2018 Love and Gratitude

As the year is coming to a close, I want to make a post thanking some people who have really made a difference in my life. Those that have truly touched my heart during this year.

Donna :

Meeting you, was definitely a highlight, of my year. From the moment we met, it seemed, we had known each other, all of our lives. This lovely woman, is my twin. We enjoy nearly all of the same things; from having the same favorite movie, (one from Old Hollywood), to eating creamsicles, late at night. We share the same sense of humor, and seriously need to entertain the idea of doing a podcast together. I'm not sure the world is ready for us : P

Janae :

Us meeting was divine intervention. The limited time we spent together, this past winter, was extremely meaningful to me. This woman is a literal angel...the sweetest soul you'll ever meet, with the purest heart. It's virtually impossible to be sad in Janae's presence; she's a ray of sunshine. I saw her in LA, in October, and had tears of happiness rolling down my face. I thank G-d, you have been brought into my life, and look forward to our future adventures together.

Patricia :

My sweet doll, Patricia...We met five years ago. Where does the time go? I'll never forget the outpouring of love you showed me. Patricia and I met at a business and networking conference. Near the end of the week, she approached me, took my hands into hers, and we shared the most beautiful conversation...about my value in this world and the mark I would make. We've kept in contact over the years, but this year, we reconnected; it's meant so much to me. Patricia and Scot, her husband, are truly family. I'm grateful for their love and constant prayers.

Nathalie :

We all need a friend that is the voice of reason...that's my Nats! We met at a spiritual convergence, a year ago, and have remained close. She's the voice I hear, when I start to second guess myself. She frequently will call and send me sweet texts, letting me know, she's thinking about me. Nathalie is such a beautiful, creative soul; she truly enriches my life. 

Gina :

Gina, my love! We have been "friends" for a couple of years, but got really close this year. We instantly hit it off and our souls just knew one another. Our goals and paths are very similar and I just feel so much love and gratitude for this girl! It was no coincidence that we came into each others lives and I know that we're in it together, for the long haul...We're going to change the world, girlie!

Tehrah :

My "Momma T" has been my biggest blessing of 2018; I'm unable to formulate the proper words. Both of us, have been on quite the journey, the past few years. During the past year, we have shared and experienced so much. I'm truly blessed to have had her by my side. Tehrah has imparted wisdom, from her life experiences, supported me in my personal growth, and shown me an abundance of love... sometimes tough love... but I know, she always has my best interest at heart. 

Many of my newer friendships, stem from other beautiful people, in my life. I am truly grateful to have so many wonderful friends. The year 2018, has brought me a few new angels, and has solidified many of my existing relationships. So, a thank you to all of my other lovely friends. I love you! <3 

What are three things you are grateful for? P.S. Stay tuned for my first giveaway!

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

Gratitude After Thanksgiving

Happy Monday...I hope everyone had a nice weekend and holiday. I saw Stevie Nicks in concert last night and it was wonderful! 

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, what about the other 364 days of the year? 

This year will be coming to a close very soon. Why not create some new habits right now? Have a mindset of being grateful every day and not just on a holiday.  

It's easy to get caught up in this fast paced, busy  life we all live...It's easy to focus on what's wrong in our lives...The thoughts we think and what we choose to give our attention to, is the energy we send off into the universe...What we are attracting into our life. When we consciously focus on what we are thankful for, we are sending out positive vibes. Shift your way of thinking from what you are lacking, to the multitude of good that is already present in your life. 

Ready to have an attitude of gratitude? 

Each morning, start out your day by thinking about what you are grateful for.  - You can also create a gratitude journal where you physically jot down what you are thankful for. Click here to read my blog post on creating your own gratitude journal.

Be mindful - Many times throughout the day, I'll remind myself to observe my surroundings and appreciate the present moment. Staying in the NOW, eases our worries, and makes us feel more joy and happiness. 

Share your gratitude with others - There's always room for more love and appreciation. 

