Self—Cultivation

Refine, Grow, Evolve: Discovering the Art of Self – Cultivation:

Self-cultivation is the gradual process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and wisdom. It involves the conscious effort of developing one’s physical and mental capacities, nurturing personal growth, and fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.

In the journey of self-cultivation it is about continual learning. It is a deliberate pursuit, driven by a desire to broaden our perspectives, and refine our capabilities. Encompassing most aspects of our lives, including intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

Intellectually

Gaining knowledge is an integral part of self-cultivation. It involves seeking out new information, exploring different subjects, and engaging in lifelong learning. It allows us to broaden our understanding, challenge our assumptions, and develop critical thinking skills.

Embrace learning as a lifelong pursuit, seeking intellectual growth in every encounter. Seize the chance to expand your knowledge through: reading books, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, or exploring new subjects that ignite your curiosity.

Physically

Self-cultivation also involves the effort of developing our physical capacities. Including activities such as exercise, proper nutrition, and taking care of our physical health. By engaging in regular physical activity, we strengthen our bodies, improve our endurance, release endorphins and enhance our overall well-being. It allows us to sustain a balanced lifestyle and fosters a sense of vitality and energy.

Nurturing our physical well-being establishes a conducive environment for the growth of self-cultivation. Nourish your body with wholesome food, engage in regular exercise, and prioritize self-care. Listen to the needs of your body and honor it with rest, movement, and activities that bring you joy.

Emotionally

Furthermore, self-cultivation extends to the development of our mental capacities. This includes practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and reflection. By cultivating a calm and focused mind, we enhance our ability to manage stress, increase self-awareness, and develop a deeper sense of inner peace. It allows us to cultivate emotional intelligence, improve our decision-making skills, and nurture healthy relationships.

Take the time to understand your emotions, cultivate empathy, and nurture healthy relationships. Engage in practices that promote emotional well-being, such as journaling, meditation, or even hiring a life coach to aid you through part of your journey.

Self-cultivation is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, patience, and self-discipline. It is not a destination but rather a continuous journey of growth and transformation. It encourages us to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and strive for personal excellence. Through self-cultivation, we unlock our full potential, discover our true selves, and create a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Take the first step on your journey of self-cultivation today, embracing the pursuit of knowledge, nurture your well-being, and cultivate a life of intention and growth. Click the button below to prioritize your journey of self-cultivation and embark on a path where you can witness the remarkable progress and fulfillment that self-cultivation brings.

Don’t wait any longer—your extraordinary journey awaits!

This Way To Self — Cultivation

Memories of Mexico

HOTEL XCARET ARTE

Hotel Xcaret Arte was an experience, and a rather beautiful experience at that. The hotel itself was stunning, not to mention the food which was fabulous, and the countless opportunities for adventure kept everyone entertained during our stay.

XCARET PARK MEXICO

We also enjoyed 6 hours at Xcaret Park, especially the apiary and aquarium, We also walked a total of 18,000+ steps, and revelled in an evening show that spanned the history of the region, starting off with the Mayans, to the Conquistadors, to today’s Mariachis. We loved the Park, it was definitely an adventure, and worth every step, or so I keep telling myself!

Here are some of my over and under about our stay — the hotel was stunning, although they were still working out a few kinks during our stay. I’d give our stay, overall, a solid B. The food really was exceptional. We didn’t explore too many of their one off restaurants, but the main dining room was excellent. The hotel room was interesting an accommodating. The location was perfect and fitting for the style of the resort. Bonus, the resort offered an abundant amount of adventure opportunities.

Where the resort lost some points was with it’s rather tiny beach front, it was rocky, shallow, and limited in space, seating, and accomodation. The pools closed at 7pm, what, why? The information required to make reservations at their restaurants was confusing at best, and made it almost impossible to get in. Everything required vouchers from the concierge center (not open at all hours) to attend and if you didn’t get a voucher, you didn’t get to go.

The husband and kids collectively loved it, and would absolutely go back. I would return too, but I would prefer a resort with more beach, easier booking accomodations, and pools that don’t close before dark. 🙄 Again, I give it a B, or 4 out of 5 stars, – lovely, but could be better.

What is Life Coaching?

Last year I became a certified Life Coach, through the Life Coach School. It was not a decision I made lightly, and yet somehow the idea made so much sense it felt like one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. I can honestly say that being a life coach is better than a passion, it’s a calling.

So, what is it that I do?

To say I am a life coach is a bit too simplistic of a description, being a life coach is definitely more nuanced than its’ title. That being said, describing it in a hundred and one different ways can feel over the top also. So in an attempt to nail it down in its’ simplest of terms I’ve decided to convey what I do by writing a letter to my clients. Let’s go.

Dear (insert client name),

   I am beyond grateful that you have entrusted me as your life coach to assist you in your journey of transformation. The next steps we take together are going to move you closer to the future you have always envisioned. Through this work you will feel lighter, freer, more empowered, and generally better than you did before.

   We will explore your beliefs, separating out the beliefs that benefit you from from those that no longer work for the life you are creating. You will learn to question old beliefs, bridge new beliefs you want, and trust yourself along the process. It is through this practice where you gain the understanding that the key to success starts at its foundation, at your beliefs.

