As the year draws to a close, there seems to be a natural inclination for introspection and anticipation that stirs within us. The impending transition to a new year – a fresh start, as some would hope – amplifies our desire to set goals and project our hopes into the future. These aspirations, albeit personal, don’t have to only be in our heads. Vision boards and mood boards can make them tangible. Read on to learn more about these visual tools.

The Difference Between Vision Boards and Mood Boards 

While vision boards and mood boards share the common thread of visual expression, each serves distinct purposes. A vision board is a tangible representation of specific achievements or experiences you aim to bring into your life. It’s a roadmap for the future, a collection of images and words that magnetically draw you toward your envisioned success. 

On the other hand, mood boards transcend the specificity of goals, diving deep into your emotions and aesthetic preferences. Unlike vision boards, which focus on goals, mood boards encapsulate a vibe, a feeling, or a theme you want to embody in a particular area of your life, be it a creative project, a room design, or your style.

Vision Boards

Since the release of the 2006 self-help book and film The Secret, which introduced the law of attraction to the masses, vision boards have risen in popularity. These boards stem from the belief that, by envisioning yourself already there, health, wealth, and happiness can come from such positive thinking – if you visualize it, it’ll come. This belief is something that influential thought leaders like Gabrielle Bernstein, Deepak Chopra, and Oprah all agree, hence why the boards have become even more popular.

Vision boards – or dream boards – are often collages of quotations, pictures, or other visuals that convey your goals and aspirations. As a tool for manifesting those goals, these boards focus on a specific theme or period and are highly personalized.

Photo by Cottonbro Studio

Types of Vision Boards

Although there are many different types of vision boards, below are three main themes.

Goal Boards

This type of vision board focuses on a specific goal, like fitness training or saving money. It can include inspirational pictures, infographics, motivational quotes, and even worksheets to keep track of your progress visually.

Theme Boards

Theme boards are less specific and focus on a life theme you want to come to fruition. These tend to revolve around special interests or more long-term goals. A theme board, for example, can be about your relationship goals or professional aspirations.

Reflection Boards

Reflection boards center around personal development and inner growth. You learn more about yourself and what makes you happy with these boards. They can also help lift your mood. For instance, you may make a reflection board filled with uplifting imagery to deal with the winter blues.

Why Vision Boards Can Be Effective

Besides being a fun arts and crafts project, vision boards are mental practices, and these, according to Psychology Today, increase confidence, motivation, and even motor performance while reducing stress. Research suggests that, compared to other types of stimuli, the brain tends to put a higher value on visual imagery. Visual representations are usually more memorable than words. Because of that, your vision board may stick out in your mind more than a to-do list.

There’s nevertheless a problem with vision boards. When people assign their dreams to a vision board, more often than not, they stop exerting effort to get what they want. They instead wait for the universe to deliver those wants. Research shows that visualizing positive outcomes without the hard work it takes can hinder achievement and performance. So, vision boards may hinder growth rather than fuel it.

Photo by Cottonbro Studio

How to Create Your Vision Board

Creating a vision board is a deeply personal and creative endeavor. It involves a combination of self-reflection, goal-setting, and artistic expression.

Step 1: Clarify Your Goals and Aspirations

Take a moment for introspection before diving into the creative process. Define both short-term and long-term goals across various aspects of your life. Consider your health, personal development, career, and relationships. This first step lays the foundation for the words and images on your vision board.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Materials

Prepare by gathering materials for your vision board. For those opting for a physical board, collect magazines, scissors, glue, and a sturdy board or poster. For those choosing a digital approach, explore online platforms or apps that allow you to curate a virtual vision board with images and text. Having all your materials ready makes it easier for you to focus on the visual representation of your goals.

Step 3: Thoughtfully Select Images and Words

The heart of your vision board lies in the images and words you choose. Flip through magazines or browse online sources, carefully selecting visuals that resonate with your goals and evoke positive emotions. Choose words and phrases that encapsulate the essence of your aspirations. 

Each element should contribute to a narrative that inspires and motivates you. Trust your intuition during this process. The connection between your chosen elements and your vision is crucial for the board’s impact.

Step 4: Organize and Personalize Your Board

With your chosen elements in hand, it’s time to arrange them on your board. Experiment with different layouts, considering thematic sections or an arrangement based on the various areas of your life. 

This step is not just about visual appeal. It’s an opportunity to infuse your board with personal touches. Include photographs, handwritten affirmations, or any other elements that hold significant meaning to you. The more personalized your vision board is, the more meaningful and inspiring it becomes.

