Hello Readers,
What books are you currently reading?
Here’s a list of 9 captivating books that we are reading this year, in case you are looking for some book recommendations-
2. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
4. Vincent Van Gogh: A Life in Letters
7. Rumi: The Book of Love: Poems of Ecstasy and Longing
8. Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book For Everyone and No One
Have you read any of these before? Do you have any recommendations? I’d love to know in the comments below.
xx
Yachna
As Nelson Mandela once quoted “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
We have collectively dealt with hardships, disappointment, and loss during the pandemic in the past year.
When expectations are shattered, there can be broken hearts.
“I feel stuck; all my cups have spilled. The only thing that remains is this hollow emptiness.” This year more than ever, I felt overwhelmed with the feeling of being stuck while I ruminated on my pain and regrets.
This year felt like fighting 365 battles. Some days were full of rainbows and sunshine. The others felt like drowning in the ocean, struggling to come up for that breath of fresh air.
Your soul has stood powerfully strong this year. No matter what came your way, you stand tall with unshakable faith. That’s all that matters.
Reflect on the lessons of your hardship and how you survived each one of the roadblocks. How has this year strengthened you?
Remember: every disappointment and heartbreak presents itself as the opportunity to grow and learn from it.
Sometimes we must take a few steps backward to move forward.
It is said that darkness teaches us lessons that light could never. The brightest stars rise out of the darkness.
As we step into the new year, think about what is holding you back from taking the next big step in your life? What would you do if nothing stood in your way?
Shine a light on your fears. Striking out a new path often feels uncomfortable and scary. Let yourself feel this, and know that growing always comes from discomfort and pain.
Explore new territories. Step into the new beginnings and adventures into the unknown.
Your journey is uniquely yours, with all its bumps and detours. Let your inner light guide you to the galaxies of stars. The best is yet to happen.
Have a magical new year ✨✨✨
xx
Yachna
Isn’t finding love and happiness considered the pinnacles of life goals?
Endless research suggests that the key to happiness is in the quality of your relationships. We spend years to find where our hearts belong.
When we finally get the answer, sometimes we can’t help but run away in fear.
“It’s good to be true,” we tell ourselves; the self-destruction begins.
Painful memories, messy breakups, and unhappy childhood memories lead us to push away those we love the most often without meaning to.
Having a fear of intimacy and letting someone is entirely normal, especially if you’ve had several failed relationships or have emotionally distant parents.
We spend so much time in indecision. Contrary to what we have been fed all our lives, opening yourself to someone and being vulnerable is not for the faintest of hearts.
With that being said, here are 10 surprising signs that you might be suffering from a fear of intimacy.
1) Abandonment Terrifies You
Fear of intimacy stems from the unresolved fear of abandonment. Those who grew up with emotionally distant parents then you’re most likely to develop this fear. You create a positive view of yourself but a negative view of others. You think to yourself, “the only person I can truly count on is myself.” You feel it’s always better to leave first before someone leaves you behind, again. It’s easier to not let people in because then it won’t hurt when they leave. You struggle with long-term romantic commitment and, in some cases, even friendships.
2) You’ve Never Been in a Relationship
…and it’s terrifying. If you’ve never been in a relationship, the idea of sharing deep personal intimacy and vulnerability can seem overwhelming and scary to the point where you feel like it’s better to stay single than to have any lover’s woes.
3) You Are Fiercely Independent
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with being independent. After all, who doesn’t want to be self-sufficient, knowledgeable, and competent? But, you should also know when to ask for help. Being too independent, you take pride in never needing anything from anyone. In many ways, it makes you feel in control of your life and helps you keep an emotional distance from people. You never allow yourself to depend on anyone or need them. Your independence gives you the freedom of keeping everyone at arm’s length.
4) You always fall for the wrong one
Do you have a history of falling in love with the wrong people? Do you find yourself attracted to emotionally distant and unavailable people? Maybe abusive, unfaithful, and rude too? Picking partners that are not healthy can be seen as a sign of fear of intimacy because it allows you to not get too close to a person. You may find dark, damaged, and aloof people more appealing because you don’t have to worry about a stable and secure relationship with them. You also turn away people that offer security and stability.
5) You feel you ‘should’ be dating
You feel pressured because of the assumption you ‘should’ be dating at this point because you’re in your late 20s or even 30s. You’re just a happily single person. You find yourself fearing and running away from relationships. Know that it’s completely normal, and you’re not alone in feeling this.
