The Power of Journaling: A Beautiful Shift After Vulnerability

The Power of Journaling: A Beautiful Shift After Vulnerability

In my last blog, I opened up like never before. I let my raw emotions spill onto the page, revealing the depth of my loneliness, emptiness, and darkness. It was terrifying, yet freeing, to be that vulnerable. I had no idea what would happen next, but I knew I had to write it.

And then, something beautiful happened.

Almost immediately after sharing my struggles, I felt lighter. The heaviness that had been pressing on my chest began to lift. The darkness that had clouded my mind started to fade. I didn’t expect such an immediate shift, but it was as if putting my pain into words had released its grip on me.

It was a reminder of why journaling is so powerful. Writing doesn’t just document our thoughts….it transforms them. It allows us to process, to understand, and sometimes, to let go. By confronting my emotions head-on, instead of suppressing them, I created space for healing.

But the magic didn’t stop there.

As readers reached out…some with words of encouragement, others sharing their own struggles….I realized I wasn’t alone. My loneliness had told me I was isolated, that no one understood, but that was a lie. There were so many others who had felt the same way, and suddenly, my pain wasn’t just mine anymore. It was shared. And in that shared experience, I found connection.

This experience reinforced something I’ve always known but sometimes forget: vulnerability is strength. When we dare to be real, to be seen, we open the door to love, understanding, and unexpected healing.

If you’re struggling, I encourage you to write. Even if it’s just for yourself. Even if no one else ever reads it. There is something truly transformative about putting your emotions into words.

For me, journaling wasn’t just a release—it was the beginning of something new….A shift. A breath of fresh air after what felt like an endless storm.

And I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.

In love and light 🦋💫❤️

Nat

When Life Feels Heavy: A Personal Reflection on Struggling with my Mental Health

When Life Feels Heavy: A Personal Reflection on Struggling with my Mental Health

Why am I not more excited and motivated for this new year with my travels and projects? Why am I having a hard time being my bubbly cheerful self? Why am I feeling very alone?

Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m stuck in a rut, a type of fog…one of those clouds you can’t quite see your way out of, where every step feels heavier than the last. It’s hard to admit, but I’m struggling with my mental health right now. It’s the beginning of the year, shouldn’t I be focused on gratitude and positivity while planning my year?! Shouldn’t I be excited and happy with the upcoming plans?

I’ve been carrying around this dark feeling of loneliness for days. It was so hard to be excited for my mom’s wedding. There are days when I wake up exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep. My body feels weighted, and my mind feels cluttered with worries I can’t seem to sort through. I try to push through because that’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Keep going, stay strong.

What makes it harder is the voice in my head that whispers, “You shouldn’t feel this way. Other people have it worse.” That voice tries to invalidate my feelings, making me question whether I even have the right to feel overwhelmed. But the truth is, I’m reflecting that pain isn’t a competition. It’s okay to acknowledge when things feel hard for me, even if someone else might be facing their own challenges.

Usually, I would spent these dark times alone, not verbalizing these thoughts, feelings and challenges. I would keep them hidden in a locked box that no one had access to. I would be ashamed to have such feelings because technically, shouldn’t I be happy and content with my lifestyle and job?! I have nothing really substantive to be saddened or upset about. I am healthy, I have a beautiful home and a good job. I have a lovely family and great friends. Then why the emptiness and the overwhelming feelings of sadness?!

I want to remind myself—and anyone reading this—that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to admit that life feels overwhelming sometimes. It doesn’t mean we’re weak or broken; it means we’re human.

I know I’m not alone in these struggles, even though it often feels that way. My bestie’s courageous post a few weeks ago gave me the encouragement to be vulnerable and share my true challenges as I’m living them myself.

Talking about mental health can be difficult, but it’s an important step toward healing. So here I am, sharing this in hopes that if you’re feeling the same way, you’ll know you’re not alone.

What I’m doing?!

