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The past few months have been very awkward, scary and unfamiliar, but in the spirit of trying to find the good in all things, I’ve been using this time to work on and update my blog since it’s been well over a year since I’ve posted anything!  I’ve tried many new products which I’ll soon post about,  I’ve perfected my smokey eye, I’ve done a peel, I micro-needled, and I even cut and colored my own hair!  Self care is a very important part of my life, but it’s not all about the physical.  For me, mental health is essential to feel balanced and centered because when I’m balanced and centered, I’m my best self.

I’ve tried to rearrange my priorities and put my mental health first, so in evaluating my life, I had to change a few things.  I’ve learned that it’s important to surround yourself with positive like-minded people who encourage you and love you for who you are.   Removing all negative and toxic people from my circle has made me calmer and happier.  Like purging your closet or basement, it’s okay to purge your people if they just don’t suit you anymore.  Wishing them love on their own journey and letting them go in peace is okay if that’s what YOU need.

Setting boundaries with people was scary for me, but I’ve mastered this over time.  One quarantine boundary for my extended family has been “two phone calls a day only” because, as I’ve told them “I’m not trying to go crazy at home because you all are going crazy at home”  It’s empowering to ignore a phone call because that third call from the same person was crossing my boundary.  I used to feel guilty setting boundaries with people but I don’t feel guilty anymore because this is what I need to be my best self.  It’s okay to say no to people, and you don’t need to explain your no, it’s just no.  A person who respects your boundaries won’t question your “no”.

I’ve learned that who you chose to spend your time with is very important.  You have the right to be picky about who gets your time and attention.  When reevaluating your circle, ask yourself: does this person’s words and actions match up?  If not, that’s a major red flag to me because I tend to believe what I see rather than what I hear, I call it my bullshit detector.  Along with listening, pay attention and really look – see things for what they are – because you might see things differently.   You have the power to chose your own squad, make it a great team!

Lastly, I appreciate when women encourage and promote other women, that’s always been a big deal to me.  No one understands a woman’s struggles except another woman. Women just know.  We all need good girlfriends, not just acquaintances, but honest and REAL girlfriends.  The kind you can roll up to their house in with no makeup on and fuzzy slippers and drink all their wine.  The kind you call up laughing when when you make an ass out of yourself in front some cute guy.  The ones you take road trips with while eating junk food the entire time and listening to really good music.  The kind you FaceTime to ask what shoe looks better with the outfit you’re wearing.  The ones you change in front of, the ones who don’t judge you, the ones you cry with, who know your weaknesses but don’t hold them against you.  THOSE friends.

So welcome back to my blog, I’m excited to start it up again and take you through my world of trying to look forever 29!  I am going to try to post as much as I can because I have a lot to share, I hope you like it!

In the meantime, I hope you’re finding your best self during the quarantine and taking good care of YOU. What kinds of things are you doing for self care?

♥