Digital Nomad 101

Choosing to become a digital nomad was a matter of necessity for me. When I decided to travel the world, I did not have a ton of money saved and I did not have passive income coming in. All I knew was that I was outta there! After leaving LA with the little money I saved, and the money I made from getting rid of all my belongings, I knew I had to find a gig that I could do online while I traveled. In full transparency, the conversation with my current client started before I left but I did not write a proposal until two weeks after my trip started. I jumped on that plane with blind faith! My digital nomad journey was very organic but I learned a lot along the way. If you are new to the digital nomad game here are a few tips. 

Pick a location that can help you thrive.

Working and traveling adds another layer to the nomad life. Picking a location that can fulfill all your personal and professional needs is paramount. Yes, you can go anywhere in the world, but does your job require strong wifi 24/7 or can you disappear for a few days and your clients won’t freak out? In some areas, the wifi might be good for regular daily use but can it handle large uploads and downloads? When researching where to visit be very realistic about your necessities. This includes access to consistent power as well. This is where I feel writers have an advantage; they get to check in less and disappear for days while working on projects. Lucky! I work in the social media and content management world so I have to make sure I have decent wifi at all times. 

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Protect your time and make sure your contract reflects your boundaries.  

The whole point of leaving the 9-to-5 world is to not be a slave to your job. All my contracts include the days and times I am willing to work and when I will be unreachable. Be very clear about the lifestyle you want and make sure your clients understand your boundaries. In general, I work four-day weeks between certain hours, and I do not work weekends unless there is an emergency. This is where a great contract comes into play. I am very blessed to have a friend who is a pro at freelance contracts and I pay her to rip it to shreds and put it back together. A good thing to remember is that as you move through different timezones your personal definition of a weekend might change or your working hours might be affected. 

Network before you get on the plane! 

This is one of my biggest professional tips, whether you are a digital nomad or not. Digitally connect with as many people in your field as possible. In this case, connect with other digital nomads and expats in your chosen location (and around the world) before you travel. This is where Facebook Groups comes in really handy. I am almost sure there is an expat FB group for every country on the planet, and if you are lucky there may even be groups just for digital nomads. Logging on and getting tips and tricks before you land can save a ton of headaches. People living and working the way you aspire to will tell you everything you need to know before you jump on the plane. For example, while in Bali a fellow traveler friend asked me to look into art supply stores for her husband. Because I was able to locate resources for them it literally lightened their load. In general, I check into the Girls Love Travel group on FB every time I plan a trip. This group is not specific to digital nomads, but I have met amazing women from around the world and gotten great travel tips. Don’t forget to check blogs as well. So many people have done this before you, so there is no reason to feel lost or uninformed.

Co-living 

My first leap into the nomad world was actually at a co-living space in Nicaragua. Co-living is a type of accommodation for digital nomads or young professionals who prefer a communal living arrangement. Co-living not only helps you save money but introduces you to a community of people who are on similar life paths. In order to curate the residents and guarantee a house filled with like-minded people, I had to apply to stay at my co-living space. When I realized this, I was a little taken aback by the process but upon arrival it all made sense. Digital nomads live and work on the road, so the last thing you want at home is a group of loud party kids whose only mission is to get lit. Co-living spaces range from a hotel-like experience to a homey bed and breakfast feel, and are wired for the fun and work balance. You will get the quiet time you need for work but when you want to socialize you are more than welcomed.  Another feature I really enjoyed about staying at a co-living space was the organized meet-ups. We had “Lunch & Learn” sessions (where different guests taught mini-workshops at lunchtime), round table talks, morning yoga, dinner outings, and the occasional bar flex. My favorite part of staying at the house was all the great people I met. After spending almost three weeks there I can truly say I left with a few friends. My roommate even turned into a travel buddy for a few stops on the journey. And I met up with two other women while traveling in Bali! 

Coworking 

A coworking space is basically communal office spaces for anyone who needs office vibes without big budgets. It has all the amenities (private offices, board rooms, coffee bar, printing station etc.) for you to successfully run your business anywhere in the world. More importantly, very similarly to co-living, coworking spaces offer community. If you are a solo traveler or a social person then finding a community with shared interests is integral to your mental health. Although I have never rented a desk at a coworking space, I have taken advantage of their communal activities such as culture talks, workshops, and poetry slams. So even if you are planning on renting your own house but still want to connect with other digital nomads, check out the coworking spaces in each country you visit. 

Research activities that will take you away from your computer but still stimulate your mind! 

