Catherine Galea - Mindfulness and Empowerment Coach

Feel totally and utterly grateful for the slow morning spent by the coast with my daughter. 🥰🌊

A swim in the sea, breakfast, and then a dip in the pool filled with the playfulness that comes so naturally when you’re with a child. 🧒🥰

Of course, I don’t have the perfect life. Anyway, who does? I have my challenges too.

But I choose to focus on the blessings. The little things that bring me joy. The moments that remind me of how much there is to be grateful for.

And perhaps that’s what creating a life we love really is — not creating a perfect life, but learning to love our life in all its imperfections. ❤️

Let’s create a life that we love.
With gratitude for the beauty around us and the possibilities that each day gives us. 🙏✨

Apparently, Paphos has been named the ranked as the number one best destination in the world for sunrise and sunset view.

I am feeling a very lucky woman to live in the no. 1 destination for sunsets. I get to see them practically every day.

So, I decided to share a beautiful sunset I experience yesterday. I was with friends and we shared our joy in a gratitude meditation.

Because there are many forms of abundance, and this is one of them, here at least.

Gratitude helps us to be present and appreciate of what we have now. Because everything starts right now this moment. So, notice it.

What are you noticing today that brings you joy?

Today, 15 August, is the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady — Santa Marija. 🇲🇹

For Malta, this day carries a very special meaning.

In 1942, during World War II, Malta was facing starvation after months of enemy blockades had severely restricted food, fuel and medical supplies reaching the island.

Then came Operation Pedestal.

After enduring devastating attacks, the surviving ships of the convoy finally entered Malta’s Grand Harbour on 15 August 1942 — the Feast of the Assumption.

Their arrival brought much-needed supplies and helped prevent famine, allowing Malta to continue through one of the darkest periods of the war.

Malta held a strategically vital position in the Mediterranean, and the island had endured an extraordinary amount of suffering.

For many Maltese, the arrival of the convoy on Santa Marija has always been regarded as a miracle — a sign of Mary’s protection over the island.

Whether seen through faith or history, it has become a powerful symbol of hope, perseverance and the power of prayer.

And perhaps that is why Santa Marija will always mean something more to the Maltese people. ❤️🇲🇹

“Mama, today, you look trendier than me!” 😂

I think I might need to keep up with the latest fashion trends because it seems I now have my very own personal stylist!

These days, I find myself visiting clothing shops geared towards tweens and teens… and, yes, I do fit into a 14-year-old size! 😂🙈

But honestly, these are some of the joys of having a daughter who loves fashion, beauty and creativity.

And for me, it’s about so much more than clothes.

It’s about spending time together as much as I can. Getting to know her world. Understanding what matters to her. And, perhaps most importantly, being able to listen without immediately judging.

Of course, there are times for boundaries, guidance and correction. But my focus is always on keeping the connection. ❤️

Because I want her to know that she can talk to me about the things that matter to her — even when we don't always agree.

Connection before correction. 🌿

We landed back in Paphos last Wednesday in the early hours, after a long delay at the airport.

And although my body had physically arrived home, mentally I was still somewhere between Malta and Sicily. 🌊

It had been a wonderfully full, but rather intense, few weeks.

The heat was sometimes unbearable — 42°C for the first four days and mostly 35°C+ afterwards.

Two concerts, with headliners Katy Perry and Pitbull, each with crowds of around 40,000 people in hot and humid conditions.

And, admittedly, as I’ve grown older (and wiser!), I’ve also become more sensitive to crowds and the energy around me.

Going back to Malta always brings mixed emotions for many different reasons.

So yes, I had fun. I was happy to visit my home country. I enjoyed Sicily immensely.

But when I came home, I was drained. And I needed recovery.

I had plans to immediately get back to work, dive into a few exciting projects and collaborations… but I just couldn’t.

And you know what? I listened.

One thing I have learned is to listen to my body and give myself the grace and compassion I need in that moment.

Not to push through. Not to feel guilty for slowing down. Not to convince myself that I “should” be doing more.

Just to pause.

Giving ourselves what we need — even when it isn’t glamorous, productive or exciting — is one of the kindest things we can do for our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Sometimes, we don’t need another strategy. Sometimes, all we need is a pause button. 🌿

Exactly a year ago, we got our fluffy baby. 🐾🧡

She was only 2.5 months old and weighed just 650g.

I remember so clearly, a couple of days before, going to see this litter of puppies. She walked straight over to Sophia and wanted to be picked up.

It was instant love. 🥰

And somehow, we just knew she wanted us to have her.

We decided on her name too… Amber. 🐾

And only recently did I realise that we got her on 8/8 — the Lion’s Gate Portal. 🦁✨

And honestly… she does look like a cute little lion sometimes! 😂

This dog seems to know only joy and love.

She smiles. A LOT. 😄

She barks mostly with excitement and joy 🤩 (and, of course, when food is involved 🥘😂).

She just radiates love, playfulness and pure joy.

And watching her, I can’t help but think that we humans could learn a lot from this little being.

To be present.

To play.

To love without overthinking.

To find joy in the simplest things.

And perhaps most importantly… to be exactly who we are. 🧡

A year ago, we thought we were choosing a puppy.

Maybe she was choosing us. 🐾

And what a beautiful thing to have manifested through this 8/8 portal — our little Amber. 🦁✨

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