6) You tend to be flaky
Being flaky means committing to do things but rarely following through with them. When people get close to you, your instinct is to push people away. Have you ever shared something personal and intimate about yourself with a person and then ghosted them? Having an honest and emotional conversation with someone scares you. So, you try to keep your distance by not getting too close to them. When someone comes too close to you, you can’t help but run away in the opposite direction.
7) You’re a perfectionist
If you’re a perfectionist, then chances are you have a tough time letting others see the flaws in you. You’re afraid you might be rejected because of them, or maybe you are too scared to even admit to yourself that you have any flaws in the first place. You tend to intimidate people by always putting up a perfect front. People may even find it hard to match up to your level. Keeping up with the show helps nobody here. Remember to be open and vulnerable with people you care about. Choose to trust them enough to see and accept your flaws.
Have you heard of the Japanese concept of ” wabi-sabi”? It is about loving what’s flawed, asymmetric, and often broken. It’s a view or thought of finding beauty in every aspect of imperfection in nature. It is to come over our tendency to have superiority and inferiority complexes. By this, I mean that this “self” you will love is an imperfect entity constantly changing.
8) The Ghost of your past relationships
Has this ever happened to you: you’ve had many different healthy intimate relationships, and none of them ever works out? You find yourself giving hope that you’ll ever find someone. With each breakup, your faith gets dimmer in finding your “the one.”
9) You are a workaholic
When you’re practically married to your job, it leaves no room for any serious relationship whatsoever. Or, you focus on work too much because it helps you divert your attention from having to confront your personal issues. Your career has become an excuse to not form any healthy, long-lasting relationships. People afraid of intimacy find it easier to pour all their energy into work to avoid committing to something serious. If you are a workaholic, then ask yourself: is this the reason why?
10) You sabotage your relationships
It goes without saying that if you fear intimacy, then you sabotage your relationships. This self-destructive behaviour only robs you of the opportunity to have a happy and healthy relationship. You may be doing this unknowingly by not expressing your feelings to others. Or you deliberately doing things you know could upset or hurt the people you love. Did you know that research shows that people who cheat on their partners have a deep fear of intimacy?
By the time we recognize these patterns in ourselves, we are already set in our ways. Healing from our emotional baggage is a long process. It can take years to fully let go of things that weigh us down. However, it doesn’t always have to be this way. With diligence, support, and awareness, you got this. The journey of thousand miles begins by simply taking the first step. The first step here is simply noticing the signs.
Did you find yourself nodding along to any of these signs? Now that you recognize these signs in you, are you finally ready to overcome this damaging fear of intimacy? Did you have anything else to add? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to send this to anyone who can benefit from this.
xx
Yachna
P.S.
How do you know it’s time to walk away from that draining relationship?
(Featured Image Veryrealfasntasy)
You don’t meet people by accident. And nothing in life happens by coincidence.
I met Wisal as soon as I landed in Paris at the railway station. It was late at night. Watching me struggle, she generously offered to help me carry my luggage.
“Wait, I’ll come to help you.” she declared as she came down the stairs to take my luggage with me.
That moment was just the beginning of our cosmic sisterhood.
“What are you doing in Paris?” she asked me after we carried my luggage from the station.
” Just travelling,” I replied.
It was her first day in Paris too.
She asked me if I was travelling with someone.
“I am travelling solo,” I replied.
“ME TOO!!!” she said as her eyes lightened up with excitement.
As we talked, we found out we were in the same hostel. And then, in the same room.
It was meant to be. I felt it in my heart.
Later that night, we bonded over our love for art, fashion, and vintage shopping. What brought us even closer is that we refuse to play by society’s rules.
It’s sad when people don’t get to follow their dreams because of the pressure from society.
It’s better to rebel and work hard for your dreams than regret them years later.
Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman. It’s especially tough if you are a brown woman. There’s are certain subliminal messaging that comes with it. You need to dress a certain way, be married by 30, and have kids.
We both very strongly rebelled against that and weren’t afraid to speak our minds.
At 16, Wisal ran away from her parents’ house. Her Moroccan parents never accepted her free artist soul. The culture was oppressed, and there was no room for her dreams.
“I felt suffocated all the time living in that house. So, I ran away. Living on the streets is better than my parents’ house.” she said.