Like I’ve stated before, the whole point of leaving the 9-to-5 world is to not be a slave to your work! When researching locations, pick places that offer activities that pique your interest. Activities that you’ve always wanted to try or skills you want to hone. It’s no secret that Bali is one of my favorite places to visit. It has an amazing digital nomad and expat community. You can surf, hike, offroad, camp, learn about permaculture, take a coffee course, go to workshops, music festivals or poetry slams. The list is endless! It makes work-life balance so easy. Why would you want to chain yourself to your desk when there are so many fun things to do? 

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Pick a date and go!

Up until this moment, you have done a fair amount of research. You have chosen a location, made some connections and you are feeling good. You have done as much as you can to prepare, it’s time to pick a date and GO. If this is your first trip, do not get caught up in over planning because you are nervous. And do not keep pushing back the date while you are waiting on everything to be perfect. As long as you have a solid plan (or even a little loose one), GO. Trust yourself and take the leap. 

Get settled and be flexible. 

Once you have taken this amazing step into digital nomadism, take your time getting settled. The best part of being a nomad is knowing that you are doing slow travel. Find your bearings in your new home. Take time out to find your favorite coffee shops, restaurants, and spas. Go on long walks, meet the locals and feel out the area. There is no rush to get everything perfect right away. You might not want to hear this but things might not turn out the way you think they will. Your accommodations may not be a good fit or you may find a neighborhood you like better. Build flexibility into your trip. When traveling you have to learn how to roll with the punches. 

Get to work! 

Now that you are all settled, find your new routine. Remember you are still working and traveling, so set up a schedule that works for you. Maybe try a four-day workweek as I did or try completing all your work before a certain time so the rest of the day is for relaxing and exploring. The best part of being a digital nomad is that you call the shots! Know your limits and hold yourself accountable. And most importantly, have fun! 



It Rains Even In Paradise

It rains even in paradise.

What a simple reminder that even beauty needs nourishment.

That there is joy in the rain.

Every droplet a sweet kiss to growth.

A whisper saying, “Let’s cry together, let’s release.”

I’ve been mourning the loss of the old me for the past two years. Not realizing that she is not coming back and maybe she shouldn't.

While living in Bali, my housemate and I would hosted dinner with one of our best Bali friends. The conversations were always super deep and yummy. On one particular night, our friend asked me and my housemate what was our greatest fear, I said I didn't have that many fears anymore. I'm known as the risk taker, the go-getter; so other than physical fears like a fear of heights, I can't think of much.

The conversation went on and the topic of fear of success came up. They shared about being afraid of immense success and having to maintain that level of success. Upon hearing this, I stated that I have no such fear but my biggest worry right now is that the spark I need to get me there won't return.

Everything I've ever wanted in life, I chased wholeheartedly and I got it!  But after years of stress and overworking, I hit a wall. I was burnt out. Ever since then I've resigned to the fact that I am in a resting period and the energy I need (my ambitious spark) will return...eventually.

After listening to me rattle on about something that made complete sense to me my friend looked at me like I was completely nuts. She said, “Why would you want to go back to functioning in a way that made you sick? You are waiting for something that's not going to happen. I'm sorry to tell you but that old you is dead and shouldn't come back.”

She broke it down like this: maybe the reason I'm so tired and have no energy is because my body is protecting me from doing the same harm I did to it last time. You know that every time I got excited about a project, I’d work myself to the bone and I end up mentally drained and most recently physically sick. So instead of going through that cycle, my body says “Oh no team, here she goes again getting herself all worked up. It's time to shut her down!” AKA it's time for rest.

After coming at me with a mega proverbial punch-kick combination, the universe yelled “Finish her!” and she roundhouse kicked me with, “This is the new you and you better learn how to create from this place.”

This place? This place of uncertainty? Sometimes I don't even know how to motivate myself out of bed. What do you mean create from this place?

As searing as her words were a part of me knew she was right. It resonated deeply. I'm not that girl anymore and cannot be that girl anymore. I'm a woman now. I must operate out of the level of compassion and softness that my weary body can understand. I need to make sure that my mind, body, and soul can trust me again.

So I guess it’s time to complete the stages of grief and accept this.

Dear Younger Donalee,  

Thank you for carrying me this far. Thank you for your persistence, determination, and stubbornness. Your strength transformed me from a statistic to a standout. I did things many people from where I'm from can only dream of. I honor your strong will and hard work. Everything I have today is because of you.

But sweetie the time has come for me to take all the lessons but leave the weight. Now I need to be strong and soft. Driven but receptive. Sure but unsure. So today I release you. Thank you for taking me this far but the higher me is calling and I must go to her. I love you, I honor you.

