IS THIS THING ON?
Now I’m not sure who this new person is, but she was on her ZOOM before 10 AM. It’s currently 9:56 AM on this lovely Sunday morning and I am fresh off of my 4.7 mile walk. Yup, I hit the ground at 8:06 & haven’t looked back. I even took a new route this morning to the park to neighborhood/ house watch. One word: BREATHTAKING. Everything about this neighborhood spoke to me. I am in total awe. It reminded me instantly that what I’m working towards is closer than I think it is. Whewww, I said a word there, So here I am, listening to my favorite Lo-Fi Chill station on Apple Music, sneaking glances out the window at the beautiful trees, savoring the few moments that we have left of Summer ’23 and must say, this year flew by. And because of this, life moved so quickly around me and I had to sit and prioritize what needed my attention most and least. And that is where my brief hiatus began.
Life is a beautiful yet complex journey, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Sometimes, amidst the chaos and demands of our daily lives, we find ourselves needing to take a step back and focus on our own well-being. It is during these moments of self-reflection and self-care that we truly discover who we are and what we want from life. After a brief hiatus to focus on yourself, you emerge stronger, wiser, and ready to embrace the world with renewed vigor. So here I am. Let’s talk about it.
I’ve spent the bulk of my break away from blogging and podcasting working on a few projects in both my work and personal life. From the birth of my Floral design company, to a career pivot, from the birthday vacation of a lifetime, to earth shattering news. This period of life is showing me that no matter what- we aren’t as in control of our lives as we’d like to think. It’s like, you can line up all of your marbles perfectly, and then one gust of wind or bump to the table can send them all rolling. You get my drift?
During my time away, I zoomed in more on the importance of self-care. I learned more about the power of self-reflection. I rediscovered passions and interests that I let fall to the side. I embraced change and growth and I will say, it was very uncomfortable but necessary. I even fell back in love and binged watched some of my all time favorite tv shows like Ugly Betty & Gossip Girl. I reached my body goals and ended up with both a foot and back injury after consistently hitting the gym 3-4 times a week, eating more protein and going on weekly Sunday walks. I flew to see Beyonce in Miami with the love of my life. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE. We hit the runway again and landed in Colombia to finish off my birthday celebration. I lost 5 lbs. by eating like a pig and drinking like a fish. (America is the DRAMA). I lost a loved one tragically and grief knocked me down for two weeks. And as I navigate through this all, I still remain gracious. I am a very, very blessed girl- indeed.
I’m currently invested in me, and I am growing to love the space that I’m in. I’m focused on expanding my career, pursuing my interests, and achieving my goals. Still trying my best to be supportive and loving to those closest to me, but this period of my life is so personal. Last week, I made it to Barnes and Noble for their annual end of summer sale and returned home with 11 new books. I actually just finished “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams and I have mixed emotions about the ending. It felt very rushed to me, and in my opinion, she could have elaborated so much more on so many things but…. that’s just my opinion. Next up, I’ll be reading “Before I let Go” by Kennedy Ryan. I love Fall reading. It just makes so much sense to me lol. Not saying that I don’t read throughout the year because I do. But Fall book shopping and reading is so spiritual like to me. It’s Fall in general. It’s like a reset. An ending to the summer and a beginning to the second half of the year. A constant reminder that dying things like trees and leaves are beautiful and living things can grow from death situations (fresh spring blooms from the same tree that dead leaves fall off of).
By the time you read this, S2: E1 of The She-Shed Podcast- Sunday Pleasures will be live and I’d love for you to check it out on all platforms:
Taking a brief hiatus to focus on ourselves is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of self-love and self-preservation. It is during these moments of introspection that we find the strength to overcome obstacles, pursue our dreams, and live a life that aligns with our true selves. So, if you find yourself needing a break, don’t hesitate to take it. Embrace the journey, and return with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to conquer the world. Remember, you are worth the investment of time and energy it takes to focus on yourself. I am extending myself grace and allowing myself to just exist. No longer worried about destinations, just falling in love with the journey. Until next weekend my loves. Stay sweet.
xoxo, La.
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