85 Likes, 12 Comments - APRIL MERLAS (@itsapelife) on Instagram: "A P R I L 17' 💐| "The sky is falling, the wind is calling. Stand for something, or die in the..."
I've been in a mental state of Spring for awhile now. The days are sunnier, the nights are warmer, EVERYTHING is blooming around me which lives up to my "Spring baby" expectations.
It's been a super exciting month (hello, everyday has been my birthday) that's been nothing but a long list of learning experiences and self reminders:
- I've learned that I've been dealing with very "anxious like" feels. The reason I say "anxious like" feels is because I'm not clinically diagnosed and do not want to offend those who are clinically diagnosed with anxiety. Whether it's been one stress over another about my job, when I find myself alone, or when I can't sleep - I'm overwhelmed with thoughts running through my head. In these moments where I've felt the most tested, I've reminded myself to have a peace of mind and that these are just challenges to overcome.
- I remind myself that if I wasn't pushing myself to make moves, I wouldn't have a chance to face both good and bad experiences that have helped me grow.
- A pretty simple solution is to remind myself and decide in these instances to choose to have a little faith over fear. Fear doesn't exist.
- Fuck it, meditate!
- I'm feeling super grateful of where I am in life that nothing can really break me. If it could, I remind myself that this is only temporary and I won't be feeling the same a week from now.
- I've been reminded that working in the fashion industry has its challenges. I still feel as if it's a passion of mine, but maybe I just need a change of setting. One thing is, this industry can be tough and you can never let anyone else's words define who you are and what you're capable of.
- I tend to see the good in people but I'm reminded to know that if people show you who they really are once, remember that.
- I remind myself that I won't settle for less than I deserve.
- I admit my career focus has made me lose sight of one of my true desires in life to travel and see the world. I've been newly reminded that this is what life is all about.
- Also when traveling, fly Burbank and try to avoid LAX if possible. (I wish I knew this sooner)
- I've been reminded of how nasty life can be with what's going on in the world, while I'm over here stressing out over a sample sale. I'm reminded of how insignificant my daily struggles can be compared to the rest of the world.
- "We're not saving lives," is one phrase I've heard repeatedly in this industry. No matter how many times I've come across someone mentioning it, it's always refreshing to hear.
- In parallel, I'm constantly reminded of how beautiful life can be. No matter how trivial life is, it's also made up of moments that no words can begin to explain and I'm grateful to experience this on a daily basis.
- Most importantly, I've been reminded of appreciating the company I keep. I've had so much comfort, love, laughter, and support and I'm more than thankful for Bay Area folk I've reconnected with and new faces I've gotten to know.
Being surrounded by these people is another reminder that I ultimately want to inspire others to live a positive lifestyle. In my experiences, negative energy and negative thoughts hasn't helped anybody, especially me. It's a matter of digging yourself up from whatever hole you've dug yourself in.
As I'm writing this i'll be packing for a mini trip to the Bay. Yup, I'm coming!
My birthday is tomorrow and what am I feelin' like these days for my twenty fifth? Honestly, a new tattoo. Maybe, just maybe! No, I'm actually serious.
Why wait?
See you soon!
xo
A