Author: Miranda Martin

  • Swimsuit Season: a Flattering Fit Swimsuit for Each Body Type (Because all Bodies are Bikini Bodies)

    Swimsuit season is just around the corner (or already upon us, for some), but fear not— here’s your friendly reminder that all bodies are bikini bodies/summer bodies/GOOD bodies, and that there are beautiful, fun, and flattering fit swimsuits for everyone out there.

    So, if you’re looking to step up your swimsuit or bikini game this summer season, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been exploring the most flattering fit swimsuits and bikinis for all bodies, including full coverage, high neck, “barely there”, and everything in between for all body types. Feeling a swimsuit refresh this summer? Try some of these swimmies on for size:

    Swimsuits for every body type

    Swimsuits for every body type

    Looking for a bikini that supports a larger bust? Go for a bikini top with underwire or other supportive, bra-like features, or a sexy, criss-cross halter that can help hold things in place (even when the ocean waves get wild), like these: https://www.cupshe.com/collections/swimsuits-for-big-busts?gclid=CjwKCAjwoduRBhA4EiwACL5RP9uxmRwKrSucGtz8ghXfqz0IOqEHW_oUdZVo_Q0Fncnxo6TSGBOT_BoCwdoQAvD_BwE

    Looking for a bikini, on the other hand, that makes a smaller bust look “perky” or also keeps them comfy and in place? I personally love bandeau tops or one-pieces with interesting necklines that make my smaller bust look more proportional to my hips, like these: https://www.cupshe.com/collections/swimsuits-for-big-busts?gclid=CjwKCAjwoduRBhA4EiwACL5RP9uxmRwKrSucGtz8ghXfqz0IOqEHW_oUdZVo_Q0Fncnxo6TSGBOT_BoCwdoQAvD_BwE

    Looking for more full coverage? If you’re into the more modest swimwear looks, there are tons of varieties out there (and not just your run-of-the-mill one pieces), like burka swimsuits and more, like these: https://us.lyraswimwear.com

    Or, if you want something in between, a fun one piece like this can keep a more modest look still super fun and funky: https://www.lulus.com/categories/865_3810/one-piece-swimsuits.html

    Looking for male swimwear that isn’t just swim trunks? If you’re looking for gender-affirming or supportive swimwear that isn’t just swim trunks, any and all men can explore options like these for some swimwear variety: https://www.thelingerieaddict.com/2015/03/trans-swimwear-part-two-trans-men.html/amp

    If you’re looking for a flattering fit, whether by the beach or the pool, remember this— all bodies can be bikini bodies, or one piece bodies, or whatever you want them to be. All bodies are good bodies and we can show them as much or as little as we like, and that’s the tea, y’all. So, enjoy some summer sun and splash around in style this summer— enjoy!

    Xoxo, MM.

  • Our Bodies Change (And That’s Okay)

    This will likely be a short, sweet, and vulnerable post about body image (so consider this a TW if you aren’t in the right headspace for discussions around body image right now— be gentle with yourself).

    This past week, I’ve been on my period (which I’ve discussed before, as I exhibit symptoms of PMDD every time I menstruate which is, well, hell lol), and during this time-of-the-month I legitimately gain anywhere from 5 to 7 pounds. I used to be mortified at this change (and at my daily bodily weight fluctuations, which are NORMAL, in case you didn’t know!), especially when I’d read posts from “medical professionals” stating that people who menstruate should only “gain 2-4 pounds, on average, for a few days before (their) period starts”. Yikes. Why was my body fluctuating about 5 to 7 pounds, then, in the WEEK plus leading up to my period? What was wrong with me?

    Well, after medical review and years of feeling discouraged, it turns out nothing is wrong with me. I do have signs of PMDD, yes, but I am in no way abnormal— and my body changing so much in the span of a week (then changing back sometimes, sometimes staying a bit higher weight-wise, etc.) is normal, and so is yours.

    If you suspect something is seriously medically wrong, always get checked out, of course, to make sure you’re all good— but, if you’re like me and you’re a healthy human who just happens to be in a normal, human body that goes through normal, human bodily changes week over week or day over day, don’t stress over it. Our weight changes daily based on what are cells are up to (they work hard, y’all!), what are hormones are doing (but seriously, what are they doing sometimes lol?), what we’ve eaten or drank lately (because I know I always eat way more before my period, which is totally normal and actually needed during certain times in your body’s history), and a myriad of other factors we have little to no control over.

