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.

Self-Care for Inner Peace

First Published on The Wellness Universe blog on Sept. 4, 2024.

As I write this article, we are in the middle of a bathroom remodel. My husband is doing the work himself, and things are taking way longer than we anticipated. So, our home is in chaos. Did I mention this is our only bathroom? It requires lots of planning and logistics to make sure we are able to use the facilities for the bare necessities of life.

We are also expecting our son, his family, and their 100-pound puppy to be visiting us early next week. My momma and nana hearts are so thrilled, and I wish our home was in pristine condition. It’s not.

Does this sound like a recipe for inner peace?

I could choose to be in a snit because things aren’t happening according to my timeframe, making me and my husband miserable, or I could pause and take a moment to make an intentional choice for peace.

I choose to nurture my inner peace; very empowering indeed.

Did you know that inside the eye of the hurricane is the most peaceful part of the storm? There, amidst the swirling gale-force winds, pounding rain, and potential destruction of things it encounters, inner peace and stillness are found inside.

We’ll use the eye of the hurricane metaphor as a reminder that inner peace is an inside job. We generate inner peace when we focus on it, not just when everything is perfectly peaceful and serene in our lives.

So even if there are boxes everywhere and the bathroom isn’t perfect by the time they arrive, I plan to be filled with peace and focus on the precious gift of having my son and his family’s presence in our home. I plan to generate love and contentment so that they are comfortable and feel welcome so that we all remember this visit with fond memories for years to come.

I could choose to focus on the negative, that our home is in disarray and not perfect for our loved ones' arrival, or I could focus on what matters most to me: visiting my family and being a beacon of love and welcoming light.

I’ve made my choice for the most peaceful and loving me I can be because I am the only one who has any control over my own inner peace. I choose to use my personal power for my desires and not give it away to external forces or conditions.

My peace of mind is an inside job, and so is yours too, dear reader.

We can be at peace inside the proverbial eye of the hurricane. No matter what is happening around us or how big the storm of life appears, we have our center, our inner peace, our inner sanctum of contentment despite it all. That is nurturing peace from the inside out. That is stepping into your power and shining. That is how to be brave.

Creating peace from the inside out involves cultivating a harmonious inner state that radiates outward into your life despite the noise or obstacles in our way. Here are a dozen ways you can nurture your inner peace:

1. Create Sacred Space

• Designate a physical or mental space that allows you to connect with yourself deeply. This could be a quiet room, a favorite chair, or a moment of mindfulness.
  
  

• Carve out a sacred space in a corner of your home, workspace, desk, or car that holds meaningful objects that help bring you peace and tranquility.
  
  

• Create a sacred space playlist of your favorite music or meditations that bring a sense of peace and tranquility when you need it most.
  
  
  

2. Good Self-Care

• Prioritize your well-being by eating nourishing foods, getting enough rest, exercising, and engaging in activities that rejuvenate your spirit.
  
  

• Remember to give yourself grace if you don’t live up to your expectations; you can always start again in the next moment. Be good to yourself.
  
  
  

3. Breathe

• Practice mindful breathing. Deep, slow breaths help calm the nervous system and bring you back to the present moment.
  
  

4. Intentional Action

• Move through your day with purpose. Consider what actions align with your values and contribute to your overall peace.
  
  

5. Being Present

• Focus on the here and now. Let go of past regrets and future worries, anchoring yourself in the present. I often stop to look at the beauty around me, listen to the windchimes, watch the hummingbirds at the feeder, or watch the clouds float by. Even popping out to the yard for a few moments helps tremendously.
  
  

6. Focus on Priorities

• Identify what truly matters to you and dedicate your time and energy to those priorities, letting go of distractions.
  
  

7. Find the Humor in the Situation

• Lighten your heart and mind by finding humor, even in challenging situations. Laughter can be a powerful tool for creating inner peace, and it’s true that laughter is good medicine.
  
  

8. This, Too, Shall Pass

• Remember that all things are temporary. Accept the changing tides of life to help release stress and maintain peace. All storms eventually end.
  
  

9. Find Your Sanctuary

• Identify your personal sanctuary—a place or state of being where you feel safe, calm, and at peace. This might be a physical location or a mental state you retreat to in times of stress.
  
