Where are you performing in your life so that you can change someone’s energetic state and emotional state in the room?

I’ve come to realize that in today’s fast-paced world, creating sacred spaces for relaxation and self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s an absolute necessity. For so long, I struggled with constantly being in “go” mode, never taking time to slow down and simply be. But the more I’ve learned, the more I understand how essential it is to have spaces, both physical and emotional, where we can truly unwind, nurture ourselves, and transform our inner world.

When I say “sacred space,” I’m not just talking about physical spaces, though that’s part of it. It can be as simple as a cozy nook where you can meditate, journal, or just breathe. But beyond the physical, I’ve found that it’s equally important to cultivate mental and emotional sacred spaces—a safe place within yourself where you can pause, release negative thoughts, and replace them with love, compassion, and healing. This shift from negativity to positivity isn’t instant. It requires intention, patience, and the power of affirmations.

We’ve all been there—stuck in a loop of negative thinking, replaying mistakes or focusing on what we didn’t do perfectly. It’s exhausting. I used to get caught up in these spirals until I learned the power of morning affirmations to transform my mindset. Instead of starting my day with the weight of yesterday’s mistakes, I now begin with empowering affirmations like, “I am worthy of love and abundance,” and “I am capable of achieving my goals.”

These affirmations have become a non-negotiable part of my morning routine because they set the tone for the day. When we replace old, limiting beliefs with new, uplifting ones, we begin to rewire our brains. This shift doesn’t just impact our thoughts—it ripples into our emotions, behaviors, and ultimately, our entire lives.

Another crucial element of self-care that I’ve had to learn (sometimes the hard way) is setting emotional boundaries. As a recovering “good girl,” I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of saying yes to everything and everyone, even at the expense of my own emotional well-being. I used to believe that being kind meant being self-sacrificing, constantly giving without asking for anything in return. But I’ve learned that without boundaries, we can’t truly show up for ourselves or others in the way we want to.

Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about protecting your energy and allowing yourself the space to heal, grow, and thrive. Whether it’s saying no to an event that drains you or setting a time limit on difficult conversations, boundaries create a sacred space within which you can honor your needs and emotions. And guess what? It doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you emotionally free.

The more that we grow our capacity to hold the unpleasant states of ourselves and others, the more we grow in our capacity to receive pleasure.

Creating these sacred spaces has taught me one of the most valuable lessons: allowing myself to feel both pain and pleasure. So often, we try to numb the hard emotions, thinking that’s how we “stay positive.” But the truth is, real transformation comes when we allow ourselves to experience the full spectrum of emotions. In my own journey, I’ve found that the more I’ve allowed myself to sit with discomfort, the more capacity I’ve created for joy.

It’s about being present without falling back into the conditioning that says we always have to be “good” or “perfect.” Sometimes, that means giving yourself permission to cry, to feel angry, or to rest without guilt. Other times, it’s allowing yourself to experience the beauty of pleasure—whether that’s indulging in a hobby, taking a slow morning walk, or savoring your favorite meal. Both are equally important, and both deserve space in your life.

Being present is something I continue to work on daily, especially as someone who was always conditioned to be the “good girl.” You know the one—always saying yes, always putting others first, and never stepping out of line. Breaking free from that conditioning has been liberating, but it’s a process. I’ve learned to catch myself in moments where I start to fall back into old patterns and remind myself that being present is the real goal, not being perfect.

When we’re fully present, we can listen to our bodies, minds, and hearts. We can make decisions from a place of alignment, not obligation. And that presence is where we find peace—where we stop living in the past or worrying about the future, and just allow ourselves to be.

So, if you’re reading this and feeling like you’re constantly spinning your wheels, I invite you to create your own sacred space—whether it’s a corner in your home, a new morning affirmation practice, or simply saying no when you need to. It’s time to transform those negative thoughts, honor your emotions, and set the boundaries that will lead to your emotional freedom.

Let’s create spaces where we can heal, grow, and truly live as our authentic selves.

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other!

XO, Brooke Jean