growth

Who am I?

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Who am I? A mere mortal; a body of flesh and bones that moves amongst earth until it’s buried beneath it? Am I more than the blood in my veins or the organs within my vessel?

Who am I? A glistening sphere of light; a soul that brings joy and peace to others lives? Am I more than my empathy or the love within my heart?

Who am I? A deck of cards; the many faces that bring luck and abundance to some, but fateful defeat to others? Am I more than the value that others put on me?

Who am I? The Earth’s moon; the phases of darkness and illumination that pierce the cracks of my shadow? Am I more than the waves and chaos that I create?

Who am I? What is my purpose? To accept the fact that everything is temporary and attachments are unnecessary? To bring a sense of comfort and calmness to my inner and outer world? To show others that they all have a bright light within them, even if it may have been dimmed or distorted along the journey?

Who am I to judge anyone, including myself, when I am just a human being like you? Who am I to shame anyone, including myself, when we’re all guessing and learning along the way? Who am I to know what’s best for anyone, when the only shoes I’ve walked in are my own?

Who am I?

I am me. I am a person full of anger and sadness that weighs heavy on my body. I am a human full of flaws and imperfections that make me unique. I am a woman full of strength and kindness that pours from within. I am a soul full of empathy and compassion that overflows from the depths of my heart.

I am light, even with the shadow.

I am love, even with the heaviness.

I am peace, even with the chaos.

Solar Eclipse / Self Check-In

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This morning we will experience a solar eclipse. Although I only dabble in astrology and I don’t believe everything I see or read, I definitely believe that our energy is affected by the planets, sun and moon. Especially for me, being highly-sensitive/empathic definitely allows me to feel the shifts.

I’ve been having some interesting dreams this week: I had one where I met Taylor Swift, which was a super fun and relaxed dream, but I also had a dream that I needed to take in a 12-year old child to take care of and that I needed to convince my boyfriend to adopt him. I really don’t spend a lot of time analyzing my dreams, although I always say that I want to and then don’t, but I feel like maybe my dreams are trying to remind me to see the good in myself.

Throughout this year I’ve been battling with myself about the idea of me being a fraud. I kept feeling like because I have some negative thoughts or judgments about other people’s actions that made my niceness and empathy fake. However, I know that during the human experience we are going to experience dualities in our lives, and some like to break it down between the Ego and the Soul.

As I’ve been more aware and I’ve been open in my therapy sessions, I’ve recognized that I am not a fraud at all- I am simply a human being. If someone else does something that does not align with my values, it is normal to feel put off by that. Me trying to empathize with them and still being nice and supportive about other parts of them or their life doesn’t make me fake, because I truly do try to see other people’s perspectives and I care about others.

I think where I struggle is that sometimes I wonder if I should be bringing up to that person how I am seeing their actions and behaviors from my lens. I know I am not God and I do not know what is best for anyone at all, but I feel dishonest sometimes if I am not being fully transparent about how I feel about something. At the same time though, it isn’t my job to tell people about themselves or change anyone. This is where my battle lies, but it’s easy for me to just say “If this doesn’t impact my life directly, then I am not going to bring anything up.” Which isn’t really wrong, but something in me still feels inauthentic.

It is not my job to fully understand anyone or everyone, it is my job to understand myself. It is not my job to tell people about how I see them, it is my job to treat them with respect, while simultaneously setting my own boundaries with them. Distancing from people is nothing to feel guilty about, especially when you know that a conversation has no chance of going anywhere (i.e. narcissistic people, people with victim mentality).

All I can do is listen to my gut and spend time with those who fill my cup, rather than just use me to fill theirs. I am sensitive, which allows me to be nurturing. I am grateful, which allows me to be happy and to spread my joy. I am resilient, which allows me to give hope. I am emotional, which allows me to be empathetic to others. I deserve to be around people who make me feel light and recharged, not drained and confused.

I will continue to heal myself and listen to my intuition, and I am grateful for this next chapter. This solar eclipse represents transformation, illumination, and abundance and I am ready for it all.

Welcoming October

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This October:

May I be free of worries and fears as I learn to trust in both myself and in the divine timing of the universe.

May I release all that does not belong to me and focus on the love and happiness in my life.

May I have peace of mind and body as I pay more attention to my gut feelings/intuition.

May I let go of any lingering self-sabotaging behaviors as I step into habits that support my best self.

May this month remind me of just how beautiful life can be when you stay focused on the blessings and love.

Thank you in advance for all of the abundance and blessings that are flowing towards me.

Thank you in advance for allowing me to feel confidence in my authenticity and fully love myself.

