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    • The Time Has Come the Walrus Said

      Posted at 10:30 AM by Brittany, on March 4, 2016

      …to talk of many things.

      The last time I started a post with these words I shared with the world my thoughts, feelings, and emotions after going through a breakup. No, let me rephrase – after going through the breakup. You know, the one that shakes you so hard to the core that your life will never be the same.

      Grab a cup of coffee, this is going to be one of those posts.

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      Coffee tastings inspire me to be creative.

      I’m thankful for this time in my life, and despite going through the typical hardships that come with a split it was in this time that I discovered how to be on my own. I had a sense of peace about the situation that I will never forget.

      I will also never forget how this relationship robbed me of my ability to be vulnerable. I made it my mission to be stronger alone and never again let someone make me loose all desire to have a mind of my own. It took me three years to realize I had accomplished this mission, but had then continued running with it further than I needed to.

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      For the last few months I’ve been in an odd place. I have alluded to a void that I have been trying to fill in other posts, but they all come back to the fact that I feel out of balance mentally, physically, and spiritually.

      I’ve been trying to figure out the root cause of a myriad of health issues the last nine months which has put me into a bit of a funk. I don’t believe in a quick fix, and am not interested in drugs, pills, or other cover-ups which has made this process a bit long. I am a big believer that most anything can be fixed through food.

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      I’ve developed a handful of food intolerance’s the last year that suddenly gave me the desire to try adding animal products back into my diet. Long story short this hasn’t been working and always leaves me mentally distraught. I regret nothing, and don’t feel the need to expand on this anymore. I’m only sharing because I believe in being as transparent as possible.

      I still haven’t figured everything out, but what I have figured out is that after being fearful of what I ate for months, stuffing any emotions that I felt because: “I can do this on my own, no one wants to hear my problems” and eventually spiraling into a: “I don’t care anymore I’m going to eat anything and everything” what I need is quite simple. What I need is other people.

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      In all honesty it’s been difficult finding other people that enjoy the things I enjoy. I’m an odd bird that enjoys eating plants, running streets, climbing mountains, and exploring new places. You’d think living in the PNW this would be simple, but I’m surrounded by sedentary people. In order for me to find a circle of people I genuinely enjoy being around I will have to step outside of my comfort zone.

      What started as a necessary journey of figuring out how to be on my own, has transitioned me into a deep hole of isolation from other people. I don’t know how to talk to people about my feelings because I’ve never felt validated. I don’t regret taking the time to be alone, but I’m starting to realize that perhaps the void I’m seeking to fill is learning how to be vulnerable again, and knowing that it’s OK to fall down.

      Human beings thrive on companionship and while it’s essential to know how to stand on your own, I now realize it’s just as essential to lean on each other when you’re in need of an ear to listen, an arm to hug, or a partner to run with.

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      Early morning solo runs require mace.

      I don’t typically enjoy posting things like this, but to bring this topic of leaning on others full circle I want anyone else out there to know that if you’re feeling similar things that you’re not alone. We all go though moments in life that cause us to reflect, and it’s what we do with the thoughts and emotions that matters. You can either sink with the waves or swim to the shore.

      Last week I set out for a bike ride only to discover I had a flat tire. Drat. I knew how to take the wheel off my bike thanks to watching my dad do it many times. The problem didn’t arise until I returned home from REI to discover I couldn’t figure out how to get the wheel back onto the gears. I let the bike sit in my garage for a few days before deciding to take the bike back (stuffing it awkwardly in my car because I didn’t want to have to ask for help) and let them reattach my wheel.

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      I knew in the back of my mind that I had a neighbor familiar with bikes, but I had never spoken to him. I didn’t want to ask him for help because it made me uncomfortable. Just as I was going to attempt getting my car filthy I got a burst of confidence and decided to ask him for help.

      He put the tire back on my bike in less than a minute.

      It’s in these moments of discomfort that we grow. I’m uncomfortable asking other people for help, but it’s time for me to get over that. It’s OK to need other people. It’s OK to need help, and more importantly it’s OK to be vulnerable. No one is created with bionic emotions, so it’s essential for us to embrace them all. Besides, helping others gives me a great excuse to bake cookies and share coffee as a thank you.

