I haven’t taken my little Olympus Tough waterproof camera out in the water in too long. Here are some snaps Ian and I took while snorkeling in the front yard a couple weeks ago. Yodi came out with us and stretched her sea legs. I spotted an octopus hiding in a crevice! And we pretty much faffed about for the rest of the evening.
I recently started writing morning pages, which is a meditative practice of writing anything and everything you’re thinking about for 15 minutes and pouring out all your thoughts on paper so you get it out of your system and maybe get clarity from it.
I know it seems counterintuitive to start a challenge while you’re in a creative slump, but it’s a good way to push yourself to do something, anything creative – even if it’s following a challenge prompt. At least you’re making something. For me, I’ve tried a minimalism challenge which really helped to get me thinking outside of the box, and a daily drawing challenge which made me feel good about myself just because I’m making something.
Do you work best in the morning or evening? What does your morning/night routine look like? When I’m in a funky mood, I try to make sure I get myself in a good mood first thing in the morning. I wake up early and do easy yoga stretches in bed to wake my mind and body up, then quickly write my morning pages, put on tunes while I pick out what to wear, eat breakfast while glancing at my phone notifications, then make a to-do list for the day and work my way through them. I stick to this routine as much as I can so that I don’t have to think about how to get started, I just do it.
I love YouTube. Lately I’ve been watching a lot of creative vlogs, and it’s really making me want to start vlogging too. So I watch these when I’m in the dumps. But it’s important to limit yourself so you don’t get lost in random videos. I suggest you find something you’re interested in, or check your ‘watch later’ playlist. And then once that’s done, exit out of YouTube, or put on some lofi/chillhop music to get you groovin’ for the day.
It’s almost impossible to always be motivated and inspired. Some days I’m thriving with motivation and ideas, and other days I feel like I’m just barely surviving. Go over your goals, reevaluate them, and commit commit commit. If you can power through a day in the dumps, you can do anything.
Here’s are some pics I took of myself on one of those meh days.
Connor Jackson is a friend of a friend crossed the South Pacific on a 31′ Hunter named Sea Casa. Our mutual friend Michele, who used to live here in American Samoa and worked with Ian at the National Park, told us he was coming in and we were stoked to hang out with him and a few friends this weekend for a day sail on the southern Tutuila coast.
It was dumping rain most of the morning but we motored out of the harbor anyway and our good attitudes were rewarded with a little wind and a lot of sun for a glorious arvo.
Needless to say, I got seasick and prepared myself for this with a thumb of ginger I bought just before we hopped on the boat. I was just gnawing away at it and burped a bunch, and then puked my perfect bacon and egg open sammich breakfast not once but thrice in the 5 hours we were out. It was still a blast!
Connor and Ian had the good sense to jump off the boat when we got over the shallow part of the Taema banks, and we all quickly followed in. It felt so so so good to get off the rocking boat for a bit. It was a super calm day and the water was the perfect temperature. I wish I felt well enough to take more photos, but no complaints because Ian took most of these pics and it turned out to be an awesome day!
I’m back home in American Samoa!
You know as much as I love traveling, I love the feeling of coming home. Especially after the 12+ hours of sitting in airplanes and waiting in transit… though it wouldn’t be so bad if my bf was on the flight with me. Still. I like getting out of the airport, going home, opening up my door and seeing Yodi and Officer Scruffles wagging and meowing, excited to see me.
This weekend was a mix of chill, productive, fun, and adventurous. Oh yeah! I’m working on redesigning my website which I’m really excited for, and since I’m home solo while Ian is still traveling, I’ve been doing a lot of dancing in my underwear to loud music. And morning yoga, which I haven’t done in a long time. Some friends are also leaving the island so they rented an aiga bus for their tofa. And today a few friends decided to go to Vatia Tidepools at low tide.
But what I’ve been enjoying most is just hanging out at home, being a hermit crab: putting good music on, watching cheesy shows on Netflix, and writing. I’m always so appreciative to be where I am and right now where I am is exactly where I want to be. As you can tell, I’m in a reflective state so here are some photos from around home that I snapped.
Even though we live on a tiny island where road trips are not really a thing, it’s still super fun to get on the road with friends and enjoy the ride.