Thank you for answering my prayers and wishes, and thank you for allowing me to be full present to receive them.

I welcome October with open arms.

Love, Life, and Gratitude

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I woke up about ten minutes ago and got up to use the bathroom and feed the cats, and now I want to stay up to watch the sunrise in about 15 minutes or so. The sky is clear, the air is crisp as I’m feeling it through my bedroom window, and it just feels like a beautiful fall day.

I have been focusing on gratitude again and staying in my own energy, as I’ve noticed a lot of my toxic habits of complaining and judging coming back, and I don’t want that to be my life. I want to stay focused on my own life, my own business, and all that brings me peace.

When I was 16, I dreamt of the days that my current boyfriend and I would live on our own; having coffee together, going out to breakfast, cuddling up while watching movies/shows. I always wished upon eyelashes and dandelions that we would stay together forever and that we’d have a happy, healthy relationship, and I feel so blessed to have that today.

Now don’t get me wrong, although I trust in the assistance of the universe and angels, I know that our happiness comes from the effort we both put into the relationship. We have had to work on communication throughout the years, as well as continuing to learn about each other as we have evolved throughout the past (almost) 12 years; but the main thing is that we have always prioritized our relationship.

The relationship you have with your partner is arguably the most important relationship you have in your life. This is the person you will wake up next to and fall asleep with for the rest of your days. This is the person who will be raising your children with you. This is the person who will need your support during rough times, and also the same person you will lean on in your times of need. This is the person who you will build a life with, until either one of you inevitably passes away.

I feel so grateful every day to have such an incredible life partner, and I find it important to stay present and not take this for granted. I may get stressed with work and life in general, but I always try to turn back to gratitude and pay attention to all of the love I have in my life. People will have their judgments about anything and everything-hell I am guilty of it too-but I always know deep down that even though everyone has their own lives and flaws, but we’re all deserving of love and a peaceful life.

I am sitting on my balcony now listening to the birds chirp, realizing that I cannot see the sunrise with all of the trees in the way, but regardless I am grateful. I have a beautiful home, a plethora a good friends, and a wonderful life partner. I have my health, my intelligence, and my ability to continue to learn and grow. I have my beautiful fur babies, my reliable vehicle, and a job that allows me to live a comfortable life. Life is good when you focus on the good, and that’s what I plan to do.

My inner peace is my priority, and I deserve it.

Fresh

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On Friday I decided to go and get a haircut. I absolutely love my long hair, but I knew the ends were extremely dead and thin and I could see them splitting so badly. It makes sense considering it has been over a year since I’ve been to the salon, but this time I made sure to schedule an appointment for end of December so I can keep up with it.

I’m not going to lie, I was a little shocked at first, but this is nothing new. We always say it’s only going to be a couple of inches, but my curls get so happy and they start to spiral, so it automatically looks much shorter. I am feeling a lot better about it today, and I’m using it as a reminder to let go of what no longer serves me.

I was holding onto dead weight just because it appeared a certain way, but in reality it wasn’t healthy and it wasn’t helping me in anyway, as it just let my hair continue to split and deteriorate. This is a good reminder for myself to let go of unhealthy habits and release any negative thoughts that don’t serve me.

I also recently got my nails fixed after snapping one down to a nub, so I feel much better now that they are cute and even. I also am finally upgrading my phone after four years! I feel like a whole new me and I am ready for abundance and new beginnings! I feel that this is going to be a good week ahead and even if it isn’t, I’m going to do my best to focus on the positives!

new spooky nails

Dualities

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I am struggling, yet thriving. I am filled with joy, but also irritable. I am grateful, but also ready to release what is not serving me. I am proud, but also always looking forward to more growth. I am all of these things, all at the same time, because this is the human experience. At times it hurts like hell, and other times the happiness can feel like I’m floating on clouds; regardless, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I am working on trusting my gut, instead of working against it, but I won’t lie, I still lose myself in guilt and people-pleasing. I have this habit of somehow making everything my fault and talking myself out of my own gut feelings as a way to not hurt others and also still avoid confrontation. However, I am recognizing that I need to release the confrontation I have within myself.

I feel it’s time to release and let go of these people-pleasing habits, and truly tune into myself and my intuition. I have always known what’s best for me, and I have always gotten myself through the challenges life throws my way. I am wise, I am open, I am empathetic, and I am humble. I am intelligent, I am loved, I am safe, and I am blessed. I deserve peace, and I am ready to give that to myself.