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      The best part of not knowing my neighbors is that they’d have no idea my cookies were vegan. Classic chocolate chip cookies to highlights the beautiful cocoa notes of the sweet and full bodied Caffe Verona.

      Writing this post feels good, like a small weight has been lifted. Overall things in my world are great – I’m an optimist, and stubborn as hell so I see every experience as an opportunity to grow into a bigger and better you. I’m ready to put this experience into my learning jar and move forward.

      So who wants to come venture into the mountains with me? I suppose not every hike needs to be solo. 😉

      No questions today, just feel free to share thoughts, experiences, and emotions.

      b

      | 94 Comments Tagged Biking, Emotions, Friendship, Life, Running
    • Trusting the Process

      Posted at 9:05 AM by Brittany, on February 26, 2016

      I find myself bouncing back and forth between blog posts that have some sort of underlying message about life, to blog posts that have no outline or purpose other than to put mind thoughts to paper – or internet pages. This post falls into the latter category.

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      I turned 27 last week, which is an odd feeling because when I hear 27 all I think about is, “three years from 30” which is terrifying. Not to say there is anything wrong with being 30, in fact I somewhat look forward to turning 30 because I hope by then my life will be together. What’s terrifying is that I feel nothing like an adult, and my lifestyle is still somewhat juvenile.

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      I wear a Buzz Lightyear bag when I ride my bike.

      I’m thankful that I’ve finally, and I repeat FINALLY buckled down to finish my college degree after eight years of back and forth nonsense. From psychology, to dental hygiene, to dental assisting, to nutrition, to where I am now with ASU. I swore I’d have some kind of medical degree like my dad, but alas I’m better with words.

      Let me be a prime example that it’s never too late to finish something you’ve started.

      Never. 

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      BS in Human Communications here I come

      The last few years have been spent soul searching. I’ve discovered a sense of who I am, which is a crucial puzzle piece of life when you’re in your 20’s. I know I’m not done yet and lately I’ve started to feel the sense that something is missing, but I’m not quite sure what. I tend to get stuck in my comfort zone which is where I am once again.

      This happens to me when I run, I get comfortable staying between 3-6 miles and my fitness eventually plateaus. This is when I get impulsive and sign up for another half marathon, like I did last month. I sometimes need a push to step outside my mandala of butterflies and rainbows.

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      Half marathon training is on par, 5 miles is my comfortable spot and now we start getting closer to double digits.

      I am thankful for everything that I have right now – a loving family that supports me in every way, a house over my head, a small but solid friendship circle, and a stable job that allows me to finish school, go on adventures, pick my schedule, and coworkers that love me regardless of my wind blown hair after biking to work.

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      Despite my blessings, I now need more. These feelings creep up whenever I notice myself getting complacent with my comfort zone. I have all the means to take a giant leap in life, but I find myself needing the push. I’m trusting the process and putting the vibes into the world that I’m ready. For what I don’t know, but I’m ready.

      I don’t often look at the bigger picture because I truly believe life is meant to be enjoyed right now, and too many of us get so stuck on what we want later in life that we miss the beauty that’s right in front of us. Disclaimer: I don’t mean throwing everything into the gutter just to have fun, I mean building a life of balance right NOW instead of later when you have X,Y, and Z accomplished. 

      With that said, I’m heeding my dads advice of “look at what you want later, and do what you have to now to make that happen.”

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      I want energy, so my weekends are spent at the theater so I can be in bed by 10.

      I want independence (in other ways that I have now), I want stability (not related to money), I want a place of my own (specifically something tiny and on wheels), I want world exposure (without the fear of getting lost), but mostly I want balance.

      I can feel my inner world slightly off-kilter, and despite being semi locked into life right now (to finish school I must stay with Starbucks for at least another 1.5 yrs because they are footing the bill, yeehaw) I’m looking towards the future for once instead of living in the moment. I must trust my current process to propel me somewhere amazing later in life.

      Perhaps that in and of itself is a slight sense of balance.

