Seven on Saturday: Share Session

Hi and happy weekend!

I’m excited to introduce you to my latest series: Seven on Saturday.

This “Share Session” series was born out of a few things: a seriously admittedly nerdy love for alliteration, readers’ request for more casual, personal posts, and my desire to be more open. I hope you feel like sharing, too, which I totally encourage and appreciate, and you can add your thoughts in the comment section (shy? you can go anonymous!) or email me.

This first week is a bit boring – I admit! – as I’m just going to describe a bit more about each of the categories I’ll be getting into every other week.

Sustainability practice I’m loving

I don’t want to contribute to rivers like this, in Nicaragua

I’m trying to learn more about sustainability and how to incorporate it into my life in a doable way.

When I first realized just how much trash the average American generates, I felt completely overwhelmed. But when I began to break changes into bite-size, actionable pieces, I felt a lot more empowered and able to make changes (especially when it comes to travel).

I don’t know if we’ll ever be at “mason jar life” level in our household, but I do know that I’ve made a significant impact in my trash output and I’m continuously striving to do better.

I’ll be sharing the best and most practical practices I find, test, and implement.

Self-care / simple pleasure

reading is a major self-care practice for me

I’m sad to say that I didn’t really start thinking about self-care (and prioritizing it) until this year. I had been running myself ragged between a full-time job, studying for my master’s degree, and working on the blog… and I wasn’t giving myself any time, or showing myself love, care, or value in any way.

While this may sound cheesy, I’ve tried to start treating myself like I would treat any of my friends, showing consideration and making time for enjoyment.

I’ll be sharing my favorite self-care and simple pleasure practices with you.

Skill I’m working on

learning pottery in Chiapas

As I’m getting close to 30 (just a few months now), I’m aware of the value of time more than ever.

Instead of wasting time on TV, scrolling through social media, or worrying (one of my most common pastimes!), I’m trying to schedule more time for new skills that improve my life and my abilities. A few sectors I’m focusing on: physical fitness, art and creativity, language, and flexibility.

Each week, I’ll let you know about the new skill I’m working on, and give you some tips and recommendations if you want to try, too!

Someone I recommend

small businesses like this one that makes reusable snack packs

Screw Black Friday, I’m all about Small Business Saturday! As I’ve been phasing out fast-fashion purchases and moving towards more intentional buying, I’ve become more interested in small businesses.

The thing about small businesses is that while they may be just as good (if not better!) than big business, they lack the marketing budget of their larger counterparts. That’s where we, small business consumers, come in. We’ve got to rep the amazing small businesses we come across (and I’m particularly interested in women- and POC-owned small businesses), and here’s where I’m going to do that.

Here, in this section, I’ll be sharing the story of an inspiring small business with incredible products or services that you might love, too!

Spot you should know about

It’s not Thailand, this is in the Sumidero Canyon

Just like small businesses, small destinations don’t get the attention they deserve. Through my years of traveling and living abroad, I’ve come across so many incredible yet off-the-radar spots that are ready and waiting for more tourists.

This weekly Spot will share how (and maybe more importantly: WHY) you should travel to this relatively-neglected destination.

Secret

It’s easy to see nothing but “good”, shiny, attractive things on Instagram and social media in general.

In my desire to be more vulnerable, open, and authentic, I’ll be sharing something that I normally wouldn’t put on social media or my blog here. Sometimes silly, sometimes serious, always honest.

Something else

Totally random and different each week, this is the section to share anything else that’s on my mind or in my heart, or an answer to a reader-requested prompt.

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What about you? I’d especially love to hear about any self-care favorites, sustainability practices, skills you’re working on, secret spots you rave about, and small businesses you recommend!