Hey there,
I'm happy you're here!
Things to Inspire - is a digital space to share my thoughts on wellness, love, life and everything in between. Here you'll find wellness tools for peace and balance. Everything in this article has brought me good vibes and I would love to share the good energy with you.
ON MY PLAYLIST:
Let's set the mood for this post by starting off with my current musical obsessions, because music makes every moment better. On my Heavy Rotation:
Recent Albums With No Skips:
Born In the Wild - Tems. This album has been on repeat since it came out. I have to admit it's been helping me get through the ending of a long-term relationship. Songs like Ready, Burning, Unfortunate, Forever - talk about prioritizing yourself, living in your truth, being confident, knowing you deserve everything you want, and not being hard to love but being loved by the wrong person. Things we can all relate to. The entire album is fire. There are some sexy songs like Get It Right and Gangsta but also motivational bops like Me & U, which is about her relationship with God, and Hold On, which is on my Healing Yoga Tunes playlist. I'm taking my best friend to see her on tour in October, and I know Tems is gonna be even better live!
Bird's Eye - Ravyn Lenae is one of my favorite Alternative R&B artists. Ravyn's vocals are simply angelic yet sultry, and her songs are so relatable. Whether she's referencing complicated parental relationships on "One Wish" or the wishy-washy state of unrequited romance like my current favorite "Love Me Not," the entire album is a vibe that will get you in your feelings in the best way.
Timeless by Kaytranada truly lives up to its name. The album is a collection of hits proving Kay doesn't miss #bars. One standout track is "Video" by Ravyn Lenae, which is simply perfection. Other favorites of mine include "Spit It Out" featuring Rochelle Jordan and "Hold On" featuring the talented Dawn Richard from Danity Kane, bringing back a wave of nostalgia. It's great to see Dawn receiving the recognition she deserves with this record. Another gem is "Snap My Fingers" featuring the Pink Panthress, with her unique voice, I find myself constantly hitting the repeat button on all her songs. I'm thrilled to be attending Kay's concert in October with my best friend, and cant wait to dance my heart out.
Love Sickness - Don Toliver .. Another artist who doesn't miss. Love Sickness is a classic album in my eyes. "No Pole" has been my favorite song while running on the treadmill, simply because he says, "Running from your old life, girl keep running" lmao exactly.
Algorithm - Lucky Daye. A friend was playing this album while we were riding in their car, and it's been on repeat ever since. This is that classic R&B sexy, sensual metaphor music that makes you want to light a candle, run a bath, with a glass of something, and just vibe out. R&B is very much alive and well. My favorites off the album include "Hericane," "Soft," "Pin," and, of course, the album's namesake, "Algorithm."
DJ Mixes I Can't Stop Listening to:
Black House Radio is one of my favorite YouTube channels. The vibe of all their mixes feels like you're at a family cookout and your uncle is introducing you to all the classic house jams. I've been playing Zack Fox's R&B & House mix out! I love Zack Fox; he's like that random cool friend who does everything. You may know him as Tyreek from Abbott Elementary, but he's also an amazing DJ.
Nostalgic Jams:
Street Love- Lloyd.. I discovered this album on LimeWire (RIP) when I was in middle school and loved every song. Replaying it now, the songs have aged so well. "Certified," "Take You Home," "One for Me," which samples Art of Noise - "Moments in Love," and even the album's namesake "Street Love" are all classics. Lloyd is definitely underrated, but true fans know what it is.
WELLNESS: WHOLE BODY HEALTH & FITNESS
Walking
Cue Mary Mary's "I'm Walking"!! Baby, I downloaded the Nike Run Club app and I've been walking everywhere, tracking my progress like a video game. Living in a walkable neighborhood has become my whole identity. This past week, I walked 7 miles, which is double what I usually do at the gym. 15-30 minute walks around my neighborhood before, during, or after work brighten my mood and allow me to be present; like a moving meditation. I admire the flowers and cute dogs or grab a little treat, usually a matcha or an Acai bowl. It's my way of rewarding myself for being active. Walking can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, help you release endorphins which can improve your mood, stimulate digestion, strengthen your bones, and the list goes on. I feel like it's an entry-level way to kick-start your fitness journey while clearing your mind, especially on the days I don't make it to the gym. Put on one of the albums I mentioned earlier and go for a walk or hike!
