Life has been feeling overwhelming lately. My 9-to-5 has turned into what feels like three jobs rolled into one, and the workload has been intense. Even when I do manage to carve out some free time, there are endless adulting tasks waiting for me — laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and squeezing in workouts at the gym.
On top of that, I haven’t even updated my resume since I landed my “big girl” corporate job. Between family issues and the exhausting search for a new NYC apartment, I feel like I’ve been running on fumes. It’s gotten to the point where I barely have the energy to focus on my blog, something I once cherished. Writing requires time, space, and creativity — all things that have felt out of reach lately.
I try not to be too hard on myself, but as someone who thrives on staying active and productive, slowing down feels unnatural. Still, I’m starting to wonder if what I really need is just a break. It’s not that I’m doing nothing — quite the opposite — but perhaps I need to pause and reset.
Inspiration for blogging often comes from feeling inspired in life, and right now, my mind feels cluttered and chaotic. As someone who truly believes in the mind-body-soul connection, this sense of disconnect has been hard to shake. Maybe the first step is exactly this: opening up, letting it all out, and embracing the vulnerability that comes with it.
If you’ve been feeling similarly overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with yourself is to acknowledge the chaos, breathe deeply, and allow yourself the grace to slow down. Writing this post has reminded me that even when life feels heavy, there’s power in sharing our struggles and finding clarity in the process.
Weather your solo, in a relationship or planning on a having a galentines day. Your Ultimate Valentine’s Day Weekend Guide.
Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year—how perfect is that? Friday is ruled by Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, and in astrology, Venus represents love, beauty, pleasure, femininity, harmony, and the arts. It’s the ideal day to celebrate yourself, whether you’re solo, with a partner, or surrounded by friends.
While we should always prioritize self-love, why not use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to indulge in a little extra TLC? Self-care looks different for everyone, but here are some ideas to help you celebrate the holiday and show yourself some love.
Activities to Celebrate Valentine’s Day:
Spa Day Bliss Treat yourself to a luxurious facial, a relaxing massage, or any pampering service that feels indulgent. You deserve it!
Dress Up and Feel Fabulous No matter what your plans are, put on your best outfit. It’s a celebration, so why not take it to the next level? Treat yourself to a little shopping if you’re in the mood for something new!
Nails and Hair It’s the perfect time to book that nail appointment you’ve been putting off or finally get that overdue hair appointment. Feel refreshed and pampered!
Brunch or Dinner Date Go out for a delicious brunch or dinner—because why not enjoy a meal that’s just for you (or with loved ones)? Don’t forget to buy yourself fresh flowers as a reminder that love is all around you.
Self-Love Affirmations Take a moment for some mirror work with positive affirmations. Reflect on your own strength and beauty. Call a loved one to remind them how much they mean to you, and celebrate the love in all its forms.
My Personal Recommendations for Valentine’s Day Pampering:
Spa Spots:
Renew Day Spa 2 (78 Bowery 1st Floor, New York, NY 10013) – A perfect escape for a rejuvenating experience.
Chelsea Wellness Spa (133 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001) – For a day of relaxation and self-care.
Koreatown Facials – There are endless options for top-tier facials in Koreatown, so why not treat yourself to a hydrafacial?
Food & Sweet Treats:
Gupshup, Boqueria, and La Pecora Bianca – These restaurants never disappoint when you’re craving something delicious.
If you’re looking for something sweet, check out Creperie and MarieBelle for decadent desserts!
Outfit Inspiration:
Wearing red can be tricky, especially when trying to find a shade that complements your skin tone and undertones. If red isn’t your color, a monochromatic cream or black outfit can be just as chic and timeless for the occasion.
A Final Thought:
Celebrate yourself every day, but why not make Valentine’s Day extra special? As spiritual beings on this planet, we’re meant to experience and celebrate love in all its forms. Embrace it, celebrate it, and most importantly, share it with yourself!
Recently, I had the chance to try something I had on my bucket list for a while: hotpot. Winter is probably the best time for you to get Hotpot. I went with a group of friends to Lao Jie Hotpot in Chinatown, Manhattan.
For those who aren’t familiar, hotpot is a popular East Asian cooking style where diners cook their own food in a simmering pot of broth. It’s interactive, fun, and incredibly flavorful. Originating in China, it’s a social dining experience where you get to choose from a wide variety of ingredients (meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles, etc.) to dip into the pot, letting them cook right at your table before enjoying them in a rich, flavorful broth.