Love,

Donalee Curtis 2.0



My Self-Care Shower Ritual For Relaxation & Healing

Unknowingly, sometimes, I believe we are too mean to ourselves. We harbor feelings of doubt, shame, and guilt and recently my personal war has been not feeling good enough. The question now becomes how do I manage those feelings and soothe my mind? The answer, self-care.

Self-care is one of the hottest wellness trends right now but what does it really mean? For me, it’s about reminding yourself that everything is going to be ok. Taking time to be gentle and to slow down. A time to unfold. A time to make you your highest priority, without interruption, judgment, and expectation. There is something to be said for scheduled self-care dates but I think one of the easiest ways to practice self-care is to add extra time and be more intentional with activities that are already part of your daily routine. Like taking a shower, for example. You already do this so why not make taking a shower a healing experience as well?

One of my favorite self-care rituals is taking a loving cleansing shower. This might sound a bit odd but follow me on this. For many of us, the first thing we want to do after a long day of building our empire is take a nice hot shower. Personally, I like to use this time not only for a refresher but also a destresser. A time to show myself extra love and extra care. This time is especially important when the world and/or you have beaten yourself up. The external challenges we face daily are one thing but the mental wars we fight are a whole other situation. Adding a little extra time and care to your shower can be a great way to recover and tend your wounds from that mental war.

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Here are a few things I do to transform my shower time from a regular scrub down to an indulgent act of love.

1. Set the mood

Lighting a couple of candles and playing your favorite sensual playlist goes a long way. Do all the sexy things you would for a late night date but this show is just for you.

2. Add a little essential oil

As the shower is steaming up, add a few drops of essential oil to the tub. The scented steam from the hot water will instantly transform the bathroom into your own luxury spa. Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool when combating stress. Choose a scent that you love but also gives the effect you need. Personally I love eucalyptus and lavender.

3. Offer yourself the best

This is not the time for your bright green cheap soap bar or chemical-filled over-scented body wash. Treat yourself to clean natural luxurious products. Self-care is also about being intentional with what you put on and in your body, soap included. For added body buffing, consider adding an exfoliating step once a week.

4. Positive self talk & cleanse

Now that you have the mood set and you are feeling calmer already, it’s time to cleanse away the day. This is the most important part of the entire shower ritual. I’ve addressed this a few times before, but positive self-talk is a game changer. The things we say to ourselves can be really harsh and downright hateful. Instead of replaying the events of the day and reliving every mistake, failure, and heartbreak, use this time to let it all go. As you are washing your body focus on:

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a gift. We often talk about forgiving other people and how it is more for your peace of mind than it is theirs, but how often do we talk about forgiving ourselves? Not only for the visible mistakes but also for the quiet moments of despair.

Lather up your body and mentally speak forgiveness to yourself. Forgive yourself for what you didn’t know. Forgive yourself for not being compassionate when you needed it most. Forgive yourself for not allowing your best self to shine through a difficult situation. Forgive yourself for not speaking up, standing out or walking away when you should have. Forgive yourself for the comparisons, the self-deprecating jokes that actually hurt and the mean girl comments that you would not even tell your worst enemy.

Release

As the warm water washes off the suds, the dead skin, and the day’s grime, release every idea, situation, and relationship that does not serve you. Imagine all that stress and negativity moving from your body down the drain and away from your life. Say it out loud, “I release everything that does not serve me and choose a life filled with purpose, love, and joy.”

5. Moisturize

This might be my favorite step in the entire ritual. Now that you are clean, relaxed and calm, it’s time to sweet talk and rub yourself down, honey. As you moisturize with your favorite oil, lotion, or body butter from your sister friend who whips up miracles in her kitchen, affirm everything that you are and intend to be. Take your time and slowly soothe each body part and appreciate the beauty that you are spiritually, mentally, intellectually and most definitely physically. Tell your body why you love it and thank it for carrying you on this journey.

After doing this I promise you you will feel so calm and loved. This shower ritual is something I developed over the past few months and I love it. Feel free to take it and make it your own. In the comment section below, let me know what you think and how you customized your shower ritual!

My Self-Care Shower Ritual For Relaxation & Healing

Traveling The World With Only A Carry-on

Traveling with a limited amount of clothing can be challenging at times. For the past 18 months, I have been living out of a carry on and a backpack and have done very little shopping. Sounds ridiculous right? Well, my love for fashion says it absolutely is but my desire for ease of travel says it’s practical.

