Okay Fine, Let’s Talk About Love

I’m interupting my amazing blog line up to do it: Talk about love!

When I started Grow, Glow & Become, I wasn’t planning to talk about love—especially not singlehood. I had a whole content strategy built around rituals, wellness, and personal growth. Love? That wasn’t the vibe.

But here’s the thing… it kind of is.

Whether I wanted to or not, this part of my story kept showing up—in my journaling, my reflections, my healing. So, I figured I’d give you the backstory. Because if you’ve been reading the blog or following along on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed little love notes to my past (and maybe my future) scattered in between my routines and rituals.

Here’s the truth:

When I got separated almost 7 years ago, I immediately wanted to be in a new relationship. The man I was with used to say, “Single people are losers,” and somewhere deep down, I wanted to prove him wrong. To prove I was lovable. That I was not the problem.

Spoiler alert: That’s not a healthy reason to get into a relationship.

(But hey, we’ve all been there.)

Then one day, I saw that quote—“If you don’t heal what hurt you, you’ll bleed on those who didn’t cut you.”

And it cracked me open.

Maybe, just maybe… love wasn’t something I needed to prove.

Maybe I didn’t need to rush into something new just to feel worthy.

Maybe healing had to come first—not as a punishment, but as protection.

So I started the journey.

I picked up my Moon cycle calendars, poured into my journals, and vowed to never let a man break me the way that one did. Not again. I was done feeling betrayed, abandoned, unlovable. I was determined to find my own worth.

But healing? It’s not linear.

Somewhere in the highs and lows of singlehood, I started losing faith. Not just in men—but in love itself. That’s when my sister sent me a video that shook me to my core. A young woman shared how she’d once felt God ask her, “If I have no one for you, would you still love Me?”

I couldn’t stop thinking about that question.

If God has no one for me, would I still go on?

Would I still find beauty in my life? Still believe in purpose?

At the time… my honest answer was no.

That realization spiraled me hard.

But it also shifted something inside me.

Instead of chasing a relationship like it was my life’s missing piece, I started asking different questions:

What does it mean to truly love myself?

What kind of life would I build if I knew love was inevitable—but not today?

What am I waiting for?

Because here’s the thing: I was under the impression that love would be my reward for healing. That if I did all the right things—journaled enough, glowed enough, forgave enough—I’d finally earn it.

When it didn’t show up, I thought I hadn’t done it right. So I’d go back and try again, work harder, be better, love myself more.

Until I realized:

That’s not love. That’s performance.

And it’s not what I want.

So now? I dance in my kitchen at 6AM while meal prepping.

I dance between sets at the gym.

I tell myself: I am the manifestation.

And yes—I still want a relationship.

But now, I’m no longer shrinking myself to be chosen. I’m building a foundation so solid, no man can shake it.

A guy I crushed on has a girlfriend? Cool.

Someone I was dating turns hot-and-cold? Bye.

I used to think love was the finish line. Now I know it’s a part of the journey—not the prize at the end.

So to anyone who’s ever been told “just love yourself first”—I get the eye-roll. That phrase is usually tossed around like a band-aid.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Loving yourself isn’t a prerequisite to finding love.

Some people meet their person before doing any healing.

And others, like me, are called to build their own roots first.

Whichever path is yours—it’s valid.

⸻

Over to you, babe:

If certain words in this blog popped out at you, let me say them louder:

This is NOT about you not being worthy of your dreams.

It’s about not waiting for them to show up to start living.

Love. Your dream job. Moving abroad.

DREAM BIG—and then dream even bigger, darling.

Because you’re not behind. You’re just on your own wildly beautiful path.

Coffee cheers,

Nadia

From Glow Up to BECOMING!

I don’t know about you, but these past few weeks have cracked me wide open.

Is it the planets? The retrogrades? The pre-40 portal? Whatever it is, I’m not mad about it.

Flashback to May 2024.

I was working a soul-sucking job. I’d let myself go. And not in a “lazy” way — in a spirit-level exhaustion kind of way. My hair was always up in a bun, no makeup in sight, clothes that didn’t spark anything. I was moving, but barely living.

