Are You Living Intentionally?

Hey Friend!! I’m back! Bringing you another blog. It’s all about living with intention. Two weeks ago, I let you know that I am living life on purpose and making decisions to change the trajectory of my life. With the plan to live intentionally, I have to show up and do the work. If I tell you to do the work, I have to do the same.  

For the last 5 years I have been saying I want to have fresh flowers at my house. Not a big fancy bouquet from a florist; but a simple bouquet from my local market. This is my second week acting on that desire. When I told my therapist last year that I desired to live with intention and be present, she challenged me to do just that. So, when she and I met a few weeks back, I told her how my resignation discussion went (I’ll give you the deets after my official last day of work). She then asked me what is one word that described my feelings at the time; my word was “joy.” Joy in knowing that I am free to live life on purpose and do the work God has placed in my heart.  

We went on to discuss what brings me joy and I shared with her my love for flowers and how I keep telling myself that I want to have fresh flowers in my home. Her next words were, “what’s stopping you.” I just sat and shook my head. The answer was nothing. Nothing, but the lack of action. If I truly desire to have fresh flowers and if a $8 bouquet of flowers makes me happy, I will take the 1-mile walk or drive to the store and take 5 minutes to design my bouquet. This is being intentional friend.

The last 2 weeks I have chosen to make my flower bouquet. Here is a short video of my DIY flowers. My daughter and I made our flower arrangement the first week and she loved it. I desire for my daughter to live her life free and with intention. In order for my daughter to understand living life with intention and doing what gives her joy, I have to show her that. She will want to emulate me if I live life on purpose. 

Friend I have a few questions for you: What gives you joy? How are you living life with intention? When you wake up in the morning what words comes to mind? Is there anything that you desire to do that you have been putting off? Let today be the day where you choose to start living life on purpose. 

Small things matter; a bouquet of flowers, having a picnic in the park, going for a walk. Do what matters. Do what gives you joy. Live with intention.  

Day 1 over 1 day.

Moms Solo Beach Trip

Hey Friends! I’m back with a short blog and a vlog. Last weekend I went on a solo trip to St. Simon’s Island. This was my first trip completely alone….No hubby, no kiddo, no friends, no coworkers….just me. Yep, I’m 35 and this was my first vacation without a single friend or family member. You might be thinking I’m late to this “solo vacay” thing but I beg to differ. I’m not late. I’m right on time.

Throughout the course of 2020 and actually, the last few years I’ve been overwhelmed, anxious, and in a constant state of “busy.” I’m always surrounded by people. I’m around people at home, at work, and in my business. I’ve been wanting time alone for a while but always felt “bad,” “wrong,” “guilty,” and a little “selfish” for desiring to chill out and rest without having to take care of anyone else or do anything else but focus on me.

As I look back over those feelings, I know that those negative words do not have value and are untrue. There isn’t anything wrong or bad about wanting to be alone or rest for a few days. I’m constantly telling my yoga students, friends, and mentees about the importance of self-care and rest. I believe in walking the talk. I can’t guide other people to find their greatness or to prioritize their wellness if I am not doing the same.

In 2020, my hubby asked me what I desired for Christmas and I immediately thought, “I want a weekend trip by myself.” I thought this but answered, “I don’t know.” I said IDK because I was scared of hurting his feelings and having him think less of me (stupid thoughts, I know). He repeatedly asked me what I wanted, and I just kept blowing him off. The reality is, there isn’t anything I need outside of my peace of mind. Each time he asked, the only thing that came to mind was a weekend of rest.

After about 6 weeks of my hubby asking what I wanted for Christmas I finally told him. Was he disappointed, sad, or angry? No. He said, “Okay babe, you deserve it. You work hard and support our finally; you deserve time for you. Where do you want to go?” I was quiet for a moment and then sad, I want to go to The Getaway House. He said okay and did some research on reserving it. 

A few weeks later, my hubby came back to me and said, he didn’t feel comfortable with me going to the woods by myself. Insert eye roll here as I’m listening. My response was I can be alone in the woods and handle myself. He said that I didn’t know how to use a compass, my cell phone might lose service, and I could get lost hiking in the woods. I listened and acknowledged his concerns.

My spouse wanted me to have a safe weekend alone, so I said that I understood his fears and therefore I was open to other locations. Hubby ultimately reserved the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort in St. Simons Island. Best idea ever! I love the beach and l love quiet time.

I spent 3 nights alone and chilled out. My trip consisted of yoga, meditation, cardio, good eats, relaxing on the beach, a massage, and rest. At the end of the trip, I told Daniel I wanted the exact same gift for Christmas 2021. He laughed and said okay.

I made a short vlog about the trip. Tap the link below to view. If you’re a busy woman or mom and desire some time alone, I recommend taking a 3- or 4-day trip to reset, regroup, and rest your mind and body.

Moms Solo Weekend Beach Vlog

BIG FAITH! My First Vlog

Hello Family! How are you? I hope well. How are you spirits? Are you holding up okay? How’s your faith? Have you been showing up for yourself? Let me know; seriously, I’m actually one of those people who genuinely care and want to see you filled with joy.   

Fam let tell you, I have been mentally preparing to write my “BIG FAITH” blog for weeks. Yes, I said….weeks!! You’re probably thinking, “Steph, I’ve received your blogs and event letters. How have you not written this faith blog yet?” Well friend, this is why, I have wavered. I have been on a seesaw, a pendulum if you will, about what do. I have been uncertain. I wasn’t certain in my spirit, in my heart of hearts about what actions I should take, where to go, or what to believe. I did not have clarity; and you know clarity is a requirement in order to progress.

On October 9, 2020 I started writing my “BIG FAITH” blog. You know I write about faith and doing the work to achieve your dreams and reach your full potential. As I was writing my blog, I was well into page 2 when I stopped. I said “Steph, nobody is going to read this blog. It’s going to be too long.” I then said to myself, “Steph, make a vlog instead.” So that’s what I did. I recorded this vlog on faith, commitment, action, and outcomes. This vlog is my story; it’s my truth of my second baby, my business “Indigo Soul Yoga.” This vlog tells you where I came from, where we are now, and what’s next. I hope you can sit down, sip some tea, and take a listen. The link is below. If you find value in the vlog or think it might motivate or help someone else make sure to share it with them.

BIG FAITH: 1st VLOG