Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!
This week marked the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse! I only learned about its power through a friend. Apparently, it only comes around once every 60 years… which means for most of us, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime energetic window.
I AM here for it.
In Chinese astrology, the Horse symbolizes freedom, adventure, independence, and forward momentum. Add the Fire element and you get boldness, courage, passion, and unapologetic action.
It’s an energy of quietness, or timid, wait-and-see, it’s a gallop energy. Be bold, get out of your comfort zone, and live fearlessly.
After what felt like a deep, skin-shedding Year of the Snake — releasing, healing, confronting old patterns — I am so grateful to feel a shift.
Last year was about shedding. This year feels like running.
I’m ready to harness that bold, independent, fearless Fire Horse energy and charge into the rest of this year with more fun, more connection, and more YES.
And we didn’t just talk about it… we started living it.
✔️ We took an intimidating Pilates class (hello shaky legs and humble pie).
✔️ We hopped on a train to Greensboro midweek just because we could.
This weekend, we’re going bowling with friends, celebrating Fire Horse energy with friends’ annual New Years Party, and I' think I’m going to just say YES to taking my daughter to the Runarounds concert (ticket prices are dropping)
That’s Fire Horse energy. Doing the thing you’ve been putting off.
We have a new reel coming out today sharing six ways to harness this energy right here in Raleigh. Consider this your cosmic nudge to stop playing small.
Let’s gallop. 🐴🔥
Caroline
P.S. And of course, from the photo above, you can tell I’m nailing my goals of reducing my coffee intake to one cup a day!
P.P.S. What’s your next Fire Horse gallop forward? Reply and tell me!
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
BK Pilates: I do mat Pilates every week at the gym, this was my first time experiencing reformer machines. Feels addictive. Talk about fire though - on my butt!
Benchwarmer Bagels: After Pilates, we headed next door to the new Benchwarmer Bagels at the Rockway development in South Raleigh. Aame high standards as their Transfer Food Hall location!
Willow House: Then we crossed over to Willow House for a beloved coffee, and -for me - gluten free bagels. They were absolutely delicious. I was surprised. They also provided the prop for my one cup a day coffee photo and reel.
BK Pilates
Benchwarmer Bagels
🖋 ON THE BLOG
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
Reach, Rally, Run’s early bird pricing ends today. Harness the fire horse energy and join the 5K with us. It’s for a good cause, community connection, and good fun. Register here and select THIS IS RALEIGH team when asked on the form. And if you want to do the Fun Mile or 10K you can come hang out with us at the Runner’s Village after!
Velvet Taco has now opened in North Hills
I’m thrilled about the warmer temperatures, but if you have allergies, you may not be as it’s triggering elevated pollen levels in trees.
Vernoica Beard is now open in North Hills
Downtown's new concept, the Newsagent Shop (coffee + print media + vinyls) is in soft opening phase on Fayetteville St
I’m currently considering changes to the newsletter formats, please hit reply and let me know what you like, don’t like, or want to see!
📆THIS WEEKEND
You may like…
FR: Black Superhero Gallery at the City of Raleigh Museum Learn the history of African American comic book superheroes through discussions and displays.
FRI - SUN QuiltCon 2026 at the Raleigh Convention Center. It is a quilt event full of quilters, makers, artists, and vendors,
FRI - SUN: Hells Kitchen at DPAC. The musical Broadway musical based on Alicia Key's life growing up in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of!
ST & SUN: Black History Trolley Tour, from Mordecai Historic Park to Oberlin Village to learn the neighborhood’s history of community and freedom.
SAT & SUN Body Mind Spirit Celebration at State Fairgrounds. Meet the nation’s finest psychics and mediums and learn about the best in alternative health, wellness products and resources
More ideas 👇
🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION
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