COLORADO

Free. Free from the stress of the world.

Looking out across the mountains I didn't feel small, I felt big. I felt as though even though I was one person, I was one person who mattered. I was one person who could make a difference.

A couple of years ago my friend Dana and I decided to go on a very spur of the moment road trip to Colorado. Three days before we left we started to talk about it, but did not have any actual plans. We had no idea where to go, where to stay, or what they heck we were doing, but we just went.

It wasn't until we crossed the Colorado border that we decided we should probably find a place to stay. The two places we decided on was Gunnison National Park and Estes Park. While Gunnison was an absolute wonder, Estes Park stole my heart. We were right by the Rocky Mountains National Park and I was blown away.

Deer walk right up to you, the mountains envelope you in adventure, and your lungs thank you for the fresh air.

The reason I am sharing this story is to tell you to jump in. Don't hold back from the things you want to do because more likely than not there is not a better moment than right now. Don't let excuses like "I have no money" or "now's not the right time" stop you from doing ANYTHING YOU WANT. Take a chance. You not going to regret going.

ANYWAY TO FEEL GOOD

If you don't know by now, I will pretty much do about anything to improve my mental health. Here are some events coming to the Chicago area that will help improve your mental health as well.

1. YOGA & WELLNESS WORKSHOP: Health and wellness specialists, Dr. Jim Lopez and Jodie Baudek, are coming to Athleta for a yoga, breathwork, and wellness workshop. This workship will help you to understand the importance of mind, body, spirit connection, mental and physical self-care, and the power of intention. Now is the time to change negative energy into positive energy with this workshop. Don't forget to bring your yoga mat! Sunday, July 16 // 9-10:30 AM // Athleta - 3415 North Southport Ave, Chicago. 
2. HEALTH AND WELLNESS DINNER: What's better than learning about your health WHILE indulging in a great meal?! I can't think of anything better. Jameson's Charhouse and Lifesource health & wellness will be partnering for a dinner conversation about 5 key ways to elevate your health.  Monday, August 7 // 6:30-9 PM // Jameson's Charhouse - 94 Stratford Dr Bloomingdale. 
3. STRAIGHT TALK ON WOMEN'S HEALTH: Sorry guys, but this one is for the girls. TASH wellness is hosting a movie and discussion group about the film Hungry for Change. This is a complimentary event that brings women together to explore the health, wellness, and fitness issues we've all had questions about. If you are interested in learning more about the diet and weight loss industry, then this is the event for you! Monday, September 11 // 7-9 PM // TASH Wellness for Women - 8816 Bronx Ave., Skokie. 
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A LETTER TO A DAUGHTER'S MOTHER

A letter to a daughter's mother,

There's nothing stronger than a mother-daughter relationship. Growing up your mom is your hero; she's beautiful and funny. Your mother is a strong bad-ass woman who can conquer the world.

But words hurt.

Words hurt especially when they come from this strong influential woman who you thought was supposed to protect. A mother is supposed to lift her daughter up, not drag her down. Not give her hope, then crush it with negativity.

Words hurt and damage self-esteem. Harsh comments and critiques make me think twice when trying on a strapless dress or a swimsuit. Looking in the mirror is always rough because your voice is in the back of my head telling me to "suck it in."

Words hurt when I'm killing myself trying to impress. Staying up extra hours to study for an A on a test, so I could get some kind of an acknoweldgement, only to be dismissed. You used to be a star athlete and a jock, so I tried out for more sports than I knew I could handle because I had something to prove to you: I wasn't a disappointment.

Words hurt mom, but they have made me stronger. Those words broke me and crushed me and ruined our relationship. I have scars and demons from the verbal attacks you thrusted upon me, but I thank you. Those words have made me realize that a daughter does not deserve that.

A daughter deserves love and kindness.

A daughter deserves to be welcomed with open arms no matter what.

A daughter deserves to be told she's beautiful, smart, intelligent, funny, confident, silly and loved.

So, to a daughter's mother, please let your words be full of love. Let every word that crosses your lips send nothing but positivity. This world needs a woman raised of love, not of hatred.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE CONFIDENCE?

How do you define confidence? Is it based on your intelligence or how "pretty" you are? Could it be confidence in the work you do or how many adventures you've been on? Technically, we're all born with confidence.

Think of yourself as a young child, or think of a kid you know. They don't seem to care much what other people think. They do whatever, whenever, and feel not an ounce of guilt for their silly actions. Kids don't look in a mirror and think: "I wish my hips weren't so wide" or "Damn my nose is huge" or "These stretch marks are HIDEOUS". Kids don't do that. I didn't as a young child and you didn't as a young child.

So, what changed? Who allowed us to think so un-highly of ourselves and why are WE allowing ourselves to be afflicted by their comments?

You are born with confidence, so don't let it diminish. Don't let someone or something let you think you are less than you are. Be proud of who you are and the accomplishments you have made. Be proud of your mistakes; own up to them and learn from them. This is what makes me confident, and this is what should make you more confident in yourself.

Everyone makes mistakes and everyone is always going to have something to say about, but be confident in who your are, the things you've done, and the answers you provide.

How do you define confidence?