    SO, TL;DR— our bodies change daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and that’s okay. Weight is not a measure of health— BMI is basically bunk— our bodies change and life goes on.

    Be well, and love the skin you’re in (as cliche as it may sound), and don’t sweat it (even if you have weird hot flashes on your period like I do, lol).

    Xoxo, MM.

  • Birthday + Okeechobee Festival Recap (And Tips to Surviving a Camping Music Festival)

    Hello, hello! Long time no speak.

    I’ve been a bit off-the-radar because I’ve been celebrating my birthday with the people I love, and now that my 26th has come and gone I wanted to share a recap of my birthday festivities PLUS some amazing tips and tricks to surviving a camping music festival (especially if you haven’t attended one before, but would like to).

    Let’s dive in—

    Birthday celebrations in sunny Florida, and wild, wonderful West Virginia

    My birthday celebrations kicked off with a brunch party in Philly, and heated up with the Florida sunshine ahead of Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival, which happens usually on mine and my friend Nina’s birthdays every year. This year, we packed up and headed out to Okee on March 3rd (Nina’s birthday!) and partied through until March 6th (my birthday!), and it was magical.

    From Tame Impala’s amazing “Slow Rush” inspired set to GRiZ and Megan Thee Stallion’s wild, wild Saturday night shows (to CloZee playing ON my birthday, like whaaaat?!) everything was amazing. Camp was amazing (shoutout to our crew of 8 pals for setting up the most luxe and fun GA camp you’ve ever seen!), the festival was amazing and full of art, music, yoga and good vibes, and I can’t say thank you enough to every random, kind person who screamed “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” at me over the weekend when they saw my sash or stopped to have a chat with me. My heart is seriously so full.

    Tips to surviving a camping music festival

    This was my 10th or 11th camping festival, so I’m no stranger to it, but every time I learn a little more about being prepared and coming up with “hacks” to keep the experience as fun, functional, and relaxing as possible. My friend Nina is a certified camping festival pro, and here are some tips she and I always utilize when going into a major camping music festival (where you camp for 3-4 days at a time)—

    ALWAYS stock up on jugs of water. For drinking, for “bathing” (if the shower lines are super long), and for anything else you’ll need. Just trust me— stay stocked up, and refill them at the water stations each morning.

    ALWAYS bring a pop-up. Nina always brings pop-ups to cover our tents, as it gets hot in a tent in Florida beginning at 7 AM.

    That said, ALWAYS pack for ANY weather. It may be hot during the day, but cold at night— bring shorts and your cute, festival fits, but bring hoodies, blankets, and other cozy things to keep warm. Also ALWAYS bring ponchos just in case— if it rains, you’ll be glad you did.

    Bring LOTS of ice, dry ice if you can find it. Your cooler won’t last long without tons of ice, and dry ice is best. Keep your drinks and perishable items cold and in a shaded spot with lots and lots of ice— just trust me.

    Bring as many non-perishable food items and BABY WIPES as you can fit in your luggage. TRUST ME. You’ll be glad you have snacks and a way to wipe some grime off of you after a long day of dancing in the heat— believe me.

    All in all, I had the most amazing Okee and incredible birthday. Here’s to 26, being on the other side of my twenties officially, and to a great year ahead.

    Cheers!

    Xoxo, MM.

  • Happy Pisces Szn: AKA, We Have the Best Friends in the World + A Lovely Birthday Brunch Inspo

    As many of you know, I and my husband Andrew are both PISCES! Our birthdays fall in late February and early March, respectively, making each of our Sun Signs the Pisces— or, the fun, dreamy, flirty fishes that the Zodiac culminates in (and thus, means we feel all the feelings as the Zodiac calendar year comes to a close).

    To celebrate the kick-off of our birthday celebrations + Pisces season, Andrew and I hosted a birthday brunch this Sunday that you can draw some inspiration from for your upcoming events. Check it out—

    A Pisces birthday brunch: catering ideas, decor inspo, games and more!

    To kick off Pisces season, Andrew and I hosted a champagne and bagel brunch for our closest friends in Philadelphia in our Center City apartment. The morning kicked-off with DIY mimosas and champagne, as well as bagels, croissants, and other brunch-y pastry options catered by the lovely DiBruno Brother’s gourmet deli and bakery in Philadelphia.

    For decor, we went “pretty in pink” with major Elle Woods inspiration, and featured a “photo spot” with cute props, champagne and pink-confetti filled balloons, and more!

