The Best Of 2016: Travels, Friendships, Celebrations, and more!
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Has it seriously already been 3 years since I launched Om & The City? I cannot imagine life without this space, and I feel very blessed to have started blogging back when I did, because it helped me cope with so much. Om & The City started out as a creative avenue for me to share my wellness knowledge with the small group I acquired through guest blogging for Your Zen Life. Flash forward 3 years, and it has evolved into a little business, but with the same integrity as it did when I first started.
As I mentioned in my last post about New Year's Resolutions, 2017 is all about taking action. I am ready to jump off of everything 2016 has built and make even bigger waves - and I'll continue doing so with a full heart surrounded by the people I love. So, here it goes - my greatest hits of 2016!
Moving in with Andrew
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What would I do without this man in my life? My blog is the reason Andrew and I got together in the first place! We had a crush on each other in 8th grade, but lost touch for 7 years. We reconnected when I asked Andrew to design my blog. The rest is history, and now we're a real life awesome in love couple. To a thousand more years, my darling!
Teaching my first yoga class
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I'll never forget the day I quit my job to go to Nicaragua for my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. It was the most liberating feeling, and it was the best decision I could've ever made (read about being fearless here). Teaching yoga is both a gift and an art I will never take for granted. I cannot wait to start teaching regular weekly classes in NYC this January.
Traveling to Ecuador
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I made a point to travel outside of the country 1-2 times a year since my first adventure to Colombia in 2014! Since then I've hiked active volcanos in Nicaragua & Ecuador, made friends with the llamas and alpacas on a mountain in Quito, took a local bus to Baños where I went mountain biking and rappelled down waterfalls. Read all of my Ecuador travel tips here if you're interested in visiting!
Water Rappelling in Baños de Agua Santa
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This deserves it's own moment, because I still feel that adrenaline rush every time I look at this photo! The water was FREEZING, and the waterfalls were so steep. My heart was pounding, and at one point I slipped and was getting completely slammed by a waterfall. I don't have access to activities like this in NYC, so this was definitely one for the books.
My besties getting hitched
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Two beautiful weddings this year! My best friend Grace and my sweet cousin Kristina! Grace and I have been best friends for over 15 years, and Kristina I've known and loved all of my life. Seeing both of these beauties marry the man of their dreams was a beautiful (and emotional) sight to see. Love you both so much.
Guest blogging my heart out!
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It's a huge honor when I'm asked to write original content for other amazing platforms. I shared how yoga changes lives on Wonder Forest, wrote self-care tips for the holidays on 100% Percent Pure, and I'm an ongoing contributor for Athleta. My favorite Athleta posts are How to Build Confidence & Partner Yoga with Your Bestie). You can read my other guest posts here! In 2017, you can expect to see a lot more guest blogging coming from me.
Working with incredible brands I love
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If you told me I'd be collaborating with brands like Athleta, Lululemon, and Sweaty Betty this year, I wouldn't believe you. This blogging world is a little surreal, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that come my way.
Connecting with all of you
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Saving the best for last - I am in love with all of the yogis, world travelers, writers, entrepreneurs, fitness professionals, and teachers I've met this year through my blog. Holy cow, you guys are so inspiring, talented, motivational, and FN empowering. From all of my #ZenFriends to the kind strangers I've befriended on subways & in restaurants (you'd be surprised how many there are, lol)... I love you all.
One final note to you...
As we prepare ourselves for this new year, I just want to take a moment to remind you how strong, capable, and intelligent you are. This is YOUR year, and life is what you make it. Want to change career paths? Start a blog? Run a marathon? This is your year! Do exactly what you set out to do, and don't let your fears get in the way. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes:
"Poco a poco, uno camina lejos."
Translation:
"Little by little, one walks far."
We are ready for you 2017!!!