Take a Walk: Your Mind, Body, and Soul Will Thank You
Godd3ss Aisha
Have you ever watched a sitcom where the dad tells his angry son, “Go take a walk!” 😂
As funny as it sounds, it’s actually some pretty solid advice.
Whether it’s a slow stroll around the neighborhood or a brisk walk to get your cardio in, moving your body is one of the simplest gifts you can give yourself.
I try to make it a habit to go for a walk at least once or twice a week. Come to think of it…there are times when I walk simply because I need to.
But here’s the question…
When was the last time you took a walk and truly listened?
Not with earbuds blasting music or your eyes glued to your phone.
I mean, really listened.
Listen to yourself.
Listen to Mother Nature.
Listen to the wind dancing through the trees.
Listen to the birds singing to one another as they fly from branch to branch.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about it.
Walking has become a form of meditation for me. It’s a time to put life into perspective and check in with myself.
I often ask a simple question:
“How are you…really?”
With family, friends, work, social media, and the world constantly demanding our attention, we spend so much time taking care of everyone else that we forget to check on the one person who needs us the most—ourselves.
Walking benefits the body, too.
It strengthens my legs, glutes, and core. It gets my heart pumping and my blood flowing. Every step is an investment in my physical health.
But the greatest benefit isn’t physical.
It’s the opportunity to slow down long enough to appreciate the little things.
A hummingbird searching for nectar.
The fragrance of blooming flowers.
The rhythm of the breeze.
(Yes…I’m having a full Pocahontas moment over here. 😂😂😂)
Life can be loud.
Kids need you.
Cars are rushing by.
Work emails keep coming.
Maybe your spouse is fussing.
Maybe your boss is testing every ounce of your patience.
If you’ve learned to tune out the noise around you, why not tune into something that gives back?
Tune into yourself.
Tune into nature.
You may be surprised by what you discover.
You might find the courage to make a difficult decision.
You may find clarity where there was confusion.
You may finally release something that’s been weighing heavily on your heart.
And yes…you’ll burn a few calories while you’re at it. 😂
I’m not saying a walk will solve every problem in your life.
But before you vent to the wrong person…
Before you fire off that emotional text…
Before you make that Facebook post you might regret…
Take a walk.
Give yourself 30 to 45 minutes.
Step away from the noise.
Clear your mind.
Disconnect from the world.
Reconnect with yourself.
Reconnect with Mother Nature.
You may come back with exactly what you needed.
If this message spoke to you, share it with someone you love and care about. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give another person isn’t advice—it’s a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. You never know who might need to hear these words today.
Peace, Love & Light. 💚🧘🏾♀️
What’s Really in Your Soap? Why Store Brands Often Have Longer Ingredient Lists Than Small-Batch Natural Soaps
Godd3ss Alicia
There’s a good chance you’ve picked up a bar of soap at the grocery store, turned it over, and wondered why the ingredient list seems to go on forever.
Then you pick up a handcrafted, small-batch natural soap, and the ingredient list is refreshingly short.
Why is that?
The answer comes down to how the soap is made, what it’s designed to do, and the maker's priorities.
Store-Bought Soap: Built for Consistency and Shelf Life
Large manufacturers produce millions of bars every year. Their products need to:
Sit on store shelves for months—or even years.
Survive shipping in varying climates.
Produce a rich lather that many consumers expect.
Look identical from one bar to the next.
Maintain a consistent fragrance and color.
To accomplish this, commercial soaps often include ingredients such as:
Preservatives
Synthetic fragrances
Artificial colorants
Stabilizers
Hardening agents
Foaming enhancers
Chelating agents that improve performance in hard water
These ingredients aren’t necessarily “bad.” They each serve a purpose, helping create a product that is affordable, consistent, and has a long shelf life.
Benefits of Store Brands
✔ Widely available
✔ Usually less expensive
✔ Long shelf life
✔ Consistent scent and appearance
✔ Produces abundant lather
Potential Drawbacks
Longer ingredient lists.
Synthetic fragrances or dyes may not be preferred by everyone, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Often made for the “average consumer” rather than individual skin preferences.
May contain detergents or additives that some people choose to avoid.
Small-Batch Natural Soap: Simplicity by Design
Small-batch soapmakers typically begin with a different philosophy.
Rather than creating a product that can sit in a warehouse for years, they’re focused on crafting a fresh, nourishing bar using thoughtfully selected ingredients.
A typical handcrafted soap may contain only:
Olive oil
Coconut oil
Shea butter
Cocoa butter
Castor oil
Natural botanicals
Essential oils (if used)
Sodium hydroxide (used during the soapmaking process and consumed during saponification)
Water
That’s it.
Each ingredient is intentionally chosen for its unique qualities.
The natural oils help cleanse while contributing different characteristics to the finished bar. Some create creamy lather, others help the soap feel conditioning, while butters add richness and hardness.
The Beauty of Small Batch
One of the greatest advantages of handcrafted soap is the care that goes into every batch.
Small makers can:
Carefully source quality ingredients.
Produce smaller quantities for freshness.
Experiment with botanical ingredients.
Create unique seasonal scents.
Hand-cut and inspect every bar.
No two batches are exactly alike—and that’s part of the beauty.
Each bar reflects craftsmanship rather than mass production.
It’s More Than Soap
For many people, switching to natural soap isn’t simply about washing their hands or showering.
It’s about slowing down.
It’s about becoming more mindful of what we put on our bodies.
It’s about supporting artisans and small businesses that pour love and intention into every product they create.
It’s choosing quality over quantity.
Which Is Better?
The answer depends on your priorities.
If convenience, consistency, and low cost are most important, store-brand soaps may be the right fit.
If you appreciate simple ingredients, handcrafted quality, and supporting small businesses, a small-batch natural soap may become one of your favorite daily rituals.
At A Godd3ss3s Cr3ation, we believe skincare can be intentional. Every handcrafted bar is created in small batches with thoughtfully selected ingredients, because what you use every day should nourish not only your skin, but also your sense of well-being.
Sometimes, the simplest ingredients tell the most beautiful story.
Peace • Love • Light 💚🌿