I just returned from a three-day vacation in Havana, Cuba...and I did it all stone-cold-sober. Most people thought I was crazy to travel to a city known for their amazing rum and not have a single sip of their famous nectar, but I did it and it and it was an absolutely wonderful trip. For those wondering if Havana is a practical sober vacation, I can assure you: it is. Here are my pro tips for navigating the city of rum, alcohol free including my sober strategy as well as the spots I hit up while exploring there.

I you read my recent post about my experience with Dry January, you'll know that I've opted to go at least 90 days into 2017 without drinking. When I set the challenge for myself, I knew full well that this would mean no drinks on my birthday. Though the idea was scary at first (and many thought I might cheat), I embraced the challenge and new way of being and prepared to celebrate my first sober birthday in over a decade. Here is how it turned out:

My unhealthy relationship with alcohol began over a decade ago. I started drinking my senior year of high school. I had actually been afraid to start drinking, but my fear of not fitting in was much larger. When I realized there were parties and sleepovers going on that I wasn’t being invited to, I quickly began to see alcohol as a social tool.

When I first decided to write about the topic, Moving On, I considered all the areas in my life where I thought I'd "moved on." There was coming to terms with the ending of a relationship, quitting the job that had been draining me or packing up my life and literally moving on from the place I'd called home for 29 years of my life. As they were happening, these life events all seemed to be bold moves that symbolized moving on. 

Have you ever wondered how you ended up exactly where you are now? In a situation, a relationship, a job or just a phase of life? Do you find yourself wondering and anxious about what "the next big thing" will be? I used to subscribe to the idea that things happened to me, now, as I grow in my spiritual practice and connection, I understand more deeply that things happen for me. I can attest, as you begin to align yourself to a higher frequency, you start to notice all of the ways the Universe is working on your behalf. 

I've listened to the audiobook version of A Return to Love at least three times, each time taking a way something new and profound. In this post, I'd like to share my reflections on one of my favorite quotes from the book: "Until your knees finally hit the floor, you're really just playing at life." 

In this blog post, I'd like to reflect on a quote from her Power of Vulnerability lecture: "Cool is an emotional straightjacket; it prevents emotional growth and movement." Brené Brown. 

Earlier this spring, I took a private aerial arts class with several of my gal-pals as part of a bachelorette celebration. While I’d love to tell you I left the class able to gracefully ascend from the ceiling on a silk like Beyonce, I think it best to provide you with a more accurate representation of what happens in an aerial arts class. 

Synchronicity is truly a beautiful thing. I first learned about the concept from Dr. Wayne Dyer and again from the wonderful Gabrielle Bernstein. Essentially, synchronicity is when life unfolds perfectly before your eyes. The beautiful thing about synchronicity is that you'll feel like you've barely had to lift a finger. Synchronicity simply requires you to be open to creative possibilities, to listen and to show up and do the work when it's time (let's be clear that you're not just idly coasting along!). Here is my beautiful story of synchronicity. 

If you’ve meandered through my blog much, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I’m a big admirer of Gabby Bernstein and her work. So, when she announced her 2016 Summer Retreat, A Way Through Every Block, I was among the first Spirit Junkies to register. This three-day event took place at the end of July at the beautiful Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Tonight I tuned in to watch and listen to one of my favorite authors and speakers, Gabby Bernstein, for her livestream event: The Art of Manifesting 5 Secrets to Attracting What You Want (I was invited to attend after pre-purchasing her upcoming book, The Universe Has Your Back, which is slated to come out this September).

This year, I had the privilege of attending a literal “summer camp for the soul” with one of my favorite mentors, Gabby Bernstein. Gabby is a heavy-hitter in the world of spirituality and self-growth these days; she’s someone who I deeply admire and respect - so when her annual retreat popped onto my radar, I jumped at the opportunity to register. The retreat took place in late July 2016 at the beautiful Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. I took so much away from this amazing weekend - though I’ll write another blog with more details, I wanted to share my main takeaways with you,,,

I tried Aerial Yoga the first time a couple of years ago when my yoga studio added it to their offerings. Mesmerized by photos of women gracefully floating upside down from a piece of cloth, I eagerly signed up for one of the first classes offered. Though I’ve taken several aerial yoga courses since, I wouldn’t say it’s officially “in my rotation”, but it is nice to mix in from time-to-time. If you’ve never tried an aerial yoga class and are thinking of giving it a try, here are 5 things to know before trying it out