Sister's Maui Celebration

Six years ago, I was in the throes of my healing journey with pancreatic cancer. I was losing my hair, and the chemo was so rough on me. I was hoping my tumor would shrink enough so that I could have the radical surgery for a chance to extend my life. At that time, the 5-year survival rate was 8%.

During those bleak days, I would daydream about being able to go back to Maui with my sister. She had accompanied me for a business trip in Maui in the fall of 2016.

I was able to have the Whipple procedure and have been counting my blessings ever since.

My sister and I have the same birthday, she was my birthday gift on my fifth birthday. Not many people get a baby sister for their birthday.

This year is a big celebration for us, 60 and 65. I wanted to do something spectacular and decided we’d come to Maui, just the two of us for a week.

We stayed on Ka’anapali Beach at the The Outrigger. It was a gorgeous resort, and they treated us like royalty. The aloha spirit is alive and well there.

Here’s some of the fun things we did.

Our first stop was Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop in Olowalu.
We were starved and both ordered a cheeseburger and fries. We each got a favorite mini-pie to go. My favorite is the coconut cream and my sister loves the chocolate macadamia nut variety. I highly recommend this place. We’ve also had their chicken and waffles with coconut syrup on our previous trip. AMAZING.

Coconut Cream Pie is my favorite. Yum.

What a lovely welcome, thank you, The Outrigger.

When we checked into our hotel, we found a beautiful welcome message and display on our bed. When I booked our package, they asked if we were celebrating a special occasion, and I told them of our special birthday.

Each night, we’d watch the sunset from our balcony and what a gift that was.

We enjoyed an amazing Cacao Farm Tour and Tasting in Lahaina. We met at the chocolate factory and we were driven by a small tour van to the cacao farm nearby. It was fascinating, and our guide Brandy was amazing. Wear walking shoes and be ready to climb stairs to a treetop open-air lookout with a fabulous view, and enjoy taste-testing nine full-size pieces of their high-quality chocolates.

Such a fascinating tour of the cacao farm, see the variety of stages of the pods and we got to sample the finished product in a tree house with a phenomenal view of the island.

AKL Lavender Farm and Gardens in Kula.
This is a beautiful respite 4,000 feet up the side of Haleakala. It offers a view to die for, with views of both sides of the island. Wear walking shoes and prepare for a very steep parking lot and dirt trails, wandering beside lavender beds and gorgeous flowers of unimaginable beauty.

Every course was scrumptious. We’d both heard of how amazing Mama’s Fish House was and made it a point to make it a priority this special trip.

Mama’s Fish House in Paia
A 5-star experience to be had at this upscale, down-home tropical oasis serving the most amazing dishes, drinks, and desserts. Our lunch was almost three hours long, and the service, venue, food, drinks, and dessert were culinary delights.








Whale-Watching Adventure
We were blessed to be invited by friends to join them for a three-hour private chartered boat on our last full day. The whales put on an incredible personal show that we will hold in our hearts forever. What a way to cap off our Maui celebration.

Everything was perfect at Mama’s Fish House for our special celebratory lunch. Almost three hours of one delight right after the other.

Cheers to us!

The whales put on an unforgettable, once in a lifetime show for us. We are so grateful. Thank you Larry and Patty. <3

Sacred Self-Care: Honoring the Precious Gift of Your Life

Originally posted on The Wellness Universe blog - March 7, 2025.

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to put ourselves last. We rush from one obligation to another, often neglecting our own needs in the process. Often, our busyness is seen as a badge of honor.

But what if we viewed self-care not as an indulgence but as a sacred responsibility?

Sacred self-care is about honoring the precious gift of your life, treating yourself as a sacred vessel, and replenishing your energy with love and intention. It’s about recognizing that you deserve to be nurtured just as much as you nurture others.

Self-Care as Vehicle Maintenance

An effective way to understand self-care is through the metaphor of vehicle maintenance. Imagine your body, mind, and spirit as a cherished vehicle, sacred vessel, or precious mode of transportation that propels you through life.

• If we don’t regularly fill our gas tank, charge our battery, change the oil, or check the tires, our vehicle will eventually break down.

