5 THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS FALL

Hello, November! We are post Halloween festivities which means we are on countdown till Thanksgiving. Anyone else excited for the Holidays?! The leaves are in peak foliage all around the city, which means there is still plenty of Fall to enjoy in New York. And like other seasons, there is no shortage of things to do. Here’s a round up of places to go, things to see and events happening around the city.

CENTRAL PARK FALL FOILAGE

Fall wouldn’t be complete without a walk through Central Park to peep the leaves. There are so many areas to see the leaves change during peak season. A few of my favorite spots are 86th & Central Park West, 72nd & Central Park West near Strawberry Fields, The Bow Bridge and of course the iconic Bethesda Fountain & Terrace and The Mall. And if you don’t feel like walking, you can rent Citi bikes or even take a carriage ride through the park. Here is a map of NYC Fall Foliage.

CIDER WEEK

From November 2nd-11th, several events take place all over the city bringing you classes, cider tastings and more in celebration of New York’s orchard based cider. You can click here to find events near you. Cheers!

Arlo Hotel Orchard

Located in the Arlo SoHo hotel’s courtyard. A pop-up complete with apple picking, pumpkins and photo ops galore. Stop by for an Instagram worthy photo or sip Fall inspired cocktails every Thursday at their “Happle Hour” from 4pm-7pm.

MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

November 22, 2018, the 92nd annual parade will start at Central Park West and West 77th Street and head down Central Park West and travel east along Central Park South to Sixth Avenue. From there the procession will travel south on Sixth Avenue from West 59th Street to West 34th Street, ending in front of the Macy's in Herald Square. And if you would rather avoid the crowds the day of Thanksgiving, you can opt to see the floats being inflated the night before. Located at the Natural History Museum on the Upper West Side. Public access is at the entrance on West 79th Street and Columbus Avenue. Both events are FREE and open to the public.

West Village/Grove Courtyard

The West Village is known for it’s charming streets. And it’s no exception during the Fall months. You can usually spot several Fall inspired decorated stoops while walking around the neighborhood. There is also a hidden gem known as the The Grove Courtyard, which is unfortunately not open to the pubic. However, you can see the well landscaped courtyard through the iron gates just on the other side. The tree lined streets of the West Village with it’s picturesque brownstones makes for the perfect area to take an afternoon stroll on a crisp Fall day.

What are your favorite things to do in the city during Fall months?

XO, Rae

YEAR 4 OF LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

October 10th, 2014 at 3AM was the start of a new chapter for me as I became a resident of New York City. Living here the past 4 years has brought me so much happiness, forced me out of my comfort zone and has given me experiences to last a lifetime. It still feels surreal to call this city home. And it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life. My love for New York City has only grown with each year of being here. So, in honor of celebrating 4 years in New York City, I’m sharing a round up of all my favorite places in the city. Whether you live here, visit often or are planning to travel to New York for the first time, there is something for everyone! I hope you will enjoy these places as much I do.

You can take a look back at YEAR 1 and YEAR 2 here.

Favorite Park:

Bryant Park is an oasis to New Yorkers placed smack dab in the middle of one of the busiest intersections of the city. It's a great place to eat lunch, work remotely or grab coffee with a friend. And Bryant Park hosts a ton of FREE events in the park throughout the year including yoga, movies in the park, Broadway shows and a Winter village during the holidays.

Favorite Bar:

Jacob’s Pickles located on the Upper West Side, known for it's comfort food and craft cocktails. With it's cool industrial vibe and their killer playlist of r&b and throwback jams, it's a great bar to grab drinks after work or on the weekend. And also makes for a great first date spot. It’s also one of my favorite places to bring friends when they visit. It reminds me of home with it’s southern comfort food and ambience.

Favorite Brunch Spots:

Brunch is pretty much a requirement of living in the city. And with so many restaurants around, it's hard to narrow down to just ONE. So here are a few of my go-to brunch spots.

Maison Pickle-The sister restaurant to Jacob's Pickles serves up the best French toast amongst other brunch favorites. Located on the Upper West Side.

Foragers Tabe- This farm to table restaurant serves up a rotating menu per season. My go-to is their smoked salmon tartine. Also, make sure to check out the market attached to the restaurant. Located in Chelsea.

Clinton Street Bakery- This brunch spot always has a line out the door and for good reason. They are known for their pancakes, which are AMAZING! Make sure to go early especially on the weekends and bring cash, as they do not take credit cards. Located in the East Village.