   You will learn to identify, allow, and work through your emotions, and inevitably move forward despite them. You will practice elevating your emotional barometer by tapping into some emotions intentionally, like gratitude, acceptance, and peace — all while implementing your own personal standard of emotional intelligence.

   You will navigate the uncomfortable relationship with resistance — learn how it appears, how it sneaks in, how it stalls you, and how to move forward despite it, especially while it's riding shotgun along the path of your dreams. You will also learn to harness your habits to support the goals you are aiming for, instead of indulging in old tired habits that work against your goals.

   You can expect to experience so many ah-ha moments, epiphanies, and paradigm shifts. These mindset shifts lay new personal foundations of what is possible, all while fueling you forward to exploring new insights, both for you and the future you're intentionally creating.

   Thank you again for trusting me, I am honored to be a part of your journey, along with all of the messy and beautiful experiences yet to come.

Xo, Suzette

So, essentially, I am a mindset coach. The framework is simple, I dive into the beliefs that spur on our patterned behaviors which reveal themselves through our current results. It is through the process of taking responsibility of our lives, and what is actually in our control, like our thoughts, feelings, & behaviors — this is how we find where our true power lies, from within us.

Who do I work with?

Let me first tell you who I don’t work with. If you are slaying life, utterly in love with how your life is unfolding, fulfilled by your job, thriving in your relationships, you are settled into the groove and flow of your personal development journey hardly ever overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in indecision — you are on fire, keep going!

I work with everyone else, especially those who might be more like me, — those who still would like some clarity on what their brain is offering them. Those who might be dealing in self-sabotage, perfectionism, people pleasing, and uncertainty. Those who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Those who want to be more, do more, and have more. I get you, I can help, and I am here to work with you.

Click here to get started today.

Le Champ de Mars, Paris

I am so glad I snapped a few of these aerial images while riding atop of the red double-decker tour bus. I had no clue at that time that this charming corner bistrot would end up being our rainy refuge for several hours while we sat and waited out the rain. Le Champ de Mars provided good drink, good food, good conversation, and good memories that I will cherish for many years to come, merci beaucoup.

My friend and I took shelter curbside, under this quintessentially french red awning. We were warmly greeted, first by our wait staff, and then by a good-humored canadian gent — where our table of two gradually merged into a table of three. Granted, no chairs were moved during this engagement, if you have ever been to Paris, you know just how cozy the seating arrangements are there.

Drinks were quickly ordered — champagne for Daphne, and a Spritz for me. Sidenote, these were our standard drink orders for our entire week in Paris. After perusing the menu we settled on our food order, then proceeded to devour the contents of the breadbasket that was placed in front of us, ok, mostly me.

Rain is Paris is one of the sweetest pleasures in life. There is something romantic, magical, and classic about Paris in the rain, it is sexy and intoxicating at best. And the chilled dampness of the rain made the experience all the more sensorily memorable.

Unfortunately I have no images of my food. This was typical of me throughout my entire week there, I devoured the food faster than I could remember to grab a snapshot. But the food was exceptional. Perhaps the stunning location and seductive scene played as the best appetizer ever, I’ll never know, nor care. I know that I absolutely adored this moment, and I am so glad I that I soaked it all in, pun intended.

The Office & Credenza

Welcome to my office. I thought I’d share this behind the scenes, for anyone interested in where I spend a good portion of my time these days. Along with this sneak peek, I am sharing a quick metamorphosis from when I initially started putting the credenza together, to how it has finally settled, and my why behind some of my decisions.

I was so excited when I initially commandeered this space. After all, my office space is where I get to build my life coaching business, create content, and where I get to practice my craft. I knew I wanted to create a space that inspired me, motivated me, and generally just felt beautiful to spend countless hours working in.

My design inspiration for this space was definitely a Parisian apartment vibe. I knew I wanted all of the feels and romance that I could muster of that elusive french je ne sais quoi. My focus was specifically centered around all of what a Parisian fireplace embodies. That meant the arched gilded mirror was a definite must, and I quickly bought one specifically for this space.

How it started …

Upon assembly of the credenza, by yours truly, I grabbed several items I had at the ready, and I then began to zhuzh the space. I liked the layout ok, but, it felt a little cold and a bit lifeless – not the vibe I was going for. But this is typical and all part of the decorating process.

Transitioning …

So I scoured my space for something floral. It was a slight improvement, but, still not quite right. I liked the idea in theory, but the vase was too matchy, too much of the same. And while I liked the floral element, I thought greenery would fill the space in better.

To NOW …

I found and ordered this interesting amber toned, art deco inspired vase from Amazon. I immediately then ran to hobby lobby and grabbed a faux greenery bundle to add to the vase. By golly, I think this might work! I took some time and played around with the placement, played with the layers, and then with the negative space. It finally felt right. I even love all the simple details all the way down to the electric lighter, which is totally cool and oldly fun to use.

Now, the rest of the space …

I inherited the sofa from my daughter, which come on, I love everything about this sofa. The size is perfect, the color is spot on and the shape is that quintessential library sofa shape. Bonus, I think about my daughter every time I sit on it, so I love it.

I still have a few tweaks to make within the space, maybe some framed photographs from my trip to paris. A rug would be a nice addition as well. The desk leaves me a bit wanting, and I will eventually replace it with a larger, more substantial one. So technically, the space is still a work in progress. But hey, isn’t that life — I know that I am constantly a work in progress.