As summer comes to an end I wanted to reflect on some fashion staples that I embraced for my beach getaways! I definitely incorporated lighter colors and bold prints for a pop. With long flowy swimsuit coverups and neutral bathing suits! sandals and wicker-like materials for accessories. Other valuable accessories were summer hats and oversized sunglasses to complete the look! Tan colored apparel was definitely at the forefront of the color palette and of course white. I really love the sand color and bright white as classic pieces for the summer beach getaway. I should note that the planning outfits is very important so you’re ready to look your best starting with the airport travel outfit and beyond!
My airport travel outfit was a bold yellow from head to toe with a neutral white and tan oversized beach tote! And cute neutral sneakers and hat! I felt very comfortable and stylish with the wide leg trousers and a button-down shirt that elevates any look especially with the continuous yellow tone. I added the gold aviator sunglasses that compliment the overall outfit colors!
Beach outfits for inspiration include a variety of dresses and cover-ups with fun designs, colors and leg side slits for added stylish look! I also included accessories like purses and sandals with whicker materials, perfect for the beach vibes! Mixing earthy textures with cotton and linen fabrics is a must! I keep my jewelry accents to a minimum and let my outfits and accesorios to be the main focal point for a classy minimal look!
The advantage of wearing brutal tan, white colors or one continuous color for your outfit is that you can add pops of color with your accessories whether you choose multi-color purse of hat or sunglasses! I personally like wearing oversized loose dresses for the beach it makes me feel comfortable and elegant especially long dresses!
Even at the beach with proper planning can look stylish and elegant at any age! My style is “minimal” with an elevated style! Choosing comfortable and breathable fabrics is key as well as natural textures for your accent pieces! Be creative and it’s a must to mix and match once you have selected neutral prices and colorful accessories! I pack plenty of outfits but reuse accessories like sandals, purses and hats! Therefore, pre-planning and laying out all your packing essential outfits will help you see what can be mixed and reused! Don’t forget comfy clothes and pjs for lounging! Enjoy beach breeze and sun! ☀️
Lately I’ve been thinking of ways to put myself first and embark in things that are fulfilling to me. Not asking permission, not worrying and just doing by truly questioning what or where I want to spend my time doing and what makes me happy! The thought of being bold came along in fashion and everything I decide to welcome or involve myself with. Be brave and embrace your talents, your creativity and any gift you may posses. Be unapologetic and follow your own path not anyone’s expectations. It’s quite freeing! Choosing who you surround yourself with is key – select people that support your journey and remind you of your greatness and value in their lives and that of others. While also being that aid for them as well.
I happen to 1) enjoy fashion and dressing up 2) it is creatively fulfilling 3) most importantly – it makes me happy 4) it is when I feel my best self. My day can go from 0 to 10 if I manage to pick a chic outfit that matches the season, weather and most importantly my “vibe” that day. Having the freedom of self-expression through clothes and accessories, while boosting your self-esteem and mood is highly powerful. As an added bonus I get compliments for my dress or my outfit and I hope to serve as an inspiration for other people to try the same!
In order to accomplish this fashion statement that reflects my personality it can take some time or when in luck it all clicks in minutes! Recently, my outfit selection revolves around the main piece of clothing whether its a long dress for the summer or wide bottom pleated slacks and jacket – once I pick the main “course” haha I add the statement elements such as shoes, hats, jewelry and some oversized shades (it makes such a difference!) to blend with or pop whatever the intention might be everything has a purpose and tailored intention.
When I travel is when I feel even more brave since I feel free to use bright colors that I would normally shy away from or some shocking pair of shoes that are bound to get noticed! But I also push myself to be true to myself even if the city I live in has a casual feel- I still find ways to make my outfits appropriate for the occasion but always incorporate my love and style to anything I wear!