Favorite Coffee Shop:

Bluestone Lane is an Australian-style coffee shop & cafe. Outside of my usual Starbucks runs, this is my go-to coffee place. They have a wide range menu of both hot & iced coffee options. And there are several locations throughout the city.

Favorite Book Store:

Book Culture is a quaint neighborhood bookstore located on the Upper West Side. Along with books, they also have an assortment of stationary and unique gifts. I always love to stop by here when I'm in the neighborhood.

Favorite Spot in Central Park:

Central Park has so many scenic views and iconic spots. My favorite is the Gapstow Bridge near 62nd street. This picturesque spot includes views of The Plaza Hotel and surrounding buildings that align 5th Ave. It's always one of the first spots I walk through as the seasons change.

Favorite Neighborhoods:

Upper Westside is where you can find me on most days running errands or grabbing groceries. I love that Central Park is nearby and there are so many shops and restaurants in the area. And it’s home to some of the city’s most popular places i.e.; Natural History Museum, The Bow Bridge in Central Park, Tavern on the Green and so many more.

West Village is also a favorite of mine. With it’s charming streets, unique shops, hidden gems and iconic streets. It never gets old exploring this popular neighborhood in the city.

Favorite Pizza Places:

Grimaldi's in Brooklyn is a must. Italian style pizza in an authentic environment. Usually there’s a line out the door to get inside, but it’s definitely worth the wait. And the Brooklyn Bridge is within walking distance.

Artichoke Pizza in Chelsea is a great local pizza spot. Very casual dining. And their Margherita pizza is delicious.

Two Boots Pizza or Bleeker Street Pizza for those late nights out when you just want a slice before the cab ride home.

Favorite Tourist Attraction:

Dumbo, Brooklyn is my favorite place to explore and bring friends when they visit from out of town. Although it’s known for being an iconic spot, it never feels too touristy. This part of Brooklyn is still up and coming and has so many local shops, restaurants and some of the best waterfront views of the city. A few places to stop at: Jane’s Carousel, Brooklyn Roasting Coffee Shop, Grimaldi’s Pizza, Atrium Dumbo (for oysters & cocktails) and Cecconi’s for dinner.

I would love to hear about your favorite places, restaurants and things to do in the city! Tell me in the comments below.

XO, Rae

FALL BUCKET LIST 2018

It’s the second week of October, which can only mean one thing...bring on pumpkin everything! This is my favorite season, especially living in New York. Everyone is trading in their iced coffee’s for PSL’s and for the first time in a long time, you need a light jacket during the day. Each year, I like to savor the season and make a bucket list of items to enjoy Fall to it’s fullest. So, today I’m sharing my Fall Bucket List for 2018.

You can read my previous bucket lists here, here and here.

1. Central Park is always on the top of my list. I love walking through the park seeing all the leaves changing colors. A MUST if you live in New York City.

2. Spend a cozy night at home watching movies. Here is this year’s Hallmark lineup.

3. Bake pumpkin bread from scratch. Although the mix in a box from Trader Joe’s is equally good.

4. Drink spiked cider from one of my favorite rooftops in the city, Birreria at Eataly. Each year they transform their space for the season. And this year’s theme is a Fall-inspired Italian Countryside.

5. Go apple picking at an orchard in upstate New York. And of course, eat apple cider donuts.

6. See the Broadway Musical Wicked. This has been on my bucket list since moving to New York and I just haven’t gotten around to going. Making it happen this year!

7. Visit Bite Beauty Lab here in the city to create my own custom lip color for Fall. Perfect for a Girls’s Night Out!

8. Start practicing daily GRATITUDE in a journal. Fellow blogger, Callie Dauler created a journal just for this purpose and I’m really hoping she restocks them for the Holiday! (hint, hint)

9. Plan a getaway to the mountains. Colorado is beautiful this time of year and I’m over due for a trip to see my family there.

10. Celebrate my 4 year Anniversary of living in NYC on October 10th. Still feels surreal that I get to call this place home. Here’s a recap of YEAR 1 and YEAR 2.

What’s your favorite thing to do during FALL?!

XO, Rae

TRAVEL GUIDE: 24 HOURS IN BOSTON

Earlier this Summer I made a quick overnight trip to Boston. And I’m finally sharing my guide on things to do + where to eat + where to stay. This was my first time visiting Boston and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I can say this, Boston was a place I could definitely see myself visiting again soon. It had the appeal of big city living but feels very quaint and easy going. Everyone I came in contact with was very friendly. And I kept finding myself saying the words: “I could live here.” I think that says a lot about a city that I’ve only spent 24 hours in. I probably should visit during Winter months before I make any plans on moving there, lol.

