TRANSCEND | EMPOWER | TRANSFORM
Let the beauty of your journey towards physical, mental, social, and emotional betterment of life be a catalyst for positive and fulfilling life change.
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
June 2025
Volume 1 | Issue 2
Hello, everyone! I have really missed connecting with all of you, and I cannot thank you enough for your extraordinary patience during this time. So much has been happening in my life, and I am excited to share more updates soon!
This year has been a thrilling journey, a vibrant whirlwind of change that has brought joy, a sprinkle of hope, and moments of sadness and uncertainty. Through it all, I have come to acknowledge an essential aspect of my life that often gets neglected: my spiritual wellness - the care of my soul. In response, I have immersed myself in the enriching practices of prayer, journaling, and meditation. I am excited to share with you how these fulfilling rituals have transformed my overall wellness and elevated my life experience.
I hope my insights spark your curiosity and inspire you to embark on your own unique journey towards spiritual well-being!
When you hear the word ‘wellness,’ what comes to mind? Is it the image of a fit body, shedding extra pounds, or enjoying delicious, healthy meals? I must confess, those thoughts dance around in my head, too! But let’s be real: our social media feeds overflow with the latest trends and must-have products related to nutrition, movement, recovery, and regeneration. But, let’s dig a little deeper - wellness is about much more than these surface-level ideas. It encompasses a holistic approach to health that nurtures not just the body but also the mind and spirit!
Nurturing the Soul: My Journey to Spiritual Wellness
My wellness journey has opened my eyes to the importance of nurturing every aspect of well-being. However, these past six months of highs and lows have led me to a profound discovery - I’ve been overlooking a crucial pillar of wellness. This essential element, which serves as the foundation for all other dimensions of well-being in my life, is spiritual wellness.
One of my resolutions this year has been to dive deep into my spiritual wellness, which means dedicating time each day for journaling, prayer, and meditation. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, my first instinct was to ask, “What if I’m not doing these things the right way?” For example, there has always been this nagging doubt in my mind - am I praying correctly? Sometimes, as I listen to others offer their heartfelt prayers I can’t help but wonder, “Am I getting it wrong?” The same goes for journaling and meditation; I’ve often thought there must be some secret playbook I am missing. Being a perfectionist has its perks (let’s be real), but it often feels more like a double-edged sword!
So, what is spiritual wellness? At its core, spiritual wellness involves feeling connected to something much larger than ourselves. It encompasses embracing a unique set of values, principles, morals, and beliefs that provide us with a profound sense of purpose and enrich our lives with meaning. These guiding principles shape our actions and decisions in every aspect of our journey. What that ‘something greater’ is can vary significantly from person to person, influenced by our upbringing and what resonates with our beliefs.
My Something Greater
Growing up, I identified myself as Catholic. Although I attended Mass, enrolled in Catholic high school, and participated in confessions - all the conventions of being Catholic - I later realized that my spiritual journey held much more meaning. During those reflective years, I redefined my self-identity; I am a proud Christian first who practices her faith within the Catholic tradition.
At the heart of it all lies my unwavering devotion to God. As I’ve matured, I’ve learned to embrace my relationship with Him on a deeper level. This journey has taught me the importance of making space for Him in my life through prayer and a profound understanding of His Word. Every day, I strive to nurture this connection, finding strength and purpose in my faith.
Prayer
Growing up as a Catholic, I was immersed in the world of memorized prayers - reciting the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Nicene Creed, to name a few. The keyword here is ‘memorize.’ During Mass, the Priest speaks, and we reply in a set pattern, almost like a script. But it wasn’t until my adult years that I discovered the beauty of praying from my heart. For a long time, I felt like I was doing it all wrong - as if my prayers weren’t ‘perfect.’ Yet, as I embarked on my spiritual wellness journey, I uncovered a profound truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to prayer. God simply longs to be invited into our conversations and to nurture a genuine relationship with us.
Through my experiences, I’ve learned how prayer can be a powerful tool for letting go of anxiety. In those moments of uncertainty and worry, taking the time to pray allows me to release my burdens, to surrender my fears to something greater than myself. This practice doesn’t just alleviate stress; it grounds me in the present moment. By focusing my thoughts and intentions on my relationship with God, I am able to redirect my attention away from the chaos of life, fostering a sense of peace.
Moreover, this mindful approach to prayer opens the door to embracing other aspects of wellness. When I clear my mind of anxious thoughts, I become more aware of my surroundings, more attuned to my emotions, and more capable of nurturing healthy relationships with those around me. It’s as if prayer creates a space for clarity and healing, allowing me to connect deeply with myself and others. In this way, I’ve come to realize that prayer is not just a ritual; it is a vital element of my overall well-being, enhancing my mental and emotional health while guiding me toward a more fulfilled and balanced life.
Journaling
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a women’s retreat, where I experienced a transformative session on journaling. My biggest revelation? There is no secret playbook for how to journal! Realizing this was so liberating! So, when I began my journaling journey at the start of the year, I let my thoughts and feelings flow freely onto the page.
Journaling not only became my personal space to ‘converse’ with myself but also served as a vital tool in my overall wellness journey. Through reflecting on my day-to-day experiences and emotions, I learned to identify patterns that affect my mental health. It became a safe haven where I could express my fears and anxieties, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Moreover, journaling allowed me to set clear intentions and goals, which are crucial for personal growth. By writing about my aspirations, I could actively track my progress and celebrate my achievements, large and small. This practice also promotes mindfulness, helping me to stay grounded in the present moment rather than getting overwhelmed by future uncertainties.
