A Feminine Return to the Essence — The Story of Nicolette Shirley
There are moments where the world ends and the soul begins.
The moments when the world goes quiet.
And in that quiet… something true begins.
I love this feeling.
The moment when my world softens and slows down.
When I sit – just like today – on my wooden terrace and lean back into the armchair that always catches the golden evening sun at this hour. Surely, it will keep shining for at least another hour. My time.
A handmade ceramic cup becomes a symbol of presence. A ceremonial cacao ritual – not just opening thoughts, but unlocking the state of being. Here. Now. In my favorite blue jeans, and a white top, I feel like myself.
The sinking sun nudges me to wrap myself in my soft mohair cardigan, buttoned with big wooden buttons. My braid, loosely tied to the side, lets strands of my long brown hair spill freely – just like me. Relaxed. Present. Whole. And this is me.
A Life Styled from Within
I put my feet up in fluffy cream socks – yes, even in summer – on the little tabouret in front of me. It looks like a vintage travel trunk.
Soft light brown leather, black wooden legs, and a handle on the side that gives it an authentic, worn-in charm.
From the side table, I reach for my journal.
Bound in warm leather, tied with a thin strap, still gently scented with lavender – infused in the handmade paper.
It brings back the same emotion, every time.
Gioia, my collie, lies at my feet. She, too, feels this stillness in her soul. Even Blue, our regal ragdoll cat, who’s currently stretched across the entire opposite armchair like a king in repose – has claimed the best seat in the house.
Of course he did.
This Is Where It Truly Began
Where the World Ends and the Soul Begins. Maybe this evening is where the blog truly began. Not with a strategy. Not with a plan. But with a longing. To be. To feel.
Nicolette Shirley is a slow living blog for women about interiors with soul. Maybe here, in this blog, you’ll find inspiration. Maybe just a gentle reminder to be yourself.
Welcome and make yourself at home!
With love,
Psychologists remind us that authenticity — the gentle act of returning to ourselves — is not only freeing but deeply healing, a truth explored beautifully in this article by Verywell Mind.