Drinks on Me

quench your thirst

By Christina Nguyen

September 26^th, 2017

In the last few months, pretty much every aspect of my life has changed. While all the changes have been positive, it doesn't make it any easier to process. The attempt to find a new normal while everything around me is changing has flipped my body upside down, and turned my mind around. The effects had finally caught up to me during my last few days in Texas. This isn't exactly what I had imagined for day one of my new adventure. I pictured myself stepping off the plane with excitement, energy, and enthusiasm that this day was FINALLY here! But real talk...I landed in London sick as a dog, and with all the expected effects of a red-eye flight...foggy-eyed, restless, and overtired. I was mentally, and physically drained. I walked out of the airport in a daze wondering if I even had enough energy to figure out how to get to my friend's flat (yes, at that point figuring out where the pickup location for Uber felt like too much). BOOM! The rush of emotions flooded over me, my jaw dropped, and the tears just came pouring down my face. My friend Sarah was standing there with an ear-to-ear smile, and a big poster that said, "Welcome to London!" Kudos to Sarah for the most well-timed greeting and, the biggest hug a girl could ask for. It was everything I needed.

We presume that when we inhale, an exhale will follow. We assume that when we go to sleep, we will receive the recharge needed to conquer the new day. Each day is filled with endless activities, responsibilities, and often times, our well-being ends up towards the bottom of the priority list... which leads to a lifestyle that isn't sustainable. My time in London has given me the opportunity to reflect on the priorities needed to maintain my new lifestyle, and stay grounded through constant change.

Our mind, body, and spirit are the vehicles in life. They allow us to create experiences through our senses. Our eyes translates light to vivid visuals, and imagery. Our ears use fluid to transform sound waves into melodies of conversation. Our skin contains receptors that gives us the the power of touch and intimate connection. Our nose binds with chemicals in the air to produce smell, and evoke memories. Our taste buds are activated with everything we eat and drink to give us the pleasure of the flavor. We are in overdrive whether we are aware of it or not. Self-care is essential for all of us. It can be one of the most selfless investments as it strengthens the inner you and enables you to support others. Your actions, and attitudes toward yourself are a window to see how you treat others. The healthiest thing you can do is to pause, and consider how you can take better care of yourself. It's important to know what feeds your mind, body, and soul to feel healthy, happy, and grounded. This looks different from person to person, but the great thing is that you, and only you, are in charge.

How am I investing in myself? Committing to put me time on the calendar. Learning to listen to my body, and rest. Staying active to find natural energy from within. Meditating to quiet the mind, and find more presence in being. Eating, and living well from moment to moment. Building deeper connections through listening, and awareness. Writing to reflect and create expression. Building a better version of me by helping myself first so that I can help others.