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      When all else fails, I can always lean on trees for stability.

      After all that, it turns out this post actually had more purpose that I expected. 🙂 Things are changing in my world, and I’m honoring the flow of life by conforming to the changes.

      Q: Who can relate?

      b

      | 90 Comments Tagged Bike, Half Marathon, Life, Running
    • How Biking Differs from Running – Vol. 2

      Posted at 6:05 AM by Brittany, on February 16, 2016

      It’s been three months since my first post differentiating my views on biking vs. running, so it’s time for another round.

      Biking vs. Running – Volume Two

      …according to an amateur.

      1. When riding a bike it’s completely acceptable, if not preferred to wear your hair down. I direct this towards women, or any man with longer hair. Riding in 30 degree weather gives me an entirely new perspective on why humans were given hair. Thank you built in ear warmer.

      2. I have officially biked to work, which makes me a bike commuter now right? Due to the fact that running for as little as one mile turns me into a swamp monster I could never successfully run to work without having to shower after. Biking to work ( in colder months ) is totally acceptable and stink free.

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      Morning commute views. I die.

      3. Biking in the rain is colder than running. The wind, the moments of rest, the downhill – all give me shivers I don’t feel when slugging through a run in the rain.

      4. When running I struggle to speak, leaving minimal room for friends. Biking gives more rest time so making friends is easier. Granted I have yet to bike with a friend, but my bike met another commuting bike recently. I must figure out who the grey beauty belongs to.

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      5. Biking does not make you invincible, and yelling at people that litter just because you’re on two wheels instead of two feet might not be wise. Then again I’d probably do the same thing when running. Littering isn’t cool.

      6. Biking saves money. I’m more likely to hop on my bike and ride to the store to buy something, like sugar laden Gatorade and saltines for my mom when sick, instead of running. Although I did run to the store on Thanksgiving a few years ago for flour.

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      “Gimmy da cheda!”Saving money on my bike since 2015.

      7. When I run I’m out there for one specific reason – to run. This is strictly to release stress, raise my heart rate, or because I’m training. When riding my bike I’m out there for adventure. The exploration opportunities are endless and the world becomes my oyster.

      8. Sometimes when I run I feel people watching me. People in cars, people on the side of the road, people with binoculars…it’s eerie. On a bike I go faster than the speed of light so no one can really see me.

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      “I always feel like, somebodies WATCHINNGG MEEEE.”

      That’s all I’ve got for now. Until next time. Happy pedaling.

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      Q: What was your favorite workout last week? My first bike commute! 20 miles round trip of fresh air and freedom!

      b

      | 97 Comments Tagged Biking, Biking Vs. Running
    • I Am…

      Posted at 6:10 AM by Brittany, on February 9, 2016
      “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. – Pablo Picasso.”

      The places I find inspiration and motivation are often unexpected. For example this post was completely different before I had the pleasure of watching Kung Fu Panda 3 with my family last Saturday. I was surprised by how good the movie was, but even better was the underlying message between the black and white fur.

      Grab your coffee cup, let’s get some reflections flowing.

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      If you have’t seen the movie I’ll give you a quick Clif Notes review: it’s about discovering who you are – separate from anyone else, discovering your potential, discovering how to take your talents and turn them into something great.

      Basically it was an hour and a half of positive soul vibes about taking your inner chi, also known as inner peace and making it sparkle.

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      Naturally this had thinking about who I am, who I want to be, and realizing while some of our tendencies or qualities are set in stone, many are fluid. So who am I?

      Well, let’s see…

      I am…a sister, a daughter, and a mother. A mother to cats, don’t get excited.

      I am…a  runner, but more specifically an athlete. I fell off the workout wagon this winter and was hit hard by the lazy bug. I got back into a gym routine and signed up for another half marathon to help me get my groove back.

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      My sisters Nike’s may be cooler than mine….

      I am…a student. Finally finishing my degrees through Arizona State University. I’m getting a BS in Human Communication, and it feels right.

      I am…an earthy, plant loving, self proclaimed minimalist and I think a simple life is a happy life.