    For games, we played a game of boozy “heads-up” and charades, and our guests stayed all day long just to laugh, play games, have fun, and munch on brunch all the while.

    This was the best way to kick-off the ultra-dreamy season that is Pisces season, and we certifiably have the best friends in the world.

    I can’t wait to keep the celebration going all season long— more to come!

    Xoxo, MM.

  • Where in the World is Miranda Martin? LA Edition

    Everything I ate, drank, did and who I met in La La Land last weekend.

    I’m baaaaaack! From LA, I mean— so many yummy things went down in the sunny city of Angels, and I wanted to share the scoop with you all. Let’s dive in to everything I ate, drank, and did in Los Angeles, and who I met along the way.

    Day One: Beverly Hills luncheon, drinks, shopping and dinner

    Day one in Los Angeles (well, our first full day) consisted of Beverly Hills shopping, lunch, drinks and culminated in a fantastic dinner. To-do in Beverly Hills includes a lunch at Caffe Roma (not super busy at all, and features some of the best cocktails and charcuterie in the area), shopping at Saks Beverly Hills, drinks at Mirame, and dinner at TATEL Beverly Hills. This was a quick lunch-to-dark day romp around the classy Beverly Hills neighborhood, and starting with a light lunch of charcuterie and cocktails at Caffe Roma, hitting up the shopping at Saks, and finishing with drinks and dinner at Mirame + TATEL back to back made for the perfect 8-or-so hours in the classiest neighborhood in town. To note, the gnocchi dish at TATEL was to die for, and the house-made Sangria pitcher was some yummy bang for your buck for the wine lovers out there.

    Day Two: the Draft Kings House

    Draft Kings are the literal kings of sports betting, and when my friend secured us a VIP invite to the Draft Kings Super Bowl Weekend “House” and VIP party we just had to go. From the appearances by Josh Allen, Jerry Rice, Gary Vee (and more!) to the delicious catered food and beverages, Draft Kings hosted one of the hottest parties this Super Bowl weekend.

    Day Three: THIS IS IT Network’s WeWin Event and the FanDuel VIP Party

    Another day of event appearances and Super Bowl party rocking, Saturday began with a chic event with THIS IS IT Network at the historic Hotel Normandie in DTLA, called the “WeWin Women in Sports” Event. The event featured tons of incredible women-owned brands and vendors, as well as appearances from the WNFC’s own LA Legends and Seattle Majestics. My friend Meaghan and I spent a good part of the day there, and then headed to the FanDuel VIP party that night for some added fun. FanDuel rolled out a “blue” carpet and had lovely passed food from ShakeShack, MilkBar and other fun vendors, as well as some guest appearances and performances by sports and music legends like Terrell Owens, Ed Reed, Wiz Khalifa and Ludacris! We danced our butts off and had a ball, to be frank, and it was then that I knew LA was the spot to be this Super Bowl weekend.

    Day Four: Brunch in Glendale

    Before my flight home on the red-eye Sunday night, we decided to make a trip to Glendale to enjoy the Armenian shops and boutiques, as well as a fine brunch at Bacari GDL. Bacari’s shakshouka and sabitch were to die for, and the bottomless mimosas at only $30 per person weren’t half bad, either.

    Overall, Los Angeles was a whirlwind and a wild ride, and though we didn’t get Super Bowl tickets, we made the most of our long weekend in LA.

    More to come from some connections and exciting moves made last weekend— stay tuned!

    Xoxo, MM.

  • The Skinny on Surviving Your Period

    This one is a touchy subject, but here’s how I learned to survive my ridiculously intense periods and PMS symptoms.

    Anyone who menstruates will probably tell you that it’s brutal. From PMS mood swings, cravings, cramps and nausea to, well, bleeding for days on end and it absolutely zapping your energy, periods are no fun for anyone, and I’ve been having particularly rough periods since I was about 15 years old.

    Yep, 15. A DECADE of brutal periods, and I’m only now starting to figure out precisely how my hormonal birth control affects my cycle, how what I eat and do affects my cycle, and beyond. So, how do I survive the monthly onslaught of cramps, debilitating nausea and fatigue-met-with-brain-fog? Let’s dive in—

    Surviving your period part one: keep moving

    I’ve found that exercise, as hard as it may be to begin when I’m not feeling super motivated due to period fatigue and the like, does help relieve symptoms almost instantly once you get into it. Exercise releases endorphins which have been proven to ease pain (so, cramps-be-gone!), boost your mood (and bye-bye, mood swings!) and energize you overall. Even when it’s hard, sometimes you just have to get moving, but be gentle, and do what makes your body feel good (and don’t try to overdo it).

