Begin Within: Start 2023 In Alignment

When the new year starts, many like to make a list of resolutions, goals, or wishes for the new year. 

While a list of resolutions and new year goals can be a wonderful way to put into the universe the things you want to work on, many fall into the trap of writing down misaligned resolutions.

What are misaligned resolutions? They’re the ones you somehow never manage to keep up with, and within a few weeks, you’ve completely given upon them. Then for the rest of the year, you end up feeling discontent and unhappy with the rest of your resolutions and perhaps even forget what was the purpose of them to begin with. 

If you're one of the people who are struggling with this, struggling with a disconnect from your reality and the things you wish to bring into your present, then keep reading. We will break down the ways you can hit the reset button through self-care together and find what truly matters to you.

What is the purpose of being in alignment?

Being aligned with yourself means you have a deep understanding of what you value, your purpose, and follow your intuition into doing what feels best for you. When you're in alignment, you will be happy with most of your decisions because you know it came from a place of abundance and clarity.

When there's true alignment within you between your mind, body and soul, you don't waver in your decisions because you're at peace with your thoughts.

What does this mean for you? It means you don't add things to your resolutions that you don't believe in. This way, you can start off the new year with a good idea of what it is you want and knowing how to implement a self-care routine that will benefit your needs.

Some ways you can find alignment in yourself are:

• Yoga 

• Meditation 

• Manifestation 

• Breathwork 

• Journaling 

There's many more ways, but these are just a few practices that can be implemented to help you with self-reflection and self-discovery so you have the best chance of starting your New Years with a renewed sense of self and a fresh perspective on what you want from life.

How does yoga help me discover myself?

Yoga brings us to the present moment. It's a great way to clear the mind and work through whatever has been burdening you.

Throughout our days, we don't realize how much we're carrying with us mentally, emotionally and physically. This can take a toll and ultimately disconnect you from receiving and understanding the signals from your own body.

Yoga compels you to pause, stay in the moment and reflect on the thoughts that cross your mind and let them go through you. 

Overtime, and with practice, you can utilize this even off the mat when it comes to handling the stress of the day and making important decisions that require you to have a clear mind. 

Does meditation and breathwork really work? 

If you want it to. Meditation and breathwork, like yoga, help you hit the pause button, stay grounded and learn to focus on the now. 

Meditating can really help with being able to silence your mind, focus, tune out the world around you and self-soothe in a way that works for you.

These kinds of activities can be essential to guiding you to find what's out of place in your life, what's throwing you off alignment and eventually lead you to discovering your aligned purpose in this current chapter of your life.

What does manifesting do? Why is it important for the New Year?

Your mind creates the reality you see. Tell yourself something often enough, you eventually start believing it and building your reality around that belief. 

For example, vision boards are one way you can manifest what you want the New Year to look like and work toward your goals. They can help shift your energy and perspective each time you take a look at your vision board. 

An important key to remember in order for manifestation to work is that you have to be willing to pair your visualization to action. This is important to acknowledge because it sets the foundations for the new year and serves as a reminder to you throughout the months what you want to work on, what you want to make happen, so when you start getting misaligned, you can get yourself back on track.

Setting an intention to start your manifestation journey can be an important step to finding what truly aligns with you and where your desires lie in order to start the new year right. 

What about journaling? 

Journaling is a great way to get the thoughts out of your mind and down on paper. You can do a gratitude journal, focus on prompts or write down some thoughts that stood out to you when meditating or doing yoga. 

Journaling can be a great way to help focus your mind on what you really want and lead you to alignment. 

How can I get started?

Join a transformational self-care retreat to be in alignment for the new year

If you want a reset button to start your new year and desire to establish a clear life vision for 2023, I invite you to consider joining our transformational retreat in Belize for the New Year.

You will begin each morning with energizing wellness practices like yoga, breathwork and meditation to focus on the present moment. You will then be guided with writing practices for self-discovery and self-alignment to achieve deep peace so you can hear what is truly meant for you.

You will also be able to participate in mindset & manifestation workshops where you will be able to connect with like-minded womxn and learn how to work on your mindset for effective and aligned manifestation throughout the upcoming year.

