I've taken many breaks over the past couple years from blogging. Breaks due to busy work schedules, health issues and losing my dad. Every break was due to things out of my control, but this latest break has been on my terms for once. I needed to step back to dissect and prioritize who I am and what makes me happy… and I finally figured it out.

I’m already laughing at the fact that I’m talking about taking a break for your mental health, but I’m sitting here writing a blog post about it instead of actually taking the break... Let me explain.

I've never been more excited to welcome the new year.  Last year was just a pure shit show, filled with grief, sadness, stress and road blocks.  Since 2017 blew, I'm calling for a do-over.  I'm healing well after losing my dad and I have a new energy like I've never had before.  The changes I went through last year, as difficult as they were, brought me to a welcomed place of alignment and evolution.  Surprising enough, this "new person" I turned into, was actually ME, but the authentic version of me.  

Let me explain...

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Macy’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. It's that time of year again!  Can you feel the holiday energy starting to trickle in? I'm excited to wake up next week on Thanksgiving morning, get cozy on the couch with my morning coffee and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.  This has been a fun tradition I've been doing with my family since I was a child.  Year after year, I would watch the parade and dream about someday seeing it in person.

I've been super busy lately, but when I'm not working on a project or with a client, I'm actually taking time for me.  My world has dramatically changed, once I made time for me. Taking care of you, isn't an easy feat.  I'm sure there are more than a few of you reading this that always puts your children, your parents, significant other or even your boss before you consider taking care of you first.  I'm guilty too and my name has usually been on the bottom of my to-do lists in the past, but not anymore.  This year has taught me so much about what it means to self-love and I promise you it has nothing to do with being selfish or narcissistic in any way.  So to all my fellow boss babes, here's some easy ways to implement self care into your life.

Our mind is a funny little thing, it likes to play tricks on us at the worst possible moments.  I think I want to create blog posts, talk about parties, fashion, travel and business, but the only thing I can actually do is sit here staring blankly at the screen, wishing I was back in LA laying on the beach and trying to remind myself to breathe. 

For the majority of this year, my life consisted of sitting in the hospital beside with my dad, dealing with his doctors and trying to heal him through every way possible.  But now, these past 2 months have been spent trying to cope with the loss of him. How do I move on? What do I do now? I'm numb and completely lost. Should I be pressuring myself to figure it out?  Maybe the pressure I always put on myself is the first thing I will get rid of.  I really just think I'm in shock.  As much as I want to be on social media and inspiring you through business tips or pretty designs, I'm just not ready.  Those things are all part of who I am and what makes me happy, but in the big scheme of things, it's not what is important.  I think I need this time out to re-invent myself.  I need to take the time to practice self-love and care and plan for my future. I'm going to decide what I truly want and then make a plan to get it.  Life is too short to be mediocre. When I return back to the blog,  I hope you are still here to follow along as we share this journey together, called life.  

Words can't explain the empty hole I feel inside.  These past few months have been some of the hardest I've ever gone through.  My dad was in the hospital for over 3 months, while my brother and I took turns spending every other day there by his side.  Nothing else mattered.  My mind was being pulled in a million directions and most days, I was just going on auto-pilot.  Work projects got pushed, personal responsibilities were forgotten and the only thing we were concerned about was being his advocate and fighting for every answer we needed to save him. We tried everything we could, but in the end his body just couldn't fight anymore. My dad and I had our battles, we shared tears, we shared laughs and despite it all, we loved each other wholeheartedly. He believed in me and was so proud of every accomplishment, no matter how small.  I have his ambition and tenacity. He taught us to follow your dreams and NEVER give up.  My heart is broken, but I know he would want me to continue living loud in his honor and to always have hope.

My family and I had to start a fundraiser for my dad's funeral. I would be so grateful if you could help spread the word. CLICK HERE to share the link.

This year is all about love. I'm making some major changes in my life and I couldn't be happier!  Each decision is simply based around love, with self-love being my first priority.  When you truly love and believe in yourself, you become more empowered than ever before.  I will be sharing more with you in the new year, but for now I'm taking a bit of a break here on the blog while I adjust to these changes.  Happy New Year!  Until then...

"Don't forget to fall in love with yourself first." - Carrie Bradshaw