New Tattoos and Inner Peace

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I have a lot on my mind, but at the same I feel very relaxed. I am simply letting things flow and letting things go, rather than attaching myself to every thought or idea. I am finding myself in more states of “boredom,” which I have been appreciating as times of peace. As someone who used to never allow myself to rest, I am feel that I am finally meeting my needs when it comes to rest and relaxation. If I find myself getting irritable or getting down on myself about not “doing more,” I remember that rest is a necessity, and it is an act of self-love to relax.

There is a slippery slope though when it comes to having mental health/depression problems, because this can lead to feeling unmotivated and eventually feeling stuck. I am blessed that I have self-awareness and I am able to make sure I am still living a productive life and finding time for joy. Even if sometimes the joy is sitting an enjoying some reality dating series, it is still time I am taking for myself. Today I went out for a walk, although I did slightly regret that decision considering it was 90 degrees outside. I also am taking this time to write in my blog, and I have been spending quality time with my boyfriend. I am finally starting to prioritize myself and I am focusing on giving my time to people that truly bring me joy.

I got to spend some time with my mom and a family friend yesterday. It was nice to just chat and enjoy some yummy appetizers together. We also all went around the shops downtown and shopped around for a while, all leaving with items that we loved! There was a new shop that opened up and it has a bunch of old school candy, candy from different cultures, and a bunch of weird, unique bottles of soda! We had a fun time looking around in there, and I even found the cutest evil eye ring for $4!

Speaking of which, I also got an evil eye tattoo on Monday that I am OBSESSED with! I also got the number 1144, which I see as my angel number. I see this number at times and I get this ping of relief and happiness, and it just reminds me to let go and trust in the universe. This is also the only tattoo I have that actually faces me, as this is specific to me and my spiritual journey. The evil eye is used is used to ward off variations of evil intentions and also serves as a reminder to “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” I truly believe that our works are powerful, so I am being more mindful of how I use my words. It is also a reminder to stay true to my word, and always say what I mean. I no longer wish to sugarcoat and hide from my own feelings, I wish to say what I mean with respect and good intentions without difficulty and without worrying about how the other person will react. I am only responsible for my own emotions and responses, not anyone else’s.

As I learn to let go and release what is not mine to hold, I am realizing how important it is to be authentically me. I will only find people who learn to love the real me, by being the real me! I will only attract successful and loving friendships by focusing on being both successful and loving. If we actually sit with ourselves and write out what we want, we can learn how to be that for ourselves and then we can also see those same traits and characteristics in others. We can learn to appreciate ourselves and make our minds happy places, and we can also find people to help make the outside world a happy place. Humans thrive on connection, in fact, researchers have found that people with active social lives live longer!* I absolutely love connecting with other people, and as I continue to practice the art of “letting go,” I know that I will continue to find success and accomplish great things. We all have that fire within us, it’s just up to us to ignite it.

Here’s to lighting that match! Now fuel your fire, and burn bright. ♡

cute $4 evil eye ring
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*https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/active-social-life-longevity/

I’m a Published Author

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This morning I woke up to an email from the founder of the writing community “The Unsealed,” and I was notified that I am officially a published author. She created a book compiled of poems and essays from the members of the community, and one of my poem’s was selected! I want to sit with this for a bit, as I feel like I often don’t allow myself to fully feel the excitement that I deserve. I think back to the billboard I was on, and although I definitely felt proud and accomplished, I still found myself downplaying it. I was saying “well I just got lucky,” or “I didn’t really do much,” when in reality…who the hell do I know that has been on a billboard? Who else do I know that is a published author at my age? And to be honest, even if I knew a bunch of people who were on billboards and having their writings published, I still deserve to be proud my own work and effort.

I have always enjoyed writing, hence why I have had this blog for over five years now. As a child, writing was my therapy; it was a way for me to express my emotions without having any repercussions or judgments. It was a heathy way for me to get out any anger or sadness I was feeling, and it allowed me to be there with my emotions, rather than trying to dissociate or numb them out. Writing in a journal, or this personal blog, really allows myself to feel more centered and in touch with myself and my thoughts. I am happy that I can see my progress throughout the years, seeing how my perspectives and mental health has changed as I continue through my healing journey.

I also enjoy writing creatively, and I often find I impress myself with my work. I struggle with expressing that though for a couple reasons. One reason I believe stems from the fear of coming off arrogant or like I have a “big head,” but also I know that deep down I care for others and I know that no one human is “better” than another, so I cannot imagine I would get that way. Another reason is that I know I find “normal” things to be somewhat profound at times, so I may think that I did something amazing, but to the general society they may feel it is just “okay.” So, I guess I do still care a bit about what others think, but I am still trying to break through that. Sharing my poems with the writing community has only resulted in support and love, and I am grateful to have found a place where I can share and feel heard.