For the summer, long dresses are my favorite right now, there is something so classic and timeless about them – either for spring, summer or fall it can accentuate your figure, be comfortable, weather appropriate and chic all at the same time. Off-the shoulder A-line dresses are my go-to and cotton or linen fabrics but any one that is form-fitting by the waist and flows towards the bottom is so beautiful as well. A matching pair of slacks or leggings with a simple t-shirt or button-down with a bold jacket also does the trick depending on the occasion. A simple tip is you’ll never know until you try – so in your mind certain pieces may go well together but ensure you try them on and at that point t decide if the outfit matches with your vision or if you need to make some adjustments. Sometimes less is more my mom always says or if you’re going to show at the bottom then cover the top and vice-versa. Such deliberation is much easier if you try your ideas out before walking out the door! This will also make you feel more secure in your choices as you took the proper time and adequate fitting to decide! The possibilities and combinations of colors, patterns, fabrics, accessories and style are endless which makes it a n extraordinary and fun experience! What I’ve learned is that no matter what you wear as long as you feel your best and it reflects your personality and your uniqueness then you’ll shine and standout wherever you are! It is all about attitude and being brave, bold and confident in your look and choice of apparel! Being gracious if you get complements and serving as a light for others!
Besides fashion – mind, body and soul have been a focus of mine so I’ve created an environment of self-improvement by feeling stronger through athletic, zumba and cardio classes; mentally at peace and connected to myself by being more present and calm through yoga and stretch classes and for me the soul has always been cared for through spirituality and religion so I’ve returned to in-person church which has been very soothing and grounding, and I also joined their young adult group. While also taking time for myself through music, singing, dancing, writing and taking time off from work or social media with a quick get-away trip or staycation which are very therapeutic for me! In doing so I’ve met an amazing group of people that are like-minded, kind and supportive – that want you to succeed and continue to thrive so they check-in and make sure I’m going to class or group activity. Everyone I’ve encountered is friendly, supportive of each other and serves as motivation for those days that you really would like to stay home and not to go to workout or meditate. Having such a support system has been extremely helpful and makes a difference in my happiness and personal sense of strength and self-worth. In the end you are in control of who you want to be in the world and who you’d like to share that journey with – whether it’s fashion, friends and your time – choose it wisely since it makes a remarkable impact in your life’s perspective and environment! Be bold and free! 💃
Getting to know yourself is a life-long journey that is as important as developing relationships with other people. This sparked the search for ways for self-improvement and introspection, relationship-building and what gives us purpose and happiness. Several themes emerged and stood out to me.
1) Gratitude is imperative to our well-being and life perspective or lens. Developing a daily practice would be ideal and continuous gratitude efforts throughout your life will be paramount to your search for meaning and joy. Through the habitual gratitude practice you’ll be content with where you are in life and those around you. Overtime you’ll learn to appreciate your blessings in a new light. You will be inclined to be more proactive about focusing on small but significant things in your life as well as the major ones. You can start simply by thinking about or writing down daily things you’re grateful for and continue to do so regularly. Sometimes thinking about worst-case scenarios, I found it difficult to sustain positivity in my life and those around me for prolonged periods of time. Since being religious was an important part of my life, I was taught at an early age the importance of being grateful for your blessings. However, shifting thoughts and transforming them into a daily or regular practice has been a more effective method for permanence when implementing this notion of gratitude. It can be as simple as having a daily notepad where you write 3-5 things that you’re grateful for daily and taking some time to ponder and appreciate them.
2) Meditation allows for you to be still and work on yourself by quieting the mind and practicing how to calm your mind and body through breathing, stillness and concentration exercises. It is another practice that requires persistence, patience and self-compassion since you have been conditioned to be on GO mode and this practice forces you to press the PAUSE button and learn to be comfortable in this state. I had heard about meditation many years ago and thought this was for Buddhists and very spiritual people. I think that I was not prepared or self-aware and open to such experiences at that time. Now I feel differently about it, since I truly believe that it is beneficial for self-care, self-introspection and time with oneself. There are different kinds of meditation, find the one that is more suitable to you and work towards including it in your self-care routine. You will be pleasantly surprised with the psychological and physical benefits. It has helped me become more calm, peaceful and less anxious or worried about different parts of my life. It has boosted my energy levels and made me feel soothed and light which is something I was yearning for.
