My Birthday Reflections (+ the self-care gifts I gave myself)

It’s my birthday today! And since I always love any reason to pause, take stock, celebrate what’s working and identify areas for growth, what I’d love to share with you today are my reflections on the gifts I gave myself this year (which I was considering while clipping my nails). 

Here are the top 11 self-care gifts I gave myself this year:

11-the gift of consistent energy flow

Any issue in life is only ever the result of stuck energy. When we consciously devote ourselves to practices that get energy flowing (like breathwork, BodyAwake® Yoga, BEST) those issues resolve with no extra effort. It’s magical. I amplified all three of those practices this year and have noticed so many internal and external shifts that it’s mindblowing. The energy is flowing!

10- the gift of asking for what I want/need

Especially at home with my family. When I notice my mind getting up to its old tricks of having imaginary conversations that sound resentful, it’s time to ask for what I want out loud. Wowee. I’m so glad I know this now!

9- the gift of being more authentic and vulnerable

I used to want to hide my flaws and mistakes for fear of being judged. I was quite a devious little fellow (which probably refers more to men but there’s no equally good word for women so fellow it is). This year I’ve been doing the harder thing which is opening up and - my goodness - the subsequent connection and understanding is revolutionary! It can be tough to get vulnerable but it’s certainly worth it. 

8- the gift of getting uncomfortable

Whenever I don’t know how to do something, I tend to get uncomfortable and so that happened a lot this year. I got certified in Spiritual BEST. I hiked the West Coast Trail. I published my second children’s book and did the parts of the process I’d never done before. And then there's just the day-to-day uncomfortable like getting up early to go for a walk. So. Worth. It.

7- the gift of investing in myself and my growth

Many times this year, I followed my heart and jumped into trainings, teachings and experiences that required significant investments of time and money. As always, when I follow my heart, it pays off in dividends and life takes me where I never could have imagined. 

6- the gift of trusting 

When I trust in my intuition, in the Universe as the source of my supply and in life in general, knowing that Infinite Intelligence knows far more than me, I’m able to surrender, flow and experience grace without holding onto what “should have been”. 

5- the gift of simplifying

This gift has been coming up so much lately and I’m continually laughing at myself as I refine what simple means to me (and what I thought I was doing that seemed simple but really was not). We humans tend to overcomplicate and I’ve been at the frontlines of that tendency. By seeking out teachers and mentors and learning what they do to simplify, I’ve been able to do much more of that. It feels GOOD!

4- the gift of embracing what is

What you resist persists. I’ve been deepening my experience of this gift and it’s become my go-to way of showing up in the world. As soon as I notice resistance, I identify it, melt into it and invite the closed part to open up. 

3- the gift of loving all the parts of myself unconditionally

When uncomfortable feelings show up, I turn toward them and love them with all my might. I used to try to get rid of the perfectionist and the critic and the parts of me that can be judgmental and hateful. Rather than trying to banish them (which never worked anyway), now I love, love love them and it feels so much better. All my parts are grateful to finally be seen. 

2- the gift of lightness and fun

I really focused this year on what would be fun and then took action on it. Turns out there are so many ways to have fun. 

I put out a ludicrous book with a hilarious cover that makes me laugh every time I look at it. (Not Your Mama’s Self-Care Guide, in case you missed it.)

Just this past week, Paul and I spontaneously broke out into a foxtrot at a European grocery store where there was a live pianist playing, I jumped up and down and cheered in Costco when they restocked my favourite frozen fruit mix, I talked to myself in an adorable voice (named Einkorn), I made a ridiculous purchase that will bring me and the kids so much joy (more on that another time) and I created insanely ridiculous Instagram posts for my own delight. It was a wonderful week. 

1- the gift of doing what I love

I’ve crafted my life around doing what I love and that means that I look forward to every day rather than just the weekends. I love my Courageous Self-Care practices, I love my clients, I love my work, I love my family, I love making a difference, I love being in nature, I love delicious healthy food, I love being active. I’m overflowing with love and that comes from consciously choosing it over and over while making modifications along the way that help me feel more and more aligned to my highest self. 

It’s been a wonderful year! And the next one is going to be even better. I can just feel it. 

Wishing you a week filled with many gifts as well. 

With celebratory love and exquisite courage,

Christina

>Creator of Courageous Self-Care

>pretty sure I’m turning 48 (I always have to double check)

>sharing some gifts with you below - see the PS

PS -  Our next complimentary Remote Group Healing Open House is happening soon - on Tuesday November 19. Get your body out of fight or flight, balance your entire system and experience healing on all levels. Click here to sign up. Can’t attend live? A replay will be available for 48 hours.

PPS - As always, I must share the gift of 9D Breathwork. It’s been responsible for such huge shifts in my life. This month we’re doing the journey: Releasing Stress and Anxiety. It’s a gentle journey that helps cultivate inner peace and calm that lasts much longer than the actual session. Click here for details and to register. 

It was my beloved’s birthday last week and rather than shelling out $80 (which is apparently the going rate for cakes these days around here), I made one myself. 

It was amazing! And super-healthy. Which often means not so amazing but in this case, we were all quite pleasantly surprised. 

In the mood for a carrot cake that will enhance your health rather than detract from it? 

This recipe is gluten-free (but not gritty), free of refined sugar, vegan, low in fat and all the other things we would want plus it’s perfectly spiced, moist and the icing is the best non-dairy version of a cream cheese icing I’ve ever had. 

Is your mouth watering?

Click here to get the recipe

(And I always use cassava flour instead of rice flour. It’s so much better.)

Here’s a lovely one that was playing in the car this week. It’s called Let It All Go by Birdy and Rhodes. 

I really love the line: If you’re strong enough to let it all in, you’re strong enough to let it all go. 

Profound, right? And even better when sung so beautifully. 

Search up this song and let the wisdom seep in.