Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about self-care—not the kind that fits into a perfectly curated social media post, but the real, deep, necessary kind. The kind that isn’t always glamorous but is absolutely essential to becoming the version of ourselves we know we’re meant to be.

For months, I felt off. No matter what I did, something wasn’t right. My energy was drained, my focus was scattered, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was running on empty. I chalked it up to stress, life, grief after my Daddy passing and just pushing through—until I couldn’t anymore. After getting my bloodwork done, I realized I needed to actually listen to my body and make changes that weren’t just temporary fixes but real, lasting shifts

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That’s when I started reevaluating everything—the way I move, the way I rest, the way I fuel my body, the things I allow into my mind. I swapped my daily coffee for a homemade mushroom blend (recipe below), I committed to more intentional self-care routines, and I took a serious look at how I spend my energy.

Self-care isn’t just one thing. It’s not just morning routines or bubble baths (though, those are nice, too). It’s the big and small decisions we make every day that either support or sabotage our well-being. It’s setting boundaries. It’s choosing foods that nourish instead of deplete. It’s questioning old habits and being willing to change, even when it’s uncomfortable.

This edition is all about that—the small steps that lead to big transformations. Whether it’s adjusting your morning ritual, using tools like Finch to stay on track, or rethinking the way we engage with media and information, it all adds up.

We’re all on this journey together. Let’s make it a powerful one.

A Simple & Fun Self-Care Tool: Why I Love Finch

Self-care can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found a little app that makes it easier—Finch. It’s a free, customizable tool that helps you build healthy habits and check in with yourself, all while caring for a cute little bird.

My Mom started using it after my Daddy passed last year, and it’s become part of her daily routine. Sometimes she even checks in twice a day, finding comfort in the small steps and positive encouragement it gives her. My nieces love it too—it keeps them focused on things they enjoy and helps them understand their emotions in a simple, playful way.

It’s been such a sweet reminder that progress doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. If you or someone you know could use a little extra support in daily life, check it out. It might surprise you how much joy the small things can bring. 🐦💛 https://finchcare.com/

Brewing Clarity – My New Mushroom Coffee Ritual

Since stepping away from regular coffee, I’ve been crafting my own mushroom coffee blend—a powerhouse of Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Maca, Cinnamon, and Cacao, blended with plant-based creamer and made bulletproof for sustained energy. No jitters, no crashes—just pure focus and immune support.

Mushrooms like Reishi reduce stress, Chaga boosts immunity, and Cordyceps enhance energy naturally. Cacao and Maca bring mood-lifting benefits, while Cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar. This isn’t just coffee—it’s fuel for mind, body, and manifestation.

If you’ve been looking for a coffee alternative that energizes without depletion, try this! Have you experimented with mushroom coffee? It tastes like a cup of hot cocoa to me! Let me know your experience!

Get Recipe Here!

📰 Politics, Overload & The Resistance Plan

In our home, we usually don’t watch the news—too much fear, too much spin. But since stepping away from Meta and TikTok, we’ve turned to independent journalists and BlueSky for real-time insights into what’s happening, including updates on the 47th president’s executive orders. The shift has been eye-opening.

I recently came across an image on BlueSky called "Resistance Plan" (attached here). It resonated deeply. The core idea? Instead of drowning in fear cycles, we’re choosing intentionality—staying informed without getting consumed.

But this isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting your energy. No matter your political beliefs, being constantly flooded with chaotic information can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical dis-ease. We need to focus on ourselves, our families, and our communities first.

As an American-born citizen with immigrant grandparents and great-grandparents from Greece and Mexico, I love this country deeply. To see such division and unrest between our communities is painful. But I believe that our strength lies in finding common ground, focusing on what truly matters, and supporting one another.

Here’s what’s helping us stay grounded:

🔹 Set boundaries: Choose 2-3 key issues that matter most to you.

🔹 Follow independent sources: The news is curated—seek voices that challenge the mainstream narrative.

🔹 Pause before reacting: Give new policies 48 hours before forming conclusions.

🔹 Build community: Share insights with those who are thinking critically.

This isn’t about ignoring the world—it’s about engaging with intention. How are you navigating today’s information overload? Let’s keep the conversation going.

Healing Through Ancestry

I want to leave you with this...my family's story...

My family’s story is one of resilience. I come from Greek and Mexican immigrants who sacrificed everything to build a life in the U.S. My great-great-grandfather Dimitri Xipolitos came to New York as a teenager and later arranged for my great-great-grandmother, Kleomeni Xipolitos, to join him in marriage—a literal mail-order bride. On my mother’s side, my great-grandmother, Estafana de Jesus Ruzo, came from Mexico and faced hardships no one should endure.

These are just one generation of struggles—scarcity, fear, survival. Knowing this makes me deeply aware of the impact of ancestral trauma and how it still lives within us today. It’s not just about what they endured—it’s about how their experiences shape the patterns, beliefs, and fears we carry in our DNA.

I love this country. I am grateful for the opportunities my family had, even through the struggle. But I cannot ignore the reality of how immigrants are being treated today. My family, like so many others, built their lives in a country founded on immigration. To see radical deportations and discrimination is difficult to stomach.

Healing starts within. I cannot change the past, but I can release the blocks and limitations that have been passed down to me—the fear, the scarcity, the need to fight for belonging. Only by healing ourselves can we create real change in the world around us.

Have you ever wondered how your ancestors' struggles impact your life today? It’s something worth exploring. 💙

I invite you to learn more about your family's story. And I also invite you to challenge yourself to heal what limits you.

Love always,

Mellysa

The thing about making it big and doing it fast, , is that invariably the first steps will be small and slow.

Which oddly, for too many, is reason not to take them.

You know better, huh?

P.S. , shoes comfy?

Let me know if any of this sparked curiosity or brought up anything you want to share.?

Reply to this email and let me know what area of wellness you’d like to explore—manifestation, healing, or mindful movement!

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