Simplifying Into 2020

Winter is in full bloom in New York yet I’m still very happy to be here. Just the other day I was in Puerto Rico for work, contemplating whether I should move abroad somewhere sunny near the water, and though nothing is really off the table for me, I know that I am in the right place at the right time now.

I’ve been melting into some sweet time off, refusing to fly anywhere else. It’s nice to feel as though I actually live in this great city and to enjoy the pleasantries of ordinary life — my own bed, in my little brick-walled room, taking the subway to different parts of the city, writing at my go-to coffee shop, and meeting with friends! Shout out to my supportive friend Ali, who just moved here and made my world a little brighter, too! 🙂

Traveling a ton and not really having an ordinary life (whatever that really means) has increased my gratitude for simplicities — but above all, for the sensation of being grounded in a place and in myself. Routine and familiarity can be really good for the soul. I think we just need to be aware of becoming complacent & overly comfortable with something that isn’t serving us. That is when we reassess & rearrange. Despite our trying though, life is always in flux, so we will eventually need to adapt ~ and that keeps things exciting.

As you might tell, themes of stability, grounding, and simplicity have been flowing through my mind lately. (My last newsletter was about revisiting core needs — check it out here if you haven’t read it).

Sometimes life gets complicated, our minds run wild, and worry and anxiety can take hold. For me, it often manifests as this sensation of “being all over the place.” When this happens, I’ve found it helpful to sink into some routines: journaling, exercise, cooking, and sleeping at consistent times, to name a few. They remind me to lean into the moment and into the day with steady ease. They ensure I am taken care of before tackling any tasks.

I’ve noticed that lot of my stress and anxiety comes from thinking “I’m not doing enough.” It’s the never-ending “to do list,” a large appetite for creative expression, and the drive to succeed and achieve that both inspires and drives me crazy.

I don’t want to lose the spark to create, but I also want to make life easier for myself, so I’m choosing to come into 2020 with some renewed simplicity.

I recently watched a video by Sorelle called “Work Less and Achieve More” which resonated and inspired me to share some insights with you. In the video she talks about how our society is obsessed with constantly “doing” and when we scale back and actually do less, we can create with more passion, and subsequently, more impact.

These are some ways you can scale back at the end of 2019 & into 2020 in order to support your physical and mental health and ultimately create more joy and impact with the work you do/make. Of course, feel free to create your own list and to adjust as needed 🙂

When it comes to the “to do list”: remove the shit that you’re never going to do/ don’t really have to do. Just.Let.It.Go. Prioritize and set forth three main tasks for the day. If inspiration and creativity call, do that. Have fun.
Prioritize what consistently makes you feel good. Pump your energy into it. For me it’s writing. Despite having interest in other things, like making videos, or podcasts — writing is just what feels most natural and cathartic to me, so that’ll come #1.
Listen to your body. It knows what you need. Rest? Movement? Play? Nourishing food? It’ll let you know if you tune in.
Before starting something new, ask yourself: “What is my intention behind doing this?” Is it out of joy, service, passion, or because it’ll make you feel more worthy and loved? Know that you are inherently loved/beautiful/complete/ beyond measure and nothing can make you any more or any less.

Let me know what you think and how you choose to simplify before 2020.

A Trip Through Time

The greatest perk of being a flight attendant are the travel benefits, which I hadn’t yet used *for fun*. I’d been so consumed in adjusting to this lifestyle, moving, and visiting my boyfriend in Utah, that I hadn’t yet tapped into this blessing.

I finally had the perfect opening, and seized the opportunity to travel to my favorite place in the world: Lisbon, Portugal. On my way back home, I was granted a first class seat that fully reclined into a bed. It was a moment of total gratitude.

I’d imagined that one day, I would travel this luxuriously, but I never anticipated it would happen so soon. I used to think that in order to experience certain luxuries, I would have to be super rich. This experience alone reminded me that abundance can show up in so many fun ways other than a paycheck, and that life is constantly blessing us. I wrote about abundance in one of my previous newsletters, if you’d like to read more on that topic.