Where to Stay:

Airbnb - This ended up being the best option for a last minute trip. I was really shocked at how pricey hotels are in Boston. Maybe it was due to the time of year?! But we got really lucky and found a nice Airbnb in the South End area to stay for the one night.

South End is such a quaint and charming area. The streets are tree lined with beautiful Brownstones on each side. It’s an easily walkable area and there are lots of shops and restaurants nearby. I highly recommend staying in South End.

Where to Eat & Drink:

Barking Crab- This lively outdoor restaurant is a MUST! It’s casual dining with picnic table seating and views of the Boston Harbor. Order the hot crab dip and raw oysters. And the Frose to cool off!

Barcelona Wine Bar- Perfect spot for Dinner with friends or a Date Night Out! This tapas style restaurant is located in the South End. They have an extensive wine & cocktail menu. I recommend reservations, they are typically on a wait even on a weeknight. Order all the tapas (seriously) But definitely the mussels and charcuterie board.

Temazcal Cantina- Great spot to grab drinks in the Seaport District area. The restaurant is gorgeous on the inside and has amazing waterfront views of the Seaport.

Cafe Nero- Best coffee shop with even better coffee. Cafe Nero is a chain coffee shop with locations all over the city. I loved the coffee so much, I purchased 2 bags to bring home with me. Order the cold brew!

Barking Crab

Barking Crab & View of the Boston Harbor

Temazcal Cantina

What to Do: 

China Town- Although it’s not the size of the one in New York City, it’s still a fun area to explore.

Downtown/Theatre District- Home of the Paramount Theatre and host of many Broadway Shows. A must see in person.

Copley Square- This area is where the Boston Public Library, Trinity Church and several other landmarks are located right in the heart of the city. Definitely one of the most picturesque parts of the city.

Seaport District- This is an new up and coming area with lost of restaurants, shops, art and where a lot of local events take place. You can also walk along the waterfront and see all the boats along the harbor.

Boston Public Gardens- A beautiful public park adjacent to Boston Common. And home to the famous Swan Boats.

China Town

Paramount Theatre

Copley Square

Boston Public Library

Seaport District / Boston Harbor

Seaport District / Boston Harbor

Boston Public Gardens

So that’s my quick travel guide for Boston. I loved my stay there and would definitely go back and explore more of city. There is so much to see & do!

I’d love to hear from you if you’ve ever been to Boston! What would you recommend for my next visit there?! Comment below.

XO, Rae

TULA PROBIOTIC SKINCARE REVIEW

Now that I’m in my mid-thirties, I’ve been taking skincare more seriously over the past few years. And I’m always looking for NEW products/brands to try in attempt to perfect my skincare regimen. So, when I kept seeing TULA all over Instagram and everyone was raving about it, I was intrigued to learn more. What initially caught my attention was that, TULA products are made with probiotics. And knowing what an important role probiotics can play in our bodies internally, I realized that they could equally be as great when it comes to our skin.

My skin type is combination; oily in warmer months and dryer during winter months. Especially with living in New York City and being exposed to the sun and pollution daily, I find that I need to change up skincare routine often. So a little over a month ago, I ordered my first TULA 14-day trial kit that included four different products. Unfortunately, this kit is no longer available online. However, I was able to find this one that’s similar and is also a starter kit with four products to try (also includes a cosmetic bag).

After using TULA skincare products over the past few weeks, I have definitely noticed a difference in my skin overall. Today, I’m sharing my honest review of the products I used.

Purifying Cleanser- This has quickly become one of my favorite cleansers. I use it daily, both A.M. & P.M. It’s gentle but effective in removing makeup. It has a light scent that smells AMAZING! I love how this cleanser leaves my face feeling fresh and clean without drying my skin out. It’s been great with my sensitive skin. And a small amount of product goes a long way.

Pro-Glycolic 10% pH Resurfacing Gel- I tend to have oily skin especially in warmer months. So using a toner is essential in my skincare routine. I love how this toner is alcohol-free, so it doesn't feel harsh at all on my skin. After cleansing my skin, I apply a small pump of product to my entire face using a cotton pad. This resurfacing gel has helped improve and even my skin tone and minimize oil build up.

Revitalizing Eye Cream- Initially I was applying the eye cream twice a day, however I found it to be not as absorbent when applying makeup over it in the morning. So, then I tried applying it just at night and letting it absorb while I was sleeping. And it definitely made my under eyes feel more hydrated in the morning. I also noticed my eyes were not as puffy after waking up.

