POST FLIGHT SELF CARE

Traveling is probably my most favorite thing to do in the world, but flying is EXHAUSTING. As a flight attendant, I fly more than the average person and after years of doing this, I’ve finally figured out what works for me. I am also going to be sharing ideas via my Instagram friends too!

  • Going outside for some fresh air. I always feel so much better going outside after a long flight! Think about that recycled air – yikes!
  • Grounding. This is a new concept for me, but I am loving it! Grounding means to walk around outside BARE FOOT. Sounds weird, but it’s seriously the coolest and most relaxing feeling.
  • Hydrate. I like to stay hydrated while I fly, and luckily enough, being stuck in the middle or window seat is not an issue. Just remember to continue drinking water post flight because flying is super wearing on your body! The best way to “detox” is to hydrate. You don’t need fancy wellness shots, I swear.
  • Stay active while still listening to my body. After flying, most days I crave a walk or a good sweaty workout in the gym. Other days, I just want to crawl into bed. I try my best to honor my body.
  • Eating a nourishing meal and anti-inflammatory foods. Flying can mean snacking on things you don’t usually eat, and THAT’S OKAY. But after flying, I like to try and make sure that I am taking care of my body by consuming foods that make me FEEL GOOD. For me, that’s hydrating foods (cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon) and anti-inflammatory foods (greens, veggies cooked with turmeric and black pepper, nuts). I also love having smoothies after flights because it’s easier to digest.
  • Gua sha! I love to gua sha every morning but lately I’ve been using my gua sha after flights as well. It gives me a good reason to wash my face, apply nourishing skin serums and oils, then giving my face a little TLC. Gua sha is known to relieve pain, tension, and puffiness!

Other suggestions via IG friends:

  • “I drink a lot of coconut water to replenish electrolytes lost from working! And take a hot shower and relax with essential oils”
  • “Go to the gym and sweat it all out!”
  • “Throw on a face and hair mask, dance it out, journal, and hot shower”
  • “Epsom salt bath and legs up on the wall. Non negotiable”
  • “Shower and then read a good book”
  • “HYDRATE. And shower”
  • “Put on fresh sheets if I’m going home!!”
  • “Go for a long walk outdoors”
  • “I drink sooo much water when I get home after my trips and try to do yoga or exercise!”
  • “Wine. Lots of it.” (same)
  • “Shower!! I always feel so greasy after flights especially long ones”
  • “Thinking about what’s good to eat there!!” (also same)
  • “Drink loads of water and use rose toner spray. Eeeeks dry skin”
  • “Cryotherapy- esp helps with jet lag”
  • “Shower and skin care routine!”
  • “Sleep. I also like journaling and meditating, and skincare”
  • “Immediately unpack, do laundry, and get things put back where they belong”
  • “Take a nap! Because I probs needed 2 Xanax and a wine to get on the plane in the first place” (lol you go brave little toaster!)
  • “Def get fresh air, try to put my toes in the sand/ocean”

Hope this helps, my little gypsies! Safe travels and all the love.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2018

Let’s just jump right in, shall we?