Soul City

7 years ago, Lisbon stole my heart. I had been studying abroad in Spain when I took a trip with classmates to Lagos, Portugal and had one of the best weekends of my life. Portugal had never been on my radar ’til then, so I decided to check out Lisbon shortly after. It was the second trip I took on my own, which was very meaningful to me. Solo-travel has changed my life by changing the relationship I have with myself and with the world. I discuss this more thoroughly in my latest video.

Anyways, when I walked through Lisbon, something clicked. It was as if I had found my soul-city — something I didn’t even know existed. It felt warm and familiar, like home — yet it delighted and awakened me, the way hearing a beautiful song for the first time stirs your soul. I returned for my last weekend in Europe before going back to the US, and never imaged it would take so long to get back…

It was naive to think I would have the exact same experience returning. After all, 7 years is plenty of time for a place to shift, and even more so — for my own perceptions to change. I was a little disappointed to see how flooded with tourists Lisbon is now, because I loved how authentic and raw it used to feel. Nevertheless, it still pulled my heart strings the way it always does. On my last day, I followed my intuition and wandered through lonelier streets still seemingly reserved for locals, reconnecting with that authentic and down-to-earth energy I fell in love with.

The biggest take away from the trip though, was reconnecting with my younger-self. I was 21 when I fist encountered Lisbon, and returning allowed me to consider where I was in life back then. I used to think that my 21-year-old-self was so different & unexperienced compared to where I am today. I actually realized how much a past-version of myself could teach me.

21-year-old Gaby was a true free-spirit. She was led by a huge desire to see the world, seizing each opportunity to visit new places. This was the start of a new era, where she began to spend time in new environments alone, learning to dance between loneliness and a fondness for her own company. Though she was experiencing some heart-break, she made sure to have plenty of fun, making some of the most epic memories to date. She let herself be free, sometimes to the point of overindulgence — yet, she bounced back from anything, flowing and perceiving with a positive attitude. A newfound sense was coming over her, of just how capable it was to make her dreams come true.

Thinking back, I realized what a transformative time that was for me, and how much I owe to that younger version of myself. That spark, adventurous spirit, and courage is what propelled me to see and experience so much to this point. I’ve learned I could incorporate more of her sense of freedom and fun-loving ways. As I get older, I tend to take myself more and more seriously, feeling the weight of having to accomplish, succeed, and figure shit out on a certain timeline. What if the path is simply to live, to explore, and to keep the focus on what brings us joy? Where would we go if we flowed a little more, trusting the timing of our lives?

I spent a day in Lisbon hanging out with some girls in their early 20’s from Spain. They were kind, funny, wise (and vegan environmentalists) — all qualities I admire. Unsure of what they really want to do with their lives, they were taking some time off to explore the world, finding creative ways to do so on a budget. We sat down for coffee after a morning of walking through the windy, upward roads of the Alfama district.

The conversation turned to my career, and I shared my ambitions for the future with them. “It’s so nice to hear someone with goals,” one responded.

“Someone who knows what their goals are,” another clarified. It hit me in that moment, that I had in fact, come a long way in that respect. I can finally pin-point what I want to achieve.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t know what I really wanted at your age either,” I related.

But, reflecting now, I think I always knew the gist. Maybe all I ever really wanted was to live a life I’m proud to live.

Align to That Which You Seek

Today I’d like to invite you to challenge the way you were taught to seek happiness, or whatever feeling it is you desire to find.

We grew up believing that we needed things, experiences, accomplishments, and even people to make us feel happy, validated, and complete. We chased titles/careers, material wealth, and relationships only to find another ladder to climb at the end of each goal completed. Have you noticed that the seeking never really ends? You can get what you really wanted and shortly after, feel like there’s something else to reach for in order to be fully satisfied.

Becoming a flight attendant was a goal I really wanted to accomplish not too long ago. I begged the universe to help me land this opportunity and worked my butt off preparing for the interviews. I thought this job would be the perfect addition to my life; that I would no longer feel “lost,” or “stuck” and be set free with the opportunity to travel.