Before I get into what I carry, here are a few reasons why you should consider lightening your load on your next trip:

  1. No waiting for bags - Airports can be stressful, to say the least. On the list of things to worry about the last thing I want to think about is my luggage. Since I don’t have to wait on a bag, once I clear immigration and after a quick stop at customs, I am out of there. Also, waiting or joining a separate line to check on your bags is none existent as well. This is a serious time and stress savior.

  2. Fewer or no baggage fees - I love saving money! Baggage fees can add up when bouncing from country to country (especially when using budget airlines). I say leave all the hassle behind and skip the checked bags when you can.

  3. Mobility - The easiest way to travel is probably with the double backpack model. A small pack in front and a larger on your back. But I can’t manage all that so I still rock with a rolly carry-on. Either way when bouncing from plane to train and to the bus, the lesser the better. Also, it’s easier to keep an eye on your valuables when you only have two bags.

Ok back to the main reason why you are here. How do I do manage to look cute and travel light? Well, let me tell you!

  • Basics, basics, basics

I believe in the power of basics!. The bulk of my wardrobe is made up of the simplest, most basic clothing I could find. These are the items that are the foundation of my wardrobe. They are solid colors, (usually black, white, grey, and navy blue), classic silhouettes and timeless pieces. And more importantly, they are quality items that can be washed and worn again and again without fear of falling apart. Investing in great basics is essential for long wear life. Not everything will cost a lot but items like a dress shirt or a great little black dress are worth it. You can also pick up great denim at thrift stores and vintage shops. Honestly, I’ve had some of these items for almost 10 years and they are still going strong. Here is a breakdown of my most basic basics:

  1. Denim (Dark & Light)

  2. 2 little black dresses

  3. Plain T-shirts

  4. 1 Camisole

  5. 1 black blouse

  6. 1 versatile dress shirt

  7. A jean jacket

  8. Black shorts, navy blue shorts

  9. Fitted hoodie

I will do a full breakdown of everything in my carry-on in a later post.

  • Versatile clothing

If and when I buy clothes, I make sure it can go with heels, sandals or cute sneakers. If I switch around how it’s tied and accessorized, even the dress I wore to my friend’s super elegant wedding can be worn with tennis shoes. This makes shopping for items take longer but if you are spending wisely you will get a longer life out of them. This also helps with saving the planet by not filling up landfills with clothing that you only wear a few times then never want to touch again.

  • Can it be layered?

There is no rhyme or reason to how I travel, so one of the main things I asked myself when I started deciding what to leave and what to carry was can I also wear this in the cold? Obviously, I am not talking blizzard temps but if I need to go to a chilly city and then a warm country, I ask myself, “Can most of my clothing work?” Crazy right? This is where a great denim jacket, jeans and at least one hoodie comes in handy. When I was in Europe, I layered all those pieces with my basic shirts or dresses. Admittedly I did buy one sweater but hey I didn’t say this carryon thing is foolproof. In Bali, I stripped down and wore the layers separately. My jacket and hoodie did come in handy on bike rides and during chilly jungle nights though.

  • Scarves

Light scarves save lives. I have four now. Lol I know that doesn’t make sense but I picked up three in Bali that I can’t part with, so judge me if you want. They are great to layer with, they become blankets on planes and mats or sarongs on the beach. Scarves can dress up a simple outfit, become a dress or top when needed and can be used for covering up in modest countries! Even though my scarves are not solid colors or simple, when purchasing them I still asked myself, “How versatile is this pattern?” If I wouldn’t wear it often or the pattern and colors were too crazy for my wardrobe then it was an instant no. But because my the foundation of my clothing is built on neutrals and basics, I get to have way more fun with the designs of the scarves. So will I part with my four scarves? Not any time soon.

  • Classic shoes

Currently, I own one pair of white leather tennis shoes, black sneakers, gold heels, nude sandals, black sandals, and one pair of flip-flops. With the exception of the sneakers (which I wear for outdoor activities and exercise) and the flip-flops, I use the same philosophy here as I do with clothing. Is this shoe versatile? All of my shoes are void of crazy colors or a dated design. You can probably tell by now I am not into trend shopping and fast fashion. Your shoes should also be comfortable and reliable. So feel free to invest a little more here as well. My gold heels were over $100 but I have worn them to everything from a wedding to partying my butt off for 6 hrs at a party.

A quick note about flip-flops: always pack a pair. They go from house slippers to beachwear to shower shoes at hostels real quick. One of the best cheap buys you can make. Trust me, I’ve forgotten my flip-flops while doing weekend trips and it’s a hassle trying to figure out how to use a shared hostel shower when you only have tennis shoes and a prayer that you don’t get foot fungus. Just saying.