One day, while on a lunch break in the next town over, I saw him.

The most gorgeous man I had ever laid eyes on stepped out of his car and walked into a Tim Horton’s — and something in me woke up. I stared (yes, I admit it), borderline drooling. And he? Didn’t even notice me.

Now listen — I know I’m not everyone’s type. But I also know my power. I usually make heads turn when I walk in a room. So to be completely invisible? That stung.

I went home and told my daughter, and that’s when I asked for her help. As a 12-year-old beauty expert, she gave me tips on skincare, makeup, haircare… the works. I went online, created a Pinterest board, and said:

Let the glow-up begin.

Fast forward to just a few weeks ago — I’m working at the Café, and guess who walks in?

Yep. Glow-Up Man.

I nearly gasped. I had honestly forgotten about him, forgotten that he was the catalyst. But this time? He saw me. He talked to me. He even came back a second time… and this time, he didn’t touch his phone once.

For a moment, I wondered — could Glow-Up Man be The One?

Plot twist: He’s in a relationship. And probably not meant for me.

Another crush, another crash.

But here’s the magic part — I didn’t spiral. I didn’t shrink. I felt the sting, and then I channeled it. Into my healing. Into my rituals. Into my vision.

And into something new: The Becoming Binder.

Born not from desperation, but from transformation.

It’s filled with affirmations, rituals, manifestos, playlists, and pages that anchor me back to the truth: I am not waiting for someone to choose me — I am choosing myself, every single day.

This isn’t just a glow-up. This is a return.

To softness. To beauty. To desire. To wholeness.

This is BECOMING.

Introducing:

The BECOMING Prompt Pack — a dreamy + powerful freebie filled with the same kinds of prompts that cracked me wide open.

Whether you’re starting your own glow-up, healing from a heartbreak, or stepping into your main character energy… these prompts are here to guide you home to yourself.

Think of it as a journal date with your higher self — where the vibes are always warm, magical, and full of possibility.

You can grab it here [BECOMING PROMPT PACK]

Let me know if you try the “Day in the Life” one… I’d love to read what your future looks like too.

Until next time,

Coffee cheers,

Nadia

Spring Strong: A New Season, A New Strength

I’ve been really enjoying my workout routine since December. Honestly, I hadn’t given it much thought because I was just having so much fun. But recently, I paused and asked myself: How often should I switch things up so my body doesn’t get bored?

The answer? Every 4–6 weeks.

Oops!

So, I sat down and crafted a new program — something intentional, something that would stretch me (literally and mentally). The result? A fresh routine that has me so inspired and excited for this next chapter.

Why Spring Strong?

After writing down my new workout split, defining goals, and collecting new meal ideas, I realized this couldn’t just be another routine. It felt like the beginning of something bigger. And that kind of energy deserved a name.

A few ideas made the list, but I kept coming back to what felt simple and strong:

Spring Strong.

And rather than switching routines every few weeks, I’m going to let the seasons guide me. So, this is my Spring routine — and I’ll refresh it again this summer.

This season is already stirring up so many shifts — both outside and inside. I’m finally claiming something I’ve never fully allowed myself before:

I am my #1 priority.

That alone feels like a breath of fresh air. It feels like Spring.

Yes, I want to be strong physically — that gorgeous tricep line is on my vision board — but strength, to me, is also about energy, consistency, confidence, and giving myself permission to soften into my feminine energy.

Because truthfully? I’m a little tired of being the strong, resilient, independent “man of the house.”

I want to be strong in a different way now. A way that makes me feel alive, radiant, and magnetic.

What the Program Looks Like

This season’s goal is muscle growth, using a Push-Pull-Legs + Core/Cardio approach:

Weekly Split:

Monday – Push (Chest, Shoulders, Triceps)

Tuesday – Pull (Back, Biceps)

Wednesday – Cardio, Abs & Deep Stretch (led by Coach Daughter — haha!)

Thursday – Legs (Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes)

Friday – Push

Saturday – Pull

Sunday – Legs or Active Recovery (walks, yoga, etc.)