Yet, once I got it, it was entirely too easy to focus on the problems and difficulties within the industry. That “stuck” feeling continued to haunt me despite having obtained what I thought was the answer. I felt confined by my schedule and all the time away from home, and when I was in a place I really enjoyed, it was tainted with the sadness of having to leave shortly after.

These were some of the reasons not to be happy yet. And that’s when I realized I was in a perpetual state of suffering: always wanting more or something different in order to feel free.

Freedom is one of my most important values, the motivation behind so many life decisions, and what I always seem to be chasing.

But I decided that if I were to lead a fulfilled life, I would have to put an end to the never-ending chase and tap into all the ways that I’m already free. A.k.a.“align with the vibration of freedom.” When I talk about aligning to a vibration, what I mean is getting into the state of your desired feeling, in order to attract that which we want in life (Law of Attraction).

I pulled out my journal and started a list of different ways I’m free, discovering so much I’d taken for granted. I’m free to consume the books/films/music I choose; I’m free to dress how I want, I’m free to journal and mediate, I’m free to laugh and play. On a larger scale, I have total creative freedom (like writing this newsletter and making videos) which is so so valuable to me. Plus my job does allow me to travel and see the people I love around the world, which is the closest thing to teleporting I can get right now.

I was so taken aback by the incredible amount of ways I’m already free. I sat with that appreciation and let it light me up. It felt like I could finally ease into the adventure of this very moment. I could finally perceive how everything was flowing naturally and working out for me.

Since then, my attitude towards work has totally changed and in turn, I’m having more fun on a daily basis. I am finally sitting back, enjoying the journey, and appreciating the gifts picked up along the way.

It’s human to have this insatiable thirst for more; to believe that something else has the key to our happiness and completion. But as we grow, we learn to find that which we seek is already in our hands. We have the power of emotion and of perception, which once cultivated and tweaked can shape how we experience our reality.

And in my reality, I am finally free. How about yours?

What is Self-Care?

I am so happy to be writing from home! These past couple weeks have been insane with “summer flying.” I’d been warned about how busy the airline industry could get during the summer but I was not mentally prepared for all the reroutes and fast pace of things.

It’s so good to finally have moments to sit back and breathe. To enjoy the comforts of home (particularly the couch) and to check in with myself. I am intently focused on self-care during these few days of rest.

Yesterday my partner and I melted into the couch and today I have a little spa day planned. Not only that, but I also booked a psychic reading with someone I found through a podcast.

This got me thinking about self-care and what that really means. Self-care usually connotes images of women in face masks or getting massages, but there are so many other fun and creative ways that we can check in and take care of ourselves—physically, mentally, spiritually.

For me, today it means getting a psychic reading because it’s fun and it gives me spiritual direction.

Self-care could also mean taking the time out of the day to face time with good friends, getting lost in laughter and conversation, or driving to a random town for the hell of it.

Sometimes it’s not exciting per se, but it could be exactly what you need, like eating ice cream in the bath tub, or spending an entire day watching TV, letting your body fully relax and my mind drift for a while.

Sometimes it is more cliche for me— like getting my eyebrows and nails done so I can feel amazing on the inside and outside. (Personally, I’ve found a strong correlation between how I look and how I feel).

My point is: you get to decide what self care looks like for you and it’s important to take note of when you’re in dire need of it. Better yet, to recognize when you could use some lovin’ before you’re in serious need of it, and to incorporate it into some sort of routine. I know I need some attention when my body starts aching, my patience thins, and my mind falls down a negative spiral. It’s then that I know I have to make the time for myself and replenish.

What are your self-care methods? I would love to know! Respond back to this email or connect on instagram @gabrielammelgar

Love,

Gabriela

PS-

Last week I made a Youtube video titled “Surrender to a Bigger Plan.” It was inspired by reading “The Universe Has Your Back” & talks about how “surrendering” has created more peace and happiness in my life.