3) Spirituality being religious or believing in something beyond or greater than yourself, makes you feel more at ease and search for/find meaning in the world. It teaches you about right or wrong, human compassion and giving, life teachings and values. Being spiritual also provides you with a sense of community and unity, it helps you build a strong relationship with yourself, others, universe, souls or energy whatever it is that you believe in or live by. Praying or spiritual practices serve as time for reflection, healing, forgiveness and building of character and well-roundedness. It provides you with the opportunity to be kind and compassionate towards yourself and others because you realize we are all inter-connected. You may realize how all souls are seeking purpose and guidance in life. It fosters your sense of community, selflessness, and giving nature. Ultimately, it strengthens your sense of belonging to others that share similar faiths or spirituality from different backgrounds and races. You learn to be accepting of all people simply for their shared humanity.
4) Journaling you should write down your thoughts and feelings that might be bothering you or simply want to explore. Have a conversation with yourself through pen and paper or whatever method you’d like to record your thoughts in. This habit can help you unload and organize many competing thoughts and put them to rest or further evaluate them in an efficient and self-soothing manner. Journaling has helped me tremendously since I have a racing mind with 109 things going on at once. It allows you to question your thoughts, feelings and find patterns. It’s an opportunity to let go of unnecessary thought loads. I’m living proof of what a useful resource writing can be. I highly recommend it so you have more space in your mind and feel at ease since you’ve let everything out and freed your mind.
5) Relationships are important for your health and psychological well-being to have meaningful relationships. The key is not quantity but quality, you want the type of friend or friends that can be a support system whenever you need to vent, spend time together or help others. Having such friendships and bonds enrich your life. The strong connectedness gives meaning to your life since you are an important part of others’ lives. Therefore, being isolated from the world would hinder your opportunities from experiencing the gift of friendship, love, and life. We are innately social creatures and it is crucial to our survival. Put yourself out there whether it’s in a romantic relationship, friendship, social circle or volunteering. Just ensure you surround yourself with people that will motivate you to be a better person and appreciate you. Those that have a positive outlook of life, values and mindset will inevitably lift you up. In doing so, you are supporting each other’s need for human connection and the reciprocal give and take, will teach you and them many lessons and create memorable times. Having meaningful relationships will hopefully make you feel validated, loved and appreciated by those you decide are keep close to you.
Other ideas I’ve learned from motivational speakers, Oprah and positive psychologists, particularly from a British psychotherapist Marisa Peer, is that you need someone to love, something to do and somewhere to go – to be content; which were very simple yet powerful concepts in my soul searching journey. Oprah enlightened Stanford students by sharing that everyone wants to feel validated and therefore you need to ask yourself: “Did you hear me? Did you see me? And did what I say mean anything to you?” Then apply these to important relationships in your life, job, family, church groups or any other areas that have an impact in your life. Depending on the answers you receive/received that will determine if you need to change, strengthen, distance yourself or end certain relationships in your life. While keeping those providing you with unconditional support, joy, purpose and love. Trust yourself and your natural gifts and that gut feeling you have to guide your decisions and whether something feels right or wrong. Listen – be more attentive and mindful of those inner feelings that are there to guide you. Accept all feelings as they come and don’t judge them, being upset or happy are both valid feelings and they’re equally as important. They help you uncover parts of you life that need to be evaluated. Just as physical health is very important, so is your mental health. Emotions are the gateway and barometer to how you’re feeling internally, whether you might be conscious or not about why you feel a certain way. Be kind to yourself and simply acknowledge all feelings, welcome them and in doing so – you will get to know yourself in a deeper way. Finally, I’ve also read that having a pet is helpful for companionship and responsibility of taking care of something other than yourself. I also have to mention the more commonly known, yet still imperative regular exercise – yoga has worked for me, SLEEP!! (8 hours a day if possible) and eating a healthy and well-balanced diet. Having the courage and determination to adopt some of the elements mentioned previously might seem daunting at first. However, if you introduce ones that you enjoy and feel comfortable first and then continue gradually adding more, while practicing them in a regular manner; then you are likely to benefit. The key is being consistent and if you happen to lose your way then quickly re-asses and find a more suitable and practical style that works for you! At the end of the day we are all different and therefore you need to determine what you believe is helping your self-improvement journey. Be kind to yourself first and in doing so you’ll be better for others!
