Act like a kid. It might do you some good.

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I think we should all make more of an effort to embrace our inner child.

As we grew we were all taught to follow rules and try and "fit in".

Between childhood and adulthood we've all squashed down so many traits that we should really be trying to cultivate.


Consider the following:

• Kids don't hate, they are taught too
• Kids are curious and follow the urge to explore
• Kids aren't self conscious 
• Kids marvel at the wonders of the world
• Kids dance the way they want to
• Kids colour outside of the lines
• Kids dress how they want because they thinks its pretty or interesting. Not because it's trendy
• Kids like to build and take things apart to learn how they work
• Kids aren't afraid to show love and will give hugs without worrying about what it looks like
• Kids like to create for the sake of creating



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• Kids aren't afraid of getting messy and understand that dirt won't hurt you
• Kids will sing along to songs without fear of judgement
• Kids use their imagination
• Kids can play by themselves without fear of missing out
• Kids question the "rules" and always ask "why?"
• Kids value experiences and seek out fun
• Kids respect animals
• Kids think nature is cool
• Kids don't count calories
• Kids don't sugar coat their truth

So take a moment. 

Remember what it was like and how happy you would be if you still acted that way. 

Maybe we should all let our inner child out to play every once in a while.

love & light

-Katie

Don't settle for any less than good vibes.

Lately I have been reflecting on the shift in my social life.

I used to be what some may refer to as “the life of the party” or a “social butterfly”.

 I was gregarious and loud and could make a friend wherever I went and was proud of that fact.

I used to surround myself with as many people as possible just for the sake of not being alone. If I was not out on a Friday night doing SOMETHING then I felt that I must be missing out on something. At that time I was terrified of being lonely because it meant I had to be alone with myself, a person that I did not really like or care to get to know very well.

Because of this I maintained relationships with people that I did not necessarily connect with on a genuine level. I had a small group of true close friends and an enormous group of friend/acquaintances. I remember turning 21 and having 50+ people show up at my party, all of whom I knew but I can now, 4 years later, count on my hands how many of whom I have remained in contact with.

Over the last couple of years I have made a real conscience effort to get to know myself better.

I have come to appreciate myself and truly enjoy being alone.

This has been a catalyst for my much more selective view on relationships and for letting many friendships drift away.

I realized that unless I can connect with someone on all levels authentically then there is no point in keeping them in my life. This does not mean that I don’t like that person or they have necessarily done anything “wrong”. I would just rather be alone enjoying “me time” than force an interaction that does not resonate on multiple levels.

I recently came across a quote that really embodies how I have been feeling about the changing dynamics of my interactions with others.

“I no longer have the energy for meaningless friendships, forced interactions or unnecessary conversations.

If we don’t vibrate on the same frequency there’s just no reason for us to waste our time.

I’d rather have no one and wait for substance than to not feel someone and fake the funk.”

― Joquesse Eugenia

This is now the only way I know how to live my life happily. It has resulted in my friend group shrinking in size but growing in value and authenticity.

I guess this is all just part of growing older, wiser, learning about yourself and becoming more selective in who you share you life with.

I am valuable. My time and love (just like everyone else’s) is precious. For this reason I choose not to waste it on people or in circumstances in which it will not truly be appreciated. Anything short of a real connection is disingenuous and is disservice to yourself and to others.

Be you.

Surround yourself with people who appreciate you and see you for who you are.

love & light

-Katie

Taking a pause: Empathy, Compassion & Mindfulness

First off I would like to preface this post by saying that in no way do I claim to have mastered these concepts nor do I think they can ever be fully mastered. With that being said, I am making a very conscious effort to evolve and make them a part of how I live my life every day.

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• Empathy
• Compassion
• Mindfulness

Each of these things can come naturally or can be incredibly difficult depending on a myriad of factors present in your own mind or surrounding environment.

BUT I believe that if they are carefully cultivated they can enrich your life immeasurably.

Taking a moment to yourself to evaluate someone else’s perspective as well as your own reaction to a situation can make all the difference in the world.

Mindfulness, empathy and compassion require continual awareness of the fact that there is a bigger picture. Life is not just your direct experience. It’s not all about you.

EVERYONE has SOMETHING “going on”.

 Once you become presently aware of that fact it becomes much easier to take a pause and consider where someone is coming from, why they may be reacting in a particular way or doing / saying something. Everyone is raised differently, has had different experiences and will therefore process and react to things in a way that may be different from your own. This is okay and needs to be accepted.

Stop for a moment. Breathe. 

Become aware of your reaction & make the conscious decision to be positive.

Be present and remove judgement. 

Smile. Make more eye contact. 

Show others they have value.

You will be happier for it.

You would be shocked at the way you will be received by others and the level of comfort and emotional openness you can reach in all interpersonal relationships if you adopt this practice.

Self-reflection and personal growth is a never ending journey that just keeps getting better... Enjoy it!

love & light

-Katie