What’s more, this retreat will offer you a change of scenery to refresh and renew your mind so you can set the right intentions for 2023. You can take a nature walk and meditate surrounded by the healing energy of the Belize jungle, you can offer yourself spacious time for personal reflection and integration, or whatever else you need to feel grounded and balanced.

We will end each day with restorative practices to rest and sleep well after having eaten high electric chef-prepared foods to restore our body.

The healing energy within the jungles of Belize is the perfect place to find your reset button and reconnect with who you are, what matters most to you, what does living in alignment mean to you and being guided to your purpose.

Summer Self-Care Essentials

Summer officially starts on the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Derived from the Latin words SOL (sun) and STICE (stand still), it's a perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on the self-care habits we want to enter the new season with. 

The heat can get uncomfortable and for many – it can be harmful to their physical or mental health. 

Prioritize yourself during the summer and take a moment to reflect on how you're going to be looking out for yourself during the summer.

Today, we'll be discussing some ways you can optimize your self-care and protect yourself from the heat while also enjoying your summer. I'll be sharing with you my 4 self-care essentials so you can be equipped with quick, but efficient tools all summer.

First - Always carry a bottle of water with you 

The most important thing to always have with you in your bag - WATER! 

This is super super important. The more you sweat, the more you lose water. If you don't like how lukewarm water gets during the summer, consider buying a hydro flask. It'll keep your water cool and refreshing.

Although water is the most important thing you need to always carry with you, if you have a preference for another beverage, consider juices or a drink that can replenish your electrolytes. 

As long as you can stay hydrated (especially if you plan on being out for long periods of time) then you’re doing it right. 

Second – Peppermint Oil Spray 

Peppermint. Not only does peppermint have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties – it also has a cooling effect. Whether you consume it as a tea, or roll it on your skin, you will feel cooler. 

This is a life-saver for those who want to stay cool in the summer heat when cold beverages just aren't cutting it. 

What you need to make your own peppermint oil spray 

1. 20 drops total of peppermint essential oil (if you don't like peppermint or have allergies, you can substitute with eucalyptus)

2. Distilled or spring water 

3. 4 oz glass spray bottle (essential oils should not be mixed in plastic bottles, they don't mix well and can either degrade or melt the plastic)

And for some optional additions….

1. 10 drops lavender essential oil 

2. 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel 

Shake well before each use and spray away. Make sure to keep it away from the eyes and sensitive skin areas. If you have extremely sensitive skin, I'd recommend trying to spray it on a small area of your arm or some part of the body before trying it on your face. 

For a more refreshing experience, place the spray bottle in the fridge before going out. 

Third – Staying Fresh With Deodorant 

Consider buying deodorant that's just for outside use. Use it before heading out and if you feel yourself really starting to overheat and you're insecure about smelling and sweating, add on another layer. 

It's always best to have a deodorant on hand just in case you have an event or a meeting to get to but you overheat intensely before arriving. 

Fourth – A Handy Mini Fan To Cool Off

In the unbearable heat, having a mini fan that you can keep in your purse or bag will get you looks of envy.

If you're stuck in your car and the AC isn't doing it (or maybe it broke down) or if you're outside waiting in a line, running an errand on foot – having something like a mini fan will help immensely with staying cool, not overheating and also not suffering from potential heat strokes.

Or uncomfortable migraines. 

Pair this with your peppermint (or eucalyptus) spray and you'll be getting the most out of regulating your temperature.

Recap of Self-Care During The Summer

Summer is here and for many, even if it’s your favorite season, you can't deny that the heat...is really, really uncomfortable.

And for some people, the summer heat – depending on where you are – can bring heat strokes, fainting spells, dehydration and affect you both physically and mentally. 

My personal essentials that I recommend are:

1. Water

2. Peppermint (or eucalyptus) oil spray

3. Deodorant

4. Mini fan

What are your self-care essentials for the summer?

The Ultimate Guide for Self-Care Travel in Tulum

Whether you’re a first time traveler or it’s your hundredth time, a guide is always better than none. 

