Almost Everything Works Again if you Unplug It For a Bit. Including You.

2016 has been a year filled with work. Work to keep my finances afloat, work on my business ventures and constant self-development work.  I spent the majority of my year working almost every day of the week for a company that isn't mine. Although I am extremely grateful for every opportunity to maintain a steady income; it is extremely draining to run my own business on top of this. There have been a lot of sleepless nights and a lack of self care when I really needed it. 

But the Universe ALWAYS has my back. The minute I reached my breaking point I had the most amazing company, called Cloud9living.com reach out to me. They have so many amazing adventures (bungee jumping, spa escapes and helicopter lessons etc) in every area, at a sweet price. I immediately chose a Day of Restoration Spa Package (60 minute deep tissue massage, European facial and mani&pedi) from a spa called Exhale spa in Santa Monica, Ca. I've needed an escape like this for months but I really did not think I could afford it.....Believe that you can call situations into your life y'all! 

The wonderful ladies at Cloud 9 Living, specifically Kristin, Jennifer and Valerie were complete Angels! They helped me book my day of rejuvenation with so much ease. I chose Monday the twelfth of December to give myself the perfect day of recharging after a jam packed year. Here is how my day went...

I woke up at 7am on the dot. I started my day off with a lovely Rejuvenating Mediation from Terri Cole, that you can find below; followed by my visualization practice. Every morning I visualise the life that I want in full detail. I use my vision board as an aid & act as if I am giving a speech on the amazing life I have created for myself, as if it has already happened for me. I am proud say that I created my board in October of 2016 and I have manifested 50% of it! This is the Divine working in full force. 

Prior to my manifestation practice, I went on my morning run, I'm a little rusty but it felt good to hit the pavement. I must share that I went from running 8 miles a week with a running group to struggling with running 1 mile, alone. Listen to your body. Anywho, I used my Unique Daily Affirmation app after my run. They have a new recording feature. So whatever random affirmation I have for the day: I can record it directly from the app, and hear myself say it several times. My affirmation for the day was, "I always have a choice". I listened to this while making a nourishing breakfast filled with love. As I ate, I wrote down my gratitude list in my journal and read a few pages of my new book called, "If the Buddha Dated". I highly recommend this book! I have found a gem on every single page and it also played such a huge synchronistic role in my day. Stay tuned...

My drive to Santa Monica from Pasadena wasn't too crazy. It was a journey of about an hour and some change (all worth it of course). I arrived at Exhale Spa, located inside the Fairmont Hotel right next to the beach! Everyone was absolutely lovely at the front desk. My first service was a 60 minute deep tissue massage by Carol. She was so intuitive! And she was also familiar with the book I am reading. She read it a few years ago and had such positive feedback. This connection with Carol created such a comfortable atmosphere. On top of her working out all my kinks; I felt her authenticity as a person and it helped me to totally relax. Next, I had a facial by Barbara. She is so thorough in her practice and she totally cleaned out my pores. I definitely needed this! After my facial, I was lucky enough to receive a manicure and pedicure from Larissa. She has been working with Exhale for 10 years! Let me be totally transparent when I say; I AM NOT FANCY! I have not had my nails and toes done in about 3 years. This was quite a delight. Larissa did an amazing job. 

After this extraordinary day; the only thing that could make me feel even better was extraordinary food. I walked to a local vegan restaurant called Flower Child. I ordered the Mother Earth Bowl; which consist of greens, ancient grains, sweet potato, Portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, red pepper vinaigrette and hemp seed. Yumm-eeee! 

Flawless carefree days have to be followed by delicious dessert right? Before heading home, I stopped by Vanilla Bake Shop to pick up 3 mini cupcakes for $6. I went home, turned off my phone and ate my treats while watching my favorite movie, "How to be Single". Many people would think this is a corky comedy but I found it to be perfect guidance to help me appreciate my solitude. 

Sometimes we need days where we allow ourselves to disconnect from our responsibilities. As we head into adulthood this becomes harder. I've always been somewhat of a hustler with 2-3 jobs at once. This drive came from a place of scarcity and lack; feeling like I always needed more money. As I hit 28 years on this earth I am realizing how much this can take a tole on my body. This year I have gotten sick more than any other year combined. I am always fatigued and emotionally out of tune more than I'd like to be. This day of reflection helped me to realize that I need to take it slower this upcoming year. I need to enjoy more of my life with the knowledge that I live in absolute abundance. We all do! I want 2017 to be the year that we all remember how to enjoy the pleasures in life a bit more. 💜