In addition, this creative outlet fueled a larger desire within me to enhance my spiritual wellness. By dedicating time to journal about my relationship with God, I uncovered deeper insights into my beliefs and values. It helped me to express gratitude, reflect on prayers, and gain clarity on my spiritual path. Overall, the act of journaling has truly enriched every aspect of my wellness journey, empowering me to live a more fulfilled and intentional life.
Meditation
One fascinating area of spiritual wellness that I have recently revisited is meditation. For a long time, I hesitated to embrace meditation due to the overwhelming chatter in my mind. Let’s be honest - women excel at multitasking, often juggling thoughts, plans, and analyses of countless things all at once! Am I right?
But here’s the exciting part: meditation is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding a moment of peace amidst the chaos, allowing ourselves to slow down and truly connect with our inner selves. Imagine the potential of quieting that constant internal dialogue!
At the women’s retreat I attended last year, I had the pleasure of meeting the incredible Bekah Vandenberg. She guided us through several meditative journeys that truly opened my eyes to the transformative benefits of meditation. Amid a challenging phase in my life, I have returned to meditation as a way to release tension, calm my thoughts, and nurture my spirit. Bekah’s collection of audio journeys have been a game-changer for me, providing immense support, guidance, and affirmation on this journey.
Beyond spiritual wellness, meditation can significantly enhance other areas of our lives, including emotional and physical well-being. Regular meditation practice can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and foster emotional resilience. By allowing ourselves to be present and mindful, we can better manage our reactions to life’s challenges, leading to healthier relationships and decreased emotional turmoil. Additionally, studies have shown that meditation can improve sleep quality and promote overall physical health, making it an invaluable tool for holistic wellness.
Spiritual Growth
As this year has unfolded, my journaling, meditation, and prayer life have transformed into a profoundly enriching experience. They have blossomed into a comforting ritual - familiar and inviting - providing me with a sacred space each day to quiet the chaos around me. It is a precious time to renew my spirit, recharge my energy, and connect intimately with God. The more I embrace this practice, the more I anticipate those moments of reflection and peace.
Spiritual wellness has truly become the cornerstone of my overall wellness journey! Recently, I stumbled upon a thought-provoking idea that resonated deeply: “Self-care without soul-care only makes us comfortable in our hopelessness.” This powerful realization inspired me to reflect on the many times I tried to lose weight, exercise more, or eat healthier, often falling short of my goals. It dawned on me that I wasn’t nurturing my soul and spirit alongside my body. Now, as I embrace spiritual wellness, I am witnessing incredible transformations in every aspect of my wellness journey. Ultimately, I understand that true well-being springs from a harmonious balance between body, mind, and spirit, and I am excited to continue this fulfilling path toward holistic health.
As I reflect on my journey, I invite you to embark on your own exploration of spiritual wellness, discovering what resonates deeply with your soul. Whether your choose to journal, meditate, pray, or engage in another practice, remember that journey is uniquely yours. There is no wrong way to nurture your spirit; what truly matters is that you immerse yourself in activities that bring you peace and joy. Embrace this exciting opportunity to deepen your connection with yourself and the divine. Start today, and let your spiritual wellness journey unfold, enriching your life in beautiful and surprising ways!
What I’m Loving
PRAYER
Discovering a good devotional can be a transformative experience for your daily prayer life. Some years ago, I stumbled upon Cleere Cherry Reaves - a dynamic speaker, writer, and a true celebrator of both the ordinary and the extraordinary, as she beautifully describes on her website.
Her devotionals are not just easy to read; they resonate deeply and offer practical insights that I can easily incorporate into my life. It often feels like the Holy Spirit is sending me precise messages at just the right moments. Isn’t that the essence of how the Divine operates?
In addition to her devotionals, Cleere hosts an inspiring podcast called “Let’s Be Cleere.” I love listening to it during my long walks in nature or while driving. So often, I find myself compelled to revisit certain episodes, eager to jot down notes because they’re just that insightful!
JOURNALING
When it comes to spiritual wellness, journaling stands out as a uniquely personal journey. How you choose to document your thoughts is entirely up to you! Whether you prefer tapping on your phone, utilizing a sleek journaling app, or embracing the charm of a traditional notebook like I do, the beauty lies in your choice - there’s truly no wrong way to express yourself.
For my journaling practice, I’ve opted for a simple notebook. Nothing extravagant, yet just right for my style! Being a visual person, I love using stickers to inject a bit of personality into the pages. They not only add flair but also make it easy for me to revisit key insights, action items, and memorable quotes.
MEDITATION
I discovered Bekah Vandenberg through my own wellness coach - yes, even wellness coaches invest in their own well-being!
Being in Bekah’s presence is nothing short of a transformative experience. Her calming and nurturing energy creates a space where I can truly unwind. Engaging in her meditative journeys has been incredibly beneficial for quieting the chaos in my mind.
Like any new skill, meditation requires practice, but with each passing day, I’m learning to embrace the process, let go of my worries, and dive deeper into tranquility!
As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, I invite you to pause and soak in the enriching practices and insights we've shared. If you’re excited to explore the depths of spiritual wellness or are eager to discover wellness coaching opportunities, don’t hesitate to email me! I would be thrilled to connect and embark on this transformative journey together. Here’s to a vibrant and fulfilling month ahead!
Remember to cherish those precious moments that nurture your soul and celebrate the beauty of your unique journey!