Here are few things that I am thankful for:

• Having such wonderful people in my life, who support and love me. 

• Traveling. I truly feel such freedom and my soul becomes more alive. 

• The life lessons I've learned from difficult moments in my life....It has made me stronger and wiser. 

• Sunsets and the changing of the seasons. 

• The unique perspective that each and every one of us brings forth. 

• And...Netflix because of the Gilmore Girls revival (I had to throw that one in there)!

What are you thankful for? 

Also, if you haven't listened to Alicia Key's new song, Holy War...I highly recommend you do so. It's a beautiful song about us all coming together and loving one another.

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

To subscribe to my blog, you can click the subscribe tab at the top of this page, comment, or give it to me personally. I really appreciate it!

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista

21 Things That Make Me Happy

Happy Monday! This week, I am blogging about 21 things that make me happy. :)


1. Getting Inspired - I love the feeling of being inspired. It's like anything is possible and is just an overall good feeling. I get inspiration from nature, reading positive quotes, two of my role models, (Alana Stewart and Yolanda Hadid), when I create a vision board, from other fashion bloggers, from songs, and when I am around like-minded people.

2. Loved ones - Friends and family mean everything to me.

My best friend Ashley

My mom

                                                                                 My dad

Emma, Ashley, and Adrienne 

3. Laughter - I love just talking with someone who makes me laugh. I always look forward to phone calls with my friend Jacqui, because it's non stop laughter when I speak with her.

Fun with some of my favorite people!

My girly, Jacqui

4. Cooking/Vitamix - I love creating a delicious meal. It's very satisfying to know I made it. For the holidays, I received a Vitamix. It's one of my favorite items. I just want to take it everywhere.

5. Traveling - One of my passions in life is traveling. It feeds my soul. I feel incomplete when I haven't traveled in a while. My favorite place to travel is to Denver, Colorado. I have a really close friend who I stay with and I'm at peace when I am there. The mountains and sunsets are beautiful, and I feel spiritually connected to the area.

Wandering around Venice Beach in California

                                                                        The sunset in Denver
    

                                                                          With Dee Dee <3

6. Sentimental items - Some of my favorite belongings evoke a smile and bring me joy.

When I was three, I was given Megan. She was my favorite doll growing up (You can tell she's been loved over the years).

This ring belonged to my grandmother. She was my best friend. When she married my grandfather they took a trip to Arizona, where they met with his family. The ring was given to her by my great grandfather. I wear the ring on a necklace, so that it stays close to my heart.

One of my spiritual mentors and friends, gifted to me a sarong of hers. Whenever, I go on a trip, I take it with me. I feel her positive energy and love and it brings me comfort at times when I am upset. Purple is also my favorite color!

My favorite accessory are rings. I sometimes wear six or seven at a time. A friend of mine gave me a thumb ring that I have been wearing every day for over a year and a half. What is so special about this ring, is that it is a grateful ring. I spin it during my day and think of what I am grateful for. It's a wonderful way to stay in the moment and to foster positive thinking.

7. My dog - Tony. He's my first pet and I can't imagine my life without him.

8. Performing random acts of kindness - My heart is happy when I can help someone. It can be something small like opening a door, or helping them learn how to use an app on their phone. Or it can be something bigger, like volunteering at an assisted living facility or helping with a project. I love to be able to put a smile on someones face.

9. Gratitude/The Universe - I am very spiritual. Manifestation, gratitude and mindfulness play a big part in my life.

10. Smell of a new book

11. Receiving snail mail / Having a package waiting for me

12. Naps

13. Going to temple - Connecting with my faith always makes me happy. My favorite time to go to synagogue is during the summer months. The services are outdoors and it makes for a wonderful evening.

14. Music - I love listening to music. It relaxes me, puts me in a good mood, and inspires me. Some of my favorite artists are: Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Carole King, James Blunt, Tove Lo, Luke Bryan, Melanie Safka, Cher, Neil Diamond, Jewel, Shania Twain, Sarah Brightman, Demi Lovato, and k.d. Lang.

