As we age, why do we feel compelled to choose between nurturing our social lives, prioritizing our well-being, being present for our children, and pursuing a fulfilling career? Is it truly impossible to excel in all areas simultaneously? When we sacrifice one aspect of our lives for another, are we truly living to our fullest potential? These are the challenges many of us encounter, and as time progresses, the uphill battle seems to grow steeper, often leading us to surrender parts of our lives that once brought us immense joy, before the weight of added responsibilities set in.

At the start of the year, we set lofty goals and proclaim our intentions, only to realize three months in that we've barely made a dent in them. This realization can breed stress and anxiety, overshadowing the simple triumph of making it through each day. But let's pause and celebrate that very accomplishment – making it through another day

As women, we constantly have a running list of things to do in our heads, making it hard to wind down and decompress. The list contains things we have to complete for our families, work, friends, etc., and for some reason, our own needs either end up at the bottom of the never-ending list or don’t make the list at all.

But what if we dared to flip this perpetual list and placed our needs at the forefront?

In a world inundated with trends and societal pressures, the journey to authentic self-love can feel like a challenging path to navigate. From childhood innocence to the pressures of conforming to what's considered "cool," many of us find ourselves sacrificing our true selves in the pursuit of societal acceptance.

February is celebrated as the month of LOVE! This is the time when we, as a society, find ourselves divided – either embracing it as a favorite month or cringing at the onslaught of pink, red, flowers, and hearts plastered everywhere. This month can evoke a range of emotions, both good and bad, but I believe it’s all about how we interpret the meaning and actions behind love and how we apply it.

As we bid farewell to yet another month and find ourselves stepping into the threshold of a new one, I've come to realize the profound meaning hidden within those familiar words. "Happy New Month" isn't merely a salutation; it's a celebration of fresh beginnings, a chance to reset, and a moment to reflect.

We've all experienced those mornings when we wake up feeling energized and ready to conquer the day. The music is playing, we're smiling, and everything seems perfect until we encounter that one person who manages to get under our skin. Whether it's a boss, a stranger, a significant other, a friend, or even a child, their negative words or complaints can quickly turn our bright day into a gloomy one.

As we navigate through the initial weeks of the year, some may already be wavering in their pursuit of annual goals, while others are just embarking on their journey. It often requires considerable mental fortitude to push through challenges and initiate progress.

Life often presents challenges that can feel overwhelming, lasting not just a day or two but seemingly an entire year for some. Have you ever wondered how certain individuals exude confidence, always sporting a radiant smile and possessing the uncanny ability to say the right things at the right time? It might seem too good to be true, but the key lies in understanding the impact of words on our well-being.

Have you ever noticed how we radiate confidence at home but shrink in professional or social settings? The impact of negative words can be profound, making us doubt our worth. Reflecting on 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,' we realize the energy spent ignoring naysayers can be draining.

The Power of Words and Manifestations.

You are the words you tell yourself. Set your words for 2024 and display them where you can see. Envision embodying them daily, and let them guide your thoughts and interactions. Reflect on your chosen words weekly, manifesting positive intentions. This year promises a journey of self-love and care for all. Stay positive, embrace your true self, and let love be your guiding light.

Amidst this whirlwind, our own needs tend to take a backseat, making it crucial to prioritize self-care during this time of the year.

Living with mental illness can be debilitating and it’s tough to know what to say to someone diagnosed with a mental illness when you’re not sure how to support them.

Instead of judging others why not, just try to be there for one another. We don’t have to agree, we don’t even have to understand, we just have to respect each other.

Relaxation helps with many aspects of my life - managing stress and anxiety, helps me focus on the present and let the worries go, but it also helps creativity flow through me.