The Cottage Fairy Companion

1. Find Magic in the Mundane: Cultivate Wonder in the Everyday

I hope this book—a collection of prose, poetry, recipes, and crafts—will inspire you to look at your life more closely and notice the magic that has always been there.

Reclaim childlike wonder. The author emphasizes the importance of rediscovering the sense of awe and curiosity that we often lose as adults. This involves actively seeking out beauty in the ordinary, like a spiderweb glistening with dew or a single flower pushing through the cracks in the sidewalk. It's about slowing down and truly observing the world around us, rather than rushing through life on autopilot.

Sensory engagement. Engaging all five senses is key to experiencing the world anew. This could mean listening to the sounds of nature, feeling the texture of tree bark, or savoring the scent of a flower. By paying attention to these details, we can enrich our daily lives and find joy in the simplest of things. The author shares her experience of lying on a fallen tree, focusing on the sounds of the water, the feel of the cool current, and the scent of the pine.

Transformative perspective. Cultivating wonder is not just about noticing beauty; it's about shifting our perspective. It's about seeing the world with fresh eyes, as if for the first time. This can be achieved through practices like meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few moments each day to appreciate the small miracles that surround us. The author suggests that even in the city, there are subtle signs of nature to be discovered, like the shoots sprouting between sidewalk cracks.

2. Nature as a Teacher: Embrace the Rhythms of the Natural World

The greatest thing that my cottage experience offered me was that I had never actually needed it.

Nature's wisdom. The author views nature as a powerful teacher, offering lessons in simplicity, patience, and resilience. By observing the cycles of the seasons, the rhythms of life and death, and the interconnectedness of all things, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. The author shares how the wildfires taught her about the natural cycle of destruction and renewal.

Living in harmony. The book encourages us to live in harmony with nature, rather than trying to dominate or control it. This involves respecting the natural world, using its resources sustainably, and appreciating its beauty. The author emphasizes the importance of foraging responsibly and learning about local ecosystems. She also shares how she tries to let her free time feel as fluid as possible, allowing herself time to "waste" time in the best way possible.

Finding solace. Nature provides a source of solace and healing, offering a refuge from the stresses of modern life. Spending time outdoors, whether it's a walk in the woods or a quiet moment by the river, can help us to reconnect with ourselves and find inner peace. The author shares how she finds comfort in the sound of water and the feel of cool stones. She also shares how she goes to her "box of senses" to reconnect with something simpler inside of her.

3. Inner Peace is a Journey: Healing is a Winding Path

The hardest lesson I have ever learned is that happiness isn’t a location.

Peace is not a destination. The author emphasizes that inner peace is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to be embraced. It's a process of letting go of unnecessary burdens, changing thought patterns, and cultivating self-compassion. The author shares her personal journey of recovering from an eating disorder and learning to be gentle with herself.

Facing fears. Healing involves facing our fears and insecurities, rather than avoiding them. This can be a challenging process, but it's essential for personal growth. The author shares how she learned to see her fears as challenges to be overcome, much like the heroes in her favorite fairytales. She also shares how she learned to accept her negative emotions and allow them to flow.

Self-reflection. The book encourages self-reflection as a tool for healing. This involves asking ourselves difficult questions, examining our thought patterns, and identifying areas where we need to grow. The author provides a list of questions she likes to keep in mind on her journey, such as "What emotions/fears are you trying to avoid?" and "How would you describe your soul to a stranger?"

4. Home is Where You Are: Cultivate Beauty Within

If there is only one message that I wish to convey in this book, it’s that you are your home.

Home as a reflection. The author believes that our homes should be a reflection of our inner selves, a space that exudes the "feeling" we find most comforting. This involves creating a space that is both beautiful and functional, a haven where we can feel safe, inspired, and at peace. She shares how she filled her cottage with handmade, vintage, and upcycled items that tell a story.

Intentional design. Cultivating a loving space is not just about aesthetics; it's about intentional design. It's about creating a space that supports our well-being and nourishes our creativity. This could involve organizing things differently, reducing clutter, or choosing a color palette that brings us comfort. The author shares how she likes to have books, art, and plants in her home.

Inner sanctuary. Ultimately, the author believes that true home is not a physical place, but a state of being. It's about cultivating a sense of belonging within ourselves, regardless of our external circumstances. She emphasizes that a beautiful life can only be cultivated through time and effort, not dependent on where you live but how.

5. Aloneness vs. Loneliness: Embrace Solitude for Self-Discovery

There is a distinct difference between being lonely and being alone.

Solitude as a gift. The author distinguishes between loneliness, a negative feeling of isolation, and aloneness, a positive state of being with oneself. She emphasizes the importance of embracing solitude as an opportunity for self-discovery, reflection, and spiritual growth. She shares how she found it challenging at first to be alone with her thoughts, but eventually found it to be a source of peace.

Inner exploration. Aloneness allows us to connect with our inner voice, to explore our thoughts and feelings without the distractions of the outside world. It's a time to nurture our spirituality, to engage in creative pursuits, and to simply be present with ourselves. The author shares how she meditates through work, creating art and writing.

