A few weeks back I shared how the practices that used to anchor me have been feeling off. What I didn't mention was my self-care menu, Reader.

If you've ever needed serious self-care but your go-to wasn't working, you'll love this idea. Sometimes, when our usual anchors feel shaky, it's an invitation to explore other ways to listen to that quiet wisdom within.

This self-care menu has become a gentle guide for me in those uncertain moments. Here's how you can create one for yourself:

• Step 1: Reflect on what brings you back to center, what makes you feel... you. Think about activities that ground you. What makes you feel a little more solid, a little more connected to your inner strength? What practices make you feel like you're coming home? It can be anything! So don't limit yourself to spiritual practices. If it nourishes your mind, body, and spirit, it belongs on this list!
• Step 2: Brainstorm activities and create categories. If it feels right, you could organize it a bit, like I do. However, it's not totally necessary. Under each category, brainstorm activities you enjoy and find nourishing. I like this because it gives me variety. Here's an example of my categories and activities:
  • Spiritual self-care: These are practices that connect you to your sacred divinity for me that's breathwork, meditation, tarot, and journaling.
  • Creative activities: Think of things that allow your creative self-expression and flow to be activated– anything where you can just do and not worry about the outcome. Things on my menu are painting, pottery, writing, practicing guitar, making candles, and making soap.
  • Connecting with the earth: There's a profound connection I feel when I'm in nature, a feeling emerges like I'm part of something greater. For me that feeling comes when getting my hands in the dirt through gardening, going on long nature walks and impromptu beach visits.
  • Physical self-care: We are spiritual being in physical form. So taking care of our bodies is super important too with things like massages, exercise, eating healthy, sneaking in a nap or , dare I say it, even getting enough sleep.
  • Resting: Any intentional activities that feel relaxing or calming to you. For me that's reading, listening to music, yoga nidra, restorative yoga, and if I can get it, sacred alone time.
  • Social connection (when it's nourishing): Spending quality time with loved ones who support and uplift you. Maybe it's just a small thoughtful text to your supportive friend. Sometimes it's a long-needed coffee date, anything that makes you feel supported and loved.
  • Mindful moments: Simple practices that bring you to the present moment like savoring a cup of tea, staring out your window, or simply sitting in your car for 5 minutes before walking into your home, job, or gathering.
• Step 3: Write it down somewhere you can see it, whatever way works for you! It doesn't need to be perfect. A simple list on your phone or a note tucked away works great. Think of it as a gentle reminder of your inner resources. Here are a few ideas for your self-care menu:
  • Menu Jar: Write each activity on a separate slip of paper and place them in a jar. You can pick one at random when you need some self-care.
  • Paper List: Create a written list and keep it somewhere visible like on your fridge, in your planner, or in your journal.
  • Notes App: Keep a digital list on your phone or computer for easy access.
• Step 4: Make it accessible and realistic. The most important thing is to approach this with kindness and patience. This isn't about adding pressure or another "should" to your day. It's about creating a gentle pathway back to yourself in those moments when you feel a little lost. Add things that fit into your real life, with options for just a few minutes or longer. Even little moments help. Be kind to yourself!

Whatever you're navigating, a self-care menu can help you reconnect with that deep inner knowing. When emotions feel big or uncertainty creeps in, look at your menu. Choose something that feels like a tiny bit of comfort, a little whisper of hope. It's in these small, consistent acts of self-compassion that you rediscover your own inner strength and the unwavering wisdom that resides within you.

After you create your self-care menu, I'd love to know what's on it, Reader. If emotional energy healing, tarot, or breathwork made the cut, and you want integration guidance, I'm only a button away!

And of course, here are other ways to take a deeper dive into your self-care menu...

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JUST FOR YOU:

Your weekly guidance
reading & journal prompts

For this week's guidance reading, I'm using Colette Baron-Reid's Enchanted Map Oracle Deck with a direct translation from the guidebook. If you have a question, feel free to pause and focus on it. Then, look at the stack of cards below and choose one you feel has your reading. Or you can also combine the messages of all three cards and let that be your guidance.

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As always, take what resonates and leave the rest behind. ​I'd love to hear which reading made sense with your current energy, Reader. So be sure to reply and let me know.

Grey Botswana Agate Guidance

One-Ring Circus - ​"You are capable and competent!"

