What is Human Design?

Have you heard of the “Human Design Chart”? (aka Human Design, HDC, Body Graph).
Looking at the picture you may think it’s some sort of robotic humanoid. Well it’s not robotic, but it does have everything to do with being human and how to understand our whole human system so we can live our best life.

The best definition I’ve heard is that Human Design is equal parts practical and woowoo.
Human Design can be used as a target operating model for a person on how they can live in alignment with their truest self, how they make decisions and what gifts they are meant to give to the world. It’s both helpful to the self but also to people you work and live with (think business teams and families). Interestingly, the only pieces of information required to build your body graph are your birth date, time and location.

I’ve been learning more about my HDC for the last 2 years and I think I’m ready to share more about what I’ve learned about my own chart. Check back soon to learn more!

b-roll is life

Google what b-roll is and you’ll see that “it is essential in narrative features to create a sense of time and place and to add layers of meaning to a story.”

When we think about life, we think mainly about the starting points and accomplishments.  But we hear so very often to “enjoy the ride”.  The ride could be any combination of the daily mundane, errands, simple pleasures and maybe even stumbles.  And it’s the ride that is b-roll.  As someone who is a creative and who is constantly documenting life – I know that b-roll is life.

 

How nature promotes flow state

Being in flow state is when you feel like everything is aligned.  Your day is effortless.  And even if it’s not, you have an inherent trust that everything will work out for the best.

Being in the flow state means you are in the zone.  And being the in the zone means the world is your oyster.  You put your mind to something, work hard enough and it’s yours… #manifestation

There are many things that can help you get into flow state:
– Deep Breathing
– Meditation
– EFT Tapping
– Dancing
– Distract yourself from what’s taking your peace
– Be creative
and of course…getting outdoors and enjoying nature’s beauty!

One thing about our modern fast paced society is that we have forgotten about including nature and leisure in our day. Something I’ve realized myself only recently.  Whether it’s working in a concrete jungle and not getting out for some sun.  Or being so busy working from home that the only time I get up from my desk is to do school pick up!  It was about 2 years ago that I really felt like there was a mis-alignmnment (between my soul & body from nature) and randomly (well not a coincidence) stumbled upon the benefits of forrest baths.  

Forrest baths is a Japanese practice of relaxation – simply put its a method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees. 

After I read more and researched this practice – I began changing my habits.  Whenever, I was dealing with certain emotions (stress, fear, sadness) – I would force myself to go for a walk.  And specifically make sure I walked in a forest.  I do my best to immerse myself in the forrest.  I would go so far as to think about the architecture of the tree.  It’s connection to the earth (ie: what the roots looked like, how far they went into the earth, how they connected to the roots of other trees), what the trees look from the top or look up at the trees and lastly imagine the energy flowing through these trees.  

Of course it does not need to be this involved.  Some days I would just sit on the steps outside my house, and even sometimes I would just open the windows in my room.  

So if you are finding yourself sitting for long stretches of the day indoors, considering being intentional about stepping outside once in a while.  And if you want to try forest bathing – use the 3 tips to get started:

  1. Walk slowly in nature or be still.  This will help you pay attention to your surroundings and really taken in the natural beauty.
  2. Use your senses to experience.  Make note of the scent, the colours, how the light is shinning.  Focus on one sense at a time.
  3. Savour the beauty.  When something catches your eye, take a few extra moments to truly appreciate it.

If you want this… practice that

I was able to get over a summer reading slump with a fast paced thriller – which I thought meant I could then start another book that peaked my curiosity.  I love personal success and personal dev books (unfortunately, they are also the cause of me being 1 book behind schedule on my “read 12 books in 2023” self-set challenge).  

OOTD, Fit Check, 40s Fashion, Summer Style, Fashionista, Spiritual Advice, Self Care, Personal Success, Printed Skirt, Blazer Vest, Nude Shoes

Skirt & Body Suit – Reitmans | Shoes – Call it Spring | Blazer Vest – Suzy Sheir | Purse – Target

Although I also believe these types of book don’t necessarily help someone, unless that person actually executes on said advice.  However, books can be eye opening and for me personally I like to spread the word so to speak.  Whether it helps me create content for this blog, a caption for an IG post or an insightful tweet, I feel it lets me help raise the vibration of this planet, even if the wisdom only reaches 1 other human.

OOTD, Fit Check, 40s Fashion, Summer Style, Fashionista, Spiritual Advice, Self Care, Personal Success, Printed Skirt, Blazer Vest, Nude Shoes

Anywho, the reason why I shared that thought process was because if you are out there and you are not sure you should share you idea, opinion or art (remember as long as you aren’t hurting anyone) – you should do it anyway.  When we share something, we always put our own unique spin on it – which inherently makes it compliment the millions of other ideas that already exist.  So in conclusion – I may not execute on everything I read in a personal success book, but I’m sure to share the wealth of knowledge!  But because I want to continuously up my creative game (this?), I need to get more comfortable with sharing (that!)

