How To Be Okay With Where You Are Right Now

et's be honest for a second, okay? Being content or staying present (whatever you want to call it) has never been my strong point. I enjoy the process of daydreaming and then immediately tackling them to produce productivity. Thinking about the future is what is constantly on my mind. I always push myself to achieve new goals. But, sometimes fear or a particular funk can slow me down, which brings me to writing this post.

Wherever you may find yourself, whether it is transitioning into a new career, a break-up, moving cities, or dealing with post-grad life (like me) all of these spaces create some weird feelings that typically get pushed aside or consume our every thought and action. Personally, my two-month-long summer needs to fade and be replaced with the somber realities that grace periods on my student loans are soon to lift, tests have to be passed, observation hours in a classroom is a must, and the process of applying for a credential program will be due in the fall.

This season comes with a lot of emotions on my end to make things happen, but in the same breath, it doesn't seem like a big change. It is the in-between-phase that seems to be the hardest, doesn't it? So, how can I be okay with where I am, when I desperately desire a change, or to enter into a different season? Here are a few things I'm doing to practice contentment with a subtle reminder to get moving!

 1. realize it is temporary // Everything we go through has a season. Some we wish would pass faster than others, but time is really the only factor in some spaces we grow through. In my transition of change, I constantly have to remind myself it is temporary. It won't always be like this, as long as I work towards my goals. A phrase that I have held onto this summer is "just keep swimming." 2. feel grateful // This may be the most difficult to practice. Honestly, it can be so simple to achieve, we just have to want to feel this way. In a season of change or a lack of it may produce low moods. It is easier to sulk and feel sad than to keep a positive attitude (at least for me). Keep a journal, surround yourself with positive people, or spend a few minutes in a place that warms your soul every day. I love it when I can bring myself out of a funk when I realize that my situation is far less important than someone else's battles. 3. stay present // As you can tell from this post, being present is a challenge for me. I have always believed that I must keep going and doing in order to perform, to look busy or successful. But, during this time it is okay to say that life is slow. I do not have to have a life announcement every week. I can enjoy each day, no matter how boring they may be. Besides, I will wish one day that I would have relaxed in my determination once I am in the thick of school.

Solo Trip To Carlsbad

few weeks ago, I spent the day down in Carlsbad for some much-needed vitamin D. It was right before our heat wave came, so it was a beautiful 75 degrees out. My version of the beach includes a light sweater to pair with my jeans, sunglasses to block out the glimpse of sunshine shining through the fog, and ice cold ocean water to wash off my sandy feet. Well, it was a little warmer than my ideal, but it was lovely just the same. I don't know about you...but I honestly hate going places alone. I have never really opened up about it before, but part of my anxiety revolves around this concept. Running certain errands are easy, but I am not the type to go shopping without a friend. You'll never find me at a restaurant or movie theatre by myself. This day was different though.

Something inside of me was longing for isolation. A time to just sit with my thoughts and write them down. Trying to escape certain emotions for too long is just not healthy and it was catching up with me. Ironically, I traveled to the ocean for some inspiration and clarity.

The whole day went along so smoothly. I am still on my no-sugar challenge, so for lunch, I treated myself to an acai bowl at my favorite place, Nekter. It became my obsession in college, and I suddenly was reminded why. Rich whole foods help my body (and mind) so much! Afterward, I hooked up my GPS to the nearest Pressed Juicery Freeze, which ended up being apart of the coolest outlet mall. So, I had to stop in Anthropologie, my favorite store ever. I always thought that the closest one was in La Jolla, so I was excited to discover one in Carlsbad. Anyways, Pressed is known for their cleansing juices, but I love them for their vegan ice cream. It was incredible. Plus, because it is all natural sugar, I was able to enjoy it on my no-sugar challenge. Just another reason to thank Orange County during my college days!

1. // You are much braver than you realize.

2. // Never allow your productivity to measure your sense of worth.

3. // Being messy is a form of beauty.

4. // Despite the past, the ocean is a place that makes you feel free.

5. // Always write, even when it's hard.

7 Healthy Ways To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

ugar is my downfall like no other. I've always been one to skip a meal only to down anything in liquid form, which can be juice, lemonade, soda, milkshake, the list goes on. Back when I did my 45 day cleanse from sugar last year, I learned a lot of ways to satisfy my sweet tooth. Everything I will mention below worked so well for me. Well, I am actually back on that challenge and right now I am on day 18. I would love to achieve 45 days again, but for now, it's set at 30.