In this guide, I’ll be discussing clothes, shoewear, beach essentials, self-care essentials, tech, toiletries, travel documents, and some questions to ask yourself to know what other essentials you should bring.

Let’s get started!

What to Wear in Tulum – A Simple Guide for Clothes

Tulum’s weather can vary – from sweltering dry heat to chilly breezes and rain. It’s best to pack light, airy clothes but in case of a light drizzle or cool winds, something warmer for the early mornings and late nights. 

Dresses and Skirts

Warm beaches, sunny skies – flowy dresses and skirts will help keep you cool and comfortable during trips to the beach and meditation. 

Pack dresses that are lightweight, breathable and easy to walk around in (and also to take up less space in your suitcase). The weather in Tulum can get very humid, so my highest recommendation is to put comfort above style. 

Tops and Bottoms

But what if I don’t like dresses or skirts, you might be wondering.

No problem!

A casual top and a pair of bottoms will be just as valuable during walks, beach trips, meditation, yoga and all the other self-care activities you might have planned for your trip. 

Make sure to bring more than one outfit! If you’ve ever traveled, even just a road trip – you know how important it is to have a few of each item of clothing and maybe even extras just in case.

Look for something that isn’t too restrictive, tight or form fitting. Humidity and sweat don’t mix well. 

We want to make sure our skin can breathe and that moisture doesn’t accumulate and then turn into rashes, chafe marks and other painful skin related things.

No one likes chafing in the inner thighs! 

(But if that is a problem for you, use your antiperspirant to make sure your thighs stay sweat-free!)

Cardigans and Jackets 

The weather in Tulum can either be on our side or against us. 

Make sure to pack a light cardigan or a jacket. It can be cold during the early mornings and at night, especially on the beach and we might get a light drizzle. 

You’ll be glad you packed a cardigan or a jacket when it gets chilly!

Also, a cardigan can easily be worn over a swimsuit in case you want to cover up on the beach. Speaking of which…

Cover-ups for Swimsuits

For some women who might not be comfortable walking around in swimsuits at the beach – I’d recommend bringing along a cover-up. 

It doesn’t have to be something elaborate or expensive – a sarong or pareo will be sufficient enough and if you really don’t want to go out and buy something, a light, airy scarf can work as a DIY wrap. 

What Shoes to Bring to Tulum

Shoewear can be intimidating – which pair do you bring, how many do you bring, how will you know which will be best for different activities…

You probably have a lot of questions. 

Shoes are a very important part of travel and like clothes – it’s important to bring more than a single pair, especially when traveling to a tropical location. 

Remember: comfort is key.

I’d recommend:

• Water Shoes

• Sandals

• A pair or two of your favorite walking shoes

Water shoes will be very useful in case your feet get wet during walks, and sandals will obviously be best for the beach.

Most importantly – comfortable walking shoes for meditation, yoga and outings.

Beach Essentials for Tulum 

Do not forget: 

• Sunscreen

• Beach bag/day bag

• Hat

• Sunglasses 

• Swimsuits 

• Towel 

I repeat: do not forget sunscreen!

The heat in Tulum can get uncomfortable and the sun can get intense, to avoid nasty sunburns and awkward tan lines, make sure you bring your sunscreen. 

(Bonus point if you get reef safe sunscreen or lotion!)

Crossbody bags are also super helpful for carrying your stuff so you don’t have to keep everything in your hands and worry about losing something or forgetting it behind. You can have your swimsuit cover-up in there, phone, book, sunscreen or sunglasses and also an extra pair of clothes.

To make the most of your outings, it’s vital that you don’t forget these essentials for your own comfort. 

Self-Care Necessities 

What should I bring on a self-care trip?

Depending on the type of self-care you will be doing, you might need different things. For instance, if you are planning on doing yoga, don’t forget your yoga mat.

There might be some self-care routines & rituals that you enjoy doing at home that you’d like to continue during your trip. 

Self-care looks different for everyone – so don’t abandon your morning ritual/routine or your nightly one. 

You might want to bring along your crystals, essential oils, herbal tea, journal or anything else that you use in your self-care routine – it might even be books that you want to read on the beach.