  1. Homesick Candle / price varies. Send your loved one off with a little piece of home! There are a ton of different scents that will make them feel at home.
  2. Amazon Fire Stick / $25. Nothing like Netflix and chill in the hotel room to make ’em feel right at home. I love how compact it is too!
  3. Manduka Travel Yoga Mat / $32. A travel yoga mat is everything your traveler never knew they needed for that morning flow! No one wants to go down to the dodgy hotel gym at 6am to grab a mat.
  4. Hot Logic Food Warmer / $45. This is especially convenient for those who like to pack their own food while on the go, IE: flight attendants and frequent flyers!
  5. Saje Travel Cloud Oil Diffuser / $70. Give the gift of zen with this portable essential oil diffuser! Love that it comes with a convenient travel case too.
  1. Blanquil Weighted Blanket / $169. Weighted blankets are all the rage right now and you can use code “NYC20” for a nice little discount!
  2. Cozy Mock Neck Sweater / $40. Nothing is cozier than a chunky mock neck sweater! My favorite one is from Nordstrom Rack (they have so many in stock right now) by a brand called John & Jenn.
  3. Kikki. K 365 Journal / $43. My absolute favorite journal. It puts me in a super snuggly mood, grabbing this journal with a cup of tea before bed.
  4. Kirkland Slippers / $20. I got one word for ya: DEALZ. I got these slippers for a few of my favorite people (and for myself) this year!
  5. Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set / $35. My matcha enthusiasts know that making a morning matcha is a peaceful art. It’s more than just tea – it’s a calming and mindful ritual.
  1. Rose Quartz Gua Sha + Lapis Oil Mini / $18 + $24. I started incorporating Gua Sha into my morning routine and I absolutely love it. I apply Herbivore’s Lapis oil prior to using the teardrop tool. My face is so much brighter and smoother afterwards!
  2. Sun Potion Ashwagandha / $43. Ashwagandha is my secret weapon to dealing with life’s daily stressors. I swear by it.
  3. Tru Wild Motion Pre-Workout / $38. This is my favorite all natural pre-workout. The ingredients are amazing and it gives me just the right amount of energy for a killer workout! Use code “KALEWILD15” for a discount!
  4. Mantra Band Grateful Ring / $22. I’m not a bracelet person, so when I saw that Mantra Band started making rings, I was ALL ABOUT IT. This GRATEFUL ring is the perfect reminder to make anyone smile.
  5. Vital Proteins Holiday Sampler Box / $16. Collagen is my favorite holiday gift especially for those who are curious about it but won’t bite the bullet to get it. It has enhanced my skincare, gut health, digestion, and bone and joint health immensely!
  1. Thrive Market Membership / $60. Honestly, I never knew what I was missing out until I signed up for Thrive. Your fellow foodie will save SO much money versus dangerous trips to Whole Foods.
  2. Avocado Necklace / $35. HOW FREAKING CUTE, RIGHT?! Or get them a necklace of their favorite food!
  3. Marble Pastry Board / $22. These boards are gorgeous to photograph with and they also make really nice charcuterie boards!
  4. Instant Pot / $70. My life was forever changed after using my Instant Pot for the first time. Go on and change someone’s life.
  5. Microgreens Starter Kit / $25. These kits are so fun and are incredibly affordable too!
  1. Pasta, Pretty Please Cook Book / $19. Seattle-based Chef Linda Nicholson‘s cook book is everything your fellow foodie needs. Her gorgeous colorful pasta creations are mind blowing and can now be in the kitchen, even if it’s in paper form!
  2. The Dank Crystal / $14. Not only do these candles smell amazing, but they’re named after some special spots in the Seattle area, AND there’s a crystal inside the candle! win/win/win.
  3. Girlfriend Collective Activewear / price varies. This activewear line uses recycled materials to create their clothing. Nothing is more badass than that.
  4. Frankie & Jo’s Ice Cream / $52. If you know, YOU KNOW. And if you don’t, get it for a pal and ask them to share.
  5. Bulletproof Coffee Starter Kit / $35. The perfect gift for your keto (or keto-curious) friend! There’s a kit that comes with their ghee too, which you can find here

I genuinely love this time of year. I love gift giving and I LIVE to watch reactions of my loved ones whilst opening their “I-thought-of-you-and-had-to” gifts. But what’s more important than that is the time spent together. The slowness of the holidays, hot chocolate, cheesy Christmas movie marathons, the extra long and tight embraces, making new memories and laughing about old ones. Those are the true gifts. All the love, jingles, and cookies for Santa!

MARCH FAVORITES (+ COCOKIND DISCOUNT)

I feel like lately I’ve been going through a lot of change. Not necessarily bad by any means (I wrote a blog post all about positive change which you can see here). I decided to go all natural in the skincare and beauty department, which had me cleaning out my entire collection of beauty items to donate to friends and co-workers. I tried new things. I ended up loving them. This is me sharing all of that with you.

Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder in Deep  3

When Whole Foods had a 25% off beauty sale, I decided it was my chance to make a few more changes in my every day makeup routine. At the top of my list was a bronzer! I brought my bronzer with me and searched for something that looked similar in shade – found Mineral Fusion’s Pressed Powder, fell in love with the buttery formula and the rest is history! This product is a great dupe for what I was currently using to contour and I’ve been using it every day since!

