As the full moon graces the night sky with its vibrant light, it brings an invitation for reflection, release, and renewal. This lunar phase is not just a beautiful celestial event; it offers a powerful opportunity to address deep-rooted issues and enhance our health and well-being. Many of us grapple with unhealthy behaviors, emotional struggles, and relationship challenges that the glowing full moon can help illuminate. Let’s explore some of this with me:

 A Personal Journey

Confronting Unhealthy Behaviors. Like many individuals, I have found myself wrestling with unhealthy eating habits—specifically, episodes of overeating that stem from a desire for validation and a sense of security. At times, I've relied on external relationships to fill emotional voids, creating a cycle of codependency that provides temporary pleasure but lacks true peace and fulfillment. One of the things I confronted, and I overcame, and to this day continue to celebrate with great joy, is that I often found myself backing out of situations that presented challenges. I would be the first to volunteer to opt out, seeking to please others while compromising my desires. Feelings of inadequacy crept in, making me feel like I was not worthy or good enough. I would give away valuable information for free, allowing those in my life to treat me way below what I expected, because I felt unworthy without money. This led to blurred boundaries and a reluctance to assert myself, allowing disrespect to seep into my relationships. My fear of inadequacy kept me from presenting my valuable work effectively, leading others to expect my offerings to be free while I struggled to put a price tag on my passion. As I navigate these challenges, the full moon's light shines brightly, urging me to let go of patterns that no longer serve my well-being. The moon's energy serves as a reminder that healing is possible and that I have the power to change my relationship with food and myself.

Addressing the Emotional Connection to Food

Food is often a source of comfort, but when seeking validation through overeating, we may lose sight of our true needs. The emotional connection to food can lead to unhealthy eating habits that affect our physical health, including weight management and hormonal balance. During the full moon, take time to reflect on your relationship with food. Engage in journaling or meditation, exploring questions such as:

• What emotions drive my cravings?
• How do I seek validation through my eating habits?
• What do I really need in those moments?

This introspective practice can provide insights and help foster a healthier mindset regarding food.

An Empowering Journey

Healing Self-Worth and Money Issues In my personal journey, I faced significant challenges related to self-worth and money. For a long time, I believed my value was tied to my financial situation, missing the truth that I am the source of my own power and success. The fear of not being enough often held me back, leading me to seek validation from others instead of recognizing my intrinsic worth. However, I learned to affirm my worthiness and embrace my identity as my own source of abundance. I stood my ground against the negative narratives that surrounded me, reinforcing the belief that money does not define me. I celebrated my successes—both big and small—from writing a magazine article to securing speaking engagements, and even to the simple act of looking at myself in the mirror and truly loving who I see, regardless of extra pounds or societal expectations. The full moon became a guiding force for me during this transformative journey. By using its cycles to track my personal growth, I found clarity and empowerment. Each full moon became a time of celebration, allowing me to acknowledge my progress, release limiting beliefs, and embrace the fullness of who I

Releasing Codependency and Seeking Inner Fulfillment

The full moon is an opportune time to assess the relationships in your life, especially those that bring pleasure but not peace. If you find yourself in a relationship that feels exhausting or unsatisfying, use this lunar phase to release those attachments. Take time to visualize the release, perhaps by writing down what you wish to let go of and safely burning the paper as a symbolic gesture. This ritual can empower you to redefine boundaries and seek connections that are nurturing and supportive rather than draining.

Supporting Weight Loss and Hormonal Balance

For many, the full moon serves as a catalyst for manifesting healthier habits, including weight loss or maintenance. It is a reminder to prioritize self-care and make intentional choices that align with our health goals. Utilize this time to consider:

• Creating a meal plan that focuses on nourishing foods.
• Engaging in physical activities that bring joy rather than viewing exercise as a chore.
• Embracing mindfulness practices to foster a deeper connection with your body and its needs.

Additionally, those going through menopause or perimenopause may experience fluctuations in hormones that impact mood, weight, and overall health. The full moon can also be a reminder to check in with your body and explore holistic practices that promote hormonal balance, including the use of supportive herbs and essential oils. From my research and my certified Holistic Health Coaching training, I can share the following suggestions :

Herbs for Hormonal Health:

• Maca Root: Often touted for balancing hormones, maca can help alleviate menopause symptoms and increase energy levels.
• Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry): Known to support menstrual cycle regularity and alleviate PMS symptoms, making it a valuable ally for hormonal health.
• Black Cohosh: Traditionally used for menopausal symptoms, it can help manage hot flashes, mood swings, and other discomforts associated with hormonal changes.
• Dong Quai: Often called 'female ginseng,' dong quai supports hormonal balance and can help with menstrual health.

Essential Oils to Support Well-Being:

• Clary Sage: Known for its uplifting properties, clary sage can help balance hormones and reduce menstrual discomfort while promoting emotional well-being.
• Lavender: This calming oil promotes relaxation and emotional balance, making it perfect for diffusing during meditation or adding to a bath.
• Peppermint: Energizing and refreshing, peppermint oil can help relieve headaches and improve mood, especially useful during hormonal fluctuations.
• Geranium: This floral scent helps balance hormones and can ease feelings of anxiety and stress, providing emotional support. Incorporating some of these herbs and essential oils into your routine can help ensure your body is well-supported during times of hormonal fluctuations.

Pairing herbal support with meditation can further enhance your well-being. Meditation allows you to connect with your inner self, find balance, and cultivate a peaceful state of mind. This practice can be particularly beneficial for managing stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate hormonal imbalances.

Harnessing the Power of the Full Moon

As the full moon rises, let it shine a light on the areas of your life that require attention and healing. Embrace this time as an opportunity to confront deep-rooted issues, release unhealthy patterns, and reinvigorate your health and well-being. Remember, the full moon is not just a momentary event but a reminder of the cyclical nature of our journeys. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so too do we have the power to transform and grow. Allow its energy to guide you on your path toward a more fulfilling and balanced life, embracing the light within you and the infinite potential that lies ahead.

Join me for a session of the Island Harmony Moon Circle, where we will explore the full moon, uncover ancient wisdom, and engage in healing practices that honor our intentions. Together, we’ll delve into the transformative power of the moon.