Today marks another trip around the sun for me, and as I celebrate my birthday, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of self-care rituals and the importance of embracing the seasonal transitions we experience. Each year, my birthday serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and cultivate gratitude for the journey I’ve taken and the lessons learned along the way.
While 2024 provided a lifetime of lessons for me (most of which I really don't want to revisit,) it showed me my resilience and strength and for the most part made me feel very proud of the person I have become through the years. It also showed me that I have an amazing assortment of family and friends that are my people. It's funny when you go through a crisis you truly find out who those people are, I am one lucky girl. But aside from all of that, I had the incredible journey of truly understanding the value of self-care. Daily, I remind myself to stay positive and the be present. At my lowest of lows all of this came together to prove that we; as humans can truly adapt, improvise and overcome (as my dear dad would say to me as a kid - yep the Marine motto was big in our house). Here are some ideas that helped me through the dark and hopefully I am rebounding into the light again and getting my act together.
Mindful Moments of Self-Care
Self-care is not just a buzzword; it’s a vital practice that nurtures our mind, body, and spirit.
On this special day, I’ve committed to creating mindful moments that honor my needs and desires. Here are a few self-care rituals that I cherish:
1. Morning Meditation & Yoga: I started my day with a quiet moment, sitting in stillness. Focusing on my breath, I welcomed the new year of my life with open arms. This meditation helped me center my thoughts and set intentions for the year ahead. My yoga practice is a non negotiable way that I start my day - pretty much every day. It provides a gentle transition from sleep to wakefulness. As I roll out my mat, I take a moment to connect with my breath, allowing the stillness to envelop me. Each pose flows, sometimes seamlessly and sometimes with a little more difficulty but it definitely awakens my senses with every stretch. The sunlight streaming through the window of the studio warms my skin and I feel grounded and aligned. Not only does this practice invigorate my body but sets the tone for the day ahead, fostering clarity and mindfulness as I embrace whatever fiasco may come my way - I'm prepared.
2. Gratitude Journaling: Reflecting on the past year, I wrote down moments of joy, growth, and even challenges. Each entry reminded me of the resilience I’ve cultivated and the support I’ve received from loved ones. If you don't journal, I encourage you to do so. It's fun to set intentions, goals, challenges and ideas in one place then look back on it. I also use Instagram as my favorite social media form to have a short blip on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
3. Nature Walk: Embracing the winter season, I took a walk outside, wrapped in a cozy scarf. The crisp air and quiet surroundings offered a perfect backdrop for reflection. I noticed the beauty in the bare trees and the soft gray skies, recognizing that this time of year is a necessary pause before the vibrant blooms of spring.
4.Social Media: My social media of choice is Instagram as it serves (for me) a vibrant platform for sharing daily reminders of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. With its visual storytelling capabilities, users can post uplifting quotes, inspiring moments, with music and snapshots of joyful experiences that may resonate with others. This digital space fosters a sense of community, encouraging individuals to celebrate their journeys and uplift one another. By curating a feed filled with positivity and motivation, Instagram becomes a canvas for expressing ourselves and reminding us all to embrace our freedom to seek happiness in every moment. (follow us @blueedenstoneharbornj @oliverandtwistnj or me @cranoia (I always keep it light and positive).
Embracing the Low Lights of Winter
Winter often brings a sense of stillness and a slower pace. While it can be easy to feel low during these darker months, this year, I’ve learned to embrace this season as an opportunity for introspection and renewal. Here’s how I choose to find light in the low lights of winter:
1. Creating Cozy Spaces: I’ve filled my home with warm blankets, soft lighting, and comforting scents. This creates a sanctuary where I can unwind, read, or simply enjoy a cup of tea, allowing me to recharge my spirit.
2. Nurturing Connections: Winter is the perfect time to deepen relationships. I’ve made it a point to check in with friends and family, sharing warmth through calls or cozy get-togethers that lift our spirits. This is also a time where I take a lot of classes, some for business and some just for fun! Check out our candle making workshops or maybe there is a fun class in your neighborhood about something that you've been wanting to learn. Do it!
3. Setting Intentions for Spring: As I embrace the stillness of winter, I take this time to dream and set intentions for the spring. What do I wish to nurture and grow in my life? This reflection helps me bloom when the season changes. My seed packets are arriving daily (already). Oh and don't forget to fill your bird feeders, watching the birds in the morning before I head out is a must do for me. I love all of the species enjoying what I have put out for them - also make sure there is a source of fresh water for the birds, they need to stay hydrated too!
Finally, Blooming into Spring
As I celebrate my birthday today, I’m reminded that just like nature, we too have seasons in our lives. The winter may feel heavy at times, but it is essential for the renewal that comes with spring. By embracing the low lights and prioritizing self-care, I can prepare to bloom into the new year with hope and intention.
What is different about this birthday for me? It's not just about marking another year; it is a celebration of growth, self-discovery, and the beauty of life’s cycles. Here’s to nurturing ourselves through every season, finding joy in the present, and blossoming into a brighter tomorrow. Cheers to another year of life, love, and mindful moments!
Always,
Caroline, Oliver and Staff
P.S Thank you for being on this journey with me. You guys are the best.
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