Here’s what each day looks like:

Push Day:

• Smith machine bench press

• Shoulder press

• Tricep dips

• Incline dumbbell press

• Lateral raises

• Tricep pushdowns

Pull Day:

• Pull-ups

• Barbell rows

• Bicep curls

• Lat pulldowns

• Face pulls

• Hammer curls

Leg Day:

• Split squats

• RDLs

• Leg press

• Hamstring curls

• Calf raises

• Walking lunges

Cardio + Abs:

• 20 mins treadmill or stairmaster

• Back extensions

• Plank twists

• Plank knees to elbows

• Heel touches

• Reverse crunches

• Weighted crunches

And to keep the energy fresh, I’m layering in monthly focuses:

• April: Form + Mind-Muscle Connection

• May: Progressive Overload (increasing reps, weight, or sets)

• June: Challenge Mode (tempo changes, drop sets, supersets)

Just writing all this makes me want to jump into my leggings right now… but it’s 8:20 PM, so I’ll save that energy for my 5 AM alarm instead.

(Still building my playlist, but it’s already giving main character in the gym vibes. Will share it soon!)

And as promised — here’s my before pic, featuring that tricep that’s already trying to say hello!

Supporting Myself Beyond the Gym

The workout is just one hour of the day. But what I do in the other 23 hours matters just as much.

I’m slowly building my collection of supplements and vitamins, focusing on performance, recovery, and gut health. Right now, I’m taking creatine and sneaking protein into everything I can. I also make sure everything I buy is from Amazon — free shipping, affordable, and good quality.

(I’m not sponsored — just sharing what works for me.

Here’s the [creatine I use → Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate]

And the [protein powder we love → Blessed Plant Protein - Peanut Butter Cup] )

Hydration is a non-negotiable, too. One of my favorite drinks right now is a blend of tropical juice + coconut water + a pinch of Himalayan salt — so simple and so good!

Other rituals?

• Getting enough sleep

• Daily self-care

• Grounding morning routines

And honestly? I don’t always feel like working out. There are mornings when I secretly hope my daughter says, “Can we skip today?” But I always feel amazing after, and I’m always proud I showed up.

Some mornings, I open YouTube and watch the first video that “calls” me. I treat it like a sign from my Guides. My feed is full of Abraham Hicks, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Elicia Goguen, and EFT tapping — all 15-20 mins max because let’s be real, who has time for more?

On days when I really don’t feel it?

I give myself permission to skip. No guilt, no Mean Girl talk.

And if I still want to move but need to go lighter, I adjust — and celebrate the fact that I showed up at all.

What About You?

Do you feel called to refresh your routine?

Maybe add some workouts, switch up your meals, get curious about your sleep or create a new self-care ritual?

What does your version of Spring Strong look like?

I’ll be sharing updates, progress, and reflections over on [Instagram → @growglowbecome] — come join me!

Here’s to showing up, growing stronger, and letting the light in — one rep at a time.

Coffee cheers,

Nadia

Aries Season: Your True Fresh Start

Okay, enough about me—let’s get into the fun astrology stuff.

Did you know that January 13th is National Give Up On Your New Year’s Resolution Day?

Are you one of those people who treat January like a trial month? Or maybe you’ve been wishing for another chance at a fresh start?

Well, this is your lucky day (or rather, your lucky season). Astrologically speaking, Aries season is the real new beginning—not Capricorn season.

We set goals in January because Capricorn energy is all about structure, discipline, and long-term vision. Ruled by Saturn, the planet of responsibility, it’s a powerful time for planning and laying the groundwork for success.

But if you’ve struggled to keep momentum or feel like you need a reset, Aries season is here to give you that fiery push forward.

As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries carries an electric energy—full of enthusiasm, courage, and a drive to go after what you want. If you’ve been feeling that spark of motivation lately, you’re likely tapping into this dynamic shift.

So, how can you harness this energy and truly embrace this fresh start?

1. Set Clear Goals

Aries thrives on action. Set clear, achievable goals and break them down into manageable steps. The key here? Take action. No overthinking, just movement.

2. Get Creative

Aries energy fuels inspiration and originality. Whether it’s writing, painting, brainstorming, or starting a passion project, let your creative fire burn.

