My contentment from 2025 is due to feeling like I finally know myself.  I know what I like and dislike, I know what my body needs to feel good, I have developed my discernment, and most importantly, I have learned how to use my voice to speak up for myself.  With gratitude, I love the woman I have become and for this reason, I only want to get better at being her and expand my capacity for all life has to offer.  For that reason, the two words that I am choosing to guide me through this year are systems and alignment.

The phrase emotional capacity has grown to be one of the biggest themes in my life for 2025.

Over the past year, I made a conscious decision to focus less on outcomes and more on the quality of the relationships I was building and sustaining. Whether platonic, romantic, or familial relationships, I realized a common thread. What determined whether a relationship could truly work wasn’t the absence of conflict or drama, but rather the emotional capacity of the people involved.

Japchae literally means “mixed vegetables” in Korean. Traditionally, it’s a celebratory dish made with sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon), colorful vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil — often served at special occasions or holidays. The chewy noodles, crisp veggies, and savory-sweet flavor make it a dish that’s loved by everyone. My vegan twist keeps all the authentic flavor but swaps out beef for pan-seared tofu, making it both lighter and plant-based.

For my 2 month summer vacation this year, I booked an epic excursion to Southeast Asia.  In total, this turned out to be an epic 22-day trip that I got to spend partially with friends, and partially as a solo traveler.  In this post, I am sharing my itinerary and general reflections of my time gallivanting around this wonderfully diverse side of the world.

This itinerary includes Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and a short stint in Thailand.

Malaysian food culture is vibrant and tells a rich story that is rooted in immigration, religion, ethnicity, and geography. In just one bite, you can taste centuries worth of history.

I am returning to a place in my life where I am reevaluating my beliefs, values, and what is important to me. I often have to critically examine where my beliefs came from, who gave them to me, and if they are serving me any longer.

I notice I get a lot of push-back about yoga and people’s perceptions of what it is. Here is some yoga propaganda that I have been hearing lately that I would like to challenge.

Of all the delicious meals I tried while living in South Korea, bibimbap- a savory rice bowl topped with beef, veggies, kimchi, and a spicy gochujang sauce- was always my favorite. This take on bibimbap is quick, comforting, and EVERY ingredient can be found at Dear Ol’ Trader Joe’s.

Your menstrual cycle is more than a biological event- it’s a four-part rhythm that mirrors the season fo nature. Once you start living in alignment with these inner seasons, everything begins to shift because it just all makes sense.

According to the renowned Dr. Sebi, mucus is “the root of all disease.” He suggests that when the body is in an acidic state, it produces excess mucus to protect itself. Sebi believed that by addressing the underlying acidity in the body and reducing mucus through an alkaline lifestyle, we can help the body naturally restore balance and achieve optimal health.

With this in mind, I’m featuring three juices to help rid your body of excess mucus and support detoxification. These include a red, orange, and green juice—natural remedies designed to help your body fight mucus and promote overall wellness.

I love a fresh start! I love closing one chapter and stepping into another. Reflecting on past experiences, applying what I’ve learned, and preparing for the next big thing feels invigorating. As we step fully into 2025, it’s no different.