 At the top of my to-do list for the coming year: Moving past the 10-minute mark in my morning meditation. | I was corresponding with a friend the other day who shocked me with an astounding proclamation: Every item on her bucket list had been ticked off. Yes--she'd accomplished everything she'd ever wanted to do, and felt pretty good about the state of things. Content. No complaints. No itch for more. What?! How is that even possible? My bucket list is e-p-i-c, and while I've crossed so many dreams, wishes, and desires off already, and am proud to have met so many goals (many of which were not pain-free), it barely feels as though I've made a dent in my personal to-do list. What's more, I am continuously adding to the aspiration pile. Every day, it seems, another "Yes! Gotta do this!" idea springs forth. I can't stop it--and, frankly, don't want to. This week, I'll celebrate another year's journey around the sun, and with this birthday--as with all the others--comes contemplation; contemplation about where I've been, where I am now, and where I want to go in the coming 365 days. Part of the birthday process is taking stock of that old bucket list, and making additions, deletions, and tweaks. Some of the things I'd like to move to the top of the list in the next year include: - Overcoming my fear of public speaking and getting the confidence to work a room - Learning to write fiction - Mastering sewing (thanks, Project Runway, for the incessant inspiration!), so I can bring my sartorial dreams to life - Moving past the 10-minute mark in my morning meditation practice - Visiting Sri Lanka There are many, many, MANY more things I want to do, see, accomplish, improve, try, and master. I hope I'll have the chance to do like my friend did and cross each of those items off, but I know there'll always be something new to replace the "done" items. How about you? What dreams are you burning with desire to fulfill? What do you want to learn? To see? To experience? If you're so inclined, please share! |
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 Never have I felt more worthy of a vacation than the one I just returned from. The previous few months were a blur of nose-to-the-grindstone days and late nights, consumed by multiple work-related deadlines, the heartbreak of a couple of deaths in the family, and the usual everyday stresses of life. Once I’d met my last deadline, I’d promised myself a vacation to my “happy place”—otherwise known as anywhere that’s hot, humid, and close to the sea. Like writer Heather Goodspeed-Walter suggests in her Rewilding story, we can all benefit from the healing power of the outdoors, and I was definitely overdue for some quality nature time. After debating between India and Thailand, I settled on the latter because I knew it would easy (no visas!), that the food would be divine (coconut curry, 24/7!), and it ticked all the “happy” boxes.
On departure day, I was relaxed and ready to roll. I knew I deserved this trip—and the daily massages I was about to indulge in—and I was also utterly lacking in pre-flight anxiety because my low-maintenance travel style supports easy, fluid mobility. For me, successful travel begins and ends with the bag: As you can see, I travel light! Tucked inside that one little carry-on bag (A fabulous Parisian thrift-store find) are all the necessities for a fun-in-the-sun holiday. Specifically, - a pair of sandals - a sun hat - a stainless-steel water bottle - bathing suit - two sleeveless dresses - a one-piece sleeveless jumpsuit - a sheer beach cover-up - undies and bras - scarf - belt - a cloth shopping bag - toiletries - travel journal and second notebook - backup pair of sunglasses In my purse, I carried my Kindle, a small notebook, passport, pen, wallet, glasses, sunglasses, and a toothbrush. Sounds like a lot, right? It was! In fact, each time someone made a comment about how light I was traveling, my immediate response was “I’m actually carrying more than I’d like!” Next time, I’ll pare it down by eliminating the extra dress, ditching the belt (I can use the scarf to cinch in my waist if need be), and maybe carrying just one notebook instead of three. What does your packing situation look like for an average vacation? Do you stuff a suitcase on wheels or load up a backpack? What are some of the indispensible items you carry with you when you ship off? And most importantly, where are you spending your next vacation? Please share!
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I'm Aurelia, creative director here at Swell! This is my space for sharing thoughts and ideas with readers on more topics dear to my heart: Travel, wellness, veganism, and style, and living creatively and compassionately. 
www.sophiapaganphotography.com
One Swell Blog
November 2015
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