In a time filled with social events and high expectations, the holiday season can easily create pressure to be "perfect" – both in appearance and behavior. We spoke with Cecilie Alexandra about how to let go of this pressure and instead embrace self-acceptance and natural beauty.
We are proud to introduce Cecilie Alexandra – an inspiring woman who, with her warmth, authenticity, and honest approach to life, has created a unique universe. By day, Cecilie works as an educator in a Rudolf Steiner daycare, but alongside her work, she shares meaningful glimpses of her life on her Instagram profile, @Ceciliealexandraoestergaard. For Cecilie, it has always been important to stay genuine and true to herself. With a natural ability to inspire and share honest reflections, she shows how small moments of calm and presence can make a big difference.
Four years ago, Cecilie’s life changed drastically when she became chronically ill. This marked the beginning of her journey toward healing, where she learned to let go of perfection and find peace in imperfection. Two years ago, she listened to her intuition and moved to Mallorca, where she experienced an incredible transformation. Cecilie’s story is a reminder that true beauty lies in authenticity – in embracing yourself and making room for what feels right. Through her warm presence and honest storytelling, she inspires us in this journal post to let go of perfectionism and find peace in the present moment.
Cecilie, we know that the holiday season often brings a pressure to be perfect. How do you experience that pressure, and how have you worked on letting it go?
I think the holiday season can feel very vulnerable, especially when it comes to embracing imperfection. I first faced the contrast between perfection and imperfection five years ago when I was signed off work due to stress and anxiety. Since then, I’ve been living with chronic illness, which has forced me to let go of how I should be and surrender to what is.
I’ve learned that by reconnecting with my intuitive, true self, I’ve made peace with both my anxiety and my body. At the same time, I feel a deep calm in my illness when I do this. My experience has shown me that I feel better when I release the pressure to be something I’m not and when I accept that others aren’t perfect either. This brings me a profound sense of peace.
When faced with the pressure to look and perform perfectly, both socially and physically, how can we shift our focus from external perfection to inner well-being and self-love?
I try to practice self-loving rituals that shift my focus from the external to the internal. It might be a brisk walk in the cold, followed by a warm bath using my favorite Meishai products. Sometimes, I’ll add a few drops of essential oil to the corners of the bath for aromatherapy. Then, I’ll slip into soft, cozy clothes and do something mindful – yoga, meditation, or even watching a feel-good movie.
The most important thing is that it comes from within. I aim to get out of my head, where everything is thought, and into my body, where things can simply feel. In social settings, I also allow myself to opt out of events if my body tells me it needs something else – even if it’s not easy. That’s something I’m working on this holiday season, practicing self-love and gentleness with myself.
What practical advice do you have for readers who want to embrace their natural beauty and avoid getting caught up in the trap of perfectionism this season?
Start with the way you talk to yourself in the mirror. Everything you tell yourself reflects back at you and becomes the truth your body lives by. If you criticize yourself and focus on what’s lacking, then you can also choose to do the opposite.
This was advice my father gave me when I was a teenager struggling with my self-image. Back then, it was hard to practice, but as an adult, I’ve embraced it and felt a huge difference. Even on days when it’s tough to find something positive to say, I have little mantras hung up to remind me: “You are enough, just as you are,” or “You are special because you are you.”
Remember, our brains are plastic. What we think, we become. Be patient and loving with yourself.
What role does natural beauty play for you personally, especially during a season where we often face high expectations and external pressures?
Natural beauty means a lot to me. It’s about everything I put on my skin, hair, and body – and even my mind – through products, food, clothes, and thoughts. I strive to keep everything as pure as possible because it helps me connect to my natural essence.
To me, it feels like coming home to simplicity and purity – the place we all originate from. I’ve worked hard to refine my senses so I can notice when I’m drifting away from myself and becoming overly focused on external standards. When that happens, I take a step back, give myself a break, and adjust my focus with nature and pure rituals. This always helps me reconnect with myself.
What small, daily practices can help us stay authentic and true to ourselves, especially when overwhelmed by holiday pressures?
1. Say yes when you mean it – and no when you mean it. Be honest with yourself and others. It’s okay to say no, even if it feels uncomfortable. Discomfort doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
2. Have positive conversations with yourself in the mirror. If your mind starts spiraling into negativity, gently guide your thoughts toward kindness and light.
3. Keep a picture of yourself as a child nearby. On your phone, mirror, or even in your car –somewhere you’ll see it daily. Remember, when you don’t take care of yourself, you’re not taking care of that child. Take your inner child by the hand and treat yourself with the same love and care you’d give them. I wish you a truly magical and nourishing holiday season, full of space and grace for all that you
are.