We will always face external opinions on how to live, but our own inner voice should be our guide.
Sixteen months ago, I embarked on a self-discovery journey that is now nearing its end. While I had specific areas I intended to explore, I’ve learned unexpected and profound lessons along the way.
My first-ever journey began after graduating from high school. Growing up in a military family in the 1970s with an alcoholic stepfather, peace was elusive. Speaking out about such abusive situations felt impossible at the time.
Five months after graduation, I moved to Chicago with a friend whose family lived next door to us in Navy housing. This time away provided the necessary distance to begin my search for inner peace.
However, instead of focusing on my own needs, I found myself living in a way that pleased others. I wasn’t being true to the “broken” Cheryl who longed for peace and the freedom to be her authentic self without constant explanation.
As children, we are the recipients of our parents’ aspirations for our success in education and the pursuit of our full potential. This pattern of well-meaning influence can extend into adulthood, where friends might envision ideal partners or careers for us, and even spouses may harbor their own expectations. The people closest to us often have perspectives on how we should navigate life, stemming from affection and a desire for our happiness.
However, these suggestions can sometimes originate from unmet needs, such as a parent seeking vicarious fulfillment or a loved one wanting us to fit a pre-established role. While their input warrants our consideration and appreciation, ultimately, our own inner compass must guide our decisions.
At times, this influx of advice can become overwhelming, leading to feelings of disapproval and self-doubt. These well-intentioned suggestions may inadvertently hinder our personal choices, causing us to question our judgment. We might even find ourselves adopting others’ desires before fully understanding our own. Energetically, this can manifest as resistance or a tendency to withdraw.
It becomes essential to shed these external doubts and introspect to gain clarity on our personal aspirations.
Therefore, it is crucial to communicate our gratitude for the thoughts and ideas shared by our loved ones while firmly asserting our need to live authentically and make independent decisions. We can convey that learning from our own experiences is vital for personal growth and refining our judgment. Ultimately, our loved ones can find comfort in OUR happiness and the path WE choose, realizing that their role is to share in our joy as we pursue our goals.
Peace & Harmony, Cheryl
We Design Space!, 𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓵
For more in-depth support beyond this article, explore my personalized coaching programs. Schedule a free consultation to discuss what’s preventing you from achieving organized living spaces. We’ll pinpoint your obstacles and create a customized plan to reach your goals. I look forward to helping you transform your lifestyle.
Let’s Chat! Cheryl Camacho # 860-941-8630
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Disappointment can ground us in reality and prevent us from dwelling on what could have been.
Disappointment is an unavoidable risk when our expectations aren’t met. This can lead to a range of emotions, from mild sadness to anger, directed at ourselves, others, or the world. Although disappointment is a difficult and natural emotion, there are ways to cope.
Acknowledging and processing disappointment is crucial for personal growth and emotional well-being. One effective way to move forward is through journaling about the experience. This can involve detailing your initial hopes and expectations, contrasting them with the reality of the situation, and exploring the emotions that arise from the discrepancy. By putting your thoughts and feelings into words, you can gain clarity and perspective, allowing you to process the disappointment in a healthy way. This is what I do. . . . .
Disappointment can also serve as a valuable reality check. It can realign your expectations with the actual circumstances, preventing you from dwelling on what could have been and helping you to focus on what is. This can lead to a greater sense of acceptance and peace, enabling you to move forward with a more realistic outlook.
Additionally, reflecting on the experience can help you identify any patterns or recurring themes in your disappointments. This self-awareness can be empowering, as it allows you to make informed decisions and adjust your expectations accordingly, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of future disappointments.
What’s more, processing sorrow can foster resilience and emotional strength. By learning to cope with setbacks and unmet expectations, you can develop the ability to bounce back from adversity and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.
Reflecting on past disappointments may reveal that some outcomes were ultimately better than our initial desires. Disappointment can lead to acceptance, wisdom, and the energy to start anew.
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We Design Space!, 𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓵
If you require more comprehensive guidance than the information provided in my article, consider my personalized 1:1 coaching programs. Book a complimentary consultation to explore the factors hindering your journey toward organized living spaces. Together, we will identify your challenges and develop a tailored strategy to help you achieve your goals of simplifying your space. I anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you in transforming your lifestyle.