This beauty.
me: “Look here!”
me: “Can you all stand up”
me: “Wacky one!”
*me: says nothing*
*everybody: shows their booty*
And then comes the awkward family photos…
And Shivaun dramatically portraying her departure from the island
We waited for the sun to go down and watched the lights slowly flicker on below us.
Love this human
We’re all from different places, backgrounds and experiences
but how cool is it that this little island brings us together like this
See Adventures with Shivaun: Part 1, where we drive west to Amanave.
Also, our Clothing Swap that morning was a lot of fun.
Spontaneous date nights are the best.
Especially when we skip the restaurant and just get on the road, have the best convos on the drive, and stop to appreciate the beauty all around us.
The plains of American Samoa from the lookout in Aoloau.
This day was just a regular ol’ Wednesday.
I’d been working late a lot lately, so it was nice to go home before nightfall and convince Ian that we should get out of the house.
And good thing I had the camera in the car because I love to remember these moments in pictures.
We drove in to Rincon in the late afternoon. The traffic and winding streets made my tummy uneasy so I was elated to get situated in this cozy Coconut Cottage for the night.
*ahem* Not really complaining because I should be used to this, but there were a lot of mosquitoes though.
We checked out the Rincon Marina to scope out the scene. It had been raining all day, and it would rain every day at noon while we were there.
It was off-season for tourism but most importantly (for Ian), off season for surf of any kind. There were absolutely no waves anywhere except on the postcards at the empty surf shops. We got skunked.
Feeling deeply grateful to be able to meet up with good friends from around the world in new and beautiful places.
We got groceries at the Econo Supermarket to last us the next couple of days that we would be there. But then we also decided to grab a nice dinner at Roots in the town square where we laughed and toasted to friendship.
The next couple of days were quality.
Snorkeling, SUPing, seeing huge barracudas fly by.
Eating, drinking, talking, playing card games.
Nobody in this quiet town, except us and the singing coqui.
–
We tried to plan a scuba dive or a kayak tour of the bioluminescence, but were unfortunately turned away by the operators. The fact that it was off season was one possible reason, but it could have also been our short 3 day stay not being enough time. *Shrugs*
Our friends’ love and sunset on our last evening in Rincon.
Finally a picture of all of us together!
That morning: sleeping in, snorkeling, showering (it was about time haha), and saying adios to Rincon.
We got back on the road toward San Juan.
I was sad to leave so soon, but happy to share new memories with old friends.
–
Warmly,
Nerelle
A brisk morning jaunt in Old San Juan checking out the National Historic Site forts before we got on the road to Rincon. We had just gotten coffee and sandwiches at Café Cuatros Sombras, a few blocks away from our AirBnB. Ian and I flew into town yesterday in the late afternoon as a result of a delayed flight, so we could only catch the sunset from Castillo San Felipe del Morro before hopping around the many restaurants and pubs. Today we were rushing our way through the blue cobblestone streets trying to soak in as much of this romantic old spanish town vibe before our road trip. We quickly checked out Castillo de San Cristobal, the Devil’s Sentry Box lookout, and the colorful colonial style homes. Here are a few snaps from this morning.
And I’m mostly speaking to myself here…
This is a big one… so it’s the first one here. Do nice things for yourself. Take yourself out on a date. Indulge every now and then in what makes you happy. But also, realize that self-care means doing your taxes, working out, washing the dishes right after dinner instead of stockpiling it for tomorrow evening, updating your resume, staying up late to work on a passion project.
It’s bound to happen. We’re all shooting stars in an expanse and we all have varying trajectories in life. Another analogy because I’m feeling analogous. Friendship is like skincare. Keep the ones that are organic and keep you hydrated and full of life, and let go of the toxic. Ban microplastics, ya feel me? More on why in the next lesson.
You’re living and learning, just like everyone else. If you stayed the same your whole life, you’d be one boring person. Know that change is good, and so important. Change happens.
School doesn’t teach you everything. I’ve learned more about my field of study outside of the classroom and in the workplace. Theories are great, but experience is more practical. Plus, you’ll find what you really love if it’s something you seek out on your own and not something that is taught to you in a curriculum.