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      Because every self proclaimed granola needs a pair of Birkenstocks. On the left is my 10 year old pair of troopers, and on the right are my brand new pair of warriors.

      I am…shy and outgoing all at the same time.

      I am…a sugar addict, but try my damnedest to balance my diet with real food.

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      I am…a person that likes to help. Give me a task and I’m happy to do it, that includes cleaning the bathroom. Bring it on.

      I am…a leader. At work I’m a supervisor, at home I set examples, and in society I don’t follow the crowd. I’m not jumping off the bridge with you so I hope you can swim. OK I did just say I like to help so if I see you struggling I’d put my 3rd grade swim lessons to good use.

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      That one time I was voted Partner of the Quarter. 🙂

      I am…someone that worries about making other people happy. This has plagued me my entire life and I’ve only recently let some of this go. We have to march to the beats of our own drums, because at the end of the day we’re the only ones that live our lives. I just really like when people are happy. 🙂

      I am…a foodie. Food is life, and succeeding in making a home cooked meal or baking a cake brings me great joy. #stillasugaraddict

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      I am…sensitive, and easily hurt, but am learning to accept who I am in each present moment regardless of what other people think or say.

      I am…creative. I don’t give myself enough credit, but it’s time. My creativity shines in the kitchen, in my writing, and sometimes even in my crafting. We all have a niche of creativity somewhere.

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      Creativity – random food bowls.

      I am…an explorer. The world is a giant cookie and I want to bite off as much as my sugar loving body can handle. Mountains, and valleys, and rivers, OH MY!

      I am…a giver. Why keep everything to yourself, when the world is so much larger than what you see in front of you? “Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have. – Jim Rahn” 

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      This is a constantly changing subset of a MUCH larger list, but notice how I don’t define who I am based on what I do for work, but rather how I live my life in the bigger picture. We are often many different things, all of which make up the blue prints of who we are, and it’s up to us to create and define a life we want to live.

      Upon first meeting someone we often ask, “what do you do?” This typically refers to one specific thing such as a career, but what if we changed this question to, “what do you to to come alive?” This would then open the door for many different answers, to go with the many different tendencies and activities that make up who we are.

      My inner chi is built on a foundation of love, adventure, helping others, giving what I have, and leaving a positive footprint everywhere I step. This kind of energy allows me to worry less, accept challenges, and leap with faith knowing that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.

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      Take a moment to think about who you are (outside of your career, or in addition to if you LOVE what you do-bonus points for that) and see if you’re truly living a life you’re proud of. You only get one, so make it count.

      Q: Who are you? Give me five bullet point ideas. 

      b

      | 97 Comments Tagged Explore, Life, Random, Reflection
    • Early Morning Confessions

      Posted at 7:00 AM by Brittany, on February 2, 2016

      1. Anytime I write a post, I ensure it’s posted on the hour, on the half hour, or if all else fails a time ending in a 5. Minor OCD moments. I also like my radio/TV volume to be on an even number. OK I’m going to stop now.

      2. After randomly discovering that my most popular recipe was made by a “famous Youtuber” I felt inspired to bake some muffins.

       

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      Buckwheat banana chocolate muffins.

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      3. I was happy with the results of my muffins on the first attempt at this recipe which almost never happens. The flavor is mild making it more versatile.

      1.5 cups buckwheat flour

      1/2 cup rolled oats   

      1/2 tsp baking soda

      1 tsp cinnamon

      3 ripe mashed bananas

      half a pinch of stevia 

      1/4 vanilla almond milk

      1/2 cup chocolate chips

      Combine all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl mix together the bananas and milk. Slowly pour dry ingredients into wet until well combined. Bake at 350F in a greased muffin pan for 16 minutes, after 16 minutes I turned off my oven but left the muffins in the oven for 3 more minutes. Makes 9 muffins.

      Note: the mildness of these muffins means they aren’t overly sweet, which makes them the perfect transport vehicle to top with nut butters/jams/coconut oil/pudding/you name it. To make these sweeter simply add some sugar.

      4. I’m jazzed to start riding my bike more with nicer weather, but finally realize why when I bought it they suggested I get fenders. I was all like “ppppppffftt fenders schmenders.” Until riding in the rain and getting soggy bottoms and mud everywhere.