3. Be True to Yourself

Aries is bold, independent, and unapologetically itself. This is your reminder to own who you are and walk your own path with confidence.

4. Be Adventurous

Ruled by Mars, Aries loves a challenge. Say yes to new experiences! Whether it’s a hiking trip, trying a new sport, or even experimenting in the kitchen, let curiosity lead the way.

5. Get Moving

Aries is one of the most physically active signs of the zodiac. Honor this energy by embracing movement—HIIT workouts, kickboxing, running, or any activity that gets your blood pumping.

Fun Aries Season Rituals to Tap Into This Energy

🔥 Mind-Mapping Your Next Big Idea

Aries season is about making bold moves, but Pisces season (right before) was all about dreaming. Now’s the time to take those dreams and start shaping them into something real.

Ritual Idea: Mind-map your vision! Write your main goal in the center of a page, then branch out with sub-ideas and action steps. Keep it nearby—when Taurus season arrives (April 19), you’ll refine and build on it.

🌹 Date Yourself

Aries rules self-love, so embrace solo time and do things that bring you joy. Take yourself out, buy yourself flowers, wear that outfit you love, try a new restaurant. Stop waiting—romance your own life.

Reminder: Enjoying your own company ≠ isolating yourself (note to self!)

Aries season is about bold action, fearless self-expression, and making things happen. Take this time to push forward, step outside your comfort zone, and truly own your fresh start.

Are you ready? Because it’s go-time.

Coffee cheers to new beginnings!

My 40’s Era: How I’m stepping into the next chapter

My 30’s were a series of Tower moments. It started great, I finally had everything most little girls dream of: The partner, the kids, the house, the stable job… yet, I was miserable.

I tried everything to “fix” myself.

I had everything I ever wanted, so I was obviously the problem!

Not only was I trying to excel at everything, I was hating myself hoping I would suddenly be happy.

I prayed for answers.

I prayed for help.

And that’s when the Tower moments started. In tarot, the Tower card is a card of complete transformation and that’s exactly what the image shows. A tall tower, on fire, with people falling out. I usually interpret it as “your life being shaken to make what isn’t meant to stay, fall out”.

When it happens in your life for real, you desperately try to hold on to ANYTHING that is being shaken out.

It gets uncomfortable real quick and you just want to get back to your comfort.

You pray, but this time you ask God to forgive you, to bring the people back into your life. It wasn’t that bad, you were just being whiny and ungrateful.

But the Universe knows better and keeps shaking. And it shakes until you finally let things fall out. 

Until you smile and say “Thank you” when you get fired from your job and have no backup.

Until you get dumped and say “OK” and have nothing but gratefulness for this person and the time you had together, however short it was.

Until you realize that was is being shaken out is only leaving to make space for better, what’s really meant for you.

Until you finally release your grasp and start trusting.

My 30’s were spent struggling, learning and trying to fix myself; and slowly brought me to unlearning, becoming, and realizing I was never broken.

It was never about needing to learn how to be better, it was about coming home to ME. Discovering WHO I am. Being curious, open & vulnerable.

It was never about fixing myself, it was about forgiving,accepting, and loving myself just as I am.

It was never about doing more, it was about BEING!

My 30’s were a crazy ride of figuring me out. 

Of being kind and patient with myself. 

Of letting go of the outside (and inside) expectations.

And finding joy in the little moments.

And now, I’m entering my 40’s with the knowledge that I still have so much of this adventurous journey ahead.

Feeling more confident, secure, and happy.

I think it’s when you finally accept that you don’t have all the answers that you can truly begin to enjoy life.

It’s not about figuring it out. It’s not about finding success, love, or anything.

It’s about enjoying the ride, wherever it may take you, because you now trust that the Universe might actually know what it’s doing.

It’s not about forcing yourself into places and relationships where you don’t belong so you can satisfy this need to fit in, it’s about embracing life fully, building something beautiful for yourself, and becoming so magnetic that the right people and opportunities naturally find you - allowing you to create your own version of success.

If my 30’s were so chaotic but turned out to be the best years of my life, I am excited to see what my 40’s will bring.

