As I sat down to write this week’s newsletter I came across a lot of resistance. I’m exploring intuition and creativity during this time, and practicing letting inspiration guide me on a daily basis. That brought me to recording a video (linked below) in lieu of the typical newsletter. I hope that you enjoy.
Recent Creations:
It’s National Poetry Month, so I’ve been reconnecting with writing poetry, a form I sort of abandoned a few years back. It’s been nurturing to explore different art forms and connect with my subconscious through that exploration. While the prose I write for this newsletter comes from the heart, it feels more analytical than when I write poetry. Sometimes poetry feels like a seperate form of communication, like it doesn’t necessarily have to make sense to the logical mind or have an ending that ties thoughts neatly together. It’s a collage of sentiments, more so an energy than a statement, if that makes sense.
This is a narration of my poem, “A Journey Calls,” along with a paper collage I made to go along with it.
Below, last week’s newsletter in video form. I was feeling nostalgic for outside, for the freedom that nature provides. This is a compilation of nature shots saved in my phone. ❤
I hope that today you can find at least a couple minutes to do a little self care, whether it’s taking deep breaths throughout the day, a full on work out class or staying mindfully hydrated. I’m all about the little things we can do throughout the day to take care of ourselves and check in.
I’m taking the time to slow down today, and have come to know that writing this newsletter is a form of self-care for me, which is so lovely!
Photo by Gabriela Melgar
This week I experienced some stress and noticed how my energy and sense of security was shaken. Throughout the years of learning how to take care of my mind, body, and spirit I have come to create a type of vibration I am truly comfortable being in. My natural state is optimistic and focused on the realm of possibility. I see life as one big opportunity to expand and reach our potential and I am so blessed to inhabit a healthy body which I try to nourish as best as possible. This is not to say that I am anywhere near perfect! Throughout the day my emotional state alters, sometimes I entertain negative thoughts and worry, and turn to less than healthy foods as a form of comfort. But I now have a strong sense of awareness for when I’m altering out of my grateful state — and when I’m at my best, I can hold space for discomfort as it emerges & have patience and love for myself regardless of where I’m at.
My offering to you today is a suggestion to bring awareness to your natural state. What are you feeling (in mind/body/and spirit) most of the time? What thoughts are you entertaining? What do you prefer to feel and what things can you do to get closer to that state? How can you make those things a habit?
The habits which have created my natural state have included: alone time, journaling, creativity, gratitude, exercise, meditation and of course eating as well as possible. It took some shifting and a strong intention to love and nurture myself to turn those things into habits, but it was so so worth it!
And of course, sometimes things may come up that shake that sense of comfort you begin to find in your natural state. Sometimes we may have to make space for grief, or observe as stress and worry work their ways through us. But when we create a foundation of habits that bring us back to feeling nurtured and taken care of, we have a stronger sense of who we actually are and no longer have to fully identify with negative thoughts and feelings. At my core, I am a passionate lover of life, some might even say a reckless optimist. Sometimes the world bumps up against that hopeful joy (or vice versa) and I have to find my footing again. But as hard as some experiences can be, I know how to find my way back home to that soft core, where hope and joy never cease to exist.
It’s so nice to connect again! It’s my 29th birthday today but it’s also the first day I’ve had to myself since the beginning of the month. All I want to do is that which brings me stability and joy: my routines as well as creating content.
I recently started a new job at a beautiful healing center in New York and have been transitioning out of working as a flight attendant, which has been a huge change! The deciding process took a big leap of faith & the courage to move towards joy even when I had a lot going for me already. The truth is, I wasn’t as happy as I knew I could be, and my heart was begging me to listen and to trust that no matter what, I’ll always be okay. Better than okay.
I’m still processing the change and realizing the ways I can be gentle with myself through the readjustment. This is where routine comes in. It’s becoming more and more apparent how important it is to set some time aside each day to connect with all aspects of myself (my body, mind, and spirit). I prefer having a morning routine that includes stretching & exercise, journaling and meditation.
I highly recommend experimenting with a routine that works for you and allows you to tune in; to listen to your body and obtain the wisdom of your inner knowing. It can be a strong practice of self-love, because you are dedicating time for yourself each day and creating a grounded foundation for the rest of the day to unfold.
When my routine is down and my needs are met, I can have more energy for the rest of the world. Connecting with myself inspires a drive to share my experience with you, and that’s what I intend to do more of this year and beyond ❤
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.
Freedom-Based Living 