Cocokind Skincare Golden Elixir

Can I get an amen for multipurpose products? As a flight attendant, I find it so convenient to pack things that have multiple uses. This  golden elixir roll-on is not only travel friendly, but it’s most definitely my new favorite travel buddy. I like to rub a little bit of the elixir on my fingertips and massage it into the ends of my hair. I also love keeping it close while flying because my all of the moisture gets sucked from my skin and it’s painful! Starting today until April 6, you can save 30% off your purchase over $50 using discount code “kaleintheclouds” at the checkout!

Digestive Enzymes, Triphala, Probiotics, Apple Cider Vinegar

GUT THANGS. Recently, I’ve been dealing with some hardcore gut issues. Constantly bloated because I’m trying to work a lot to save up. My gut is not having it! I started introducing the following things into my daily routine: digestive enzymes, triphala, probiotics, and  2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in 4-6 oz. water. I swear by these four things because I’ve noticed SUCH a difference in how I feel when I wake up and after getting off a flight!

Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen

I’ve been obsessed with VP’s Matcha Collagen ALL MONTH. Call me lazy, but there’s something so nice about having two things I use already mixed in one. Plus, it tastes great! I have a matcha latte every morning, even when I’m traveling! I make it using a glass jar and a small whisk, which you can get a tutorial for on my Instagram story highlights.

Carrot Cake Smoothie Recipe

This Carrot Cake Smoothie recipe I developed has got to be my favorite smoothie recipe I’ve ever made. It’s loaded with goods like you wouldn’t believe. Best part? It actually tastes like carrot cake! You can get the recipe here.

Chaia DC Tacos

The best eatery discovery of the month, or dare I say, YEAR?! I’m not kidding. This place blew my mind and I am already daydreaming of my next visit. Located in Georgetown DC, Chaia offers plant based farm to table style tacos that will make your tastebuds dance.

Outdoor Voices

It’s official. I am actually so obsessed with OV. Ever since I spotted a very chic athleisurely dressed gal on my flight (she seriously looked so cool, I wanted to be her friend), asked her where she got her leggings, and she raved about OV, I’ve been pining over everything on their website. Finally, I bit the bullet and placed an order for a few pieces that I now would genuinely say I would save them (and Delaney) first if my house were burning down. They are the comfiest, most flattering (dat booty!) pair of leggings I’ve ever purchased and I will never go back!

Moore Than Rocks

Located just 15 minutes away from mi casa is a crystal shop called Moore Than Rocks. I visited it twice last month and both times were so spiritual and self-fulfilling. The second time I went, I took some of my best friends and we all found gems, had a cleansing ceremony, and gave them homes. I am so happy to be learning about these gifts from our earth and to have them enhance my life and meditation practice.

When Strangers Meet by Kio Stark

I did so much reading in the month of March and one book that really stood out to me is a book called When Strangers Meet by Kio Stark. Stark discusses the art of meeting someone new and how meeting new people can enhance your life. As someone who’s passionate in solo traveling, I feel like everyone needs to read this book. The beauty of crossing paths with someone who you’ll learn later was destiny, is such a beautiful thing.

Love season 3

I was putting off watching this season of Love (a Netflix series) because I heard it was the last season, but damn. IT IS SO GOOD. If you are into romantic comedies with a lot of realness and quirk, this one’s for you.

Music Favorites

I’ve been making monthly playlists for a little while now and decided I want to start sharing them with you! Here is a link to my March playlist (Marching to the Beat of My Own Drum) on Spotify.

And that’s a wrap! What did you babes love last month?!

DEAR ANXIOUS FLYER,

It’s that time of year again. You’ve got your flights booked, your bags packed, and you know you should be excited to head home and to see your family, but sometimes that’s not always the case. If you think you’re weird for being an anxious flyer, you’re not. You are not alone. It’s a fear that is more common than I realized before I became a flight attendant. As someone who thrives off of taking care of others, I genuinely enjoy helping people stay relaxed and have a more enjoyable flying experience. It’s not always easy and every person is different. I try my best to be very understanding and compassionate. But because I know I can’t personally help every single person out there, I thought writing this post could help guide you in the right direction. Please also feel free to pass it onto any friends, family members, or anyone you know who is afraid of flying or has anxiety over flying.