Less resistance.

More trust.

More JOY!

So, coffee cheers to growing, glowing and becoming more ME authentically

in the next decade!

40 lessons by 40

Just the thought of making this list was scary. Like… did I even learn 40 lessons in my entire life?! LOL. But here we are, and I promise these aren’t your usual “drink more water” lessons (though, yes, hydration is key).

So, without further delay… let’s get into it:

1. The most recent lesson is the first one I want to share.

Every morning, I open YouTube and see what videos my Guides have queued up for me (because yes, I’ve decided they talk to me through social media, videos, and oddly specific Instagram quotes). This week, I got “I Gave Up, and the Universe Delivered.”

The gist? Your life purpose is joy. Not to hustle more, fix more, or do more. Just to stay in the high-vibe vortex and feel good.

Honestly, that takes a whole lot of pressure off. Right?!

2. Need clarity? Ask yourself: What advice would I give my daughter?

Then go do that. Immediately.

3. Similar thought: If your son treated his future partner the way your partner treats you, would you be proud?

If the answer is no… you already know what to do. Run.

4. Say YES and figure out the HOW later.

You’ve done it before. You’ll do it again.

5. Speaking of which—when Ethan said he needed $5,000 for his Europe trip, I didn’t even flinch.

I just said YES. And guess what? I figured it out. So, maybe it’s time to start saying YES to myself in the same way.

6. When Adèle tells me something hurts, I instantly book her acupuncture, physio, or massage.

So why am I not doing that for myself?! Newsflash: I deserve to be cared for, too.

7. Can you do something about it right now? Yes? Do it. No? Let it go.

Example 1: Did I leave my straightener on? Text my daughter to check.

Example 2: Waking up at 3 AM worried about saving for my son’s college… when he’s THREE?! No immediate action needed. Go back to sleep.

8. “Only three more!”

Working out has taught me that when you think you cannot go on, you absolutely can. Life is the same…except there’s no instructor yelling, “Three more weeks! Three more days!” But imagine there is, and push through.

9. Rest is productive.

Yes, I’m a mom, and yes, I know you don’t always get to refill your cup all the way. But even small sips of self-care keep you going. Take them.

10. Everything tastes better in a fancy glass.

And yes, buying that new water bottle will make you drink more water. Science.

11. Move your body daily—but make it something YOU love.

Hate the gym? No problem. Dance, hike, do Pilates in your living room—just move.

12. Your body is doing miracles for you daily.

Your heart beats without you thinking about it. Your lungs fill with air on autopilot. Maybe appreciate that before you get sick and suddenly become grateful for clear sinuses.

13. We live on a floating rock in space because one sperm made it to one egg… and you don’t believe in magic?!

Okay.

14. Never say, “I’ll do it in the morning.”

Because future you is going to hate you for it. And probably not do it at all.

15. When in doubt, dance it out.

90% of problems are fixable with music and movement.

16. Feeling off? Try this:

• Hate everyone? Eat something.

• Feel like everyone hates you? Sleep.

• Hate yourself? Take a shower.

• Feel like everyone hates everyone? Go outside.

17. Romanticize your life.

Smile bigger. Take up space. If they think you’re too much, encourage them to go find less.

18. Skincare > Makeup.

You can always add glow, but nothing beats naturally radiant skin.

19. Learn from your kids.

Just because you’re the adult doesn’t mean you know everything.

20. And treat your kids with respect.

If you want them to listen to you, listen to them.

21. Learn to receive.

Stop deflecting compliments. Just say thank you. Then work your way up to accepting bigger things.

22. Does this make you happy? Yes? Keep going. No? Scrap it.

Easier said than done, but we’re working on it.

23. People don’t always want to see you succeed—they want you to stay the same.

Move in silence. Stop announcing. Start showing.

24. Treat your body, mind, and soul like you love yourself.

Because you should.

25. Spring always comes back.

And I’m not just talking about the weather.

26. The little things? They’re actually the big things.

27. Be extra kind to people in customer service.

Trust me, they need it.

