Snippets

So today I finally got my Fulbright Gateway Program date. I'll be at UC-San Diego from Aug 11th to the 15th, then from there I'll probably go straight to American University in DC.  I just realized this will be a cross country trip...oh my.

I'm not quite sure what to expect from the Gateway Program but it just seems like a wonderful networking activity for all the Fulbright Scholars and a nice intro to the next two years. There's probably a free t-shirt in there somewhere...

So for now I still have a few scholarships to work on but that'll be over in a couple weeks. After that I will quit my job! Then start planning some summer travel in Mexico and then my whole trip/transition to DC.

I've decided that I will incorporate a vlog starting at my Fulbright Orientation in July. This will be uploaded through my YouTube channel so you guys can see what I am up to and meet all the wonderful people that come across this journey. Of course I'll also be posting on this blog.

I am happy  that things are shaping up, of course not without its bumps.

In the midst of all of this scholarship application business I have tried to make sometime for some "me" time. I realized that since all the chaos started in January I gradually started losing my commitment with weightloss, a healthy lifestyle, and well...myself. And in the need for some balance I decided I needed to take some time to do this for myself.

Photo by @anasbarros or @gui_ on Instagram. Follow them!!!

I've restarted Zumba and Yoga. YouTube has been the most helpful tool EVER! Go YT! I follow Yoga with Adriene and Bad Yogi for my yoga practice. Both woman are insanely motivational and down to earth. I love that Adriene's motto is "do what feels good". It especially helps on those days when I stumble through a simple flow. For Zumba I don't particularly follow anyone. I just look for full length classes and find something that fits my mood. I find that even if I don't like the initial routine I end up getting into the groove of the class. If I absolutely cannot then I just switch to another video.

I've also started doing more everyday make up. Ever since I started this "office" job as a graphic designer I felt like I needed to spruce up my look. I still only use a few products but I after watching Tanya Burr, Zoella, Alli Trippy, and various others on YouTube I realized I was using the products in the wrong way. Well maybe not completely but I can now do a lot more with the same things. I've learned new techniques and I've picked up a few things on skin care. Maybe I'll do a post on this at some point.

Ha! I never thought I'd like make up...on me! I've always wanted to be a makeup artist. Ever since I discovered the Benefit counter at Marshall Fields way back in the day. Still I don't feel like I've lost any integrity. I dunno...

Things are rolling pretty well. I have officially heard back from three universities.

I've been feeling sort of down and distant with my surroundings. Oddly, I am very in tune with myself. I understand that it isn't healthy to keep things bottled up but  on the other hand it's hard when you can't find anyone to talk to or don't want to aggravate someone with your issues.

Yesterday, I encountered this:

AHIMSA 
A Sanskrit word which encompasses compassion, awareness, self-care, and peace in the spirit of non-violence. This means, non-violence towards yourself and others. 

It takes me back to the "Golden Rule" of my elementary school: treat others the way you want to be treated. In reading about this, I did find peace.

So, I'd like to share this bit of knowledge with those of you who stumble across my blog. 

1. Do no harm.
2. Stop using the words: I can't, Fat, Stupid, and Brutal Honesty. 
3. Conscious action.

These steps can be taken to many lengths, some I can adapt to my lifestyle, others seem more difficult. Like, not eating meat. Ok, fine, I admit I am not eating much meat now but that is totally because cooking meat for one person is not that fun. However, a nice New York Strip...grilled...with steamed veggies.  I can though look for free range meat whenever possible. 

I know that this may be difficult but I really do want to live in a better way. I noticed that my isolation has taken some tolls in my personal life that I had not encountered before but I also know that I am strong enough to work through my issues. With a little guidance, I CAN! 

Like...last night. Did my first handstand EVER! I sought out some guidance from yogis and step by step I got on my hands and was able to lift one leg off the wall. 

I leave you with those three steps. Try and find the inner peace, guidance, and possitivity within you. I will. I need it. 


For further reading: 
http://www.doyouyoga.com/4-phrases-actions-promote-self-care/
http://www.doyouyoga.com/how-about-you-try-a-little-ahimsa/