While listening to her story, it felt as though we had known each other for a long, long time.
Imagine meeting a human version of yourself. Looking in a mirror. One soul, two bodies.
We spent the next eight days falling in love with the magic of Paris.
No agenda. No planning. No advanced reservations.
Wake up, and follow your heart.
We would wake up each day not knowing how our day would end. And, every day was better than the last. A magical dream that I never wanted to end.
One of the most memorable and favourite moments from that trip was this…
It was pouring rain. We decided to go out for a night stroll. Sitting next to a river under the moonlight we started to dance in the middle of the street as though no one was watching.
At that moment, I knew we were going to be part of each other’s lives for a really long time. It brought a smile to my face. Watching her sing and dance in those empty streets.
That moment is so special to me because as I watched Wisal dance, I looked at her and felt pure love in my heart. I never knew I loved someone this way. I remember feeling so thankful that I met this incredibly remarkable woman.
I wished for that moment to never end, for the time to stop. Freeze. So I could relive it again and again.
We would joke that we didn’t need Chanel, Dior, or Gucci to make us happy. We were just grateful to be making such incredible memories together.
There I was in the most romantic city in the world with the greatest love of my life.
Of all the roads I travelled, the roads to Paris were the most magical.
Two rollercoaster girls in Paris.
xx
Yachna
Ellen Tso is a badass boss babe who not only owns F45 training but is also a senior store manager at Aritzia. Here, she reveals her skincare bible for everlasting youthful skin, her love for fashion and a life-changing beauty tip that cuts off her morning routine time by half.
What inspired you to start your own fitness studio?
I started going to group fitness classes as a way to spend some ME time and to relieve stress from work. Before I started my fitness journey, it has always been “let’s grab a drink” or reaching for a glass of wine after every long workday. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to leisurely go for drinks, but I no longer want to feel like depending on alcohol to relax, and I don’t miss the feeling of hangovers. I absolutely love the feeling of giving it my all in a short time frame and the feeling of endorphins after a rewarding workout session.
I have also attempted to go to a regular big box gym, however, for a beginner, it was quite intimidating not knowing how to operate some of the equipment or make efficient use of my time there. After a year of having a consistent workout routine at F45, I felt stronger and healthier not only physically but also mentally! Starting my own F45 studio came naturally after that as I wanted to create an inclusive community here and foster nothing but team positivity and a space for people to connect on their physical and mental well-being.
How does it feel to be living every girl’s dream aka working for Aritzia?
It’s been 8 years and I still love it! The team is absolutely inspirational and you are surrounded by industry-leading fashion every day!
Being a badass business owner, and crushing at your full-time job at Aritzia. Do you have any tips on keeping that work-life balance?
Always making time for myself and NEVER ever feeling bad about needing quality ME time. Sometimes it feels like everyone and everything needs my attention all the time, so I really try to carve out time for myself, and time block it to protect my work-life balance.
What’s your favourite thing in Aritzia right now?
Fall means sweater and sweater dress season! My top choice is The Group By Babaton sweater dresses – The Henley Dress and The Avalon Dress!
How would you describe your style right now?
90% of the time I am in a matching sports bra with biker shorts, with an oversized blazer on top!
How do you incorporate colours in your fashion/style?
I love my dark and bright colours equally. The monochromatic look is my favourite, or I would do bright matching sets with an oversized black or cream blazer.
If you could wear just one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is so hard! I am going to cheat and pick something for every season lol.
Spring: crop tee with 90’s jeans, and oversized blazer.
Summer: Matching sports bra and biker shorts (TNA BUTTER!)
Fall: sweater dress!
Winter: Matching Sweatsuit
Let’s talk skincare. What’s your daily skincare routine?
AM: After washing my face in the morning, I always put on Vitamin C serum and a moisturizer that contains SPF. This is important to me because I don’t love the look of having an extra layer of sunscreen on my face. My go-to daytime moisturizer is the Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47.
PM: I consider my evening skincare routine as part of my sacred “ME” time, so it is quite lengthy! Although I typically don’t wear foundation, I’ll start by soaking miscellar water on my Shiseido cotton and thoroughly wiping my face.
In the next step, I’ll use Shu Uemura cleansing oil to break down my eye makeup – I’ve used this brand for years and swear by it!
