hiking – Healthy Happy Mama

Only time will tell

Posted on April 7, 2022April 7, 2022 by lovinsimplicity

“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.”
– Vincent Van Gogh

What if all this is all a test? I ask myself this question every time I make a decision. Perhaps it keeps me honest and closest to my truest self. If every action and choice you made was a part of a grand “universal test,” would everything be as it is? After two years of a pandemic and now a war, I wonder. Personally, I try to make decisions for the youth we will hand our planet to one day when we pass by like the wind. Perhaps that is what we are all trying to do, in the best way we know how.

My focus has continuously shifted from myself to the greater good for as many humans as possible. If only we knew how connected we are, how this “universal test” will define us and determine our outcomes. I’m an optimistic person and I believe in peace and good health for all people. I do hope our children, nieces, nephews, god children, and grandchildren will get to see the world united.

We moved into our new home last year and since so much has changed. Much time has been spent creating the perfect reading spaces throughout for my daughters and I, decorating, painting, and starting up the garden. Once I began my MPH program last fall, I really had this sense that I was doing the right things at the right times. I felt in sync with the universal harmony; a sort of “going with the flow.” There has been some serious intentions behind everything.

I’m grateful for this life and know I can only change the world one day at a time. The world needs us to be creative, to join in and lend a helping hand. I witnessed a lot of kind souls doing just that the last two years, individuals that put the greater good of others first. My perception of what success is has very little to do with material wealth as it has more to do with how many people one can support without it being about personal gain. However, in some way they sort of go hand in hand. When we help others from a place of love, we grow into our truest self. That’s just my idea of success and I’m fully aware that their are so many other perceptions of such values.

What will the next few months have in store? Curious to know, what is your perception of success?

We decided to grow our veggies on the balcony instead of the yard because it’s closest to the kitchen.

Liam and I taking tea break in the sunshine, our typical workday break time

Even though we have been having picnics since the girls were babies this is my first picnic basket that has already been put to good use

Had a chance to decorate the living room space and selected furniture that didn’t draw attention away from our view.

Sunrises at home are nothing less than magical, I’m truly grateful

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Spring up

Posted on April 17, 2021August 21, 2021 by lovinsimplicity

“Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is.” — Jessica Harrelson

I sighed with the thought that it’s been months since I’ve reflected in this space. So much has shifted in our reality and now that I can see that glimmer of light at the end of it all, I feel at peace.

This year, I had the opportunity to work with a team of the most amazing, kind, and caring humans to be on the offense and defense of this pandemic. I feel so much gratitude towards my community, seeing how they rose together and stood for those who needed their support. Also, this year marks the one year anniversary of Girlz on Fire partnership with the public health department at a large university and a local youth center.

Over the last several months I started to share my artistic side again, which has been well received, by getting involved with online shows and galleries. I’ve been enjoying the warmer days taking long walks, going on picnics, and treating my body well through healthy living. I feel like my energy has been renewed this year.

I’ve been indulging in ways to eliminate the unnecessary and absorbing abundance. I feel so grateful to work in my dream job and pursue my Master’s degree this year. I believe it’s important to always set new goals for yourself, even if you choose to share them with others or not. For now, I have decided that my goals are achieved much quicker when I don’t disclose them to others. I believe it’s because sometimes people, even in good intentions, can actually be the ones slowing you down or they prefer that you help them achieve their goal, rather it’s in your best interest or not.

Minimalism has been renewed in my heart and mind. It surpasses the attachment to material objects and the past; it expands our beingness toward the simple expression of love. The abundant love we hold in our hearts towards our neighbors, our community, our country, and our planet. This pandemic opened my eyes to all the love that surrounds us and influences our lives even without crossing our path. It’s a consistent flow of energy pushing and pulling at our hearts until they spring open.

My hope is that we will, as a one planet, come out the other end supporting one another and that we give away from the illusion of separation and transcend.

What has this experience brought to your home and community?

Time to shelter in

Posted on May 4, 2020May 4, 2020 by lovinsimplicity

“Optimism is the most important human trait, because it allows us to evolve our ideas, to improve our situation, and to hope for a better tomorrow.” ~Seth Godin

Extra time

Extra time seemed like a good idea before all of this. I’m just trying to stay focused on the positive. I had a chance to work on ramping up the Girlz on Fire program and work on semester projects with students from San Jose State University’s Public Health Department (the program I graduated from a few years ago). And now as a homeschooling mama, not by choice, there seems to be less time in the day for much.

Clean space

I’m using this time wisely to get my home in order. I usually spend Saturday mornings or afternoons deep cleaning my house with products from The Laundress. When spring cleaning time rolls around, it usually consists of my weekly deep cleaning and updating decor and the organizational flow of our home.

This year I finally added a accent chair to our living room and purchased a new rug. I love Art Deco and mid century modern style, so I stayed with this theme.

I do love the stories people have told me about talking to their loved ones via Zoom or over the phone more than usual. It doesn’t quite resonate with me, since I talk to my family everyday regardless of what’s going on. I noticed for others this has impacted the way they are treating their bodies and how they are valuing their time.

During self quarantine, I’ve spent time painting, dancing, going on A LOT of hikes with my daughters, and updating our garden. Basically, besides not being able to hug or hang out with other people, our lives are the same.

Self-care

I prefer museums, brunch, the spa, tea with friends, and visiting the city. I’ve occupied myself doing more of what I already do. I purchased new candles from Paddywax since I’ve been burning candles more throughout the day than usual. I also purchased a frothier from Moon Juice along with their Cosmic Gold and Blue Beauty Adaptogenic protein . For the first time, I grew my own sprouts using an indoor gardening kit with LED lighting. Micro-greens are super healthy for you!

Home fitness

The girls and I usually take dance classes and go to the gym, we’ve had to replace it with virtual classes from their dance studio and Saskia’s Dance Studio on YouTube, HITT workouts streamed from our local gym, and short workouts from MindBodyGreen. We realized our living room doubles as a workout studio very nicely, as we are all able to move freely without bumping into each other. It’s great to finally use all of our extra square footage.

Brain stuff

I like to keep my mind active and focused. Podcast that I’m digging right now are “On Purpose” by Jay Shetty; “Girl Boss” by Sophia Amoruso; “Her Money” by Jean Chatzky; “Women Inspiring Women” by Melanie Mitro, and “Theoretical Physics, From Outspace to Plasma” by Oxford University. Books I’ve read are “You Are The Universe”, by Deepak Chopra and Menas Kafatos; “Healthy, Happy, Sexy” by Katie Silcox; “Not by Genes Alone”, by Peter J. Richerson and Robert Boyd; and “The Vision-Driven Leader” by Michael Hyatt. I’ve always been a fan of magazines, but since I’m trying to be more eco-conscious, I’ve switched to digital subscriptions and websites such as Well+Good, MindBodyGreen, and Domino.

What have you been up to since the shelter in place and social distancing? Read any interesting books, found a favorite at home workout routine, or worked on any creative projects? Would love to hear how you are making the best of this situation and keeping you and your loved ones healthy and happy.