I'm not going to lie, 2019 was simultaneously one of the best years of my life and probably the absolute worst year of my life. There were amazing, life-changing experiences, I got to meet and hang out with lots of my favorite artists and adopted a newfound family who has been there for me when the ones who were supposed to love me, haven't.  I stepped outside of my comfort zone completely, embracing life that always lived on the other side of fear and insecurities. I have done and achieved things I never dreamed possible. In these ways, 2019 was amazing. 

That said, 2019 also absolutely broke me. I suffered absolutely gut-wrenching losses, and under the worst and most painful circumstances ever. People and things I always assumed would be there, unconditionally, proved quite differently and shattered my soul. The therapy bills are real and very expensive, but I'm thankful for my adopted family, support groups, and the ability to grow. What broke my heart has fixed my vision, and in 2020, it's all about taking care of myself first, even if it means making choices others might not understand. When we know where we stand, we can only do better, redirect our energies, and move forward.....Even if healing sometimes feels impossible. 

One way I've been taking care of my wellness is by mindfulness and meditation. Some people drink a bottle of wine or three to cope, or play combat video games...I don't drink a drop, and I'm not a gamer, so meditation is more my speed. I like things nice and calm, and I don't believe in using substances to cope. In order to heal and truly break cycles, one has to allow themselves to actually feel....Even if the healing hurts just as badly as the wound. This is where meditation and mindfulness can help. 

Lately, I'm really digging this meditation card set from the folks at Enlightened Anonymous. These cards are thoughtful, inspired, and really get you thinking about life and the world more deeply. The cards are wonderful guides, and are arranged by chakra. 

We spent Xander's 9th birthday at the FABULOUS Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio! Here are a ton of pics from our stay. Please note: This trip was NOT sponsored in any way. I paid for the entirety, and am just sharing pics because we had a blast! If you are near a Kalahari Resort, we definitely highly recommend! This was a wonderful way to celebrate, and a great escape from the Cleveland cold! 

It's 2020, everyone! With a new year comes new goals and resolutions. I personally hate the term "New Year's Resolution", as it seems too daunting and I end up setting myself up for failure that way. Every positive change I've ever made, from eliminating soda pop to quitting smoking for GOOD after many years of partaking in that nasty habit, came from focusing on creating better habits rather than having some unrealistic yearly assignment that I absolutely HAD to succeed at. That is just too much pressure, and no one has time for that, right?!

The dedication to replacing bad habits with much better ones has always been easier for me than sticking to those pesky, and often fleeting, New Year's Resolutions. Sounds silly, I know, but sometimes just the way you talk to yourself and choose to see things makes all the difference in the world. They say it takes 3 weeks to form a new habit or lifestyle change, and for me, that's been about right. 

Now that the Holidays are behind us, and life is finally back to normal, I do have some personal changes I'd like to make. For one, I need to up my water game. I actually drink a TON of water, but it's always in the form of what I call "Snob Water". You know, those fancy, flavored seltzer waters that come in pretty cans and cost way too much? Yep. Those. I spend entirely too much on those, and don't drink nearly enough plain old water. This is a habit I'm trying to curb because not only do these waters cost an arm and a leg to buy regularly, they also produce a lot of unnecessary waste. As a fairly eco-conscious consumer, I care about the environment and want to create better, Earth friendly habits. Single use vessels are just not it, and it can take single use plastics up to 400 YEARS to break down. No bueno. 

This is where the Genesis Hydration System from Zak! Designs swoops in to save the day! If you're not familiar with Zak!, I highly recommend checking them out. They have a wide range of fun, yet functional tableware and drinkware for the whole family. Their designs are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and built to last. They even have amazing products with the kiddos in mind, too!