Tag: growth

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Well-Timed Break

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In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, taking a break can feel like a luxury—maybe even a weakness. But the truth is, rest is not just a pause from progress; it’s an essential part of it. Just like the seasons, we’re not meant to be in constant motion. Even nature understands the importance of stillness.

Take trees, for example. In the winter, they appear lifeless—bare branches standing still against the cold. But beneath the surface, something remarkable is happening. Their roots stretch deeper, gathering strength. Their energy is reserved, stored, and redirected for future growth. The dormancy of winter isn’t stagnation; it’s preparation. And when spring arrives, they bloom with renewed vitality.

We could learn a lot from the trees.

We push ourselves to keep going, believing that if we stop, we’ll fall behind. We ignore exhaustion, replace rest with caffeine, and convince ourselves that burnout is just part of the process. But when we refuse to pause, we rob ourselves of the restoration we need to thrive.

A well-timed break isn’t laziness—it’s strategy. It allows the mind to reset, the body to recover, and the soul to breathe. It’s in those moments of stillness that clarity emerges, creativity reignites, and energy returns.

So, don’t underestimate the power of stepping back. Take the nap. Close the laptop. Step outside. Embrace the quiet. You are not failing by resting—you are preparing. And just like the trees, when your next season of growth comes, you’ll be ready.

Be Vulnerable And Let Love In

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There is a lot less pain when we keep ourselves reserved. But when we close ourselves off, we also miss out on the immense beauty of love. Love is always a risk, and while it can bring heartache, I promise you—it’s worth it. Embracing love is not something you will ever regret.

Still, we cannot ignore the truth about love: when it’s lost, it lingers.

Losing love is like reaching the most gripping part of a story, only to turn the page and find it blank. The rest of the book is empty—full of unanswered questions, leaving you with a longing for what could have been.

“’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all,” Alfred Lord Tennyson once said. And he was right. Love leaves its mark, even in its absence. It shapes us, teaching us to feel deeply, to grow, and to carry its lessons forward.

Love is universal—it binds us together. It’s something we all seek and something we all grieve when it’s gone. But the loss of love should never overshadow the joy of experiencing it.

Yes, love makes us vulnerable, but it also opens doors to the most profound parts of being human. To love deeply is to live fully. Even in its risks and heartaches, love teaches us who we are.

So let love in. Be vulnerable. It’s the bravest thing you can do—and the most rewarding.

“To make the journey and not fall deeply in love, well, you haven’t lived a life at all.”

Give Grace To Others

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We could all use a little grace in our lives. None of us are perfect—we’re human, flawed, and always learning. And it’s important to remember that everyone around us is, too. Maybe someone cut you off on the road, didn’t text you back, broke a promise, lied, or your kids aren’t listening. The list goes on. How can we expect grace from others if we’re not willing to offer it ourselves? If you feel upset, consider giving a free pass when you can. Just a bit of grace.

This doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Sometimes it’s challenging to extend grace, especially when we feel hurt. But more often than not, people don’t set out to hurt or upset us. The truth is, we take things personally because we think actions are directed at us, when, in reality, we’re all just working through our own experiences and struggles. Instead of internalizing it, try to meet these moments with compassion. Understand that everyone is going through something, and that understanding can change everything.

Think about the relationships in your life or the encounters you have today—who could you extend a little grace to? Often, that one act of grace can create more peace in our lives than we ever expect.

Admit When You Are Wrong Or Misunderstood

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Have you ever noticed how defensive people become when they’re “wrong”? Why is it that some people struggle to own their mistakes or recognize their faults? Here’s some food for thought from @guywinch: “The answer is related to their ego, their very sense of self. Some people have such a fragile ego, such brittle self-esteem, such a weak psychological constitution, that admitting they made a mistake or that they were wrong is fundamentally too threatening for their egos to tolerate. Accepting they were wrong, absorbing that reality, would be so psychologically shattering that their defense mechanisms do something remarkable to avoid it—they literally distort their perception of reality to make it (reality) less threatening. Their defense mechanisms protect their fragile ego by changing the very facts in their mind, so they are no longer wrong or culpable.”

