Self-Discovery in Sacramento, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

It’s in Your Reflection, Isn’t it

Image Credit:  © Tomas Castelazo, http://www.tomascastelazo.com / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

You’ve boarded the train. Watched the river shimmer. Sipped wine. And let your soul rest. What’s rising to the surface?

The Looking Glass

Imagine the reflections in the Sacramento River. Or in the windows on the train. Let the ripples mirror your thoughts.

Let the questions come – not ones that need answers right away. The kind that echoes. Like footsteps along the waterfront.

What might they be?

Did you allow yourself to be still long enough to hear what your soul was saying? What did the rhythm of the train stir in you — longing, memory, or hope?

Maybe it stirred something once buried.
A gentle reminder that movement doesn’t always mean progress. But sometimes return.
Returning to something that needs to be processed. Or healed. Stillness can be a doorway. Not a delay.

Did the river reflect something you hadn’t named yet?

Still waters don’t always mean peace.
Sometimes they mean depth.
Sometimes they mean waiting.

Which moment felt like a mirror — showing you something you hadn’t seen before?

The realization of considering other perspectives.
Or it could be the instant a stranger nodded and smiled.
Maybe it was the train echoing a sound you forgot about that triggered something you needed to remember.

Did the rooftop pool invite you to float or to let go?

Letting go doesn’t always mean surrender — sometimes it means trust.   
To trust in yourself.
To trust others.

Remember, rest can be a form of courage.  Floating permits you to lift the weight of expectations. If for only a moment.

Ready to Reflect

Your journey isn’t over. It’s unfolding. Like a bridge over a river. Like a train rounding the bend.

You feel the vibrations.
The sway.
The strength.

We all need strong tracks, especially in relationships. Tracks built on respect and trust.

Tracks that offer grace.
Tracks that guide us in the right direction, even when we get derailed.

Because what matters isn’t just where you’re going, it’s how you arrive. With awareness. With a new perspective.

It’s in Your Reflection, Isn’t it?

Still with me? Ready to visit Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks will be our next destination.

So pull up a chair. Pour a beverage. Something bold or bubbly. Your choice. We’ll meet in Thousand Oaks. See you there!

Id love to hear your thoughts on this self-discovery reflection post.
What treasure can you share with us?

Dont forget to press the “thumbs-up” button.

#Sacramento #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #Self-Reflection #Wisdom #IandThouReflections

Sweet Dreams in Sacramento, CA

A Series on It’s All in The Reflection

Soulful Stays

Welcome back, traveler!

Did the train ride exceed your expectations? Did the Sacramento River offer space to reflect? To soothe your soul?

Now, let’s find a place to stay.

The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection

Reminiscent of classic DC architecture, this turn-of-the-century hotel is in Sacramento’s downtown. The Citizen Hotel boasts the famous Michelin-rated Grange Restaurant, where you will savor the freshest locally sourced ingredients. The culinary delights whisper to your soul. “Stay a while.”

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel

This contemporary boutique hotel is steps away from Downtown Commons. Ranked as Sacramento’s top hotel, the Kimpton Sawyer blends contemporary charm with soulful detail. A yoga mat waits in your room and quietly nudges you toward inner stillness. The rooftop pool whispers relaxation. And after your soul rests, greet the new day with a fresh Nespresso before you venture out.

IreneHouse Victorian INN

This quaint Victorian inn books out far in advance, and it’s easy to see why. Just 10 miles from Sacramento International Airport, IreneHouse is cute as a button. Its gingerbread-style house offers quiet charm and homey comforts:
a kitchenette for slow mornings,
a patio for unhurried evenings,
and a porch where you can finally… just be.

Time to Unwind

Wherever you decide to stay, may your soul find rest.
Let serenity lead you where you’re meant to be.

To drift off to sleep.
To imagine the world as a better place.
To truly see yourself — without hurry or masks.

Because tranquility isn’t found on the outside. It’s found within.
To just be…because

It’s All in The Reflection

Next are questions to ask yourself before you leave Sacramento. The kind that will open up a new perspective and you may even soar to new heights.
I’d love to hear about your favorite stay in California’s capital.

Don’t forget to press the “thumbs up” button.

#Sacramento #CaliforniaTrip #WineandFaith #SelfReflection #IandThouReflections

Summer: Time to Rest & Recharge

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Summer is the typical time people take vacation. It is a period designed explicitly for rest and relaxation. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him. By prioritizing self-care, we become refreshed, allowing us to seek God’s peace and restoration.

The daily grind takes a toll on us. The barrage of emails, text messages, and input from outside sources makes us feel like a worn-out sponge. Soaking up the information and then regurgitating it at that moment or another time. Sooner or later, you will dry out and fall apart.

Reflect on Your Past

To better understand your current state of mental health, consider the following:

Did your childhood teach you good self-care?
Were you able to speak your mind without retribution?
How did your parents take care of themselves?

These questions will reveal your history and your story.

In your story, you can go back and rewrite it. Rewrite the story so you won’t feel guilty when you are not working. Take time to kick up your feet and just relax. Enjoy your family for who they are because you want to, not as an obligation.

Action: Spend 5 minutes thinking about your childhood. Answer one question by writing or typing it out. Build on this each day until you feel you have answered each one adequately.

Verbalize Your Needs

Learning to verbalize your wants and needs is vital for good mental health. It does take practice. So, think about starting this summer! But first, you will need to list what these are. Then, you can reflect upon them. It is essential for good mental health. You can start by asking yourself:

Do I need more alone time or social time?
What activities do I like to do alone? What do I want to do with other people?
What resources do I need to live a balanced life?

Action: Spend another 5 minutes thinking about your childhood. Write down whether you needed more alone time or social time and list one example to support your answer. Then spend another 5 minutes thinking about the present. Build on this each day until you feel you have answered each one adequately.

Consider Others

When we rest and refresh, we strengthen our relationships with others. Empathy allows us to connect deeply, promoting a sense of community. By understanding and valuing the perspectives of others, we can offer support and kindness in meaningful ways. This balance between self-care and caring for others enriches our lives and helps create a kinder, gentler world.

Imagine the ripple effect: when you take time to care for yourself, you are better equipped to care for those around you. Renewed energy and a positive outlook can inspire others.

Action: Think of one person you can reach out to this week and offer a kind word or run an errand.

The next time you question whether you need to work late, ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” That should answer your question.

Image Source: Aspengroup dot com

#Summer #SpiritualRest #Rest #Renew #Vacation #Self-Care #Reflection #Relationships #MentalHealth