Whatever it might be, feel free to bring that along with you to help you settle in and make your days the best you can make them.

Clothing Essentials Aside, What About Tech for Travel?

Should I bring a camera?

Some tech is optional. I’d say you don’t have to stuff a photographer’s camera in your suitcase and haul it with you if that’s not something you’re interested in doing. If you’re perfectly satisfied with your phone’s camera, then that’s what’s right for you. But if you’re someone who is passionate about photographing the locations you visit and travel to, then bring as many cameras as you want. 

Tulum is beautiful with many sights to see, gorgeous beaches, the Mayan ruins and during your outings – you might be inspired to snap a few shots – whether that be with your phone or an actual camera. 

It’s up to you, but be mindful of the space you’re using in your suitcase(s).

What about laptops and tablets?

The purpose of a self-care trip is to put your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing above everything else. Meaning, creating as few distractions as possible.

But, if you’d like to bring your laptop and/or tablet along because it’s essential for YOU, then do that.

Make sure not to forget any chargers or outlets, whether it be for your phone, laptop, tablet, camera, and headphones. 

Vital Toiletries to Bring On International Travel

When you go traveling, one of your most important bags will be your toiletries bag, so let’s go over some essentials to make sure you’re prepared and don’t forget something. 

• Toothbrush + toothpaste + floss

• Shampoo + Conditioner 

• Makeup bag 

• Bug spray 

• Prescription glasses or contacts & eyedrops 

• Deodorant 

• Lotions + balms

• Mosquito balm 

• Pads + tampons + cups

And most importantly, if you’re on medication – do not forget your medications, other prescriptions and vitamins!

Travel Documents and Valuables to Bring For Travel

This one should be obvious:

Your passport.

Do not leave behind your passport and end up having to drive all the way back from the airport to retrieve it.

Make sure you have all of your IDs or identity identifying documents in a carry-on or on your person somewhere. 

This includes driver’s license, state ID, wallet with credit cards + emergency cash, your travel insurance and of course, the passport.

I also recommend that you carry your emergency contact numbers on you just in case and a charger in case your phone dies at the airport.

Recap of a Guide to Self-Care Travel in Tulum

There are a lot of things not to forget for any trip, but when it comes to a self-care trip, you really want to make sure that you don’t forget your self-care essentials. 

Ask yourself the following questions (& you’ll know what not to forget!):

1. What is my morning & night routine? What do I use during those?

2. What are my 3 favorite self-care practices I want to do during my trip? What do I use during those practices? 

3. What are 3 new self-care practices I want to start during my trip? What would I need to start those practices?

Self-Care Through the 5 Love Language

Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages, describes the five ways humans communicate and receive love from others, which includes words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch.

Often, our love language is a reflection of what we didn't receive. 

Knowing and understanding what our love language is can be important in intimate relationships as it can improve communication and help us understand the type of love we are the most receptive to.   

Interestingly, the way you give love may not necessarily be how you receive love.

For example, you might be someone who enjoys doing acts of service for others or buying them gifts - but you might not be very receptive to someone else if they were to buy you gifts: you might've preferred quality time. 

Most people will talk about love languages in a relationship, but not many will discuss the importance of knowing our self-love language, and how to use self-care to give ourselves the love we need. 

Keep reading for self-care tips and how you can implement the 5 love languages in your routine.

Words of Affirmation

Some people's love language is words of affirmation. This can include spoken or written words that are meant to be positive, uplifting, encouraging or, in simpler terms – praising. 

Some things you can do to give yourself words of affirmation...

• Write yourself a letter

• Commit to saying or writing affirmations

• Listen to a guided meditation focused on self-love 

Physical Touch

Touch for some people can be soothing, relaxing and grounding. With the clutter of our daily lives, it's hard to find the time to indulge in the things that help bring us to the present. 

Some things you can do to give yourself the benefits of physical touch...

• Hand massage with oil

• Skincare routine

• Stretching or exercising

Receiving Gifts

Receiving gifts is something a lot of people highly appreciate because it reminds them that someone took time out of their day, thought of them and gifted them something meaningful.