Step 5: Ensure Visibility, Activation, and Regular Engagement

Place your completed vision board in a visible location – whether in your personal space, bedroom, or office. Creating a vision board is just the initial step. The key to its effectiveness lies in consistent activation. Here are some strategies to maximize the impact of your vision board:

1. Regular Visualization: Spend a few minutes daily focusing on your vision board. Close your eyes and imagine yourself living the life depicted on the board.
2. Affirmations: Complement your visualizations with affirmations that reinforce the positivity and achievement associated with your goals. 
3. Goal Breakdown: Segment your long-term goals into smaller, actionable steps. Use your vision board as a roadmap, guiding you through each milestone.
4. Gratitude Journaling: Cultivate a mindset of gratitude by keeping a journal. Regularly jot down the progress toward your goals and acknowledge the positive changes in your life.
5. Vision Board Updates: Life is dynamic – so are your goals. Periodically revisit and update your vision board to reflect changes in your aspirations or circumstances.

Photo by Natalie Dupin

Mood Boards

While vision boards are for goal-oriented visualization, mood boards tap into your emotions and aesthetic preferences. Around the 1970s, mood boards became a popular brainstorming tool in advertising and fashion. These boards are a compilation of images, colors, fonts, and textures that collectively convey the project’s mood, tone, and aesthetic.

Creating a mood board starts with a theme or emotion you want to evoke. Are you aiming for a sense of tranquility, excitement, or sophistication? Collect images, colors, textures, and even fabrics that resonate with this theme. The beauty of mood boards lies in their versatility – they can be physical or digital, private or shared. They’re not limited to professional use. Anyone looking to convey a certain vibe can benefit from the mood board process.

Believe in the value of vision boards and mood boards or not, there’s truth in the power of visualization, self-awareness, and positive thinking. At Bella Grace, we believe an ordinary life can be extraordinary and that there’s magic in the everyday. If you seek positivity and want to embrace life’s beautiful journey like us, click here to check out our magazine.

The post Visual Roadmaps: Vision Boards and Mood Boards first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Did you know the Latin root that the word “compassion” originated from means “to suffer with”? Compassion is an empathetic emotional response to someone’s suffering that makes you want to ease that person’s condition. Throughout your life, you may have shown compassion to countless people. But have you consistently extended that same level of kindness to yourself?

It can be hard to be kind to yourself often, especially if your automatic reaction is to criticize and be harsh. But that’s okay, as self-compassion is a skill. And you can practice that skill over time. Read on to learn more about self-compassion and how you can cultivate it.

Table of Contents

• What Is Self-Compassion?
• Why Self-Compassion?
• How to Practice Self-Compassion?
• Questions for Cultivating Self-Compassion

What Is Self-Compassion?

Self-compassion means treating yourself with kindness and concern when you fail, make mistakes, or experience adversity. According to Kristin Neff, PhD, it involves:

• Being mindful of painful feelings and thoughts.
• Remembering you’re not alone – suffering and imperfection are part of the shared human experience.
• Treating yourself with kindness when experiencing pain or failure instead of being harshly self-critical.

Self-Compassion and Resilience

It’s easy to think if you aren’t self-critical and hard on yourself enough, you won’t be able to achieve your goals. This misconception is due to the common belief that negative self-talk will result in better performance next time. 

As Harvard Business Review points out, a self-critical attitude leads to the judgment of self and others rather than the joy, meaning, and connection we all need to be whole and healthy. Such harshness only gives you a pessimistic view of your potential. Self-compassion, not self-critique, is the key to being resilient.

Photo by Hassan Ouajbir | Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 10

Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem

Although self-compassion and self-esteem both involve feelings of self-worth, there are differences. Self-esteem revolves more around feelings of pride, shame, triumph, and despair, with high self-esteem involving comparing yourself more favorably to others and vice versa. 

On the other hand, self-compassion is acknowledging that everyone struggles at times. You also don’t rely on achievements and other external sources of validation to feel valued. Self-compassion, because of that, is more constant than self-esteem.

Why Self-Compassion?