What a transition lately being home bound and like many people quarantined at home we have let our wardrobe be in isolation as well. I quickly decided to take the time and opportunity to finally switch out winter for spring/summer apparel and I felt very proud of the organizational success I’d had. I organized items by category and color coded them, while also setting aside items to donate or shoes that I wouldn’t wear again! This kept me occupied for a couple of days and I organized a few hours at a time each day so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed. When the closet organization project was completed I just stared at my closet and thought “ Now what?!” I was so excited to see everything in its place in the closet so I proceeded to begin apartment cleaning phase and so on. I should mention that at this point my “uniform” became shorts and a t-shirt…as the days went by I looked at myself in the mirror and then at the clean and organized apartment and closet and said “Catherine you need to start getting dressed fashionably regardless of whether you leave this apartment or not”. From this thought came the realization that I was usually motivated to dress to go somewhere and often dressed for others and myself as well. Therefore. I needed to be reminded of what it felt like to dress up in this case only for myself! By this I don’t mean getting ready like I would normally with cute work clothes and suits, etc. but finding new ways to dress at home that was comfortable but also fashionable and chic. I needed motivation to lift my spirits while indoors everyday. Shortly thereafter I decided to take a earlier shower everyday and pick outfits that were suitable for being home but ones that made me feel my best and if shorts and a t-shirt were the selection on a particular day, I made sure that 1) items matched, 2) wear statement jewelry or shoes that made me look put together, 3) clothes were ironed/excellent condition, 4) I tucked in my shirt and if appropriate wore a simple belt to elevate look. Once I made the decision to make an effort everyday it became easier and I felt excited again to go through my closet and pick outfits for this new normal. I instantly felt a change in the way I felt about myself. I believe that I have learned the importance of taking care and being kind to yourself and for me one of tose things was getting dressed everyday with an outfit that made me feel confident and ready for the day at home and I can say that I started enjoying myself much more after the shift of wardrobe. I understand that people might be taking time to work outside to which being fashionable might seem like a crazy idea. However, in reality you can wear comfortable and appropriate outerwear that matches and makes you look and feel better to be motivated to accomplish the home projects or much needed outside work. The key is to pick comfortable fabrics and colors that compliment each other and your complexion as well. This is not the time to pull out your torn or old clothes, if anything those should be pulled out to say goodbye to! Having a self-care routine wouldn’t be as easy with the busy schedules people normally have. Now being home you can take advantage of such tine to rest and re-energize yourself to work on indoor or outdoors projects around your house that you can be proud of. While also staying active and doing it in style! My go-to outfits are simple long summer cotton dresses and sandals, short colorful summer rompers or dresses on the warmer days with pearl earrings, leggings and matching top or long sleeve shirt with cute tennis shoes or black shoes if work in the yard, shorts with a belt and off the shoulder shirt or light fabric button down shirt with narrow long simple necklace. While keeping hair in a neat bun, braid or half of my hair clipped up. They key to looking put together at home is to have at least one item that elevates your look and makes you appear dressy if pairing with very simple clothing and as mentioned before matching above all!
