A Year of Nourished: What's Been Filling My Cup
Wow, friends, it's officially been a year since I started writing this blog! I'm writing this one from a lounger by the pool overlooking the Aegean Sea, listening to the waves roll in. Adam and I have been in Crete for just over a week now, and it feels like the perfect spot for a little reflection. This milestone deserves a celebration, because it's been a whole year of working on my Nourished blog and I've learned so much about myself along the way.
A Summer That Stretched Me
We all live for summer, but this past one stretched me on so many levels. Between cottage season, travel and our youngest son heading off to Spain, there were plenty of days when I felt pulled in a hundred directions at once. Sitting here now with the sea in front of me, I can finally see it all a little more clearly. So much has happened this year, and so much of it has filled me up in ways I didn't expect. So grab a cup of something cozy, because I want to share what's been nourishing me.
Leaning Into My Cookbook Journey
This year I've really leaned into my cookbook journey. I've started writing more, and it feels so aligned with who I am and where I'm headed. I'm enjoying being creative in the kitchen again, playing with ideas and letting things evolve without rushing them. I've also found Chef Christine Flynn, who has been a great writing coach and sounding board along the way. Having someone in your corner who truly gets food and storytelling makes such a difference, and I'm so grateful for her.
Getting Dressed With a Little Sass
Okay, I don't know about you, but a lot of the time I get total decision fatigue just looking at my closet. Hiring a stylist has been a game changer for me. Kimberley Rashed from Styled Essence Collective helped me develop a plan to dress myself in an effortless way, with a little sass and whimsy thrown in. Now getting ready feels fun instead of overwhelming, and I'm not mad about it.
Slow Travel, My Way
In my opinion, slow travel is where it's at. You just show up. There's time for sleeping in, being free to do or be whatever you like, amazing food and drinks, all by the water in beautiful places around the world. Add in loved ones and like minded people, and that's my kind of trip. This week we have the utmost pleasure of traveling with the fine folks at Epicureans. They offer European trips with a focus on culinary and wine, with so many behind the scenes experiences that make you feel so special. This is our second vacation with them, and I have a feeling it won't be the last. Chef's kiss.
Rituals, Solitude and a Little Woo
Rituals, of course, are a big part of my everyday. Slow mornings with my morning matcha set the tone for my whole day, and I protect that time like it's gold. My Nourished products have become part of my rituals too. The clay mask with the rose water makes for an amazing facial, and spraying one of the room sprays or even a body spray on my linens before I go to sleep is my favourite way to end the day. It feels luxe without the fancy butler!
I've also learned to make room for solitude, and a good amount of it. Some quiet time on my own refills me in a way nothing else can. This year I've leaned into the woo too, with reiki and tarot cards becoming part of my rhythm. My energy coach, Brenda Johnston from the Limitless Life podcast, was a big one for me. It just feels right. I'm never sceptical, and I always feel at ease before, during and after our sessions. Finding that kind of support has been such a gift.
My People
One of the sweetest parts of this year has been my kids wanting to hang out with me. Not by force, but with so much ease, love and connection. As a mom, there's really nothing better than that.
Then there are my soul sisters all over the world. We were brought together through former women's mentorships, and we've become each other's rocks. No matter the time zone, they show up for me and I show up for them, and that's a bond I hold so close to my heart.
And of course there's quality time with Adam. It's been a busy six months, so this trip has been a chance for us to slow down and just enjoy each other again. Long lunches, sunsets and nowhere we need to be? A girl could get used to this.
Saying Yes a Little More
The last one is a lesson I'm still learning. I've been leaning into being more open to things and saying yes to a little more spontaneity. Not in a people pleasing kind of way, but in a way that might get me out of my comfort zone. Some of my favourite moments this year came from those unplanned yeses, and I want to keep that energy going.
Here's to Year Two
Thank you for reading along, sharing your own stories and cheering me on. I'd love to hear what's been nourishing you lately, so drop me an email! And if you're craving a little more of the heart stuff, I share the deeper, more personal side of life over on my Substack. Now if you'll excuse me, there's a sea view calling my name.
Lots of love,
Marsha