The irony is that our resistance to admitting mistakes actually holds us back from growth and authentic connection. When we can recognize our faults, apologize, and learn from them, we strengthen ourselves and our relationships. Humility isn’t a sign of weakness but of courage and resilience. We don’t have to see every mistake as a threat to our worth—instead, we can view it as a path to becoming wiser and more compassionate. Owning our actions, even the messy ones, frees us to live honestly, and that’s a strength everyone can admire.

Who You See on the Outside Is Only a Fragment of Who They Are Inside

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One of my favorite quotes from The Little Prince is, “…what is essential is invisible to the eye.” It reminds me how easy it is to assume we know someone’s story based on what we see, but in reality, we often know so little about the depths within them.

Each of us is like a book, with chapters that remain unread until someone curious enough comes along to open our pages. There’s no space for judgment when we truly think about it. Every appearance, lifestyle, and action holds a story, and we see only the surface.

Before we categorize or make assumptions, let’s try to understand. Let’s give grace where it’s needed. Remember, others know only fragments of you, just as you see only fragments of them.

Whatever It Is, Just Start – You’ll Figure It Out Along The Way

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Honestly, what holds many of us back is the fear of what our peers might think. It’s wild, really—because they’re probably not as concerned as we imagine!

How someone views you often says more about them than it does about you. If someone mocks or criticizes, consider how they treat themselves. Those who truly love and support you will always be there, regardless.

Remember, you don’t need to please everyone, and you don’t have to. You know your reasons, and that’s enough. Keep that close to avoid the noise and stay true to your path.

And here’s the thing: You don’t need all the answers to start. Taking the first step is what sets the journey in motion. Trust that clarity and confidence will grow as you go. Every step forward brings insight, and before you know it, you’ll be far beyond where you started—proud that you chose to begin.

m.g.

Breaking Down The Traditional 4 SEASONS OF A WOMAN

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The concept of the “four seasons of a woman” is often used as a metaphor for the different phases of a woman’s life or menstrual cycle, each reflecting the changes in energy, emotions, and focus. These phases are likened to the natural cycles of the seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each bringing its own rhythm and purpose.

Here’s a breakdown of the four seasons in terms of the menstrual cycle:

1. Spring – Follicular Phase (Post-Menstruation)

Energy: This is the time just after menstruation, when energy levels begin to rise.

• Associated with: Renewal, growth, creativity, and optimism.

• How you might feel: Rejuvenated, inspired, more mentally clear, and motivated to start new projects or take action.

• Best activities: Learning, planning, setting intentions, trying new things, physical activities like yoga or exercise.

2. Summer – Ovulation Phase

Energy: This is the peak of a woman’s cycle, when energy is high, and social connections feel easy and fulfilling.

• Associated with: Fertility, connection, communication, and radiance.

• How you might feel: Confident, magnetic, outgoing, and emotionally open. It’s often a time when relationships feel easier, and you might feel more attractive and connected to others.

• Best activities: Social events, networking, creative expression, nurturing relationships.

3. Autumn – Luteal Phase (Pre-Menstruation)

Energy: Energy starts to decline as your body prepares for menstruation.

• Associated with: Reflection, grounding, letting go.

• How you might feel: More inward-focused, analytical, sometimes irritable or sensitive, but also able to address deeper truths and cut through the superficial.

• Best activities: Organizing, completing tasks, setting boundaries, journaling, self-care practices, and letting go of what’s not serving you.

4. Winter – Menstrual Phase

Energy: Energy is at its lowest during menstruation, and it’s a time of rest and renewal.

• Associated with: Release, introspection, stillness, and healing.

• How you might feel: Tired, reflective, needing rest and solitude. It’s a time to honor your body’s need for restoration.

• Best activities: Resting, meditating, reflecting on the past cycle, and setting intentions for the next one. This is a powerful time for self-reflection and spiritual connection.

