Show yourself kindness while you struggle

I recently attended yoga in the park. Before I go any further- let me tell you, I am not a yogi. In fact I've only done yoga a handful of times. 

Even-still, I really enjoy the relaxation and mediation portions of some yoga practices.  And after my experience this week, I'm sure it's my favorite part.

As with any other yoga classes there was an instructor that led the session. What I loved was her transparency about being authentic towards yourself. She constantly reminded us that only you know your limits and only you know when you're focused. (I'm sure it didn't help that she didn't want anyone to hurt themselves in the middle of this loosely structured class held in the corner of Old 4th Ward Skate Park).

As she guided the class she made bunches of reminders about being centered on yourself and mindful of your own limits.  She reminded us that balance can also be from within as opposed to having your left side stretch and right stretch being identical. 

Not only did she make these statements; she also provided more profound commentary- a couple of which statements lingered with me.

1. Show yourself kindness 

How often do you show yourself kindness? Not giving yourself a compliment or a positive affirmation about who you are, what you can accomplish, or what/who you can be; but truly being kind to yourself? Having self compassion.  This took me for a loop because it sounds so simple but I quickly found it takes great discipline to implement this this idea.

2. You cannot end at the beginning.

This lingered because it's the better packaging of one of my life lessons: you must go through the struggle to arrive at success.

These two statement go together. They are both so vital to life- learning to thrive instead of just survive. So I challenge you to show yourself kindness as you go through the struggle. Especially since  we all know: the struggle is real, but now we also know you can be kind to yourself while en route to successfully overcoming it.

Pinwheels for Prevention

For every month of the year there is something that is celebrated or acknowledged; some of these causes are more well known than others. However in the social worker realm one of April's hallmarks is raising the awareness of child abuse prevention.

If this is news to you, don't be alarmed- you're likely not alone. Like most Americans who shun the idea of educating children on sex education often adults and children are unequipped regarding the topic of child sexual abuse as well!  Considering knowledge is power; those who are unaware in this context put power in the hands of perpetrators.  Hence the reason for raising awareness!

Child abuse prevention is supported by  the symbol of a pin-wheel. Have you played with one or seen one before? A pinwheel in itself illustrates childhood- to be young and free without the stresses of the world; that's what the pin-wheel symbolizes.  It also symbolizes  life as a gentle breeze or breath; both of which are revitalizing in context- hence an ever going motion. For children whose lives have been jaded and innocence have been stolen; the pinwheels carry their story and remind us to not allow their story to be in vain; that instead we carry their breath and a potion of their burden and trauma to push forward with voices to create change through awareness.

Join me in the movement! Support the pinwheel! Tell someone about this issue; sexual abuse is only taboo if we allow it to be! Educate a peer, a parent, a co-worker or otherwise about how they can prevent child abuse and keep their loved ones from being at risk! 

Www.georgiacenterforchildadvocacy.org

#GCCA #pinwheelsforprevention

Is Sin City truly Sinful?

I finally made it to..you guessed it: LAS VEGAS!  I've been itching to get to this fun filled city since I turned 21; let's just say it took some time but I finally followed through.

I left before the crack of dawn and found myself in one of the busiest airports ever...you guessed it: Hartsfield-Jackson in good ole ATL.  Perhaps it was my early departure but I had I ran into no major issues; I rolled right through security and reached my gate with ease.

I boarded the plane and was quickly aware of how many children were aboard. I knew it was Spring Break season and initially thought these families must be heading somewhere else on the Western coast by way of Las Vegas; however it was clear this wasn't the case. Children and families were everywhere on the flight and conversation indicated their final stop was the same as mine.

These children were not young adults who can fend for themselves; they were middle and elementary school children at best; in some cases younger. As I roamed Sin City I noticed kids everywhere all day everyday. There were kids enjoying shows and buffets and roaming about the hotel with adults. There were kids in pampers and strollers and I thought - how much would a babysitter/ nanny make out here?

I wondered if this has always been the trend for Sin City; because although it didn't dampen my weekend of epic adventures (and have no doubt they were EPIC), children and full families just weren't part of my vision.

Don't get me wrong I'm not judging but I am very curious - what do kids do in Vegas? What do families do in Vegas? And of all locations on the globe who picks Vegas for a family fun vacation? 

I am genuinely amused, intrigued, and perplexed.  Have other folks seen this? Is it happening in other adult centered cities as well? Would you take your kids? 

In the midst of the question I began to wonder is Sin City truly sinful? Perhaps times have changed city as sin truly has no boundaries. 

Brunch: Highland Bakery

I recently had the delight of enjoying Highland Bakery for Brunch.  This was my first time visiting Highland Bakery, but its reputation precedes itself!

This hot-spot can be easily overlooked;  its a bit disconnected from the rest of the Inman park strip. This is a "pro" for parking; as there is plenty of free street parking to offset the 6 car parking lot of the actual bakery.  But s potential "con" for the added view and fun of neighboring shops.

Highland Bakery is actually a bakery; the entire entry is a shop filled with fresh baked goodies and additional edible treats.  The bakery serves a dual purpose as it's also the lobby for seated meals. 

Saturday was busy but having a small party allotted for a short, 15-20 minute wait. My friend suggested French toast as an appetizer which was such a fatty move, but it was totally worth it! The French toast was of the fluffiest bread I've ever had and was truly toasted to a tasty crunch which held the sweet cream drizzle and syrup; it was accompanied by fresh berry medley.

