Yet, we often overlook a crucial aspect: compassion for ourselves. We have misinterpreted the message. We focus on the idea that we are sinners in need of grace, But we rarely ask ourselves: how do we receive this compassion? How do we know we have been given this gift of freedom and love?

Scent has an extraordinary way of grounding us, connecting us to memory, emotion, and even our deepest intentions. In somatic practices we use the term anchoring, a way to create stability, security, and support within ourselves. Much like an anchor holds a ship steady amidst the waves, scent can serve as a powerful tether, keeping us connected to moments of safety, clarity, and presence.

And just like the delicate balance of flavors in Pho, resourcing is about creating imprints that support, heal, and nurture us. It is about anchoring ourselves to memories and sensations that bring us comfort and strength.

I hate birthdays. They’ve become a trigger, a source of pain and hurt. Yet, I hold on to hope. I remind myself that healing is possible, just as I see it in my clients. We heal, grow, and release when the time is right.

But there’s a beauty in this process, because when we are truly seen, we experience compassion. That’s the essence of it all. Compassion is the key that makes unveiling beautiful.

When we pause to pray or give thanks before eating, we are not just honoring God; we are aligning our minds, bodies, and spirits with His design.

You are not the choices of your parents or the scapegoat for their dysfunction. You are worthy of love, connection, and peace, even if it doesn’t come from the places you once hoped. Choose to heal, to move forward, and to build a life that reflects your worth. You don’t have to be defined by the island you were placed on, you can chart your own course, and that’s where true freedom begins.

This year, my approach feels different. Change, growth, and setting visions are no longer confined to a single night or the start of the year. They are part of a daily practice—a journey, not an endpoint.

Each behaviour and choice shapes our path, and every day offers the chance to begin anew.

Jesus came to reveal the Father’s heart, not just through His teachings but through His life. He modeled grace, humility, and love, showing us how to live in relationship with Him and with others. Yet, how often do we neglect this example, focusing instead on rules, knowledge, or appearances?

What makes us cling to the idea of “family,” even when there’s no relationship to speak of?

Why do we claim connection to people we’ve barely met or have no bond with, simply because of a shared name or bloodline?

Is it a cultural phenomenon? A way to satisfy our human need for belonging? Or is it rooted in something more primal, perhaps an ancient attempt to maintain genetic diversity?

As I grew older, I began to realise my fascination, perhaps even an obsession with scent was more than a simple appreciation. I was using my sense of smell as a way to interpret the world around me, creating a sense of safety or signaling danger. It was a tool, albeit one I didn’t fully understand at the time.

For much of my life, I lived in survival mode, reacting to loss and uncertainty with the instinct to fix and control.

I was on autopilot, trying to shield myself from the discomfort of uncertainty.

This pattern was generational, rooted deeply in my family's history, and it became my default response to grief and pain.

A trigger is any stimulus, event, or situation that activates an emotional or physical reaction, often tied to past trauma. These reactions can include fear, anger, sadness, or anxiety, sometimes arising without conscious awareness of their origins.

As research continues to uncover, our bodies store these responses like a safety switch, ready to protect us. But when left unchecked, this switch can feel like an overpowering alarm.

Children may lose the ability to engage, not just with the outside world but even within their own homes. Over time, this impacts their ability to develop empathy, form connections, and regulate emotions.

In contrast, ancient traditions from cultures far older than ours have long understood that health involves the whole body, including emotional and spiritual well-being. Reflecting on my own journey as a parent, I remember the rabbit hole I went down when Seth was diagnosed at the age of three. My hyper-focus on the diagnosis left me overwhelmed and disconnected. Looking back, I understand why I fell into this pattern, and it’s part of the reason I’m so passionate about helping others avoid similar struggles.

But the truth is, by hiding sin, whether my own or someone else’s, we are preventing forgiveness, grace, and ultimately, healing from taking place.

As Christians, especially within the context of communities and organised religion, we need to rethink how we handle sin. The example that Christ set for us was one of truth, transparency, and grace. And as painful as it can be, I’ve come to realise that truth must be brought to light for the sinner to receive forgiveness and for true healing to happen.

Often, our distractions and procrastinations reflect something deeper. Am I avoiding a challenging task or difficult emotions? Am I numbing out? Or am I chasing fleeting pleasures because something feels incomplete within?

For business owners, students, and anyone engaged with social media, it can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s a great source of inspiration, knowledge, and networking. But how much of what we learn on these platforms do we truly put into practice?

My mother’s shame, guilt, and need for self-protection had overshadowed us, making her children scapegoats while she deflected blame.