Pulling Focus

At the beginning of this year a small but powerful voice inside of me posed this question: "What do you really want to do with your time and energy?" It was a tough love moment between me and me. One where the wiser deeper part of me offered that although I'm a very capable woman, there are only so many hours in each day. "What," it asked, "do you want to fill that precious time with?"

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

One answer came through loud and clear. It had been apparent for almost a year. The love of my life needed me, and though my ego put up a good fight about self protection and uncertainty, my heart won out. With this realization came the reality check: "Showing up for him requires a percentage of your time and energy. What are you going to do with the rest?"

And that leads me to this post. Little by little I let go of the ways I was spending my time that didn't fully align with who I am, and more importantly who I want to become. I attended a graduation ceremony recently and felt the profound truth told by an eighth grader who said, "So far I've learned that integrity is everything. Decide who you want to be and then act accordingly." 

The fourteen year old got there by taking responsibility for immature actions on a school trip. And I got there too. Pushed into a corner by life, and grateful for the nudge. How often do we see the bigger picture in spite of the trees?

You might be able to guess where this is going. As I prioritize the people in my life (including the version of myself I'm eager to grow into), and where I spend my time, I'm narrowing my focus. Intuitively it feels right, and necessary. Although I love the creative process behind this blog, I find it's time to let it go. And intentionally make space for other things. I have something in the works that I hope to share with you soon. 

Many thanks to the brands, collaborators, and other creatives who've helped shaped this content. And most of all, thank you to the readers. Silent as you are at times, I appreciate you and your listening ear. I wish you all the best- with integrity and intention. And, if you're not yet ready to say goodbye, you can find me (and collaborate with me) over on Instagram. xx

Eco Outfit Details

CROPPED LEATHER JACKET (similar to one shown) Lab Leather #vegan 

DENIM OVERALLS (similar to ones shown) Paige Denim #madeinUSA #naturalfibers

WHITE TEE Bon Label (gifted) #sustainablefibers #ethicalproduction

SLIP ON SNEAKERS Opening Ceremony #ethicalproduction

Have you noticed that a lot of really great eco fashion and clean beauty is coming out of Australia? I have, and I was overjoyed when Bon Label reached out to collaborate. This hip everyday label hits all the marks for casual cool dressing. Their tees are in regular rotation with my wardrobe. All of their pieces are ethically made in Australia, using sustainable fabrics (like organic cotton) and enviro-friendly water based dyes. Plus, they claim unf*ckupable design boasting simple shapes and minimal designs that never go out of style. I can attest to that! 

Photos taken in Jackson, WY with Cole Buckhart. :) 

Une Belle Journee

Every morning when I wake up, I spend 10- 15 mins meditating and at the end I set an intention. I intend to have a beautiful day filled with beautiful people and experiences. It's a saying I picked up from Abraham Hicks and I love it because it sets me up to go out into the world seeking that experience. So no matter what happens, I'm on the look out for beautiful people and experiences.

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

I've learned that getting up on the right side of the bed is a choice. In fact, everything in my life is a choice. I may not always be aware that I'm choosing it, but if it's present in my experience, it's by choice. When you operate from that mindset and understanding, it is very powerful. I'm learning all about this and the power of our minds and thoughts with Brooke Castillo of the Life Coach School. I found her last summer. Did the program for a few months, felt overwhelmed and stopped. A few weeks ago I had the thought, 'I'd really like to look after my mental health, and what Brooke teaches is going to give me the support I need.' Starting in June, I'm back in the program and so excited! If this is resonating with you at all, I can't recommend Brooke's podcast enough. Go take a walk, listen to an episode (or two!) and have a beautiful day. xx

Eco Outfit Details

LEATHER JACKET The Sway NYC #upcycled

CROPEPD SWEATSHIRT Bon Label (gifted) #ethical #sustaianblefabric

DISTRESSED JEANS Current Elliot #madeinUSA

CORK LEATHER CLUTCH Manny + Blinn (sponsored) #vegan #ethicallymade

Many thanks to Manny + Blinn for sponsoring this post. They make incredible cork leather products which if you haven't felt the smooth awesomeness of cork leather, now is the time. 

Photos by Cole Buckhart in downtown Jackson Hole, WY. Yeeehaaah! 

Make Space

I was having dinner with a couple of remarkable ladies the other night, and our conversation veered towards a vulnerable place. Through the natural flow of conversation we found ourselves identifying and speaking up for the need to make space. I'm not talking about cleaning out your closet, though I'm a fan of that too. What we were connecting to was the real and necessary human need we have to create enough space in our lives and minds to gain clarity and ask ourselves what we truly want from this life.

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

It was a powerful realization. I had been sharing my story of how I moved to LA last year and had an extremely challenging time. It was one of the hardest years of my life, to date. Yet, with that experience, I found my way and without a road map I began to make space for myself. I made time to read. I hiked almost daily in the Santa Monica Mountains and would prompt myself to think about what I wanted to do next on the way up, while letting it all go and simply appreciating the view and the fresh air on the way down. I wrote morning pages, and listened to smart and interesting podcasts. I attended conferences and dinner parties with inspiring people. Somehow, some part of me knew that I needed to push myself to expand and create more space to see what was possible. 

And through this make shift process I found myself again. With clarity and focus I received guidance from within. It was (and still is) incredible. It wasn't until I was sharing this at dinner and one of the women pointed out the value of creating that space that I realized how important the process was. Or that my doing it created a model for others. I want to do some version of it regularly. It's a way of checking in with our truest selves, I think. How about you? How do you make space for yourself and align with what's truly wanted of you in this life?

ECO OUTFIT DETAILS

For this look, I pulled this dress from Penny Lane Cooperative. PLC is a local store in Jackson, Wyoming that showcases work and products from local artists. It's fantastic! The owner, Andi Keenan, has done an amazing job of curating a clothing boutique in the front of the space and housing pop-up stalls featuring a variety of local artists and producers in the back. As an active member of the community, she uses the space regularly to host how-to parties (they recently had one about making essential oil blends and beauty products!) and community events. 

I'm thrilled PLC is part of our small town scene, and can't wait to engage more fully with this special place. Check out their EVENTS page to see what's on deck!

Photos by Cole Buckhart. :)