What makes a woman truly wise? In this reflection, Valarie shares the timeless traits of women who lead with grace, depth, and intuition. From fierce boundaries to deep listening, these qualities are cultivated and offer a pathway to embodying your own wisdom with courage and compassion.

Inspired by the wonder of The Secret Garden, this piece invites you to reimagine what is possible behind hedges, gates, and winding paths. Valarie shares the essential elements of a secret garden, from hidden doors and scent-filled entryways to sacred inner sanctums for rest and reflection. These spaces are more than beautiful. They are places of healing, imagination, and connection to your inner self.

On the island of Gotland, where my family roots run deep, Midsummer is more than a celebration. From the early morning swim to the raising of the Maypole and the taste of strawberry sponge cake during fika, every moment is infused with magic and meaning. This story is a reflection on what it means to welcome the fullness of summer with open arms, surrounded by loved ones and the beauty of tradition.

Inspired by summers in Sweden and the warmth of her grandmother’s forest bed, Valarie reflects on the timeless joy of mys, deep, soul-soothing coziness. From Oregon rain to desert nights in New Mexico, this piece invites you to craft your own fredagsmys ritual.

A reflective river journey becomes a metaphor for life in this story about letting go, embracing the unknown, and learning to trust the current. Discover how water teaches us to release, transform, and thrive by simply going with the flow.

Today is the shortest and darkest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere and the longest and brightest day in the Southern Hemisphere. It also marks the celebration of Reindeer Mother’s Night in the far northern regions of the planet.

The original St. Lucia was a young Christian martyr who lived in Sicily, Italy in the 4th century. She was known for her love and kindness. The St. Lucia tradition can be traced back to the time of the Roman Empire.

I’ve spent the last two years doing intensive ancestral healing work so that the next generation and those that follow can use new patterns and the toxic dysfunctional ones can be laid to rest.