must be on vacation

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tash

…clearly! I haven’t posted anything in the longest time! This semester has been hectic, not to mention it’s flown by! It’s crazy to think I was in Australia a few months ago, and that I had all these goals and plans in mind. So much has changed, but I am committed to going back to Australia very soon!

I’m going to NYC this weekend! I’ve only been twice when I was younger, so I’m excited to go on my own and visit friends.

Dallas has been amazing–believe it or not, I’m going to stay in June for classes. Hopefully I can squeeze in a Bahamas trip in May, I’m dying to get to the beach for some summer sun! I’m also excited to say that I signed up to complete my yoga teacher training with Baron Baptiste this summer. I’ll be going to New York for a week-long intensive teacher training. I can’t wait to see some old faces from level one, as well as meet some new people!

I’ll be sure to keep this more up to date, with a NYC post to follow!

xx

merry

 

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merry christmas! it’s been a crazy few weeks since I’ve been home, I can’t believe that it’s already christmas day! here’s a few things that i’m currently loving this holiday season. hope you all are enjoying time with family and friends!

xx

loved

loved

More and more recently, I’ve been hearing about young ones taking away their own lives. I personally have not experienced this with anyone too close to me, but it is still such a shaking event that resonates with me. While I know this is a controversial issue, and there are many factors playing into suicide, I want to encourage anyone reading this to tell whoever, whenever, that they are loved.

The scary thing is, sometimes you never know when someone is hurting inside. People come with their own amount of inner demons, but may cover it up with a goofy personality, or a smile on their face. Our lives are so fragile, and the pressures of society can fracture our ability to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes you may feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, but that means you’re only going up from there. I’m not an expert on psychology and mental health, but I felt the need to express my feelings towards the issue.

All I want for you to do is to just express your love, appreciation, and gratitude towards your friends, family, and all your loved ones. Even to compliment an acquaintance, coworker…anyone! We all walk around with the same general fears and anxieties, and sometimes put up a front to keep others from seeing our vulnerabilities. If we can all accept that we are after the same thing in the grand scheme of things, then maybe we can help those who are in a dark place by simply telling them that they are loved and worth it.

xx

thinking out loud

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If you told me a year ago where I would be now and what I would experience, I wouldn’t believe a single bit. My adventures abroad have opened new doors, giving me the opportunity to learn and grow as I go along. Now I know your eyes have already glazed over because, who doesn’t say that studying abroad or traveling to another country is life changing? I know I’m not different, however, everyone’s experience is special to him/her in some sort of way. That’s why, I hope that by sharing my adventures with you, you will be inspired to challenge yourself and dig deep to the root of who you really are.

I’ve gained a lot of clarity on this trip. Made new friends, strengthened old relationships, and learned to let go of what doesn’t serve me. It’s been a challenge (and believe me, those who I have complained to are fully aware), but despite my somewhat failed efforts to let everything go, I can say that I am learning to see the silver lining in most situations. If I were to take anything away from this experience, it would be that I have the most incredible support system and I am even more grateful than I was before to have such amazing people to be there for me.

My experience has served me in the best way possible. I am ultimately happy with the person I have become, and look forward to the future that I can make for myself. I can’t wait to keep traveling, learning, and growing to the point where my passion becomes my career. The American mentality is a tough pill to swallow–graduate, get a job, and that’s it for the rest of your youth. How will you know what you really want, when all you’ve been doing is following a path that most people take? If you have the opportunity, even if it’s for a month, travel! There’s so much to learn about yourself and others when you take yourself out of your comfort zone, and if anything it will give you the confidence to go in the direction of your dreams.

x

a drop in the ocean

turtle

{photo by: Chris Slawson}

During my time home this summer, I got to watch my dog save baby sea turtles that were stuck in their nests. He would bring them to me gently, and watch as they slowly made their way out into the ocean. It’s such a beautiful sight to see–having this tiny, new-born creature instinctively make its way out into the ocean alone. Could you imagine, being tossed through waves into a massive, unchartered territory–but at the same time, instinctively knowing to do so?

It’s so easy to get caught up in a fast-paced lifestyle. I’ve always been the type of person to have a long list of things to do, going through every day with some sort of agenda. Ever since I went home this summer, I really started slow down and take the time to observe the little things that happen around me. I have taken that understanding with me to Australia, immersing myself in this new place while letting things come naturally. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and a lot of my appreciation and happy memories have come from the moments when I slowed down and really took in the moment.

There’s such a deep message that I’ve picked up on from watching the turtles this summer. It inspires me to open my eyes and immerse myself in the unknown, and to always know that home is there. I was blessed with support and guidance growing up, and I have so much appreciation for the foundation I’ve been given. Now, this is the time to go out and learn more about myself from being in new places, figuring out which direction to head as I go along. It is such an exciting point in my life, and I am so thankful to have this understanding with me as I continue my journey. I instinctively know that I am doing what’s best for me, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

wish you were here

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I can’t believe how quickly summer is going by! I’ve been so wrapped up in my routine that I’ve hardly kept up with my blog. I can’t believe that I’m leaving in 2 weeks for Australia! It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me. I’ll be sure to keep you all posted a lot more than I have been the past few months : )

Here’s a few shots I’ve captured this summer. I lucked out with this awesome South Florida weather! Happy Monday everyone!  

the little things

As we go through our days, the cycle of nature remains unstopped. The sun rises, the sun sets–the moon fills, the moon empties–the flowers bud, the flowers bloom. It’s a constant routine that is easily overlooked. I woke up to see the sunrise with a friend of mine the other day and was greeted with the most beautiful painted sky that can’t be bought. I find the little things to hold so much more than just an everyday occurrence.

It’s the little things that bring true joy to many people. For me, I felt present, grateful, and content while watching the sun rise over the ocean. The sun rises and lights a beautiful, endless path on the water that leads to the unknown. My future can only be planned so much, but what’s most important lies in fate. I believe in my ability to help myself before I can help others. I want to share my journey in order to inspire others.

I encourage you to stop for a few seconds when you’re outside, or meditate while imagining you are in a beautiful place, and really listen to the sounds of nature. You will be surprised at what thoughts may link to your observations. It’s the little things, like the cycles of nature, that can answer so many questions you may have, or problems you may hold on to. ImageImageImage

quote of the week

ImageHappy Monday!

I’m always repinning quotes onto my the way we get by board, looking over the positive reinforcement and quickly moving on.  However, this quote really stood out.  Loving yourself before you love others is a constant encouragement, making its way through clichés and creative quotes (I really love clichés, don’t I?) The thing about clichés though, is that they are so true!

Being in my 20’s is just beginning, leaving an open and daunting path.  I have been doing things on my own, but of course turning to my family and close friends for advice. I’ve learned that it is so important to learn what I want from life, what inspires me, and who is worth being around.  I encourage you to really look at this quote and try to apply it, because it is so important to find your purpose before you find someone that can share their joy with you.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!