28. If something doesn’t work for you, stop forcing it.

Whether it’s a manifestation method, a relationship, or a pair of jeans that makes you feel meh—let it go.

29. Your dream life? It’s not that far away.

It’s built from small, consistent choices.

30. If a stranger can change your life in 5 weeks, imagine what the right person could do in a lifetime.

31. Sometimes the Universe moves fast when you least expect it.

Stay open.

32. Your 40s are your reinvention era.

And I’m so ready for mine.

33. Becoming your best self is about unlearning just as much as it is about learning.

34. Sometimes the dream life you’re chasing isn’t actually yours—it’s just what you thought you wanted.

Take time to reimagine it.

35. Your intuition? Always right.

Even when you don’t want it to be.

36. Joy is magnetic.

The more you have, the more you attract.

37. Wear more red.

Because Venus in Aries said so.

38. You don’t have to wait until you’re rich to feel rich.

Start embodying her now.

39. There’s always another version of you waiting on the other side of a big leap.

Take it.

40. And finally—COFFEE CHEERS!

Because you already know I’m not ending this any other way.

The Woman I’ve Become

I’ll be honest—when ChatGPT first suggested that this would be a good blog post, I was a little worried.

What? Who? Like… hunh?

Then I took a moment to reflect.

What would past versions of me have to say about the woman I am today?

And, well, they’re not all impressed.

Child me wonders why I’m not married. That was our big dream—to be able to say, “We’ve been together for 50 years!”

Teen me thinks it’s cool that my kids actually want to spend time with me, so we have her vote.

20-something me is judging. HARD.

30-something me? She’s fucking proud.

And to all those versions of me, I can say: I tried. I did the best I could.

Mini Nadia, I was married. It’s a little hard to explain, but I picked a guy because I thought it was time to choose from what was available. I’m not saying he wasn’t a good person, but he definitely wasn’t my person.

So yes, I had the beautiful dress, and I got to see my family dress up and celebrate with us. But I also had the sleepless nights, the silent loneliness, the kind of exhaustion that doesn’t come from a lack of rest but from trying so hard to make something work that was never meant to.

Mini Nadia, what I’m trying to say is—I kept the frog, even though he never turned into the prince. Because I didn’t believe the prince would ever come.

Parts of you were hurt, and they followed you all the way here. Parts of you that made you feel like you were asking for too much. Like you were broken. Unlovable. Too much and yet never enough. Like if you just stayed quiet long enough—figured out who you needed to be around someone—they would love you.

Mini Nadia, you believed love was something you had to work for.

And work hard, you did.

But somehow, everyone you loved left. And that only reinforced the idea that you just didn’t work hard enough. Fight enough. Love enough. That you weren’t enough.

Mini Nadia, it took us a long time, but we don’t believe those lies anymore.

I’m sorry it took me so long to see you, accept you, and love you.

And you know what really brought it home for me?

I thought about my daughter. If she came home, heartbroken over some boy, and told me she was unworthy, unlovable… My first thought was, I’d dropkick her for saying such foolish things!

And then it hit me—why, then, do I believe that about myself?

Teen me, you started something without even realizing it. When you signed up to lead the Carnival Committee, you lit a spark in us.

It was way outside your comfort zone, but you took deep breaths and pushed through. And I don’t think I ever stopped to thank you—to celebrate you—for that.

Following that, you became Student Council President, joined the Richelieu Club, organized a Forum Jeunesse (basically a leadership camp), and so much more.

You were doing the whole “say YES and figure it out later” thing way before it was a cute, Instagrammable quote.

Thank you for showing me who we could be.

You were trying to figure out who you were and who you could be in this life.

You had to grow up quickly, so this phase of your life was short-lived. But it laid a foundation stronger than you ever realized.

20-something me.

You became a mom before you even got to be a young adult. You traded one responsibility for another—only this time, it was a life.

Ethan came into your world to show you what true love really is. (And almost 19 years later, he still does.)

But with this little bundle of happiness also came a lot of tears. Friendships ended. Other moms in mom groups judged. You were so alone in a time when you needed a village.

But you did what you always do—you put your head down and made your way through.