I don’t have all the answers, and I’m still trying to figure out what self-care looks like for me right now in these dark times.

I’ve scheduled a appointment with my psychologist and I am also giving myself permission to rest and not focus on too much extra.

I’m having a hard time doing my mundane domestic chores home. It’s the first time I actually raise my hand to seek help. I also have been putting words on the feelings and sensations I’ve been living through the past few weeks. Acknowledging my emotions is helping for my healing journey.

If you’re reading this and struggling too, please remember: You are enough. You are not defined by your worst days. And even when it feels like the weight of the world is too much to bear, there is hope. There is always hope!

I also like reminding myself that everything in life ebb and flows. What goes up must eventually come down.

If you feel isolated, reach out. There is always someone there for you.

We’ll get through this—one step, one breath, one moment at a time.

In love and light, ✨💕🦋

Nat

Rediscovering connections and friendships

The Warmth of Connectivity: Reflections After a Week with Colleagues and Friends

In our busy, digital world, it’s easy to feel disconnected, even from those we work with on a daily basis. But spending a week with colleagues and friends reminded me of the joy and depth that comes from genuine connection.

The Power of Presence

This week, I learned the value of being truly present. Whether brainstorming with colleagues or sharing stories with friends, stepping away from distractions to fully engage deepened our bonds. Conversations that usually revolved around work shifted to personal stories, revealing the unique people behind our job titles.

Laughter brought us closer whether through sharing stories or playfully teasing each other. These moments of shared humor reminded me of the simplicity and beauty of human connection. 

Gratitude for Togetherness

Reuniting with friends after months and years apart was a heartwarming reminder of the resilience of meaningful relationships. We celebrated wins, shared struggles, and picked up as if no time had passed.

These moments didn’t just feel good… they helped me grow. A colleague’s perspective reframed my challenges, and a friend’s encouragement reignited my confidence. Connection is not only comforting but transformative.

Now, as the week ends, I’m left with a quiet sense of gratitude. Connection isn’t about proximity…it’s about showing up fully. This week reminded me to cherish those who inspire and support me and to keep nurturing these bonds moving forward… even at a distance!! 

Here’s to the laughter, conversations, and shared humanity that make life truly fulfilling.

Merci mes amis pour ces conversations nourrissantes, les beaux échanges et les bons moments créés ensemble! 

A la prochaine! 

In love and light 💕🦋💫

Nat 

Transforming Dreams into Reality: My Bali Retreat Journey

Transforming Dreams into Reality: My Bali Retreat Journey

Turning 40 felt like a milestone worthy of celebration, reflection, and transformation. So, for my 40th birthday, my bestie and I embarked on a life-changing journey to Bali. That trip across the world was not just a vacation—it was the catalyst for a profound personal transformation. I came back home energized, renewed, and inspired in ways I will never be able to fully express.

The Promise We Made in Bali

While soaking in Bali's serene beauty, surrounded by lush landscapes and vibrant culture, my bestie and I made a promise: one day, we would return, but not just as visitors. We envisioned ourselves leading a retreat, inviting others to experience the magic of Bali as we had—to connect, grow, and transform. It felt like a wild dream, but it was one we couldn’t ignore.

The Dream Takes Shape

Fast forward to today…6 years later, and that dream is becoming a reality! It took a little longer than we anticipated, thanks to Covid, but we’re thrilled to announce that in April 2025, we’re hosting our very first Bali retreat! This nine-day experience will bring together 15 incredible women for a journey of connection, relaxation, and transformation.

A Dream Come True: The Bali Retreat

What’s even more exciting? We sold out just two weeks after officially launching! The overwhelming response has been humbling, and it’s only fueled our passion for curating an unforgettable experience. Here’s a glimpse of what our retreat participants can expect:

• Mornings in Paradise: Begin each day with rejuvenating breathwork sessions as the sun rises over Bali’s shimmering rice paddies and the distant ocean.