TELL SOMEONE

I know it’s scary to be vulnerable, but please try your best to work up the courage to tell your neighbor or at least one flight attendant about your anxiety or fear of flying. I promise we will try our best to help you any way we can. Whenever I’ve had anxious flyers who made it known that they were nervous about taking off, I would make it a point to check in with him/her throughout the flight. I pay special attention to passengers who need it, whether that be providing a glass of water after takeoff or offering casual conversation as a distraction.

TRY MEDITATION

Meditation has been known to help relieve stress and anxiety for years. It’s no different on the plane! I would highly suggest that as soon as you get settled in your seat, immediately putting on your headphones and closing your eyes. Whether you use an app (Headspace is a great one) or simply play nature sounds or music, start meditating. I find that a lot of anxiety around traveling can stem from the madness of the airport, not just flying alone. As soon as you’re able to clear your mind and shake off the stress of TSA and running to your gate, just breathe, relax, and be present. This would also help immensely prior to taking off, which could be a scary feeling for nervous flyers.

COME PREPARED

I know those little seats on the plane don’t allow a ton of room for activities, BUT I would highly recommend packing a book you’ve been excited to read, your iPad or laptop for movies, your phone with a playlist of your favorite or new songs, etc. The airline I work for offers free movies and TV shows on all mobile devices, which is pretty amazing! But just in case the flight you’re on doesn’t offer those amenities, just make sure you have something to do! Other cool things I’ve seen people do on the plane: knitting, cross stitching, coloring, card games. Not recommended: yoga in the galley.

BRING COMFORT ITEMS

Whether it’s your favorite blanket or a picture of your dog. Bring a piece of home with you that will make you feel cozy and comforted. We sometimes underestimate the power of comfort items! As you might know, essential oils are all the rage right now but for great reason! There are some scents that have been known to help us relax: lavender, rose, chamomile, frankincense, ylang ylang, and bergamot are all great options! I just purchased a peppermint one last week (’cause ’tis the season) and personally, I find that it really relaxes me, if you want to give that a try too!

KEEP A TIMER

This might help for some people and might not for others, but keeping a timer is worth a shot! Personally, I like to know how much time is left in the flight. From a flight attendant’s perspective, it’s a gage for when we need to go out with our inflight service. From a passenger’s perspective, it’s comforting to know that landing is just another episode of Spongebob away.

WRITE A LETTER or MAKE A LIST

What are you traveling for? Who are you visiting? What are you looking forward to? Write a letter to who you’re visiting and tell them how excited you are to see them. OR alternatively, make a list of all the things you’re excited to see, do, and eat! Keeping a positive mindset will not only help distract you from your current surroundings, but our minds are so incredibly powerful. Who knows if the excitement for your travels will take over your fear of flying! Fingers crossed!

So dear anxious flyer, I really hope this post helps you in some way. A handful of people messaged me on Instagram (further proof you’re not alone) asking about this topic specifically, so I figured it might help to share this with you. Happy Holidays and safe travels to you and yours! Xo

GIFT GUIDE FOR EVERY SPICE IN YOUR LIFE

The holidays are just around the corner and what better time to create a gift guide than now with all the hot deals going on? Here are some of my favorites for every spice in your life.

SPORTY SPICE

  1. adidas by Stella McCartney Yoga Bag ($110) // This collection is insanely gorgeous and one of the best things you could get someone is something they might hesitate splurging on. Save $20 using coupon code “SCORE”
  2. Healthy Human Life Stainless Steel Bottle 32 oz ($34.99) // These bottles are such amazing quality and I take mine everywhere with me. And I love that there’s every color under the sun! Use coupon code “STOCKUP” for 20% your purchase.
  3. The Balance Collection Textured Roller ($21.97) // I just recently got one of these and it changed my life! The textures on the foam roller gives you a more intense massage than your standard foam roller. You can find this baby at Nordstrom Rack and save some moolah!

