New Moon Energy 🌖

Oct 30, 2019

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#WednesdayWisdom

"To me, self-care does not mean going to the spa. It’s learning to say no. It’s knowing yourself so you can make choices that are an expression of you." — Tracee Ellis Ross

Morning Musings

Earlier this week, I attended a "New Moon Flow" class at the yoga studio down the street from my house. As I've mentioned a few times here, I've been getting into astrology lately (shout-out to my coworkers Chloe and Sara for informing me that my Sun, Moon AND Venus are all in Scorpio, whoop whoop!).

Something about this Scorpio season thus far has felt powerful to me -- maybe it's because I'm learning more about my sign and traits, and how they contribute to who I am as a person. So when I saw North Loft Yoga's Instagram post about the New Moon in Scorpio, I knew there was no better way to start my birthday. And I'm so glad I did (and thanks to my friend Matt for joining me).

We started the class, which was more of a workshop, with a reading on Scorpios. Then we segued into a gentle yoga flow. I was a bit confused when we entered shavasna about 30 minutes in as it was billed as a 75-minute class. But when we returned to the workbook and started journaling our intentions for the new moon, I felt more settled. We also used sage to cleanse the energy around us and the malachite stone to promote healing transformation.

Ever since I had my chakras balanced two years ago during my solo birthday retreat, I've been keenly aware of energy and how it flows to, through and from me.

As the studio's Instagram post said, "With the new moon brings the opportunity for self-reflection, relaxation, and enlightenment. It's the perfect time to set new intentions, new goals, and prepare for new beginnings.

During this lunar phase, take time for yourself and reconnect with your yoga practice and your deepest desires. Consciously bring your awareness inward and honor the changes occurring in your life."

What a perfect way to ring in 32. I've been feeling things shift around me for a few months now, and I feel like in 2020 they'll settle into place. As I enter this next chapter of life, I'm excited to let go of what's no longer serving me and embrace what is meant for me. I invite you to do the same. Namaste.

Love,
L'Oreal

P.s. I'm starting a 30-day gratitude challenge on Nov. 1. Follow me on Instagram to join in the fun!

Cool Opps

Oct. 30 (TONIGHT!): #L2L Mixer - What's Next? Mid-Career Challenges Clouding the Way Forward. Career writer Brittney Oliver is hosting an evening that's sure to inspire!

Nov. 9: Publishing in Your Pajamas. If you've ever asked me about what it takes to publish a book, this virtual conference is for you. Early bird pricing ends tomorrow, Oct. 31!

Links I Love

The right time to host a Halloween party. Why Chrissy Teigen and John Legend are the First Family we deserve. The case for checking a bag. This is why you never see your friends anymore. How to be a White neighbor in a Black neighborhood. How "staying in" became Instagram's hottest new trend.

My Latest Obsession

While in Milwaukee a couple of weekends ago for the Jidenna concert, I took my coworkers up on the suggestion to check out Milwaukee Public Market.

Lexington Market back in Baltimore is one of the places I miss most about home, so I was excited to check out the Midwest hipster version -- and it did not disappoint. For starters, food at Milwaukee Public Market is much fresher and way less fried, though I did indulge in a BBQ bacon cheeseburger and truffle fries.

But the star of the show, for me, was the 18-year balsamic vinegar from Oro di Oliva. The website description says it best:

"Aged in the traditional style. Sweet, then sour, never losing balance. Thick and complex as the taste progresses through notes of fig, honey, dates and raisin. Raw grape must content - 18 year style!"

Best part? You can sample as many varieties as you'd like in the store, for FREE! Needless to say, I will be buying this again and I imagine it makes a great holiday/hostess gift as well -- that's assuming you're willing to part with it from your own house.

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