    Surviving your period part two: eat well and research supplements

    Apparently, what we eat has a huge role to play in how brutal our period symptoms like cramping and bloating can be. This should’ve been obvious to me, I suppose, but it wasn’t always— I ate whatever I craved on my period, which is fine sometimes, but I did find that certain foods (like white carbs) triggered much worse bloating and cramps in my sensitive GI system during that time of the month. That said, eating more fresh, whole foods and grains that help regulate blood sugar and sustain energy (without causing excess bloat) may make you feel better on your period, as well as certain supplements, like Love Wellness’ “Bye-Bye Bloat” (which I take daily!) that’s filled with dandelion root, ginger, and other herbs proven to help reduce bloating and water retention. Of course, always talk to your doctor before trying a new supplement routine, but see if this does the trick for you by making some small dietary changes during that time of the month (because I’ve found it does wonders for me).

    Surviving your period part three: relax

    When you need to relax, relax. Honor your body, and don’t push it beyond your comfort level. Sure, exercise and the endorphins it releases can help, but sometimes you just need some R&R, and if your body is asking for that, then just. let. it. relax.

    So, do you have any period hacks to help survive the worst time of the month? Let’s discuss,

    Xoxo, MM.

  • Energy Hacks to Beat the Afternoon Slump

    Just in time for the afternoon slump, here are some tips to hack your energy naturally.

    It’s Wednesday… and it’s 3 PM. From 1-3 PM every week day I used to hit an absolute wall, but lately I’ve found some quick tips and tricks to naturally hack my energy levels and sustain energy through the afternoons (and even into the evenings). Let me explain—

    Natural ways to hack your energy and stay energized all day long

    I work a lot, at my day job, my multiple side-hustles, and of course on this lovely blog and my other content endeavors. In addition to that, I’m a wife, a gym-nut, a dog-mom, and someone who loves spending time with their friends and going out when I’m able (because truly, it’s good for the soul). All that said, I need energy to sustain all these efforts and keep living as my best self all day (and sometimes all night) long! So, I was in desperate need of some energy hacks starting a few months ago during the hectic holiday rush, and I found some science-based methods that truly help me sustain energy and stay awake and well when I feel a slump coming on.

    Note: I am NOT a physician and before starting any vitamin regimen you should ALWAYS consult your primary care physician.

    Energy Boosting Tip 1: Green Tea > Coffee

    I was a barista in college for three different coffee shops, so I’ve been a coffee fan for a while. However, I recently made the switch to tea more frequently (in place of my morning and afternoon cups of coffee), and I’m feeling the difference already. Green tea promotes more sustained energy than coffee and helps fight the jitters and crashes coffee can sometimes induce, and Hey Girl Tea has been my new BFF lately. When I drink Hey Girl Tea (I love the energizing green tea, oolong and yummy citrus and stevia flavored blend the most!), I don’t get the crash after my morning workout, and I get a burst of energy in the afternoons that lasts into the evenings, which I’d never experienced before. So, next time you reach for that cup of coffee, maybe consider making the switch to green tea instead.

    Energy Boosting Tip 2: B Vitamins

    This one you should certainly consult your doctor about, but personally, I wasn’t getting enough B Vitamins from my diet alone (and, guess what? B Vitamins are essential to aiding in your body converting food into energy!), so I decided to do some research and consult with my doctor around what B Vitamin supplement I should take. Since starting a B Vitamin supplement I’ve noticed a HUGE difference in my energy levels all throughout the day, so if you think you may be in need of a B Vitamin boost talk to your doctor and see what supplements they may recommend.

    So, how do you boost your energy? If you haven’t tried these tips, I really recommend them. My energy levels have been so HIGH lately and I’m loving it! Keep on keeping on,

    Xoxo, MM.

  • Doing Disney World as an Adult (and Having Just as Much Fun as a Kid!)

    Recently, I went to Disney World with my husband— that’s right, we went as two adults, without kids, and guess what? We had a great time! Here are some tips on doing Disney as an adult, and having just as much fun as you did when you were a kid (if not more).

    Disney World as an Adult: as much fun as ever

    We started our Disney World trip at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which was a blast. I highly recommend getting the Genie Plus service ($15 a day, and it’s essentially the new “fast pass” system at Disney), as it’s well worth it. The only ride we waited in line for was Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and we loved it. The theme was so on point, and for anyone who grew up with Star Wars as a kid or in their tweens like I did, it was a blast!