“The human heart is phenomenal with its capacity to embrace the spectrum of love’s expressions. There also exists the capacity for self-love and self-compassion. When we forgive ourselves and our shortcomings, laugh at our minor mistakes, see ourselves in the mirror and smile with admiration, and perhaps gift ourselves with time to enjoy life, we increase our boundless love for others and the world.” – Diane Sigala from Bella Grace Issue 23

As you practice self-compassion, you’ll likely feel more motivated to persist and attain your goals. That’s not to mention a myriad of other positive outcomes, including:

• Lower levels of anxiety
• Better health, both physical and mental
• Higher sense of well-being
• Strengthened relationships
• Deeper compassion for humanity

Photo by Dominique Chapman | Bella Grace Issue 31

How to Practice Self-Compassion?

1. Art as a Catalyst for Self-Compassion

There’s a powerful yet often overlooked method for fostering self-compassion: artistic self-expression. Engaging in creative pursuits, whether through visual arts, writing, music, or other forms of expression, provides a unique avenue for self-discovery and healing.

Artistic expression allows you to externalize your internal struggles, giving form to emotions that may be challenging to articulate verbally. If you’re looking for a creative pursuit that seamlessly blends artistry, writing, and personal reflection, check out our Art Journaling magazine, where you can learn to capture your life through art.

2. Mindfulness: Embracing the Present Moment

One of the foundational pillars of self-compassion is mindfulness – to be present without judgment. Mindfulness enables you to observe your emotions and thoughts without attaching undue significance to them. It acts as a gentle guide, steering you away from self-criticism. 

Regular mindfulness practices like conscious breathing provide a space for introspection. These practices can help you recognize your thoughts and emotions without getting entangled.

Photo by Lucas Ottone | Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 11

3. RAIN: Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture

Developed by meditation teacher and psychologist Tara Brach, RAIN is an acronym representing a four-step process that guides you through moments of emotional difficulty. Recognizing involves acknowledging and identifying the emotions at play. Allowing encourages a non-judgmental acceptance of these emotions. Investigating entails delving deeper into the emotions to understand their roots and impact. Finally, nurturing involves offering yourself kindness and compassion in the face of emotional challenges.

Applying RAIN to self-compassion means approaching your own emotional struggles with the same care and understanding you would extend to a friend. 

4. Loving-Kindness Meditation

Loving-Kindness meditation, or “Metta” meditation, is a powerful tool for cultivating compassion towards yourself. This practice is to direct positive intentions inward to yourself and outward to others, even to those you may have difficulties with. By repeating phrases that express goodwill, you’ll gradually develop a sense of warmth and empathy.

5. Compassion-Focused Therapy

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach developed by psychologist Dr. Paul Gilbert, designed to promote self-compassion. CFT integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and attachment theory to create a holistic framework for personal growth.

The treatment focuses on developing a compassionate mindset by challenging self-critical thoughts and nurturing a sense of self-worth. It encourages you to become a supportive and understanding inner companion yourself.

Photo by Jared Subia | Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 9

Questions for Cultivating Self-Compassion

1. We often put so much focus on being kind toward others that we forget about ourselves. Treating yourself with kindness and grace will make it easier to treat others the same way. We’re so quick to offer random acts of kindness to the different people in our lives. What are some of those acts that you can extend to yourself?

Prompt from Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 9

2. It can be hard to praise ourselves. We don’t want to come across as cocky or arrogant. What are three things you absolutely love about yourself?

Prompt from Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 10

3. It’s easy to think of ways to surprise our loved ones with little goodies to lift their moods or reward them for a victory. We need to treat ourselves too! It doesn’t have to be anything lavish or expensive. It can be something as simple as allowing yourself to snooze for another 15 minutes or buying that pint of ice cream you’ve been craving. What are some of your favorite small ways to treat yourself?

Prompt from Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 10

4. We’re so quick to think about all the things we’d like to change about ourselves, from our appearance to certain personality traits. What are all the things you’d never change about yourself? 

Prompt from Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 12

5. Think of some of the ways you show your friends how much you love and appreciate them, like a surprise treat on their doorstep or an unexpected note tucked into their purse. What are some of the ways you can show yourself the same sort of appreciation? 

Prompt from Field Guide to Everyday Magic Issue 12

We hope this blog serves as your reminder to treat yourself with kindness and compassion. In Bella Grace and Field Guide to Everyday Magic, we embrace self-compassion, mindfulness, and slow living through meaningful stories and thought-provoking prompts. Click here to check them out.

The post Self-Compassion: Fostering a Kind Relationship with Yourself first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Whether life has thrown you a curve ball, or you just need some gentle words of encouragement, here are 12 of our favorite inspirational quotes about strength and encouragement from the pages of Bella Grace magazine.