  • Smart accessories

My bags are solid classic pieces and my jewelry is simple and mostly gold. That said, this is where you can have a little more fun. If you do have a little extra space for those funky earrings and bracelets, by all means, throw them in there. But seeing that I also packed a first aid kit, a mini flashlight, a Polaroid camera, a few other gadgets and emergency medication for everything from diarrhea to malaria, I had to leave those cute earrings behind. Instead, I went for my favorite pieces, which so happen to be made by my fabulous designer friend bychari.com.

Fun fact, each of my bags was purchased in a different country. I call this smart souvenir shopping. And this is something you can employ too, try to buy functional souvenirs, not tchotchkes! Here’s the rundown of my bags and where they are from:

  1. 1 brown leather saddle bag - London, England

  2. 1 black clutch- Brussels, Belgium

  3. Foldable Duffle Bag- Brussels, Belgium

  4. 1 hunter green leather wallet- Granada, Nicaragua

  5. Foldable shopping totes- Ubud, Bali

Ok so you’ve read this post and started packing but after looking over your things, you still have too much stuff. Here is how you can cut back even more.

  • Forget about those just in case items

It took me a long time to learn this one and I am still not a pro at it. Even though I an a longterm traveler with no home base I still take short trips during a long stay. And even with a simplified wardrobe, I can still find myself over packing for a short trip. I get caught up in the what ifs. What if I meet my future husband and I need to have the perfect look? What if I randomly end up dirt biking or hiking through the jungle? What if I get invited to something super fancy? What if, what if, what if…. If you are anything like me you can drive yourself crazy running through different clothing scenarios. Let me be the first to say that magical date or that off the charts random jungle excursion has not happened and even if they did I am sure I would’ve survived with what I packed in my overnight bag. Also, remember if all else fails and you really do need something that you didn’t pack, nine times out of 10, you will be able to purchase it.

  • Consider the length of your trip

I travel for months on end, so even if I can justify squeezing in an extra pair of jeans (many minimalist packers are probably cringing at that statement) do you really need them for a short vacation? Probably not. Take a serious look at your agenda and think about what you really need and what makes sense for the length of the trip. Don’t pack for a month if you are leaving for 4 days. You are just bringing stress on yourself.

  • Wear your heavy/bulky pieces

If you are headed into colder climates and need to pack jackets, boots and/or jeans, wear them on the plane. This will free up tons of space in your carry-on. I always wear my sneakers, hoodie, scarf, and jacket on the plane. The worst that can happen is I have to strip down if I get too warm.

After all of that, you better be able to zip up that carry-on.

One last note:

  • Laundry

For all those on Instagram wondering what I do about laundry, I do laundry about twice a month. I wash my undies after every use (as, according to my aunty, a good country girl should, lol) so I always have fresh pairs. When traveling, where I do laundry is determined by the location. Many hostels/co-living spaces and hotels offer laundry services. Where hotels might be a bit expensive, hostels usually offer very affordable rates. If in house laundry is not an option or is too expensive, I visit local laundromats and wash my clothes myself or pay for someone else to wash for me. One of the best things about central America and Bali is the cheap laundry services. They washed, dried, and folded my clothes to perfection. But I did also lose my fave shirt this way so be careful. Count your clothes at drop off and at pick up.

Traveling out of a carry-on is really a learning experience. It shows you what you really need, it teaches you to be creative and it’s humbling. If you haven’t tried it yet, I would definitely recommend downsizing. You will feel lighter mentally and physically.

Do you have any questions that I did not address? Hit me up in the comment section below.

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14 Small Ways To Improve Your Life

1. Prayer & Meditation

I grew up with prayer and it’s easily something I’ve used to continuously feel connected to my higher power. In the last couple of years, I’ve learned how to practice meditation. Meditation means many different things to different people, but for me where prayer helps me to connect something higher, meditation helps me to connect to myself. The more I meditate, the calmer and more aware I feel. The more I pray, the more guided I feel. So together they are a lethal combination. Check out a couple of my favorites meditation podcasts:

2. Dress up more often

I love dressing up. To start my travels I decided to sell almost everything I have, which included the majority of my clothes. At first it felt like a great idea but as time passes, my inner fashionista cries. Even with my limited wardrobe, there are times where I look for the cutest thing I have, throw on some makeup and simply go for coffee or nice walk. Don’t take the saying, “If you look good, you feel good” for granted. Taking pride in your appearance can be a serious confidence booster.

