The Gentle Exhale: Self-Care for Sensitive Givers

This isn’t self-care advice. It’s a quiet strategy session for special needs moms and highly sensitive caregivers who are exhausted and overwhelmed. If most self-care tips feel like more work, this video is for you. Parenting in a high-stress season means your nervous system is often running on empty. When that happens, even “good advice” can feel impossible to use. In this video, I walk you through a self-care strategy tool I created to help reduce mental load, regulate your nervous system, and prepare for hard days—without guilt, fluff, or perfection. This is not about doing more. It’s about having a simple, external system that holds the thinking for you when your brain is tired. Hold The Guilt Pass the Coffee: A Self-Care Strategy Journal for Special Needs Moms

This month’s word is Soften. This video is for highly sensitive women and special needs moms who feel like they need to stay braced just to get through the day — and who may find the idea of “softening” uncomfortable or even unsafe. In this episode, we talk about: why softness can feel risky for sensitive caregivers how staying hardened can be a form of protection one small, optional practice for softening without losing your guard If you stay until the end, I’ll share one sentence you can carry with you this week — something to return to when your body tightens or you feel yourself bracing again. You don’t need to do this perfectly. You don’t need to do all of it. Even one moment of easing counts. This channel is a gentle space for the in-between moments — offering calm reflections, simple skincare rituals, and nervous-system-friendly care you can fit into real life. A moment of calm, delivered weeklyJournals, books, and other downloads

Are you a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or a Special Needs Mom feeling overwhelmed by "sensory noise" in your own home? Traditional cleaning products are often filled with synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, and "visual clutter" that contribute to burnout. In this video, I’m sharing 10 ways to use Baby Unscented Castile Soap to create a sensory sanctuary. We’re stripping away the triggers and simplifying your routine with one non-toxic, fragrance-free solution. In this video, you’ll learn: How to clean "pica-safe" toys and medical equipment. The secret to "itch-free" laundry for sensitive skin. Why you should NEVER mix vinegar and castile soap (and what to do instead). WATCH UNTIL THE END to see the #1 mistake that causes "soap film" and how to fix it if you have hard water! #HSP #SpecialNeedsMom #SensoryProcessingDisorder #NonToxicCleaning #CastileSoap #MinimalistCleaning #SensoryFriendly The Sensory-Safe Home: Castile Soap Dilution Cheat SheetA moment of calm, delivered weekly

Do you feel like you're constantly in 'warrior mode'? If you are a sensitive soul or a special needs mom, your nervous system is likely stuck in 'inhale'—constantly taking in the needs, sounds, and stresses of the world around you. In this episode of The Gentle Exhale, we explore the 'Space Between.' We’re moving away from the labels of advocate and caregiver to find a moment of radical softness. You don't have to be everything to everyone in this moment. You are allowed to be quiet. You are allowed to be still. NewsletterJournals, Books, and other downloads

🌿 Welcome to The 3-Minute Glow Ritual 🌿 Today’s word is: Reflect. If life has felt rushed, heavy, or loud lately — this tiny ritual is here to help you pause and come back to yourself. Just three minutes. Just one gentle moment of presence. In this episode, you’ll be guided through: ✨ a calming skincare step (no rushing, no perfection — just kindness) ✨ a scripture to settle your heart and remind you of God’s truth ✨ a small self-care action you can take today This week’s scripture: 📖 Isaiah 30:15 — “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.” Take a breath. Let your shoulders soften. You don’t have to hurry to be held. You don’t have to earn God’s love — you just have to receive it. If this ritual blessed you, let me know in the comments: 💬 “One word I’m reflecting on today is…” 💛 Thank you for joining me in this slow, intentional moment. You deserve care — inside and out. #selfcare #christianwomen #matureskin #slowbeauty #skincareover40 #faithandwellness #reflect #selfkindness #glowritual The Oil & Light newsletter and membershipMoments of Light ZineJournals, ebooks, and other goodies

The podcast episode from "Slow Beauty: Skincare & Self-Care for Women 40+" focused on creating a small ritual for grounding to evoke calm and stability into daily life. The host outlined a three-step process that begins with a moment of receiving presence, followed by reflection on feelings to understand what may be causing weightiness. The final step is a prayer-led 'reset' intended to release burdens that are not your responsibility to carry. Join my Monday & Wednesday letters: a gentle start and midweek stillness Explore my zines, journals, and books: available on Ko-fi

A Softer Way to Begin January January often tells us to brace ourselves — to try harder, move faster, and start fresh with sharper edges. This short, gentle reflection invites you to begin the month differently. Our word for January is soften. In this video, I share: a simple intention for the month a sensory anchor to calm the nervous system a gentle self-care practice for sensitive givers and caregivers This is a quiet pause for anyone feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or weary — especially sensitive souls and caregiving hearts. You are allowed to take up space softly. This month doesn’t need your sharp edges. 🌿 If you’re looking for gentle, faith-centered self-care, you’re welcome here. Listen to the podcast: The Gentle Exhale: Self-Care for Sensitive Givers Join my Monday & Wednesday letters: gentle beginnings and midweek stillness Explore my zines, journals, and books: available on Ko-fi Thank you for being here. May this month hold you gently. Join my Monday & Wednesday letters: gentle beginnings and midweek stillnessExplore my zines, journals, and books: available on Ko-fi

