picture yourself surrounded by a gentle light that embraces every part of who you are

enjoy this week's meditation

guided mindfulness meditation on recognizing your emotions

by mindful peace

do you stay silent and let others talk over you during meetings?
do you hesitate or even avoid asking for the praise you’ve earned?
do you let your partner and friends make all the decisions?
do you avoid big goals because you’re afraid to fail?

you deserve better

enjoy this week's podcast

understanding yourself: the #1 thing you need to do to live an authentic life

by the mel robbins podcast with ritu bhasin

this week, we’re inspired by ritu bhasin’s teachings on authenticity, belonging, and the courage it takes to live unapologetically as ourselves

her work reminds us that affirmations aren’t just words, they’re practices of self-liberation, pathways to reconnecting with our inner power

enjoy her blog

i think it will help

belong to yourself

by ritu bhasin

this week's book suggestion is an oldie but you'll love it

"to deserve is to claim freedom

the freedom to live, love, and define life on your own terms"

inspired by erica jong’s fear of flying, we affirm the courage to break free from expectation and embrace desire, authenticity, and possibility

enjoy this amazing novel

fear of flying

by erica jong

after last week with "the long walk", we're going to lighten the mood

animation is always my go-to for that good cry

the cry that releases all those bad feelings and welcomes in the good endorphins

one of the sweetest films this year that was recommended a few weeks ago in theatres, is now out on streaming

enjoy

elio

starring yonas kibreab, zoe saldaña, and remy edgerly

an 11-year-old social misfit accidentally beams up to an intergalactic conference where he is mistaken for earth's ambassador

he must navigate an alien world and navigate an intergalactic crisis, all while discovering his own identity

now for our rituals

this week's self-care ritual is designed to help you tune into your own needs

listen to the quiet wisdom of your heart, and cultivate environments, both inner and outer, where you feel fully recognized

through intention, reflection, and ritual, you can deepen your connection to yourself and invite the understanding you deserve into every corner of your life

grounding breathwork inhale deeply, hold for 4 counts, exhale slowly; with each breath, imagine releasing self-judgment and welcoming gentle self-acceptance

journal prompt "where in my life do i long to be more understood, and how can i communicate that need with honesty and kindness?"

connection practice reach out to someone you trust and share something from your heart. allow yourself to be seen and heard without apology. if that person does not exist in your life, write a letter to yourself

restorative bath or shower use calming oils like lavender or sandalwood. imagine the water cleansing away layers of judgment, leaving only compassion

this ritual affirms that understanding begins within: when you fully hear and accept yourself, you naturally attract relationships and spaces that reflect that same compassion

enjoy!

as you move through this week, remember that understanding begins within

when you honor your own feelings, speak your truth, and give yourself compassion, you radiate a clarity that others can recognize

each interaction, each pause, and each moment spent in mindful reflection is a step toward self-acceptance and toward being fully seen

trust that the world mirrors the understanding you cultivate within yourself

you'll be hearing more from me soon

promise

tamara charese

as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here