The first day of autumn calls for celebration! This season is so magical! The fashion, the weather, the food, the activities - everything is just filled with extra whimsy in autumn. And I know this is a tad morbid, but none of us know how long we have on this earth. Every single day we wake up is a huge blessing. And I'm going to honor that blessing by finding small or large ways to celebrate the every day. Autumn is the perfect season to easily feel re-inspired by life, and now that I'm a member of Parlor, a version of the lifestyle I've always dreamed about is easily accessible. Here's a peek into some activities and environments I want to indulge in this invigorating season. 

1. Visit a countryside vineyard for a wine-tasting
2. Take a scenic train ride to new city/country (Canada is calling my name) 
3. Attend an art gallery event with bubbly or wine 
4. Go to a NYFW show - signed up for a charity one through Parlor 
5. Dine alfresco 
6. Fall picnic in central park 
7. Explore a castle. Idk why, an enchanting castle is just weighing on my heart so I need to follow through with that wish 
8. Find cute tea cups in an antique store 
9. Buy a beautiful nightgown at a vintage shop 
10. Sip red wine in an outdoor hot tub 
11. Treat myself to a luxe facial 
12. Solo date to the new cafe/book store in NYC. I want to order a glass of wine and enjoy a fun seasonal book - there are so many on my bookshelf that I've been needing to read 
13. Make popcorn and watch a cozy thriller via candle-light 
14. Make charm bracelets in the city 
15. Go to a candle-making workshop in Jersey City 
16. Paint in the park 
17. Check out QC Spa on Govs Island 
18. Dine and dance at Gitanos on Govs Island 
19. Cuddle with baby animals 
20. Volunteer 

September is one of the sweetest months of the year. As we transition from summer to autumn, there's a certain magic that lingers in the air. My energy and essence always feel revived in the fall. Maybe because I try to prioritize rest and slowing down every summer. Well, not so much physically, but I took a mental break from allowing stress to dominate me. 

My body and psyche were exhibiting all the signs of burnout, so I knew it was time to hit pause on heavily pursuing some of my big goals. I took a break from putting pressure on myself and beating myself up for not doing enough to create a life that excites me instead of drains me. I decided to just enjoy my days (outside of needing the clock in for a freaking paycheck) as much as possible and embrace a season of just being. 

And that brief emotional PTO was vital for my well-being. Now I can bounce back from my burnout and mindfully continue on my journey to cultivate a well-lived life. I want romance, intimacy, security, abundance, travel, passion, a f*cking regulated nervous system, and little babies (in like 4-5 years). If I want those things for myself, I have to adopt the habits that will bring those blessings into my life and remove the toxic patterns that block them. But letting go of the poisonous, yet comforting habits that help me temporarily escape my pain isn't an easy process. Honestly, it's painful and filled with grief, discomfort and panic. But if learning to navigate those heavy emotions gracefully is the price I need to pay to finally receive what my heart and soul truly long for, then oh my f*cking God, it is soooooo worth it! 

In other words, she's baaaaaaaaccccckkk! And she (aka ME) is stronger and wiser. It is time to ascend to a new, healthier level once again... but without the self-sabotaging, anxious, neurotic, draining energy. I want to enjoy this journey of becoming a spiritually, physically, mentally, and financially healthier version of myself. I want to arrive at that destination via self-love, grace, gratitude, and confidence. What is the point of pursuing your dreams if you are beating yourself up every step of the way, telling yourself you aren't good enough, and making yourself miserable? I hate to break it to you, but if you create your goals in that type of draining energy, you will be just as miserable once you get to the other side of your goals. 

Now I'm not saying you need to be happy 24/7 and avoid your negative emotions. I'm actually saying the exact opposite. We need to embrace the good and the bad and give ourselves grace while going through this one life we have. We have to find little moments of pure bliss throughout the day. And most importantly, we have to learn from our downfalls, shortcomings, or bad breaks instead of beating ourselves up for not being perfect. And that, my friends, is one of the biggest secrets to mindfully pursuing our goals. 

Autumn is the season of harvest, and the fruits (blessings, well-being, abundance) we've been cultivating are going to be oh-so-sweet. Sending you lots of love. 

XOXO, 

Nia Maria