In life, you’re your own boss. You get to make decisions that have an impact on your life; and that matters. And whether it’s family, or friends, or strangers that you have something in common with, your decisions have an effect on others too. So yes, you matter!
Friends may not stick around when you’re in the dumps, but if you’re fortunate enough (and I’m so grateful that I am) your family is always going to be there for you. They are your God-given besties. Even if you have a difference in opinions, even if you quarrel about little things. They’re irreplaceable. Tell them you love them.
Like the old adage goes, this too shall pass. Anger, disappointment, and grief are emotions we can’t avoid. You will recover, in time. There’s beauty in impermanence.
Be a tourist in your own backyard. See it with new eyes everyday. Try something different. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find.
Of anything and everything. To do lists. Goals. Dream logs. Books to read. Movies to watch. Places you want to travel. Reference them often, and tick them off when you’ve achieved something. Watch how far you grow in tiny bullet points.
When you look for something, you have an idea in mind of what you’re looking for. Expectations might exceed what you come across in reality. So let relationships happen organically. Unexpected relationships are my favorite, and that’s the one you’ll end up with.
Be a good one. Make mistakes and treat others how you want to be treated. Realize that the world is a stage and everyone is part of the play, and you’re all human.
Nothing stays sharp without going through grindstone. A pencil, a knife, eyebrows on fleek. You have to work at it: sharpen it, hone it, smooth those edges. Even if you’re good at something, shed the doubt in your mind, and challenge yourself.
Let the ocean soothe you, the sun excite you, the jungle mystify you. Do you remember how happy you were to be buried in sand at the beach? Why keep yourself trapped in a box when you can sate your curious mind and roam freely.
And that’s completely okay. Be a diamond in a world full of squares. The sooner you realize this, the better. Just be you.
I mean it’ll happen. We all do it at some point in time. But please please please, don’t dwell on comparisons. Instead, draw inspiration from what appeals to you. Make a vision board. Then live your life!
How can you tell you’re alive? Because your heart is beating. So I suppose you should do whatever makes your heart beat fast.
If we all abided by the status quo, there would never be any progress. Learn about the history of why things are. Challenge the current state of things. Participate in conversations. Then decide.
Close the instagram app and shut your laptop when you don’t remember what you started looking for but you’re 10 pins too far from that DIY project you were never going to do in the first place. Yes it gets that bad; refer to lesson #15 and #9. Make a list and get organized. Clear your space and clear your mind. You’ll feel so much better when you take control of your life.
It’s hard to achieve your dream lifestyle if you don’t get off your bum and create it for yourself.
Life isn’t about success or riches or fame. Life is about learning, doing the things that excite you. Helping others.
Don’t wait until you have all the ‘proper’ supplies to start. Just start using whatever you have. You’ll have a deeper sense of accomplishment when you start off simply.
This has been my life’s motto thus far, and it’s truly made me happier and more grateful.
Need I say more?
Laughter is a universal language. Humor is in the accents. Life is so good, but it’s also crappy at times. Make a joke about it. Smile your goofy crooked smile. Be light and easy on yourself.
And I mean you have to work really really really hard to do this. Smash them; achieve your full latent potential.
You’ll thank yourself later!
Before today ends, I just want to share how incredibly grateful I am for these 26 years of living. From the sweet treats by my coworkers, to scuba diving a new site and getting buzzed by a turtle, hammocking on the beach with friends, listening to live music, getting gifted with pearls, a donation to my fave nonprofit, and the adventure fund, and a super rad Earth Day Everyday shirt from Ian (and designed by his talented coworker Valentine), all the back rubs and TLC from my main squeeze, ahhh and eating way too much good food… This weekend has been absolutely exceptional!
Plus, we officially booked our Puerto Rico leg of our May trip and got confirmation from our great friends that they’ll be meeting us there!! I’m thrilled for a new year of growth, learnings, and adventures!
Photo credit: Ian M – My boo, my babe. The best boyfriend and support system in the whole dang world. I’m blessed to have such a cutie pizzle. ❤️
Cheers to Colette!
Styled this little picnic party with a couple girlfriends to celebrate Coco’s birthday.
The night air was cool and breezy, and we feasted on apps and this magnificent view!
Always love a little girl time <3