The third step is my cleanse my face with my cleanser – currently, I am using the Skinfix Barrier + Foaming Oil Hydrating Cleanser.
After my face is free of makeup, that’s when I begin my skincare routine. I used to start with toner, but now I typically go straight to patting some Essence on my face. Currently, I am using Tatcha’s Essence treatment. Before that, I had been using the SKII Facial Treatment Essence for years. The key here is to just pour some onto your hand and pat thoroughly on your face – no cotton pads so we are not wasting any product!
After the Essence absorbs, I’ll move on to the serum, eye cream and finally moisturizer!
Currently, I am trying out the entire SkinFix Barrier+Triple Lipid-Peptide line, including serum and face cream. Once a week I will skip all the above – I’ll just put a thick layer of Sleeping Mask on after washing my face! My favourite overnight mask is the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask.
What about makeup?
I love the look of natural skin with a hint of bronzer, long lashes and bushy brows! If I have Eyelash extensions on, my makeup routine only consists of concealer, eyebrow gel and some natural-looking bronzer! My current go-to is the Kosas concealer and tinted Eyebrow gel!
How do you care for your hair?
I care for my hair by doing absolutely nothing to it. I don’t colour my hair and avoid using heat on it whenever possible!
A beauty product you cannot go without
Eyebrow gel. I can’t leave my house without my eyebrows full these days!
A styling/beauty tip that changed your life.
I have to say that having Eyelash extensions is life-changing for me. It cuts my morning routine time by half and makes me feel so naturally beautiful!
What’s your beauty philosophy?
Let your natural beauty shine through!
What self-love activities do you do to keep yourself grounded?
I love to go hiking in the mountains, it is truly incredible to surround yourself in nature and go social media free for even just a few hours!
What small things make you feel beautiful?
The glow after a sweaty workout session makes me feel absolutely confident and beautiful every time!
Tell us about things you love to do? Do you have any fun hobbies?
I love to spend a lazy morning with my dog Minion. He is a senior pug, so we normally just go for a 10-minute walk and then cuddle.
What are you most passionate about in life?
I am passionate about staying active and carving out time for myself before giving 100% to every other commitment in life. What that looks for me is having a consistent exercise schedule and scheduled weekly date nights with my husband, so we don’t forget to enjoy life.
Do you have a favourite TV show/movie? Are you watching anything exciting right now?
Grey’s Anatomy and Bones!
Currently watching Blind Spot and am obsessed as well.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Life is getting up an hourly early to live and sweat an hour and more”.
Thank you so much, Ellen. You are the best 🙂
P.S.
More Beauty Cocktails including an incredibly talented pastry chef, and a stunning makeup artist.
This new moon and the solar eclipse have one powerful message: speak your truth. Today’s solar eclipse and the new moon are in Saggitarius, known for being blunt, free-spirited, and adventurous.
This transformative lunar energy is an invitation to say goodbye to anything that limits you, prevents you from taking a leap, or that doesn’t resonate with your tr
Find answers to your heart’s burning questions by looking inward. You are in for a wild ride of self-exploration.
Ask yourself:
How am I feeling right now?
How does the world around me feel?
How can I make my life more meaningful starting now?
How can I love myself more today?
What am I feeling called to do the most?
What’s stopping me from taking that leap of faith?
What old habits need to be released?
Am I being nourished the way I deserve?
You’ll find that having heart-to-heart conversations with those closest to your heart to process your feelings and gain some much-needed perspective.
Fiercely Embrace whatever comes to the surface, as it’s all a part of who you are.
Feel this powerful wave of energy catapulting you into the best version of yourself. Sagittarius teaches us that the journey is always more incredible than the destination. It is on the path we learn, evolve, and learn lessons that shape us into our best selves. Every turn, every twist, is happening for you.
We’re approaching the end of a current life chapter and being pushed to open new doors to embrace an unknown adventure. Make room for new beginnings as you do some shadow work; reflect on your year, celebrate your wins and address your shortcomings.
Finally, open your heart to happiness. Trust the magic of endings. Let go of anything that doesn’t light up your soul. Invite more pleasure, love, and yumminess into your world. Believe that life will treat you to something sweet if you let it.
Happy New Moon, babes!!
(Featured Image by DreamyMoons)
The Taurus Lunar Eclipse
The big, bright, and beautiful Taurus Lunar Eclipse is greeting us today.