15. Singing - Growing up, I always wanted to be a singer. I've taken vocal lessons and just love to sing.

16. Meeting authentic people - People who are living their truth, and spreading love and positive vibes.  

17. Avocados

18. Colourpop Cosmetics - I am obsessed with this company. I love finding cruelty free/vegan makeup products and their lippie stix and highlighters are some of my favorite beauty products that I own.

                                                              Wearing the "Brills" Lippie Stix

19. Sunshine - The sun is an automatic mood enhancer. I love being able to go for walks and to just sit and be one with nature.

Labyrinth in Sedona, Arizona

                                                                   Sunset at Lake Las Vegas
                                     
20. Learning something new - I love to learn new things. Whether it be from a conversation, a book, a course....I'm always learning...Learning is something that lasts a lifetime. :P

21. Getting out of my comfort zone - Initially, I may feel apprehensive about trying something new and challenging myself to do something I am not so comfortable with. Once I do, I feel accomplished. I obtain new skills and opportunities and am always glad that I chose to go for it.


I hope you enjoyed this post....I'd love to hear what brings you happiness! Let me know in the comment section below.


As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com :)

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can comment your email below or give it to me personally. If for some reason, you are already subscribed and are not receiving an email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

Until next time,
XOXOTheZenFashionista

Creating a Gratitude Journal

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a nice weekend. :)

This week I am writing about creating a gratitude/goal setting journal. You'll find, that over time this is something I will continuously blog about. To read my post that discussed the importance of gratitude and ways to show it in your life, click here. 

When I was about thirteen, a mentor of mine suggested that I start writing positive things about myself and what I was grateful for each day. Before going to sleep, I would write what I liked about myself...my strengths, talents and skills. I jotted down my daily accomplishments, and the reasons I was grateful. I had learned mindfulness at a young age!

Studies have shown, people who express gratitude are happier people. When I'm going through a rough patch, I find that it is the hardest to write about positive things; but that's when you need it most. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness impacts the way you think and will improve your well being in some way. 

When we face a hardship, or a challenge arises in our life, we can still find ways to be grateful. For me, I've learned lessons about trust and the need for setting up boundaries. Turn the negative into a positive - I intend on writing a blog post on reframing and reshaping ones thoughts in the near future. 

Your diary is a place where you can vent. This journal is unique, because it's going to help manifest wonderful things for yourself!

Here are some of the benefits associated with keeping a gratitude/goal journal:

Self awareness - Discover more about yourself

Better health - Toxic emotions are reduced and happiness levels are increased. Immune system is stronger because you are less stressed and more optimistic 

Self Esteem - A boost in your self esteem makes sense if you are writing what you love about yourself...right? 

We live in such a fast paced world, that we take things for granted. Wouldn't it be nice to slow down for a few minutes and appreciate the good things in our life?

I'm going to challenge you to keep a journal for the next thirty days. I believe it takes about two months for something to become a habit. I invite you to expand the length of this challenge, if you so see fit. 

So, how are you going to create your journal?

First, find a notebook or journal that speaks to you. Maybe it's one with a funky pattern or a plain one that you decide to decorate.

Keep in mind, there is not a wrong way to do this. Your approach may be different than someone else's and that's ok. What works for some, might not work for others. Find what you respond best to. 

Some start their day by writing in their journal, while others prefer to do so before bed...Don't limit yourself. If you are out and about and something comes to you, write it down! 

One day you may write five things you're grateful for; another day you could have a list of ten. It isn't about the quantity. Your goal is just to write something each day. 

Lists are great but also feel free to elaborate on why you're grateful. 

Depending on how you choose to express yourself, you may want to draw a picture. Be creative. This is your special journal. 

I will admit, when I first started this process, there were days where it seemed like a chore. I came to realize small things counted...I didn't need to over analyze. Starting a journal where I wrote what I was grateful for and the things I accomplished during the week, set me on a journey of self discovery. Who was judging? Me? If I couldn't be open with myself, then who could I really be honest with? 

