Five steps to make your weekend awesome

Good morning to you…

… you lovely, starlight-seeded being! 💖

It is the weekend, and you've just opened your eyes to 48 hours of pure and endless potential. 🤗 #Yeahyeahyeah

Many of you told me that they have started to feel slow, sluggish and emotionally drained over the last couple of days. All I can tell you: You are not alone. However, with another 14 days of lockdown in sight, it is up to us to make the most of it, instead of succumbing to the chewing-gum-like existence of our days. So why not turn this weekend with five simple steps into a beautiful, creative, and fun self-care-retreat? 🤸‍♂️

Step 1: Get to know yourself better.
We might not be able to hangout with other people, but we can always deepen the relationship with ourselves. For instance, do you really know your strengths?

According to a wonderful book with the name "The Happiness Advantage" that I read last month (you find the summary in my Instagram story highlights), the more we use what we are good at - a.k.a., our signature strengths - in our daily lives, the happier we become. 💖 There is a free and truly mind-opening survey you can take (you only have to sign up once) that will show you your three key strengths according to your personality. Mine are 1) Creativity, 2) Appreciation of beauty and excellence, and 3) spirituality. It couldn't be more apt. 🤗

Step 2: Shake your booty.
We all know that emotions sit deep inside our bodies - and in order to get them out, we have to move. The wonderful Adrienne (those of you who are here a since the beginning know my admiration for her) has created a super gentle, flowy Yoga class to "make you feel your best". Hop on the mat for 22 minutes, and stretch your body, tap into your breath, and invite your endorphins to a private party. 🥳 Is there a better way to start the weekend?

Step 3: Learn something new - for example about art!
My aunt Pixie sent this amazing link to me, and I couldn't stop laughing... it is that good! 😅 An amazing human being compiled this hilarious guide on how to recognize famous painters by their paintings - and it’s surprisingly accurate. Museum tours will never be the same again! 🤓

Step 4: Create something.
You don't need much to get the creative juices flowing - because when there is a will (and paint), there is a way (and art)! So get sketching, doodling knitting, writing, baking, scrubbing, gluing, stamping, drilling, rhyming, ... Often, being creative is nothing but the CHOICE to be creative, so don't wait for your muse - she lives inside you anyway. 🤗🌺 Here a few super amazing ideas - please send me pictures of all the amazing things you've come up with! 🌸

Step 5: Feel and love yourself.
The most important thing is to give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling. Tired? Be tired - and then take a nap. Annoyed? Let it all out (but don't yell at your parents or partner - a pillow does the job, too). Sad? Cry! More. Louder. Harder. Until no tear is left inside. Frustrated? Turn all this energy into either something creative or move your body until all steam has evaporated. Don't allow anything that simmers inside of you to pile up. 🦋

Just don't forget one thing: It is ok to feel. No blame, no shame, no guilt. Just pure, 100% self-acceptance, and the inner wisdom that you can FEEL YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS again. The only way out is always through. You've got this!

Now go, and make this weekend absolutely epic for you and your loved ones. You have all the magic already with you! I will be back on Monday. 🌺

With love from Goa,
Isabelle 🌿