Learning to CHOOSE ME

Thank you. Justine & Michael 💚

If we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we truly care for others?

It’s easy to fall into the habit of always putting others first, giving endlessly without stopping to tend to our own needs. But when we neglect ourselves for too long, we run empty, leaving us exhausted, resentful, or unable to be present for the very people we want to help.

True kindness isn’t just about self-sacrifice — it’s about balance, about making sure we have the strength, energy, and peace of mind to show up fully and wholeheartedly. Taking time for ourselves isn’t selfish — it’s an act of love, a quiet promise to those we cherish that we will be here, steady and whole.

Because when we care for ourselves, we don’t just sustain our own light — we make it shine brighter, sending out warmth and strength to those around us. And in that glow, we find the truest form of giving — one that is rooted not in depletion, but in abundance.

Featuring Christine Bayly
Filmed in Cape Town, South Africa

All of our films are made possible through the generous support of our patrons.

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Who is Reflections of Life? We are Justine and Michael (previously known as Green Renaissance). We use our passion for filmmaking and our love of storytelling, to remind our audience of one simple truth – that we are all human. The more that we understand and believe in this interconnectedness, the more we will treat ourselves, one another, and planet earth with a greater sense of compassion.

Filming - by Michael Raimondo
Editing - by Justine du Toit
Sound mix - by Tamryn Breakey-Volschenk
Colour grade - by Daniel de Villiers

The following music tracks are used in this film:
Night Sky Travel - by Static Glow Sounds (via Epidemic Sound)
Sail Away - by DaniHaDani (via ArtList)
Entanglement - by Luba Hilman (via Epidemic Sound)
Solis - by Polaroid Dreams (via ArtList)
Flowers in the Mirror - by Sayuri Hayashi Egnell (via Epidemic Sound)

A huge thank you to these guys, who gave so generously of their to time to help with translations, enabling us to provide subtitles in the following languages:
Chinese (Traditional and Simplified) - by Shun-Ying Lu
Czech - by Katarína Božek
Dutch - by Karla Greven
English - by Justine du Toit
German - by Tanja Pütz
Greek - by Vicky Polychroni
Indonesian - by Ary Nuansa
Italian - by Grazia Gironella
Korean - by Hotae Devin Noh
Portuguese - by Sibylle Steinpass and Lucivani Valvassori
Slovak - by Zuzana Beratsova
Slovenian - by Tadej Pasar
Spanish - by Paty Aguirre
Thai - by Ornwara Diloknawarit
Vietnamese - by Tam Do

#emotionalwellness #mentalhealthawareness #selfcarematters

[ArtundWeiseTarot]

this is the most beautiful youtube channel, where I can take a rest for stillness, peace and being thankful ❤

[LivingLifeArtistically]

"It's not my place to impose myself on another..." A beautiful sentiment. I, too, have come to recognize non-intervention as an incredible way to show your love and support for others, respecting their unique path...but it can be a very challenging thing to do. Christine has such a grace about her - delicate gestures, soft focus. A wonderfully warm soul brought to light with the artistry of filming, editing and music. Beautiful. Thank you, Reflections of Life 💞💫🌸🍃🩵

[LCLW]

"How we talk to ourself, how we are in conversation with ourselves, is how we are in conversation to the world and everything around us"!!!! True words were never spoken and truly what I needed to hear. Thank you Christine for sharing your story & wisdom.

[fearthehoneybadger]

She wisely doesn't assume that she can figure everyone else out. Walk your own path even though it is parallel with others.

[reciprocalhealing]

I love that I have no idea who these people are and yet I don’t sense a stranger; I watch these films and I feel closer to myself than ever. Her musing on the caterpillar to butterfly was exquisite, as is the captured imagery. Thank you for chills. Thank you for the sense of gratitude for this body instrument that feels. Just beautiful. Blessings and Love to All 🫶🌱💕🌷🌠🦋🦄🌻🌿🌞

[dilihopa]

Thank you for sharing this lady with us. Currently I am feeling a great deal of trauma from the current events in this world and also on our doorstep. And so are my family, and friends. This is a wonderful film. ❤ from 🇨🇦

[thomasdecarlo]

I love it when you find good hearted wise people who have not sold their soul to keeping ahead of the jones, to the Mercedes’ or BMW, to Cartier and Rolex, to praying at the alter of greed. She seems to be a kind soul. Thank you for sharing

[soilofk]

Beautiful! That kitty cat was joy and pleasure personified, and the beautiful dog showed us the zen moment we also need. We can learn so much from nature.

[tam-]

This was exactly what I needed - I resonate with this completely 🙏🏼 After 65 years of putting the needs of others before my own I’ve began saying to myself, “I matter too”, and it’s been lovely. It seems I’m more present than I’ve ever been. This was lovely! Thank you!😊

[annobrien]

Thank you for expressing what I am learning to do for myself, after a lifetime of rescuing others. My daughter told me the other day, "Mam, I don't want or need you to make things better for me or your advice. I just want your gentle understanding" 💖

[Inhshaver]

Exquisite camera work, beautiful subject, inspiring video. All the videos on this channel are amazing but this one speaks to me on a deep emotional level, struggling to find the “spaces in between” put into words how I feel. Thank you for the gift today ❤

[katrienheere]

Thank you for this beautiful portrait of my friend Christine. The light, the filming, the music, they all so beautifully complement and reflect her amazing wisdom, her mindful approach to life, her gentle soul, her love and empathy and sparkle in her eyes. She is a gem.

[lindayeager]

you know what is so difficult for me about these sensitive, thoughtful presentations that you create? It's that they have to end. Every single time I just wish they could go on and on. I so look forward to each person you find and how creatively your film about them is. Thank you from an elder who finds the times of uncertainty that we live in to be so difficult. Your work brings me joy.

[GrandmaAbby]

Beautiful. I especially loved the analogy of the caterpillar.

[jane_]

Thank you. This is how I experience this video. This lady talks from the same source of consciousness that I am connected with, among other people. Same ethics, learning lessons, values. She might be the same generation I come from. Loving greetings to everyone who happens to read this comment.

[crimsonlyyours]

Wow she is so radiant. Her character really illuminated her face

[ditsytheoneandonly]

What a beautiful soul you are! Thank you for sharing . God Bless!

[sadeiofficial]

This has become one of my fav channels ever! sometimes I watch it with my mom over a cup of tea or coffee and then chat about it afterwards.. so much more to learn from on this planet and so grateful for all the different souls that share their beautiful journey with us. aloha 🌺

[esteeb]

I really needed this this morning. Love this channel❣

[susanherrera]

This really hit me. I’ve always been someone who tried to fix others while quietly falling apart myself. Slowing down felt uncomfortable at first, but mindfulness helped me start choosing myself in a healthier way. The book Shift Your Mind by Alexander Brooks gave me the clarity I didn’t know I needed. If you’re in that place too, it’s honestly worth a read. 🧡