You built a life for yourself and for him. You gave him everything you could. You weren’t celebrated, thanked, or told you were doing a good job.

But you knew. And you kept going.

You can’t take all the credit for the incredible young man he’s become—because he has a lot to contribute to that—but you deserve a whole lot of it.

Your 20s were all about other people.

It started with Ethan. Then you met the man who would become your husband.

Then your daughter came along—a real Velcro baby, glued to you every second.

You were surrounded. Overstimulated. And still… so alone.

Your 20s were all about questioning yourself:

Why aren’t I happy yet?

You had the man. The kids. The house. The job. The life.

So why weren’t you happy?

The relationship… I don’t even know what words would fit.

You felt broken. Used. Worthless.

And then, this man with the gorgeous blue eyes looked at you.

He took an interest, and you jumped right in.

You made it work.

You kept quiet because—he was doing you a favor by loving you.

You couldn’t dare ask for more.

You spent eight years without real communication.

He was there.

You were there.

That’s it.

No dreams. No deep conversations. No connection. Just two people, existing under the same roof.

You spent your 20s blaming yourself. Trying to hate yourself into happiness.

If I can just be better… If I can just be grateful enough… If I can just try harder…

And then your 30s came.

And you kept waiting.

This year will be better.

It never was.

30 turned into 31. Then 32.

You got married.

You felt alone.

You cried yourself to sleep every night.

And a few months after your wedding, you made a promise to yourself—to save your marriage.

Because you were failing. Hard.

But when you’re fighting alone, the battle is already lost.

So at 33, your world fell apart.

You were left broken. Abandoned. Betrayed.

But after the shock, the numbness, the crying, and the hate—you decided to take your power back.

Your spiritual journey began.

You journaled, you bawled, you drowned yourself in self-help.

You did the work.

You got tired.

You wanted to give up.

And somewhere along the way, you realized—this whole “self-healing” thing wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

You went from thinking you were broken and unlovable…

To thinking you needed to be fully healed before you could be worthy of love.

So when love didn’t knock, you sighed in despair.

I must not be healed enough yet.

WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. HELL.

So you quit.

You took a step back from the self-proclaimed gurus and just let life flow.

And slowly, you found yourself.

Your 30s were such an amazing part of your journey. So much growth and sel-love happened.

You walked through fire, unlearning, healing, becoming. You learned how to love yourself, not in the surface-level, self-care routine way, but in the real way.

The kind of love that lets you walk away from anything that doesn’t serve you.

And finally… I see her now.

She’s strong.

She’s worthy.

She is enough.

And as I step into my 40s, all I can say is—if I loved my 30s this much, I can only imagine how incredible my 40s will be.

So, to the woman I’ve become—cheers to you.

You made it.

And you know the best is yet to come.

Coffee cheers to 40!

The Morning Routine That Actually Works (No 5AM Alarm Required)

I get it, sleep is amazing. We barely get enough as it is, so why in the world would I want to be an early bird?

About 10 years ago, I won a copy of the book “A Miracle Morning”. I saw the tagline “transform your life before 8AM”, I laughed and laughed and put the book away. No way.

Fast forward a few months, my toddler was needing a little less constant attention and I felt like maybe I could think about picking up a book again.

I went to my bookshelf and started combing through what I had.

Too big.

Too boring.

Too educational..

Until I grabbed the Miracle Morning and thought “maybe this one is just right” it’s a small book and the text is quite big. Ease my way into it.

As soon as I opened it though, my life was transformed. After a few chapters I had already decided that I would become a morning person.

At around the same time, I had started an online fitness business and the book made it very clear - miracles would happen.

So, I set my alarm for 5:45AM and got everything ready for my morning S.A.V.E.R.S. (Silence, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading, and scribing).

Day after day.

Tired or not.

Up all night with the kiddos or not.

I was up at 5:45.

But my life didn’t change.

My business didn’t pick up.

Other than being exhausted, this morning routine thing brought nothing to me.

So, I turned off the alarm and decided that sleep would be much better for me anyways.

I would wake up to the sound of the kiddos. Jump out of bed and straight into the chaos of the day.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that even though my morning routine didn’t make me a millionaire, it did make me a better mom. 