You can check it out here

I’m getting in the groove of creating weekly videos. If you’d like to subscribe, head to my youtube channel.

I’m Back!

9 weeks later… I’m back!

First time writing in a while and I already feel like crying. The last two months of my life have been a whirlwind of emotions, late nights, stress, and beautiful moments of connection, leading up to the unmatched joy of new beginnings.

All of it begs to be expressed and released through me—writing is one of the ways I choose to do it.

In case you didn’t read my newsletter sent out roughly 9 weeks ago—I was in flight attendant training for 8 weeks, and announced I may not be writing for a while. Most moments were spent either in class, studying, or sleeping. I have never been so intently focused on, and immersed in one subject matter in my life.

Being the creative, and curious type that I am, it was extremely difficult not to have the time and freedom to explore hobbies and passions, let alone, to relax. I have a new sense of appreciation for MY LIFE, which is dynamic, and full of colorful past times and the ability to create.

Since I left training, my body has been attempting to recuperate through hours and hours of sleep, and to find its balance between the time zones. My mind busily absorbs all the endings and new beginnings. What just happened? What is happening?

What is happening is I’m now in LA, my new base and “home away from home.” I will be working trips from LA while still living in Salt Lake City and flying back home on my free time. It’s actually pretty common to “commute” from state to state in the airline industry, though the overwhelm of it is still palpable.

On top of that, most of my trips this month are red eyes and I am an early bird to a fault. Yikes! Talk about disoriented sleep schedule.

My intention here is not to complain —I prayed, and worked tirelessly to be where I am today, but still there is this very human thing in me to find fault at the result of each success. Can you relate?

So, this is where I must stop myself: Breathe, acknowledge where I am (somewhere I once desired badly to be), thank myself for getting here, and see the positive in the situation.

I am a freakin’ flight attendant! Which means I travel for a living. Wild. And I get to fly back home when I’m free. For free.

Writing those words fills me instantly with gratitude and the overwhelm slowly begins to dissipate. Because I know, everything is alright. Better than alright.

Reflection Moment:

What have you recently accomplished that you’re proud of?

What have you achieved that you once truly desired?

I’m going to change the name of this newsletter to Weekly Motivation and do my best to write one weekly, on whichever day I’m free.

It feels amazing to be here again, after all this time and I thank you for your patience and your readership. It means the world!

Love,

Gabriela

Headed to Flight Attendant Training!

Greetings from thousands of feet above ground!

Today I write to you from a plane headed to Atlanta―the first Monday Motivation written in transit. If all goes well in the next eight weeks, I’ll be spending A LOT more time on airplanes, because I will officially be a flight attendant! This employment process has been in the works for months now, and today is finally the day I head to train.

This is a huge transition for me. I will be living in a shared hotel room in ATL, learning up to twelve hours a day, and essentially going to school once more. Not only that, but my lifestyle, routine, and the consistency I’m used to will be completely altered afterwards.

Transitions are usually more exciting than frightening for me because I thrive off change. I love to relocate, travel, and learn new skills―to experience as much as possible and keep life moving and evolving.

However, it doesn’t mean change is always easy. I will miss my house, my partner, my free time and the space to be alone.

When change is awkward and uncomfortable, I remind myself that true stability lies within me. I like to think of my one true home as my body, my mind as my companion, and my heart as my guide.

These are the essentials that follow me wherever I go, which are always available to me whenever I need to be comforted.

This may or may not be the last newsletter I write for a while. (Time off while be scarce will I train), but if I can, I will certainly continue to send these out.

If you don’t hear from me for the next couple months, feel free to add me on IG, which I’m fairly active on (@gabrielammelgar), watch my youtube videos, or listen to podcasts of mine which may be of interest to you.

Though I’m pursuing this new career path and giving it my all, I still plan on continuing to write, create content and coach once I’m done with training 🙂

Don’t hesitate to reach out! Wish me luck!

Love,

Gabriela