    We also had fun as adults by shopping the stalls and shops in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the other shops on Hollywood Studio’s main strip, including multiple fun, themed bars (like the canteen that serves Star Wars’ iconic “blue milk”, with an adult beverage twist!) and the Pandora jewelry shop with cute, Disney-themed Pandora creations. We rode thrill rides, had some great food and drinks, and really enjoyed our day using the Genie Plus service and taking in the more adult-themed bars and restaurants in the park.

    Our second day was spent at Magic Kingdom, which is more kid-friendly (but still super fun for adults if you play your cards right)! For example, the more thrilling rides like Space Mountain and the Seven Dwarves Mine ride are great ways to use your Genie Plus passes, and for adults you can also enjoy a fine dining experience at The Crystal Palace (which is so, so lovely, with craft cocktails and multiple gourmet dishes).

    Last but not least, we went to Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs on our third and final day at Disney World (this was a shorter Disney trip), and Animal Kingdom has always been my favorite park (and, besides Epcot, which we skipped this time around for timing reasons, is the most fun for adults IMO). The new Pandora, Avatar-themed section of the park is incredibly cool with a thrilling ride that we used our Genie Plus service on (and tons of fun, Avatar-themed cocktails available at many carts throughout that section of the park), and the Africa and Asia sections of this park are full of beautiful animals that the park helps to conserve as part of their wildlife rehabilitation effort. As an adult, riding the new Avatar thrill ride and enjoying learning about the animals all around was super interesting and tons of fun, and this park will always be my favorite. Then, we ended the day at Disney Springs eating at Wolfgang Puck (which was lovely) and shopping at Zara, Free People, and Kate Spade, which was a nice little luxury at the end of our tiring (yet amazing!) trip.

    Long story short? Disney isn’t just for kids— a lot of the rides are super thrilling and fun, and there are tons of dining, drinking and shopping opportunities for adults to enjoy that offer fine dining and themed experiences, as well as some luxury shopping options.

    And, if you’re a kid at heart, you’ll love it either way! In other words, you can’t go wrong with Disney World, no matter your age.

    Xoxo, MM.

  • Manifesting Your Best Life: Part Two, the Art of Gratitude (and Framing)

    In part two of my “living your best life” series, I wanted to focus on the one emotion I’ve been feeling in such abundance lately (and that takes some time to uncover, sometimes) and that’s gratitude. Sometimes, when we take the bad with the good, we can acknowledge that, even though bad things have happened to us, we can be grateful for the good; for the love; for the sunshine on a cloudy day, even if every day isn’t wonderful. We can be grateful for the things that *are*, for our “reasons”, so to speak. Let me give some examples (and explain more about how framing life and feelings of gratitude this way ultimately changed my life!)—

    Taking the good with the bad (and being grateful for the good, always)

    Things aren’t always perfect, but when I started to take a few moments each day to be more present and express gratitude for the things that are pretty darn close to perfect in my life, it changed my outlook.

    For example, the ability to wake up and listen to good music; it’s something so simple and so integral to my life, but once I decided to start waking up and really soaking in a good song or two on my morning walk, or simply while I got ready, it changed my whole frame of mind. Deciding to get up and have a dance party for one to a song I truly love, and really just allow myself to have those few minutes of living in the present and fully listening to it, feeling it, moving my body, made a huge difference. This is a great example of taking something I do constantly anyways (listening to music) and making it a moment of gratitude, reflection and fun— a simple change in my frame of mind that allowed me to think, “Wow, I’m very fortunate to have this to enjoy,” and it set the tone for the rest of my day or week (and still does, every time).

    Another thing I practice constant gratitude for are the things in my life I’d usually take for granted— the “always on” things, like my day job, my home life, etc. I think sometimes we forget to find joy in these little things because they become so routine to us. For example, when I allow myself to reflect on my job, my coworkers, and have fortunate I am to be employed and make a living it really changed my frame of mind about working every day. I don’t simply have to go to work every day, I get to. I get to work and make a living and build a life for myself, my husband (who also has a great job, which we’re thankful for as well), and our animals. I get to write, make money, and later use that money to afford food, fun, and other things I enjoy. That’s really something great, when you think about it, and a total privilege. Any of us who are gainfully employed are fortunate to be in that position, and fortunate to have paths to means that help us create more of an abundant life for ourselves and our families.