• Often, these breakdowns are preventable with some planning, effort, and scheduled maintenance.

Likewise, when we fail to care for ourselves, we risk running on empty—physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and spiritually disconnected. It’s a recipe for disaster; we can only run on fumes for so long.

Preparing for Life’s Journey

Think about the journey of life. Just as a vehicle requires extra care when preparing for a long road trip or extreme conditions, we must also give ourselves additional attention when facing challenges.

Whether it’s rough roads, inclement weather, or unexpected detours, a well-maintained vehicle is better equipped to handle the journey.

• We don’t begrudge our car’s fuel or fluids because we “just filled the tank last week”—yet, how often do we dismiss our own needs with that same reasoning?

  • “I took a break yesterday.”

  • “I slept well last night.”

  • “I had a relaxing weekend.”

  • “I’ll eat well tomorrow.”

But self-care isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing practice.

Inspiring Sacred Self-Care Practices

The intention of this practice is to inspire you to treat yourself as beloved and to offer tools to foster self-love and replenishment. Through visualization, journaling, and discussion, you can develop a deeper understanding of what it means to honor yourself as a sacred vessel.

Filling Your Sacred Vessel Tank: A Visualization Exercise

A powerful way to connect with self-care is through visualization.

1. Take a moment to sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.

2. Imagine yourself as a beloved vehicle or vessel, one that has carried you through many miles of life.

3. Reflect on how it feels to be well-maintained versus running on empty.

4. Envision yourself engaging in something that truly brings you joy:

   • A walk in nature

   • Listening to your favorite music

   • Painting, dancing, or reading a book

5. Feel the energy of that activity filling up your energy tank, replenishing your reservoir, and keeping you running at optimum condition.

6. With every inhale, you absorb this nourishment. With every exhale, you release exhaustion, stress, and self-doubt.

7. As you slowly return to the present moment, carry this peaceful state with you. Remember that you can revisit this feeling anytime you need to refuel.

Journaling Exercise: Sacred Self-Care Check-in

Writing is a sacred act of self-expression and healing. Take a few moments to reflect on the visualization and answer the following prompts:

• How full is my “tank” right now?

• What signs do I notice when my “vehicle” is low on energy?

• What sacred self-care practices can I implement to refill my tank?

• What resonated with you during the visualization?

• What insights did your visualization reveal?

• What self-care intention will you commit to moving forward?

Be honest with yourself.

• Do you notice exhaustion creeping in?

• Are there physical signs like headaches or fatigue?

• Emotional signals like irritability or overwhelm?

By recognizing these signs, you gain the power to take action before burnout sets in.

Sacred self-care practices vary for each person. They might include quiet moments of meditation, a nourishing meal, movement, or creativity that brings you joy, or setting boundaries to protect your energy. The key is consistency—small, loving acts of care add up over time.

When we give ourselves permission to prioritize our well-being, we send a powerful message—to ourselves and to those around us—that we are worthy of love and care.

Sacred Self-Care Practices

Sacred self-care practices vary for each person. They might include:

• Quiet moments of meditation

• A nourishing meal

• Movement or creativity that brings you joy

• Setting boundaries to protect your energy

The key is consistency—small, loving acts of care add up over time.

When we give ourselves permission to prioritize our well-being, we send a powerful message—to ourselves and to those around us—that we are worthy of love and care.

Weaving Sacred Self-Care into Daily Life

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be as simple as:

• Drinking a glass of water with gratitude

• Taking five deep breaths before starting your day

• Spending a few moments in nature

• Saying no to something that depletes you

• Saying yes to something that restores you

• Speaking to yourself with kindness

• Asking for help

• Sharing gratitude and what went right in your day with another

• Wearing a favorite outfit or piece of jewelry that you feel beautiful in

The key is to create a sustainable practice, one that honors your needs consistently rather than waiting until you reach the point of exhaustion.

Closing Affirmation

As we conclude, take a deep breath and affirm:

“I honor the sacred gift of my life. I am worthy of love, care, and replenishment. I prioritize my self-care and treat myself with compassion, kindness, and grace. I allow my cup—my sacred vessel—to runneth over with plenty.”