K Beauty
As an acne-prone babe, I'm very particular about what I put on my face. My skin has positively made a 180-degree turn this year, which I attribute to K-Beauty products, being more active, my red light therapy mask, chlorophyll water, and reducing overall stress. I'll make an in-depth post about my skincare routine, but the majority of my products are from Beauty of Joseon, and I think they'll be in my routine forever, especially the rice and probiotic-infused sunscreen, which is the most lightweight, moisturizer-like sunscreen and it hasn't broken me out!!! Another product I'll repurchase is their Rice Milk toner, which gives me that plump, juicy, healthy skin I love. I'm really into products formulated with rice water. Rice water is popular in Asian cultures because its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant properties are said to soothe inflamed skin, improve texture, and lighten dark spots, which are my main skin concerns.
WE HAVE FOOD @ HOME: RECIPES TO TRY
Cucumber Salad
I grew up on cucumber salad, so I understand why it's going viral right now. My mom would make a simple yet delicious Cucumber Salad with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and that's it! Over on the clock app, I saw a recipe for a California Roll-inspired Cucumber Salad, and I had to try to make my own version!
Ingredients:
Smoked Salmon
Vegan Cream Cheese
Coconut Aminos
Nutritional Yeast
Sesame Seeds
Lemon juice
Avocado
Chop Cucumbers (carefully), Combine Seasonings and Liquids in a jar, Shake, & enjoy!
GOOD VIBES IRL:
R & B Yoga
There's nothing like doing yoga with a breathtaking view while listening to your favorite artists. I recently attended two amazing R&B Rooftop Yoga classes. If you love R&B and doing yoga outdoors, definitely check out R&B Yoga and Healthy & Well. My friend and I attended an R&B Yoga class with a Tems Playlist, which took place on a rooftop in DTLA. The vibes were impeccable thanks to the DJ and the instructor Lauren's high energy. The class was challenging in the best way; it was more of a workout-based yoga flow, but we left feeling relaxed. We had an amazing time and will definitely be back.
I also attended a Cleo Sol vs. Sinead Harnett-inspired yoga class with Healthy & Well. The instructor, Naomi, is so sweet, and the flow matched the chill vibe of the music perfectly. Another one you don't want to miss.
THOUGHTS:
This summer was transformative. The theme was enjoying life's spontaneity and following my intuition, while nurturing my inner voice. July was probably the most social I've been in years, while August was more dedicated to self-care. September has been a mix of the two. I'm focused on finding my balance, which feels like a lifelong practice. Some days I follow a rigid routine, while others I listen to my body and just flow. I'm treating every day like an adventure.
This summer, I had the chance to refocus on what makes me happy and have fun on this journey of self-discovery. I've learned to be intentional with my words because I've literally spoken things into existence. I've learned the power of stillness. When I'm unsure about something, I affirm that the answers will reveal themselves in time and keep pushing forward. I've practiced labeling my thoughts as helpful or unhelpful whenever I'm feeling a certain way, instead of getting stuck in a negative mental loop. We create our own narratives and choose what's true for us, which starts with our inner dialogue. My favorite phrase, "Talk to me nice," applies to others, but it starts with how you judge yourself. Give yourself grace!
Another lesson I'm learning is to stay around people who make my heart feel light, whether we're laughing, exchanging positive words, or enjoying silence. "I attract good energy, I move with love, I am love" are affirmations I repeat to myself on a daily basis. This is my way of putting out the energy I want to receive. We'll never truly understand the way people work, and maybe they're not meant to be understood but experienced. If we no longer enjoy our experience, we can let go, break away, and start anew. The power is in our hands.
I don't have to do anything I don't want to do, but if I don't do anything, my life won't change. Life is a catch-22, like the day I was born. We'll never truly know what's coming around the corner when it comes to certain things; however, some things are guaranteed when you have discipline. For instance, if I complete the 75 Hard challenge, my physical body will improve thanks to increased movement, I'll finally finish one of the 3 books I'm reading, and I'll be mentally stronger. These days I'm leaning on what I can depend on, which is me, and allowing everything else in my life to just be what it is until it's not. This season of life is all about self-love & expansion, and that's the only thing I have time for.
I'm leaning into the law of detachment, which brings me comfort in letting go of the need to have everything figured out. Right now, I don't care about the outcome of things; I only care about the now. I truly believe things are working in my favor, and however they turn out, I'll be good. I'm moving authentically, and if it rubs someone the wrong way or they look at me differently, so be it. In this moment in my singlehood, no kids, no partner, I am only responsible for my enjoyment, which feels SO good. This is the peace that you cannot buy!
That's all for now.. Wishing you peace, love, and light on your journey to wellness. Thanks for being here <3
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