Peace Over Perfection: Beauty in What’s Real, Peace in What’s Unfinished, Radiance in Being You

 

Peace over Perfection

Good afternoon, my friend. This week, my skincare shelf is a little messy. There are bottles half-full, labels smudged, a few herbs scattered on the counter. And somehow, it feels right. Maybe that’s the quiet beauty of this season: learning that not everything needs to be tidy to be meaningful. Some of the most peaceful moments are the ones that aren’t polished at all. Lately, I’ve been noticing how often I try to “get it right” in my routine, my work, even my rest. But God keeps whispering: “You don’t have to be perfect to be radiant. You just have to be present.” So this week, we’re embracing imperfection in our skincare, our journaling, and our hearts. 🌿 Ink & Wildflowers Word of the Week: Content​ ​Word Garden: peace • steady • gentle • gratitude To be content is to rest in what is — not in what we wish could be. It’s the quiet trust that where we are is where God can meet us. Scripture: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 Quote: “Contentment doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you choose to see the beauty even when it’s not.” — Unknown Creative Journaling Ideas: Write about a time you felt at peace, even when things weren’t perfect. What helped you feel that way? Create a “contentment inventory” - five small things in your day that bring quiet joy. Reflect on what “enough” looks like for you right now, and how you might rest there with gratitude. A Moment of Renewal If this week’s letter speaks to your heart, you’ll love being part of The Guided Radiant Renewal Program — my year-long program inside the paid membership designed to help you nurture your skin, your soul, and your faith. Each month, we walk through gentle rituals that remind us to slow down and live with intention… from herbal skincare recipes to faith reflections and journaling practices. As a paid member, you’ll also receive my Skincare & Soul Care Herbal Guides, seasonal self-care workshops, and weekly encouragement rooted in grace and rest — not hustle or perfection. It’s a space for women over 40 who want to glow naturally, live slowly, and draw closer to God. 🌸 Come join us and begin your own rhythm of radiant renewal Skincare Recipe of the Week: Lavender & Oat Calming Cleanser This gentle, imperfectly perfect cleanser soothes sensitive or mature skin while restoring calm after long days. You’ll Need: 1 tablespoon ground oats 1 teaspoon dried lavender (crushed) 1 tablespoon honey 1–2 teaspoons warm water To Use:​ Mix until it forms a paste. Massage gently over damp skin, then rinse with warm water. Pat dry and breathe deeply — lavender reminds us to rest in grace. (Note: It won’t look like a store-bought cleanser — and that’s the beauty of it.) 🎧 This Week’s Podcast: Stop Trying to Be Perfect: The Secret to Peaceful, Radiant Skin Over 40 In this week’s episode of Plants, Flowers, Oils & Whimsy, we talk about the freedom that comes when we stop striving and start simply being. I explore the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, the art of finding beauty in imperfection, and how it changes the way we see aging, skincare, and ourselves. You’ll hear gentle reflections on faith, radiance, and the truth that God’s grace shines brightest through our imperfections. ✨ Listen here or ​ ​ ✨ Radiant Things I’m Loving A weekly invitation to live more slowly and notice beauty. A soft cardigan that smells faintly of lavender. Steam curling from a chipped mug of tea. The first few quiet minutes after washing my face — clean, still, unhurried. This week, may you find beauty in what’s real, peace in what’s unfinished, and radiance in simply being you. With love and grace, ​Carrie 🌸 P.S. I’d love to know — what’s helping you feel content this week? Leave me a comment and tell me one small thing bringing you peace. I’d love to share a few reader reflections next week. 💌 ​