Hello, friends!
Happy Monday! I apologize for my hiatus from the blog over the past two weeks! It has been a very busy couple days trying to get my life together, but I’m back on schedule now!
For today’s blog post, I wanted to try something a little bit different. This year has inspired a new mindset in me, and with this mindful way of thinking comes a desire to be the best version of myself each day.
Instead of stressing out over achieving my long-term goals in a short period of time, I decided to make weekly intentions for myself. Whether I write them down, or wake up and decide to try something different, I motivate myself to embrace the unknown and to bloom.
Anyways, I’ve decided that each month, I will be sharing a week full of intentions, or things that you can do for yourself! If this turns out to be something that you guys are really into, I can make it into a weekly series! But for now, I’m just testing the waters! Feel free to alter any of these intentions to fit your lifestyle!
Day 1: BIG PICTURE
Today is for making plans, whether they be to go for a walk or to try out a new restaurant. I think that it can be hard for us to detach ourselves from everyday routines and the monotony of our jobs. But, now is the time to enjoy the little things in life.
Having future plans or aspirations is important, but you should never forget to live in the present. By making small plans that piece together into your big picture, you’ll begin to take steps toward the future that you’ve always wanted for yourself.
When I planned my trip to Italy last summer, it was completely spontaneous. From the moment I decided I wanted to go, to the day I left, I had two weeks of time to figure it all out. But, those little details came together to form my big picture of finding my passions post-graduation.
Day 2: MINDFUL
Never forget how important it is to unplug from technology, social media and all of the outside noise. Be mindful and listen to what’s going on in your life. Put your phone on silent for a set amount of time, or open your windows and meditate to the sounds of nature.
Being mindful doesn’t mean that you need to meditate to feel centered. It can mean something different for everyone! Reading a book, sitting outside or planting an indoor spice garden are awesome ideas to begin practicing mindfulness once a week.
For me, being mindful often takes place during my yoga practice. I love the art of it. This year, I made an intention for myself to practice yoga at least three times a week. Yoga acts as a detox for any negative energy or stress that I’ve encountered during the week.
Day 3: NURTURE
When schedules get jam-packed and stress begins to filter in, it can be hard to let go and take care of yourself. Today is for self care, and listening to what your body needs. Everyone has their own version of treating themselves, and today is the day to dedicate some time to YOU.
One of my favorite ways to nurture myself each week is by doing a face mask. I have a collection of masks, all of which serve a different purpose. I interchange them based on my mood or the needs of my skin on a specific day. YLLO’s face scrub is one that I regularly use because it reduces inflammation and helps with any breakouts I feel coming.
Day 4: REFLECT
Have you ever taken the time to jot down notes about your day, or written in a journal about a recent vacation? As a writer, I’m extremely bias toward this, but I still think writing can be a form of release for many people.
Grab a journal that you’ve had sitting around and write about how you’re feeling today, or about a funny thing that happened to you recently. Invest yourself into the words you write.
When I’m shopping, notebooks are often the last minute item that I add to my haul. I always have one on me, whether it’s a small notebook that can fit into the palm of my hand, or a leather-bound one — I love to carry one at all times for when I’m feeling inspired.
Day 5: NOURISH
With a full-time job, or a packed college schedule, it can be difficult to properly nourish your body with what it needs. Dedicate some time to cook yourself a meal that rivals those seen on “Iron Chef” or “The Next Food Network Star!”
When I first started my full-time job, I was struggling to make exciting meals for myself each night. I decided to invest in a meal delivery service, and I couldn’t be happier that I did! Currently, I am subscribed to Sunbasket, which offers an array of organically-based recipes for gluten-free individuals like myself! They also have a ton of different recipe categories for vegetarians, as well as those who choose a soy-free or dairy-free lifestyle.
Day 6: FLOW
Today is the day to leave your entire schedule unplanned. Wake up feeling refreshed and take on the day however you wish. Surprise yourself by making plans that are completely spontaneous and fun.
This is something I have actively been trying to do each week! It can be so easy for me to start writing a to-do list and get overwhelmed with all of the things I need to complete and the places that I need to go. But, when I allow myself to just chill out and take the day as I please, it’s always an adventure!
Day 7: SIMPLICITY
Embody the simple things in life today. Clean out your closet, organize your junk drawer, make a pile of items to give to your favorite charity. Think about what really matters when it comes to the material items in your space.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this with spring cleaning on the horizon. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have a lot of random things that serves no purpose to me at all, but I keep them for the #memories. Sound like you, too?
Yesterday, I took some time to clean up and it was so liberating! This year, I am trying to live a more simple life that is less focused on material things and more so on experiences.
Well, that is all that I have for you on the blog today! I hope that you enjoyed this series of weekly intentions! I’ll have another post up on the blog on Friday, so stay tuned!
Have an amazing week, everyone!
<3 Alicia