And TransitionsChange And Transitions
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Landing back home after 6 months on the road: Here’s what I learned!

Landing back home after 6 months on the road: Here’s what I learned!

Living out of a suitcase showed me what I truly value, and it’s probably not what you think.

Essi Auguste Virtanen
Essi Auguste Virtanen
Living CourageouslyLiving Courageously
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The Heart of Self-Respect (and How to Cultivate It)

The Heart of Self-Respect (and How to Cultivate It)

Do you struggle with saying no? Over-explaining? Putting yourself last? These might be signs that your self-respect needs attention. Let’s explore how to change that.

Essi Auguste Virtanen
Essi Auguste Virtanen
Connection ToolsConnection Tools
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What Bali has taught me about prayer (It’s not what you think!)

What Bali has taught me about prayer (It’s not what you think!)

Prayer isn’t just for tough times; it’s a simple daily connecting practice. Here's how you can do it, too.

Essi Auguste Virtanen
Essi Auguste Virtanen
Living CourageouslyLiving Courageously
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From Wish to Reality: Bali Bound! ✈️

From Wish to Reality: Bali Bound! ✈️

I share my journey on how the energy of allowing to wish and dream made this happen, and how you can manifest your big dreams, too.

Essi Auguste Virtanen
Essi Auguste Virtanen
Living CourageouslyLiving Courageously
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One Year Later: My book HEARTFUL & the week that changed everything

One Year Later: My book HEARTFUL & the week that changed everything

My book has been out in the world for a year. In this letter, I am reflecting the release week that led to the biggest leap of my life—and why HEARTFUL might just be the guide you need now.

Essi Auguste Virtanen
Essi Auguste Virtanen