Early 19th-century American orator Robert Ingersoll penned the quote, "We rise by lifting others." Anyone who has made an effort to help another in need knows this is true. Whether it's helping a neighbor up the stairs with their groceries, delivering warm food to a family in crisis, donating time or money to a charity close to our hearts, or simply lending an ear to a friend, we welcome that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from doing a good deed. Contributing to people and causes we believe in fuels our spirit, our highest good, and greater good of all.
One of our favorite local charities to support is the Steve Haydu St. Patrick's Day Lo Tide Run. All proceeds from this 5K and 10K race in Carolina Beach go directly to local cancer warriors in New Hanover County who are in financial need. This year marks the 10th anniversary for the race, which is a true indication of the continued efforts of a community coming together to help their friends and neighbors in need. The race takes place this year on Saturday, March 15th and our team of Wellness Warriors will be on the course, running and walking to support our community. Learn more about the history and register for the race here, and be sure to check out the after party for some great raffle prizes, including a sweet gift basket from Island Wellness!
While giving back to others is good for our spirit, it's also important to give back to ourselves. Taking time to take care of yourself and doing things you to renew your body, mind, and soul will keep you motivated to keep lifting others up when they need it. If you're looking for the perfect Spring get away to give to yourself, we've teamed up with Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast and Salty Dog Yoga & Surf to bring you the first Seaside Spring Renewal Retreat. This is a great opportunity to honor yourself and your needs, with a focus on healthy eating for optimal wellness, balancing your body and spirit with yoga, and more, all in a beautiful island setting! Learn more and take advantage of early bird pricing here.
Spring is just around the corner, a time for growth and new adventure. Keep those warm-fuzzies flowing by giving your time and giving back to your community and yourself. Keep rising to be your highest and best self, and keep lifting others with your love and your light!
The first month of
2014 is drawing to a close and I find myself a little behind on my New Year’s
resolutions. I don't really take resolutions too seriously since I work throughout the year to be the best version of myself, but I did plan on blogging more and
sending out newsletters the first week of each month. Yet here I am at the end of
January with my first update of the year. The good news is that it's never too late to get on track. Every day is a new beginning, and NOW, this moment, is always a good time to start anew.
I’ve always felt that the New Year really starts for me on February 1st anyway – my birthday. The last thing I want to think about over the holidays (while I'm indulging in too much food and drink) is what I need to improve upon. That can be depressing and diminish the joy of living in the moment. I’ve found that I’m better off using the month of January to really reflect on the year that has passed and what I want to accomplish in the year ahead, and how I can realistically bring those goals and intentions to fruition. And it just so happens this year that my birthday also coincides with two other significant events: the New Moon on January 30th and the Chinese New Year on January 31st.
The New Moon is said to be a magical time of beginnings, when you can recharge goals or set new ones. The New Moon on January 30th is also special because it is the second New Moon in one month, also referred to as the Black Moon, and is deemed to be especially powerful. The Chinese New Year begins January 31st with the year of the Horse, which is expected to bring health and prosperity according to the Chinese Zodiac. What more can I ask for than a new year of life to learn and grow preceded by a magical New Moon and blessings of health and prosperity entering via the Horse??
While this tri-fector of events is inspiring and enchanting, I realize that even with a fresh start of new intentions I may very well be struggling to create another blog post and get a newsletter out before the end of February, and that's okay. It's important to set goals for ourselves, but it's equally important to realize that a mis-step or fall is not the end of the road. Every day is a new beginning and an opportunity to be better than we were the day before. The sun will continue to rise and
set, the moon will wax and wane, the tide will ebb and flow, and we will continue along our life path.
After my January reflection, I've decided that my intention for the new year will be the same as always. I will work to live fully and happily in each moment. I will give gratitude for my accomplishments and for my failures, for both will teach me lessons and help me grow. I will greet each morning with a smile and welcome the light of a new day, a fresh start paved with good intentions.
