Journey of Healing and Self-Care

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” — Anaïs Nin

I used to treat healing like a projects, something I could control with structure, discipline, and the right habits. A task to complete, like a workout or a book I’d eventually finish. But healing is more like the tide, ebbing, flowing, sometimes calm, sometimes crashing all at once.

Some days, it’s moving forward with clarity; other days, it’s breaking down because everything feels too heavy. It’s not about arriving at some perfect state, it’s about learning to sit with myself through every season.

More than anything, healing is a choice to make, again and again, even when it feels like nothing is changing at all.

Thought of the Week

I’ve heard that you have to meet a lot of frogs before you find the one. But at this rate, I might as well start a wildlife sanctuary.

So, for now, I’m focusing on healing and self-care. And as I get older, I realize it’s less about finding the one and more about choosing to build a life, with intention, with clarity, with someone whose values, goals, and expectations align.

It’s about learning to adapt, navigating conflict, choosing to work through things together instead of looking for a perfect, frictionless love. A love that aligns with your desires but also gives you space for solitude.

Until then, here’s what’s keeping me grounded.

BOOKS FROM THE OLD LIBRARY

There’s something nostalgic about a book stamped with old dates, a quiet history of hands before mine, people who sat with the same pages. It takes me back to school, when books weren’t just escapes but assignments, and I carried novels like talismans. Lately, I’ve been reading The Art of the Good Life, a collection of practical wisdom on decision-making, happiness, and resilience. I get my books from The Old Library, but I do love my Kindle and Blinkist for quick reads—sometimes, convenience wins.

Moving My Body: Gym & Run Club

The gym is discipline. Structure. A place where I push through the next rep and my limits. Run club, on the other hand, its movement and freedom. Both give me the thrill of realising I can go farther than I thought. Some days, I run fast just to shake off the static in my brain. Other days, I slow down, walk and just breathe.

Journaling Without Overthinking

I used to treat journaling like a search for answers. Now, I just let it be what it is, messy, unfiltered, sometimes just a single sentence. There’s no pressure to figure things out on the page. Some days, it’s a brain dump. Other days, it’s a love letter to the version of me who’s still learning, still growing. I use notion and a five minute journal.

Notion & Vision Boards

My Notion is my safe space—lists, goals, ideas, tiny checkboxes that make me feel like I have a grip on things. I’ve also been updating my vision board with my dreams. A reminder of what I want, who I’m becoming, the kind of life I’m actively building. More as a compass.

Affirmations & kindness

Healing, for me, is about accepting where I am, forgiving my past, and embracing a kinder way of being with myself. Here are some of my favourite quotes that guide me on this journey. A small, steady kind of self-kindness.

Instead of staying stuck in guilt or sadness, I gently accept my feelings, “Okay, I see where I am. I may have neglected this, but now I’m choosing to take charge. I’m proud of myself for facing it.” 

Letting go of guilt is key for me, and I remind myself, “I forgive myself for my past choices. I’m human and learning. My future is bright.” 

When it comes to self-love, I believe it’s all about kindness: “I am a kind person. I honor my needs and treat myself with kindness every day.”

Guided Meditation

I’ve been using Insight Timer before bed—guided meditations that aren’t about fixing anything, just softening into what is. Sometimes, I fall asleep before they end. Sometimes, I listen all the way through, feeling a little more anchored. Meditation doesn’t erase hard days, but it helps me hold them better. My favourite healing words are by Sarah Blondin.

Evening Calm with Mark & Spencer’s Apothecary

One of my favorite self-care rituals is using Mark & Spencer’s Apothecary Bed Spray and Candle from the Balance range. The calming scent instantly creates a peaceful atmosphere, helping me unwind and release tension at the end of the day. I spritz the bed spray on my pillows and light the candle to create a moment of calm, making it the perfect way to reset before sleep. 

Skincare for Sensitive Skin

For my skincare routine, I keep it simple with products from Simple and Neutrogena, both of which are gentle on my sensitive skin. I use Neutrogena to target blemishes and dull skin, alongside Simple’s soothing lotion to keep my skin calm and hydrated.

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