The pictures in this post were taken last year. “There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things that do fall under the jurisdiction… I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I’m going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life — whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts.” — Elizabeth GilbertElizabeth Gilbert continues to be one of those authors whose words always resonate with me. Whenever I am struggling to express myself or trying to put a feeling into words, there is always a quote or two from her which says is better than I could ever do. This is how I have been feeling for the past couple of weeks. Ever since the Labor Day weekend, I have been engulfed with a sense of loss. This is usually the exact time of the year when I travel. And now looking back at this whole year, I have done nothing from that 'past life' (aka pre-COVID) - I have not traveled, I have not met friends and family, I have not done outdoor activity that used to bring me joy. A friend tried to reason with me with that, 'haven't you been reading, and baking, and working-out?' ... but the truth is I had always been doing that! Early on in my professional life I had realized that I want to work so that I can lead my life and not live to work. I clearly remember the day I decided to make myself the priority and not any job or work. It was way back in 2005 and I was having a drink with a friend (back when I lived in London). Hence, ever since I have strived for balance in my daily life. I always-always made time for my hobbies and passions. Not monthyl or even weekly, I made time for myself daily. I carved out an hour or two to just do things that bring me pure joy. But during COVID my whole life became about those daily activities, taking away the reward I gave myself for living this disciplined-balance-life: TRAVEL!So the loss I was/am feeling is for that reward I feel I deserve, and have not received this year. But then ... may be surviving, being healthy, and writing this post from a position of privilege is a reward enough?!Photography via Natasha / @_nhphotoz
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