• Nourishing Connections: Enjoy delightful, nourishing breakfasts while connecting with other retreat participants in a space that fosters community and inspiration.

• Transformative Experiences: Dive into transformational group sessions designed to help uncover and embrace our emerging essence.

• Rest and Adventure: Balance is key—we’ll have plenty of time for rest, relaxation, and optional activities, including exploring Bali’s cultural and natural wonders.

• Eco-Luxury Living: Stay at an iconic all-inclusive eco-resort, where every detail reflects Bali’s harmonious connection with nature

Why Bali?

Bali is a place where transformation feels inevitable. Its breathtaking landscapes, spiritual energy, and warm hospitality create the perfect backdrop for introspection, growth, and joy. It’s a destination that invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

Looking Ahead

This retreat is more than just an event—it’s the culmination of a dream, a shared dream, a chance to give back, and an opportunity to create something meaningful.

As April 2025 approaches, our excitement only grows. We can’t wait to welcome our first group of extraordinary women to Bali and witness the transformations that unfold.

If you’ve ever felt the call to step away, reflect, and rediscover yourself, I encourage you to follow that instinct. Who knows? Maybe Bali will work its magic on you, too.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for this incredible journey! Are you interested in being added to our distribution list for details on a future retreat? We'd love to keep you informed about upcoming opportunities to join us in Bali or beyond.

In love and light, 💫💕🦋

Nat

Living with the Loss: How I Feel Years After Losing My Babies

Living with the Loss: How I Feel Years After Losing My Babies

“You were born silent.

Perfect and beautiful.

Still loved.

Still missed.

Still remembered.

Stillborn.

But still born.”

~ unknown author

Did you know that October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month?!

Coincidently, October 27, 2001 is the day I gave birth to my 3 stillborn babies. That day changed me, changed my life forever.

23 years after that memorable day, my body still remembers the immense emotions I felt that day.

Living with the Loss

Grief is often talked about in phases or stages, as if we’ll eventually “move past” the pain and reach an endpoint. But for anyone who’s lost a child, especially through a stillbirth, we know there’s no finish line. Years after losing my babies, I can say that the loss has evolved into a quiet ache that lives within me, surfacing when I least expect it.

It’s also a kind of love that doesn’t fade over time, and my memory of them remains as fresh as it was. People sometimes assume the memory would blur or that, somehow, life moves on and leaves it behind. But for me, their memory is a part of my heart, and I hold it close. They’re not physically here, but they’ve woven themselves into my life in ways only a parent could understand.

Losing them hasn’t stopped me from loving them. If anything, I love them more deeply. They’re part of my story. I never had the chance to know them, yet I love them with every fiber of my being, as if they were here in my arms. I still think about the milestones they would have reached—imagining their laughs, their favorite foods, and the sound of their voices. It’s a bittersweet joy that brings both a smile and a tear.

Grief and time have also changed me. Losing them has made me more resilient, more empathetic, and sometimes more vulnerable. There’s a part of me that will always feel the loss deeply. My perspective on life shifted. I learned to appreciate moments with loved ones, to sit in silence with my emotions, and to allow myself the freedom to grieve without rushing to “get better.” It’s not a wound that closes. It’s more of a scar that I’ve learned to live with.

And in this journey, I’ve also found space for hope and healing. Healing, to me, doesn’t mean forgetting or moving on. It’s about learning to live with love and loss, side by side. It’s finding peace with the fact that they were here for such a short time and yet left an impact so profound, it will last forever.

For anyone who has gone through a similar experience, know that it’s okay to hold onto that memory, to feel that love, and to allow yourself to grieve at your own pace. There’s no right way to navigate this path—only the way that feels true to you. In sharing my story, I hope to create a space where we can honor both the beauty and the sorrow of those brief lives that forever changed us.

Today, I celebrate your birthday! Happy 23!

In Love and Light 💕🦋🌺

Nat