What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.
Hans Urs von Balthasar
Hey, Lovelies!
I’ve had a wonderful four-day weekend, taking some time to reconnect with family, and to disconnect from social media and work for a few days.
We celebrated my birthday with a simple home-cooked meal, and lots of love and laughter. And yes, I managed to drive myself safely to the Coast. It has been wonderful to rediscover driving and to begin to redefine myself with new parameters. I have had to rely on others for so long that I still need to remind myself that I can get in my car and go somewhere if I need to. When I want to. It’s a life-changing kind of freedom, and it will take a little more time to adjust to this fundamental shift in the way I live my life.
Meanwhile, I bought myself a birthday present, which I took with me on my trip. It’s a book, and I wanted to share it with you, because I believe it’s a useful tool for navigating life right now.
I first came across the philosophy and teachings of the Stoics during high school, and they have been a strong guiding influence in my life. This birthday book I gifted myself has a daily quotation from one of the classic Stoicists, followed by a short and instructive commentary on the quote that is thought-provoking and immediately useful as a reflection point in your own life.
What I love about Stoicism is its emphasis on self-awareness, self-improvement and self-management. It has helped me to develop persistence, resilience and inner strength, and I am looking forward to starting each day by reading a page from this book, and then applying that insight in my daily life.
So, now my day starts with shamanic meditation, and then yoga stretches, and then a little extra healing meditation for loved ones and clients, then quiet time with the Stoics, my journal and my thoughts for the day ahead. (And yes, I get up at 4am to fit that in, and cannot be without that routine now without missing it. We can always find time for what matters most to us.)
I hope you are managing okay. I encourage you to find a little extra time for yourself. Do what you can to support yourself and keep yourself mentally strong.
All my love, Nicole xx
Oh yes, and I also bought myself a birthday gift as well: a reading from Nicole 🙂
Your new book sounds lovely. I have listened to a few podcasts with Ryan Holiday and he gave me so much to think about. I am going to check out the book. It sounds like a wonderful part of a morning ritual.
I love imagining you zipping along in your new car. So fun. And such an unexpected gift of the border closure. Sending lots of love.
how wonderful and happy birthday –
Ohh – I love a good book like that – what a wonderful find for your birthday.
I am so glad you are enjoying some new found freedom – it can feel profound to those who have been restricted by illness.