A calmer mom.

A more patient mom.

A mom who had a moment to herself before being needed by everyone else.

I made a plan. Not as intense as the S.A.V.E.R.S., but something that would save me.

It was the best decision - ever!

I made sure it fit my needs and my schedule.

I also made sure it could be switched around. One morning, I would say my affirmations as I waited for my coffee. The other, I would stretch my tired body. I could just wake up and ask myself, “What do you need right now?” and not feel guilty if the answer was reading in bed.

Phew! Okay!

Let’s get back to the present moment.

10 years later.

With one kid away to University and a teenager who sleeps all day.

My alarm no longer needs to be set for 5:45 to get some quiet morning time that’s for sure, but there’s something about the peacefulness of mornings that you just don’t get past 8AM.

I’m not saying you need to make a drastic change, but I’m saying that if your body insists of waking you up at 4AM - instead of fighting it, embrace it!

Get your favourite mug for your coffee, slap on some under eye patches, pick your card of the day and journal about it. Find a morning yoga flow on YouTube or an EFT tapping session that you want to try.

Move slowly. Quietly.

Romanticize the moment of stillness before the day begins.

Don’t write down a structured plan because that is the best way to NOT want to do any of it, instead ask yourself: “What do I need right now?”

Here are some of my favourite things to do to make it a great morning:

- Affirmations

- Card of the day & journal

- Meditation or EFT (make a playlist on YouTube so you don’t waste your precious morning time looking for the perfect video)

- Yoga flow (again, build the playlist ahead of time)

Or if you’re running a little late, put an earbud in and listen to a podcast while doing your hair and makeup.

If it all seems too boring for you - have a dance party! It gets the blood flowing and you can’t help but have a smile on your face. (Here’s my Happy Morning playlist. Feel free to dance it out!)

Tell me, what are you most excited to try?

Share your morning routine with us and inspire others to hop on the Magical Morning train.

Coffee Cheers,

Nadia

If Money Wasn’t an Issue… What Would You Do?

We’ve all seen this question before. Maybe on a vision board prompt or a late-night Instagram scroll. We pause for a second, let our mind wander, and then dismiss it.

Not realistic.

Too indulgent.

I should probably say something noble, like volunteering in 10 different ways. (No? Just me?)

But this time, it was different.

He was right in front of me, sipping his coffee, when he asked.

He didn’t need an answer right away, but I knew he’d come back to it. So I couldn’t brush it off this time.

The next day, I sat with the question again: If money wasn’t an issue, what would I do?

Instead of vague dreams, I decided to write down my Ideal Day—a day I could repeat over and over and still feel happy and fulfilled. A day that left space for spontaneous adventures, day dates with friends, or exciting new projects.

A day that looks a little like:

Waking up with the sunrise, sipping my espresso in bed.

Reading, writing, or whatever feels good and creative.

Falling in love with cooking again.

A good workout session…and plenty of space for spontaneity.

And when I looked at that list… I got mad.

I called him immediately.

“I’m mad!” I said. “I look at this list, and it’s all stuff I could do now. So why am I not doing it?”

He smiled. “Because most people won’t even think about it.”

That answer stuck with me.

The list was cute and all, but the next question hit me fast: How do I make money from this?

I sat down with my friend ChatGPT (yes, I mean this one), brainstormed ideas, and—well, you’re looking at one of them.

I always find my way back to content creation, but this time, I have a vision. A plan.

Welcome to Grow, Glow & Become—a space where I share:

• Morning rituals & coffee moments

• My journey learning a new language for travel adventures

• Author aesthetics & cozy bookish vibes

• Walks to markets, rediscovering a love for cooking

• Fitness, wellness & feeling strong in my body

• Evening Moon manifestation rituals

It’s a lot, yes, but it’s all me. And maybe some of it speaks to you, too.

Take this time right now - what would your ideal day look like? If money wasn’t an issue, how would you spend it? Write it down. You might be surprised at how much of it is already within reach.

So, grab your coffee and get comfy.

Welcome to my world.

Coffee Cheers,

Nadia