3. Dance more

Dancing is one of my favorite things to do, but I don’t do often enough. Let’s be clear I love a good party. Like LOVE. A me seh road. And the main reason I like parties is to catch a nice dancing vibe. I feel so alive when I dance, so connected to my body, and so feminine. It immediately gets me in a good mood and all cares go floating out the window. I don’t care what I look like, cause in my head I am Beyonce mixed with a likkle Spice.

You would think with all the joy it brings me I would dance every chance I get. But nope, I barely dance at home. It wasn’t until recently when I was playing the latest DJ Private Ryan mix that I realized that I need to dance more. After taking an amazing feminine energy workshop with my girl Silfath Pinto, I was inspired by her morning movement ritual and have incorporated sensual dance to my mornings. LOVE IT!

According to Everyday Health, dancing can boost memory, diminish depression, reduce stress, and help you lose weight among other things. When was the last time you put on your playlist and just let your body move? For booty popping inspiration, check out this playlist.

4. Start or end your day with a little yoga

Similar to meditation, yoga has helped me connect to myself. Yoga is the closest I get to daily exercise. I consider it part of my devotional aka worship practices. (I can already see my mom pick up the phone to pray for me after reading this.) I get an intense sense of peace after I practice - I feel calmer, stronger and more in-tune with myself.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned while practicing yoga is that if you lose focus on yourself or your breath then everything falls apart. Whenever I take a class and I’m trying to hold a pose or get my body to flow into the next position, the minute I lose track of my breath or start looking at how the next person looks amazing while I feel like a hot sweaty uncoordinated mess that's when I lose balance.

Another thing I love about practicing yoga is that we are taught to accept ourselves wherever we are in our practice. And I don’t mean month to month progress, I mean moment to moment. Every day you touch the mat is different, so we are taught to let our bodies lead and only push as much as we can handle. If your body is screaming to rest in child pose, then that's exactly what you need to do. I love that. Mostly because it translates to everyday life. Some days we are pushing through our to-do lists like absolute rockstars and other days getting out of bed seems impossible. But guess what? You have to accept and love yourself equally at both places.

Yoga is not the easiest thing for me to keep up with and there are many days where I forget to hit the mat. But when I do come back, I’m always like, “Why did I stop doing this again?” For some inspiration to get you to the mat, check out my favorite YouTube Yogi Brett Larkin.

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5. Drink more water, like for real

As I am preaching to you, I am preaching to myself. I am not good at drinking water, but I am definitely getting better. And if coconut water counts (which it should), I’m actually killing the game! One of the best ways I’ve been able to bring my water intake up is by walking with my water bottle. Admittedly, this started as a way of saving money while traveling. If I walk with a water bottle, I won’t spend money on sugary drinks and sodas. (Wine and beer don’t count!) In addition to saving money, drinking water keeps my skin looking healthy, makes it easier to go, boosts my immune system, and makes me feel like I am being a real adult. For more benefits of drinking water, check out this article.

6. Take your “Me Time” seriously (no phone, no tv, no distractions)

You would think that being a solo traveler would mean that I am a pro at taking my self-care seriously. But like the best of you, I falter all the time. I constantly watch Netflix to keep me company, my phone is never more than an arm’s length away, and I find myself scrolling through my social media feeds in the down time that I could be using to develop a skill or catch up on reading. Even so, it doesn’t take long for me to feel the consequences of my actions. My spirit will feel unsettled and my anxiety will spike….then I’m like, “Oh snap, I’m not doing the important things I need to keep my soul healthy.” Then I have to rein it in, practice self-compassion, and re-prioritize. (By the way, that’s how I ended up writing this post. Way more productive than getting lost in the social media minefield.)

7. Jot down 3 things you are grateful for every night before bed

Maintain an attitude of gratitude. This one is sooo important. It’s so easy to let the pressures and obligations of the day distract you from all the blessings you do have. So before you close your eyes at night, write down 3 things you are grateful for. Make sure you go in depth about each one. No slacking and no two word lists. As my sister says, “When you take the time to dig deep and unearth your gratitude, your perspective begins to shift and you create even more blessings in your life.” Listen to my sister! She is smarter than me. FACTS.

8. Keep a Journal

I try to take my journal everywhere; it’s probably one of the most important things I own. There are many benefits to journaling, but what I enjoy the most is having a private space where I can be my most vulnerable. In my journal, I can work through thought processes and situations, and, of course, I get to document my experiences.

