I think there’s a major misconception that the things in which we read/see/experience online are a clear & accurate depiction of real life.

Sometimes we get into the mindset that all the fabulous foodies, fit friends, cool creatives, and gorgeous gurus are living the dream and we’re left “behind” in a little hole. Stuck. Alone. #Failure

Have you ever felt that way?

Oh boy can I ever relate! One of my #1 intentions for “28” is to let go of the comparisons to other women, recognizing that their successes and strengths in no way makes me weaker. I’m working on it. I’m a work in progress.

And just as I compare myself to others sometimes, I recognize that as a blogger and social media addict I too can come across as having that “perfect” life when in reality it couldn’t be farther from the truth.

I am not perfect. In fact, I am far from perfect and have absolutely no desire in being perfect.

I get you. I feel you. I am a lot like you, and I am also so very different from you. (And that’s what makes it beautiful.)

In the spirit of keeping it real, today I … Read More!

This past Sunday, I turned 28 years old. I enjoyed my day to the fullest, complete with some window shopping in Saratoga Springs, purchasing two new crystals, and spending the evening relaxing at a charming, utterly relaxing B & B (topped off with a lakeside Italian dinner with the hubby). All in all, I’d say it was a pretty darn fabulous birthday.

Each and every year, certain feelings come up for me around my big day: a mix of anxiety, wonder and inspiration. I find that birthdays are the perfect time to celebrate what’s going really well in your life, and re-evaluate the things that aren’t really working anymore. You know, the “stuff” that no longer serves you, that you’d prefer to leave behind in your past.

It’s funny how much changes over the years; our outlook on life shifts and our wants & needs evolve. When I turned 5, all I wanted was the best Barbie doll — the one with the prettiest hair and accessories. At my 11th birthday party, I desired to be popular and invite all the “cool kids” in class, gossiping with my girlfriends all afternoon long. Life was carefree.

At 16, I remember … Read More!

No.

It’s such a simple word, yet many of us have such a hard time actually saying it.

For years, I struggled with being able to say no to other people. As an ambitious, people pleaser, I thought yes was what they wanted to hear, and I pretty much banned the word “no” from my vocabulary.

Why?

I wanted people to like me. I was scared what would happen if I actually turned somebody down. I didn’t want to come across as rude. So I forged on with years of saying yes to everything that came my way.

Yes, I can make that deadline.

Yes, I’ll be there.

Yes, I can absolutely do that for you.

Yes, I have time. Of course I have time for you!

Yes, I would love to.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

I said yes to just about everyone and everything that came my way…expect for one important person, the most important person: myself. After years and years of not truly valuing myself, I mustered up enough courage to finally start practicing this whole “no” thing. Heck, I’ve seen others do it before…it’s time I may as well try myself!

I didn’t just say “no” to anything … Read More!

Flashback to about one month ago. I had just landed a promotion at work for my dream company, and was living the high-life — traveling from Boston to New York City to Connecticut back to Boston to DC. “We’re so proud of you!” everyone around me exclaimed. My life was in fast-pace and I was riding the wave…it felt a little crazy but I liked it. I felt recognized, important, like I was growing.

Until it didn’t really feel all that good anymore. The first time I felt things were off was on my plane ride home from Washington DC after I fully accepted this new position. I had this intense, anxious pit in my stomach but couldn’t really pinpoint what was going on. And so I ignored it. “You’re fine… you’re just nervous. It’s natural to be a little nervous,” I told myself. I closed my eyes and shut it out…and landed back to Boston feeling back to myself (well, at least for a bit).

A few days later, I was setting my career goals for the next month, quarter and year and that familiar feeling came back…this time much more fierce than before. As I looked at … Read More!