The Seasons as Phases of Life:

This concept can also apply to the phases of a woman’s life:

1. Spring (Maiden): Youth, discovery, and growth.

2. Summer (Mother): Nurturing, creativity, and building.

3. Autumn (Queen): Wisdom, leadership, and mastery.

4. Winter (Crone): Rest, reflection, and spiritual depth.

Each season has its own beauty, purpose, and challenges. Embracing the ebb and flow of these cycles can help with self-awareness, self-care, and alignment with your natural rhythms. 

A book I highly recommend is ‘4 seasons in 4 weeks’ by Suzanne Mathis McQueen.

The author approaches the menstrual cycle a bit differently from the traditional breakdown I just shared. In her model, Autumn (Fall) is aligned with menstruation.

She shifts everything one season forward but still keeps the cyclical nature of energy flow. It’s really more about perspective and how the phases are framed around energy and renewal.

Are you in tune with your seasons?

xox marie

Feng Shui Tip – When You Feel Stuck In Life Move 27 Things

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simple shui tip: move 27 things!

Full Original Article

Ways To Switch It Up

turn your vertically lined books to horizontal stacks

swap around drawers – linens, silverware, files in the desk

rearrange the kitchen cupboards

switch up the refrigerator shelves

push furniture an inch to the left or right (or completely into another room!)

switch lamps out to different rooms

move the chairs around your table

put everything dropped by the door back in its space

color-code your closet (or bookshelves!)

fold your towels a new way

organize the spice drawer / shelf

hang the dog leash somewhere that reminds you to take her for a walk

shake out the front door mat

edit the book pile by your bed

move your phone charger out of the bedroom

change the bulbs in a light to a brighter watt

flip a table arrangement so everything on the left is now on the right, and the right is now a lefty

move art on the walls around

turn all the shoes in your closet so they face one direction — with the toes facing out

dress the table with a linen-cloth and make mealtime a little more fancy

bring a few candles that normally sit somewhere unlit into a room where you’ll light them

take everything off your desk, wipe it down, and put everything back (ahhh!)

switch out your bed linens or add a different quilt to the foot of the bed

move an entire room around and try it out for a week

move the fridge magnets around

put something different in front of a mirror so that it doubles something new in your life

sharpen your pencils

give the dog bed a hearty shake and fluff / rotate the cat condo

turn the plants around so the other side soaks up the sun

flip the rugs, mattress, or couch cushions!

why 27 items, you ask? the short answer—it’s a shui thing. twenty-seven is [a multiple of] the number 9, the number representing power, manifestation, and completion. bonus: you don’t need to add or buy anything.

@simpleshui

Soften The Heart: Devotional #15

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“For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.”

1 Corinthians 7:22

Everyone has a designated plan or purpose in this life. We are apart of this miraculous design, yet we do not know quite yet what we are creating. All we know is it’s something beautiful and something we can trust.

God works through each and every one of us everyday. Strengthening us, as well as , using us to strengthen others. In this time or maybe even decades to come. We are the project and the tool. Some are aware and some are oblivious to the way God is working for them. God is on our side though, always.

Sometimes we see humans do things that we don’t quite understand. Then we judge. Then we think they need God. But who’s to say they aren’t in the process of receiving God in their life? They have to go through the motions just like anyone else. One could say you were lost before you let God into your heart. If anything we should be giving those who are “in the process” or “lost” more love and compassion. Everyone’s path is a little different. Some smooth and some very rough. A person’s sacrifice and hardship are never in vain.

God will soften their heart, God will liberate those souls, but it takes time like anything else. Certain steps need to be taken the same way certain recipes have to be followed specifically. Have you ever cooked or baked something and forgot a necessary ingredient like salt, or baking soda? God doesn’t forget. He knows the steps that need to be taken for complete liberation.

We can’t see the whole picture. We can see maybe but a small corner. Not the front, back or side, but a tiny, tiny, corner.

This scripture reminds us that we belong to God in whatever state we are in. And those that know God (the slaves of Christ) are to help and encourage those who are in the process of receiving God and accepting His love. If we go back to the scripture it reads “The Lords Freedman”. If we define ‘freedman’ it means an ‘emancipated slave’. And if you define emancipated it means process of being set free. We must be patient the way God has been with us. Each one of us is loved, and God doesn’t love anyone less or more. Nobody is more righteous than another.

