Tuesday

"I trust that small routines can change how I feel."

Welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• A reflection trick to boost confidence

• Wellness Postcards: Costa Rica

• What’s hiding in your water?

• Why mung bean is good for sensitive skin

The Reflection Trick That Boosts Confidence

A regular bucket list looks ahead, but a reverse bucket list asks you to look back. Instead of writing down everything you still want to do, you list the meaningful things you’ve already lived through, learned, built, survived, or accomplished.

This can be especially helpful if your brain loves moving the goalpost. The promotion happens, the hard season ends, the big decision gets made, and somehow you’re already asking, “What’s next?” A reverse bucket list gives those moments a place to land before they disappear into the background.

The list can include big wins, but it does not have to. Maybe you moved to a new city, repaired a friendship, learned to cook, got through a difficult year, set a boundary, or became someone your younger self would be proud of. Small proof still counts.

To start, look through old photos, calendars, journals, texts, or playlists and write down what each season taught you. Sometimes fulfillment is not about needing a new milestone. Sometimes it’s remembering that you’ve already lived through quite a few.

Wellness Postcards: Costa Rica’s Pura Vida

Welcome back to Wellness Postcards. This week, we’re writing from Costa Rica, where wellness is less about escaping your life and more about remembering how to actually be in it. The phrase you’ll hear everywhere is pura vida, which means “pure life,” but it’s also a greeting, a thank-you, a mindset, and sometimes a gentle reminder to unclench your jaw.

In Nosara, mornings often begin with yoga, surf, and the kind of quiet that makes checking your phone feel unnecessary. In Santa Teresa, wellness lives in the rhythm of the ocean, where days tend to move around tides, long walks, fresh fruit, and sunset. In La Fortuna, the natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano make rest feel almost built into the landscape.

Costa Rica’s approach to well-being is deeply tied to nature and community. More than a quarter of the country’s land is protected through national parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges, which means time outside is not just an activity. It is part of the culture. Wellness might look like hiking in Monteverde, surfing in Tamarindo, sharing a meal at a local soda, or taking a slow morning in Uvita without trying to optimize every minute.

The lesson from Costa Rica is simple but easy to forget: life does not have to be so rushed to be full. Sometimes pura vida is just noticing what is already here: the rain, the ocean, the people around you, and the small moments that ask you to slow down.

Cardiologist Warns: "Avoid Bottled Water At All Costs"

Americans have been told for decades that drinking plenty of water is the key to good health...

But according to world-renowned heart surgeon Dr. Steven Gundry, this advice could be putting your health at risk.

In fact, this groundbreaking research shows there’s 1 specific type of water that could be leading to brain fog, digestive discomfort, stubborn weight gain, and more.

"I've discovered that millions of people are unknowingly filling their bodies with something that could be wreaking havoc on their gut health, metabolism, and more," explains Dr. Gundry.

"What's truly alarming is that most people have no idea they're doing this to themselves every single day," Dr. Gundry adds.

That's why he's recommending you make this 1 simple tweak to your next glass of water immediately.

It takes 30 seconds and could promote hydration, boost your energy levels, and even support fat loss.*

Click here to watch this brand-new presentation.

*All individuals are unique. Results can and will vary.

Thank you to Gundry MD for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Why Sensitive Skin Loves Mung Bean

Mung bean might sound like a trendy new skincare ingredient, but it has been used in Korean beauty and wellness traditions for centuries. Long before it started showing up on TikTok, ground mung bean was used as a gentle cleansing paste to help remove oil, debris, and buildup without stripping the skin.

The reason it’s getting attention now makes sense. Beauty trends have been moving away from harsh, overly aggressive routines and toward formulas that support the skin barrier. Mung bean fits right in because it is known for being soothing, antioxidant-rich, and naturally clarifying.

For sensitive, oily, acne-prone, or easily irritated skin, mung bean may help calm redness while gently cleansing and refining texture. In powdered or mask form, it can offer mild exfoliation, while cleansers and hydrating products tend to be better for regular use.

Like anything exfoliating, the key is not overdoing it. Mung bean may be gentle, but skin still appreciates moderation. Think of it less as a dramatic skin reset and more as a soft, steady little helper for keeping things calm and balanced.

Wellness Round-Up

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Costa Rica is home to one of the world's recognized Blue Zones, regions known for exceptional longevity.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Not just the big milestones, but the quiet victories no one else sees.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!