HEALTHY SPICE

  1. Bulletproof Brain Octane ($23.50) // Just one of those things you aren’t sure about but would secretly squeal over if found under the tree. I once was skeptical but this stuff is amazing. And now, you can save 20% off sitewide!
  2. Pearl Butter ($19.99) // These adaptogenic butters are not only great for you, but you can also release your inner Jackson Pollock using them too! I’ve seen some pretty sick creations on Instagram and am dying to get my hands on them myself! Use coupon code “GRATEFUL” for free shipping or my friend’s code “ANDAPINCHOFLOVE” for 20% off!
  3. Sun Potion Adaptogens from ($25.57) // These adaptogenic powders will give your smoothies, coffees, matcha lattes, etc. an extra UMF. A little pricey (but worth it) so it’s always exciting to receive! My favorites are ashwaghanda, cordyceps, reishi, and chaga! And guess what? They’re currently all on sale!

GIRLY SPICE

  1. Cocokind Holiday Basics Beauty Set ($49.99) // Gift sets make for the perfect gift come holiday season because you end up saving so much on these bundles. Cocokind is a brand I discovered via some of my favorite bloggers and since using their products, I’ve never looked back. Their products are all organic and natural. And you guessed it. The gift sets are all on sale!
  2. Glossier Cloud Paint Quad ($55) // Glossier has been a cult favorite in the online beauty community for a little while now and with reason! I love that they believe in skincare before anything else. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about these Cloud Paints, helping you achieve that natural blush all while being hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, paraben free, fragrance free, and cruelty free. Currently 20% off and free shipping sitewide!
  3. Julep Beauty Box ($39.98 for two months) // Fun fact: I used to work at Julep! I always loved the concept behind subscription boxes and Julep is unique in that you have the option of logging into your account and picking out your goodies every month. I’ve always loved that about Julep because how many times have you received a subscription box and gave away half of it? With Julep’s monthly Maven box, your girly spice can pick out what she wants! No sale, but seriously so cool.

JETSETTIN’ SPICE

  1. Fresh Nourishing Naturals Lip Duo ($25) // As a flight attendant, I especially know first hand how drying traveling can be. Your jet setter will appreciate you so much for this. Valued at $36, this is a steal!
  2. ClassPass (starting at $50) // I’ve been eyeing ClassPass for quite some time! I absolutely love the concept and get this – your traveling pal will get to drop into any classes offered in the system in ANY city with no extra charge! How cool is that?
  3. Amazing Grass Effervescent ($47.94 for a pack of 6) // I discovered these at the checkout stand at Whole Foods and it’s now one of my holy grail items. In just one tablet, you’ve got one serving of fruits and veggies. So convenient to just pop into your water bottle and get those nutrients in, especially when it’s not as easy to when you’re on the go. I love the berry flavor and plan on restocking with this sale they’ve got going! Currently on sale for 40% off plus free shipping using code “FRIDAY40”. Comes out to $4 a tube versus $10 at Whole Foods!

MAMA SPICE

  1. Groupon // I had my bestie in mind writing this. She’s going to be a new mom pretty soon and the first thing I thought of? MANIS AND PEDIS. Anything to make her feel special and give her a little break, even if it’s just an hour to herself. Purchase your vouchers on Groupon to save tons of money this holiday season.
  2. Sun Basket (starting at $80) // Takeout for new parents has got to be the best invention ever, but Sun Basket makes it easy to stay healthy while still cutting a lot of the time. They offer diet-friendly subscriptions whether you’re a vegetarian or paleo, there’s something for everybody. The best part is, these meals take only 30 minutes to make! Any new parent would appreciate this so much. Use code “BALANCED” for $35 off your purchase, courtesy of The Balanced Blonde!
  3. Everly Grey During & After Maternity Sleepwear Set (on sale from $67.38) // HOW CUTE IS THIS?! I don’t think there are truly any words for how precious (and maybe cheesy but whatevs) it is to see mama bear matching with her cub. These sets are currently on sale at Nordstrom.

I absolutely love shopping for my friends and family, especially this time of year. Hope this gift guide helps you in some way, even if it’s just planting an idea in your head with fun subscription boxes or introducing you to some of my favorite brands! Til next time, loves.

GETTING OVER FOMO AND FINDING BALANCE 

Oh FOMO. 