The truth is we live in a broken world with much pain and suffering. And Everyone is in need of mercy and grace and we must give it and give it often to one another. We must be that example that many need, we have been given our own power to help liberate others and point them in the right direction. We have been given a gift to encourage others to seek God themselves and find that comfort, peace, and love. And we know in our hearts they will find that mercy and grace that has been given from the very beginning.

God loves us all. He knows this is hard. He reminds us that we are not alone. We are bound together.

To The Wildest Dreamers – Keep This In Mind

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Whatever you want in this life, I hope what I have to say can motivate or encourage you in some way.

Don’t ever stop being a dreamer.

“Set impossible goals”. I actually heard that quote on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. It was one of her greatest holiday giveaway ones.

A man had been swimming in the ocean, he did a flip, and broke his neck. Just like that, his life changed in an instant.

Life as we know is full of those kind of moments.

He was told that he may never walk again. A nurse told him something that gave him strength and determination. “Set impossible goals.”

Over time, he did learn how to walk again, he is one of the lucky few. He didn’t allow being told that he wouldn’t be able to walk again stop him or hold him back. He dreamed that impossible dream. The beautiful part of this story is he walked his wife down the aisle. And I’m willing to bet they danced too. All because he didn’t give up. All the frustration, the tears, the try after try were absolutely worth it.

(This isn’t them btw, I’m just providing a visual so you can truly try to empathize with this couple and to gain perspective. Hope it works.)

Now……

Everyone has something that they desire. What is your dream? I know you have one.

I’m willing to bet some of you reading this have never really been asked that question. Or you haven’t shared it with anyone.

I want this post to get you thinking about what you want in your life. To take a moment to identify what you seek.

When I was younger the only dream I truly desired so much was to become a mom. I’m not even kidding, that was my dream. It was a dream and it felt like a calling, I can’t really explain it. I wanted to be a mom so bad and my greatest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to have children.

When I became a mother my dream literally came true. Words cannot describe how much joy motherhood gives me. However, what’s crazy though, when I became a mom I also lost myself a bit.

Losing a bit of myself was very bizarre to me. I became something that I wanted so badly, yet, here was I not feeling completely fulfilled.

I went on a serious soul searching journey. And 3 kids later I feel the most confident, courageous, that I have ever been. And I have grown so much.

Motherhood has been the best thing to ever happen to me, because I found a different part of myself. New dreams are being born and new goals are being formed because of my first dream. My daughters inspire me. I have started dreaming ‘impossible dreams’ because of them.

I share this because I don’t ever want you to feel discouraged. The feeling of reaching something but not quite feeling the way you thought you would will happen sometimes.

I saw an interview with Tom Hanks on The Today Show and he said something along the lines of, “The good things you feel from an accomplishment don’t last, and the same goes for the things that bring you down.”

I’m grateful for my dream of motherhood coming true. Greatest, hardest thing ever! This blog exist because of my girls! I have no idea where this blog will take me, but so far it’s probably helped me more then it’s helped any of you.

Trust the Timing of things. And trust your path. Each path provides some type of lesson to get you where you need to go next.

It can take time trying to figure out what you really want.

The point is, don’t give up. Keep trying, keep experiencing, keep doing! And stop being so concerned with what others think. Otherwise you’ll just become stuck and you will settle. If you only knew that just a few feet more you’d see that something greater was waiting for you.

If you’re afraid to fail in front of others, you’re going to have to suck it up. I say that in the nicest way possible.

I personally would rather keep trying new things and experiencing failure to find what really lights my spirit up, then to just settle because I’m in a content position.

You can’t be afraid of dead ends, u-turns, or any paths that lead you into a roundabout.

The pitfalls, the mistakes, the redos are going to happen and they have to happen in order for you to learn and grow and to get where you want to be.

4 THINGS TO CLOSE THIS UP

(Thanks if you read this whole thing!)

Be patient.

Don‘t forget the reason why you’re doing what you are doing.

Write your goals down and work towards it everyday.

Stop limiting yourself, set yourself to be free and to express who you really are and who you want to become.

Enjoy the crazy maze of life!