August so far...🌞
Barcelona Heat, Birthday Vibes & This Week's Resources
Hello friend!
I love August.
It is hands-down my favourite month. Yes, partly because it’s my birthday month, but also because I am a lover of sunshine, Summertime, and slow living.
In Catalonia, it is a month to pause and take care of ourselves, to disconnect, and to spend more time with loved ones.
I spent my birthday in Barcelona, my hometown, for the first time in over a decade, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
It has incredible architecture, delicious food, and some of the best people-watching, which has inspired my upcoming novel and many more to come, I am sure.
It is a beautiful city, but you have to know that it gets hellishly hot this time of year.
Yes, there are plenty of green spaces, kilometers of beaches, and that lovely Mediterranean weather, but don’t be fooled, it is also a proper concrete jungle, full of rats (read what you want here), dark and stinky streets overrun by aloof guiris, coffee shops filled with pretentious expats, and an ever-growing plague of flying cockroaches.
It is what it is, friends.
This is why, in August, many locals flee the city to escape the heat and the madness.
I went south to Tarragona for just two days, and it was quiet, picturesque, and refreshing… A completely different experience. I’ll write about it in my next post.
But Barcelona is home to me, you know? It makes me feel grounded like no other place in the world.
Birthday Vibes
On August 15th - my birthday - I woke up with the sun and went to the rooftop to greet the day, journal, and practice yoga before heading out.
I stuffed my face with delicious food all day, had lunch with my parents, and was able to spend time with and hug some of my favourite people.
An interesting thing happened though: throughout the day, a couple of folks insisted on saying things like “Oh, you’re turning 29!” wink wink. Someone even suggested I must be turning 19.
But why? What is so wrong with aging?
Truth is, I just turned 39, proudly and joyfully.
It wasn’t an easy arrival into this world, as my nervous system remembers to this day, but I’ve been here for almost 40 years, and it is worth acknowledging and celebrating.
Yes, I was born to a teenage mum who was forced by incredibly shitty circumstances to give me up. It’s sad, upsetting, and unfair. Yet I have proven to myself again and again that I am resilient as f**k.
So pardon me -or join me - as I rejoice in the fact that I have made it to 39.
I am proud of my journey, of all the times I have fallen and gotten up, of all the light in me, and of my ability to recognize and work with my darkness.
Aging is the gift, my friend. It’s a reminder that we’re still alive and on this journey.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
As I step into this new chapter of my life, I pause to recalibrate, asking myself what I need to release, where I want to shift, and what I intend to cultivate.
I also take a moment to remind myself of the tools that can support me through the inevitable ups and downs:
How can I nurture and practice these tools so they are readily available when I need them most?
Things that Have Helped me Lately
Here are some of the resources I have found helpful as of late:
When feeling sluggish in the morning: practice 10 minutes of yoga in bed.
When needing a fresh start: try a few minutes of meditation:
When feeling uninspired or stuck: go for a walk.
When having to do something challenging: listen to music.
When feeling stressed out: meditate or try affirmations.
When wanting to focus: do Pomodoro sprints by yourself or with friends.
When feeling anxious or overwhelmed: move & shake your body.
When feeling stuck: read or listen to something inspiring.
When wanting to unwind: read a fiction book.
When feeling lonely: connect to loved ones or an online community.
When wanting to relax and cool down: practice 20 minutes of grounding yoga.
When feeling low: hum or sing.
When feeling exhausted: take a nap or practice yoga nidra.
As I wrap up a week of birthday celebrations and reflect on the path traveled, I also want to thank you for being here.
For reading these words, engaging with my work whether you’re someone who engages, comments, and does all the things, or if you’re someone a little more low-key.
I love and appreciate you, and I don’t take for granted that you choose to share your attention and your intention with me.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out
Here's to living slowly, creatively, and in alignment—together.
Until we meet again, pause often, breathe deeply, and be kind - especially to yourself.
Much love,
Gorgeous writing. Hope you've enjoyed your birthday. Ah, this made me miss Barcelona!
Not sure how I found your page, but I'm glad I did. Thank you. Happy birthday.