“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”

John F. Kennedy

It’s the time of the year where we all are doing the thankful thing. Some may eye roll at the cliche, but as someone who implements a gratitude practice into my life pretty regularly, I have seen firsthand the power of gratitude. Because of this, I will always uplift an opportunity to both be grateful and shine a light on the benefits of choosing gratitude. Yes, choosing gratitude.  

Let’s be honest, if you’re reading this at publish time, it is the end of 2020 and the whole world has been put through the ringer. If you’re reading this in the future, congratulations. You made it! This year more than ever, gratitude has been a choice when it wasn’t a natural feeling and, despite the challenges this year has brought, finding little things to be thankful for has drastically changed the trajectory of my emotional well being this year.

I must jump right into my thanks with the reason that Anuket Luxury Apothecary is even here, our customers. You have given me purpose. You have allowed me to intentionally exercise my passion. You have challenged me by raving about our high quality standards and inspired me to keep creating above and beyond the bar that was first set.  

Your orders, reorders, referrals, posts, reviews, and shares have each played a part in allowing me to pursue my dream on a daily basis. I see every order and my heart swells with pride and, most importantly, the deepest of gratitude at the family we’ve grown worldwide.

Furthermore, pursuing my passion as a woman and a business owner has been a dream come true. I’ve always been a girl’s girl, but not in the “tell you what you want to hear” kind of way. I show love through truth telling, accountability, empowerment, and helping the women that I care about grow. 

With the recent passing of the legendary justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris, I am more proud than ever to see women paving the way, rising into their greatness, and proving to all of us that glass ceilings were created for the purpose of shattering them. Being the Founder of Anuket has taught me so many lessons. It has humbled me, it has empowered me, it has strengthened me, and I will be forever grateful. 

Life throws us nasty curveballs and I’ve had my fair share of them sent my way. If you’ve never read the story of how Anuket came to be, you should. You can find it here. Recovering from domestic abuse is a long, difficult journey. It makes you pull out your insides, discard the expectations and fragments of dreams that were placed on you, and dig around for the pieces that are your own. If you make it through that part, you still have to put it back together.  Well, I discovered the inspiration for Anuket on my “putting it back together” adventure. If I hadn’t answered my intuition’s call to heal, I never would have found myself at a perfumery in Egypt. I was searching for peace and I found it. But I also found so much more.   

Finally, I’m so grateful for a world full of wonder, diversity, and culture. I’m grateful that we have the ability to celebrate each other and learn from each other in beautiful and respectful ways. I’m forever grateful for Egyptian culture and the example they’ve provided for hundreds of thousands of years in regards to indulging in self care with rich, aromatic oils and scents. I’m grateful for the gorgeous history of the Nile River and the “gift of the Nile,” Papyrus Oil. Because of Papyrus Oil, I am here writing to you.

Anuket is a constant “full circle” presence in my life of growth and healing and I truly hope we can represent those things to you as well. Do not ever discount the power that comes with being well cared for and please remember that being well cared for begins with you. I believe in the healing power of showing oneself love and affection in, not only spiritual, but tangible ways. So yes, buy the fragrance, shower yourself in love this season.  

Be grateful for the light that you bring to the world and foster it. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that there can never be too many lights at the end of the tunnel. So go, shine. I’m just grateful to bear witness to it!

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Cheers, 

Ashlee 

Anuket Owner