Hydrating Day & Night Cream- I love how hydrating this cream is. It definitely helps to bring skin back to life and gives you a natural glow. And I like that it’s a day & night cream all in one. I think this will be one of my go-to creams during winter months to keep my skin hydrated from the wind and cold temps.

What makes TULA different from other skincare brands?

• Probiotics are used as the base ingredient for all products.

• Products are 100% free from phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, petrolatum, gluten and mineral oil.

• They are cruelty free.

This is NOT a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This is a brand I truly love and wanted to share my honest review of products used.

XO, Rae

SHOP THIS POST

Get 15% OFF your purchase by clicking here and signing up for TULA emails.

Also, FREE Shipping on all orders over $50.

SEPHORA VIB SALE 2018

Happy Sunday!! Starting this LDW weekend off by stocking up on some of my favorite beauty products. If you haven’t heard already, SEPHORA is having their Beauty Insider Appreciation SALE for all Beauty Insiders, which is their loyalty savings program. If you're not a Beauty Insider, don't worry! It's FREE and super easy to Sign Up. But hurry, the SALE ends Monday Sept. 3rd!

ROUGE: 20% OFF - USE CODE YESROUGE

VIB: 15% OFF- USE CODE YESVIB

INSIDER: 10% OFF-USE CODE YESINSIDER

I’m sharing some of my go-to products & a few NEW products I'm excited to try!

Favorites to Stock Up On

Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer- I only use two brands of concealers, and this is one of them. This concealer is great for everyday use. It gives full coverage, is buildable and lightweight. And I love the applicator. If you're looking for a brightening concealer, try this one. 

It cosmetic CC+ Cream w/ SPF 50- I’m not big on foundation so this has been my all time favorite product that I use daily. It gives you light coverage almost like foundation without the heavy cakey feel. And gives you a natural look plus evens out your skin tone & has SPF 50. I wear the shade Light. If you buy ONE thing from the Sale, buy this! 

NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencils- In the colors: Dolce Vita (dusty rose) and Cruella (deep red). These are two of my go-to lip colors for Fall. I love these lip pencils because they're rich velvety colors that apply smoothly and last for hours. If you haven't tried NARS lip products, you NEED to!

Tarte Double Take Eyeliner- I've been using this eyeliner for awhile now. The cool thing about this eyeliner is that it's double ended giving you a pencil and liquid. So you can easily use it for daytime and nighttime looks, depending on what type of look you're going for.  

Tarte Toasted Eyeshadow Palette- My favorite eyeshadow palette! The colors are warm, super pigmented and long lasting. I love the color combinations within the palette and the shades are perfect for everyday or dramatic evening looks.

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Tinted Lotion- I love this tanning lotion because it gives me just enough color without looking fake. It can be applied everyday and is buildable depending on how dark you're going for. And because it's a lotion formula, it also hydrates your skin. I like to apply it right out of the shower and then let it dry while I'm doing my makeup. Who says you can't be tan all year long?! 

 New Products to Try

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask- This has been on my list of skincare products to try, for awhile now! It's a hydrating face mask for all skin types that's supposed to be like a drink of water for your tired, stressed-out skin. Need I say more?! It's been featured all over the internet as well as major magazines and seems to be a beauty favorite for many. Excited to try it out for myself and see what the hype is all about. 

Kopari Coconut Deodorant- Recently, I started making the switch to natural deodorant and so far, I haven't found one that works for me. So, when I found out that Kopari (a brand I already love) has their own natural deodorant, I knew I had to try it! So this will most definitely be added to my cart! 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz- I was NOT blessed with eyebrows. I'm always on the hunt for a great eye brow pencil and this one comes highly recommended! With a retractable tip on one end and a brush on the other. It's also smudge-proof and comes in a wide range of shades.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask- Since I have color treated hair, I like to do at home hair treatments to keep my hair from looking dry and dull. This weekly treatment restores your hair's moisture and helps to prevent future damage. I'm already a fan of Briogeo's leave in conditioning spray, so I'm excited to try their hair mask.  

Tell me what's on your MUST HAVE Sephora Shopping list!!  Comment below. 

