By constantly being in your head you miss out on the here and now. You lose out on the precious moments you’ve been given today. So, how do you remain present when you’re busy working, carpooling, and planning for the future? Here are 6 ways to get out of your head and come back to the present moment. 

Marie Kondo has become the organizational guru with the launch of her new Netflix series. So I jumped on the bandwagon this past week to see what all the hype was about. I immediately loved this show not only because I purged everything when I chose to travel the world and it felt SO freeing, but also because it brings about 4 important points for living the life you crave.

As an avid visionary, I know firsthand the power of writing goals, envisioning your future and taking daily/weekly/monthly steps to get there. I love to use my imagination. It’s vivid, wild, and so easily accessible to me, which is why vision boards are my jam. It’s almost laughable when I look back and realize that EVER. SINGLE. THING. on my boards has come to fruition in one way or another. 

Over two years ago, I found myself stuck. I’d been divorced over a year and still couldn’t find my way in this new world. I distinctly remember NOT remembering who I was anymore. I’d been part of a “we” for so long that I didn’t remember what it was like to be ME. Simply me. 

To me, the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of year. As I sit here, I’ve got a fire roaring in the fireplace where my stockings are neatly hung, and the smell of balsam fir lingers in the air as the lights on my tree twinkle at me. It’s blissful. Why then, did this season previously give me so much anxiety?

When we’re in a situation that feels uncomfortable, sticky, awkward, or just plain yucky, we can wish and pray for all sorts of things. We cry, beg and plead asking what we’ve done to deserve this. Consider this, dear readers, maybe it’s not about changing the situation. What if there is something bigger at play?

With a little grit and a lot of grace, I kicked my fears of "never being good enough" and "what if I fail" to the curb as I set off on a brave adventure to transform my life. My adventure found me quitting my cushy corporate job and selling every possession to travel solo around the world. You can and will thrive, too, if that’s what you choose!

This time last year, I was stepping on a plane, bound for LA before catching my connection to Barcelona. Can you believe it’s already been one year? Me either! Little did I know all that was in store for me on my journey. Below, I share with you the three biggest lessons I learned from my time abroad that you can implement into your life starting now.

That’s the proverbial question that seems to be on everybody’s mind when they see me. As I mentioned in this Instagram post, I didn’t have all the answers when I first returned. In fact, I still don’t. However, I have a very clear direction of what I want and how to get there. I’d love for you to come along on the journey as I write my next chapter. What’s in store? Glad you asked. 

At the beginning of summer, my sister bought a packet of wildflower seeds. She didn’t know what the end garden would look like but knew that with a little love and a lot of watering, the flowers would be beautiful.

In January 2017, I climbed Mount Batur, a volcano in Bali. That climb was a pivotal moment on my journey as I learned that sometimes you struggle in life, but the reward is great for those willing to put in the work. Almost a year later, I chose to end my 2017 the same way it started – climbing Mt. Batur.

The other day, I went with some friends for an hour-and-a-half Thai massage. It was one of many I’ve received since arriving in Thailand. And to be completely honest, I was a little upset because I got an older woman who didn’t put much pressure into her motions. If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought my niece was giving the massage. The gentler she was with me the more frustrated I became.

“If you close your eyes and ears, sit quietly, allow the mind to be completely silent and then listen within, you will hear God humming. God talks to us always, but we talk so loud we fail to hear.” Sri Swami Satchindananda, The Yoga Sutras of Ptanjali

I got this crazy idea to get on my yoga mat for 30 consecutive days. How hard could it be, right? That’s what I thought too. Little did I know my personal 30-day challenge would teach me about so much more than yoga. 

Have you ever heard of the one word challenge? The concept was introduced to me a few years ago and really resonated with me. Rather than creating a laundry list of resolutions you are likely to abandon three weeks into the new year, you simply choose a single word that sets the tone for your entire year. It can be anything - sparkle, laughter, family, health, change, determination, perseverance - whatever you like.

2016, where did you go? It's hard to believe 2017 will soon be knocking on my door. As I reflect on the days flown by, I pause to remember just how far I've come on my journey.

Picking up where we left off…

After that profound lunch, I returned to my hotel room. What felt fancy when I arrived suddenly felt cold and empty. Where does one go to find herself again? I was lost. So naturally, I cried. Big, fat alligator tears. I needed to escape, get out of the lonely hotel room in which I felt trapped. 

Since I was little, I always wanted to be a writer. In fifth grade, I remember borrowing my sister’s word processor where I typed up a short story about a boy who had cancer. Who does that? Especially as a fifth grader?! Then, as a senior in high school, I wrote the world’s longest graduation speech. Seriously.  Just ask anyone I graduated with and they’ll agree! I simply wanted my words, my life, to be an inspiration to others.