Let’s Chat! # 860-941-8630
A TEXT gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call
To sit with your sadness, you need to have the courage to believe that you can endure and overcome the pain.
About a week ago, I spent time with people I hadn’t seen in a year. It was on my ride home after this visit that I started writing this article. I had said to them that when we get through these chaotic times, I hoped we could all find compassion and empathy for one another, instead of hating the other side. Thinking about this, and the sadness we are all experiencing, made me want to write this piece.
When experiencing deep sadness, the last thing we want to hear is that there are lessons to be learned. Amid our pain, we may feel targeted by life, overwhelmed by loss, or too tired to even try to understand the situation.
Even when disappointment and anger make it difficult to see any positive aspects of suffering, we still have an inner knowing that we will eventually move from darkness into greater awareness. Holding onto this truth, however fleeting it may seem, can bring comfort during difficult times.
When experiencing intense sadness, we must confront it directly. This requires courage and faith to endure the pain and trust that we will emerge from it. The grieving process teaches us valuable lessons. By allowing ourselves to experience sadness, we learn to both surrender and accept change.
Sadness, often perceived as a negative emotion, holds significant value in our emotional landscape. It fosters compassion and empathy, enabling us to connect with and understand the pain and struggles of others. This shared experience of sadness creates a bridge of understanding, promoting deeper connections and a sense of community.
Furthermore, sadness plays a crucial role in personal growth and development. It encourages introspection and reflection, prompting us to examine our lives, values, and goals. This self-reflection can lead to valuable insights and a greater understanding of ourselves. Sadness can also motivate us to make positive changes in our lives, fostering resilience and a sense of purpose.
Embracing sadness as a natural and valuable emotion allows us to navigate life’s challenges with greater understanding and compassion, both for ourselves and others. By acknowledging and accepting our sadness, we create space for healing, growth, and deeper connections with the world around us.
The profound knowledge and understanding we gain from navigating experiences of loss, heartbreak, or deep disappointment forge a connection to the very essence of our shared humanity. While our personal journeys through sadness are undeniably unique, and shaped by our individual circumstances and perspectives, the wisdom we draw from these experiences offers universal insights that transcend our differences.
These insights, born from vulnerability and pain, illuminate the shared human experience of suffering and resilience. They teach us about the fragility of life, the impermanence of relationships, and the inevitability of change. They reveal the depths of human emotion, from the profound sorrow of loss to the unwavering strength of the human spirit.
In addition, these experiences foster empathy and compassion, enabling us to connect with others on a deeper level. They remind us that we are not alone in our suffering and that others have walked similar paths and emerged from the darkness with newfound wisdom and strength.
In essence, the knowledge we gain from sadness, while deeply personal, is also profoundly universal. It connects us to the shared human experience, fostering fellowship, compassion, and understanding. It is through these experiences that we truly learn what it means to be human, to love, to lose, and to find strength in the face of adversity.
I’ve always made an effort to care for my skin, even as a teenager when my hormones wreaked havoc on it. I wish I’d understood the role hormones played back then! It wasn’t until I started modeling at 19 that I truly learned how to care for my skin properly. However, since turning 60 a few years ago, I’ve noticed my skin taking on a life of its own, and the rest of me is just along for the ride!
Our skin undergoes significant changes as we age, requiring a shift in skincare routines that worked in our 30s. At the same time, youthful skin focuses on prevention, mature skin after 60 demands hydration, nourishment, and gentler care. Here’s how to adapt your skincare habits for a healthy, radiant glow.
1. Hydration is Key
Skin loses moisture more rapidly with age, leading to dryness and fine lines. Swap out foaming cleansers for hydrating creams or oil-based cleansers that maintain the skin’s natural oils. Follow up with a rich moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane to lock in hydration.
2. Gentle Exfoliation Over Harsh Treatments
In your 30s, strong exfoliants and retinol may have been your go-to for skin renewal. After 60, opt for milder alternatives like lactic acid or enzyme-based exfoliants. Over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, making it prone to sensitivity and irritation.
3. Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable
While SPF is important at any age, mature skin is more vulnerable to UV damage and hyperpigmentation. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, even on cloudy days, to protect collagen and prevent further aging signs.
4. Boost Collagen and Elasticity
Collagen production slows down with age, leading to sagging skin. Incorporate peptides, vitamin C, and niacinamide into your routine to support elasticity and firmness. Consider a nourishing face oil to replenish lipids and add a healthy glow.
5. Prioritize Gentle Ingredients
Harsh anti-aging products can do more harm than good on mature skin. Instead, look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and oat extract to soothe and strengthen the skin barrier. Retinol alternatives like bakuchiol provide anti-aging benefits without irritation.
6. Skincare is Self-Care
Beyond products, lifestyle habits play a crucial role. Stay hydrated, eat antioxidant-rich foods, and prioritize sleep. Facial massage and gua sha can improve circulation, while silk pillowcases reduce sleep lines and friction on delicate skin.
Aging is a natural process, and adapting your skincare to meet the needs of mature skin helps maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. By embracing hydration, protection, and gentle care, you can ensure your skin stays vibrant well into your golden years.
7. Cleaning & Storing your Body/Skin Care Tools
To keep your body and skin care tools clean and in good condition, follow these steps:
Cleansing – Wash makeup brushes, facial rollers, and sponges with warm water and a gentle cleanser or mild soap weekly. For razors and tweezers, use rubbing alcohol to disinfect after each use.
Drying – Let tools air dry completely on a clean towel to prevent bacteria growth. Avoid using heat, as it can damage some materials.
Storage – Keep tools in a dry, ventilated area, preferably in a clean pouch, container, or drawer to protect them from dust and moisture.
Replacement – Regularly replace disposable tools like razors and sponges to maintain hygiene and effectiveness.
Consistently maintaining your tools ensures they remain safe and effective for your skincare routine. This skincare routine can be used by men as well as women. It’s easy to whip up a treatment in the kitchen to keep your skin looking its best. Why not plan a couples’ spa night? ♥
Here is a Weekly Body & Skincare Plan using only gluten-free & organic ingredients to nourish your skin naturally. This plan includes DIY skincare treatments, hydration tips, along with daily self-care rituals.
WEEKLY BODY & SKINCARE PLAN
(I buy Gluten-Free-Because I live a gluten free lifestyle!)
🌿 DAILY ESSENTIALS:
✅ Drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses) ✅ Apply SPF 30+ daily ✅ Moisturize morning & night with lotion (like shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil) ✅ Use a silk pillowcase for better skin and hair health
♥ Below is the routine I use – recreate it to fit you and your lifestyle. ♥
🌞 MONDAY – Hydration Boost
🧼 Cleanse: Rice water face wash (soak organic rice in water, strain, and use the water) 🛁 Body Care: Oatmeal & honey bath (use gluten-free oats in a muslin bag) 💆♀️ Mask: Avocado & aloe vera face mask (mash avocado + aloe gel, apply for 15 min) 💧 Moisturize: Jojoba oil with vitamin E
🌿 TUESDAY – Exfoliation Day
🧼 Cleanse: Chamomile tea face mist (soothes and refreshes skin) 🛁 Body Scrub: Brown sugar & coconut oil scrub (massage in circular motions) 💆♀️ Face Scrub: Coffee & honey exfoliator (use finely ground coffee + honey) 💧 Moisturize: Shea butter & argan oil
🍊 WEDNESDAY – Brightening Care
🧼 Cleanse: Aloe & cucumber face wash (blend cucumber & aloe, strain, and apply) 🛁 Body Care: Orange peel & yogurt body mask (grind dried orange peels + mix with yogurt) 💆♀️ Face Mask: Turmeric & Greek yogurt (for an even skin tone) 💧 Moisturize: Almond oil (if no nut allergy) or grapeseed oil
🌹 THURSDAY – Anti-Aging & Repair
🧼 Cleanse: Rosewater & witch hazel toner 🛁 Body Care: Green tea soak (steep tea in bathwater) 💆♀️ Face Mask: Egg white & honey tightening mask…A favorite!!!♥ 💧 Moisturize: Hyaluronic acid serum + rosehip oil
🌻 FRIDAY – Soothing & Relaxation
🧼 Cleanse: Chamomile & oatmeal cleanser 🛁 Body Care: Lavender-infused coconut oil massage…flavored? Just sayin” 😉 💆♀️ Face Mask: Banana & honey mask (for hydration and glow) 💧 Moisturize: Aloe vera gel & jojoba oil
🍵 SATURDAY – Deep Detox & Nourishment
🧼 Cleanse: Apple cider vinegar toner (diluted with water) 🛁 Body Scrub: Sea salt & olive oil scrub 💆♀️ Face Mask: Bentonite clay & apple cider vinegar 💧 Moisturize: Shea butter & chamomile oil
🫐 SUNDAY – Beauty Sleep & Renewal
🧼 Cleanse: Blueberry & honey antioxidant cleanser 🛁 Body Care: Epsom salt bath with lavender 💆♀️ Face Mask: Yogurt & honey overnight mask 💧 Moisturize: Sweet almond oil or coconut oil before bed…maybe flavored just saaayin” 😉
📝 Notes:
All ingredients must be certified gluten-free. (this is for the GF family!)
