Always be well…
Do more of what makes you happy so that you remain balanced and centered.
Namaste- a term used during meditation practice and wellness exercises. It means- bowing to you or honoring you. When I began my wellness journey to become my best self internally and externally, I was introduced to Pilates. Pilates channels those muscles that we don’t always tap into, leans your body out, and strengthens your posture. It was through Pilates where I developed the foundation for finding my balance and being well. Pilates teaches you how to be patient with your body, listen to your body, and be one with your body. It is like magic and it is yummy. Digging into those juicy pockets of your body that needs that extra TLC nourishes your soul. When you practice your breathing and exhale deeply- an invigorating and euphoric feeling takes place. I always leave feeling recharged, refocused, and centered/ connected. What makes you feel well?
Social Media is a mind game, honestly. It is beautiful chaos. What I’ve discovered is that we tend to have a different identity through social media vs. our physical human interactions. Social media is a platform that acts as inspiration, fun, transactional, motivation, an outlet, entertainment, addiction, and other forms that can be both healthy and unhealthy depending on how we utilize the platform. My friends and I usually express compassion for the younger generations navigating through life with social media being so present. Through social media- we can feel like we have a voice in a deeper way. Some people post some filthy disgusting things; some people post forceful and judgmental things; and some people post health, joy, and loving things. We tend to develop our own character through the eyes of social media- and in turn can form relationships and connection with others we never knew. Life is hard, but the beauty of life is the people in it and our connections we make with others, and most importantly within ourselves. How are we using our energy and platforms for good and to spread love?
My journey I share is I’ve been through very dark days in my life. I am human. Moments when I suffered from depression and destructive thoughts, and it sucked and scared the shit out of me. Not today, Satan. That wasn’t who I am at my core. From the outside I could look like I had it all figured out just going through every day like Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh- but my authentic self is actually a blend of Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, and Christopher Robbin (adventurous, curious, high energy, compassionate, patient, kind, loving, nurturing). My testimony is how through my Faith, inner circle, and healing journey I’ve been saved. There are seasons when I do experience pain, but I’ve invested so much in myself through my mental healing journey that I know I have the tools and techniques to exercise.
Being an empath you oftentimes experience compassion fatigue. I strive to be a light, and there are times when I love so deeply to help heal others that I destroy myself. It helps me to know that I can help others, and also to understand boundaries. I knew I had to find my balance, find my wellness, and lift up out of the dark days. That was not healthy for me nor healthy for those I was around.
My therapist once shared with me the learnings and messages from the Pixar film, Inside Out. This was impressive- a movie that is applauded by so many critics. I encourage you to watch the movie and take a moment to step back and hear the messages.
“Inside Out reminds us to embrace the wholeness of ourselves, give ourselves permission to not be “okay,” and that we have to give those around us a chance to work through their emotional realizations. It's not about trying to avoid uncomfortable feelings but rather go towards them to get honest with ourselves and grow.” - ( 5 Lessons Inside Out Teaches Us)
When you’re not balanced and well you feel that shit. What unhealthy habits are entering your body, mind and soul that are not serving you well? In the words of my favorite Peloton instructor, Alex Toussaint, Check your vibe and validate that shit. Inhale positivity and exhale negativity- no energy for negativity.
Music feeds the soul. I vibe out to rap music and all genres, but lately I’ve been listening more to soul music and nostalgic music that I used to turn up to back in high school. I’m learning to welcome silence, but music just hits different. Attending a Lollapalooza concert is where I became drawn to Dua Lipa. Dua Lipa is one of my favorite pop artists. Her music instantly pulls and lifts me up; you can typically find me on my couch vibing out or singing her lyrics from the top of my voice. A feeling of freedom and serendipity- that’s something that makes me feel happy. Through her music I feel connected and well. Sometimes we have to look in the mirror and remind ourselves who we are! Check in with yourself and your energy. Get that stank energy out and levitate yourself.
What are you feeding your mind? Acknowledge any imbalance that is not serving you and shift your energy. Do things that are serving you. Love, happiness, laughter, gratitude, joy, peace- don’t let negativity override you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Scream if you have to. Smoke some weed. Ask someone for a hug. Journal. Spend quality time with someone. Eat ice cream, listen to soul-fulfilling music, watch a good movie, read a book, take a walk, take a step back- do things that are serving you in the healthiest way.
Check your vibe. Check yourself. Look yourself in the mirror. Get your vibe right. Turn up. You are a Queen. You are a King. Feel good about yourself, and don’t play yourself. Always be well…