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      5. I tried BBQ jackfruit for the first time – stopppppp. So much yes.

      6. Sometimes I unintentionally match my friends.

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      7. Along with making sure my posts go up on “happy times” I also like my paragraphs to end by filling up the entire line. I don’t like when a new line is created for a couple words. Like this paragraph would have looked without this last sentence.

      8. I love Starbucks because they treat me so damn good. As if paying for my college education wasn’t enough, they sent me a pin and a bag of coffee as a congratulations gift. Oh and I have a dank 401K, benefits, stock options…yeah.

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      9. I alluded to my ASU adventure last March, and it took me nearly another year to finally bite the bullet. What gave me the final push? I abandoned everything medical/nutrition/science based and went for something else. Feels great.

      10. Two words: homemade waffles.

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      I’m just gonna leave that last photo right there for ya.

      Q: What’s your confession?

      b

      | 98 Comments Tagged ASU, Confessions, School, Starbucks, Vegan
    • The Grotto

      Posted at 9:45 AM by Brittany, on January 26, 2016

      I’ve never been an overly religious person, but back in 2013 I was in need of something bigger than myself to help me through some hard times. I started going to church, and the feel good vibes I received helped me find peace in my tangled mind.

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      Religious or not, I find the messages given in settings like a church to be messages I want to live by: treat others well, share what you have, help when you can, and trust in the universe. Whatever your thoughts on higher powers are, I believe everyone should find something to believe in that’s bigger than us.

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      It was in this time that I discovered the power of positive thoughts. The moment I relinquished control over what was bothering me and trusted in the process was the moment I felt calm, and hopeful. This was years ago, but I have held onto this mindset and use it whenever I feel necessary. A calm mind is a happy mind.
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      One of the places I find the most solitude and peace is in nature. I discovered a sense of who I was the last couple years after diving head first into many hiking adventures, some solo, most with friends. There is something powerful about observing nature for what it’s worth and appreciating the effort that went into its creation.

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      On my recent trip to Portland, I found myself appreciating the beauty of nature from a religious standpoint while wandering around The Grotto. I was in absolute awe of the history here and the air around these trees felt lighter and full of life.

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      Although I don’t identify myself as a Catholic, the work that went into preserving the peace within this area is enough for anyone to appreciate. No matter your beliefs, in the end as long as you live a life of integrity, honesty, helpfulness, and trust the process – life becomes much easier.

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      I’ve been talking a lot about manifesting lately, and it’s something I’ve grown fond of. This universal practice of turning your thoughts into reality has been around for ages, and I’ve been putting all the things I want into the universe and slowly but surely the seeds I’m planting are starting to grow. As with most things, this takes time.

      I set a goal of honoring my thoughts more this year, and paying attention to the waves that flow through my brain space. I truly believe life is too short to have worry, fear, anxiety, distress, and discomfort. These emotions come when we set our focus on the future, or the past, both of which are irrelevant because all we have is now.

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      My takeaway message is this: whatever you believe, you must believe in something. We are a much smaller piece of the worldly puzzle and having “something” to lean on when things get difficult helps make this life we create a much smoother ride.

      Find your “Being” and run with it. This is a constant work in progress as life is one big mind game, and only those who can complete their puzzle come out on top. 

      Q: Where do you go to find peace and solitude? The trees, always the trees. And sometimes a bakery… 😉

      b

      | 91 Comments Tagged Explore, Nature, Portland
    • Body and Heart Music

      Posted at 7:35 AM by Brittany, on January 21, 2016

      “Food is music to the body, and music is food to the heart.” – Gregory David Roberts

      Portland speaks to my soul in ways that Seattle cannot. Earthy, life loving/free spirited people on every corner draw me in with their vegan treats and plant based eats. I’ve made a habit of visiting new places each time I visit, and after spending last Thursday/Friday in the Rose City I can cross five more places off my list.

      .a.n.d cafe.

      After driving for three hours, tummy monster on empty, I was ready to devour coffee and carbs. The place was adorable.

