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Here at Peak and Valley, we have been interested in topics surrounding self-care/wellness. The term ‘self-care’ specifically is starting to become an overused buzzword in marketing and news outlets. Separating out what self-care means for you personally means ignoring a lot of marketing jargon and messaging. We all have to remember that self-care doesn't have to be expensive or exclusive. Given that, we have an interview series where we ask people what self-care and wellness mean to them.
Provide a short introduction explaining who you are.
Peace and Light! My name is Michelle Donnelly and I am an entertainer, creative coordinator, and known as the “Sea Moss Lady”, founder of Regal Holistics- Sea Moss gel and other holistic health products!
Self-care is about developing the mind, body, and spirit in divine alignment. We are ultimately destined to be the best versions of ourselves and thrive in the universe. This, to me, is defined by healing our vessels, being mindful of what we’re taking in— which can be inclusive of everything that is energy, and energy is everything. The food we eat, the relationships we have with others, the relationship we have with ourselves, our relationship with Spirit is all energy. It’s up to us to decide what we absorb and how we manifest this energy! Keeping a steady balance of work and rest, breathing deeply, taking in healthy nutritious foods, listening to your body when it speaks to you, speaking life into your body, and being kind to yourself is how I define self-care.
How do you start your day? If it differs from day to day, describe your ideal morning.
Ideally, I like to start my morning with a stretch and a glass of water. Then I go into the kitchen and nurture my body. I listen to mantras while I make my breakfast and my mushroom coffee. I used to drink two espresso shots to START my day. I felt like without it I was dragging the rest of my day with an unclear, unfocused mind. Since making the switch to Peak and Valley’s Nourish My Brain blend, I’ve found my mind alert without the overbearing anxiety, no chest pains, and motivation to get things done. I like to make a “cortadito” because I live in Miami 😂 it’s delicious with coconut or oat milk and agave in a cute espresso cup!
What measures do you take when you feel off-balance/stressed? Do you have any bedtime rituals that help you sleep well?
I like to run a hot salt bath, burn candles and diffuse healing oils, play soothing music and meditate. I also love listening to mantras.
What is your philosophy around wellness?
Balance. Don’t be too hard on yourself, we are all learning on this journey and no one is perfect, nor will they ever be. Healing and transcending are inclusive of shadow work and experiencing the pain, trauma, etc— don’t get lost in the idea that being well is pretending things are okay all the time. It’s okay not to be okay.
How has your being a Woman of Color influenced your daily wellness routine?
Being a woman of color growing up was quite the opposite of what the routine looks like for me now. I am so grateful to have been wise enough to outgrow the systems and be in tune with my divine roots. It started with my natural hair journey and developed into an everlasting spiritual evolution. Our ancestors used herbs and plants, fruits, and veggies to heal and take care of themselves. We don’t need to conform to modern society’s concept of “taking care”. We have a whole culture centered around that.
Do you think your music greatly influences your wellness?
Absolutely, I love to sing.I sing every single day, all day. I sing even more when I’m sad. I use my platform to bring healing to others. I sing life into my home and dance to music between errands and activities, I love the way it makes me feel. And I love feeling like I can bring that same joy to others when I make music. It’s literally sound therapy.
