9.28.2021

The Open Truth About Making "Space"

Making space can be hard when you're living in a room you've since grown out of, staring at the same four walls you've painted over and over again, and finding room for growth can seem disheartening even when you've become satisfied by making tweaks here and there. 

Recently, I've discovered the importance of making "space," or similarly, making room in my life for opportunities, discomfort, happiness, risk, and all else in between. 

After months of introspection and working on myself—focusing on my mentality, physicality, and fostering relationships with those I care about, not to mention with those who show up—I have also realized the intricacies of living openly, freely, and accepting whatever may come my way. 
As of late I've found it simpler to make "space" in my life rather than trying to control my surroundings, my interactions, my relationships, or my career. It's a vulnerable process. Having to submit to a "going with the flow" mentality is not always easy, especially for someone like me who is type-A and is constantly trying to fill out this "template" for how life should be. 

I've learned through the people around me that we just cannot obsess about how the next day, night, week, or season will go. No matter what we're "waiting for" or "looking forward to," I can't help but wonder what I would be missing out on if I didn't just make space to be vulnerable, open, and willing to step outside of this comfort bubble in the current moment. Extending my capabilities beyond pre-set expectations. 

Now you're probably wondering what all of this metaphorical mush is about (and I'll get there don't worry), but one example of this has been my strength journey and relationship with exercise as of late. For months I was always intimidated by the power-lifting at the gym, but through supportive friends and trainers who talked me through the process of safely and effectively weight lifting, I was able to squat 135 pounds! Look at them gains! 

As a woman lifting that much weight in the gym, I thought I was going to take up space, but being uplifted by fellow trainers and even other people working out around me, I felt confident, secure, and powerful about making my own space to be a little uncomfortable and to try something new. I took that risk to see how far my body could take me. 
Making enough space or just the right amount of space is contingent upon your comfort level, but taking those moments to step back and be open to the possibility of change, or creating change, in your life can happen in an instant. It's truly all about your mindset. 

I'm definitely at this point in my life where everything is new, but at the same time, I have to stop trying to submit to one way of living, thinking, or being and just allow things to come as they please. 

Whether it be reaching new strengths, reconnecting with old friends and forming new ones, being okay with spending time alone with myself, or planning spontaneous adventures—I know I am capable of creating those growth opportunities if I just make space for it. 

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9.21.2021

Ready to Embrace Autumn.

My blog has revolved around a lot of things, but one of the most recurring topics is the current season that I'm in—I mean the weather and time of year is always topic of conversation because it seems to be a marker for certain stages or phases of my life. 

Fall happens to be my favorite and every year I am always ready a month early for crisp evenings, changing leaves, and not having to sweat every time I leave the house. With the impending winter months ahead, I try not to think about it too much and embrace the season of letting go, creating warmth, and the holidays ahead.  

I thought I would accumulate a list of what I'm currently looking forward to this fall, and I can 100% admit that my bedroom is already decorated with pumpkins, cozy blankets, and twinkly lights—and I will be documenting it for all of you soon! 
Layers, Layers, & More Layers

One of the best things about fall is the wardrobe: the ripped denim, flannel shackets (for those of you who are unfamiliar, they are shirt-jackets), cozy crew socks, ankle boots, and the warm color palette I feel my best in!


I also feel like my fashion sense just gets a boost because there are so many more options for layering or pairing sweaters with different types of pants, as opposed to figuring out what to wear with the same Levi jean shorts I've worn all summer long. 


Fall Outings

I'd like to still think that a lot of fall happenings will resume this season since the majority of activities are outside like pumpkin picking, apple picking, Oktoberfest, haunted mazes, and farmers markets. No matter what's going on, I think fall walks are my favorite and my family and I love taking Cooper to our nearby nature preserve on the weekends for new scenery and a glimpse of just some of the changing leaves that Illinois gets at the beginning of October. That and bonfires are a must-have. 


A Shift in Focus

What I would have labeled as "letting go" has made me realize that even as much as the leaves change, fall, and die off, there's something beautiful about the way this season brings out things we don't normally notice when the greenery takes over during the summer months. My mom and I actually just discovered a couple of foxes that live in our neighborhood and nest in the brush behind my house, but during the summer we never really could tell where they were coming from. 