Most recently I’ve started bullet journaling, which has stepped my journal game up like WHOA! Along with my thoughts and reflects, I keep track of my goals, habits, budget, new words I learn and so much more. My personal accountability has gone through the roof. Everyday I go to my daily habit tracker and check off what I’ve done. Every Sunday I re-read my goals and reflect on all the things that brought me closer to my goals and the things that I can improve upon.

9. Fall in love with podcasts

I LOVE podcasts. They are a great way to keep up with the news, learn new things and listen to amazing stories and interviews. Check out my favorite podcasts here:

  • Serial - Serial is a podcast from the creators of This American Life, hosted by Sarah Koenig. Serial tells one story — a true story — over the course of a season.

  • S-Town- S-Town is a from Serial and This American Life, hosted by Brian Reed, about a man named John who despises his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks Brian to investigate the son of a wealthy family who’s allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder. But then someone else ends up dead, and the search for the truth leads to a nasty feud, a hunt for hidden treasure, and an unearthing of the mysteries of one man’s life.

  • Up and Vanished- Atlanta filmmaker Payne Lindsey of Tenderfoot TV originally envisioned Up and Vanished as a true-crime documentary. Lindsey selected a missing-person case from his home state, Georgia, and embarked on a journey as an amateur investigator. After starting his research and initial interviews, he decided to present the project in audio form as a podcast.

  • On Being with Krista Tippett- The groundbreaking Peabody Award-winning public radio show and podcast. Conversation about the big questions of meaning in 21st century lives and endeavors — spiritual inquiry, science, social healing, and the arts.

  • Revisionist History- a podcast from Malcolm Gladwell and Panoply. Each week for 10 weeks, Revisionist History will go back and reinterpret something from the past: an event, a person, an idea. Something overlooked. Something misunderstood.

10. Schedule some time to hang out with your most encouraging friends

Who are the friends that encourage you, listen to you vent, remind you of your potential, and make you laugh? Call those friends, set dates, and keep them. Life doesn’t seem to get any easier the older you get, but the people you keep around you can make the journey more bearable and worth taking. It’s easy to get caught up in career, relationships and the day to day grind but don’t forget to be there for your friends and make sure to ask for help when you need it.

11. Read more

I’ve always had a love affair with books. For a short period of time during and a little bit after college, I totally forgot how much reading used to be a part of my life. Lately, I’ve been craving my old love so I went crawling back into her binding arms (see what I did there?). Reading opens up new worlds. Whether it’s a novel where I can get lost in a fantasy, or a nonfiction book that teaches me something new, I am always a better person after I turn the last page of a good book. Recently I discovered that if you get a library card you can access your library’s eCatalog online and, using apps like Libby or Hoopla, you can send books directly to your Kindle for FREE. How amazing is that? Check out my Goodreads book list for reading inspiration.

12. Learn something new

The internet is a beautiful thing when it comes to expanding your skill set. We are so blessed to live in a world where you can learn almost anything while chilling at home in your pajamas. Over the years I’ve used Coursera, iTunesU, and online course offered by bloggers to learn everything from the history of color in film to how to set up affiliate marketing. Also, once you get your online library card, some libraries offer access to different learning websites! I swear the library is the gift that keeps on giving.

13. Go For Walks

When people ask me what I do for a living, I like to say, “I take long walks in different cities.” This is not just a cheeky way of not telling people what I do for income, but it’s a very true statement. Going for walks everywhere I travel is one of my absolute favorite activities. In addition to discovering new nooks and crannies, meeting new people, and mapping a new location, walking helps to clear my mind, exercise my body, and daydream. According to Harvard Medical School, walking also reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, boosts immune function, and helps tame a sweet tooth. WINNING!

14. Keep A Budget

People, people, people. This is me walking into my 30s claiming financial responsibility for my life. Money/budgets/fiscal planning are all things that I am not so good at...yet; things that make me a not so great Taurus and a so-so budget traveler. But in the name of owning property one day, I rebuke the spirit of overspending, anxiety laden bank account checks, and paycheck to paycheck living.

This year I decided that enough was enough. One of the simplest ways to keep my account from the “crying over dry rice” zone is to maintain a monthly budget and keep track of my daily expenses. I know this sounds tedious, but once you get into the groove of things you will get so much satisfaction in meeting your budget goals. Because I have to jot down every dollar I spend, it makes it super hard to justify a splurge. If you budget in your self-care expenses and small luxuries here and there, then random spending can be drastically reduced. When I look at something I know right away if I can afford it and which category it falls in my budget. I’m not saying that my budget will make me Warren Buffet overnight but I feel like getting financially free one day can be a reality if I continue to take small, responsible steps.