You might also love: 10 Quotes That Remind Us It’s Never Too Late to Start Over

1. “And then it happens … one day you wake up and you’re in this place. You’re in this place where everything feels right. Your heart is calm. Your soul is lit. Your thoughts are positive. Your vision is clear. You’re at peace, at peace with where you’ve been, at peace with what you’ve been through, and at peace at where you’re headed.” — Unknown

   From Bella Grace Issue 28

2. “You can recover from loss, from heartache, from anything that squeezes your soul with iron fists. Find the softer things. Things like plants and sweet people and slow-burning candles and long walks and moving water. Wrap them around you. Repeat as necessary.” — Victoria Erickson

   From Bella Grace Issue 26

3. “One day it will be so clear — what you thought was the end, was really just the beginning. Some doors are hidden until we are ready to open them.” — CW Poet

   From Bella Grace Issue 30

4. “For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.”— Cynthia Occelli

   From Bella Grace Issue 28

5. 

   “I’ve lost a lot of battles against myself. So I’m laying down my weapons, tending to the wounded, and letting compassion end the war.” — Stacie Martin

   From Bella Grace Issue 32

6. “Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.” — Brené Brown

   From Bella Grace Issue 34

7. “The world is going to break you, there’s no doubt about that. So instead of dodging it, for fear of what you may find in the pieces, run straight into the eye of your own storm. There’s a new you waiting to be built from the pieces of the old you. Spoiler alert: it’s a masterpiece.” — Stephanie Bennett-Henry

   From Bella Grace Issue 29

8. “Even now, as broken as you may feel, you are still so strong. There’s something to be said for how you hold yourself together and keep moving, even though you feel like shattering. Don’t stop. This is your healing. It doesn’t have to be pretty, or graceful. You just have to keep going.” — Maxwell Diawuoh

   From Bella Grace Issue 34

9. 

   “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love.” — Washington Irving

   From Bella Grace Issue 33

10. “She has moments of weakness where she starts to believe she needs someone to save her. But then she smiles when she remembers that she is the heroine in her story.” — JM Storm

    From Bella Grace Issue 30

11. “If anyone is magically going to appear and just suddenly make your life better, just know that person is always going to be you.” — Brianna Pastor

    From Bella Grace Issue 31

12. “Hold company with yourself so sacred that even when you are alone, you are whole.” — AVA

    From Bella Grace Issue 33

Tell us, what are some of your favorite words of strength and encouragement?

The post Words of Encouragement: 12 Motivational Quotes of Strength first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

We recently asked our Bella community on Instagram about their favorite ways to practice self-love and were so inspired by the responses! We’ve compiled a selection for you to try in your daily life. Whether it’s watching the sunrise or treating yourself to a bouquet of flowers, we hope these little pieces of self-love will inspire you to add a dash of joy to your life.

25 Ways to Practice Self-Love

1. “Walks by myself.” – mohawkandbee

2. “Buying myself flowers that I can take home and arrange to practice doing something slow and deliberate but also artistic. I’m loving learning how to arrange beautiful vases!”- sugarplumpaige

3. “Sleeping in and drinking my coffee in bed. Not rushing to be up and at it.” – carlandawilliamson

4. “Letting go of my own expectations and allowing in more joy and presence” – caseyejames

5. “Taking time each day to be outdoors, amongst the stillness of nature and just breathe.” – dillonbridget_24

6. “Cozying in a fluffy blanket and listening to music that brings to mind happy memories.” – homeinpennsylvania

7. “Art journal afternoon with my friends!” – punkinlady7

8. “Spending an evening of solitude & silence. It gives me time and space to reflect and refocus.” – sarahemould

9. “Loving myself for what I am, instead of what I think I should be.” – mistypresleysample

10. “Waking up early and giving myself permission to take my time getting ready.” – breerouse19

11. “Wrapping myself in layers of cozy blankets, lighting a candle, and reading a treasured book.” – danabrinn

12. “Going for a walk, reading a Bella Grace issue, sipping on a glass of wine.” – angelaakristinee

13. “A lovely long nap in the middle of the day.” – lorriann.hartwick

14. “A hot bath with bath bombs, music and a little champagne.” – laylaroyale

15. “Self love for me looks like a slow Sunday sleeping in, watering my plants, a walk with the dog, and making a homemade meal.” – mindfullybree

16. “Taking the time to drive to my favorite beach to comb along the shore. Also giving myself grace everyday!” – @cellocatscoffee