As the year winds down, we are increasingly distracted from our daily grind by all things shiny, warm, and festive. Full moons are the brightest point in the cycle, but it is all about shedding and releasing.
This Moon is one of the most intense of the year as it illuminates our unresolved emotions, moods, instincts, feelings, and sense of safety and comfort.
Stop and take a moment to remember the foundations of your desires. With social media and technology every present in our lives, it is easier than ever to distract ourselves from the world within. Take a break from scrolling.
Slow down. Pause and give yourself some time to relax and retreat within. Spend time over this Moon with yourself and your emotions when there is nothing to drown them out. Listen to what the silence has to say. Devote some time to reflect, introspect, and journal under the bright luna.
Reexamine your relationships and see what changes need to be made.
Journal Prompts
How does my heart feel?
How do my mind and body feel?
How do I like to release and express my emotions and feelings?
What outdated habits, patterns, and situations must crumble now?
Have I developed coping mechanisms that are not in alignment with your highest potential?
What changes do I have to make? Perhaps I am suppressing the inner voice that is telling me a change needs to be made.
Challenge yourself to face the discomfort. Hunt down your real feelings and emotions to bring them into conscious awareness; you will transform them. Yes, this process is intense, but that is what this Full Moon is all about.
Envision your ideal path forward and imagine what it would feel like if it were a reality. You can create the world you want by breathing life into that vision. You know you’re powerful beyond belief, right?
Happy Full Moon
P.S.
(Featured image by DreamyMoons)
Sofia Batth is a Germany-based pastry chef who discovered her love for baking as a teenager. Today, she runs her cafe, House Adell, where she offers divine baked goods that will delight you. ” Happiness is knowing there is cake in the oven,” she says. She shares her beauty secrets here, including face oils that make her skin glow and a game-changing hair care tip.
When did you first start baking?
I started baking as a teenager with my aunt, at that time I didn’t even know that I enjoyed baking/cooking and I will work with food in future. I had fun blending ingredients together and making something delicious out of it.
What are your favourite things to bake?
Anything including cinnamon and coconut! I prefer coffee cakes with a nice compote or cream on the side, add some maple and tonka and it’s ready to serve.
One of my favourites now is a German cheesecake with cranberry-orange blossom compote.
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in cakes?
Instagram, Pinterest and books, inspiration from family/friends and colleagues.
I am more of a traditional baker and cook/bake according to season, (fruits and veggies) autumn is starting soon, pumpkin pie and carrot cake are on top of my baking list.
I love to use all kinds of spices, nuts, and alternative sweeteners, like coconut sugar, maple syrup, dates, or honey. The global awareness for healthy lifestyle adaptation is rising quickly, which inspires me immensely; hence I want to grow with it.
How did you start House Adell?
I always wanted to have a small coffee shop, it happened at the right time. There was a beautiful location that had an open spot in a building in the middle of the city. It almost felt like it was meant to be, so I grabbed the opportunity. On top of that, the lockdown was somehow very helpful as I had plenty of time to design the café, gather information, work on my menu and prepare myself in the best possible way.
Exquisite Pictures from House Adell
What inspired the name?
My sister and I were in Hamburg sipping coffee one day and the name Adell just popped up in our minds. Locals think it’s my second name, I joke about it and say yes 😉
What is your current skincare routine?
I love all kinds of oils, my skin has always been very easy, which made me use just one product throughout the day. Around 2 years back I added a few more products, which I am obsessed with now. My morning and evening routine look the same (except for sunblock), I clean my face with a drugstore face wash and then I make my skin glow with different oils.
Organic coconut oil, Vitamin E oil, Kora Organics noni glow oil, nuxe oil huile prodigieuse (a combination of oils) are my favourites followed by Grown Alchemist face cream and their toner. The Cream is used when I am in a hurry and need my face to ‘dry’ quickly.
Do you wear makeup?
I enjoy it thoroughly. It’s a hobby. I don’t wear makeup to cover or change my face, I wear it because I love to play with it, almost like a form of art. When I go to work I really enjoy taking these 15 mins in the morning and testing out new makeup products, coloured eyeliner and some glitter. Glitter makes everything better.
What’s your beauty philosophy?
It comes from the inside. Beauty shows how you feel, you glow differently when you are happy.
What small things make you feel beautiful?
