good vibes only

Like everyone else, I always take some time to reflect at the start of the new year. I go between loving and hating resolutions because, and I’m just being honest here, I almost always neglect my resolutions. I’ll be on it for one or two months, then life kicks in. Then I get angry, consider it a failure, and abandon my resolutions altogether. Instead of such a loaded word like “resolutions” (the pressure!), I’m focusing on a set of intentions for 2017, one of them being take time for myself.
I started 2016 with a new job and I was all systems go. It wasn’t until December that I realized I hadn’t used my vacation days. NOT. A. SINGLE. DAMN. DAY!!! It suddenly made sense why I was getting short tempered, annoyed at the tiniest things, and I was tired all the time. I was expected to be “on” at all times and so I was available 24/7. Although I respected everyone else’s time off, I wasn’t thinking about myself.
Now taking time for ones self is easier said than done. With intentions, it requires forethought and planning. So here are my steps — big and small!

1. Log off

My job is social media which is difficult at times to log off. Anything can happen at a moments notice! But it is important to take a break. Since I was (am) always on, I was checking and answering emails, answering DMs from my boss (that’s a whole other thing tbh), and I was worried about work on weekends. Come Monday, I felt like I didn’t really have a weekend. While everyone was talking about an awesome movie they saw or a trip they took, I was still in work mode.
This year, I’m making it a point to put the phone down. I’ve removed work emails from my personal phone and my work phone stays home when I’m not on the clock. Since my job IS social after all, I (obviously) continue to post and check in throughout but won’t worry non-stop over every little comment. If you’re someone who also works in social/ digital and feel the pressure, perhaps it’s a conversation with your manager. I low key wish I started my career before everyone was expected to be readily available 24/7.

2. Find balance every day

Whether it’s early in the morning or just before bed, I’m trying to carve out time where I can just center myself. No phone, no apps, no one near me. Just me trying to organize my thoughts. I received the Aveda Chakra (pictured above) just before the holidays and that’s what prompted all of this. As I read through what each of the different mists help with, I couldn’t help but give it a go.
Yes, the whole using aroma to shift your “personal energy centers” sounds a little hippyish but I think they’re on to something. You can’t deny the power of scent and there’s a reason why I use a lavender spray on my pillows (knocks me out). I just pick up whichever spray I think I need, mist, and do a quick little meditation. Bonus: these smell great.

3. Take a break, girlfriend. Book that trip!

Now part of the reason why I didn’t take a vcation was because I was a) broke and b) always waiting for the “right” time. I was waiting for friends. I was waiting for a big project at work to end. I was waiting after a busy period. The thing is, there will always be a big project. The corporate world doesn’t care if you take a vacation. Sometimes waiting for friends isn’t going to cut it. Shit happens.
So I’m just going to put time on the calendar and maybe take a solo trip (it’s all the rage!). It doesn’t have to be a two week spiritual nirvana. It could be as simple as a long weekend. And I’m going to force those around me to honor it. Don’t text or call me because I simply won’t respond.
So that’s just the beginning. I have way more but this blog post is already long and apparently people don’t read anymore. I’d love to hear what some of your plans for 2017 are.  Or leave a comment if you’re into that ?.