17. “The most important way I practice self love is by going to bed early and reading.” – photocate8

18. “Simple joys of the day is practicing yoga stretches, listening to relaxing music and de-stressing to unwind.” – parsram.mona

19. “Lighting a candle. It makes washing dishes, tidying up a room, or even waking up early seem a little bit more magical — and like I am supposed to be present for it” – caityneub

20. “I love to go see a movie by myself!” – chasityholcomb

21. “Getting lost in painting. It feeds my soul.” – wendysartstudio

22. “I love baking cookies for friends and neighbors. It brings me happiness to bring them happiness.” – ink_and_arrows

23. “Waking up and meditating to set my day up with good intentions.” – aishiteru.branding

24. “Dancing! It really helps lift my mood and it’s so fun! And of course, it’s good for the body too!” – simplyshelbs16

25. “Boundaries: Making them. Setting them. Keeping them. Changing them when needed.” – hive_home

For more inspiration, take a peek inside the latest issue of Bella Grace now available on newsstands and at: stampington.com/bella-grace

The post 25 Ways to Practice Self-Love first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

I was good at self-care: I got pedicures, took yoga, and made lunch dates. Still, I had a nagging feeling of “not enough.”

We receive cultural messages of “more,” “better,” “different,” or “improved.” Rarely are we told we’re okay just as we are. This affirmation must come from within. It’s a strange paradox: until we accept ourselves as we are, we can’t make the changes we seek. When we reject whole parts of ourselves, these places never heal.

Earlier in my life, I confused self-acceptance with self-care. The latter involves externals; the former involves internal intimacy. I was good at self-care: I got pedicures, took yoga, and made lunch dates. Still, I had a nagging feeling of “not enough.” Years of meditation taught me to sit with my uncertainty, fear, and self-judgment. I saw (and still see) places where I resist, and it’s these very places where I remain stuck. I won’t become unstuck with a good glass of chardonnay and new yoga clothes. I move forward by meeting myself right where I am. Even if I repeat the same negative habit a thousand times, I can begin anew: notice, forgive, and grow.

It’s natural to look outside ourselves for approval and love. Much of our conversation, consumption, and achievement is unconscious code for “am I okay?” But externals can’t provide the balm we need; they can’t show us—deep in our hearts—that we’re okay. We must do this for ourselves.

To me, mindfulness is a practice in staying—staying present, open, and connected—whether life is wondrous or heartbreaking. It’s a way to be my own best friend. Because pushing away my uneasiness takes more energy than staying with my experience as-is. Learning to stay is one of my greatest life lessons. It lets me access the difficult and savor the positive. It opens my heart in all directions. And it allows me to be more present and attentive to people I love. When I meditate, or simply stay with myself during tough life circumstances, I arrive at the front and back door of myself. I trust that I am okay, as-is.

David Whyte writes, “One small thing I’ve learned these years, how to be alone, and at the edge of aloneness how to be found by the world.” To heal, we must feel what we feel. Sit down in aloneness and cultivate our capacity to be with everything. This is done little bit by little bit with patient, persistent effort. Gradually, we trust in ourselves—in our enough-ness—even when life is difficult. And from this trusted “edge of aloneness,” we connect with the world in a more wholehearted way.

This practice doesn’t require fancy equipment, new clothes, or perfect conditions. We can start right where we are: Meet ourselves with kindness, take an honest inventory—honor and accept our raw places—and move forward with love and intention. Because we’re human, we will falter, but we can be brave enough to begin again.

Joy Jordan is a student and teacher of mindfulness. Her work takes her into prisons, corporate offices, schools, and community classes. She tries to live life with a curious mind and an open heart, which means her most important work is on the meditation cushion. You can find her words, photographs, meditations, and e-courses at BornJoy.com.

The post Meet Yourself with Kindness first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

What if you decide to love yourself … first … best … irrevocably?

So often we treat ourselves as expendable – a habit the world taught us to master. Untruths haunt us like shadows that stretch across our reflections, dimming our view of what’s real. In cyclical whispers we hear them:

You’ll matter as long as you’re useful.
You’ll be listened to if you don’t make mistakes.
You’ll belong as soon as you prove yourself one more time.
You’ll be valued the length your beauty lasts.

Heavy doubts to be sure; the weight of such worries clips your wings and stifles your ability to fly. But how do we outwit the world? How do we find value in ourselves when we constantly walk the tightrope between being not enough for some, and being too much for others? Well dear ones, I’m going to suggest that if these are the questions you’re struggling with, you’re simply asking the wrong things. So instead, I’m going to ask you one question …

What if?