So there you have it! What are your favorite small activities that greatly improve your life? Share them with me below.

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6 Ways I Downsized My Life To The Travel World

from the archives

The decision to downsize my life and set off to travel the world was an easy one. I have no children, no significant other and no major commitments to keep me in one place. So with no true anchors to think of I only needed to get rid of all my stuff. If you are looking to do the same thing here are a few ways I got the job done:

  1. Part Ways:

    The first and most important thing you have to do when downsizing is deciding what you want to keep. For me this was easy. I knew I was leaving my apartment with one carry-on suitcase and a backpack.That was it. OK maybe it wasn’t that easy. What do you do when you have 5 favorite dresses but you only have space for 1? And it better be a versatile one. And what if I want to trade out clothes after a few months? Do I send a box to my mom’s or a friend’s?After much contemplation I decided that very few items needed to be kept in storage (meaning mom’s or a friend’s); only winter clothes, a few sentimental things (journals, photos, etc.) and important documents. Everything else will have to find a new home.

  2. Sell furniture in a forum you trust.

    Let’s face it, selling furniture/household items was not fun. Between posting, reposting, chasing down leads and waiting for people who never showed up, the process can make any sane person just want to open a window and throw everything outside like it was an ex-lover’s favorite things.

    Like that wasn’t enough stress, as a single woman and living alone, having random people show up to my house was a huge safety concern. Because of this I decided to only use forums I was familiar with. Groups on Facebook I’ve chatted in before, my own FB page and FB’s marketplace were my go to’s. Facebook was my go to for selling everything. Being able to check a person’s profile or knowing that we have common friends eased many of my fears.

    To take precautions further, I only gave away my building address (not apt #) to most people and met them downstairs if they purchased Items that were easy for me to carry. When I sold my large farm table to a young man, I asked a friend to hang out with me when the purchaser wanted to come by. I also tried my best to schedule meetings in the mornings before work or the early evenings.

    Being safe while inviting strangers into your home should be your number one priority. Don’t let desperation cause you to put yourself at risk.

  3. Donate towels, sheets, pillows and blankets to an animal shelter.

    This was a daunting one for me. What in the world do I with my old towels, sheets, blankets and pillows. Most things I have I knew I could sell but who the heck wants my old dingy towels? Thank God for Google! Not knowing what to do I looked up ways to recycle these items. Out of all the ways to reuse these items, donating them to an animal shelter made the most sense. Animal shelters use these items for animal bedding, to dry them after cleaning and other necessities. I’ve never been a pet person but definitely brings me comfort to know that my old blankets can help provide a comfy home to animals in need.

  4. Sell, Trade, Pass Down & Donate Used Clothing

    From what I’ve read donating used clothing to thrift stores can be tricky. Most clothes you donate never make it to the sales floor. So in order to minimize the chances of my clothes ending up in the landfill anyways I tried these options first.

    Sell/Trade: Crossroads Trading Company is one of my favorite thrift stores in LA. They do an amazing job of curating items people will actually buy again. Knowing that I buy most of my items directly from designer showrooms, I knew heading here first would be a good bet. Better yet, with the money I made from the sale, I bought my carry-on and backpack for the trip. Can you say win-win?!

    Pass Down: During this process I totally forgot that I had a little sister who loves fashion as much as me and wears the same size, but while rattling off my list of to-dos she quickly reminded me fi ship some of di clothes dem. PERF!

    Donate: Most of my clothing and shoes (and some household items) went to the Good Shepherd Center for Women and Children.

  5. Sell Books To A Used Bookstore

    Since living in DTLA, I have completely fallen in love with the Last Bookstore. Growing up I loooved bookstores but I’ve never been in a used bookstore, I thought they were just fun mystery locations in fantasy films. The Last Bookstore is everything in a mystery movie come to life and then some. It married my love for books with an adventure. So when looking for a place to give my favorite reads a second life, I knew exactly where to go. What you get for the books isn’t much but it's a lot better than nothing.

  6. Give It Away for Free

    When all else fails list your stuff for free. When I was down to the wire and less than 24 hours away from jumping on a plane, I put up a sign in my apartment lobby and listed all the items I had left for free. At that point just the mere fact that someone was willing to come and physically move things that I no longer had the energy to haggle with people for was enough for me. I was beat!

I wish I could say I made it through this whole process with minimal waste but to my dismay, I think a fair amount of items still ended up in the trash. I really felt I failed the whole mission of minimal waste because of it but I can say I gave it a hell of an effort.

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If you enjoyed these tips and have any of your own to share, let me know in the comment section.

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