I’ve spent so many years saying “yes” and piling so much on my plate because I was afraid to say “no.” I was afraid to miss out. Afraid of missed opportunities. Afraid of feeling left out. A lot of this stemmed from my lack of confidence and thankfully, growing up has helped me a lot in that department. Traveling alone is something that has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and gain that confidence and independence I was missing. It made me realize growing up really isn’t so bad.

When I first became a flight attendant, I would spread myself so thin and got very little rest. I put myself second. Coming to realize that has been one of the most life changing thing. Self care is so important, especially with a big life change, for me being my career. I no longer sat in a cubicle working a 9 to 5. Instead, I was getting called at 3am to work a flight at 5am to Alaska when I was packed for Hawaii. I learned a lot and I’ve grown a lot. My layovers (aka rest time) were spent out adventuring. Some of my highlights being: visiting a bald eagle wildlife sanctuary in Sitka, running 8.5 miles around all of Central Park, seeing the White House, visiting ground zero, watching Aladdin on Broadway, going to Disneyland, going to a hot springs in Fairbanks, the list goes on. I am SO incredibly lucky to experience these things and I’m grateful for the memories I’ve made. However, waking up at 2am PST to workout before spending an entire day in DC wandering aimlessly? It’s unlikely I’ll do that again. Balance is so important in every day life, especially when your job is taxing on your body and your sleep schedule is whack. Sometimes you have to learn how to be selfish and care for yourself so you can be your best self.

PRACTICE LISTENING TO YOUR BODY

Being mindful and listening to your body is not an easy thing to do! For some people it might be, but for someone like me who’s always on the go, I had to learn how to take it a step at a time. I started practicing listening to my body after tuning into several podcasts discussing exercise. I felt so burnt out with my HIIT workouts. Not only that, but I was bored of the routine. So I practiced listening to my body by incorporating yoga and allowing myself to practice whenever I felt burnt out. Along with mindful exercise, I also started practicing mindful eating. How many times do you catch yourself snacking just to snack? That was me! I couldn’t stop. I needed a snack if I was bored or if I was watching something on Netflix. It was ridiculous. I’ve noticed a drastic difference in my health since I’ve started mindful eating. I literally ask myself if I’m hungry before I reach for a snack. It’s helped a lot and it’s honestly a mental game most of the time. Love yourself. Rest when you need to. Eat when you’re hungry. Treat yourself how you treat your best friend.

MAKE A LIST

Organizing your thoughts and prioritizing tasks will help you come up with a loose game plan. Keyword: LOOSE. Having a game plan will save you so much time. No zig zagging around town or wandering around aimlessly – unless, of course, that’s what you want to do! It’s really important when making this list to not hold yourself accountable for crossing it all off. I used to do this and it would lead to disappointment. Instead, change your mindset. Allow yourself to change things up and to be spontaneous if that’s how the day goes. Think of how grateful you are to be there in the first place. Enjoy living in the moment and take it all in. Know that quality time is so much more meaningful than the quantity of things you’ve done or seen. Plus, there’s always a next time! If you want to make it happen, it will happen.

TAKE BREAKS

When I was in Stockholm, I learned of a term called “fika.” It means taking a break, usually a snack or coffee break. This was a pretty common thing in Sweden. The coffeeshops were always packed with people and I felt so inspired by it. Now when I travel, I always fit in some time for fika. Whenever I feel myself feeling exhausted, I let myself drop into a coffeeshop and sit with a coffee or tea in hand and just relax. It’s a little reset for the mind, body, and soul. Now, I find myself finding the importance in taking time for myself to take breaks – even if it’s just to breathe deep and slow down.

BE PRESENT

When you’re tackling a long list of things (fun or not), it’s hard to be present. My best friend Abby and I shared the same experience whenever we went on our Disney trips. We’d come back to our hotel and feel like the day just flew by and we felt in a daze. Like we weren’t even there. The next day, I decided we would take “moments.” In these moments, we’d hold hands (optional but also necessary as she’s the yin to my yang), take a deep breath, and do a 360 turn around, absorbing the moment and letting it all sink in. After practicing being present, we noticed a drastic change at the end of the day. Our hearts were so full. We felt present and our memories were more vivid. Don’t forget to take moments for yourself, to take a deep breath, and absorb it all.