There are certain pieces in my wardrobe that I naturally gravitate to and can’t live without – one of these being a classic white button-down shirt. It’s very chic and you can wear it for any occasion (professional, party, lounging or coffee date, etc.) it all depends on how you style it. I would say I wear it to work quite often and play with different variations of them. I should stop purchasing white button-downs but sometimes I can’t resist! However, the majority of these white button-down shirts, surprisingly, I’m wearing them outside of the office for an elevated, yet comfy and casual look. Since the shirt speaks for itself it’s important to be mindful and strategic of what you accentuate it with. The key is in the details! How do I elevate a look from a simple shirt and leggings to fabulous? 1. Accessorize with unique jewelry or remarkable shoes 2. Make sure the clothing is not wrinkly or looking like 1952 3. The button-down should look baking soda white, not ivory or yellowish (especially for stains deodorants leave over time). There is no excuse for any stains bye bye button-down… NEXT! Regarding styling, if the shirt is very long I’ll definitely wear it with black or gray leggings (make sure these are of higher quality and I would personally stay away from the athletic spandex leggings for this particular outfit) and pair it with statement flats or fashionable tennis shoes that in someway compliment the accessories, like a a long and subtle gold necklace to look dressier. I will most likely travel like this – oh yes! If not I’m wearing a shorter version of the white shirt after work or during the weekend with dark blue skinny or bell-bottom jeans and bright colored belt, nude heels or tan booties. For those that struggle with ripped jeans and styling them, the white button-down is your answer along with a set of pearl earrings. It’s an incredible juxtaposition, merging both distressed and classy- it works! If it gets chilly outside, I’ll either wear a vest, long cardigan or what I call a “rocker jacket” to give the outfit a more edgy vibe. If I’m feeling daring I wear a white button-down as a dress! It needs to be long, soft, of robust high-quality fabrics and not see through. Simply adding a wide belt covering almost my entire waist line and creating a curvy shape; or with a gold/silver chain belt and finishing it off with a pair of elegant embroidered sandals and dark shades for the summer time! The versatility of the classic white shirt is never-ending you can mix and match it with a variety of accessories and complimentary clothing. It’s a look that makes you more polished and goes beyond a regular shirt, while still being comfortable and stylish! I always travel with a white button-down no matter where I’m going because I can wear it for every occasion and l instantly look sophisticated. A crucial rule with wearing this important piece as alluded to precisely is that it needs to be properly groomed. Whatever you need to do to make it look like you just stepped out of the dry cleaners – whether it’s steaming or ironing this a must! If it’s wrinkled you lose the classic tone you were aiming for in the first place and especially if it’s a linen fabric – you’re obliged! Do they get wrinkled eventually? Absolutely – but you want to make sure that you start off with a fresh, clean and slick button-down to last you longer for the rest of the day or evening. Give it a try!
Accessories play an important role in elevating your style and making you look polished. It’s the answer to that voice in your head saying “Hmm I’m missing something…” “I’m not convinced” and instead of keeping what you’re wearing, sometimes at least for me, I just change all together and start from scratch. Picking the right accessories for your outfit can truly change the look and become something you didn’t even anticipate. I love anything fashion but honestly accessories was an area I didn’t dare to venture in until recently. I am comfortable with creating outfits and shopping for versatile pieces and fabrics for every season and occasion. However, I’ve tried to be more adventurous and slowly incorporate more accessories into my wardrobe. Picking outfits for myself and others comes naturally and now I’ve started to purposely accessorize and I’ve had quite a lot of fun! I often plan the clothes around the accessories. I have a minimalist vision when it comes to accessories, which was precisely why I tended to shy away from them entirely since I was fearful of looking busy and overloaded or perceived as “trying too hard”. My ideal fashion goal is to look chic, seamless and comfortable in my own skin and look. I want my preferred style at any given moment to be reflective of my taste and personality. Styling accessories is an art in and of itself, that I’ve quite frankly enjoyed to explore. Jewelry, hats, belts and others are new items that have made their way into my closet. It is very impressive what a simple necklace, bracelet or scarf can do to your look. Let’s not forget to mention- shoes! These are also crucial, the right pair of shoes can be at the forefront and almost be their own outfit and clothes serve as their mere companion. Therefore, I’ve made a point to invert my styling and creative process – at times depending on the piece I start with the accessories first and work my way backwards. It may sound illogical but it’s a new approach that has been effective when making a conscious effort to be more adventurous with accessorizing. It proved to be a particularly beneficial strategy with shocking animal print shoes that I’d been wanting to wear but didn’t know how. Accessories have become even more important in the current trend of minimal and neutral color palettes for apparel; which without question beg for an extra oomph! to complete the look. No matter if you are minimalist or not accessories bring the outfit to life, the key is finding the perfect balance!
