How to be More Present While Traveling (& in Life)

When you're visiting a new place, you want to soak it in as much as possible. Nowadays, it seems that our attention spans have decreased and our brains need a constant stimulation to stay interested. Instead of being distracted by what's going on elsewhere, learn to stay focused on the now. Below are some tips on how to be more present while traveling (& in life) to help you fully experience where you are and what you're doing so you never miss a moment.

5 Things to do Before the New Year

When a new year rolls around, we are given a blank slate, a fresh start, a new beginning. It is the perfect time to think about all of the experiences (good & bad) you've accumulated within the last year so you can use them to your advantage. Reevaluate your year up to now, and implement changes to benefit your life.

Full Moon Reflection

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Yesterday, we had our very last full moon (and super moon) of 2016. Full moon nights are the best times for contemplation, reflection, and release as the moon sheds light (figuratively & literally) on your life. The moon reveals to us what was hidden in the shadows and brings them into light so it can come into focus and we may acknowledge it.

Remove Negativity from Yourself Emotionally & Spiritually

It is common for us to feel the stresses of everyday life bearing down upon us. Sometimes it is hard to get away from the negative feelings and thoughts especially when it feels like nothing can go right. But, not only does negativity affect our minds, it affects the people around us as well. When we keep thinking these negative thoughts, it gets us deeper down into the pit,

Why I Stopped Brushing My Hair

After years of pulling and ripping in the process of de-tangling, I thought, "enough is enough," and decided to stop brushing my hair and put down the bristles for good. My hair is naturally wavy / curly, making it more prone to knots and tangles. I

4 Easy Steps to Bring More Meaning and Purpose into Your Life

The first week of the new year has come and gone, leaving us some time to reflect on the meaning and purpose we have given our lives in the past year(s). You may come to realize, like many, that you're not fully living the life of your dreams. It's important to notice when you're not entirely happy with the direction your life is moving, so here are some easy steps to help bring more meaning and purpose into your life. It will most definitely bring so much love and happiness back into your life.

1.) Be Adventurous

Being adventurous doesn't necessarily mean you should quit your day job today and travel the world tomorrow (it may to some!) It simply means that you should take more risks, live in the moment, and be spontaneous. Life tends to get a little too comfortable at times, and we become creatures of habit. It's great to add some change into your life to remind you to live, rather than just be alive.

2.) Be Grateful

Be thankful for where you're at and for everything you have. When you remember that you can have it much worse, you are able to really appreciate what you have, and hopefully realize that you don't necessarily need more. Being content with your possessions will make anything new you acquire seem more special and well deserved. “If you aren't happy for what you already have then what makes you think you will be happy with more.” - Maddy Malhotra

3.) Be Present

Remember that you are presently living your own life. Try not to get too caught up with the people you "see" online. Be present in every moment, and remember to enjoy the human interactions in front of you. If you are visiting a magnificent place, keep your phone or camera down, and really soak in the moment. Make it so that you can relive that moment not through a screen, but every time you close your eyes.

4.) Be Happy

Above all else, do what makes you happy. If you are unhappy, stop what you are doing and change it. Don't force yourself to be in a place you don't want to be in. This is your life, you will only live it once. I can't tell you how many times people vent to me about how they are unhappy with their job, or their home, or pretty much, their life. Make some changes, and start living the life of your dreams. It may be difficult and scary to start, but oh, will it be worth it.

These steps may seem pretty obvious, but that's the point. We know how to be happy and how to lead wonderful lives, but we get into a habit and sometimes we need to be reminded. Life isn't just about being alive, it's about living.

So most importantly, be positive. Because, as they say, positive mind, positive vibes, positive life...

Have you tried any of the steps above to being more meaning and purpose to yourself?

What are some things you do to help put more meaning into your life?
Let me know in the comments below!

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❀Riah

How to Start the New Year Off Right

2014 has come and gone more quickly than I would have expected, leaving hardly any time to reflect on the things I've done, and wanted to do. With this in mind, it got me to thinking, all of the things that I didn't do because I was too afraid or didn't have the time to do doesn't matter anymore. That was the past, and now it's a new year, opening us up to endless possibilities. We create our future and the life we want to lead.

So to start this new year off right, there are four simple things that we must do:

1. Make the time. 
   It's not up to if we have enough time, it's up to if we want to make time. More often than not, we say that we don't have the time to accomplish some of our resolutions, but in reality, we don't make the time. If we truly want something, we'll go out and get it.
2. Live in the present, and forget the past.
   (unless of course you are reminiscing on wonderful memories)
   Don't stress about the future, and don't dwell on the past, live in the now.
3. Let go of fear.
   One of the main reasons why we don't do what we really want to do is because of fear. It is okay to be scared at times, but never let it hold you back from doing something completely amazing that could change your life and your future experiences for the better.
4. Let in love.
   Every person on this planet has to have at least one person that loves them. Show others love, and it will only bring more love and happiness into your life.

Follow these simple steps, and you're setting yourself up to one great year filled with so much joy and lots of opportunities! If you're ever faced with something you're too afraid to try, just think about how long we are here on this earth, and that should remind you that we can't afford to waste time or be afraid when happiness is the final reward.

Have a wonderful 2015
❀ Riah ❀

Live Healthy | Banana Mango Smoothie Recipe

Living a healthier life is something that I've put at the top of my agenda. (although I stray away at times) But I keep reminding myself that it's very important to take care of your body no matter what your age! Eating the wrong foods for an extended period of time can (and will) destruct

How to | Cut a Mango

Today, I thought I would share with you a little easy food "how-to" in anticipation of a yummy treat I will be posting a recipe for in the next few days! Take a look at the recipe here.

DIY | Coconut Oil Hair Care

I've had a few people ask me how I keep my thick hair so long, and split-end free, so I thought I would share my hair care regiment. Every few weeks I apply a coconut oil treatment to my hair. This leaves my hair feeling so soft & silky, and it looks

June | National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

Today I discovered that June is National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month. Sadly, I found out with the month already a few weeks in, but better late than never! I encourage everyone to try and eat at least 1 fresh fruit or vegetable each day, if you don't already. And if you do, try and eat more. ☺

Eating fresh fruit and vegetables has proven to increase your health significantly, and in the long run can help you live a longer life as well. Heart disease like heart attacks and stroke are reduced, as well as some types of cancers, diabetes, and blood pressure if you eat a diet rich in both fruit and vegetables. Not only do they increase your life expectancy, but you get lots of vitamins and other nutrients as well. So if you're looking for something to eat, grab some snap green beans instead of those chips, or a smoothie instead of that soda. Your body will definitely thank you in the long run!
And of course always try to choose organic. Organic goods are produced by using natural fertilizers to feed soil and plants instead of harmful chemicals. They are not only good for us, but the environment as well because organic farming practices are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution, conserving water, and maintaining soil quality.

So remember to eat some more delicious fruit & veggies, not just this month, but regularly to prolong your life.

❀

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References:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/organic-food/art-20043880?pg=2