STOP MULTITASKING

If you think about it, multitasking requires a lot of attention and effort. It’s extremely difficult to give every task your all versus working on things one at a time. When you’re able to give something your full attention, you’ll be surprised at the result. You might find that you’ll enjoy the movie more or that the cupcakes turned out better than they did last time. Slowing down is not always a bad thing!

BE OKAY WITH SAYING “NO”

Saying “no” isn’t always easy. It took me years to be okay with the thought of disappointing people (BTW – YOU’RE NOT). It’s common flight crews will go out to dinner and drinks together after a long flight and my immediate response was always “yes.” Partly because I didn’t want them to think I didn’t like them and also because I didn’t want to feel like I missed out the next day when it clearly seemed like they had a fun night of bonding. Also because it wasn’t in my nature to say no, I was a “yes girl!” If that’s what you’re thinking too, stop that. Do not hold yourself accountable for saying “yes” ALL THE TIME. It is so important to give your body what it needs. If you don’t feel like socializing after a hard day, don’t force yourself to. You don’t owe it to anybody, you don’t even owe it to yourself. Happiness is listening to your body and being confident in your own decisions.

In the most recent bonus episode of the Soul on Fire podcast, Jordan and Kelly Leveque brush on the topic of FOMO. It’s a really good listen and I found it so relatable. If you’re wanting more FOMO talk, go check it out! Until next time, loves.

THIS MARKS TWO YEARS

TWO YEARS. Two years of finding myself. Two years of being pushed out of my comfort zone. Two years of going to places I never imagined I would. Two years of being anxious, nervous, scared, but happier than ever. Two years of meeting some of the coolest people (Shout out to Ben freakin’ Gibbard. Thanks for being so nice!). Two years of instafriendships. Two years worth of photos flooding my Instagram account, making me look way cooler than I actually am. Two years of making homes in hotel rooms. Two years of living out of my suitcase. Two years of not knowing where I’ll be tomorrow. Two years of waking up at 3am with a two hour call out for that first flight out to LA, smiling so much whilst greeting passengers that it’s made me a much happier “morning” person. Two years of a lot of coffee. Two years of feeling so freaking proud of be a part of something big.

I’m writing this the night before my second ever recurrent training, giving me my “license” to be a flight attendant for another year. To be honest with you, I’m feeling anxious. It feels like the night before the first day of school. I won’t know most of the people in the classroom and although I am excited to make new friends and see some of my lovely classmates again, I’m nervous!!! I was driving home from the gym earlier, shouting my emergency evacuation commands to myself to better prepare for the 8 hour day tomorrow. I’m trying hard to shake off these nerves. The funny thing is, I feel pretty dang confident. I am not worried about my exam. I am so passionate about my job and I think most people who know me will tell you that. I guess it’s just the nerves you get the night before a presentation at school. My inner introvert is like, “noooo!” But I know it’s going to be so good. It’ll be so great to have something to be proud of. Challenge accepted.

It’s crazy to think that just two years ago, I was heading into this completely blind and unaware of how much of my life was going to change. I remember asking HR if it was possible to change careers within the company if maybe two years in, I change my mind on flying and want to dabble in something else. As much as I appreciate the kind and thoughtful response to my question and I will forever keep an open mind to other opportunities, I am so grateful I found my niche. I’m that girl that is so cheerful at 3am because of my job. So cheerful, in fact, that someone once told me to tone it down. I tried not to take it personally and walked away, and I knew that the other 164 passengers appreciated a warm welcome at smile even though it was stupid o’clock. For awhile, I’ve been meaning to make a post about this job, to encourage those of you who are curious to give it a shot. Or maybe you have a friend who’s asked about it and you’re not sure what to say. Here are some reasons I think being a flight attendant is fly (hahaha!) and you should give it a try.