For my entree I order a breakfast burrito! It was delicious! My eggs and bacon were cooked to perfection (I hate runny scrambled eggs); salsa was on point and on the side so I controlled the temp and sogginess.  I was stuffed to capacity!

The atmosphere was quick paced which resulted in fast service and entrees being served; however with a bigger group it could possibly be hard to catch up in convo over the hustle and bustle.  

Lastly, to my surprise, Highland Bakery is DRY. That's right- no mimosas and surely nothing stronger like a Bloody Mary or Screwdriver. Although the this isn't a requirement for all brunch-ers, if it is for you this isn't your brunch stop.

I would surely eat there again! They have lots of other great options ranging from southern traditional grits to egg Benedict with a vegan flair. Parking is free and manageable. And I can drink afterwards or maybe sit outside and tilt my flask ;) 

Sunday Well Spent

We all know that there are seven days in a week and even more clear that everyone's schedule can differ and vary based on career and life- be it day to day and week to week.

In the midst of such an ever changing day to day, week, and life I have found a plan that works! It's how I ensure my Sundays are truly well spent. My Sundays are loosely structured but it makes my week WAY less stressful.

Sunday morning my goal is church then errands; usually followed by food prep and  cooking. Sunday is also usually my hair day; not usually washing it but typically re-styling for the week.  I often have other tasks like household chores such as laundry, cleaning the bathroom, or whatever else is needed or overdue.

My Sunday is perpetuated by this "to-do" list. And no matter how long this "to-do" list, I also have a quitting time...that's right I close shop at a pre-determined time; most often between 5 and 6pm. This forces me to be effective with my time all day and weed-out the random acts of mis-managed time from the necessities of the day and projected work week.  

Having a quitting time also allows for me to enjoy my Sunday, even if it's just for the evening until "Smonday" arrives. It allows time to relax and rest before gearing up for a week of potential mayhem! 

Most times I just watch television or read; maybe talk to some friends. Other times I take a bath or enjoy hot tea with a baked snacked; maybe watch a movie?! To be honest there are endless choices, but the key is all these choices are intentionally made available. I do not view this time or chosen activity as a bonus or random free time- it's intentional and I have found it so necessary! 

I challenge you to try it! And for you it might not be Sunday. But take a day and decide when you get up how effective you want to be and from what time you are giving yourself; when quitting time comes...QUIT! See how you feel next day and the following few days. I'm sure this won't work for everyone but it might just work for you.  

Spring Forward

It's interesting- the season Spring; it's totally based upon change. Change in time as we spring forward and have longer days filled with more sunlight. A change in landscape as flowers bloom and allergies take over. Change is implied by references to spring cleaning as well! These changes bring people (and animals) out of hibernation.

Do you notice these changes? Have you pressed pause on life lately to take in a single moment? How you reflected on changes within yourself and those around you; or even just taken a beat to admire the beauty around you.

Are you making changes for yourself? For those of you who made new goals for the new year, what's the status- are you on target, behind, or ahead? For those who didn't make goals but are "gonna"- are you aware a full quarter of the year has almost passed you by; luckily for you, there is still time but be clear as time waits for no-one.

For those who have been throw into change unwillingly and without preparation; stay strong, change is hard but truly necessary. No matter what the circumstance changes only come for a season. Change promotes growth and strength; for once you've grown into your change it becomes your new normal (what a relief - right).

Sooooo- I challenge you to seize the day and reflect for a better you! I challenge myself to do the same. #carpédiem

Brunch: Bottomless Mimosas & Barbecue

Who would have thought about this combination: mimosas and barbecue!  I'm totally clueless on where the idea originated but know I caught a promo on social media which put it on my to-do list.

Sweet Auburn BBQ introduced me to this dynamic duo- and it was pretty good. I must admit; the brunch buffet felt lacking although I couldn't figure out what was missing. The spread itself was robust and offered an array of different options; multiple meats, several carbs, and a handful of healthy options; some breakfast based choices, while others illustrated the makings of a true lunch. Upon second thought; I believe it was the flavor that was missing- across the board I needed more sauce, more tang, more flavor.  I would visit again, but would likely opt for an entree or surely make a menu based selection for dinning. 

As for the mimosas, servers were prompt with pouring the first round at 1230! That was surely a plus; and have no doubt they kept them coming. I'm assuming because I was 1 of a party of 2, we were not offered a pitcher to self serve for our table. We were not rushed from our table and  therefore were able to enjoy the Virginia Highland setting while catching up and sipping away.  As the sitting and sipping continued, there was a note-able shift in the strength of the mimosas as the beverage appeared lighter and lighter with each refill- no complaints with that over here.

Parking, which must be addressed because Atlanta can be ridiculous for no apparent reason.  With Sweet Auburn BBQ, parking was plentiful as there was lots of street parking which was free but came with the cost of a wall through the neighborhood. Didn't bother me any. But if you're looking for a parking- lot; there's one but it's small which means often full and easily overlooked.

So in sum: loved the concept! Loved the service! Loved the area! Would go again but surely skip the buffet. But of course, don't let my tasties steer you wrong; try it yourself and give me a shout 😝