OOTD, Fit Check, 40s Fashion, Summer Style, Fashionista, Spiritual Advice, Self Care, Personal Success, Printed Skirt, Blazer Vest, Nude Shoes

On the note of sharing… I’m also sharing a quick list on how to raise your vibes when you want to get to the next emotional level/frequency.  Want to read more on this topic, check out more from my blog: here, here and here.

Abundance ↔ Gratitude

Joy ↔ Service to Others

Freedom ↔ Laugh More

Calm Mind ↔ Nature Walk

Intuition ↔ Meditation

Peace ↔ Journal

Confidence ↔ Self Compassion

My love for MEJURI

I’ve always been a big wearer of jewelry.  As a teen, I would wear rings on as many fingers as possible.  And before that, I was obsessed with having a name necklace (this was before SATC came on scene).  I’ve always been intrigued by unique types of jewelry before it became mainstream (thumb or nail rings).  Even like what different pieces symbolized (like Erykah Badu’s Ankh) or what it mean to wear rings on certain fingers. For me, the more jewelry the better.

On top of that, I never discriminated where I purchased my jewelry from.  I love eclectic pieces and knew they could be found anywhere!  Whether it was a boutique in MTL or Smart Set in the P.A.T.H (which sadly is no more!).  I’ve bought cool stuff at Holt Renfrew but also from street vendors.  

Sometimes my jewelry tells a story, sometime it’s my mood and sometimes its just the vibe for the day.

Mejury, Jewelry, VermeIi, arm candy, stacked rings, layered necklace

Growing up I used to wear either 24K or the stuff that stains my skin.  Thankfully I’ve learned a lot more about how jewelry is made, what works with my skin & sustainability.

I first heard about Mejuri in 2017 (a few years after it was founded) from a popular youtuber back in the day.  But I didnt make my first purchase until 2019.  I bought a few necklaces and was so happy with the quality that I bought a few thin stacker rings.  My most recent purchases include bracelets and charms.

Mejury, Jewelry, VermeIi, arm candy, stacked rings, layered necklace
Mejury, Jewelry, VermeIi, arm candy, stacked rings, layered necklace

Mejuri is known for its high quality jewelry – but what I love most about Mejuri is that its perfect to gift to yourself! And with the variety of price points it definitely makes it more enjoyable! 

Check out some of my favourite pieces!

Sphere’s Bracelet

Metallic Sphere Ring

Pearl Trio Beaded Stacker Ring

Sun Charm Necklace

 

6 ways to maintain your sanity while achieving your goals

The internet has been a buzz for several years with words like #BossBabe and #She-EO – all of which sound incredibly hazardous because as of recently they are also followed by themes of burnout and mental wellness.

I love being ambitious and setting goals that I work towards.  But I also strive for balance and grace.  And I think being both a mom (at home) and a mentor (in my corporate career) I feel compelled to underline the truth: give yourself grace because you can have it all…but not at the same time!   Sharing my suggestions below, with a mini recap of some outfits I wore on vacation recently (you know me, all about the inspiration & motivation!)

Outfit mirror shot, vacation outfit, bathroom selfie, give yourself grace while you ambitiously work on your goals

 

  1. Plan ahead and prioritize: Whether it’s on a Sunday for the week ahead, in the morning before things get going or a Friday afternoon brain dump.  Take time to think about what you need to focus on and figure out what needs to get done when.  You plan to fail when you fail to plan – check out my digital planner page on Etsy if you are looking for a great planning tool.
  2. Time Block your schedule: whether its timeblocking your day or your week, figure out what you want to work on when instead of trying to multi task.  Even better, try and fully complete the work you planned on before starting something new.  You’ll get a natural dopamine kick and you also won’t feel scattered from having too many unfinished tasks on your to-do list at the end of the day. 
  3. Let the Pomodoro timer be your best friend: I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again.  When you feel stressed or anxious about doing something – set a time for 20 minutes and do as much of that task in time alotted.
  4. Take breaks (both physical and mental): This is something I learned from running but it applies to everything! Literally schedule it into your gCal or planner.  I always block my workouts and my lunch, but now I need to add a morning and afternoon walk.
  5. Give yourself grace: Sometimes we all need a reminder.  Ambitious people tend to be perfectionists, but it’s okay because you can’t overwhelm yourself and do your best work – it just doesn’t work that way.
  6. Release limiting beliefs: Sometimes we feel guilty for doing less, not doing things fast enough or not doing it right the first time.  It’s important to work through that (everyone’s journey is different) – but it all cases, those ideals need to be demolished! Knowledge is power, and these book recommendations can help :) 
Chichen Itza, Mayan Ruins, Mexico travel, Tulum Travel, Outfit ideas, Ambitious woman, successful, life is rigged in my favour