Independence is key now as you step into your journey today. Others may not have the vision or resources that you need. Recognize that all the wisdom you've ac­quired along the way makes you particular­ly competent, capable of moving forward with assurance. Self-reliance is important.

​Another aspect to consider is creating and maintaining clear boundaries between you and another. Be discerning about your partnerships at this time. When you know who you are, and have a healthy sense of where you end and others begin, you're able to enter into the best kind of relation­ships and will attract people who mirror back your wholeness. Interdependent rela­tionships are always mutually supportive, stimulating, and transformative. You can achieve anything at this time.
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✍Your journal prompts from this reading:

• Where in my life have I recently surprised myself with my abilities or resourcefulness? Think about a situation where you navigated a challenge, learned something new quickly, or handled something with more skill than you initially thought you possessed. What internal resources (knowledge, past experiences, inner strength) did I draw upon in that moment? How can I acknowledge and trust these abilities more consciously moving forward?
• Where might my boundaries be unclear or porous? How might a lack of clear boundaries be impacting my energy or sense of self within these connections? What is one small, clear boundary I can establish or reinforce this week to foster a healthier sense of "where I end and others begin"?
• What is one goal or dream that feels both exciting and a little intimidating right now? This message says, "You can achieve anything at this time." What small, tangible action can I take today that aligns with this big dream, even if it feels like just the first step in a long journey? How can I tap into my inherent competence and self-reliance to begin moving towards this seemingly "anything"?

Amazonite Guidance

Golden Palace -​"There is always enough."​

​The Golden Palace card represents good fortune, ambitions fulfilled, wealth, and prosperity. It may also indicate emotional fulfillment, as perhaps you're entering a time of happiness that's long overdue.

​The message here is that self-worth isn't mea­sured by what you have, no matter how abundant your life is. Instead, it comes from what you are, how authentically you're living your life, and how much love you're willing to share. Granted, receiving this card does indicate material gain and a furthering of tangible rewards. But things come and go, and knowing your true value leads to even greater riches now.

Share the wealth.

​✍Your journal prompts from this reading:

• Reflecting on times when I felt truly wealthy or prosperous, what qualities within myself contributed to that feeling of abundance? How can I consciously cultivate these inner riches (authenticity, love, inner peace) as the primary source of my self-worth, rather than relying on external circumstances?
• Beyond material wealth, what does my personal "Golden Palace" truly look and feel like? What are the essential elements – emotional states, relationships, experiences, inner qualities – that constitute true prosperity and fulfillment for me? How can I actively cultivate these elements in my life, recognizing that they are always potentially available, regardless of external circumstances?
• What does "sharing the wealth" resonate with most deeply for me right now? Does it relate to material resources, my time, my skills, my love, or my wisdom? What is one small, intentional act of sharing I can commit to this week, and how might this act of generosity enrich not only others but also my own sense of enough-ness and connection?

Howlite Guidance

Wide Open- “You are free to express your uniqueness to the world and share in all the bounty of life’s endless possibilities.”

All manner of opportunities are presented to you at this time. The Wide Open card is a signal that you are able to truly manifest your dreams and that your goals are in sight. Do not remain small and contracted. Instead, expand your horizons beyond what you believe to be your limitations. You have a unique voice that needs to be expressed in the world. The universe is supportive of new ideas and approaches at this time, so speak up and speak out.

This card is the sign of the maverick who freely roams the wide open space of possibility. Allow for a greater vision to replace old ideas as you dream a grander dream.

​✍Your journal prompts from this reading:

• What new opportunities or possibilities currently feel like they are on the horizon for me? What excites me about these possibilities, and what hesitations or doubts arise? How can I cultivate a mindset of openness and receptivity to these potential new paths?
• Where in my life am I currently playing small or limiting my own potential? What are the "beliefs" about my limitations that might be holding me back from expanding my horizons? What would it feel like to release one of these self-imposed limitations, even in a small way?
• What is one dream that feels particularly alive and important to me right now? What tangible steps can I identify to begin actively manifesting this dream? How can I maintain a sense of belief and possibility, even when faced with challenges or setbacks?

As always only take what feels right in your heart and soul and leave the rest behind. Remember, these are general readings. If you want a personalized online or in-person session to clarify areas you're struggling with, highlight what's draining your energy, recharge, or breathe out stuck emotions, click below to book a session with me.

Sending lots of love your way,

— Francisca Hernandez

Breathe Deeply | Connect Consciously | Thrive Wholeheartedly!

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