Such a small question – only two words long, and yet profound when paired with the right trail of words parading behind it.

What if you are enough?
What if you do try again?
What if you believe that you can?
What if you decide to love yourself … first … best … irrevocably?

These are questions worth leaning your weight upon, and their answers are the foundation of a gift you need to give yourself. In her poem, “After a While,” author Veronica A. Shoffstall reminds us to “… plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” We often wait instead; we wait for someone to tell us how singular we are, how unrepeatable, how needed. We allow others to temporarily vindicate our lives instead of cherishing the moments and legacies we alone build and we alone know.

To this I say, no more. Today, this moment even, you are to write yourself a love letter. Don’t you understand, precious, that there is no one better suited to the task than you? I know it might feel a little awkward, but let me ask you this … who better knows what you need to hear?

Grab your favorite cup of something, and get that unmarked journal or that beautiful untouched stationery you’ve been too afraid to use, because this is the perfect entry. It is time to give that lovely soul of yours the words she’s been longing to hold onto. Trust the process, and cherish whatever comes, because your hands and your heart will not lie to you; you’ll know just what to say.

How to Write a Love Letter to Yourself

1. Don’t type. Take your time and handwrite slowly, using elegant script or the messy scrawl of your youth, whatever you like best. (I prefer cursive for love letters, the shape of the letters twirling reminds me of being invited to dance.)

2. Give yourself a salutation that makes you smile. Use the pet name that makes your heart feel young and gratified. (My grandmother always called me Dolly, it is my most preferred term of endearment.)

3. Welcome yourself with a treasured memory. Begin, “Do you remember when you …” and detail it with the imagery of the event. Recall the sights, the feelings, and the sounds associated with the memory as you bring yourself back into the warmth of it. Expound on even the smallest details. (I remember my first publication acceptance letter, the weight of acceptance in my hands felt like an anchor giving me permission to take myself seriously as a writer. This memory is a wish-on-a-falling-star come true, and I delight in the reminding.)

4. Transition into the second paragraph with comfort. Embrace yourself with words of encouragement. Remind yourself that whatever pain you’re going through is only temporary, but the essence of joy you hold is eternal. Lift yourself up. Give yourself the compliment you’ve been yearning to see in words. (You are enough. You matter. And you will be remembered.)

5. Lead into the crescendo of your intention for writing. It is time for the epic declaration – love. Tell yourself all the little details that make you you. Point out the notable attributes, brilliant character flaws, charming habits, and lovely quirks that you enjoy. Again, take your time and linger on this part. Don’t skip anything because graceful, beguiling, exquisite you deserves to hear it! (I want to let myself know that she is intelligent and worthy. I want to remind her that her too loud mouth and overactive imagination are both the roots and the wings she needs, and that she wouldn’t be quite so enchanting without her own bit of everyday folly.)

6. Like the fading light of a firework or the twinkle lights at a summer’s dance, turn your words slowly into a final dip and twirl. Remind yourself that these last paragraphs have been something you’ve been holding back for far too long, and something you’ll try to remind her of every day from now on. (Recall, even in your darkest hours, that there is no one in the stretch of one ocean to another such as you. Be the wonder you were meant to become.)

7. Sweep any doubts of your admiration away with your intentional and eloquent closing. (All my love precious girl; go keep chasing that light.)

8. After all is said, and all your love is shared, fold this letter into an envelope of substance. Address it to yourself in a way that lets you know the contents are both secret and extraordinary. (To the Girl Who Alone Can Read My Heart).

It is that simple. Put the letter somewhere special. It can be placed high and visible, a daily reminder to the tenderness with which you should care for yourself, or boxed and treasured for a future, forgotten surprise. There is no limit to the number of times you can read and reread the testimony of endearment … but keep it as the gift it really is.

And now, in closing, can I ask you just one more thing? If you love yourself this much, how can the world not soon follow suit? Lead the revolution of your own undeniable worth.

Be cherished,
Elle

Elle Harris is a believer of impossible things. She is a lover of words, wonder, and the whimsical delights of everyday living. Caught in the creative place between reality and imagination is her favorite place to be. Please join Elle in pursuing life with intention, and grand conversation on her blog thisquotablelife.wordpress.com. Find Elle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ElleHarris82.