I’ve realized the importance of words and how they can be a powerful tool for some people and detrimental to others. Thinking before you speak is quite the struggle especially because you want to be heard, understood and validated. Communication is the equitable dance between talking and listening but truly hearing one another. I’ve attended many conferences and they’ve discussed the notion of “listen to understand, not to respond” of course I’ve been guilty of the latter or even worse not saying anything at all. It takes me longer to process and organize my thoughts since I have a lot of those going on at once. From a recent TED talk I watched, they facilitated an exercise where you have two people practice these skills, one being the listener and the other the speaker. The speaker chooses a simple sentence to share with their partner but the twist is you spell out every word and the listener has to be very attentive and only focus on what the other is spelling to be able to put the words and sentence together. Then you reverse the roles. I have practiced this and it is harder than it sounds but so fascinating. I’ve been making a conscious effort to apply “active listening” in my day-to-day life and work and it does make a difference. It’s definitely a challenge but one that will benefit you in many ways. Ultimately, we communicate all day every day whether verbal or most commonly non-verbally and being mindful of our intent and expression is essential to be successful. Just like anything else you wish to improve on, it requires consistency and practice for it to become more natural and comfortable. My grandmother used to tell me “Catherine if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say it” and this resonated with me and to this day my biggest problem in communication is not wanting to hurt the other person’s feelings which is probably rooted on this notion of being kind to others. Now in my adult life I am learning to navigate the challenges of communicating what I need in a way that I’m comfortable with but also not neglect how I feel about a situation. Being tactful about your choice of words and understanding that how you feel and think might be totally different from other people’s perspectives so never assume and always ask before interpreting what you hear. Asking “correct me if I’m wrong but what I hear you saying is…” or in the words of Brenee Brown “The story I’m telling myself is” and this allows the other person to: 1) know they were heard 2) an opportunity to agree, disagree or clarify; which allows for a healthy discussion and mutual understanding. Practice the art of active listening and selective speaking but value the underrated power of silence. You don’t always have to comment or respond, simply listening and being visibly engaged in the conversation is at times sufficient.
I have historically had a very hard time getting up in the mornings and struggled with leaving the cozy comfort of a warm bed, to wake up and start the day ahead. I undergo very deep sleep cycles and need to get at least 8 hours to be in good spirits, functional and productive. As a teenager, I slept for hours and now as an emerging adult with work and life in general, sleep is something I’ve compromised at times or simply fluctuates depending on the season. I still love sleeping in during the weekends whenever possible, but lately I’ve developed this appreciation of looking forward to the day ahead by getting out of bed earlier and exploring the possibilities! Waking up earlier than normal for me to have more time to enjoy the day, whether it be brunch, cuddling on the sofa and reading a book or watching a captivating show or movie, planning an outing to a lake or nearby hill country, is an interest that has developed over the years. I’ve always had an adventurous drive but only after getting sufficient sleep. Now planning ahead means going to bed early to have such experiences during the weekend, as opposed to sleeping late. I’m excited and appreciate mornings which is something I never in a million years thought I’d say. I’m learning to be more present, aware and grateful of the simple things. Whatever your morning routine is, drinking coffee or tea, meditation or exercise during the week or weekends be proactive in taking time for yourself every morning – besides making your bed please! This habit will start your day on the right mindset before you get caught up in your daily tasks or agenda. Waking up 15 or 30 min. before you go, even though difficult to adjust to at the beginning, will feel more comfortable as it becomes habitual and reinforced by having quality time with how you’re feeling or thoughts you had not addressed. Sleep is very important and I’ll continue to make time for it. I’ll also create an environment where I am capable of getting enough sleep, having those 10 min. for myself and appreciating the morning peace that comes with such habit. If beneficial perhaps consider incorporating something you love in that short time with yourself, so it’s what you look forward to every morning. For me it’s a cup of milk and cereal or plain greek yogurt, fruits and granola during the week and definitely brunch over the weekends. If I can’t manage to take the time in the morning, I make sure to do so at some point during the day. I listen to my daily prayer (prayasyougo site or app) for 5 min. which has been extremely beneficial for me or drink a cup of hot ginger tea, as it gives me a sense of calm and space to be still. Life is ever-changing and fast-paced so take charge and slow it down just a little every morning for self-reflection. You need to focus on yourself before being truly present for others.