Lao Jie Hotpot is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially in the heart of Chinatown. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but one of my friends arrived early, put her name down, and gave the host her number. The wait wasn’t too long at all, especially considering it was a busy Saturday night. We ended up waiting about 30 minutes, which didn’t feel bad at all. When our table was ready, we were ushered to a cozy spot, and the real fun began!
Here’s how hotpot works at Lao Jie: You’re given a two-hour time limit for all-you-can-eat, which is plenty of time to explore the vast menu of ingredients. First, you choose your broth. I went with the spicy beef broth (and oh, it was spicy—just how I like it). Then, you pick from the menu what you want to dip into your broth. There’s everything from various cuts of meat, seafood like mussels and shrimp, to tofu, mushrooms, and veggies. The best part? You let everything cook in the pot and then just scoop it out once it’s ready to eat.
The fun didn’t stop there. There was a special sauce bar where we could mix and match different condiments to make our own dipping sauces. It was such a cool touch! You could go as mild or as bold as you wanted with the flavors. I personally loved the combination of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil—it was the perfect complement to the rich flavors of the broth.
As for my favorite items? The mussels were an absolute hit—so tender and full of flavor once they cooked in the broth. But if I had to pick one standout dish, it would definitely be the fatty beef. It cooked so quickly and was incredibly tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
We wrapped up our meal with a mango-flavored jelly dessert, which was light, refreshing, and the perfect way to end our hotpot experience. But honestly, my friends and I were still craving something sweet, so we decided to head to Heytea for some bubble tea. And wow, I have to say, it was some of the best bubble tea I’ve had in my entire life. The tea was super fresh, the pearls were chewy and perfectly sweet, and it was the ideal treat to end the night.
Overall, my first hotpot experience at Lao Jie Hotpot was a total success. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was lively, and the whole process of cooking and eating together was so much fun. If you’re in Chinatown and craving something interactive and flavorful, I highly recommend giving it a try. You’ll leave with a full stomach and a huge smile on your face!
They say the moment you detach from something, that’s when you receive what you desire—or something even better. I know this to be true because I’ve experienced it in my own life. But why is it so hard to let go? For me, surrendering control has always been a challenge. It’s as though holding on feels like the only way to ensure things go my way. Yet, the truth is, when we cling too tightly, we’re only limiting ourselves.
Often, we convince ourselves that “this is it”—that there’s nothing better out there for us. But that’s a false narrative. The universe is abundant, and there is always something greater waiting for us. When we cling to what’s familiar out of fear, we close ourselves off from the infinite possibilities life has to offer. We all deserve the best, but to receive it, we must trust the process, trust the plan, and trust the universe.
Letting go requires releasing the fear that “this is all there is.” One analogy that resonates deeply with me is the experience of dining at a restaurant. When you place your order, you don’t sit there stressing about whether your food will arrive or if it will be exactly what you asked for. You relax, enjoy the moment, and trust that the server will bring your meal. Why? Because you have faith in the process.
Similarly, when you set your intentions and release them into the universe, there’s no need to micromanage or obsess. Instead, focus on enjoying the present. Spend time with loved ones, pursue your passions, and cultivate gratitude for the life you’re already living. By doing so, you create space for the universe to work its magic.
The next time you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious about something you desperately want, remember to let go and let God. Surrender control and trust that what you desire is either on its way or being replaced with something even better. The universe is always conspiring in your favor—all you need to do is trust and allow.
Detachment isn’t about giving up; it’s about trusting in a higher power and knowing that you are always supported. Whatever you’re waiting for, let it unfold in divine timing. Release your fears, open your heart, and watch as the universe delivers miracles beyond your imagination.
Here are some book recommendations to deepen your understanding of the law of detachment.
1. “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra
Summary: This book outlines seven universal principles for achieving success in all areas of life, with “The Law of Detachment” being one of them. Chopra explains that detachment doesn’t mean giving up your desires but rather surrendering to the uncertainty of life and allowing the universe to work its magic. It teaches the importance of letting go of the “how” and focusing instead on the joy of the process.
2. “Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender” by David R. Hawkins
Summary: Hawkins dives into the emotional and psychological reasons why we hold on to things and how letting go leads to peace and happiness. This book provides practical steps for surrendering fear, attachment, and resistance to life’s flow. It offers both spiritual insights and actionable guidance on how to live with ease and trust.
3. “The Surrender Experiment” by Michael A. Singer
Summary: In this memoir, Michael Singer shares his personal journey of surrendering his preferences and attachments to let life unfold naturally. The book is an inspiring testament to the power of letting go and trusting the universe to guide you. It’s filled with real-life examples of how detachment can lead to unexpected blessings.
