A Fresh Start

Hello my beloved readers!

There has been a whirlwind of things happening in my life the past three weeks. I caught a terrible cold that turned into a sinus infection, so I was sick for 3 weeks. I didn't have the energy to write much but I did film here and there so I hope to put together a little video blog. It's just finding the time to edit.

Now that it's a new season, I am reflecting on the winter memories made (ups and downs). We are now three months into 2024, and in those three months I have moved to a country that I have not lived in for 25 years, reconciled with my mother, spent some time healing, travelled to islands on the West Coast of Sweden, and started researching a home to buy in Sweden's beautiful nature. As some of you know, I am currently staying at my Dad's summer home on the island of Smögen while I research homes and plan my next steps in life. I can't wait to share more of this with you. Right now there are three areas of Sweden I am attracted to and plan to visit in the coming months: Bohuslän, Dalarna and Åre. Buying a home is like the feeling of attraction. It's instant! I'll know the right place when I see it, or rather, feel it. It will just feel right.

Yesterday, I spoke with my dear friend, Kana, who lives in Japan. We have known each other since 2005! She is such a positive and warm person. She is the least judgmental person I know, filled with unconditional love and acceptance. I am so grateful to call her my friend, my soul sister. Yesterday, we talked about how Spring is really the time to adopt this "New Year" mentality. Recently, I have removed this idea that I have to adopt new routines and rituals for myself in January because it's a New Year. As I get older, I move away from man-made constructs. I don't like things that are too commercialized. Overall, I think humans are getting tired of the noise to buy and consume. Personally, it leaves me feeling drained and disconnected with myself. I'm not a black and white person, and of course I consume what I need. I think everyone has their line where it gets too much. I hope that makes sense.

Right now, I seem to naturally gravitate toward a more self-sufficient lifestyle in nature, and in so doing I move closer toward my true self. Of course, we live in a world where we are part of a society, but isn't it wonderful to know we have the freedom to be ourselves if we choose to? The freedom to choose the life we want if we stop standing in our own way. Perhaps a life closer to nature and all the wonderful animals that call nature their home. Or whatever "Freedom" means to you.

I'm slowly learning to live a lifestyle that works for me. I don't like conformity to please others or fit into a culture I don't align with. Rather I prefer to live as my true self. And for me I feel most like myself when I'm alone in nature. I think it's because nature doesn't judge me. What has helped me get to this point in life are two main ingredients: self-awareness and self-acceptance. And it is my belief that you can't have one without the other. Both are needed to have a healthy relationship with yourself and others.

It's still very much Winter here on the West Coast of Sweden. For me, Winter is a time for surrender and healing. As much as I wanted day one in Sweden to be nothing but positive moving forward, it has actually been quite the opposite since moving here. In life there are always waves of ups and downs. I have faced many challenges, mostly with my personal relationships. I am someone who values emotional intimacy in my relationships. I value safety and security that comes with non-judgement, unconditional love, and acceptance. I am learning that it is natural to lose relationships when you are growing and changing. It's a shedding and letting go process. It's probably the hardest lesson I've had to learn this Winter season.

Now that it's Spring, not only is the energy outside shifting, but the energy within myself is also shifting. I can feel that I am transforming in a positive way. I'm finding my voice, I am chasing my dreams, and I am letting go of things and people in life that no longer bring me joy.

Spring for me is like New Years Day in the nature world. I'm curious to know if you feel the same. So with that said, Happy New Season. A time for rebirth, wiping off the cobwebs from the winter, and moving forward toward a life you want this year. Like a small snow drop flower enduring the Spring winds, yet hopeful about calm days ahead.

Have a beautiful Thursday! The weekend is nearly here ♥︎