You might have noticed we took a little break
You might have noticed we took a little break. Sometimes, giving ourselves permission to pause feels like an uphill battle, even when it's absolutely necessary. Life, with all its beautiful and challenging moments, can be overwhelming—starting a new job, managing family health issues, and just trying to handle the basics of adulting like showering and eating. As we’ve navigated these complexities, I’ve come to understand how essential it is to show ourselves a bit of grace.
A Few Things to Remember in a World That Never Stops
As a Type A Virgo, my mind is often a whirlwind of overthinking. But over time, I’ve learned to step back from what can become a destructive or hyper-critical inner narrative. A significant shift in my perspective came from listening to the audiobook The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself. You can listen to it for free on Libby with a library card. The key takeaway that resonated with me: view that negative self-talk as an actual person outside of yourself.
Picture inviting a new friend over (think major Regina George energy), and as the day progresses, she voices every one of those negative inner thoughts straight to your face. Even with my patient nature, I realized I wouldn’t tolerate such negativity for long before asking her to leave. This approach doesn’t make negative thoughts disappear, but it helps me keep their volume lower and their impact minimal. According to research from the University of London, self-compassion can reduce stress and improve overall well-being, offering a more balanced perspective.
Give Yourself Permission to Take a Break
Let’s explore why it’s crucial to hit pause. Life can be fast-paced and intense. According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress can lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular problems and weakened immune function. Here’s a little secret: you can set your own pace. If you’re feeling drained or overwhelmed, it’s okay to step back.
Take a deep breath, light up a soothing indica joint like Miss Grass Quiet Time Minis, and find a peaceful spot—whether it's outdoors or a cozy nook at home. Let the calming effects wash over you. This simple ritual can be a game-changer for achieving balance and peace.
Give Yourself Permission to Be Your Authentic Self
Being true to yourself can be daunting but incredibly freeing. I remember a parent explaining to their child why the universe created so many different types of people. It’s like having a full set of crayons to paint your favorite memory—each color adds to the beauty. This metaphor stuck with me because I’ve often felt like I don’t quite fit in. Instead of trying to fit a mold, embrace who you truly are. Trust your intuition, speak your truth, and let your authentic voice grow stronger. Research from the University of California, Berkeley, shows that authenticity is linked to greater life satisfaction and psychological well-being.
In a world that can pressure us to fit into a mold, staying true to yourself is essential. Create a nightly ritual to affirm your authenticity. Brew a calming cannabis-infused tea like Kikoko’s THE GOLIGHTLY with their Tranquili-Tea, and pair it with some authenticity affirmations, gratitude journaling, and meditation. Let the tea help you connect with your true self and celebrate your uniqueness.
Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy Yourself
Stress and anxiety can easily rob you of enjoyment. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that high levels of stress can decrease your ability to enjoy leisure activities and lead to burnout. I’ve definitely been there, letting worries from the week or fears about the future cloud my downtime. But rest isn’t lazy—it’s a crucial investment in yourself. If you’re sitting on the couch but your mind is racing, you’re not truly resting.
Ready for some elevated enjoyment? Life’s too short not to savor the little things. Treat yourself to some fun with cannabis. Bake up some cannabis-infused treats or whip up an infused milkshake. Enjoy these delights while watching a favorite movie or diving into a creative hobby like painting or dancing. The Journal of Psychopharmacology highlights that cannabis can enhance creative thinking and elevate mood, making it a perfect companion for enjoyable activities.
Stoney Summer Milkshake Recipe
Ingredients
1 ripe banana, frozen
1 cup fresh strawberries (or other seasonal summer berries like blueberries or raspberries)
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream (or dairy-free alternative)
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1-2 tablespoons infused chocolate or maple syrup (Try Craft Elixir's Dank Chocolate Syrups or try Cannabinista™'s Infused Maple Syrup recipe)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice cubes (optional, for a thicker shake)
Garnish:
Fresh berries
Edible seasonal summer flowers like lavender, pansies, or violets (make sure they are edible and pesticide-free)
Instructions:
Make the Milkshake:
In a blender, combine the frozen banana, fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream, milk, infused chocolate or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Serve:
Pour the milkshake into a chilled glass.
