Without going into anything too much, I'm currently going through a break up. I'm okay, but I've been spending a lot of time alone. However, I truly believe that it doesn't have to be a bad thing. I think loving oneself is so important, so I'm finding ways to treat myself and take care of myself now that I have the time to do so.

Here are a few of my no-fail methods to shake the blahs and enjoy time spent alone:

1. Indulge in a guilty pleasure. (or two. or three. mine are currently Rich Kids of Beverly Hills and hazelnut lattes.)
2. Spend time outside. Walk around a local park or your neighborhood. Get some sun on your face.
3. Curl up with a blanket and a good book.
4. Better yet, take a bubble bath.
5. Spend quiet time alone drinking tea or coffee. Do nothing else. Enjoy the silence. Embrace it.
6. Take a yoga or spin class. Go for a run. Try something new. Sweat a little.
7. Eat fruit. You'll feel better afterward, trust me.
8. Journal. Paint. Make something. Blog. Get what's inside of you out.
9. Call an old friend or a relative. You will always feel better afterward. (also, did you know that talking to your mom on the phone is proven to actually reduce stress? It's true.)
10. Purge your closet. Figure out what your wardrobe is lacking and start saving and shopping.
11. Watch your favorite movie, or an old movie you've never seen but have always been meaning to. A Sunday night spent in bed watching Some Like It Hot is a Sunday night well spent.
12. Gather inspiration. Peruse Pinterest or buy prints to create a gallery wall. Cut up magazines and throw up some pictures and quotes on a bulletin board.
13. Make a new playlist with songs that inspire you.
14. Sleep in on a Saturday morning. Eat breakfast in bed. Take your time getting ready. Put on a face mask. Paint your nails. Do not rush.
15. Wear that lipstick. Wear those shoes. Wear it and own it. Life is short.

self.

“One day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear makeup that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn’t have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see. Your body is your temple, it’s your home, and you must decorate it.”

- Gabourey Sidibe

I am absolutely in love with the above quote. As I've grown, I've grown to really love my body and cherish it. When I stop to think about the human body and all the magical, wonderful things it can do, I'm amazed. When I'm feeling down about myself or when I'm picking out all the flaws I may have, I find it's important to remember that I've been blessed with a healthy, strong body and that is all I could ever ask for. I was lucky to be able to do dance for 13 years and to have a body that never failed me once (besides a wobbly knee, but that's a story for another time.) I definitely think of my body as a machine and I'm a big fan of the concept that my body is "my home." I mean, my body is the only one I'm getting, so I might as well embrace it, right?

I took some self-portraits to play with light direction for Photo. I also really needed a new Facebook profile picture. I used to hate black and white images, but I've been going through this phase where I am really drawn to them. I'd love to get my hands on some black and white film. I think that film grain on a black and white image is just so yummy. I love it.

Also, this song has been playing on repeat these last couple of days. I can't get enough of it. I am so excited to see what Andrew McMahon has up his sleeve in the future.