mink mink mink
Beach lemme see...
It’s time to eat
What is it about this month that already has me feeling like it’s time to show out? Is it because it’s heating up and I can smell the summer in the air? Is it because short shorts and yoga in the park Saturdays are calling my name? Or maybe it’s cuz I can literally feel the seasonal depression being thawed from my body? Who knows…what I do know is we’re doing the best we can with what we GOT! And today, that’s enough.
Checking in
As you know personal growth is not just the theme of the pod, it’s our daily experience. Here’s what’s been going on with us:
Tay
I popped my Amsterdam cherry! Earlier this month ya girl traveled allll the way to the Netherlands y’all 🤯 And when I say my mind was blown…wow.
I went for a work trip—I was the lead producer and creative director for my client’s team photoshoot. The first half was dedicated to working, while the last half was dedicated to fun (plus my man got to come with me!) It was an incredible trip and the team I worked with knows how to balance work and play and planned some incredible nights for us: we toured the canals (and ran into Conan O’Brien randomly), ate so much good food, stayed in the most eclectic airbnb I’ve ever seen, bar hopped across the cobbled streets, and rode bikes on the wild roads of Amstel.
The streets were clean…like pristine.
The people minded their business and kept it cute.
Gorgeous architecture & well-made homes.
Free modes of transportation.
The customer service was top-tier.
There was hardly any homelessness.
People spoke all types of languages and English was well known throughout.
I’ve always loved traveling and whenever I come home, there’s usually a sense of peace and comfort knowing that my neighborhood Is waiting for me. But I can genuinely say this is the first time I came back to my city and felt like I could immediately see all of its downfalls. From the cracked streets and potholes, trash everywhere, the rampant homelessness with people in need roaming aimlessly, abandoned buildings that sit empty with broken glass scattered around the spaces where windows once were. Such a stark contrast to what I just experienced.
I’ve always admired California for its beauty and care for its citizens. But seeing how folks in Amsterdam take care of their city and each other, I can clearly see that the bar for us here in the U.S. is in hell. It’s opening my eyes to the fact that, as a society, we've been conditioned to have an “every man for himself” mindset rather than a community-focused one. It’s such a trip and i’ve been thinking about it non-stop since I’ve been back.
I’m not saying Amsterdam is perfect, because as we know, every place has its flaws. But the quality of life there is admirable.
I want more for my city, my state, my people.
I want more for us.
Tasha
May is heating tf up ain’t it?
I am not loving how hot my walks are but I am enjoying the sunshine and longer days.
Last month I talked about how my faith was low and shared how I was getting back to my spiritual practices and personal rituals to fill my faith cup. It has really made a difference. I have come a long way in the past month. I feel lighter, empowered and optimistic.
The same way I have shifted my perspective and the energy within me, I can feel the energy around me shifting as well. Things are opening up and I am excited for what’s to come!
Still leaning into my spring intentions:
🌊 Flow; let things take the time they take. Don’t rush through life.
👛 Pack light; Let go of things that weigh me down.
🌼 Bloom; Put myself out there more, I have so much I am working on but I am not sharing or showing it yet now is the time.
Right now I have made flowing and letting things take time a part of my daily life. Now I am working on packing light and letting go of things. Not focusing too much on things that don’t matter. I have even been decluttering and rearranging my home to create space for the great things I know are on the way.
So far I am going to be in a play, am getting more involved in the local SAG community, and am even on my way to a new and more aligned Pilates training. Life isn’t perfect and I have a ways to go to get where I want to be but damnit I am on my way. Each day doing what I can to create the most calm, loving and empowering space I can for myself both in my body and my home.
This life is chaotic and we can only control our own little corners. I plan to keep as much of my focus on that as I can so that I can be the change I want to see.
The Three Realest
A rotating list of what’s helping us get through the month. No ads. No fluff. Just three things we’re really vibing with.
Here are three things filling Tay’s cup these days
My hyperfixation breakfast: jammy eggs & 1 small pancake have been my lifeblood lately. I got hooked ever since getting a meal prep plate from my friend’s service, VIVA LA GIOIA, and it was 2 eggs with umami sauce and homemade sourdough starter pancakes.
Rael Heating Patches: A game changer for menstrual cramps while on the go!
Switch 2: Specifically, I’ve been getting deep into Pokemon Pokopia and it’s been so fun to play easy, low stim games again like when I was a kid.
The Weekly Real
Podcast Gems
Every episode, we get into one thing that’s been showing up for us—emotionally, spiritually, or just straight up energetically. In our most recent episode we are talking about being a freak…a control freak that is 👀
Check out the full episode below ⬇️
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