Adjust recipes based on skin type (oily, dry, sensitive).
Always do a patch test before trying a new ingredient.
Store homemade skincare in the fridge for freshness.
Each step towards honoring and caring for our physical bodies enhances our inner and outer radiance.
Prioritizing consistent physical activity, such as walking, yoga, weight-training or biking, at every age fosters both physical and mental well-being. This focus on lifelong fitness promotes a positive mindset and a resilient body, demonstrating that embracing an active lifestyle is not about achieving perfection, but about cherishing and empowering yourself through movement.
Practicing consistently creates a strong and energetic foundation, which illuminates our path with confidence. Each step taken reaffirms our dedication to respecting our physical selves and cultivates an inner and outer glow.
The benefits of fitness extend far beyond physical health, promoting mental clarity, emotional stability, and unwavering self-confidence. It’s not about chasing youth, but embracing each stage of life with grace and strength. Nurturing a lifelong fitness practice fosters self-esteem, infusing life with purpose and vibrancy.
If you’re looking to kick-start or uplevel your fitness journey, ask yourself what kind of movement you would like to do. Maybe you choose what you already know and love. Maybe you’re looking for something new. Then, think about the experience you want and set an intention.
Setting an intention, such as “I want to exercise to improve my health, feel stronger, and enhance my body confidence,” or “I want to have fun moving and giving my body permission to express itself,” can be a great way to support your fitness journey and help you achieve more specific fitness goals.
Remember to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments along the way; celebrate yourself, don’t compare yourself – showing up and taking care of your health is an achievement in itself.
In winter, the Earth is blanked in quietude as animals and humans alike seek refuge indoors for deep reflection~
In autumn, the Earth begins to let go of all that it has been holding onto during the spring and summer months. By midwinter, it has released everything and rests in its uncomplicated beauty, free of the frantic activity of the warmer seasons.
The harsh conditions of winter, with its cold temperatures and lack of sunlight, drive both humans and animals to seek shelter indoors. In response, we create warm and inviting spaces within our homes, offering a comforting contrast to the stark and quiet winter landscape. During this time, nature itself seems to retreat and rest, as life withdraws inward to endure the season.
During the winter months, shorter days and longer nights disrupt our natural cycles, even in warmer climates. To stay warm, we light fires and eat hot meals, similar to animals hibernating in caves. We sleep more and desire rest.
The slower pace of winter offers the opportunity for rest, longer sleep, and a calmer mind, while also encouraging companionship and connection around the fire.
While the darkness of winter settles over the Earth, we find comfort indoors, enjoying laughter, food, conversation, sleep, and books. The Earth shows us how to embrace change and recognize our role within it. We can find inspiration in her peaceful surrender to emptiness, peace, and darkness—which all precede form, activity, and light.
To show our gratitude for the Earth’s lessons and gifts, we can offer a seasonal blessing of appreciation. By holding the Earth in our hearts and thanking her for our existence, we show our respect and acknowledge our interconnectedness.
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