Self Reflection

Self love is vital to living a fulfilling, wonderful life. Whenever I need a pick me up, I go to Gala's blog for inspiration.  "I believe in searching for the magic in every day. Once you've trained your eye, you can’t help but delight in seeing the small & extraordinary things that surround us."  In her blog, Gala advocates for self love with a rarely unique voice.

Now that we're in the holiday season it is very easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Sometimes, you have to pick up your feet, power off your phone and think of the things you are most grateful for.

I'm going to start off by making a list of things that make me smile. I won't commit to doing this every week because that probably won't happen.

  Drinking a cup of coffee, when I am in no rush, let's me plan for the future. Not 5 years into the future but what I'm cooking for dinner or my plans for the weekend. I do a lot more planning and a lot less doing which is pretty frustrating. It's a habit I'm trying to dispel.

  Reading a new magazine floods my brain with outfit ideas and blog post discussions. Again, I plan but don't execute. I guess it's a work in progress.

  Even when things get overwhelming, I know C is there for me with a listening ear and words of encouragement.

  Nature. Trees, especially during Autumn, make me feel a sense of calm and wonder.

  My curiosity constantly challenges my surroundings and makes me want to see what else the world has to offer. In return, how I can contribute to make this life better for myself as well as others.

  Opportunities. I've been fortunate to have opportunities presented to me.  It's always been a matter of deciding what's right for myself.

I challenge you to create a list of things, large or small, you are grateful for. Don't let anyone determine the definition of importance. It's your list!

xoxo
Kay

Vermont Fresh

On my second visit to Vermont, I did three things I've never done before: kayaking, miniature golf (I won) and went to an outdoor movie theater.  Taking a break from the humid city was a fantastic idea.  I never have phone service up there so I had a break from technology.  The view and fresh air was breath-taking.   Read my previous post about self care:

Cosmopolitan ingredients

We were greeted by this deelish cocktail

Amazing view from the kitchen

big chunk of cheese

Nice cow, please don't bite me

Pig race

Vermont State Fair

waiting for breakfast

home bound

This was the highlight of my summer.  What was yours??

New Beginnings

New gal pal, Kat from katskull.com Isn't her DIY camera strap fab?!

Thanks to IFB, I met a new friend and fellow blogger, Kat.  It was lovely meeting you.  Thanks for hanging out with me in a sea of the unknown =)

In an earlier post, I hinted that I wanted to take Charisma in Bklyn in a slightly new direction.  I still want to blog about fashion and style, but now I want to incorporate self care.  Self care is something I feel strongly about.  I like the idea of it but I don't put enough energy into practicing it.

Healthy food recipes, exercise routines (my struggle), time management, balancing personal/work/social life is what I will be incorporating into Charisma in Bklyn.  I like to toy with change.  It's fun.  Isn't life about evolving and experiencing new things?

My goal is to try something new every month.  I will try yoga, eating at a new restaurant, meditating and anything else that will make me happier (and healthier) in life.  I will tell you all about my new experiences here.  I hope you share your thoughts as I am interested to hear what things you do to live a happier, healthier life.

Until next time...

xoxo

Kay

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The Importance of Self Care

The body says what words cannot. – Martha Graham

Let’s get this straight from the start, I am a city gal.  I’m accustomed to the constant racket that is New York City.  I benefit from the mostly uncomplicated yet, sometimes infuriating MTA subway system.  Also, having a grocery store on every corner is super convenient.  It’s easy to take these things for granted because half the time you’re complaining about the very things that ease routine.  Anywho, I just got back from a weekend at Vermont.  I must say I discovered a little country girl inside me.  Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  It was only one weekend.  I barely had cell phone service.  I paid less attention to my gadgets and just sat back and enjoyed my surroundings.  I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m a nature girl but I really enjoyed being outdoors surrounded by trees, rivers and FRESH air for once.  I needed a lil time-out from city hustle and bustle to recharge my batteries.  That’s exactly what I did.  I got a pedicure/foot massage and relished the outdoors.  My point is to remind everyone that self care should be a top priority.  Boy do I understand responsibilities and daily routine but if you forget “me time”, you’ll burn out.  All in all, I think Vermont is a wonderful place to visit.  The sense of community spirit in the small town of Pittsville is warm and apparent to any newcomer.  That friendliness from neighbors is rarely seen in big cities.  However, my heart belongs to NYC.  Always. 

Happy Monday!