Let this affirmation be a guiding light, reminding you that self-care is not selfish—it is essential. By treating yourself as a valuable treasure or a beloved, you cultivate a wellspring of energy, love, and peace that not only sustains you but also allows you to show up more fully for others.

Final Thoughts

Sacred self-care is a lifelong journey. Just as a well-loved vehicle requires regular maintenance, so do you. Be gentle with yourself, listen to your needs, and remember that you are a divine being worthy of love and care. May you always keep your tank full, your heart light, and your path illuminated with joy.

If you enjoyed this article, you’ll love Sacred Self-Care the first Saturday of the month. Join us live or catch the recording on demand. Find out more NOW.

A piece of jewelry that holds a special place in my heart is my new Heart of Infinity pendant designed by Miche Meizner, which commemorates the 10th Anniversary of The Wellness Universe. Find out more HERE.

Loving Yourself Better: A Sacred Journey of Self-Care

"You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful." – Amy Bloom

In a world that constantly urges us to strive for perfection, it’s easy to lose sight of our innate beauty. We hold ourselves to impossibly high standards, measuring our worth by achievements, appearances, and external validation. But what if we embraced our imperfections as part of what makes us uniquely beautiful? What if, instead of striving for perfection, we focused on loving ourselves better?

The Essence of Loving Yourself Better

Loving yourself is not about arrogance or self-indulgence—it’s about honoring your worth and treating yourself with the same kindness you so freely give to others. It’s about recognizing that your value is not conditional upon meeting societal expectations, but rather an intrinsic truth.

Self-care is the vessel through which we nurture this love. When we tend to our mind, body, and spirit with care and compassion, we reinforce the truth that we are deserving of love—just as we are.

Practical Ways to Love Yourself Better

1. Speak to Yourself with Kindness

Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Are you your own harshest critic? Replace self-judgment with words of encouragement. Speak to yourself as you would a dear friend.

2. Embrace Your Imperfections

Your scars, quirks, and mistakes are part of your story. Instead of seeing them as flaws, view them as testaments to your resilience and growth.

3. Prioritize Rest and Nourishment

Your body carries you through each day—honor it with adequate rest, nourishing foods, and gentle movement that brings you joy.

4. Create a Sacred Self-Care Ritual

Whether it’s journaling, meditation, or soaking in a warm bath, set aside intentional time to care for yourself. These moments remind you that you are worthy of love and attention.

5. Set Boundaries That Honor You

Protect your energy by setting boundaries with people, work, and situations that drain you. Loving yourself means saying no when needed and prioritizing your well-being.

6. Connect with What Brings You Joy

Do more of what lights up your soul. Whether it’s creative expression, time in nature, or meaningful connections, joy is a powerful act of self-love.

7. Practice Gratitude for Yourself

Each day, acknowledge something about yourself that you appreciate. Your strength, your kindness, your perseverance—celebrate the unique essence of you.

You Are Enough

Self-love is not a destination but a practice—one that requires patience, grace, and commitment. As you embark on this journey, remember that you are already whole. You are beautifully imperfect, and that is enough.

So today, take a deep breath and whisper to yourself: I am worthy. I am loved. I am enough.

This article is based on our Deep Dive curriculum for February where we’re focusing on Loving Yourself Better. You can join us HERE.

11 Magical CoffeeTalk Topics

Last March, the day before my 60th birthday (and my sister's 55th),  I attended my friend Douglas Ruark’s Zoom session called CoffeeTalk with Douglas. He’d put out the invite the week before, right after we all received the stay-at-home order thanks to the COVID crisis. I thought, why not? I love Douglas, and I'm not going anywhere, that's for sure. This will be fun.

I showed up with my coffee; after all, it was 10 am and a good time for a second cup. Honestly, I thought we might discuss coffee, and I didn't know what to expect.

No one was going anywhere, and the constant angst on the news was wearing me out. I could use an uplifting diversion with Douglas and those he invited. I knew it would be inspiring because I'd been following Douglas for years on his My Wish For You Today Facebook Page, and he is a master at bringing people together.