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      I knew what I wanted before I arrived, and to set the theme for this post (and for my life) I couldn’t choose just one. So I had two.

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      Berries and “cream” waffle and the vegano burrito. So much yes.

      Stop number one complete.

      .arlene schnitzer concert hall.

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      The reason I went to Portland was to have my soul serenaded once again by my favorite artist. This time with the Oregon Symphony.

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      What I would give to harvest a garden with Gregory Alan Isakov. Swoon.

      Went to concert. Slept. Woke up hungover on life and ran to the nearest Stumptown Coffee in brand new Nike Free’s that cost far too much, but with no tax it was OK.

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      Savored coffee in the Ace Hotel lobby, and momentarily life was perfect.

      .petunias pies and pastries.

      Drank coffee, ate oatmeal, & prepared for sugar coma. Salted caramel cookie square and raspberry lemon coffee cake.

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      Post sugar influx, I ensured much walking was done. I’m a belieber of my new Nike’s. Never thought I would say that, but man do I love those shoes.

      .garden bar.

      First attempt to balance the sugar. It worked. For 1/11th the price of those Nike’s you can build your own salad with as many greens as you want, and 6 toppings.

      Sold.

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      Or just eat the outdoor plants.

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      .back to eden bakery.

      Walked around downtown, endured the rain, felt the addiction creeping back through each vein and migrated to my final destination.

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      $25 dollars later…

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      I have no words. Thankfully there were three of us and we saved some for later.

      Food and music fueled my two day trip to Portland. Until next time, it’s time for water and greens. I’m officially a walking glucose molecule.

      Q: Where was your last adventure?

      b

      | 72 Comments Tagged Explore, Gluten Free, Gregory Alan Isakov, Portland, Vegan
    • Muscle Massage

      Posted at 7:05 AM by Brittany, on January 18, 2016

      Although I find myself running much less in the winter months, my desire for a good massage never dies. Maybe it’s the grey skies, or maybe it’s the cold weather, but I find myself hibernating more in the winter. I think my spirit animal is a bear because I’m all about facilitating tissue insulation through cookie consumption.

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      I digress…

      When I’m running a lot my muscles become accustomed to the wear and tear I put them through, & when I run less I feel each mile much quicker. No surprises there.

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      Is it just me, or does the map route of this run look similar to the shape of the state?

      While I was in Arizona I ran more in those two weeks than I had in the entire month of December. This meant my muscles felt the fatigue of my neglect. I use a foam roller, but these days I only use it for my back. Plus bringing a giant foam tube on an airplane just isn’t feasible when you need every ounce of space for snacks.

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      Along with many sunny Arizona runs I also watched a lot of movies, spent new years eve volunteering the same way I did last year, went on a few bike rides, hiked a couple mountains, and had many lovely conversations with family.

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      With all this adventuring my step mom was kind enough to buy me a massage that satisfied every fiber of my being, but massages aren’t cheap and my shoulders and neck resemble a field of clustered grape vines. Insert tiger tail, a small and easy way to bring my massage with me everywhere I go! 

      This hand held massage tool is SO convenient for spots like quads and necks. Or at least that’s what I’ve been using mine for. The euphoria I feel when I use this on my neck is like that of a monkey finding bugs in their fur. I have the classic, but there is an even smaller one for easier portability.

      While I base my muscle rolling on feel (hurtssss so goooood), it’s nice to have a reference of trigger spots to search for. The happy muscles book intrigued my inner science lover and was like a mini anatomy class.

      Nothing beats an actual massage, but at $80 a pop I find paying $35 one time for a muscle roller to be a much better option. Plus, I’m all about shopping local. Since being back home in Washington I’ve only run four miles (whoa there, slow down Brittany), but the knots in my neck are still large and in charge.

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      Muscle fuel.

      Stretch more, eat green, drink water, roll muscles – the way to a happy body and happy mind. Oh and in my case, EAT. LESS. SUGAR. One day I’ll master that. 😉

      Q: Do you take care of your muscles like you should? I’m a work in progress.

      b

      | 69 Comments Tagged Arizona, Muscles, Review, Run, Vegan
    • May the Life Force Be with You

      Posted at 7:00 AM by Brittany, on January 11, 2016

      “Prana (प्राण, prāṇa) is the Sanskrit word for “life force” and the term refers collectively to all cosmic energy, permeating the universe on all levels.”

