Just Be Yourself

CHRISTMAS IN ALASKA - GIVE YOURSELF THE ROOM TO GROW

"ALASKA!" "Yeah girl. . . Alaska!"  Alaska is not the first destination people think of for the holiday's. If anything "Christmas in Alaska" is the butt of the joke! But listen, don't jokes and the fear of sticking out stop you from experiencing new adventures. There is so much world to see and even more to learn. On December 20th I travelled to Alaska to visit my mom and 2 little brothers in Southern Alaska. I know, I know. . . I have family out there too!! Yes, and they are living their best lives (even while your reading this!) In this episode I will dive into my time while in Old Harbor, Alaska! A small village at the end of a mountain where land meets sea. Basically, an island crafted by many mountain with a village right against the water. The land is a combination of mountain and ocean with a vibrant and  Native American community. Down-to-earth people, great views, and family made Old Harbor the perfect place to be. Tune in to hear my as I share my Christmas in Alaska travel experience!

THANKFUL | GRATEUL | BLESSED - This year just feels different!

Do you guys remember how you felt during COVID! Especially during the holiday season! Its didn't feel right. .  its just felt wrong to be celebrating but also like we should be because were still alive! Everyone was on the same page, that things just felt off! But this year if a whole other story, because there is so much to be grateful for and now we realize those who have left us in the previous years wouldn't want us to sit around and mop. But to be up and dancing, laughing with friends, visiting family, having ourselves a good-ol time with the ones we love while we can! This year, I felt all the love around Thanksgiving! I mean, being surrounded by family members you actually like will do that to ya! Tune in as i reflect and share my joy during the beginning of this joyful season! We're having full circle moments around here ya'll! But also, if I'm being honest with myself, this year hasn't been easy. .  but I am grateful to be here. So if you haven't had the best of times this year as well, or are still going through it now. . I see you! As hard as it is try to focus on the good in your life, the positive moments (no matter how small) and let those moments guide you during these times.

BOUNDARIES VS EXPECTATIONS: My friendships are taking changing and I don't like it!

Now the real highlight of this episode was realizing I am NOT ready for a relationship! No ma'am, no spam, no green-eggs-and-ham! I clearly have attachment issues and through the episode have noticed they subconsciously spilled over into my friendships and how I perceive them. At one point, it felt like I was truly comfortable with being alone, but as great friendships have formed, my own habits have changed. Now it feels like my friendships are at a crossroads between their newly established boundaries and my previously established expectations. Something has to change, so grab your wine and join me as I navigate these thoughts! Have you ever had a friend that places so much weight on the friendship you have to take a step back? Yeah!  Well, I think I'm that friend! *face palm*

I ASKED A GUY OUT! PT 2: I am not ready for a relationship!

GIRLLLLLL!!!! Not let me tell you something! We can not put a "bad hangout" all on the other person! Sometimes it is truly us that is the problem and in this case, it was definitely me. . . To a certain degree! I mean the guy did think I was a lesbian, so there's that. . .  Join me as I recap a really awkward night that has lots of potential to turn into something more! When testing chemistry there is bound to be a few weird moments or hiccups in finding the one for you. So I won't be too hard on myself because I went in wanting to get learn more about who I am in these situations. That said, sit back, relax, and tune in for the most awkward episode of Just Be Yourself!

I ASKED A GUY OUT!! PT 1: Analyzing on my communication style . . . I need therapy!

Yeah, I really did that. . . and I have no problem doing it again! As they say "Closed mouths don't get fed!"  In general, I have never had a problem with making the first move with a guy (when the rejection level is low)! Meaning, if I feel the person may genuinely be interested in me. . . then back up because I sliding into their DM's. But don't get me wrong it's not for everyone but for ME, I would rather be the girl sitting at the bar politely introducing herself than the one looking down at her drink and waiting for someone to approach her. The amount of confidence you have to build is heavy and must be able to withstand rejection! That said, I clearly DON'T have it all figured out but, in general, being willing to put yourself out there opens you to more opportunities than you could ever imagine! Now here's the kicker. . . he lowkey ghosted me! I'm telling you right now, NO ONE wants to feel that way. Luckily I had a healthy distraction (vacation) and did not notice until I was back in town. Therefore, when sitting down to talk through my thoughts I started to analyze my communication styles within my friendships. Join me as I realize how much of a needy friend I am!