INFINITE GRATITUDE
This year has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but I’m stoked to know that it’s been heavier in the highs than the lows. For me, much of this comes down to being able to focus on expressing gratitude, staying aware of what’s coming up and working to move thru emotion rather than fighting it. All a lil woo-woo, but stay with me here!
In light of the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching, I wanted to more succinctly share what I’ve been most thankful for this year.
RECOMMITMENT TO MYSELF
I put so much more into myself and working thru all different levels/planes this year. Recommitting to myself has been a journey and a beautiful one at that. What this has looked like has been taking better care of my physical, emotional and mental health thru old and new practices. It’s also allowed me to be more open and honest with myself.
After going thru a bit of a gnarly breakup this year, getting to get grounded back in myself has been the single greatest blessing. I am at the absolute healthiest I have ever been (including the best relationship I’ve ever had with my physical body), I feel the buzz in me every day, I am able to work thru things more easily, I radiate a glow and positivity. And others have noticed it, too!
MY SUPPORTIVE CIRCLE
I would be nothing without my circle. I’ve always been so grateful for my friends, but this year, I’ve noticed a newfound appreciation. They are always there for me to see me through the highs, congratulating and supporting me, and they are also there to help me work thru the lows. And it’s all very genuine and authentic.
It’s the best feeling in the world to know you have someone in your corner. My relationships, while each unique, all serve a specific purpose in my life. And without them, I’d be so lost! I’ve loved watching older relationships strengthen and expand while newer ones becoming so important to me, too! I’m so happy that I have so many incredible people in my life who allow me the space to be my truest self.
INSIGHT TIMER
Whether you’re new to meditating or a seasoned vet, I cannot recommend Insight Timer enough. It’s free in the App Store and has the most extensive library of meditation content I’ve ever seen. In the spring, I wanted to buckle down on my meditation practice, so I ended up trying Insight Timer with some other apps (I was always a Calm app girly) and found Insight Timer to be the best!!
I love the guided meditations, and I especially loooooove the music! There is pretty much anything you’re looking for meditation wise in there. You can search for something specific, and they also have filters for time, types, etc. I love that I can always find something new or stack up my favorites. I love making this part of my daily routine – especially when I’m on the move.
MY MUSIC EXPERIENCES
This year brought about many incredible and impactful music events. Music is a huge part of my life and getting to indulge in the stuff I love live means so much to me. I got to travel all over this year for different music events but also caught some amazing shows in LA, too. In part with my supportive circle, it’s great to have my own lil community of people in my life who also love this stuff. It’s so fun to get to share these experiences together.
I made a few trips to Denver this year and got to go to my two new favorite festivals – Shambhala and Hulaween. Those two festivals in particular were some of the most indescribable yet impactful and eye-opening experiences I have ever witnessed. I could not recommend them more! Additionally, this year would not have been complete without us FINALLY going to the Chromatica Ball. I was just saying last night how that was hands down one of the best nights of this whole year.
FITNESS
Everyone who knows me knows I am quite the fitness girly! Movement and fitness have always been part of my life. When the lockdowns started and I got way more into online, at-home stuff, my whole world (and overall health n wellbeing) changed. That only elevated beautifully this year. I have gotten into a much stronger, better (imo) flow when it comes to fitness.
This has come from finding what gets me the most excited, motivated and inspired. I’ve done a really good job at figuring out what styles (usually somewhere in the pilates/barre/sculpt/yoga and walking realm) and time lengths (usually 25-45 min a day!) work best for me. I also made a new “fitness studio” in my apartment by moving my kitchen table and chairs. I plan out every workout, but I also really listen to my body. I get so hyped to do my planned workouts, but if my body is asking for something else, I do my best to honor that.
(PS – I’ll share my workout guide with a comprehensive list of instructors, platforms + classes I like best in the new year!)
CREATIVE OUTLETS
Life, to me, at least, is all about creating. We don’t have to be an “artist” in the typical sense to be creative (very Julia Cameron of me!). Finding a creative outlet that is inspiring and uplifting does wonders for you. For me, I’ve been able to create more this year by finding lil ways to honor creative energy + not trying to put pressure on myself to create the biggest, most insane work.
Going to Shambs + Hula reinvigorated a lot of creative energy in me, but I also have been finding windows of creative opportunity beyond that. I started carrying around sketchbooks on travels + to the beach. It’s been nice to doodle here and there or come home from the office and dive into a painting. Creating without obsessing over a desired outcome eliminates so much pressure and creates strong work! Having this space to express myself enhances life that much more – no matter if it’s churning out work for my calendar, redesigning my website, painting while I watch Housewives or making merch for my birthday.
This list could go and go and go on, but these few points have definitely had the most impact in my life this year. I am the most me I’ve ever been, and so much of it is due to all of these influences. I’m proud of the growth I’ve endured this year. I’m so stoked on life right now, and I can’t wait to see where it’ll take me in this next year.
And of course, I’m grateful to anyone who’s made it to the end of this post. Here’s to us and our infinite gratitude 💚