I learned to love myself for what I do and who I am. Even a slight touch on my face makes me feel like a wonder woman.
What self-love activities do you do to keep yourself grounded?
I pray, meditate and reflect throughout the day, I practice daily affirmations by always reminding myself what a great person I am, and how loved I feel. It keeps me motivated, loved and happy. I carry a more positive mindset. It’s fun and very fulfilling and only helps in manifesting to give love and cherish life.
How do you care for your hair?
I used to struggle a lot with my hair, it was thin, had no structure, was falling out. Since I started to follow the self-loving concept, I love my hair. It’s strong and beautiful and I can’t believe sometimes how my attitude has changed the condition of my hair so drastically. I wash my hair once or twice a week. My sister told me to rub some aloe vera gel on the ends of my hair before showering. I do this twice a month. I used to apply yogurt earlier to make it grow.
Onion water, rice water, million oils were also parts of various experiments that I did with my hair and nothing really worked. Now I know if you are not healthy on the inside, nothing really works. Your mindset is your superpower.
A beauty product you cannot go without
Do you have any fun hobbies?
My work is my hobby and I feel it is such a blessing. Apart from cooking, baking and eating I love to travel and explore the world, adore photography, follow new fashion and jewellery trends, love to go on shopping sprees and explore all kinds of stores. After designing my café and my own flat I discovered my love for interior design.
Going to the gym, reading books and spreading love relax my mind.
Who is your fashion role model?
There is no one in particular whom I follow. I like cruising through Instagram and checking new fashion trends. One of my favourite bloggers is Danielle Bernstein, I like Hailey Bieber’s style and Freya Killin.
What is your favourite style to wear?
Casual, spontaneous, flirty and sometimes romantic!
How would you describe your style right now?
When it comes to my favourite style, my every look includes, baggy jeans or leggings, an oversized hoodie, an oversized t-shirt, a button-down and if the weather gets colder a blazer on top! I like to pair my outfit with golden accessories., comfy sneakers and a designer handbag. Very much street style. On occasions, I put myself into a dress or wear a nice, flared blouse of falling material. With a fancy hairstyle and a happy mood, I am good to go!
What do you want your style to say on your behalf?
Fashion expresses a lot about your personality and about the attitude you carry. I am more of a relaxed person, like to be in a comfortable environment, clean and no big fuss, easy-going, down to earth but the sparkle should not be missing 😉 It’s really a combination of cozy, casual, cute and fun.
Do you have a favourite book?
A Woman of Egypt by Jehan Sadat!
What makes this book your favourite?
The book pictures the real story of Jehan and Anwar Sadat, gives you an inside of the Islamic culture, its difficulties and duties as a woman during these times. Its shows the charismatic side of Jehan and how beautifully she carries her personality in a country that did not accept the voice of a woman. It is inspiring to read how women contributed and worked with each other to achieve and grow more.
What makes you love a book?
Books make me fall into my own fantasy world. I get to explore my imagination; they are knowledgeable and you become part of the creation of different writers. It’s a relaxing escape to another world.
What are you most passionate about in life?
New experiences. New food, travel, new people.
Do you have a favourite city?
As I love travelling it’s hard to pick one favourite city.
Nevertheless, London is on the top-notch of my favourite travel destinations. The city has my heart! Not only did I study and work in London, but I also had one of the best times over there. It’s a melting pot of many cultures! Multicultural food, the history, the accent, the royals, tea culture, fashion, diversity of music…its the whole package which caught my eye many years ago. As it’s close to Germany, I do enjoy a weekend trip! There is always something happening in the city and you come across the craziest people.
Thank you so much, Sofia xx
P.S.
More Beauty cocktails, including a fashion stylist, an artist and a makeup artist.
The Scorpio New Moon greets us today.
The enigmatic Scorpio sign is all about exploring our deepest emotions and uncovering what’s hidden. This moon is one of the most intense of the year as it brings up emotions deeply buried in our minds. You’ll feel deeply emotional, even more connected to your intuition and willing to dive deep into powerful, complex feelings.
Tonight’s new Moon is rich with magic if you’re willing to roll with its waves. When the Luna is in this phase, you can barely see it, and the sky can appear black. Similarly, we harness the new Luna energy to explore our deepest emotions and uncover what’s hidden.
In love, it means taking a deeper dive into the heart of our relationships as we allow waves of feelings to wash over us.
