Hey there, friends.
As I sit down to share my thoughts on navigating the festive season while staying true to my sobriety, it feels like I’m opening up a chapter of my heart. I hope that my journey might resonate with some of you who, like me, are on the winding road of recovery. Its been 6 years on 31 Dec.
The festive season used to be a tangled mess of pain, sadness, and a blurry struggle for me. I faced the challenge of untangling the threads of celebration from the webs of my past. It wasn’t just about saying no to substances; it was about saying yes to a new way of being.
One thing that’s become crystal clear in my sober journey is the importance of creating new traditions. It’s not about avoiding the festive cheer; it’s about redefining what that cheer means to me. So, I’ve started new traditions—ones that revolve around genuine connections, gratitude, and self-care. Trust me; there’s joy to be found beyond the bottle.
Social settings can be like a battleground for someone on the recovery journey. But I’ve learned that authenticity is my armour. I no longer pretend to be someone I’m not. If you’re with me, you’ll know I’m in recovery, and that’s okay. The real connections formed in those moments are the ones worth keeping.
Triggers still come, they always will, unexpectedly and sometimes like a massive tidal wave. But now, I’m equipped with something I didn’t have before inner strength and the ability to actually ask for help. Sobriety is not a journey most of us can do on our own. I’ve found solace in journaling, in the quiet moments of mindfulness, and in reaching out to friends who understand without judgment and trying to fix anything. Every trigger is an opportunity to write another chapter in my strength story. Every day I understand it is my choice to be sober.
As the festive lights start to twinkle, I’ve come to appreciate that sobriety doesn’t mean missing out on abundance. It’s about seeing richness beyond materialism, finding gratitude in the simplest moments, and cherishing the connections that are built on authenticity.
This festive season, I invite you to join me in celebrating sobriety—the most precious gift I’ve given myself. It’s not always an easy journey, but it’s one filled with authentic joy, genuine connections, and the kind of magic that can only come from the heart. To those on a similar path, know that you’re not alone. Share your choice with others.
My heart is filled with gratitude for the choice I made to release the hold Alcohol and pills had on me all those years ago. Waking up each morning with a sober mind and a clear conscience is the reward.
If you’re on a journey of recovery too or have a story to share, let’s connect. Comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or any words of encouragement. Our collective stories can be a beacon for those who need it most. Together, let’s spread hope and support. 🌟💛
You never know the difference it makes until it does!
#SobrietyJourney #HeartfeltRecovery #AuthenticCelebration #OneDayAtATime #ShareYourStory
Much love from heart to yours
Marléne
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Welcome To Self & More
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Hey there, lovely souls,
I hope this message finds you wrapped in the warm embrace of love and light. Today, I want to share something that’s been weighing on my heart as I sit down to write. Life has its way of throwing curveballs at us, doesn’t it? Lately, since the Lunar eclipse on 28 Oct I’ve been feeling the currents of energy around us getting a bit turbulent, making it challenging to ride the waves smoothly.
In these moments, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s okay not to have it all together. It’s okay to admit that the journey feels rough, and it’s okay to lean on each other for support. We all face storms in life, and it’s in these storms that we find our true strength.
I believe there’s something profoundly beautiful about speaking from the heart, especially when the energies around us are a little chaotic. It’s in these vulnerable moments that we connect on a deeper level, reminding ourselves and others that we’re not alone in our struggles.
When life feels tough, talking from the heart becomes our guiding light. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to express our fears, our uncertainties, and our hopes openly. It’s a reminder that authenticity is our greatest superpower. By sharing our raw, unfiltered emotions, we create a safe space where others can do the same.
So, if you’re going through a rough patch, I want you to know that your feelings are valid. Your struggles do not diminish your worth; they are a testament to your resilience. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those around you and share your heart. You might be surprised at how healing it can be to simply speak your truth.