    And speaking of family— that’s another thing we sometimes take for granted, and can forget to derive joy from in the day to day madness that is life. I take such huge joy and pride in the little family Andrew and I have built, which includes our wonderful group of friends, and taking time to genuinely soak in the moments and memories I’m creating with these individuals and recognize (and thus, be grateful for) the value they’re adding to my life and the enrichment they’re bringing to my soul is huge for me. My life really changed for the better when I decided to start spending more time soaking in the love and enjoying the “little things” in my day to day, which my family and friends (and animal pals!) are an integral part of. Something as simple as finding joy in a silly thing my dog does, and laughing about it with my husband, reminds me to be grateful for the miracle of life— because though it isn’t always perfect, nor is it easy, it has moments of ordinary beauty always around if you’re simply willing to look for them, and hold onto them for a while.

    So, what are you grateful for? Focusing on what we’re grateful for can greatly change our frame of reference and general emotional state. 

    Xoxo, MM.

  • Manifesting Your Best Life: Part One, Making Space for the Good and Saying “No” to What Doesn’t Serve You

    (Disclaimer: life throws us all curveballs and many of us have circumstances outside of our control. It is a privilege to have many things and access to many choices; I acknowledge and accept that truth entirely. This post will focus more on things we can control, like mindset and boundaries, and does not at all ignore nor seek to minimize the struggles many of us genuinely face.)

    This one may be controversial, but as the self-proclaimed queen of boundary setting I’m feeling this post in my soul today.

    Recently, I told a friend I feel like I’m lately living my best life ever— I wake up happy every morning, my OCD and chronic depression being better regulated than ever before, and I’m genuinely excited each day about my career path, the little family I’ve built (and am building in the future), my friends, my home, my lifestyle… things are just generally good right now, and I feel like the seeds I’ve been sowing for a long time are finally coming to harvest.

    Things are pretty great right now, all in all. Getting here, though? That part wasn’t always easy. Tons of groundwork had to be laid in order for me to get to where I am now (and to work toward continuing to grow, strive and learn even more each day), and as I reflect on some of the more difficult work that had to be done to get here I thought I’d share some of my experience, tips and tricks on getting to your “best life” (I.e, making time and space for you despite certain circumstances) even if it takes time, and even when life throws you some curveballs. Let’s dive in—

    Making time and space for YOU and learning the magic word, “no”

    When I allowed others to run my life (allowing judgement from others to dictate how I dressed, or what I posted on social media, or allowing others to sap all of my time and energy because I was too afraid to say “no”, etc.) I was, frankly, miserable. One of the first and most important lessons I learned in my adult life was how to make space for ME, and how to say “no” to others when I needed to. 

    Let me explain— if I continued to allow people to sap all my time (agreeing to things I don’t want to do, taking time out of my day to do things I really didn’t have time for, etc.) I never would’ve had time to invest in myself and my career. I never would’ve had time to start this blog, or do anything for myself if I’d never learned how to say “no” to taking on that extra task at work I truly didn’t have time for, or if I’d never learned to say “no” to someone who was using my time in a disrespectful way. I discuss this in other posts, but flexing this “no” muscle is actually an exercise in boundary setting, which can do wonders for your life if you begin practicing and implementing these techniques over time.

    And, more on boundaries: making space for YOU and protecting your peace in order to maintain emotional equilibrium and energy will require some boundary setting. It just does. A common cliché I use quite often, “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is so beyond true. You have to learn to set boundaries, assert them, and protect your time, your peace and your emotions if you ever want to get to a place where you feel like you’re truly thriving and not just surviving.

    By making just a few more minutes a day for me I’ve been able to do big things over time. You can, too— it may seem impossible (we don’t all have the luxury of taking “time off”), but even finding a few minutes a day here and there to work toward a goal (fitness, education, career, etc.) will escalate over time and become more than just a few minutes in the end. Those ten minutes a day you spend investing in you could lead to something huge— practicing that instrument you put down, doing a ten minute sketch in your art notebook, writing a ten minute short story, practicing learning another language, doing yoga videos at home— and even ten minutes a day that you reserve for YOU can lead to big things overall.

    So, what boundaries can you set today and implement in 2022? What can you make time and space for today that will get you closer to your goals 5 years from now? Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference, and, after all, you deserve time for YOU, even if it’s just spent relaxing and winding down to protect and nourish your mental health.

    Part two coming soon.

    Xoxo, MM.