On Turning 35: Vibrant Roots with Expansive Branches

                                  

This past year I did something that I didn't realize I was ready to do; I grew roots. It was one of the most significant periods of growth in my life. I spent my 34th year in reflection, exploration, creativity and development. There were release of things I had no idea I was still holding onto which created immense room for expansion. In this new space, I found myself learning to harness my intuition and doing one of the most brave and creative things I have ever done; starting a business.

I appreciate the quiet and still days at home where I could feel my roots getting deeper and stronger. In the stillness, my soul embraced faith, hope and grace; such a perfect word for this year. I learned what it felt like to receive and give this beautiful gift. This is where love thrives and blossoms in ways unimaginable. It is truly a place of awe and wonder. My heart has learned the art of healthy detachment and also unconditional love. 

I think one of the most significant shifts has been from passion to vibrancy. For years I felt that the fire inside me was passionate. It was an intense, unstable flame, searching for fuel to burn and grow. It fed everything I came in contact with. But now, I see this fire inside as a steady, vibrant light. It radiates and does not destroy. I learned to harness the passionate flame to create a vibrancy inside. 

This was a year of steady growth and reaching for the sky from a place of expansion. There were no grand trips to faraway lands, but I think the trip inward made this year much more significant. I am ready to see what 35 has in store. I can't imagine the treasures and secrets it holds. I am excited and so very grateful.

Catalina Island Adventure

                       

I've been wanting to visit Catalina Island for a while now so I decided to go with a dear friend recently. We met up in Newport Beach and hopped on a ferry for 3 days of island adventures.

I had been told that the island was similar to visiting the Amalfi Coast in Italy which I am a huge fan of. So, I was super excited of the possibility of a Mediterranean-like experience and boarded the ferry with giddy anticipation. 

The ferry ride was just over an hour and we sat on top watching the coast disappear from sight while hoping the sun would peek through the clouds. The sun delivered and abundant sunshine shone down on us. We chatted with a few people on the ferry and found out where to go and what to see. Many people were just going for the day to explore or golf.

Upon arrival, we saw Avalon Harbor with the landmark Casino and snapped a few pictures. We walked through town to find our hotel to drop our bags off. We quickly realized the town was quite small and quaint. We found a place on the water with several seafood selections and sunny tables on the deck. A lunch of lobster rolls and white wine was consumed as we settled in and relaxed into the slow pace of Catalina.  

After some exploration, I realized the island is nothing like the Amalfi Coast and was a bit disappointed, but we set an intention to have as much fun as possible. Our purpose for the trip was to celebrate our friendship before she moved away. 

Our days were spent laying in the sun on comfy beach beds. We were welcomed at the beach club with a strawberry smoothie and cold bottled water. The sun was abundant during our stay and we laid out until the day started to fade. Bronzing, happy and near the ocean was the perfect combination for us.

One night we were invited onto a boat by our new friends where dinner of fresh caught fish was served while the sun set. My most vivid memory of this night was laughter. My face hurt from smiling and laughing so hard. We were sun drunk and relaxed. After dinner we all headed back to the island to dance the night away and celebrate our friendship.

When it was time to leave, we headed back up to the top of the ferry and set an intention to see dolphins and whales. Sure enough, dolphins were spotted soon after we left playing in the water. As the trip was nearing it's end, we still had not spotted a whale. I was thinking about it when we spotted one near the ferry. We got excited, and laughed at the sight. The trip proved to 

Won't You Be My Neighbor

                       

Community has been a desire of mine for a while now. Since I grew up in a large family, I like to be around people that I feel connected to. I prefer meaningful conversations and forming bonds with people--relationships matter to me. When I quit my job, I made a list of things that I wanted to accomplish within a year and finding a community was near the top. 

I have had the honor of traveling and meeting people all over the world, many of whom I regularly keep in touch with. However, I deeply wanted stable connections near home. With all the moving and traveling I have done in the past 8 years, I have craved a sense of home and connection.

Last night, my friends hosted a lovely dinner party where delicious food was shared and laughter had most of us in tears. This past weekend, I spent most of my time in the sun catching up with friends and once again stories and laughter filled the air. I even had a minor setback and 2 of my friends had a solution before I could even figure out how to fix my issue. They lovingly calmed me down and were there before I could even ask for help. I am bursting at the seams with gratitude.

I remember when I pulled up to where I am living now for the first time and let out a sigh saying "I finally feel like I'm home". That feeling has stayed with me and grown over the past couple years. Home has been something that has called me, even all the way in Bali when I was contemplating selling everything and just going away. The inner pull on my heart and soul was undeniable and so I returned home to start a business and also find my community. My friendships have blossomed into deeper connections that I could not maintain in the past. I am so grateful for the lovely souls that have come into my life and many who have stayed while I found my way back home.