Does your heart ever feel "brittle"? Like a piece of clay left in the sun, the weight of caregiving, "shoulds," and a cluttered living room can make us feel rigid and exhausted. In this first episode of The Gentle Exhale, we’re exploring our word of the month: Soften. I’m sharing a raw look at my own living room floor—cluttered with my son’s toys—and how I’m learning to trade the "hardness" of perfection for the "softness" of God’s grace. Inside this episode: The Living Room Confession: Reframing clutter as evidence of life. The Clay & Oil Ritual: A sensory visualization to move from brittle to pliable. Scripture for the Weary: Finding rest in the way God gently leads us (Isaiah 40:11). [About The Gentle Exhale] This podcast is a soft place to land for highly sensitive women and special needs moms. We offer faith-centered self-care and nervous-system–gentle practices for women who don’t need more to-do lists—they need room to breathe. [Connect & Breathe] Subscribe for more quiet encouragement and sensory rituals. Today’s Affirmation: "I am allowed to be human today." Scent of the Month: Lavender and the smell of rain #SelfCareForCaregivers #SpecialNeedsMoms #HighlySensitivePerson #ChristianMeditation #TheGentleExhale My newsletterHold the Guilt, Pass the Coffee: A Self-Care Strategy Journal for Special Needs Moms

📓 The Commonplace Minute — Ordinary Joys for the New Year The New Year doesn’t have to begin with resolutions. It can begin with noticing. In this short Wednesday mini podcast, I invite you into The Commonplace Minute—a quiet pause to collect beauty, wisdom, and wonder on the page. Today’s theme is ordinary joys: the small, everyday moments that shape a year more than big plans ever could. You’ll hear: one line worth remembering a brief reflection a gentle writing prompt you can carry into your day This is an invitation to open your commonplace book and collect what already brings warmth, ease, and light—no perfection required. 🖊 What we write, we remember. What we remember, transforms us. NewsletterCarrie's Herbal Infused Skincare CookbookMoments of Light Zine, books, and journals

If winter has been leaving you feeling tired — in your skin or in your spirit — this 3-minute glow ritual is for you. In today’s episode, we take a gentle pause together: ✨ one small skincare step for mature, winter-worn skin ✨ one centering scripture ✨ and one simple act of self-care you can carry into your day This is slow beauty. Quiet faith. Care that doesn’t rush you. You don’t have to bloom right now. You are allowed to rest. Come back next Monday for another 3-Minute Glow Ritual. Skincare and Self-Care Newsletter and my websiteMoments of Light ZineJournals and other downloads

A Soft Christmas Morning Ritual for Rest & Renewal Christmas morning doesn’t have to be rushed to be meaningful. This gentle Christmas Day episode of A Season of Softness is a quiet, calming ritual designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and receive rest — right where you are. Through a spoken blessing and a simple, optional skincare moment, this episode invites you to release pressure, honor tired skin and bodies, and step into Christmas with softness instead of striving. ✨ In this episode, you’ll experience: A peaceful Christmas morning pause A gentle blessing for body, skin, and spirit A slow, comforting skincare ritual (optional) Permission to rest without guilt This episode is especially for you if Christmas feels tender, overwhelming, or emotionally full — or if you simply want a quieter way to begin the day. Listen while the house is still, before guests arrive, or anytime you need a moment of calm during the holiday. 🎄 Part of the Season of Softness Christmas podcast series — gentle skincare, self-care, and rest for winter. free download - The 5 minute mindful self-check inskincare and self-care newsletter and websiteJournals and other downloads

In this gentle episode of Slow Beauty, we explore how to rest — even in the midst of celebration. This season can be beautiful and meaningful, but it can also be full. Full of expectations, gatherings, conversations, and stimulation. Even during joyful moments, your body still needs rest. In this short, calming podcast episode, you’re invited into a restful evening skincare ritual designed to help your nervous system soften and settle. There’s nothing to fix, nothing to achieve — just a few quiet minutes of presence, touch, and breath. ✨ In this episode: A reminder that you don’t have to earn rest Why rest matters for the nervous system, especially after 40 A slow, soothing skincare ritual to close the day Gentle reflection on letting “enough” be enough A blessing for rest without guilt This episode is part of our Season of Softness, created especially for women 40+ who are craving calm, care, and connection with their bodies. You can return to this practice anytime — even on the busiest days. 🤍 If this episode brought you a sense of ease, consider subscribing or sharing it with someone who might need permission to rest too. Skincare and self-care newsletter and websiteThe pre-sleep unwind routine plannerJournals and downloads

