WHAT I’M UP TO
There’s no time of year like that week between Christmas and New Year’s. Even New Yorkers take it easy. Most companies shut down but even if yours doesn’t, it feels like an unofficial vacation because clients, co-workers and vendors are most likely OOO. The city remains relatively empty, as locals are still traveling and only a few brave tourists venture outside of midtown if they’re here for the ball drop. Anyone in the city during this time is lucky, especially this year. It’s been unusually warm which makes for excellent walking conditions, and when paired with the lack of usual crowds it’s just a great time to be in New York.
In 2015, I chose one word to be the focus of the year. It was more of an undercurrent that drove my decisions and inner work than a splashy, outward truth. Whenever I wanted to call an intention, or felt lost on what to do in any given situation, I came back to this word. Perform. To me, it meant to look entirely within — not around. Focusing on perform allowed me to be in myself and with myself in ways that I was too uncomfortable not to, which resulted in many revelations. Perhaps most of all, I experienced a level of healing, getting to know the demons of my eating disorder and therefore, disempowering them.
Last week I revealed I’d be journaling, resting and creating more. I’m still thinking on a word for this year, but I’m leaning toward Manifest.
SEVEN THINGS
Rude nude incense holders. No words, just feelings. Big hearts. I sense a theme of nudity for 2016, and I like it.
Reading #girlboss. Totally late to the party on this one, I know, but there’s a lot of valuable information slung about in this part memoir, part business book.
Consciously consuming. Taking advantage of the Reformation sale. And nope, this is not a paid promotion. I got this long coat in black and this dress, also in black (of course).
Getting my shit together. I signed up up for “Getting and Keeping Your Shit Together” — a workshop at Kula Yoga. If you sign up, let me know in the comments. We can hang and be proud that our shit is together, together.
Studying periods. I’m totally rediscovering Woman Code, the book that changed my view on birth control last year. My “birth control” journey has been full of ups and downs — but I’m hoping to kick it in the new year. I’m also considering the IUD, which is a whole other conversation. So much to say about these things.
Signing up for a HeyDay subscription. Because 1. it’s affordable 2. the products are green and 3. wedding is in nine months — time to start perfecting the skin!
Proof that physical activity does indeed sharpen the mind. So your pal who has a regular yoga practice is disciplined and quick to wit for a reason: her practice gives her more better neurons.
Thanks for sharing Woman Code. Periods are topic I’ve been avoiding for years, and I’m glad they are coming up more than ever in conversation. Please post anything interesting you come across, especially related to IUDs.
I highly recommend it. I’ve heard mixed reviews about IUDs — mostly that they’re a great solution for women who have already had children. They can cause some pretty awful-sounding complications for women who haven’t (and even some who have), though I also have a couple child-less friends who swear by theirs. I will be writing lots about going off the pill and about natural birth control next year, as I take that journey.