How PATHS Become...

PORTALS is by not taking solely the one “less traveled,” but rather, exploring as many roads accessible to you. That openness to possibility will guide you toward the most unexpected and extraordinary opportunities. We don’t actually have to chase or hustle our way to every “win.” Try leaving room for life to surprise you once in awhile. Or allowing yourself to take a detour from your calendar — or “best laid plans.” I had to give myself permission to do the latter by canceling the purchase agreement on a house earlier this month. My internal state was a cornucopia of challenging thoughts and emotions. There was A LOT of noise I needed to sift through. So I decided to give myself time to do it. More than anything, I want this decision to be steeped in JOY and PRIDE for what I’ve accomplished professionally as well as the financial solvency I now have as a result. Gaining additional clarity about what I want also meant recognizing that property was not the right fit. Calling off the deal was hard, but in the long run, I saved myself a large amount of money — and stress.

I will admit that some of the tension during that week had originated from external sources (a.k.a: unsolicited “advice” from others). We should never absorb the limitations people will try to set for us. More than ever before, I know my POWER; I am rooted in PURPOSE…especially atm thanks to the mind-body awareness I have been consistently strengthening in my personal practice at Inner Fire Yoga. It has been hugely beneficial for learning how to repel negative energy in a health-ful way. Now that I am teaching at IFY too, I get to encourage fellow yogis to embrace the holistic MAGIC of healing movement.

To be sure, we all need community. But attachment and assistance should be exhibited in ways that affirm rather than diminish us — AND the goodness in our lives. Same goes for the gifts we bestow upon ourselves. I was recently asked in a Q&A for Pocket MFA: “What excites you about writing and how has it affected your life?”

To which I responded: “My writing career is a reflection of what it means to be creatively whole. My artistic endeavors are not hobbies I occasionally squeeze in around primary responsibilities. They actually provide the literal—and figurative—sustenance for my daily existence. I may never retire per se. But the narratives I craft, plus other professional opportunities I continue to pursue as an author, feed my soul rather than decimate it.”

Without a doubt, my “creative journey” has beautifully transformed almost every aspect of my life. And the opportunity to work with other writers to achieve their goals is a major perk I absolutely do not take for granted. A similar gratitude exists for all the innovative entrepreneurs, artists, chefs and wellness practitioners I have met, interviewed and written about over the last 10 years. Very glad am not bored yet! But how could I be when there is still so much to see, do and try?

Speaking of “new things I’ve recently discovered,” luxury, high-performance skin care line KYPRIS tops that list for more reasons than one. The brand’s Pot of Shade: Heliotropic - SPF 30 & Primer is now a staple in my bathroom (and gyn bag). Plus I appreciate how committed the company is to using green biotechnology and sustainably grown botanicals in its production process. Want the chance to try their products for FREE? KYPRIS is celebrating its 13th” birthday” next month, so to celebrate, the biz is hosting a giveaway of 13 coveted products on Instagram starting May 1.

My next wave of product testing will involve me trying the mysterious herbal elixir Kava for the first time, as well as a new energy drink infused with…ketones. Aside from that, other goals this week are to finish “The Future” by Naomi Alderman, then dive into the next book on top of my TBR stack: “Eyeliner, A Cultural History” by Zahra Hankir. As an aside: Am I the only one who wishes they could take a vacation just to read??? 

Make May Marvelous! ~Rachel

PS: I got your next “mood boost” right here = Press ‘play’ on my Winter 2024 playlist. (Because Spring might be in full swing, but these tracks will lift your spirits in any season.)