Garnish with fresh berries and edible seasonal summer flowers.
Enjoy immediately, sipping slowly to gauge the effects.
Notes:
Optional Add-Ins: For an extra boost, you can add a handful of spinach or kale to make it a green milkshake, or some chia seeds for added texture and nutrients.
Share your waffle creations with us on Instagram using #ElevatedGlobalWaffles and tag us for a chance to be featured on our page!
Give Yourself Permission to Release that Which Does Not Serve You
We often cling to stress, guilt, anxiety, and fear—things that don’t really belong to us. It’s easy to disassociate from our emotions rather than confront them. Instead of feeling like something’s wrong with you when you feel off balance, recognize that these feelings might be a result of external imbalances.
Letting go of what no longer serves you is vital for personal growth. Enhance this process with a cleansing infused bath. Use calming Epsom salt, dried herbs, and cannabis. As you soak, visualize releasing negative energy and outdated patterns. Allow the warm water and soothing effects of cannabis to refresh and renew you.
Infused Bath Recipe: Cleansing Your Energy and Spirit
Infused Epsom salt: Known for its detoxifying properties and ability to soothe muscles.(Try Bath Soak from District)
1/2 cup Himalayan pink salt: Softens skin, soothes irritations and detoxifies the body.
1/4 cup dried lavender flowers: Used for its calming and purifying effects.
1/4 cup dried rosemary: A sacred herb, believed to offer protection and clarity.
1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers: Renowned for its calming properties and ability to bring peace.
1/4 cup dried mugwort: Often used in rituals to enhance spiritual connection and dreams.
10 drops lavender essential oil: Enhances relaxation and purification.
10 drops frankincense essential oil: Known for its spiritual significance and grounding properties.
10 drops cedarwood essential oil: Used by ancient cultures for its grounding and protective qualities.
Cannabis-infused bath bombs For relaxation and to enhance the spiritual experience. (Try the Infused Bath Bombs from Kush Queen)
Instructions:
Prepare the Herbal Blend:
In a large bowl, combine the dried lavender flowers, dried rosemary, dried chamomile flowers, and dried mugwort.
Mix thoroughly to create your herbal blend.
Mix the Salts:
In another bowl, combine the Epsom salt and baking soda.
Add the essential oils (lavender, frankincense, and cedarwood) to the salt mixture and mix well.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the herbal blend to the salt mixture and mix until evenly distributed.
Run the Bath:
Fill your bathtub with warm water.
Add the salt and herbal mixture to the bathwater, stirring to help it dissolve.
If using a cannabis-infused bath bomb, add it to the water as well.
Set the Atmosphere:
Set the tone with mood lighting and music to enhance the ambiance.
Consider adding some crystals like amethyst or clear quartz around the tub for additional energy cleansing.
Enjoy Your Bath:
Immerse yourself in the bath and take deep, cleansing breaths.
Visualize the water drawing out negative energy and impurities from your body and mind.
Stay in the bath for at least 20-30 minutes to fully absorb the healing properties.
Post-Bath Ritual:
After your bath, gently pat yourself dry with a soft towel.
Sit quietly for a few minutes, reflecting on the experience and setting positive intentions for the days ahead.
Consider journaling your thoughts and any insights you gained during your bath.
This elevated and infused bath will help cleanse your energy and spirit, leaving you feeling renewed and deeply connected to your inner wisdom.
Just Remember
Life’s demands can feel relentless, but taking time to pause, be authentic, enjoy yourself, and release what doesn’t serve you isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for a balanced, fulfilling life. By integrating these practices into your routine, you can navigate the chaos with greater ease and find deeper satisfaction in your day-to-day experiences.
Carve out a few moments of self-care today, whether through a soothing cannabis-infused bath, a calming tea ritual, or simply allowing yourself to unwind. Share your journey with us—how are you giving yourself permission to thrive? Drop a comment below or connect with us on social media. Let’s support each other on this journey toward a more mindful, balanced, and authentic life.
Remember, you’re not alone on this path. Embrace the power of self-compassion and watch how it transforms your life.