      Have you ever stopped to sit with your thoughts? No distractions, no deadlines, no where to be, just you and your brain noise. I’ve been more in touch with my thoughts lately than I ever have been, both good and bad.

      This energy pull within the universe can be controlled simply by the manifestations you project within your own head. My goal for 2016 was to honor my thoughts and focus more on paying attention to them, and so far I’m off to a good start.

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      As I watched the Star Wars movies with my family in Arizona the last couple weeks (I’m back home now) I realized this principle of “controlling” your mind made its way to the big screen back in 1977 when the movies were first released.

      In order to be a successful Jedi, one must be aware their thoughts to prevent them from slipping over to the dark side. When we let our negative thoughts take over, life becomes somewhat of a spiral. If only we all had someone like Yoda to fall back on.

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      I’m Brittany, and I’m 12 yrs old.

      Jedi’s remind me of Yogis in a way. Both have a peaceful way about them and enjoy helping others. I’ve been going through a bit of an odd spot in my life lately where I’ve had to work hard to ensure my thoughts stay on track. To facilitate this process I’ve been trying to become a Jedi incorporate more yoga into my days.

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      To be a Jedi, one must have the proper gear. I took it upon myself to ensure I’m bundled and ready to get my zen on with none other than prAna clothing company. With a mission to inspire healthy, active, and free-spirited living, I knew I had to get myself some of their clothes. The holidays may be over, but sale items stop for no one.

      I’m usually all about comfort without caring about style, but with prAna the two worlds collide. Just like a Jedi and a Yogi. I’ve clearly been bitten by the Star Wars bug.

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      I fell in love with these two items and haven’t taken them off. So soft, so cozy, fit like a glove, and perfect for work and play. A company that seeks out sustainable ways of life for products and people just screams positive vibes.

      Prana means life force, Jedi mind mastering uses the force, and when combined to ensure a happy and healthy life I leave you with this: may the life force be with you. 

      Q: How do you practice manifesting a life you want? I’m all about the hippie dippie vibes. Manifest your destiny, and life follows somewhere behind.

      b

      | 72 Comments Tagged Arizona, Manifesting, Prana, Review, Star Wars, Yoga
    • Early Morning Confessions

      Posted at 6:00 AM by Brittany, on January 5, 2016

      1. I’ve caught myself a dose of writers block. I want to share photos of my recent adventures, but I don’t have a segue that I’m happy with so that means I just have to jump into it, Early Morning Confession style.

      2. While I enjoy rest and relaxation, I struggle sitting still. This has resulted in a handful of hikes during my current trip to Arizona.

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      3. I’ve enjoyed each adventure into the mountains with members of my family, and nothing beats discussing life, the future, and the color brown.

      4. With these discussions comes a lot of reflecting on life.

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      5. Each winter when I visit Arizona my family and I watch a series of movies. Last year was a Marvel movie marathon, the year before was Harry Potter, and this year…Star Wars. Just when I thought I wasn’t a fan, I’ve succumb to the force.

      6. While on a run I tried to grab a dime that was stuck in the road and I cracked the cement. I then saw a three armed gingerbread man.

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      7. Despite my failed attempt to grab the dime, I have found $0.32 on my trip thus far. I wonder how much of my plane ticket that covers.

      8. I miss my bike, but have been taking advantage of some temporary wheels.

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      9. I start school next Monday. I have been in a cycle of start, stop, start, stop for years and I’m finally ready to finish. For real this time. 😉 More on this when I’m done.

      10. My friend makes the most EPIC Katniss inspired cowl scarves, and I am so in love with them. I’ll be buying one, and I think you should too.

      Q: What’s your confession?

      b

      | 95 Comments Tagged Arizona, Confessions, Hike, Run, Squaw Peak
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    • BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long hikes, deep connections, exploration, and lots of potatoes.
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