This month I’ve made it a point to spend more time in nature, and man does it feel good for the soul! ?

Did you know that in Japan they actually have a term for “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing”? It’s called Shinrin-yoku & has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. ?

The mind and body are so connected, and it’s hard not to feel a liberating sense of serenity wash over you as you’re gazing from far atop a quiet mountain, away from city smog, or when you’re hiking along a meandering pathway muddled with wildflowers and butterflies, lost in thought. With the new year upon us, where will you be bathing your senses? ?

xoxo,

Lara

balanced with benefits, lara weiss, beach babe

Thank you 2018 for all your spontaneous trips and serendipitous lessons that made this year a big one for personal growth and creativity. 

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Personally, I allowed myself to heavily rely on my own intuition, because other people’s opinions are sometimes advice they’re subconsciously giving to themselves. ? It’s important to beat to the tune of your own drum and live your life for yourself and not others. Be honest so no one is held back! I realize that when people (including yourself) get upset with something or someone, it is usually because of a quality they personally struggle with, are insecure about, or take pride in avoiding. I also learned the value of listening instead of talking; not only will people think you are the best conversationalist if you allow them simply to talk about themselves, but also you’ll be able to read between the lines more and gain knowledge you wouldn’t have if you were the one doing the talking. I also empowered myself by saying “No” to protect my time. Lastly, I’m grateful for dear friends who encouraged me to explore my musical side; thank you for helping me nourish my soul. 

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Work-wise, I pushed myself to be more fast and efficient to respect not only other people’s time, but also my own. Time tends to be a black hole for me because I tend to be way too optimistic about how long things will take. I also allowed myself to be less of a perfectionist, because sometimes “done is better than perfect!”

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Goal-wise, I realized it is important to start TODAY and not tomorrow, otherwise it’ll never get done, and I observed that time goes by faster the older you get. And speaking of time and goals, just go for it, because “the time will pass anyway!!!”

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Relationship-wise, I observed that many of us are attracted to qualities that we perhaps wish we had in ourselves. Dating is fascinating and fun because of all the worlds you get to explore. I still don’t really have a type (which is entertaining for my friends) because I truly appreciate everyone for what they uniquely bring to the table, however I do get along best with people who are playful, honorable, witty, affectionate, motivated, and comfortable in their own skin, because those are qualities I personally value to exude myself. Oh and apparently “touch” is my Love Language. And re heartache… how beautiful that we even get to explore those depths and feelings. Everyone is going through their own struggles, and whether it is bad timing or you’re simply not meant to be, it will not serve you to hold on to someone that does not value you. And just think – there was a time when you did not even know that person, so they did not even cross your mind! (So let’s do some time travel, shall we?) The right person is out there, looking for you too. ❤️

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What I still need to work on: my time management (e.g. now I only have 30 mins to get ready for NYE) and analysis paralysis re what my next steps will be. It’s scary venturing into the unknown when I am financially secure and happy, but you don’t grow without change, and if something scares you you should probably do it. Excited for 2019. ?

xoxo,

Lara

“Everything will change when your desire to move on exceeds your desire to hold on.”  – Alan H. Cohen

let go, balanced with benefits, lara weiss

“She let go.

She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go.

She let go of the fear.

She let go of the judgments.

She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head.

She let go of the committee of indecision within her.

She let go of all the ‘right’ reasons.

Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice.

She didn’t read a View Post

Image result for boobies drawing

We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.

It is the top cancer in women worldwide, and is increasing particularly in developing countries where the majority of cases are unfortunately diagnosed in the advanced stages when it’s too late.

About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will get it, however too many of us never stop and think that this reality could happen to us unless the statistic runs in our families.

Living a healthy and balanced lifestyle can help prevent the unlocking of certain DNA mutations, however it does not make us immune to them.

This article reveals View Post

“Never mistake activity for achievement.” – John Wooden

I came across the above quote while reading this article by James Clear.

Clear essentially explains that a big mistake that people make is taking actions that “fake it” instead of actually setting themselves in motion to “make it.”

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