SO YOU WANT TO GO BLONDE

It is never a good decision to go blonde, trust me. Every summer there are three re-occurring trends: tan skin, short shorts, and lighter hair. Let's make something very clear before this post gets out of control. There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING BLONDE. This post is simply to make fun of myself for thinking I could bleach my hair and it would look completely fine. If you couldn't guess from the title it obviously does not go fine.
My whole life I have experimented with different hair colors (the perks of having a mother whose a hairstylist), but never had I the kahonas to bleach my entire head. It wasn't until my freshman year of college when I decided to take the plunge. Now let me just say that I have very dark brown hair with very dark brown eyebrows.
Four bleach sessions later and a burning scalp, and my hair was finally blonde - bleach blonde. I do not even know how to explain how bad it was, so here's a humiliating photo for the internet to cringe at.

My head is in my hands right now, since you can't physically see my pain. My word of advice it if you know it's not going to look good, you probably shouldn't do it. This picture is proof.

5 WAY TO DE-STRESS

Stress: it's consuming. You know that feeling on a roller coaster where your at the very tip of a drop, and as tip over the edge and fly down, you feel as though you left your stomach at the top? That is how stress takes over. It feels as though your thoughts are going to fast for your brain to keep up. It not only begins to become mentally exhausting, but physically and emotionally draining.

If you're feeling stressed out, then take a breath. Take a deep breath, and read these 5 ways on how to de-stress.

1. EXERCISE: I know, it's so cliche, but it works. It does not have to be some insane three hour long session. A simple 30 minute walk can do the trick. Go out an enjoy the incredible Chicago humidity. Working out helps reduce stress because while working out your body is releasing endorphins, which act as a natural painkiller. These endorphins are also going to help you get some sleep, which also reduces stress. Really it's a win win!
2. MEDITATE: Just let me explain before you role your eyes. Meditation is not hippie stuff. Meditation is about creating a mindset that can help you relax and enjoy things a bit more than you normally would. By taking a single minute out of your day to deep breath and meditate can increase your self-esteem which in turn reduces stress AND anxiety. Why would you not want to give that a try?!
3. LISTEN TO SOME BOMB ASS MUSIC: Oh the power of music. It is insane to consider that just listening to music can completely change your mood. The power of a single song can allow decrease your blood pressure and heart rate. Put on your favorite music, and just relax or dance it out or whatever it is that this song makes you want to do. 
4. CUDDLE A CAT: Puppies, kittens, and babies. Nobody can resist playing with any of them. Whether your a dog person, a cat person, or a baby person, the sight of them lifts your spirits and puts a smile on your face. They are just too cute not to smile. Interacting with animals releases oxytocin which is a chemical in the brain that promotes a positive attitude. 
5. JOURNAL: Sometimes it helps to just write it down. Whatever is racing through your mind just put it down on a piece of paper. You may even want to start a journal and keep track of your own thoughts. Journaling lifts a weight of your shoulders because maybe what you're thinking isn't something you necessarily want to share with someone. Instead of bottling everything up, journal it out. 

13 REASONS WHY

   

"No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people."

-Jay Asher

On March 31 of this year, Netflix released the series 13 Reasons Why. For anyone who has not heard of the show, let me fill you in. 13 Reasons Why follows the story of high school student Hannah Baker and why she took her own life. Hannah creates 7 double sided cassette tapes with 13 explanations as to why she did what she did. The tapes are passed along to the individuals who are in some way, shape or form, one of the reasons. 

Since the release of the show, it has received an immense amount of both negative and positive feedback. The entire theme of the show surrounds suicide, which is a topic people tend to shy away from. Suicide is not an easy topic to speak about, but it needs to be spoken about.
The main concern people are having with this series is that it "glamorizes" suicide. After her death, Hannah becomes more popular and more spoken about around the school. People begin to care for her after her death more than when she was alive. Another concern of the show airing is the affect it may have on people who already suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. The show features extremely graphic scenes, especially when it comes to Hannah's death, and this could trigger negativity for someone who struggles with mental health already.
There is a bigger picture to this series that is simply being missed. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth, yet it remains a "too touchy" subject. The reality is that suicide is a problem, and 13 Reasons Why is addressing that problem. It is bringing it to the table to help people feel more comfortable about speaking of suicide. Most importantly, it makes you recognize potential signs of someone who may be suicidal, but is too afraid or embarrassed to come forward.
13 Reasons Why brings the conversation of youth suicide and depression to the table. This is a problem that needs to be addressed and this series is the first step. 

SO IT BEGINS

Hey everyone! My dog Manny's butt and I wanted to say hello before we start this enormous journey into the blogging world. I am not exactly where to start, so here are a few things about myself.

1. I just graduated from college with a degree in public relations, and I am over the moon about it!
2. Sarcasm is the only way I get through the day, and tacos. Always choose tacos... with avocado, duh. 
3. My pets are my children. Literally my children. I have two dogs, Ella and Manny, and two cats, Winnie and Chile. If it were up to me I'd have chickens and cows and horses and definitely more cats and definitely more dogs. 
4. Claire Marshall is my goddess.
5. I have an (almost) unhealthy relationship with coffee. 
6. My days off are currently devoted to watching Married at First Sight.
7. Twitter is my enemy. 

So this is it, well some of it. I have to admit that I am a tad nervous to begin this journey. Blogging is something that I have always wanted to do, but could never commit myself to doing. Honestly, I have no clue as to why. I am excited, nervous, anxious, and thrilled to be here with you guys as this blog begins. Here it goes!