REFLECTIONS ON JOY & VISITING HOME

Recently, I went home (Houston) and as always I left with a full heart. My appreciation for my family and the memories we make together is endless. Usually, when I go home I only have two full days to visit and explore (it’s rarely enough time). This time I took a four day trip and could fully immerse myself in the moment. My granny turned ‘80’ on Easter sunday and my aunt got married the day before. This trip encapsulated lots of excitement and celebration.

In the midst of celebrating and moving about the city, I also got some me time without Phoenix. One particular morning, I went alone to a cafe and sat quietly eating the most simple but nourishing breakfast. I felt a big wave of contentment. Troy and I drove around and ate at our favorite spots. We got to go out one night and stay in for movies and icecream the other. I got to see my cousins and hit old spots I used to love. Celebrating my aunts wedding was exciting and I enjoyed dressing up. I went with a Reformation dress and couldn’t resist wearing black (even in spring). My granny’s birthday gathering was a hit. I ate good food and felt beautiful the entire weekend. My hair was even on board and looked fluffy each day !

Ever since I got back from the trip, I’ve been committed to maintaining that same joy I experienced. It’s easy to be in a good mood when you’re around family and drinks are constantly flowing. It’s easy to be satisfied with life when you’re in the most adorable airbnb with well coordinated outfits and a list of exciting things to do. I know some of these same sentiments can be carried over into my daily life - with balance of course. I had so much fun that I realized I shouldn’t wait until vacation or trips to live my VERY best life. In some ways, everyday can be vacation or feel like my birthday.

Tapping into my inner Goddess and nurturing myself has been a huge priority since this year began. This revelation about making everyday a vaca has sort of already been birthed in some ways. Now more than ever life seems so short. Everyday should be fully lived and loved. Some small things I’ve began to do to incorporate vacation vibes into my everyday life are as follows:

  • Wake up earlier so I can take my time getting ready for the day

  • Prioritize my style and physical presentation more

  • Eat/Prepare meals in a more delicious and intentional way

  • Call/Facetime my friends and family more (for feelings of closeness)

  • Make consistent travel plans until it becomes a lifestyle

  • Check out more local and nearby shops and spaces

There’s a whole five hours left until ‘bed time’ when I leave work. That time should be filled with the things I love doing - even if it is during the week. Every single day can be exciting in some way. It is not asking too much to want a fruitful and colorful life. We deserve and are entitled to pleasure and our deepest desires.