Every year as my birthday approaches, I feel an immense sense of excitement mixed with deep nostalgia. It sometimes feels hard to find the time to celebrate myself fully in a way that feels authentic so this year I took some time to reflect on what would truly make this birthday one that felt juicy in my body and nourishing in my bones. By focusing on intentional practices, self-care and solo-time I am transforming what could be an average week into an enriching experience that resonates deeply with me.
Journaling Intentions
Setting clear intentions is the first step in aligning my birthday week with my need for connecting back to myself, my body & my dreams. Starting today, on Monday, I will take time to write without judgement in my journal and see what needs to flow through. Whether it's a clear manifestation for this upcoming year or clearing out a thought that doesn't serve me anymore, this routine will help ground me and open a path to joy and abundance as I step into a new year.
![Close-up view of a handwritten gratitude journal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/27f8b8_161dee2d6cf14dfb858982029237213e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1470,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/27f8b8_161dee2d6cf14dfb858982029237213e~mv2.jpg)
Planning a Self-Care Retreat Week
This year, I’m designating my whole birthday week as a personal retreat: dedicated to self-care and practices that I not only love but also are good for my body and soul.
Monday, Dropping in: Although this morning is filled with finishing up odds & ends with design work and proposals for 2025 clients I am taking the second half of the day to do my journaling and then indulge in my favorite Vinyasa Yoga class that ends with a 15 minute Gong Sound Bath. Afterwards I plan to take a luscious bath with my Nectar Body Soak, candles lit, & my ultimate Spa playlist in the background.
Tuesday, Visioning: The day for setting intentions, working on my vision board for 2025/ year 34, manifesting for the future and getting creative with all my art supplies. I'll end the day with another of my favorite body classes, called House Heal, which focuses on small isometric body movements for heart & hip openers.
Wednesday, Moon Connection: My last day of being 33, which also happens to be the New Moon (Welcoming in the Hebrew Month of Shevat and the Lunar New Year). I'll begin my day with Somatic Motion and then indulge in a luscious amount of time outdoors connecting to the earth. I'll end my day with acupuncture and a Lunar New Year Sound Bath at a new studio i'm excited to visit.
Thursday, The Sun Returns: My Birthday! 34. Blessed be. I will spend the morning of my birthday in deep meditation & prayer. I'll be pulling a card from my personal oracle deck that I'm in the process of creating and be pulling a card from my favorite Rumi deck. In the afternoon I've booked a self-care experience for myself at my local spa. I'll indulge in a massage and then a foot soak. I'll end my day by heading down to Boston with my husband to eat at my favorite Tapas restaurant.
![One of my absolute favorite Gifs & a visual representation of what this Birthday week's intention is.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/27f8b8_9dd920a61bc04d2d88e85651a6c63469~mv2.gif/v1/fill/w_500,h_636,al_c,pstr/27f8b8_9dd920a61bc04d2d88e85651a6c63469~mv2.gif)
Chasing the Sun
For me, a birthday isn't complete without a fun trip! Some years I opt for a staycation or an overnight at a local boutique hotel but this year it felt important for me to be in the sunshine.
I'll cap my birthday week with a two week trip (to REALLLLY extend the celebrations) to my favorite Florida island where I can indulge in ocean magic, long walks in stunning flora & fauna, delicious meals on the patio & chasing that feeling of bliss with my bike as I ride the island's length.
![Always following the warmth of the sun. Photo of me from a past month long retreat to Costa Rica.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/27f8b8_ea72dc1759504b528052c06eb9b594f1~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_548,h_616,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/27f8b8_ea72dc1759504b528052c06eb9b594f1~mv2.png)
Celebrating with Friends
Upon my return, I'm hoping to celebrate with all my loved ones. This is still TBD but a nice dinner out or a really sweet evening at my home are what I long for to connect with the people in my life that I care for so much and that I know have my back.
Ultimately, it’s not just about marking another year; it’s about celebrating the journey, cherishing connections, and infusing magic into everyday moments. Here’s to making every birthday a cherished ritual and having those sacred moments at the start of this new year ripple out so that every day becomes a moment of deep celebration & reverence!
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