A few years earlier, he had a small, online group called "The Conversation" where I met some other dear, like-minded souls. A couple of those women were in the Zoom room that day, and I was so excited to see them on the screen. Most of the other faces on the screen were unfamiliar to me. Our common denominator was Douglas.

We thought we’d meet together for a couple or three weeks “until the world returned to normal.” Now, 16 months later, we are still meeting weekly on Zoom and have forged inseparable bonds.

What was a group of strangers has become a close-knit group that feels like family. We have shared laughter, tears, births, deaths, and so much more, all while experiencing unconditional love.

We’ve had many milestones along the way during these past 16 months. Several became first-time published authors in The Ultimate Guide to Self-Healing, Volume 2, 3, and 4 by Laura Di Franco. That experience exposed us to fellow authors who became friends and were invited by Douglas to join his special group.

We've had deep discussions that are so satisfying. We keep coming back for more. We are all life-long learners and open to new topics and personal growth.

Here are 11 magical topics we’ve shared during CoffeeTalk:

1.      I don’t know how to pray.

2.      I’ve lost my identity and am floundering for direction.

3.      Divine Guidance and the angels.

4.      Our words of the year.

5.      Living from the heart and the Global Heart Challenge.

6.      Getting Better with Age Now.

7.      Trusting that the best is yet to come.

8.      Finding our Voice.

9.      St. Teresa of Avila.

10.   This exercise showed that I am a writer.

11.   We should write a book.

Speaking of number 11, "We should write a book," which was mentioned casually by Douglas early in February following another great discussion. I thought that was a fabulous idea because CoffeeTalk with Douglas is an amazing group of international individuals who have a soul connection with each other. 

By the end of February, we had our plans underway to write our chapters about what CoffeeTalk with Douglas meant to each of us. We’ve compiled this extraordinary labor of love and respectfully are submitting it to the world with a heart full of love and gratitude on July 28, 2021.

19 Authors, 19 Stories of courage, connection, and celebration during the worldwide pandemic. This amazing book is available on Amazon in Kindle format and paperback NOW. May it bless your heart.

Blessings of love, joy, and peace.

Love,

Janette

How to Manage a New Pet and a Business without Feeling Overwhelmed Guest Blog by Cindy Aldridge

So, you’re starting a new business and you just welcomed a new furkid to your life. Those are two exciting and major life changes! If you’re feeling a little anxious about taking such big steps at the same time, you really don’t have to feel that way. That’s because balancing life as a pet parent and business owner is pretty simple when you have the right tricks up your sleeves.

To make the most of these two blessings, check out these tips from Angel Angles. (Janette’s beloved rescue dog Spike is featured in the blog thumbnail.)

Don’t Try to Do It All on Your Own

Whew, you definitely are going to have a lot on your plate! The secret to not getting overwhelmed is pretty simple though. You just need to get comfortable asking for help! That help could come from family members who can help look after your pet during work hours.

If family or friends aren’t available, you can always budget for a dog walker or pet sitter to keep your new furbuddy company while you’re busy building your business. There are helpful apps that make finding the right caretaker a snap, and then you’ll have some peace of mind.

On the subject of apps, if you need an app built for your new business, you could also outsource this task to freelancers. Not only will this free up more time than you can spend bonding with your pet, but it will also help ensure a more user-friendly and polished final result. If you need even more help, you can find freelance virtual assistants, graphic designers and so much more.

Do Make Time for Your New Companion

Animals need time to feel safe and comfortable in their new home, and you will need this time to get to know your new best friend. You can make the most of this time by creating consistent routines and safe spaces in your home, both of which will help your pet thrive. Then, you won’t feel like your schedule is being overrun by your pet and business.

One way to help your dog feel right at home is to crate train. If you’ve never used crates before, you may think they’re pretty cruel, but most dogs love crates because they feel like a soothing den. The trick is to make sure your dog associates his crate with positive things, like treats.

By the way, if you need a boost of happiness during your workday, go for a walk with your new dog! Spending time with your pet can relieve stress, but so can spending time getting in touch with the great outdoors. Combining these two mental health practices is even more powerful.

