Finding Balance: The Power of Intentional Self-Care

My body had been calling out for some TLC for a while, but like so many of us, I was too busy to listen. You know those times—when every day feels like a bad hair day, the mirror becomes your worst critic, and even though your dress size hasn’t budged (yay for small victories), everything still feels…off. Frumpy. Stuck. That’s exactly where I was when life decided it was done waiting for me to pay attention.

It wasn’t a moment of enlightenment that woke me up. It was severe back pain—a sharp, unrelenting reminder that I’d been ignoring myself for far too long. Because life has a way of doing that. When you don’t slow down, it will stop you in your tracks.

I’ll spare you the details of my “I need help” moment, but I will say it led me to a place that has since become a sanctuary for my well-being: the Zen Den yoga studio. It wasn’t just the calming environment, the smell of lavender in the air, or the gentle guidance of their team (though all of that was heavenly). It was the realization that self-care isn’t indulgence; it’s survival.

The Importance of Intentional Self-Care

Tuesday is my self-care day. It’s marked on the calendar, bold and underlined, because self-care is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a slow-flow yoga class, a hair appointment, a quiet coffee date, or even a glorious midday nap, Tuesday is the day I show up for me.

Let me set the scene: I step into my yoga class, the air thick with the crisp, energizing scent of lemongrass. It's like the studio is saying, “Breathe, Rochelle. You’ve made it.” As I roll out my mat, I like to announce to anyone who will listen (my sarcasm in full force), “I’m only here to stretch.”

The truth? I’m here for so much more.

You see, these women move like warm honey—fluid, graceful, and seemingly effortless. And then there’s me, more like dried molasses trying to find its way back to liquid form. It’s clunky and awkward, but I’ve learned to laugh at myself. Because the key to self-care isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention.

On these Tuesdays, I’ve promised myself the time to slow down, stretch both body and mind, and embrace the intentional pause that life often forgets to give us. These moments remind me why I started Pure Intentions Candle Company: to spark light and joy in the spaces we call home, but also in the spaces we hold for ourselves.

That’s the beauty of self-care. It can look like anything—a nap, a cup of coffee, or an hour of moving your body like dried molasses in a room full of honey. What matters is that it’s yours.

Pure Intentions and the Zen Den: A Special Collaboration

Collaborating with small businesses has been a mission for Pure Intentions Candle Company from the very beginning. It’s a way to not only support our community but also create something meaningful together. But this collaboration with the Zen Den yoga studio was something truly special.

It’s special because it’s personal. The Zen Den became a space where I reconnected with myself, where I found the intention I needed to slow down and care for my mind and body. To have the opportunity to honor that relationship by creating their signature candle scent was, quite simply, an honor.

I know I have a way of making everything feel extra sentimental—trust me, it’s a practice—but that’s what makes collaborations like this so impactful. They’re more than partnerships; they’re connections.

The Zen Den’s signature scent, with its soothing notes of sandalwood, amber, lavender, and eucalyptus, isn’t just a fragrance—it’s a reflection of the space and the people who create it.

It’s my hope that this scent, much like the Zen Den itself, becomes a source of calm, balance, and light for everyone who experiences it.

7 Simple Self-Care Tips to Inspire You

Set a Non-Negotiable Self-Care Day:
Pick a day each week and make it yours. Schedule activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit—whether it’s yoga, a coffee date, or a long bath.
Create a Relaxing Atmosphere at Home:
Light a candle with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus, play soft music, and give yourself time to unwind.
Practice Mindful Breathing:
Take five minutes to focus on deep, intentional breaths. This simple act can calm your mind and center your thoughts.
Move Your Body:
Whether it’s a yoga class, a walk in nature, or a quick dance session in your living room, movement helps release tension and boost your mood.
Indulge in Small Pleasures:
Treat yourself to something you love—a good book, a favorite snack, or time to enjoy your hobby.
Disconnect to Reconnect:
Put your phone on silent for an hour and enjoy the present moment. Use this time to journal, meditate, or simply relax.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Recognize the little victories in your day. Progress, not perfection, is what self-care is all about.