You might remember this outfit from a few weeks ago, but today’s post is more about life and less about fashion.
The day after I got back from Africa, I had an appointment with my therapist. We were both impressed with how refreshed and at peace I was feeling with life at that moment. First, she told me that when I got home, I should journal about how I was feeling so that I had those words to go back to as proof I’m capable of feeling like this. Second, since I can’t always just take trips to Africa to renew my perspective on life, she asked me, “what are you going to do to create more of this in your every day life?”.
My response was: have more experiences.
Not necessarily 11 day trips to other continents (although I’d certainly be down for that), but showing up with more dedication to engage with the world in a conscious way. To me, that means noticing, taking in, and interacting with my surrounds (included in that is NOT my cell phone, laptop, or social media). Things like finding ways to play as a grown up, smelling the flowers, asking a stranger how their day is going, walking without somewhere to go, noting the details of what’s around me, stopping to hear the sounds of nature, giving my full attention to someone in a conversation, and finding areas to explore.
The last time I really felt like I was doing this, aside from my trip, was our little adventure to Round Hill Park which is just about 45 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. Not only are their a bunch of picnic areas and playgrounds, but they have an quaint exhibit farm that’s also open to the pubic. I didn’t even know about it until my friend, Cristin, from GossBoss suggested it as the perfect spot for fall themed photos (she was so right!). I wasn’t expecting to see as many animals as we did and it was neat to see the workings of the farm. There were horses, chickens, donkeys, rabbits, pigs, cows, and this friendly cat that I instantly became friends with. It’s an intimate and up close setting that would be very exciting for kids. At first, I didn’t really want to drive that far, but I couldn’t come up with any other shoot locations. I’m so glad we went! I, of course, enjoyed all the beautiful flowers around, too.
I hope these images and the scenes from this little video inspire you to go out and explore somewhere you’ve never been before. Whether it’s a hidden gem close to home or planning a trip to a unique destination, there’s something so refreshing about interacting and collaborating with the world from a new spot.
**This post may contain affiliate (which means I make a small commission when you shop from them) and sponsored links (gifted items are indicated with a [c/o] and sponsored links with a [sp]) because we all have to pay our bills, and I’d rather keep creating awesome content for you than get a real job. All opinions are my own.**
The Look (check out the full outfit post here): Aerie Sweatshirt // Aerie Leggings (40% off right now!) // Aerie Bandana/Scarf (similar) // Similar Shoes