Music is one thing that can transcend time or make the world stop and turn. It has the power to magnify an experience, any setting, or emotion. Music is an emotional outlet, it can either share your feelings or alter them as a conduit of expression for joy, deep sorrow or invigorate an otherwise boring time. Music also creates and safeguards memories, it just takes one song to transport you back in time. Never underestimate the impact music has in your life. My favorite songs at the moment are “Love and Hate” by Michael Kiwanuka and more recently “Across the Room” by Odesza ft. Leon Bridges I have a particular taste in music but appreciate almost all genres. However, there are certain songs that within the first notes or melody, I can already tell if I’ll love it, be okay with or totally dislike. I have a deep admiration for anyone who is artistic or creates music it’s such a gift and brings an incredible energy, perfect ambiance and connection between people or yourself. I’ve always had a deep passion for music, I do enjoy singing – only in the shower ha or with people close to me. I also love dancing and it’s one of the things that brings me the most joy in life! I’ll probably be dancing in my 80’s if I’m fortunate to live that long. Music has been a constant in my life from growing up listening to Gypsy Kings, Roberto Carlos, Phil Collins, George Strait, Celine Dion, Juan Luis Guerra and of course Back Street Boys haha and now Calum Scott, Maluma, and Home Free. Whether it was singing in the car with my parents and siblings, road trips with loved ones to the beach or full on karaoke while driving to the party with friends and dancing with my grand mother in the living room or the plenty of parties in high school and college. Music has given me the opportunity to connect with people at a human level without the need to even speak, you might not have anything to say but sharing a song makes the difference. When I’m happy, sad or both music is my go-to and I’ve been known to have a dance party, Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang style for those Grey’s Anatomy fans out there and have no shame to admit it – it works! Whatever song brings you closer to yourself and other people you should listen to more often. Be free of anything holding you back and dance it off!
Being out in nature is something I’ve always loved since I was a young girl but the older I get it feels like the less time I make for it. I’ve had to slowly change that to incorporate time in nature with myself and others. Whether it is a walk, a jog or simply sitting out in the garden having tea and cookies (I sound so British!). There is something that happens unconsciously, a feeling of relaxation and peace. My personal favorite is a light breeze and sunlight shining down on you through the vast green tree leaves and the pleasant sounds it comes with. The birds chirping in as the sun rises and the morning comes or the sound of waves crashing down the beach shore are very heart-warming for me. I definitely enjoy being out in nature whether it’s the woods, beach, mountains and pretty much anything outdoors regardless of the season. I am definitely a creature of habit, however I like change in small increments to prevent boredom. Therefore, with life’s responsibilities keeping nature time in the forefront has to be a proactive task. I now take walks outside on a short break from work or have lunch on a bench outside overlooking the trees and shrubs. Such a change has helped me feel so much better during the day. On my spare time I try my best to put on those sweaters, leggings and tennis shoes to go for at least a walk regularly. Since one thing I do know, is that no matter what I always feel better and recognize it was worth the time and energy. Hey it’s free too! Why not?! I have a deep appreciation for nature and the benefits it provides me, like exercise, better mood, less stress and time to think clearly or simply have a nice chat. Not to mention, that the most meaningful and profound conversations I’ve ever had were in nature. My earliest childhood memories are taking walks – well actually they often somehow turned into hikes with my dad and as much as I complained at times, it was a wonderful time being active and enjoying his company. I remember learning to ride my bike and my dad giving me subtle push to get me going which resulted in me crashing into some trees. Definitely some fond memories and now that I’m older and wiser – ha! I cherish the simple things in life and in a way have almost come full circle to having been raised on a ranch and now “city life”, finding my way back to my nature roots. In this journey of self-improvement that I happen to find myself in, I can honestly say that being outdoors is a simple, yet impactful change to incorporate in your life!
Life Inspiration 