Much like the exposure of new natural beauties, I find that fall allows us to focus a bit more internally as summer was all about external interaction and socialization, for me at least. Whether it be working on how I manage my time more efficiently to align with my creative goals or push myself harder to continue to stay motivated during these shorter and darker days. In addition, focusing on my personal growth and leaning on the strong relationships I have with the people I love and care about the most. As we get into the holiday months, which can sometimes be isolating for some, I want to stay grounded and uplifted by the people who support me—falling into focus on what matters the most. 

Thinking About the Future...
This time last year was all about hunkering down and looking forward to nights in while continuing to finish up school. There wasn't really a plan in sight and I was just beginning to look for internships. I also was buffering up my resume and experiences, so I was doing everything I could to gather all of my past work for just the stepping stone to the beginning of my career. 

Now that things look a bit more promising, I have intentions of moving out as early as next year. What I've realized though is that what is mean't for me will come in a matter of time. I always feel reassured by that and am taking in the signs of autumn each day as it comes. What are you looking forward to this season? 

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9.14.2021

How to Find a Daily Dose of Decompression

This time of year is when I would normally be hashing out papers or getting a jump on school projects, but now that I am working full-time where I'm not jumping from topic to topic or class to class, I've found it important for me to center my focus on daily tasks, hitting those deadlines, but also making time for myself to protect my much needed me-time. 


For those who know me, I always have to be productive otherwise I get bored twiddling my thumbs and waiting for the next assignment. However, there are going to be many times in my life when I don't have that necessary time for me to recharge. Even working from home has made me feel guilty for stepping away from my screen just to walk my dog. Not prioritizing the time I would have had during my daily commute to decompress, listen to music, or just take a walk is going to result in burnout and we don't want that. So, here are some things I do to decompress after a long day! 

Use Your Mornings...
Using time to decompress doesn't have to be after a long day, it can even be before! I usually like to wake up about an hour before I need to log on so I can allot my time to get ready, make some coffee, and watch the Today Show before I start my day. I just find that mornings can be very peaceful ways to set the mood and sometimes I even listen to a daily motivation or horoscope just to focus my intentions for the day. This only happens on occasion, of course, but making a morning routine is integral to framing the beginning of your day. 

Facetime a friend...
As much as I love my downtime alone, sometimes all I need is a quick rant sesh with my best friend or a trip out to brunch to just have some social interaction outside of work. Add a glass of wine and we are golden! 

There's nothing like finishing off a day chatting with good people, perhaps around a bonfire, and just catching up on all things life. There's definitely a time and a place, but a bit of socialization sometimes does the trick for me when I've had a big workload during the week and also just to be able to listen to other people can be quite relaxing and take the edge off. 

Invest in Self-Care Time...
By now I have an entire self-care kit dedicated to skincare, nails, and body care that I pull out almost every night. I rotate between facemasks, manicures, or just prioritizing my nightly skincare routine to reset and rejuvenate my body at the end of the day. Throw in some dark chocolate and cozy blankets, too! However, sometimes all I need is pizza, so you do you! 

Having these moments to chill, eat some good food, and invest the time in yourself and relaxation is always important. Logging off from social media and even going to bed early can help get your mind off things and be better for you in the long run. Speaking of running, I do that too after work so listen to what your body and mind needs. 
Read a Book (for fun, of course)...
After we got back from our trip to the Yosemite, I actually found this book called Damnation Spring which is about a logging family that cuts down redwood trees for a living. Sometimes escape literature can be the perfect way to decompress and not think about life or social media. I'm dedicating at least an hour before bed to read and it has changed my sleeping and social media consumption habits for the better. Now that it's getting to feel a bit more like fall, all I can think about these days is snuggling up with a good book. And yes, I still love Reese's Bookclub and highly recommend it if you are on the fence about reading or can't decide what to read!

Create Healthy Work Habits...
Work, eat, sleep, repeat, seems to be the theme of my days recently, but it doesn't have to take over our ability to have some fun and continue to stay motivated. Especially when there may be a lull in between projects, we are all fully capable of creating opportunities to find joy and the positivity in all we do. I sometimes get so invested in certain ideas or research I'm doing that I forget to just log off and take a break. Balance is key and protecting the time you need to reboot and recharge even during a work day might bring out new perspectives or angles you never thought about. I know I always find fresh air or changing workplaces helps with keeping my work week fresh and different. 

We get lost in our daily lives when it comes to investing that necessary time to decompress and not overthink. This past year has proved enough stress for us all, so establishing these moments throughout our days or just after always helps me find some much needed peace. This post is just as much a reminder to me as it is to you because we can only help each other when we are taken care of and are in the right mindset. 

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