Be sure to read my sugar cleanse post above if you want to learn more about the process. I would recommend that if you want to cut out sugar cold turkey, do so during a week that you can handle the detox. I began my detox the week of my best friend's wedding and had to push through an intense migraine for two days. It wasn't the best timing, but I knew I needed to do this for my body. Plus, once my migraine broke I have been doing great! These tips below are ones that I am following right now and with them giving up sugar altogether isn't so bad. Here's why...

1. Snack on some fruit. 
I love fresh fruit. My go-to's are strawberries, pineapple, and blackberries. I also love to drink fresh squeezed orange juice, as it contains only natural sugar.

2. Make iced tea your best friend. 
For you, coffee drinkers, or soda drinkers (like me) then iced tea will be your best friend. As I survive my sugar detox during the week, a tropical, black, or peach tea helps me like no other. It still allows me to still go to coffee shops and sip on something.

3. Chew gum.
Now, this one saves me at night or when I'm out running errands. Of course, sugar-free gum is the key here. But a little Hubba Bubba bubblegum isn't going to hurt.

4. Find a healthy alternative for ice cream.
Ahh, my favorite way to help myself be healthy for sugar! I'm not talking about dairy or sugar-free ice cream at a grocery store. But, the kind you can choose at health stores. Pressed Juicery Freeze is my all time favorite, which is vegan and sugar-free. Another favorite of mine is from Nekter Juice Bar because their's is made from cashew milk and coconut sugar + it's vegan.

5. Brush your teeth. 
Lifesaver hack right here. Clean teeth will remove all aftertaste of food in general, and then it will eliminate your chances of taking a bite of something.
6. Drink water. 
I never drink enough water, so this is a good rule in general.

7. Use honey. 
Instead of refined sugar in a cup of tea, smoothie, or even on top of toast (guilty) use honey or agave. It still is so perfectly sweet and does the trick for less the cost.

June: 12 Things

appy June everyone! I hope you are excited for summer just as much as I am. I have a few fun events that are already in the works and I'm on count down. I am slowly getting back into blogging since I graduated from college. So, bare with me, because I feel like I'm all over the place. Anyways, I thought I'd share a few things on my mind.

1. The other day while shopping at Hobby Lobby, I came across an aisle that had a craft I use to love, cross-stitch. I decided to buy a tiny kit for like $2 to see if I could still do it. I haven't done one since Jr. High, but I'm obsessed. It all came back to me so quickly. Spending time on my phone while watching a movie or something just gets old. Now, I can do something productive.

2. As you saw from my last post, I have been Bible journaling a lot lately. Being creative this summer is my goal.

3. The other day I went on a solo trip to the beach and it was the first time I had ever done something like that. I have a post coming on my experience, so stay tuned.

4. I am just starting to watch Downton Abby! I know I am super late to hop on this trendy series, but I just discovered it on Amazon Prime. I am on episode 3, so no spoilers!

5. Right now, I am doing another 30-day challenge of eating no sugar. I am on day 12 and feeling so good. I have had a few cravings, but they seem to only pop-up on the weekends.

6. I was a bridesmaid in my best friends wedding this memorial weekend. The whole week leading up to the wedding was the best, because of the bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner. I love weddings so much. I can't believe I have been a bridesmaid twice now!

7. See that corkboard in the photo above? I just created that little summer mood board, and I'm loving how it turned out!!

8. Lately, I haven't been super into blogging. I don't know why really. Sometimes I just hate being on my laptop. Perhaps, it's where I feel my anxiety rise more. Do you any of you ever feel the pressure, stress, or lack of interest on any platforms online? Maybe, I'll have to talk more about this sometime.

9. My closet is looking so good. I bought a piece of furniture from Target and put it inside my closet. It feels freeing to have that space all clean.

10. I really need to wash my car, haha.

11. I am getting so excited that June is here! I have a few really special occasions/events that I am going to. One is to attend a graduation, and then a Shakespeare play in the wineries.

12. Maybe later this year I will do it, but I am itching to cut my hair. I was looking back in high school and my short hair was just so fun. I am in need of a drastic change, and other than a haircut, I'm not sure what it's supposed to look like for me.