Life Lessons from Wildflowers

As promised, this week I'd bring it back to my deep thinking, intentional roots. Often, I refer to the wildflower lifestyle: my blog's philosophy statement. It's also the same set of life principles I follow in my daily life. 

Two years ago, I came across a quote by E.V. Rogina on instagram, and I'm pretty sure that's where this all started. "Like wildflowers; you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would." This little quote planted the seed for what grew to become my life + style blog. Here's a little wisdom inspired by that same idea.

Three Life Lessons From Wildflowers

Withstand the tough conditions

Wildflowers are difficult plants to tame.  The stubborn flowers find ways to grow through cracks on concrete, and even in tough conditions like the side of the highway.

My point? We all experience many obstacles in life, and you should never let those challenges stop you from pursuing your goals. Wildflowers don't let shitty circumstances determine whether or not they blossom. They just do it anyways! Be unapologetic for your passions. Don't let unexpected events weaken your stance. Be resilient. Power through all your goals on both, the good and bad days.

Nature already made you beautiful

Wildflowers come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Each are so different, and need certain environments that help them grow their best. You are the same way. Your story, is yours only. In the world of social media, it's so easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Don't ever let that take away from your self worth. You are enough. You are MORE than enough. You may be dreaming about being a perfect rose, when in fact, you are a sunflower ...so different, yet beautiful in your own right.

Be Adventurous

Wildflowers have no mercy. They are small and mighty. They constantly surprise people because of where they choose to root themselves. Hold yourself to that same standard. Sometimes, we have to pave our own roads in life. Sometimes, we have to be the one to break the glass ceilings. That's okay! Don't be afraid to become that role model you've always looked for. Surprise others with what you're capable of accomplishing. Even better, surprise yourself! Be adventurous, whether that's in the miles you travel, or adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Reflect on this | What's a place you've wanted to visit, or an activity you've been tempted to try? Be spontaneous, and make plans to achieve that goal this month! make it happen!

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“Do you suppose she is a Wildflower?, said the Daisy

We don’t let Wildflowers grow here, Independent minds and wild hearts are not encouraged’.”

— Adventures of Alice in Wonderland

Essentials for Slowing Down on Self-Care Sunday

Life is so fast paced and sometimes, it's easy to lose ourselves in the chaos of city living. Slower mornings make all the difference to set a positive and calm mood for the day. I can't say this is a routine I'm able to do every day, so if it's only once a week... I'll take it!  Nothing makes me feel better about slow Sunday mornings when it begins with freshly brewed coffee and sunlight shining through the window. It's freedom... from chasing the alarm clock from the 10 alarms, to making sure you walk into the office on time.

As an individual who is prone to anxiety and depression, quiet moments like these are essential for well-being. As a way of grounding, it's no surprise that Sundays are becoming my favorite and most creative day of the week. Here how I start my day.

My Sunday Morning Essentials

Aromatherapy

I love lighting candles in my home. Even better, I rub my hands together with some essential oils, inhale it's aroma, then rub the rest on the back of my neck. Aromatherapy is known to reduce anxiety, ease depression, strengthen the immune system and boost cognitive performance.

To nurture a calming and grounding ambiance, try oil diffusers or candles with scents like lavender, sandalwood or frankincense.

Fresh Brewed Coffee

One cup of good coffee can energize and positive attitude. I recently got a bodum pour-over coffee maker, and have truly fallen for the intimate and cozy experience of making coffee in my pajamas. My suggestion for you: be intentional in this process. Choose high quality coffee grounds that you enjoy, pour it in a mug that makes you happy, and add your favorite creamer. I realized not half-assing what I chose at the store made a huge difference in how enjoyable this cup of coffee can be. I've cut back on my Starbucks rubs (at least on Sundays lol) and I have zero regrets!

High Vibrational Music - Chill Electronic Vibes

Music is a essential tool for creative flow. It hits me right in the feels whether I'm at a high or a low in life. During the week, I can listen to anything from Mac Dre to Odesza to 2000's R&B. But, the vibe changes on Sunday mornings. My heart flutters for chill electronic vibes on days like this.

If you're trying to catch me drift, vibe with me in this Spotify playlist: chill tracks.

Design The Week Ahead

This is probably my favorite part of the Sunday routine... busting out the bujo, getting creative with my favorite pens, and starting a fresh weekly layout! Design the life you love. I've always been a planner addict, so whether in my bullet journal or in a planner, I love spending time to craft the week ahead. After a crazy week, a fresh page is a reminder to move forward with a fresh perspective.

In this very moment, be present. This is the moment in the week where YOU have control to truly design what your week will look like. This will determine whether you will get shit done, or not. This ritual is both productive and fun, and an effective way to spend investing in time management.

So give this a try! On Sundays, cater to all you are senses in positive ways. What aromas make you feel good? What tastes do you love? What sounds put you in an uplifting mood? What do you want your week to look like, and how will you make that happen? In short, be intentional with slow mornings and it will love you back in return.

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I'm trying something new with the blog starting this week. Each blog post will have a reflection question at the end to help you apply my content to your own life. Feel free to comment below and let me know! xo

Questions of the week: what are some of your favorite ways to spend Sunday Mornings? What are your favorite feelings in the morning?

Setting Intentions for the New Year

New year, new theme. 

Happy New Year all! New year, new me...right? We know there are many resolutions that have been set coming into this new year. However, the word resolution is defined as "the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter."

Maybe, what you want to achieve isn't a problem in your life. Maybe, it's something you are already doing wonderful at, but you want to create more focus around something and step it up a bit. By setting an intention for the year, you are able to have a loose structured guide to stay focused, yet remain flexible no matter what twist or turn occurs all year long. 

Planning a better self for the new year is more about sitting yourself down to reflect. Think about where you're currently at in your life, and where you want to be one year from now. Then it's about naming the habits that will help you get there.

For example, my 2016 was a year of growth and learning, and now it's about putting that new knowledge into action. I've chosen to focus on "TRANSFORMATION" for 2017!

1. Select one word or phrase that you will use as an anchor throughout the year.

This could be a mantra, phrase or word. With your intention always in mind, it will help guide you when faced with decisions throughout the year.

Example: my intention for 2017 is about transformation. For me, this means creating habits that will help me blossom and transform my life into who I want to become. This includes transforming my body, transforming my home, transforming our brand, even transforming my mind to learn to relax.

2. Create actionable steps to bring your intention to life.

Now that you have a goal, it's about creating habit goals that will help you achieve this intention all year long. To be well rounded, I like to select a habit for each of the following categories: mind, body, spirit, heart, work, and home. Here are mine to kickstart ideas for your own!

2017:  The year of transformation

• Mind | Take classes, watch videos or read books once a month to learn more about growing social media platforms, creative communication and visual marketing.

• Body | track my macronutrients daily, and exercise 3-5 times a week

• Spirit | spend 10 minutes everyday to meditate to relax and ground myself

• Heart | fill out my daily gratitude log in my bullet journal

• Work | continue to build the brand and post daily for Victoria and Marie

• Home | complete the konmari method for tidying up my belongings before the end of the year

It's important to create habits that lead to the goal, but are also realistic! 

3. Last but most importantly, take action.

Now, keep that phrase somewhere with you where you'll always be reminded. In your phone's notes, or even write it in your planner. Better yet, make it your phone's wallpaper. Wherever it is, make sure it's somewhere that will keep you aware of it. As the year progresses, take time to check in with yourself and ask "have I been living intentionally?

Happy New Year!
Wish you all the best in an intentional 2017 life!