I'm writing this post at 430am. I've come to realize that I work better, creatively, when it's either super early or super late. I thrive in those quiet hours when my mind can finally race. Times when there's no noise traffic to compete with my thoughts. I also love to get into that sensitive state when I'm holding onto those remaining energy reserves before I crash... hard. It's that down to the wire sense of crazy that helps me to think the clearest.
Anyway. I've been suffering from a bit of writer's block. So I'm glad to feel this electric push to write tonight.. or technically this morning I guess!
Like most of you out there, my new years resolutions revolve around self-care. Not only physical, but mental health as well. I tend to let things cloud my mind from focusing on myself. Whether it be romantic relationships, family, friends, work, whatever. This year I vow to make conscious decisions towards the resolution to be kind of, selfish? For lack of a better word.
Lately, I've been reflecting on my mental state around this time last year. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I wasn't the best. I honestly can't believe I never wrote about it, but because of those feelings I decided to pull the plug and went to Sydney, Australia and Bali, Indonesia. It was a remarkable trip, where I spent majority of the time alone. I got to converse with numerous strangers, soak up rich foreign culture and sun, and most importantly... get in tune with myself and truly enjoy my own company.
This trip had a lasting impression on me. It showed me that no matter where you are in the world, no matter what situation you find yourself in.. you can always count on one person to be there with you through it all. That person is yourself! So I realized that I better damn well trust my instincts and get to know who I am, for I am my only lifelong partner.
I found a lot out about myself in two short weeks. I realized that I feel best when I take some time to actually do all of the little things I enjoy. It has become an understanding that these things aren't wants.. they're needs! If I find myself craving to go on a walk around a new town, take 3 yoga classes in a row, stand still with my face turned up towards that bright big ball of fire.. then I must do it.
I vow to feed these small cravings.
The first action I made this year is that I joined a yoga studio. An amazing one. It reminds me of the intimate classes I went to daily in Bali. I can easily close my eyes and find myself back in that tropical hut of a yoga studio in Ubud. There's no sense of competition. Just movement, relaxation, and a few exercises on meditation. There's also at least one donation based class a day for the owner believes in everyone having access to the benefits of yoga! The studio is called Yogala in Echo Park.
The next thing I've started to do is at least 30 minutes before I go to bed each night, I put my phone across the room from me. Plug it in for the night away from arms reach. This not only gives me designated time to read and write, but also helps get my ass up. Literally... like, I have to walk across my small room to turn off the alarm each morning.
I plan on doing whatever it is I can in order to get into that state of mind I had during those two weeks last March. Living for the now, clearing my head, and just really enjoying myself.
Everyday... even at 430am.
Location: NSW, Australia & Bali, Indonesia
Photos taken on Canon Disposables & iPhone