This year I challenged myself to read one book per month, for a total of twelve books for the year. I'm going to write a comprehensive summary of all of the books that I've read this year in December, but instead of twelve books, I'll be summarizing eighteen. Yep, I've almost finished eighteen books this year! This is a huge feat, considering I haven't been an active reader since middle school.

This year has proven productive in terms of growth, clarity and transformation. It has had a fair share of triumphs, and disappointments. I have learned that in life, you are responsible for your success and happiness. You have to own up to your mistakes, and that everything in life is temporary, including pain. However, pain is a necessary component for spiritual and personal growth.

On top of reading and evolving as a person, I also made the conscious decision and effort to reduce my social media use. There are two main reasons behind this decision:

1. In order for me to read as many books as I can, and reach my book goal, I had to switch focus. Instead of scrolling through Instagram or Facebook for an hour, I used that time to read. I actually deleted my Instagram and created a new one, and I feel pretty damn good about it.

2. The second reason I limited my social media use was because I needed a break from consuming and more time healing and creating. I read this quote by Amarachi Nwosu that said, "Once you cut out all the unnecessary influences and energies, you get closer to being your authentic self. You get closer to aligning with your true beliefs, dreams and what you want to see in the world. Sometimes you have to disconnect to connect." In short, I needed to refresh and recharge my mind and reconnect with myself.

Everything that I have learned and the books that I've read will be in the book summary that I post in December. Until then, I won't be posting much. Mostly so I can finish reading and start writing the post. Love and light. See you then!

"Take time to do what makes your soul happy"- Unknown

We live in a society that is obsessed with success, hard work, hustling and constant digital connectivity. While there is nothing wrong with working towards personal and professional goals, one has to consider the toll that constant movement has on the mind, body and soul.

Up until recently, I struggled with always being on. I'm a naturally flowy person, so stillness to me equates to unproductiveness and a lack of progression. It wasn't until I experienced extreme feelings of anxiety that I re-evaluated my lifestyle and starting questioning my choices.

I noticed not only do I have an erratic daily routine, but I don't take time out for self - care. I was also, according to Ayurveda, not eating for my bodily constitution. Let me back up a little bit and explain what Ayurveda is for those who may be unfamiliar.

Ayurveda is an Indian/Vedic holistic science. It's based on the belief of the mind-body connection and that whatever troubles your mind, manifests in your body and soul. It's a preventative method that helps heal the root problem, and not just the physical symptoms. In Ayurveda, everyones body is made up of a prominent constitution or dosha: Vata, Pitta & Kapha.

"Ayurveda: A Life of Balance" by Maya Tiwari is a great starter book to learn about Ayurveda. I read it to figure out why I was feeling frazzled in the first place. The book states that we must eat foods and create routines that nurture our dosha so that we can be our best selves. I wasn't doing that, so I slowly began incorporating some of the suggestions of the book: daily meditation, eating nourishing foods (that agreed with my body), not pressuring myself to complete my to-do list, and expressing gratitude. Slowly, I began to see improvements that helped me uncover my spirit. For so long I felt like an imposter in my own life. I depended on external factors and people to validate me and bring me internal happiness. It wasn't until I looked within that I found the answers that I was looking for. It sounds super cheesy, but everything we need in life is already within us.

Ayurveda taught me to love myself unconditionally. Love myself so that I can truly love others. When feelings of anxiety, or depression arise, its because deep down I feel inadequate. Love is the answer to everything. It taught me that Mother Nature provides us with everything we need or want to survive. Food, water, sunshine, fresh air, and nature. Most of which we take for granted. Ayurveda taught me to forgive myself, so that I can forgive others. Resentment, guilt, and hatred are all resistant to love. Contentment, joy, and gratitude are freedom.

There's nothing more liberating than looking in the mirror and loving the reflection you see. Life is the best teacher there is, and I'm grateful to forever be a student.