I invite you to not only write down what you are grateful for but to include other things as well....

Write down your goals for the day or for the week 

When we physically handwrite our goals out, it's as if we are planting a seed, setting something in motion. 

What were your accomplishments?

Did you finish that assignment? Were you able to get more sleep during the week? Did you clean the bathroom?

Jot down what you like about yourself 

Do you like your eyes? That you're a compassionate person?

A quote that inspires and motivates you

When I'm feeling uninspired, I like to find a positive quote and then journal about the meaning and how I can apply it to my own life. 

It's important to set an intent as well. I found writing it on the inside cover was a good place for mine. Your intent can be as simple as, "I set the intent to be consciously grateful."

Review your journal each month or when you're having a bad day. You've begun to create new neural pathways which will trigger positive emotions.   

I have friends who find meditation to be too difficult for them. If that's the case, then why not try this? This is a a type of mediation because it relaxes and calms the mind. It grounds you when you are journaling about the positives in your life. 

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com 

What are three things you're grateful for today?

Have a wonderful week!

Until next time,

XoxoTheZenFashionista

Thanksgiving Gratitude

With Thanksgiving being this week, I thought I would write a post on gratitude. 

During the holiday season, we usually feel closer to others. We celebrate the holidays by sharing a meal with family, we pick out presents for our friends, and we give back to our communities through donations and volunteering. 

My challenge to you before the end of 2015 is to enhance you attitude of gratitude. Let's not just be thankful on Thanksgiving and during the holidays, but each and every day. 

Gratitude is a two way street. Have you ever noticed that when you pay someone a compliment or do something nice for another person, that you feel good afterwards as well? 

Studies show that practicing gratitude daily makes us happier. It makes us more optimistic and improves our self esteem and well-being. Being grateful positively impacts the people around you and has the power to improve your own life. 

I'm planning on writing handwritten letters expressing my gratitude for the important people in my life and including the letter in their holiday cards I send out each year. 

Here are some interesting and thought provoking ways that you can show gratitude:

Smile at a stranger in passing. 

Speak kindly to yourself - Look in the mirror and give a compliment. 

Pay for the person's coffee who is in line behind you. 

Begin a gratitude journal- Each night, before you go to sleep, write down five things you are grateful for. 

Make eye contact- When interacting with someone, if you make eye contact, you'll show that you are present and paying attention. 

Volunteer your time- at a soup kitchen, nursing home, a veteran's hospital, library, etc.

Start your day happy- When you wake up, find something positive in your life that you are thankful for.

Embrace your mistakes- We are not perfect. Instead of criticizing, allow yourself to move on and grow from the experience. Ask yourself what wisdom you attained or the lesson you learned. 

Spend quality time with friends and family- Put down the electronics and be present to what's going on around you. 

Help the elderly- Offer to carry their groceries, shovel their driveway, invite them to join you for dinner, pump their gas, etc.

Give compliments to people you hardly know- such as your waiter or someone in the checkout line. And of course, compliment those you know too!

Give a belonging away- Have you ever been complimented on something you were wearing or had an item in your possession that someone admired? A piece of jewelry, a scarf, a writing utensil, etc? Next time that happens, consider giving the item away. It will make their day. Being selfless can enhance your well-being. 

Spend less time speaking negatively and gossiping. Instead, focus on sharing something positive. 

Make a donation- Help those in need or give to those who have made immense personal sacrifices to preserve our freedom. Some examples are: Toys For Tots, Salvation Army, Wounded Warrior Project, The Friendship Circle, a local food bank...The list is endless.

When you become stressed during your holiday dinner or when you're part of the chaos on Black Friday, remember this....Make the best of a "bad" situation. Make the conscious choice to live in gratitude! 

What are you thankful for today? Have you performed a random act of kindness yet this week?

Have a lovely holiday weekend!

XoxoTheZenFashionista