individual bliss

Remember the days when doing things completely on your own was what you strived for? When it was an accomplishment that you were able to dress yourself, make your bed, tie your shoes, and button up your coat all by yourself? I do. But somewhere along the way, the concept lost it's appeal, and I'm not sure why. 

So, in an attempt to appreciate our self-sufficiency again, we're going to change that! Or rather, I'm going to try to change it for myself, and you can join in too if you wish to do so :). Fulfillment is different for everyone.

Along Road Trip USA I met more than a few inspiring people. The ones that impacted me the most, however, were those that were on their own personal solo journeys. Some of my hosts were men and women who had moved to new cities for jobs, others for future schooling. As adults (who in children's eyes, have it all figured out) they were slowly learning how to make their new homes feel like home. They explored their surroundings, they made friends, and they dealt with the difficulties of living, in a couple of situations, nearly 3,000 miles away from the majority of their friends and family. It was almost as if they had sprung themselves into the awkward college freshman situation again, only this time, it was in the real world, and others that they passed were not as eager to hear about where they were living and where they were from. 

Making such a big move like they have is often romanticized, but right now it still doesn't make it sound any less appealing. It take quite an amazing person to do such a thing. And I like to think I thrive on self-inflicted challenges.

One being pilates. For the past three days, I have been enjoying free classes at Apogee Wellness Center. They have multiple locations and their space is absolutely beautiful with natural wood accents and lot of light. As they describe themselves on their website, "with unparalleled personalized service, we support your personal path to health with a complete wellness approach that has the power to transform body, mind, and spirit." Hallelujah.

Tonight I attended their Restorative Yoga class. It was perfect timing. Not only did I truly need it, but it also happened to fall on one of the most well-known of Indian (Hindu, to be exact) festivals, Diwali. Similar to our Thanksgiving, the holiday signifies the renewal of life, and in many parts of the world, is regarded as a time to ask for abundance. (FYI, I only know this because my yoga teacher told me all of it). Tonight we were told to make our intention to the goddess Lakshmi. We were advised to ask her for any particular sort of abundance that we desired in our lives, while also being grateful for everything that we had been given to us, which is, as I was told, more than we even realized.

The fact that I can safely take public transportation into the New York City is a gift. The fact that I am able to work at a renowned beauty magazine, even if it is only project-based, is a gift. The fact that I have numerous employment opportunities in the air right now that'll help shape the next year of my life, is a gift. The fact that I can come home to a lovely family and comforting vegan and Vietnamese dinner is, you guessed it, a gift. And don't even get me started on the phenomenal classes at Apogee ;). Talk about hitting the present jackpot.

Whenever I have my moments of sadness or my spouts of feeling sorry for myself, I have to remember how capable I am as a human being to live the life that I want to live... all. by. myself. You are too, you know, and I hope you never forget it. Let's wrap up with a suggestion in the article, Happier and Healthier: How to Channel Your Inner Optimist, by my new favorite magazine:

One of the most powerful ways to cultivate optimism -- and harness its potential health benefits -- is to practice gratitude exercises. Every night, think about three things that occurred that day for which you are grateful, and also about why they took place. "It will help you see that good things often happen because of something positive you put out into the universe," [author of "Creating Your Best Life", Caroline] Miller says.

Now please go out and have a glorious weekend! Alone, in a pair, with a group, wherever you are, I hope that it is all you hope it'll be and more.