The post How to Write a Love Letter to Yourself first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

Here at Bella Grace, we believe there is beauty in imperfection.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating what makes you you – just as you are.

Today, we’ve collected three snippets from Bella Grace articles that focus on the importance of loving who you are and embracing the unique qualities that make you unlike anyone else.

In “Embracing Imperfection” from Bella Grace Issue 6, Joy Jordan talks about how cherishing her flaws taught her to stay humble and real.

“The more I accept my own imperfections, the more I make space for others to do the same. Just like judgment feeds judgment, acceptance feeds acceptance.” — Joy Jordan

Learning to love who you are replaces negative thoughts with a beautiful confidence. You’re embracing every part of you. It’s a powerful confidence that acts as a shield against the possibility of people’s words affecting your self-esteem.

“I believe bed day to be the ultimate form of self-preservation … You deserve it. And your soul will thank you. Deeply.” — Kimberly Wilson

From soft linens to twinkle lights, Kimberly Wilson gives helpful advice on how to make a day of preservation. A day to reflect on your life and just simply, be. A day wrapped up in your own thoughts and silence.

Read the full article, “20 Step Recipe for Self-Love: A Bed Day” in Issue 8 and discover a list of things you can use to create a day of self-reflection. You may find it to be the perfect time to journal and discover why your imperfect qualities are in fact beautiful.

“I love my freckles. Although some describe them as unattractive blemishes that should be removed with their special skin cream, I define my freckles as memories of places I’ve been; things I’ve done; and the people I’ve had the privilege to meet along the way. Life is hard, and everyone carries life’s mark on them differently. My mark is my freckles.” — Jocelyn Wright

You can find the complete list, as shared by our readers, in “51 Things We Love About Ourselves” in Issue 11.

We hope that this provides a bit of encouragement and reassurance for embracing your brilliant, beautiful selves – quirks and all.

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The post Embracing Who We Are, Where We Are first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

The sound of a choir singing together brings to mind harmony, exaltation, a blissful sound.

It is uplifting and joyous. It can move us emotionally and with great power. What happens when the choir sings off key? We are startled by it. We are uncomfortable with it. We look forward to when it ends.

Well, what about our internal choir of voices we have singing or, at times, shouting within us? When all feels right in our world our beautiful internal choir belts out a harmonious hallelujah that can make us soar emotionally and feel undefinable rapture. It is absolutely wonderful!

Then there are the days when the choir is a resounding roar of chaotic voices shouting at us, making us feel doubtful, fearful and hopeless. We want the choir to contract a sudden case of laryngitis and just be quiet. What do we do on those out-of-sync days? We all have our way of coping with the chaotic choir.

First, we need to be gentle with ourselves and acknowledge what we are hearing and feeling. I personally have had to force myself to face the voice head on, allow myself to wallow in the feeling attached to it, be immersed in it. Eventually, I realize it isn’t the end of me, just a redirection.

The chaotic choir member known as Ms. Unworthy not only shouts her lyrics but dances a frenetic and dramatic tango commanding my attention. Well, Ms. Unworthy, I have heard your voice and acknowledge how small you can make me feel but I have some new lyrics for you. I then join the inner song in what starts as a timid voice and then builds and builds and builds to where Ms. Unworthy stands there silent like a deer in the headlights as I sing out, “I am quite enough; I am perfectly enough.” The other chaotic choir members Unlovable, Abandoned, Guilt, Shame, Nobody and the wretched tenor section start to lose their voices.

I keep up my triumphant song until I am the only voice singing. By that time there are tears flowing, washing away the debris of negative feelings in a river of emotion set free. I have learned to be gentle with myself; to be kind to myself. And to understand that I am a physical representation of a big and beautiful universe with the only limits being those I set for myself. It took me a VERY long time to realize this. I have my days when the choir of chaotic voices reprises the emotional interruption but I now understand that . . . I . . . AM . . . PERFECTLY . . . ENOUGH. And I readily say so.

About Sharon: Woman, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Mother, Grandmother, Employee, Head of Household, Spectacular Cook, Aspiring Yogi, Reader, Seeker, Knower, Creative, Centered, Optimist, Divinely Guided, Honest (sometimes brutally honest), Loyal, Trustworthy, Proactive, Nurturer, Homebody, love holidays and Indian food, passionate about personal dreams, deeply love my children and grandchildren, unstoppable empowered Goddess, Perfectly Enough.

The post The Choir of Chaotic Voices first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

It’s funny how life never turns out how you envisioned it would as a child.