I know that in therapy some psychologists believe that humans seek external validation to fill the void of a lack of acceptance during childhood. I know that my parents loved me and supported me in the general sense, but there are other times where I felt very misunderstood and like something was “wrong” with me. However, I think that is normal for most adolescents, especially when going through puberty and learning how to navigate emotions amongst the new flooding of hormones. Now as an adult, it is up to me to support myself and give myself the validation that I may be seeking. I am blessed to have a supportive partner, as well as some great friends, but what it truly comes down to is how I feel about myself and how I celebrate my wins.

I am proud of the woman I am today. I am a positive force of light who enjoys genuine connection with others. I am an empathetic woman who feels everything so deeply, which allows me to love hard and be supportive. I do what makes me happy, whether that is writing or singing or simply going on a walk in nature, I make sure to prioritize my joy. I have worked through my anxieties and have learned so much about myself, which has allowed me to let love in and pour into myself in the way I deserve. I also have a healthy, happy relationship with my life partner, and I am forever grateful for the love we have together. Having your best friend cheering you on and supporting your goals and dreams is something that I wish for everyone, as that love is unmatched. I am happy with my life and myself, even during the times that are hard and it feels like it is all crashing down, I know that I am supported and loved. I am grateful for this life and all of the love around and within me.

If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can do so following this link: https://amzn.to/3PfQ5q7

I appreciate all of you who support my writing and this blog, it means more than you know. ♡

Twenty-Eight

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Today is my birthday, and I have made it 28 years around the sun. In the best way, I still feel very young. Sometimes I wonder how I am able to find balance between being a responsible adult and still enjoying the magic of the world as a child would, but then I think about how this seems like a natural state to me. I have always been highly sensitive, and I believe that allows me to experience those same levels of joy and excitement that young children do over seemingly “small” joys. Seeing cows or horses out of my window while driving still brings me the same level of happiness that it did when I was younger, and I even feel the same childlike joy that arises when I get an M&M Blizzard. Today I was excited to have a free drink from Starbucks and was able to treat myself to my newest guilty pleasure, and this honestly already made my whole day! Being present and aware of my happiness has been important for me, as I used to focus on my anxiety and despair, and I truly believe that mindset shift has changed my life for the better.

I had heard the saying “energy goes where focus flows,” and then after learning about the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in our brains, it made complete sense. Our RAS is a magical tool, as it works based on what we are feeding it. For example, when you are shopping around for a new car, typically you start seeing the car you’re interested in everywhere you go. Or when you are trying to conceive, you may feel like you are seeing pregnant women everywhere, but in reality there aren’t really more pregnant people, instead your RAS is just focused on that right now. When I was first struggling with my panic attacks and severe anxiety, all I could think about is how “horrible” my brain was and how “crazy” I was, and that was really all I could see. It didn’t matter when my boyfriend or my friends told me I wasn’t, I had told my mind that it was true, and now it was doing everything to focus on what made that true. Once I was able to recognize this (which was several years into my therapy/healing journey) my life changed for the better, and gratitude ended up being a huge help.

I recently listened to an episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast where she discussed the difference between being thankful and grateful. What I took away from this episode was that feeling gratitude is much more powerful than just being thankful, because in the gratitude you truly feel it. As I sit here at my kitchen table, I am thankful that I have a laptop to type this on and that I can afford my WordPress subscription, but it is not until I truly pause and focus on the true magic within these privileges that I have that I can step into gratitude. I also had a close friend tell me about what her therapist taught her, and she said that when practicing gratitude to think about events or specific memories where you felt overwhelmed with happiness so that you can easily step into that feeling. It is when we step into the joy and love that we get aligned with ourselves and we can access that magic in the world. Now when I see my signs such as repeating numbers or bunnies, I can feel the ping of joy in my heart, and I allow myself to feel grateful in those moments.

This year I plan to continue on this healing and self-love journey, as I can see the progress I have made. I know when I need to isolate and take time for myself, and I no longer feel guilty for it. I am better at speaking up when I am bothered, but I am also recognizing when it is not necessary to share an opinion. It all comes down to not only how I feel, but if it directly impacts me or my life. I am actively working on practicing non-judgement with myself, and this will inevitably spill out to the world around me. I deserve to feel happy, and I deserve to do what makes me feel good as long as it is not harmful to myself or my dreams. I honestly believe that everyone deserves to feel good, and although it may mean working through the traumas and toxic traits, I promise the end result is worth it. We deserve love and happiness in this lifetime, so I intend to seek it and be it. Cheers to 28 years!