Don’t Forget Patience and Compassion

Did you adopt a rescue animal? If so, you should know that it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your new pet to fully settle into a life with you. Seasoned rescuers and pet parents often refer to this as the 3-3-3 rule. Just like with your business, setting reasonable expectations with your furry family member can help mitigate stress.

Now if your new pet is stressing you out so much that it’s hard to focus on your business, it may be time to call in some professional help. There are some basics you can work on with your pet, but you should be able to find local trainers and classes to help with more serious issues. Investing in training can make life as a new pet owner and entrepreneur more enjoyable.

Perhaps most important of all, don’t forget to have compassion. Both for your pet and for yourself. This is a lot to take on all at once and you can totally do it! Even so, it helps to recognize all of your hard work and efforts. Remember to focus on your joy and blessings.

You’ve totally got this! You can run a successful new business and adapt to life with a new pet. Just focus on getting the resources and help you need to make caring for your pet easier. You can start with this guide and then look for other tools to smooth the process.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Cindy Aldridge is a freelance writer and dog lover. She started Our Dog Friends as a fun side project for herself and to educate pet owners and potential pet owners about how dogs can enrich our lives. She enjoys writing about dogs and pet ownership. cindy@ourdogfriends.org http://ourdogfriends.org/

Nature is Calling: walking in wonder and amazement

Nature is Calling:

Walking in Wonder and Amazement

I wanted to do a little something different for my birthday this year. Our weather was so lovely and the great outdoors was calling. I wanted to get outside and have some fun. Maybe you do too, dear one.

I asked my husband if we could go walking in a park before our family dinner of celebration. He agreed. The park we planned to walk at was closed and under construction. So we changed our plans and found a new place to enjoy ourselves.

We took off to see what this new park and trail system had to offer. It had lots of majestic oak trees in various stages of rebirth following the season of rest.

The oaks closest to the creek were already leafed out. The trees farthest from the creek still looked "dead" according to my hubby. I invited him to look at the trees and see how they were emerging back-to-life at various stages. I was feeling the wonder and magnificence of their cycle of life and its implications in my own life.

I captured this picture of an oak just beginning its re-leafing process. The leaves start as yellow nubs at the furthest tips of the branches. The branches near the center of the tree remain barren.

Life is re-emerging following a season of rest. It is the way of nature.

Taking this walk and feeling the magic of our journey felt amazing. It felt like wonder. It felt profound. The angels urged me to write about it here with you today, dear one.

Are you feeling life emerging for you too, dear heart? If so, what is seeking to be born? Where do you want to place your energy?

If not, enjoy the rest until you are urged to start blooming yourself. It is all perfect and wonderfully timed.

The angels are reminding us to enjoy the blessed gift of nature. It is a wonderland awaiting our attention.

What beauty are you seeing today in your world?
     

Blessings of love, joy, and peace.

Love,
Janette

Nature is such a joy. If you are looking to bask in the energy of joy for 4 weeks come join us in Ignite Your Joy, early bird registration ends April 1. Save $11. Find out MORE NOW.

Janette Stuart: #1 Best Selling Author, Certified Angel Card Reader, Blogger, Military Mom, and Emissary of Joy at Angel Angles with Janette Stuart which will assist you to own and embrace your Divine Beauty and live a life of love, joy, and peace. Gentleness and Joy are her Superpowers.

www.angel-angles.com

Loving Movement : Card of the Week Message - Love Notes from The Divine Inspirational Card Deck

Loving Movement

Welcome to our message of the week for Dec. 28, 2020 – Jan. 2, 2021

“Your beautiful body loves to move. Treat yourself to some loving movement every day. How can you incorporate more motions into your day? The more you move, the more you want to move, the easier it becomes. Physical activity leads to a better sense of emotional and mental wellness; it is so good for you! Be good to you!”

I have been guided to select this message for my theme of 2021. I have been thinking of ways I can incorporate more physical activity into my day. We are meant to be physically active and our body enjoys it so much.

I am so grateful for the ability to move my precious body because I was unable to physically do what I wanted due to the rigors of pancreatic cancer and chemotherapy just last year.

I had prided myself on getting my 10,000 steps a day mostly by walking out in nature or doing an indoor boot camp. During my illness, it was difficult for me just to walk into the next room.

