Friendship is a salve ❤️
+ reflection prompts for your new moon in Cancer
Last week I turned 32. My birthday is normally a time of unadulterated bliss & celebration, but I felt anxious going into this year’s solar return. My brain has been super busy lately, trying to plan & predict the outcome of the new chapter I’m currently in—and of course, I felt the added pressure of what a birthday “should” feel like, making me feel even more anxious for feeling anxious.
Nevertheless, I celebrated with a surprisingly delicious brunch at a new French restaurant, a spa day at The Four Seasons, an impromptu dinner hosted by my mom, and a birthday picnic at the park. Oddly enough, I was trying to spend my birthday somewhat alone—I figured this day would be particularly potent for being immersed in my own energy. But loved ones gently and kindly found their way to me in a moment when I really needed it. How lucky I am.
My fears and doubts were met with empathetic ears, lots of hugs, and validation that the way I am is perfectly and beautifully the way I should be. We toasted to “giving a fuck” (a trait of mine that can sometime feel like a burden); friends read me words that offered sage advice; and I received reflections on what I bring to this world (reminder to self: it is larger-than-life magic, wonder, and a reminder that we all deserve to live a life we genuinely love ✨).
This birthday reminded me that I am never alone. That I am blessed with the most incredible support system—people who see and love me for who I am; and reflect back to me my power, especially in moments when I forget. I finally have the right people on my boat, and I feel excited (and still a little scared) about the big, abundant life that is unfolding before my very eyes.
New Moon in Cancer Reflection Prompts
This new moon in Cancer (Monday, July 17th), I want you to be honest with how you’re feeling. Feeling is the starting place for everything—it helps us parse out what we need, where we should devote (or pull back) our energy, and how we can create a home (both metaphorically and literally) that enables us to feel safe, loved, and cared for.
Feeling is also the starting place for intuition, which means it’s the starting place for manifestation. We can only create the life we wish to live once we’re able feel into it. So, this new moon, I ask you, simply (yet powerfully),
What am I feeling?
What are my feelings telling me?
Challenge: Try not to “do” anything about your discoveries during the new moon phase itself. See if you can be present with your feelings without judging, or jumping into action.
My feelings are telling me how powerful friendship is—as a lifejacket, a salve, crucial nourishment in helping you blossom into your fullest self. The way I feel with my friends is a blueprint. It’s how I want to feel all the time, how I want the world to feel—and how I know that all of this is possible.
Another year around the sun. And something tells me this year is going to be better than I can even imagine. Thank you, thank you, thank you 🌹
Thank you for being here, just as you are. These new moon newsletters are normally reserved for my paid subscribers, but I wanted to offer this one to everyone since it’s short & sweet. If you’re into what you’re reading, consider upgrading to a paid subscription. It’s a direct way to support my creative practice, and so greatly appreciated 🤍