  1. The travel benefits are unbelievable
  2. You can essentially create your own schedule (eventually!)
  3. Work doesn’t feel like work
  4. You won’t need a gym membership
  5. You’ll always have a pair of to tights or pantyhose handy. And a comfy pair of black pumps!
  6. Spend less cash on gas
  7. Visiting friends or family out of state is “just” a plane ride away
  8. You could live anywhere in the world. ANYWHERE!
  9. It’s a foodie’s dream job (trust me, I would know)
  10. You’re forced to be easygoing and maintain a go with the flow mentality
  11. It’s the most spontaneous job you’ll ever have
  12. You don’t have to decide what to wear every morning
  13. It’s a good excuse to buy that lipstick you’ve been eyeing
  14. You meet the coolest people (unintentional networking!)
  15. You’ll learn so many life hacks you never knew existed (flight attendants are some of the most creative people you’ll ever meet)
  16. You’ll make friendships that last a lifetime
  17. You’ll gain full confidence in your CPR skills
  18. You’ll get over your fear of using airplane lavatories
  19. You can attend concerts and shows not coming to your town (and sometimes get paid to go to them, too!!)
  20. You’ll be everyone’s go-to travel buddy
  21. You’ll find any reason to get out of town
  22. You can work a second job to fulfill your other passions in life

This is just some of MANY reasons why this job is so epic. If you ever have any questions or want me to elaborate on any of these, please feel free to reach out to me! Share this post, spread the word. Airlines are always hiring. *Pro tip: do your research before you apply! Every company is a little different. Find one that stands out to you, whose core values are also important to you. *Pro tip 2: NEVER. GIVE. UP. If it doesn’t work out the first time around, give it some time and give it another try! Timing is everything and it might not have been your time, but being persistence is key.

For now, stay curious (and act on it). Sending lots of love and good vibes your way.

EMBRACING CHANGE

“You’ve changed.” These words have been painted in such a negative light.. and why? Isn’t change inevitable? We go through experiences, even in our day to day life, that mold us into someone new.. to some extent anyway. Our hearts and our souls remain the same, but our mannerisms and the way that we cope and handle challenges change as we learn and as we grow. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

I have changed a lot in the past two years. I made a career move that changed my entire life 180 degrees. I’m barely home, so I’ve learned to prioritize the time that I do have at home, making sure I spend the most time with the people who mean the most to me. Unfortunately, this meant less coffee dates with friends I would typically meet with once a month when I worked in Queen Anne. It sucks, I’m not gonna lie about that. I do want to be better and I’m working on being better at reaching out to old friends more often. It’s not easy, but it’ll be worth every shot I’ve got.

I’ve traveled to more places than I have in my entire life in the span of two years and I feel so so so incredibly lucky (even that is an understatement). There’s not a day I don’t think to myself how lucky I am to be excited to go to work. It makes me feel like everyone should know what this feels like. My love for travel keeps growing by the day, and I have been pushed out of my comfort zone countless times because of it. My journey really started when I booked a ticket to London two years ago and never looked back. I knew it was going to be hard being alone, traveling from place to place, especially considering I hated something as simple as grabbing lunch by myself. But now, here I am in downtown Denver, in some random coffeeshop, typing this post up. And I am so comfortable, and so happy. I want to say I feel like a new person, but that’s not necessarily true. I feel like the person I wished I was when my self-esteem was low and when I was too dependent on other people. I like that I can do things by myself and I like that I’ve learned to appreciate my own company. I feel like that’s so important.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met someone who made me want to be a better person. And that’s a form of change, right? To do better and to be better? What I learned about myself is that I’m an easily inspired person. I could have a quick ten minute conversation with someone, then suddenly feel like I need to get out there and do something big. I just met with another flight attendant recently who really made me consider planning my move to London sometime in the near future. The thought is moving is scary, but it’s exciting and here’s the thing – it doesn’t have to be permanent! No change you make has to be a definite thing. You keep moving forward to strive for your true happiness. And the funny thing is, even what happiness means to you will change, so you’ll have to decide what to do to cater to what makes your heart feel the most full. This is an ongoing process that makes life so special.

I just think it’s really important to remind ourselves that change is not necessarily a bad thing. Try not to be so hard on yourself if you do something and it feels like a mistake. Everything you do is a learning experience and will better prepare you for the future. Change will happen, and it’s up to you whether you want it to be a good one or a bad one.

rosie