I’m embracing the ability of loving movement from a place of gratitude honoring the gift of my vibrant health and not from a place of “I Should” or “I Need” to do it out of a sense of obligation, loathing, or a strict resolution.

I am so grateful that my health has returned and I can once more do anything I desire and I appreciate that so much. Amen and Hallelujah.

Each day, I enjoy walking in nature and looking for beauty in my midst, counting my blessings and appreciating the ability to move freely once more.

Here are some ways I’m putting more motion into my day:

·       Start the day dancing, stretching, and moving while my coffee is brewing.

·       Raising my arms while I wait for my dog to finish his outdoor duties.

·       Afternoon dance party.

·       Marching in place while I brush my teeth.

·       Going an extra block or two in our daily walks.

·       Trying yoga, tai chi, or energy medicine.

·       Walking after dinner.

Maybe you are being called to put more motion into your days also. I’d love to hear what activities you are doing.

Last year, I was guided to create an annual/monthly reading to help guide my days using my Love Notes from The Divine inspirational card deck and guidance from the angels. This year, they guided me to create an offering for you with customized messages for the year, and each month called “Your Year: Unveiled.” It’s like a roadmap, GPS, or guideposts for the year divinely derived just for you. Find out more HERE. I feel it will bless your heart and life as much as it has mine.

Blessings of love, joy, and peace.

Love,
Janette

Enjoy a beautiful,devotional-self-care, and gratitude journal with lots of room to write which includes 21 journal prompts pdf as an opt-in gift to my weekly love letter from the Angels.

Need more peace in your life and want to find out about the angels? I have a free, Facebook Group, Angel Circle of Gratitude you may want to check out. Each Tuesday at 10 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Eastern join for a lovefest with the angels and mini-card readings for those attending live.

Janette Stuart: #1 Best Selling Author, Certified Angel Card Reader, Blogger, Military Mom, and Emissary of Joy at Angel Angles with Janette Stuart which will assist you to own and embrace your Divine Beauty and live a life of love, joy, and peace. Gentleness and Joy are her Superpowers.

www.angel-angles.com

Knowledge : Card of the Week Message - Love Notes from The Divine Inspirational Card Deck

Welcome to your “Love Notes from The Divine” Card of the Week for Dec, 13-19 2020.

Knowledge

Welcome to your “Love Notes from The Divine” message for Dec. 13-19, 2020.

“The wisdom of the ages is pulsing through your veins. You have a Divine inner knowing. You are more amazing than you know.”

We all have a divine inner knowing within. These can be the experiences we have learned from others, our ancestors and the inner wisdom we each hold within. That spark of divine inner wisdom can be felt through your intuition, instincts and imagination. 

We have all heard people say the following:

·       I just knew…it was the right or the wrong thing to do.

·       I have a gut feeling about this…

·       I just know in my heart that it’s the right/wrong thing to do…

·       I should have listened to my gut instinct…

·       I feel I’m on the right path.

These are all examples of folks expressing their knowledge or inner wisdom. Pay attention to these sentiments when you think them too, dear heart. We all have the wisdom of the ages in our DNA and are wiser than we can fathom.

When we are in sync with our inner knowing, we flow through life living from our heart space and not in our heads where we often overthink things and flounder.

Remember, dear heart, you are more amazing than you know. Lean into your inner knowledge and inner wisdom: inner healer and watch what happens.

Blessings of love, joy, and peace.
Love,

Janette

Enjoy a beautiful,devotional-self-care, and gratitude journal with lots of room to write which includes 21 journal prompts pdf as an opt-in gift to my weekly love letter from the Angels.

Need more peace in your life and want to find out about the angels? I have a free, Facebook Group, Angel Circle of Gratitude you may want to check out. Each Tuesday at 10 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Eastern join for a lovefest with the angels and mini-card readings for those attending live.

Janette Stuart: #1 Best Selling Author, Certified Angel Card Reader, Blogger, Military Mom, and Emissary of Joy at Angel Angles with Janette Stuart which will assist you to own and embrace your Divine Beauty and live a life of love, joy, and peace. Gentleness and Joy are her Superpowers.

www.angel-angles.com