#23: Tides of Transformation: A Year in Our Seaside Sanctuary
This episode is a heartfelt reflection on what the past 12 months have truly been like since moving into our beautiful sanctuary by the sea. It’s been a year of deep contrasts—joy and sorrow, growth and stillness, peace and pain—all coexisting in ways I didn’t expect.
I share the story of how we sold our long-time family home, the emotional challenges of the move, and the unexpected grief that arrived when my niece suddenly passed away. That heartbreaking moment reshaped everything, making it difficult to fully embrace this new chapter of life.
I talk about what it feels like to live with both grief and happiness at the same time, and the profound lesson of holding space for “this AND that.” I’ve learned that it’s okay to honor sadness and still allow yourself to move toward joy. Through surrender, spiritual connection, and healing, I slowly started to release the “seatbelt” that was holding me back from fully living.
Amid the emotional journey, there have been beautiful highlights—like discovering peaceful beaches nearby, connecting with our new community, and learning new skills such as making sourdough, creating a labyrinth, and even becoming a little obsessed with lighting fires in our open fireplace. I also share how nature and quiet living have been profoundly healing, and how they’ve inspired me to create gentle offerings for others, like Whispers, Nudges & Goosebumps, a resource for connecting to intuition, and the Spirit & Spark membership for soulful conversations on spirituality and personal growth.
This episode is deeply personal. It’s about navigating life’s unexpected twists, the healing power of slowing down, and the quiet magic that happens when we give ourselves permission to embrace both grief and joy.
Key Takeaways
- You can hold grief and joy together. Life isn’t about either/or—it’s about allowing “this AND that” to coexist.
- Surrendering brings peace. Letting go of expectations can unlock healing and new insights.
- Healing isn’t linear. It can feel like being “pinned down,” but small steps and self-compassion create gradual release.
- Nature is profoundly healing. Living close to the sea, wildlife, and community created gentle moments of peace.
- Quiet seasons matter. Slowing down allowed for deep personal growth and the creation of meaningful new projects.
- New offerings are coming. Whispers, Nudges & Goosebumps helps you connect to your intuition, and Spirit & Spark will be a new space for exploring spirituality and growth.
Learn more:
- Website: https://www.happiness-hive.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happinesshive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happinesshive1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-bowyer-happiness-hive/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happinesshive
Resources:
- Whispers, Nudges & Goosebumps:
https://www.happiness-hive.com/whispers-nudges-goosebumps - Spirit & Spark Membership:
https://www.happiness-hive.com/spirit-and-spark
Happiness Hive Newsletter:
https://www.happiness-hive.com/
Soul Whispers Session
Intuitively Guided Coaching Sessions
Soul-Meet-Strategy Sessions
https://www.happiness-hive.com/work-with-me