4. “You Are the Placebo” by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Summary: While not solely about detachment, this book delves into the power of belief and how surrendering control can activate the mind-body connection. Dr. Dispenza explores the science of how thoughts shape reality and emphasizes the importance of letting go of limiting beliefs to create a life aligned with your desires.
5. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
Summary: This spiritual classic teaches the importance of living in the present moment. Tolle explains how attachment to the past or future causes suffering and how embracing the now allows us to detach from worry and fear. This book is foundational for understanding the spiritual principles of detachment and acceptance.
Self-care is often seen as a routine of skincare and working out—both great practices, of course. But true self-care goes beyond the physical. It’s about nurturing your inner self, reflecting, and recalibrating your energy. This realization led me to a transformative experience at Land of Buddha, a sanctuary nestled in the heart of the East Village in New York City. Under the guidance of Mel, a talented energy healer, I embarked on a journey of deep healing through a crystal Reiki sound bath meditation. Let me walk you through this unique experience and share how it helped me reconnect with myself.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that uses energy to promote emotional and physical wellness. The word Reiki translates to “universal life energy,” and the practice involves the practitioner channeling this energy through their hands into the client’s body. This process is believed to restore balance and remove blockages in your energy centers, often resulting in a profound sense of relaxation and emotional release.
The Healing Powers of Crystals
Mel’s practice at Land of Buddha incorporates crystals, which amplify the effects of Reiki by harnessing the natural healing properties of these stones. Each crystal has its own vibrational frequency and can target different areas of your energy field. For example:
Amethyst helps with mental clarity and stress relief.
Rose Quartz promotes love and compassion, particularly for the heart chakra.
Clear Quartz enhances overall energy flow and spiritual clarity.
Black Tourmaline offers protection and grounding.
Before my session, Mel carefully read my energy and intuitively selected the crystals she felt would best support me. She suggested that I work on opening up my heart chakra, something I agreed with. For this, she recommended dark green moss agate, a stone known for its ability to heal emotional wounds and encourage balance in the heart chakra.
The Sound Bath Meditation
The sound bath was an incredibly unique experience. The session lasts either 60 or 90 minutes, during which you’re lying down in a peaceful, dimly lit space—ideal for deep relaxation. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing, and don’t worry if you feel a little chilly; Mel provides cozy blankets to keep you warm.
The sound bath itself is a symphony of healing vibrations. The sound bowls, made of crystal, are played around you, emitting tones that resonate deeply with your energy field. The vibrations from these bowls are thought to help release tension, clear blockages, and balance your chakras. According to sound therapy principles, these vibrations can have a profound effect on the body and mind, promoting healing on a cellular level.
The experience is incredibly meditative. As the sounds of the bowls fill the room, you feel yourself drifting deeper into a state of calm and relaxation. It’s as though every note helps you shed layers of stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling lighter and more centered. The session ends with a dramatic sound from a gong, creating a powerful finale that clears any remaining stagnant energy.
The Benefits of Sound Vibrations
Sound therapy, such as a sound bath, works by harnessing the power of sound waves to stimulate the body’s energy centers. These vibrations interact with the body, releasing energy blockages and promoting harmony. Studies have shown that sound therapy can reduce stress, enhance mood, improve sleep, and even boost immune function. In other words, it’s not just relaxing—it’s therapeutic.
The Experience and My Personal Reflections
During the sound bath, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection, both with myself and with the universe around me. I noticed the emotional tension in my heart space slowly melting away, a feeling that was directly aligned with the guidance Mel had given me about opening my heart chakra. It was as though the stones, the Reiki, and the sound vibrations were all working in harmony to help me realign my energy and foster self-compassion.
As someone living in the fast-paced environment of NYC, it’s easy to forget the importance of inner balance. Between the constant noise and the demands of daily life, we can easily lose touch with our true selves. Land of Buddha provided me with a sanctuary to step away from it all and focus on nourishing my spirit. Reiki, crystals, and sound baths offer a unique and deeply restorative form of self-care that goes beyond the physical. They allow you to reset your mind, body, and soul, making them an essential part of any wellness routine.
In the whirlwind of life, it’s easy to forget that self-care isn’t just about taking care of your skin or hitting the gym. It’s about taking the time to reflect, reset, and recharge your energy. Whether you’re in need of emotional healing, physical rejuvenation, or spiritual alignment, I highly recommend trying out a sound bath meditation and exploring the powerful healing properties of crystals. It’s a beautiful way to reconnect with your true self in the midst of the chaos.
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