Self-acceptance. By embracing aloneness, we can learn to accept ourselves fully, with all our imperfections. This can lead to a deeper sense of self-love and a greater capacity for connection with others. The author shares how she learned to accept her introverted nature and find people who understand her.

6. Love is a Teacher: Relationships as a Path to Self-Knowledge

Some of the greatest lessons I have learned have come from the triumphs and mistakes I have made in my quest to love another human.

Relationships as mirrors. The author views relationships, both romantic and platonic, as mirrors that reflect our own strengths and weaknesses. Through our interactions with others, we can learn more about ourselves, our patterns of behavior, and our capacity for love. She shares how her past relationships left her disillusioned, but her current relationship has offered healing.

Healthy boundaries. Healthy relationships require clear boundaries, mutual respect, and a balance of giving and receiving. It's important to question our intentions in relationships and to ensure that our needs are being met, as well as the needs of others. The author shares questions she asks herself when starting a new relationship, such as "Am I safe with this person?" and "Is there room for 'me' in this relationship?"

Love as a choice. Ultimately, the author believes that love is a choice, a conscious decision to offer kindness, compassion, and support to others. It's about accepting people for who they are, flaws and all, and creating connections that are both meaningful and fulfilling. She emphasizes that it is better to offer love than not to offer it at all.

7. Seasons of the Soul: Accept the Cycles of Life

I believe that peace of mind is not only achievable but grows in abundance once we begin to nourish it.

Life's ebbs and flows. The author emphasizes that life is not a linear progression, but a series of cycles, much like the seasons of nature. There will be times of joy and abundance, as well as times of hardship and loss. It's important to accept these cycles and to allow ourselves to experience the full range of human emotions. She shares how she mourns the end of spring, but also looks forward to the autumn.

Embracing change. Change is an inevitable part of life, and it's important to embrace it, rather than resisting it. This involves letting go of our expectations, adapting to new circumstances, and trusting that everything will work out in the end. The author shares how she learned to accept the unexpected and find meaning in it.

Finding hope. Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. It's about choosing to focus on the positive, to believe in the possibility of a brighter future, and to find strength in our resilience. The author shares how she sees new growth as evidence that hope is a powerful thing.

8. Balance is Key: Harmony in All Things

Peaceful living does not entail eliminating things from our lives—instead, it challenges us to transform those things to serve us better.

Harmony, not perfection. The author emphasizes that the goal is not to achieve perfection, but to find balance and harmony in all aspects of our lives. This involves integrating our work, relationships, and personal pursuits in a way that feels both fulfilling and sustainable. She shares how she tries to balance her work with her need for rest and creativity.

Mindful consumption. Balance also applies to our consumption habits, whether it's food, social media, or material possessions. It's about being mindful of what we bring into our lives and ensuring that it serves our well-being, rather than detracting from it. The author shares how she limits her social media use and focuses on content that inspires her.

Transformative approach. The author believes that we can transform the things in our lives that cause stress or discomfort, rather than simply eliminating them. This involves changing our relationship with these things, finding ways to use them in a more positive way, and cultivating a sense of inner peace. She shares how she has learned to manage her anxiety and treat it with a gentle hand.

9. The Power of Intention: Mindfulness in Action

I find stating your intention as you do a task can be quite helpful, letting your movements and thoughts flow, being open to receive and understand.

Intentional living. The author emphasizes the importance of living with intention, of being mindful of our actions and their impact on ourselves and the world around us. This involves setting clear goals, making conscious choices, and aligning our actions with our values. She shares how she states her intention as she does a task, letting her movements and thoughts flow.

Present moment awareness. Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It's about paying attention to our thoughts and feelings without judgment, and appreciating the simple joys of daily life. The author shares how she tries to be present in her daily life, noticing the small details that she might otherwise miss.

Spiritual connection. The author believes that mindfulness can strengthen our spirituality, allowing us to connect with something larger than ourselves. This could involve prayer, meditation, or simply spending time in nature. She shares how she has found great solace through letting go of her preconceived notions of the right way to pray or meditate.

10. You Are Enough: Embrace Imperfection and Find Joy

You are worthy of living a beautiful life.

Self-acceptance. The author emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, of embracing our imperfections and recognizing our inherent worth. This involves letting go of self-judgment, cultivating self-compassion, and celebrating our unique qualities. She shares how she learned to love her body by delving into her ancestry.

Joy in the present. True joy is not found in the pursuit of perfection, but in the appreciation of the present moment. It's about finding beauty in the ordinary, celebrating small victories, and connecting with the people we love. The author shares how she finds joy in simple things like baking, reading, and spending time in nature.

Authentic living. Ultimately, the author believes that a beautiful life is one that is lived authentically, in alignment with our values and passions. It's about being true to ourselves, embracing our unique path, and finding joy in the journey. She shares how she has learned to live her life in alignment with her heart, not mindlessly adhering to what others dictate.

Last updated: January 29, 2025