November 02, 2015 in quotes

"October extinguished itself in a rush of howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen iron, with hard frosts every morning and icy drafts that bit at exposed hands and faces." | J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

It was November--the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds, deep, sad hyms of the sea, passionate wind--songs in the pines." | L. M. Montgomery

I'm nearly desperate this morning for a the mountains, or a small new England town--the trees aflame with that wondrous orange. Instead I will settle for the very lucky option that is Manhattan and give thanks that a full and good month awaits me. It really is my favorite time of the year, this autumnal season with it's cool breezes and silent rhythms. It is a season in-between. A held breath. And hopeful anticipation.

10.26. 15

October 26, 2015 in quotes

A kind of light spread out from her. And everything changed color. And the world opened out. And a day was good to awaken to. And there were no limits to anything. And the people of the world were good and handsome. And I was not afraid anymore. | John Steinbeck, East of Eden

If you are willing to look at another person's behavior toward you as a reflection of the state of their relationship with themselves rather than a statement about your value as a person, then you will, over a period of time cease to react at all. | Yogi Bhajan

When the world and your mind tells you to settle, you stand up and yell "I am worth more than a timeline!" Because beauty is found in every season, and one does not demand the flowers to bloom until spring has begun, so should it be with your love. Wait and grow, the sun will come in due time, and you will bloom and show the world your worth. | T.B. LaBerge

I think how quickly things have changed for me. But that's the personality of change, isn't it? When it's slow, it's called growth; when it's fast, it's change. And God, how things change: some things, nothings, anythings, everythings...all the things change." | David Arnold, Mosquitoland

My New York | 10.23.15

October 23, 2015

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30 Things I Know Now That I Didn't Always

October 21, 2015 in building this life

Invest in one really exceptional pair of heels. The sort of heels that make other women stare and men take a second look.
Speak kindly about yourself. You’ll be surprised how people respond to this.
When flirting do not be self-deprecating. In fact, for a while, do not be self-deprecating at all (in any situation). This will change so much.
When someone says not everyone needs to like you and you bristle at this, remember that sociopaths make up 10% of the population.
Purchase a really excellent bra (more if you can afford to). The most comfortable bra I own is strapless and I wear it more often than not (even when the outfit doesn’t require it). Best 140 dollars I’ve ever spent.
Feeling beautiful has so much to do with feeling valuable. And feeling beautiful makes you so.
Love requires that you show up.
Listen to music as often as you can. Figure out who your Ella is.
Getting what you want is mostly about doing the very thing that scares you most.
Passive aggressive behavior is not cool, nor acceptable. Don’t hang around people who trade in it. Also, if someone manipulates the truth by lying or withholding information--no good. Honesty is an exceptional quality. Honesty speaks to a person’s ability to trust and believe in others.
Be a person of your word. If you say you’re going to do something, then you need to do it. This is how you gift others the immeasurable pleasure of stability.
Chances are you’ll age out of finding men on the L train attractive.
To think that something you have done is unforgivable is to doubt the intelligence and empathy of the person with the power to forgive. And if the person is worth it, then believe in second, third, and fourth chances.
Total vulnerability isn’t the scariest thing in the world--it only, for a moment, feels that way. Because to reveal the whole of your hand is to be the truest (and best) version of yourself--and the reward is in that alone.
Eat full fats. Limit your sugar intake.
Trust your gut, then act on it.
Fear indicates worth. And the right choice is always the one that aligns with what you believe.
Confidence is incredibly empowering--an act of generosity in that it puts everyone around you at ease. Arrogance is not confidence.
Learn to read a room. Do not suck up all of the air.
Few things beat the feeling of doing something you didn’t know you could do.
Prioritize your education. And recognize that it’s not confined to walls of a university. Read, listen, respect those who are smarter than you. The ability to change your mind based on information is a tremendous asset.
Eventually the seemingly impossible will happen: exercise will feel good---like a celebration of the body. Move in good faith towards that day.
If you’re not invested in seeing the solution through, then keep the criticism to yourself.
Shrink for no man. Define for yourself the largeness of your own life.
Life is longer than you think. There are twists and turns and unexpected bends and just because you don’t do something by a certain age doesn’t mean you never will. That’s the joy of getting older: you’re willing to trust in a longer timeline.
Ask for what you need. Ask for what you want. Say the thing you’re most afraid to say.
There are so many fights that aren’t worth taking on. Let things go.
Give compliments. Tell the person how much they mean to you.
Respond to emails. Send thank you notes.
Don’t let fear cheat you out of anything. Take the risk.