Looking Up From Five Feet

Whether you're celebrating the end of #finals or trying to get through them...

WATCH: https://goo.gl/GNB5xb

#LoseMyself by #AceJones is colorful, fun and will make you want to dance!

If there’s one thing I’ve discovered from experiences with self-loathing, it’s the unsung strength of a woman. 

Just three days ago, I was sharing beautiful #HappyInternationalWomensDay posts -- “Raise each other up, rather than bringing each other down.” I felt so empowered “loving” my fellow females’ posts, and getting the same praise in return. Honestly, that was the extent of it. Despite the fact that I would like to believe that it is my motto. 

Now as I sit here, I’m thinking, “girl power should last for more than a day.” 

Within those few days, I got caught up in feelings of jealousy and competition with my peers, despite my own accomplishments. 

“I don’t want to look at her Instagram. She’s getting all this attention.”

Mind you, I am really not the type of person to step over someone else to meet my goals. I am ecstatic from my friends’ success. I have my tight knit group of gals who stick together. I actually smile over the idea of a global girl gang; I was raised on the love of Spice Girls and “Girl Power!” 

But at the end of the day, I beat myself up over these conflicting thoughts. 

“Why are you comparing yourself to others?” I thought. “Every individual has the ability to shine bright on their own.” 

It’s normal for anyone to experience jealousy. Of course, women, especially me, are naturally sensitive creatures. I think that’s easy to forget.  

Communication is essential in everything we do. Human interaction is obviously what makes the world go round. But you are the only one who knows your ticks, thoughts, and feelings better than anyone else; In a time when everything is public, it’s nice to keep some things private and sacred. I was always a strong believer in the idea that individuals can’t understand each other until they can understand themselves. 

Self-discovery is a life-long process, and for me, I learn more about myself by carving out exclusive R&R “me time” at least once a week. 

That can be anything from netflixing/blissfully stuffing my face with pizza and ice-cream, to venturing out to a museum--all on my own. I am a pretty good date, I must say. I think you might find that you’re your own great companion, too. I mean, the best part about it is hearing the inner conversations you exchange with yourself: It’s the time you have when you can examine your thoughts, inquiries, challenges, and explore different answers. 

“I had a crappy day at work and I have been beating myself up over it...But life goes on. One bad day doesn’t make me a bad person.”

It’s the time when everything else can be set aside, and you can rediscover what you love about the world and yourself--you might even find what you want to improve on. 

I took a long walk to Bryant Park Saturday afternoon. I sat at a bench, completely detached from my phone. I took in the crisp air, the beautiful blue sky, and the pure silence that I shared with other people who were also enjoying their “me time.” This is where I’ll take the opportunity to give this special occasion a cheesy definition: a “me-cation.”