Xo, Rae

NOBODY TOLD YOU YOUR 30s WOULD LOOK AND FEEL LIKE THIS

I distinctly remember the 6 months leading up to my 30th Birthday and the immense pressure I felt to have it all figured out. And by all, I mean LIFE. Thirty seemed like this magic number. Where everything I had ever mapped out for my life, would somehow all start aligning and fall into perfect place. And here I am, more than half way through my 35th year of life and I'm far from having it all figured out. In fact, in most areas of my life it feels like I'm starting over. 

Lately, in conversations with friends I've noticed that many of us are going through similar changes in our lives. And the one thing we all have in common, is that we're in our early to mid thirties. There's something about this decade that causes you to have uncertainity about yourself and also makes you question your path in life. And you often find yourself asking the question: "Am I happy?" 

In your 20s, you graduate from college, start choosing a career, date with the intention of marrying one day, make friends with everyone and start to discover who you are as a young adult. In your 30s, you no longer feel fulfilled by just working a job to earn a paycheck, you find that spending time with yourself is just as important as being with someone else, your group of friends get smaller and you really begin to discover who you are as an individual. And all of this somehow starts to unravel little by little and you realize that life is really just getting started. Your thirties are a time in which you feel more eager to not settle for the things you once wanted and to go after the things you never knew you needed. I myself, can vouch for this. Over the past few years, I've undergone many changes in my life. But it's brought me to a better version of myself ultimately.  

I like to say, that your 30s are a time in which you can REINVENT yourself. It all starts with discovering who you are and figuring out what it is you truly want in life. And whatever “it” is, it can look different for everyone. Sometimes it's moving to a new city. Or maybe you're contemplating quitting your job to pursue a passion project. Maybe it’s choosing to stay single while you focus on your career. Or maybe you want to settle down and start a family. Maybe you want to travel rather than stay in one place. That’s the thing about your 30s, you may find yourself starting over in several areas of your life. And that’s okay.

However, no matter what changes your thirties may bring, you owe it to yourself to figure out what truly makes you happy. And even if you feel the immense pressure by those around you to do things a certain way, don't apologize for wanting to take a different path. My best advice for anyone going through this phase of life, is to be open and honest with yourself. Throw out the life timeline you once created for yourself and just live in the moment, days and months ahead.

Nobody tells you that your 30s will be some of the most challenging, significant, best years of your life that will bring you so much strength and growth. But I promise, you will be so much better for going through it all. 

XO, Rae

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE 2018: BEST BEAUTY BUNDLES

Happy Friday, y'all! If you don't know already, the Nordstrom Anniversary SALE went LIVE today to the public. The sale runs from July 20th-Aug. 5th, but previous to today, ONLY card holders had access to the SALE. This is one of the biggest sales of the year and a great time to stock up on everything from Fall wardrobe pieces, shoes, accessories and beauty products. And since I'm no fashion blogger....I'm sharing with you all, the best of the best beauty bundle deals you can purchase from the sale. And the best part is, FREE Shipping on all items.

1. Mario Badescu Set- This is my holy grail facial spray. And with this four-piece set you get both facial sprays along with a cleansing gel and drying lotion. $30 ($43 value)

2. Patchology Down to Mask DIY Spa Kit- This collection of masks is everything you need for your eyes, lips, face and feet. $35 ($50 Value)

UPDATE: SOLD OUT as of 7/22....will update if Nordstrom restocks item. 

3. Drybar Here, There, Everywhere Set- Drybar favorites DETOX Dry Shampoo & TRIPLE SEC Texturizing spray make up this set with two full size bottles and two travel size bottles. $52 ($75 value)

4. Fresh kissing Lip Kit-  Lip kit with sugar based products, includes a lip polish and two tinted lip treatments. $32 ($47.50 value)

5. NARS Undressed Liquid Lip Set- The perfect nude lip set. Comes with four different nude shades that glide on like a gloss but cover like a lipstick. $49 ($104 value)

6. Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45 & Refill Set- This has been a hot item this year! This mineral setting powder brush is sweat resistant and has built in SPF 45 and comes with two refills. $40 ($100 value)

UPDATE: As I was writing this post, this item SOLD OUT unfortunately. Nordstrom may re-stock it, so I'll keep an eye out and give updates in the coming days. In the meantime, you can still purchase the individual one here. 

7. Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Set-  This is my go-to moisturizer. And this set includes two full size moisturizer surge 72-hour moisturizers and a travel size facial spray. $99 ($154 value)

8. Drybar The Most Wanderful Waves Set- The ultimate hair goals kit. Drybar is infamous for it's many blowout hair styles. This kit has everything you need to create those beachy waves at home and includes hair styling products and The Wrap Party Style Wand. This would make a great Christmas gift! $165 ($240 value)

Hope you enjoyed this round up of beauty bundles from the Nordstrom Sale. I would love to hear about the items you'll be shopping for. Comment below.