Let’s embrace these challenging times with open hearts and open minds. Let’s support each other, uplift each other, and remind one another that we are stronger together. After all, it’s the rough seas that make us appreciate the calm waters even more.
Wishing you strength, courage, and an abundance of love as we navigate these rough waters together. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Much love from my heart to yours
Marléne
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Welcome To Self & More
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Hello there, wonderful souls! Today, I want to dive into a topic that might resonate deeply with many of us – the journey of self-discovery and self-care that unfolds in the hushed moments of illness. So, grab your favourite cozy blanket, and let’s have a heart-to-heart about the realizations that come when life slows down unexpectedly.
When the Budget Tightens: Lessons in Financial Resilience
Let’s talk about finances – you know, that not-so-fun but oh-so-important aspect of life. Falling ill can be a bit of a wake-up call when it comes to money matters. Suddenly, we’re grappling with medical bills, prescription costs, and maybe even the worry of missing work. It’s like life decided to play a financial curveball!
But guess what? Amid all this chaos, there’s a little silver lining. We learn to reevaluate our spending habits and see where our priorities truly lie. Those impulse buys? They don’t seem as appealing anymore when we realize the true value of our health. We start to put more thought into creating a safety net for ourselves – a financial cushion that can help us weather unexpected storms.
Hugging Our Emotions: Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Now, let’s talk about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with illness. It’s okay to admit that being sick can feel lonely, even in a room full of people. Suddenly, we’re faced with our own vulnerabilities, our own fears, and those moments of uncertainty that we often push aside in our bustling lives.
But you know what? There’s something incredibly empowering about allowing ourselves to feel all those emotions. We learn to embrace vulnerability and recognize that it’s not a sign of weakness but a testament to our humanity. It’s in these quiet moments that we discover the power of self-compassion. We learn to be our own best friends, offering words of comfort and understanding, just like we would to a dear friend.
Dancing in Rain Puddles: Savoring Life’s Little Joys
Now, let’s talk about the joyous part – those moments of sheer delight that come from the simplest of things. Illness has a funny way of making us slow down and appreciate the little stuff. Suddenly, a cup of soup becomes a warm hug from the inside out, and the sun streaming through the window feels like a gentle reminder that life is still beautiful.
In the stillness of illness, we’re reminded that life doesn’t always have to be a whirlwind. We learn to find happiness in the ordinary – a good book, a soothing song, or even just the feeling of fresh sheets against our skin. These are the moments that remind us of the magic that exists in the everyday, if only we take the time to look for it.
Wrapping Up: Taking Care of You, Always
So, my dear friends, as we navigate the waves of illness, let’s remember to do it with an extra dose of self-care and empathy. Let’s be kind to ourselves, not just when we’re under the weather, but all the time. Let’s keep those financial lessons close to heart, reminding ourselves that our health is our most valuable currency.
And let’s not forget the beauty of our emotions – they make us beautifully human. In the quiet moments of illness, we’re gifted the chance to connect with our true selves, to wrap ourselves in the warmth of our understanding.
So, here’s to embracing the stillness, finding strength in vulnerability, and to dancing in rain puddles of joy. Remember, you’re never alone in this journey, and your well-being matters more than anything. Until next time, take care, my lovely readers, and never underestimate the power of a little self-care and a whole lot of empathy.
Much love from my heart to yours
Marléne
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From my heart to yours
Hey, lovely souls! Today, we’re diving into the enchanting realm of Tarot to explore the captivating message of the Page of Cups I drew this morning for inspiration as my day began.
Embracing This card is a beacon of hope, whispering to us that the world is our oyster, brimming with endless possibilities! But hey, let’s be real – life’s journey isn’t always a walk in the park. We’ve all been there, struggling to notice those opportunities that await us. So, let’s embrace this heartfelt chat about how to open our hearts and embrace the magic around us!
First off, it’s time to tune in with ourselves. The Page of Cups urges us to listen to our intuition and emotions – to embrace vulnerability and trust our instincts. When we silence the noise, we’ll discover the world’s hidden gems, just waiting to be unveiled!
