5 THINGS WITH ELISE PETERSON

Elise Peterson was pregnant and living in New York when the question hit — how would she maintain her independent identity postpartum? The artist and writer looked outward for advice on upkeep of her inner self, seeking guidance through conversations with women she admired. These heart-to-hearts birthed COOL MOMS, a podcast — and eventual event series — devoted to amplifying mothers who prioritize their passions.

With guests including designer Mara Hoffman, Whitney Museum associate curator Rujeko Hockley and, most recently, a conversation with actor and writer Ilana Glazer at Ace Hotel Brooklyn, Elise continues to explore the intersection of identity and motherhood.

Here, Elise shares a series of practiced small devotions — the micro-rituals that sustain and connect her to herself.

1. Hot Chocolate Instead of Coffee
I like my mornings slow and a little sweet — like they’ve been kissed on the forehead. I don’t drink coffee very often; it’s too much promise too early. Instead, I whisk cacao into hot milk and call it mood regulation. It’s sugar therapy.

2. The Car Intermission
Before I get out of the car, I just … sit. Keys out, seatbelt off, radio still running. It’s my pocket of peace before I have to be somebody’s mom, friend or email-responder again. It can be anything from Berlioz to Gunna to Norman Conners, depending on the day. And the bass line hits right at that sweet spot between prayer and procrastination. I’m not meditating; I’m recalibrating.

3. The Online Wishlist Deep Dive
One of my favorite forms of manifestation. I fill online carts like they’re mood boards, especially via TheRealReal, imagining the moments those clothes will occupy. Half the time it’s just to feel productive about something.

4. Hip Openers Before Bed
A few lazy stretches before bed — nothing too serious — just a small devotion to my body. It knocks me out every time, and the dreams turn lush and loud.

5. The Emergency Cigarette
I call it “taking out the trash.” Once in a while, I smoke a cigarette on the corner of my block and look for the moon. It’s less about nicotine, more about a chat with God, me, a cigarette, and a little proof I can still be flawed and faithful at once.

• #Community
• #Wellness