Our hands quietly carry so much — especially during the Christmas season. In this episode of Season of Softness, we slow down to care for our hands with a gentle, nourishing ritual. Winter weather, frequent washing, and the steady work of daily life can leave hands dry, tired, and overlooked. This calming audio invites you to pause, soften, and offer gratitude to the hands that give and serve in so many unseen ways. You’ll be guided through a simple hand-care practice using a balm or cream, along with quiet reflection and a spoken blessing. This episode is not about productivity or perfection — it’s about honoring the work your hands have already done and allowing them to rest. ✨ This episode is especially supportive if you: have dry or cracked winter hands feel physically or emotionally tired carry much of the caregiving or unseen work long for a quiet, meaningful self-care moment 🕯 What you’ll need: A nourishing hand balm or cream A few uninterrupted minutes A willingness to slow down Season of Softness is a Christmas audio series blending skincare, self-care, and gentle reflection. Each episode offers a small pocket of calm you can return to throughout the season. 💛 If this episode brought you comfort, consider subscribing for more slow skincare rituals and seasonal self-care. Free download - overnight hand treatmentMoments of Light ZineNewsletter and website

Christmas can be beautiful — and it can also be full. In this Ritual of Rest: Christmas Edition, we slow down and reflect on the quiet way peace entered the world. Inspired by Luke 2:19, this gentle, faith-filled pause invites you to release pressure, soften your breath, and receive rest — even in the middle of the season. This short episode includes: A quiet reflection on how peace arrived at Christmas Scripture for rest and reassurance A simple embodied ritual to calm your heart A gentle journaling prompt for reflection You don’t have to make Christmas meaningful — it already is. ✨ Take a breath. 🕯 Receive peace. 🎄 Rest in what has already been given. Skincare and Self-care newsletter and websiteMoments of Light ZineJournals and downloads

In this podcast episode we explores the connection between our sense of smell and emotions, emphasizing the calming effects of subtle scents dissipated through aromatherapy. Carrie invites listeners to experiment with different fragrances in their daily routine and tune in next time for more self-care tips. Newsletter and WebsiteJournals and downloads[FREE] Festive & Calming Diffuser Blend Recipe Cards

Christmas moves quickly — even sacred moments can pass by unnoticed. In today’s Commonplace Minute: Christmas Edition, we pause for a gentle reflection inspired by Luke 2:19, where Mary treasures and ponders the quiet moments of Christ’s birth. You’ll learn: What a commonplace book is How reflection helps us notice what truly matters One simple journaling prompt you can use this Christmas This short episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and keep the words and moments you don’t want to forget. ✨ Take one quiet minute. 📓 Write what matters. 🎄 Treasure the season. Newsletter and websiteMoments of Light Zine Journals and Downloads

If your skin feels dry, tight, or tired this winter, this gentle Christmas skincare ritual is for you. In this episode of Season of Softness, we focus on comforting dry, winter-worn skin with slow, nourishing touch and intentional care. Cold air, indoor heat, and busy days can leave both our skin and our hearts feeling depleted — this calming audio invites you to pause, soften, and receive comfort. You’ll be guided through a simple skincare ritual using a facial oil or balm, along with gentle reflection and a spoken blessing. This is not about fixing your skin or doing more — it’s about offering warmth, protection, and kindness to your body during the Christmas season. ✨ Perfect for: Dry or sensitive winter skin A quiet evening skincare routine Stress relief and gentle self-care Cozy Christmas reflection Slow skincare for mature or delicate skin 🕯 What you’ll need: A simple facial oil or balm Clean hands A few quiet minutes This episode is part of Season of Softness, a Christmas audio series blending skincare, self-care, and rest. New episodes offer gentle rituals you can return to again and again throughout the season. 💛 If this moment brought you comfort, consider subscribing for more calming skincare rituals and seasonal self-care. Free winter skin barrier downloadMy Newsletter and Websiteskincare and self-care journals and downloads

The podcast episode, entitled "Season of Softness," from the series "Slow Beauty: Skincare & Self-Care for Women 40+" hosted by Carrie Scharf, guides listeners through a self-care regimen to soothe and tend to both their skin and mind during the bustling holiday period. The Cleansing Method Mini-GuideCarrie's Herbal lnfused Skincare Cookbook

If Christmas feels full or a little rushed, I made something just for you. Today’s 3-Minute Glow Ritual — Christmas Edition is a quiet invitation to slow down, warm your skin, and reflect on the simple truth of Emmanuel — God with us. It’s gentle. It’s doable. And it only takes three minutes. Light a candle, take a breath, and let this small moment remind you that you don’t have to rush to be ready. 🎄✨ Press play when you need a pause. Skincare and self-care newsletter and membershipJournals and downloadsCarrie's Herbal Infused Skincare Cookbook

Take a quiet moment to breathe, reflect, and let God steady your heart. Today’s Ritual of Rest is centered on our word of the month — Reflect — and the comforting truth of Psalm 62:1: “My soul finds rest in God alone.” Skincare and Self-Care Newsletter and MembershipJournals, Books, and other downloads