I’m sooo happy to be back here on Substack after taking a much needed (and unplanned break) from the platform. I’m pleased to say that I’ve been on my favorite kind of break: the kind where you’re so busy living the life you’ve been planning and praying and hoping and manifesting and dreaming of that you got distracted from some of the more technical “tasks” that make up the goal itself.
In the past year I’ve discovered that taking a step back and embracing an intentional pause is often what leads me to the deepest reconnection with myself. It’s been important for my own mental health journey to learn to slow down and be okay with moments of pause.
A few of my goals this year were to prioritize restorative travel, find fun and aligned work opportunities, and spend more time with my family and since setting those goals I’ve had so many incredible opportunities to
live them.
Here’s a look at what I’ve been up to since my last post…
My husband and I took a trip to Miraval Arizona for my 31st birthday! It was honestly one of the most beautiful experiences we’ve ever had. Miraval truly knows how to cultivate the experience of ‘unplug, be present’ which is their motto and a promise they truly deliver on.
When we arrived there were the cutest little sleeping bags for our phones so we could actually be in the moment and I’m so thankful because every moment was truly one to remember.
I’ll make a separate post with the full details of the trip and I’ll make a guide for anyone who is thinking of taking a trip to a Wellness Resort soon with tips and advice. But I can not say enough about how beautiful and peaceful our experience was. From Archery, to Equine Therapy — there was no shortage of opportunities to reconnect with ourselves and be present with one another.
There is no other way I would have wanted to spend my birthday than in the desert, surrounded by peace and quiet, with my best friend. We will definitely be back soon!
As a September Virgo, Oldest Daughter with an Anxiety Disorder - Project Management is something I was born to do. I’ve truly fell in love with Project Management over the course of the last year and just wrapped a year at a company as a full time Project Manager and transitioned into a new part time freelance role that I’m loving. This new role is with a Mental Health coaching company and I’m thrilled to see the values of the company lived out in the form of policies such as ‘nothing is urgent’ and being a part of their Operations Team - helping to make that culture and message more widespread and widely accepted in work culture.
I’m also excited to explore more freelance opportunities this year and next year. It’s been really eye opening to see how working on a contractual (short term project-basis) has been so supportive for my nervous system! Here’s a reminder that the traditional 9-5 isn’t for everyone and sometimes entrepreneurship isn’t the best route either. There is a beautiful third option that I have found through freelancing and I’m looking forward to sharing more about how that experience goes!
The ultimate highlight of my year was seeing my beautiful niece make her Grand Entrance into the world in July. Being by my sister-in-law’s side throughout her pregnancy and then getting to be IN THE DELIVERY ROOM was a life changing experience that altered my perspective in so many ways. I could literally feel my heart expanding and making space for all the love I have for my niece and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. There was something really healing for me to be invited into such an intimate and vulnerable space and it was an important moment for my own healing journey to accept that I was worthy and valued enough to be in the room. There are so many beautiful moments in life that we miss by shying away from the calling to be fully loved. I was so close to shying away from the invitation and wanted to say something like, “This is a special moment between you and your mom I shouldn’t be there.”
And understandably so, unconditional love; experiencing it, witnessing it, surrounding yourself with it — can be a shock to the nervous system when your childhood was full of conditional forms of love and acceptance the way mine was.
When you’ve received love only for what you can “do” for someone else, it can be disorienting to discover some people love you without any requirements.
Some people just want you in the room because of who you are, and how you make them feel. I am so thankful for that healing new belief ushered into my world by this sweet little human. I am so happy I answered the call this time to be loved, and included just as I am.
Other than being absolutely perfect, my niece is also my goddaughter and I am so excited to spend my days showing her that life is abundant and she can have anything she wants for just being who she is with no conditions attached (because as her Fairy God Mommy I fully plan to wave my magic wand *and wallet* to get her whatever she desires) 🧚🏾♀️
Coming back from Arizona resulted in a wilddd head cold and MAJOR allergies as soon as I touched down in North Carolina. This super unattractive nasal rinse mechanism has been a life saver for my congestion, and this wellness supplement has been amazing for days that I can’t tell if that tickle in the back of my throat is pollen or a sneaky little cold coming on
The Oura Ring 4 dropped today and it’s beautiful! I will 1000% be ordering a new one and have been an Oura member since 2022. I can’t live without my sleep scores and health insights and you can check out my full review here.
My Mother in Love and Sister got me this bag for my birthday and I’m OBSESSED
I can’t stop getting French Manicures with White Chrome, maybe I’ll try something more bold next time? Like this OPI favorite for the season
Summer Fridays New Mini Lip Balms are adorable AND perfect for Fall
I know the new Pinterest Collage feature is going to HATE to see me coming. I’ve already made so many it’s not even funny…
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links and I may get commission if you make a purchase.
I am sending SO much love to all those effected by Hurricane Helene. While our family is safe and we are about 4 hours away from Asheville, it is so heartbreaking to see the devastation so close to home. Here’s a great post with ways to help and show love and support to those impacted! 🫶🏽
+ The inevitable return of the Musings with Maliquea Podcast 🎙️
+ A comprehensive ‘know before you go’ guide about Miraval Arizona and tips for planning for your next trip to a Wellness Resort 🌵
+ Why I started a NEW Event Planning company after closing it all down 😅
As always I’m really thankful to have this space to return to and share my experience with you. If you made it this far I am grateful for your being here and hope that you’ll remember it is safe for you to pause and take breaks. I hope that you’ll remember to loosen your grip on the ‘doing’ and get back to the living. I hope you’ll get SO swept away in seeing your dreams and vision realized, that you lose track of time. I hope birthdays remind you to come back to things you find joy in (kind of how my birthday reminded me the last post I wrote here was on my last birthday) I hope you’ll have grace and compassion with yourself when you realize you sat something down for a season — not because you failed, but because sometimes taking a break is a part of what makes it better and not what makes it over.
Until next time,
M.
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