I am at an age where I recognize this, accept it, and can laugh at how this unpredictable world likes to keep me on my toes.

Growing up, I was not always so understanding of this unruly world.

And I was no stranger to difficult moments that made me question, “Why? Why is this happening to me?” But now, as I look where I’ve ended up, I can appreciate how these difficult moments shaped who I am today.

What I wouldn’t give to go back in time and share this understanding with myself as a child. How I wish I could offer guidance on what’s to come to the girl in braided pigtails, the one riding her Little Mermaid bicycle at full speed down the corner hill with a relentless young heart and wonder in her eyes …

To the girl in braided pigtails,

In 20 years time, your views of what matter will look nothing as they do now.

Being nominated for homecoming queen or being liked by all the “right” people when you get to high school will mean nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Your parents are actually looking out for your best interests and not “trying to ruin your life.” When you’re a parent, you will understand.

Listen to me, young self.

Listen to me when I tell you to hug mom and dad often. You take this for granted now, but once you’ve grown and moved away, you will miss the moments they held you tight.

Listen to me when I say your heart will be broken many times. Don’t be scared. Take the risk. You will gain invaluable insight and strength from the moments you thought you’d never overcome.

And when times do get tough, remember you do not have to deal with them alone. Reach out for support. Those who love you will be there with open arms. I promise.

Stop comparing yourself to the girls at school and in magazines. The flaws you perceive in yourself are a deception. You will learn to love them one day.

Slow down and savor every moment of your journey. This life is not a race to the finish.

Remember your courage.

Find magic in everything you do, stay curious, and continue to let your imagination run free.

And this will be hard to believe, but …

You do not know everything.

Trust me when I say it will all work out in the end. You will experience moments of disillusionment, times when you are unsure of your purpose or which road to take. The world has a funny way of unraveling exactly how it is supposed to.

It will all work out.

To better understanding,
Future Self

What do you wish you could tell your younger self? Share with us in the comments.

The post To the Girl in Braided Pigtails first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.

Sometimes I just want a “do-over.”

Have you ever felt that way? You wake up and things just don’t flow well… the coffee spills, the toddler doesn’t want to wear clothes to school, or time gets away from you. You haven’t showered, eaten, or dressed, and the clock rattles, “You’re late!”
All is not lost for the day.

The phrase “it’s not what happens, it’s how you react to it” is easier said than done, but you can have a “do-over.”

Just breathe and tune into the senses.

This is a quick meditative practice that helps to find stillness, be present, and reset. Focusing inward helps to take your mind off of things and feel more centered. With pen and paper in hand, head outside or to a space that feels calm, and quickly jot down a few thoughts for each of the senses (whatever pops into your head first). I will write down my notes from today as an example…

What you HEAR. A rooster, a woodpecker, the hum of life, trucks downshifting on the hill across the road, birds chirping, a fountain, dogs barking, a child’s laughter.

What you FEEL. Tension in my jaw. Frustration and emotional that I raised my voice at my son this morning. Cool tiles below my bare feet. The weight of the pen in my fingers, the scratchiness of the paper, sunlight on my skin, warm air moving by, and gratitude for a moment of tranquility.

What you SEE. Swaying tree branches, lizards sunning, clouds moving in. Purple jacaranda blossoms. New rose buds in the garden. The silhouette of mountains against the pale sky. The linear pattern on a fallen leaf. Reflection of the trees in the patio glass door.

What SCENTS you detect. This is a great one to tune inward. Today, I am in a garden with freshly cut grass and can smell pool chlorine in my hair mixed with the aroma of coffee.

Pausing to notice the details around me, if only for a few minutes, provides a stronger foundation from which to spring into the rest of my day. Body tension softens, thoughts get quieter, and there is a clearer lens through which to view life.

I feel more rooted and connected to self.

With a renewed perspective, my actions and interactions stem from a place of deeper gratitude, and I am able to enjoy simple pleasures.

Now it’s your turn. May you embrace a state of calm.

Tracy Macdonald is a Cairo-based artist with a passion for writing, mixed-media art, photography, travel, and exploring. She has loved to create since she was a young girl and desires to always make art a focal point in her life. Tracy embraces every day by recognizing the beauty that surrounds her and by exploring all that inspires her soul. Check out her blog at http://www.carpediemcreative.com/.

What methods do you find useful to center yourself and reset? Share with us in the comments below.

The post Finding Stillness Through the Senses first appeared on Bella Grace Magazine.