You can do the same for yourself by...

• Treating yourself to something you've been wanting to purchase

• Investing in self-care supplies 

• Focusing on yourself by taking a yoga class or learning a new skill

Quality Time

For many, quality time with a loved one is highly valued. But you can also spend quality time with yourself.

Some things you can do by yourself...

• Take a self-care day, go to a spa, get a manicure or shop

• Invest in some me-time and recharge away from others

• Take yourself out on a date 

Acts of Service

When a loved one shows us love and appreciation through an act of service, we are thankful because it means something was taken off your to-do list.

To show yourself appreciation and love, some things you can do as an act of service for yourself are...

• Declutter your space – future you will appreciate it

• Meal prep for the week

• Organize your schedule and to-do list

In conclusion…

Your love language can tell you a lot about how you give and receive love.

It can especially be helpful if you're trying to figure out how to implement the Five Love Languages into your self-care routine – and which self-love language you would most benefit from.

If you don’t know your love language or need a refresher (our needs can and often will change over time!), take the Love Language Quiz Here.

What is real rest?

When it comes to self-care, there's the assumption that you need to be really fancy with how you participate – a luxurious self-care day at the spa, an expensive meal, a new haircut… and I could go on. 

While these are ways someone can practice self-care, self-care can be as simple as deciding to go to bed early tonight. 

What is self-care?

The definition can be subjective based on whom you ask, what their preferences are and what they consider as self-care.

But at its core, self-care is prioritizing, preserving, or improving your health and wellbeing.

Today, we will delve deeper in one of the pillars of self-care: real rest. 

Relaxation & How it Reduces Anxiety

What is relaxation?

& how does it contribute to self-care and your overall health?

The concept is foreign to most of us because of long work hours, days that stretch out, never ending weeks and even after getting off work, there's more work to do at home. 

Relaxation is difficult to include in our cluttered lives, but vital to your health in the long run.

Relaxing is simply allowing yourself to find calming techniques that allow you to reduce anxiety from a day due to partaking in particularly non-relaxing tasks. 

There are numerous ways you can relax, ranging from bubble baths to journaling. 

As long as you remember to shut off your work brain and give yourself the peace and quiet you need and deserve to recover from the pressures of daily life.

Rest & Restoring Lost Balance

We're often told that we need to rest.

But you have work, you have kids to take care of, shopping to do and about a thousand other tasks on your endless to-do list. 

Here's the thing. Eventually, your exhaustion will catch up to you. You'll get slower. You’ll make mistakes. You will endanger your health. Maybe you already have. 

This is why rest is crucial. 

What is rest?

Rest is a specified period of non-doing. Rest involves your whole being. We can choose to rest parts of ourselves that have been overstimulated or overused to restore a sense of balance. 

This can be...

• Taking a nap

• Meditating 

• Doing yoga (or just lying really still)

• Reading a book

• …and so much more

This depends on your idea of rest.

Resting has been known to increase productivity and efficiency. 

During your busy workdays and long weeks, remember that rest is crucial. 

But, keep in mind, you're not actually resting if you're thinking about work or making a mental list of all the things you need to finish. 

Sleep & Recharging Your Mind

One of the easiest ways to partake in self-care and restore balance to your mind, body and spirit is sleep.

And yet, it's taken for granted. 

Most people are so busy, they look for ways to cheat sleep or take shortcuts.

This can include only sleeping 4-5 hours and then wasting money on energy drinks and coffee.

Sleep is a necessity.

While you sleep, your body rapidly regenerates cells as well as goes through extensive hormonal and brain processes. True sleep slows down our bodily functions and is where healing can take place. 

Without sleep, our memory falters, we get slower, we get crankier and impair cognitive function.

So what is real rest? 

Real rest is relaxation, rest, and sleep. It is reducing your anxiety, restoring your balance, and recharging your mind. 

Commit to yourself and start small. For 5 minutes at least every day, take the time out of your busy schedule to allow your mind to rest and find peace. 

For this week, in what ways can you prioritize each of these equally?