Next up, let’s sprinkle some creativity into our daily lives! Whether it’s picking up that paintbrush, writing that blog, or dancing like nobody’s watching – let your imagination soar! The Page of Cups loves dreamers, and by nurturing our creativity, we’ll attract fresh opportunities and exciting adventures.
Oh, and let’s not forget the power of connections! Engage with others, be open to new friendships, and don’t shy away from sharing your heartwarming story. The more we interact, the more chances we get to uncover those hidden pearls in the sea of life!
Lastly, gratitude! Express thankfulness for every little thing that comes your way. Embracing a grateful heart attracts positivity and elevates our consciousness, guiding us toward the wondrous possibilities that await us!
So, dear friends, let’s wear our hearts on our sleeves and open our eyes to the vast, beautiful world before us! The Page of Cups reminds us that the journey might be challenging, but it’s also thrilling. Embrace every moment, and who knows what amazing surprises are just around the corner for you and for me!
Much love
Marléne (more…)
From my heart to yours
Hey there, my lovely friends! I’m feeling all the good vibes today, and I just had to share something that’s been on my mind for a week or two – what is the magic all about when my life is in flow and fluidity versus the heaviness of being stuck and depressed? Ebb and flow.
I’ve been bombarded with the words “flow” and “fluidity” in various ways – from conversations with friends to some intriguing tarot cards and even a few personal Life Alignment balances colleagues to assist me with moving this heavy energy I have been feeling that has been preventing me from getting anything done. I understand that astrologically this has been the case for many perhaps. It’s like the universe is trying to tell me something, and I can’t ignore it, so here I am, sharing this beautiful insight that came through me with you.
You know, sometimes life throws curveballs, and we find ourselves struggling to keep up. For me, it’s often an emotional rollercoaster that ends with tears of frustration, and my victim mentality comes to the fore. It could be different for you, but what matters is recognizing when we’re stuck, letting others make decisions for us, and falling into old patterns that no longer serve us.
For example, imagine plans change or someone forgets something important, triggering a wave of disappointment and hurt in you. It’s as if I’m back to being a little kid forgotten at school due to my parents’ misunderstandings. As adults, we can reason through it and understand it’s not about us, but still, those deeply rooted beliefs stay with us. However when we are feeling heavy and stuck there is not reason is there?
I’ve spent years educating myself in self-development and energy-shifting practices, working with clients dealing with trauma, yet these beliefs linger in me and others. It’s like peeling layers off an onion, getting closer to the core, and sometimes it’s raw and painful. But you know what? I’ve learned to sit with it, embrace it, and let it flow through me. We emerge freer and stronger on the other side of the heaviness like a new blossom in the spring.
I have often reacted self-destructively or lashed out at others in the past, but now I understand that it’s my hurt and pain, shouting loudly. It’s not about blaming others; it’s about being emotionally flexible and in flow with myself and what I am experiencing. It is also about me being clear about my boundaries to prevent my energy from being drained. The empaths reading this will know what that is all about. A blog for another day, perhaps on that subject.
I’ve discovered on my journey that finding activities that get me moving – whether that’s spending time in nature, being around animals, moving to music, drumming, yoga, or swimming – gives me the space to work through those emotions on my own, without hurting anyone. It’s like distancing myself from the issue, gaining clarity, and realizing how my “victim” behaviour has been restricting the flow of my life and making things unpleasant for others at times.
Through this process, I’ve recognized that I can handle situations more gracefully and clearly. It’s about finding the “in flow” state within us, where we can navigate life’s inevitable changes and forgetfulness with emotional agility.
So, my friends, I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on the difference between merely “going with the flow” and, indeed, “being in flow” in your own life. It’s a game-changer! Embrace your emotions, let them flow, and remember, you can navigate life’s twists and turns with grace and love.
With love and gratitude
Marléne (more…)