Is there a toxic situation you’re finally ready to cut out of your life to make room for the person of your dreams? Are you flowing with love, or is there underlying guilt, shame, or resentment? It’s a great time to trust in the magic of new beginnings, especially in love. And, beginnings require: letting go of the past.
Scorpio has earned its reputation for being the sex sign of the zodiac. With the new Moon in Scorpio, restart with a fresh slate as we dial into our most intimate passions. Bravely step out of your comfort zone and open pleasure portals in your life. Try out new things in bed with a partner or solo. This could mean experimenting with a new sex toy or finally exploring a new role-play scenario.
Break out of restrictive habits and replace them with life-enhancing rituals! Brings serenity to your life so that you can relax and enjoy pleasure.
This new moon lean towards your inner introvert. Spend some time in solitude. Take time to sit with your emotions to look for their deeper meanings. The scorpions are the alchemists of the zodiac. Once you shine a light on the darker parts of yourself, you have a chance to heal and transform those things, turning them into strength. Yes, the process is intense, but that’s what Scorpio is all about. Enjoy the journey.
Stand tall in your spiritual strength while still surrendering to the universal flow. Always remember that the most powerful ingredient in any magic is you.
xx
Yachna
P.S.
(Featured image by womensmagick)
What is it like to relive your worst nightmare?
Years later, it still hits me all of a sudden.
It’s the middle of the day, friends surround me, and the sun is out.
But something isn’t right.
There is this feeling, a very uncomfortable feeling in my mind, in the pit of my stomach. I want to leave and go somewhere that is quiet and dark. My thoughts are consuming me. So dark and so monstrous, I was afraid. It’s wrecking me from the inside out.
What would you do if you had to relive your worst life experience over and over until you die?
To always be stuck in the time leading to your most traumatic experience and reliving it repeatedly?
It’s the very definition of hell.
A few months ago, I came across a stranger whose story needs to be shared with the world.
Let’s call him Eleven.
Eleven is a 40-year-old single father of a teenage daughter. Struggling to find a steady income all his life, he has been a part of the criminal justice system, in and out of custody for criminal offences such as petty theft to survive. “I steal food to feed my daughter,” he told me as he struggled to hold back his tears. “I wish I wasn’t the way I was. Sometimes, I wish it never happened. For just one moment of life, I want to forget it happened.”
Starting at the age of six up until his early teens, he was sexually assaulted by several women who were his mother’s friends.
“She invited these women friends of hers to our house and would let them do things to me.” his voice trembling as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Eleven found it impossible to keep a steady job for longer than a few months due to mental health issues that followed after years of sexual trauma by his mother.
As an adult, he experienced divorce, poverty, homelessness and mental trauma that scarred him for life enough to drive anyone to a dark and dangerous place.
“I ran away when I was 13. Homeless. I had nobody. Who would listen to me?”
Now, 40. Eleven tried to kill himself on his 30th birthday. It wasn’t the first time he contemplated suicide. “I was seven when these thoughts first started to occur to me. I didn’t know what it meant. I just felt a rage within me. I can’t even describe how angry I was to be still alive.”
Elevens said he felt separate from society with sadness and desire not to be a part of this world. “I would wake up every single day and (think), ‘I can get up. I can brush my teeth, or I can kill myself. I can go to work today, or I can kill myself.’
He said he felt trapped, horrible, disgusted about what happened to him. He said all he wanted to do was cry. “I was constantly feeling trapped in my mind, and I felt helpless because I couldn’t do anything to stop it.”
He told me that most people with mental illnesses feel that way constantly. “It devours us completely. It eats our insides away until we are nothing but bones. Fear controls us.”
We may know what it’s like to be in life someone else’s life. We may not even understand it. Can we all agree that we are all humans going through different human experiences?
I noticed Eleven was smiling a lot as we talked. He was such radiant and positive energy to be around. When I asked him how he coped with the heaviness of life, he smiled at me and said, “laughter is my coping mechanism.”
Let’s make people feel less alone in their struggle — to help them understand you’ve been there, too, and it’s going to be all right. Let’s be empathetic because we struggle mentally as we struggle to understand what’s next for us.
That day I learnt from my conversation with Eleven that “a day without laughter is a day wasted.”
xx
Yachna
P.S.
(Pic Credits Veryrealfantasy)