XO, Rae

SHOP THIS POST 

Mario Badescu Set

Patchology Down to Mask KIT

Drybar The Most Wanderful Waves Set

Fresh Kissing Lip Kit

NARS Undressed Liquid Lip Set

Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45 & Refill Set

Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Set

Drybar Here, There, Everywhere Set

SUMMER IN THE CITY: NYC EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED

Summer is underway and with July half way over, I'm reminded of all the things I still have left to do on my Summer bucket list. One of the things I love about living in a big city like New York, is that there is always so much to do. And whether you live here or planning to visit this Summer, there is something for everyone. Here's a list of events that are NOT to be missed. 

1. Bryant Park Summer Film Festival 

Every Monday June 18th-Aug. 20th

2. Restaurant Week

July 23rd-Aug. 17th 

3. Summer Music Festivals 

Concerts happening all over the city and in each borough. 

4. Rooftop Cinema Club

August dates are NOW on SALE, but hurry this weekly event sells out quickly!

5. FREE Yoga at Bryant Park

Bryant Park hosts free yoga in the park every Tuesday morning at 10am & Thursday evenings at 6pm. RSVP by clicking the link above. 

6. Rosé Mansion

This interactive and educational pop-up will be available July- October. Get tickets by clicking the link above. 

7. Bubbles, Beats & Brunch Cruise 

This is basically a day party aboard a boat that cruises around Manhattan. Brunch served with unlimited mimosas and Bloody Mary bar. Grab your friends & book a date!

8. FREE Fridays at MoMA

Free admission to MoMA every Friday 4-8pm

9. Pier 17 

Newly re-opened Pier 17 has everything from outdoor concerts, a food market hall and a pop-up bar with waterfront views. 

10. Summer Streets 

An outdoor block party, free from vehicles that takes place the first three Saturday's in August.  

Feel free to share this list with friends visiting NYC this Summer or save it to your phone as a reminder of things to do around city. 

Xo, Rae 

HOW TO LET GO FOR GOOD

Even when it's hard to walk away from something, doing so allows you to be reminded that life goes on regardless. You should NEVER stay stuck in something. And yet we often feel compelled or obligated to stay in our complicated relationships, dead end jobs or unfulfilled friendships. Which begs the question: WHY?! Honestly, I think it has a lot to do with FEAR. Fear of letting go. Fear of moving on. Fear of what we may leave behind. Fear of the unknown. So, how do you let go even when you know it's the best thing to do? 

This is an area in my life that to be honest, I still struggle with. I'm good at holding on to things even when I know they aren't good for me. And I'm even better at letting things stay the same for fear of the "what if's". But as I've gotten older, I have learned that letting go doesn't have to be a bad thing. It often means freeing yourself from the things that are no longer serving you. And it can also be exactly what you need to move forward in your life. So I'm sharing three steps that have helped me deal with letting go in life, and maybe can help you as well. 

ACCEPT THE FACT THAT CHANGE IS NEEDED 

The first step, is to admit that something needs to change. Maybe you feel like you don't have many options right now, but there is always a choice that can be made. Easier said than done, I know. But ask yourself, am I happy? And then ask yourself, what can I do about it? Also, remind yourself that you can't do the same thing over and over again and expect different results. Change is hard, but once you make the commitment to do it, you've already taken the first big step in letting go.  

BE OPEN TO WHAT COMES NEXT 

Second, I think you have to be willing to be open to what comes after you let go. Which is often scary to embrace the unknown. But it can also be liberating if you allow yourself the opportunity. Commit to your decision made and let life happen. Don't let the fear of what could happen stop you from pursuing a new outcome. This is where the real work begins, because it's much easier to allow ourselves to stay in a comfortable place rather than be open to new possibilities. But if we do the work, things often start to fall in place over time. 

LEARN TO NOT LOOK BACK 

Lastly, I think that you have to be confident in your decision moving forward. Remind yourself everyday if you have to, why you made the decision to let go in the first place. And then place your trust in the process. Don't beat yourself up over the what if's, or bumps along the way. Sometimes the things that lie ahead of us test us the most. And as you move forward, don't look back unless you plan on using that glimpse as motivation to keep going. Otherwise, stay the course and know that life is what you make of it. 

I would love to hear from you all, and what has helped you in situations of letting go? Comment below.  

XO, Rae