  

10. Retreat to Nature

• Spend time in nature to reconnect with the earth and yourself. The natural world has a grounding effect that can help put our cares in perspective and help calm and restore our inner peace.
  
  

11. Balance

• Strive for balance in all areas of your life. When your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met, you create a stable foundation for peace.
  
  

12. Shifting the Narrative from “I Can’t” to “How Can I?”

• Change your mindset from one of limitation to one of possibility. This empowers you to find solutions rather than dwell on obstacles.
  
  

By integrating these practices into your daily life, you can create a lasting sense of peace that begins within and radiates outward.

I hope that these tips and this article will benefit you, dear reader, as you nurture your peace from the inside out, which is excellent self-care because you are worthy and deserving of every good thing flowing to you always.

Get your Self-Care Strategies PDF booklet, which includes ways to begin or enhance your self-care routine. It's my gift to you, and it includes affirmation cards and a word search puzzle, too. Sign up HERE.

If you'd like to map out a personalized self-care plan, prioritize your well-being further with a 1:1 session with Janette. Find out more HERE.

Decluttering, Remodeling, and Positivity

We have been remodeling our bathroom, our only bathroom. With the heat and doing the work ourselves (mostly my hubby), it's a long process. It also requires lots of coordination when using the facilities.

There is dust everywhere. We try to keep it to a minimum, but it finds its way into every little nook and cranny of our home.

We shopped for new wall and floor tiles, a bathtub, a medicine cabinet, towel racks, and lights ahead of time, traipsing through several home improvement stores and specialty tile warehouses.

The process can be overwhelming, exhausting, and messy.

We have lots of home improvement projects to do, and my husband is ready and anxious to get them going. I’m blessed to have a handy husband who saves us lots of money and does high-quality work.

He had to go into the attic to replace the exhaust fan piping and clear a path of clutter to do so. 

That meant we were finally beginning to deal with the years of clutter up there. So many boxes and bags of things we tucked away over the years were being excavated and re-examined. 
It's messy and dirty and requires action.

What do we do with all of this stuff? 

A lot of it is going away to bless others. Baby clothes we never used were tucked away up there. 

I've washed and folded them all, and they were donated to bless other families. 

It felt good to have a car full of items to bless others with.

Some are "treasures" our son needs to look at and decide their fate when he visits next month. 

It'll be great when the remodeling and decluttering are finished, but right now, it's messy and chaotic. For example, our new bathtub was delivered last week and is on the patio in its cardboard box, about the size and shape of a coffin, until my hubby is ready to install it. 

He joked around that we could save the box and bury him in it when his time comes. We are finding ways to enjoy the process, and humor helps a lot.

Another concern is properly disposing of the construction debris. Our current solid waste services don’t take or hold everything, so we’ve got homework to do.

We have a local metal recycler who will be happy to have our old tub and metal medicine cabinet once they’re removed. That’s a win-win for us and him.

I've been taking good care of myself during this whole process. Staying hydrated, cool, and well-rested has been a priority. My husband's health, safety, and nutrition are also priorities. 

A huge part of my self-care is seeing the big picture and knowing that today's inconvenience and mess won’t last forever. One day, in the not-too-distant future, we’ll have a gleaming new bathroom that will not only please our eyes but also increase our home value.

We were talking about our new bathroom this morning and I teased my hubby that it will soon be Pinterest ready. He is really excited to see the final project, too.

Today, floor tiles are going in, and the plan is to also paint the wall behind where the new vanity and medicine cabinet will be.

We chose a soothing green called jojoba, and we’re anxious to see how it brightens up the room.

I write this article as a beautiful reminder to please take extra good care of yourself. There is so much going on in our world right now that can make us feel wobbly, stressed, and uncertain. 

A great self-care tip is to stop and consciously breathe in the midst of chaos to help balance and center yourself.

Place your hand on your heart, take a second to focus on taking a big, deep, beautiful breath, let it out…in…out…repeat as needed, and enjoy the sense of peace that rushes in with this boost of oxygen surging into every cell of your precious body, dear heart.

I have a gift for you to help you begin or enhance your self-care practice. It’s especially helpful during times of stress or chaos. It’s a PDF full of tips, tools, and ways to help you prioritize yourself.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a way to honor the precious gift of your life. Get your gift HERE.

I am sending you so much love.