HELLO DECEMBER: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

30 more days of 2019. WOWZA. December has to be one of my favorite months because of all the sparkly lights, festivities, & joy. But as an introverted-extrovert & someone who struggles with anxiety, December/the holidays can be a little overwhelming. While SO fun, also draining. My intentions this month are focused on making this …

I AM THANKFUL FOR …

Why hello there, holiday season! With Thanksgiving tomorrow, we’re officially in full-blown holiday mode! Obviously this holiday is all about reflecting & thinking about what we are grateful for. But when you’ve had a hard season, it's not easy! If you’re having trouble figuring out what you're thankful & grateful for this year, start small. …

OVERCOMING MY SUGAR ADDICTION

All weekend long I’ve been having this internal battle. What change do I need to make around my addiction to sugar? Before we jump in, two things: 1. majority of my readers may not find this topic relatable, but we all have something we're trying to work on & it's best to be vulnerable, honest …

HOW TO START A BOOK CLUB

Back in August, my closest friend at work approached me with the idea of starting a book club - I obviously loved the idea. If you like reading or want to get back into reading; joining a book club has so many benefits! It’s a way to build a community, step out of your comfort …

HELLO NOVEMBER: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

One  week late, but who’s counting! It’s November friends, I cannot believe it. 2019 has given me some good highs & some of the lowest lows I’ve ever felt. It’s honestly been one of the most transformative years of my life so far. There’s been countless hours of hard work this year to arise out …

LETTER OF SELF COMPASSION

Something I've realized in the last few weeks is I struggle with giving myself self-compassion. For my friends, families & strangers? EASY. Myself? Very difficult. My therapist recommended writing a letter to myself where I show myself some self-compassion. Let me know if you try writing one to yourself & don't forget to join me on insta …

RECIPE: KETO CASSEROLE

Yesterday was a work-from-home day for me since I was running around to the doctor’s office, on work calls & answering 500 emails a minute! While I was coming home from the doctors, with a few free minutes to spare, I popped into the grocery store determined to meet my three new mini-goals & headed …

WALKING THROUGH THE FIRE

Before we jump in … I started an insta @embracemylight so I can do little daily updates, come say hi! There are never times when I think to myself, "Wow, I've been through a lot and I'm still standing". Instead I find myself thinking, "You are a failure. Why can’t you do better? What can …

HELLO AUGUST: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

Um. Is it just me, or is 2019 slipping through our fingers FAST. It’s like I blinked 7 months, 212 days, 5,088 hours & 305,280 minutes happened in an instant! Not only are we in my birthday month & Leo season; but we are out of Mercury being in retrograde! Now guys, I’ve never been …

MINDSET: GROWTH OR FIXED?

In the last few weeks since I last wrote, so much in my life has shifted. One of the biggest changes is I have a new job! I was approached within my current company & presented with a new role: new title, team, responsibilities & a raise! Now, not everything is sunshine & rainbows. If …

YOGA: MY FIRST 30 DAYS

Let me start by saying, yoga is completely out of my wheel house AND my comfort zone. I was initially intimidated by trying yoga. I’ve only been exposed to it through the social media influencer lens – unnatural postures? complicated twists & turns? beautiful beaches? perfect toned bodies? ‘No way, I thought, I don’t have …

SUMMER TRY ON HAUL: EXPRESS

I caught the online shopping bug last weekend, especially when I saw “Extra 50% Off Clearance” on Express’ email subject line! I was iffy whether or not to look, but also remembered since gaining a little weight, I’ve been rotating the same frumpy & unflattering outfits that I’ve grown to hate this summer. But, I …

HELLO JULY: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

I just looked back at my June Intentions post & was reminded this was my ‘What Will Be, Will Be’ month. Funny enough, when I was at yoga class this morning & the instructor had us align our exhale breath with the word ‘SURRENDER.’ Unconsciously, my thoughts zap & zapped to negativity – ‘surrender? that would …

I’VE GAINED WEIGHT & I’M OKAY

Well, the title says it all. I’ve gained weight. To be exact, around 40 pounds in one year. And it’s forced me to face some crippling insecurities and deeper issues that desperately need to be unleashed. I lived in my smaller body for three years. While my motivation to lose weight originated from wanting to …

TO SET LIMITS OR RISK A BURNOUT?

About a month ago, I had to be very honest with myself. I was not feeling like myself, I was constantly unmotivated at work. I ignored it at first, but then decided to actually sit down & take note of what my body/mind was trying to tell me. I said to myself  - “Set your ego …

HELLO JUNE: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

My mantra for June is ‘What Will Be, Will Be.’ After having one of my May goals as 'Noticing More Opportunities', I quickly realized I was having a bad case of the 'What If's' every time a new opportunity popped up. For example, if I got excited by a new job application, I would think 'what …

INCORPORATE MEDITATION INTO YOUR EVERYDAY

This year I’ve been meditating everyday for 20 minutes; but sometimes there’s just NO time. I’ve found if I don’t do anything to create a momentary everyday, I become easily triggered, stressed, and anxious. And this is where “moderated meditation” comes in – I know, not a great name, but it’s all I could think …

GETTING UN-STUCK MAY REQUIRE CHANGE

One of the most difficult things about change is that we must let go of who we currently are – whether it be a habit, routine, mood, or viewpoint. Momentarily, we feel lost as we establish a new way of doing things. These past two weeks I’ve really been trying rise above the stuff that’s …

TALKING BRAVE: DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

Sometimes things happen in life that we don't want to deal with. They’re complicated & sticky. It can be easy to stick our heads in the ground, let it sort itself out, and pretend we don’t need to have a conversation. We all know that is not the best way to do it, but there’s …

HELLO MAY: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

Another month and another day to keep on keepin' on. I looked at last year's intentions & I feel like I've become a different person. Is this a period of growth? Figuring things out? I'm just infuriated. I know the only person who can make change is me, but why can't I just DO IT. …

YOU ARE NOT A BURDEN

This past weekend, I was home visiting my parents. Now, my mom is my best friend, my ride-or-die, but whenever she asks these four little words I cringe: HOW ARE YOU DOING? I know it's coming from love. She wants to be a support system, a shoulder to cry on,  offer reassurance & just make …

DOES ‘EVERYTHING HAPPEN FOR A REASON’?

This weekend I did some reflecting, a lot of reflecting actually. I poured my soul out to my therapist, mother & friends. I had a breakthrough in 'why I do the things I do.' It was eye-opening, surprising, and allowed to to connect-the-dots in certain areas of my life. And it brought a lifelong curiosity …

VULNERABILITY AMID THE STRUGGLE

I guess the internet is the perfect place to be vulnerable, so here I go. I'm currently laying down on my living room floor, making a body imprint on my shag rug, still in my pajamas from last night. I feel bloated, heavy, ashamed, pathetic, and misunderstood. It's no secret that fear and shame, by …

MY VISION BOARD & A MANIFESTING MINDSET

We live in a world where media idealizes human perfection. There's always another milestone to be hit, pound to be lost, men to be met, & goal to be reached in order to be content.  In order to turn inward & figure out my genuine wants, I have to block out the noise. I need …

WEEKEND MUSINGS: 20K STEPS IN NEW YORK CITY

A day in my shoes. 10 miles, 20k steps, sunshine, friends, family, cocktails, & even a little relaxation. What more can I ask for?

THOUGHTS, ENEGRY, & MUMBO-JUMBO

SO MANY FEELS. Are you with me? If you saw from my last post, the only way I can describe this past year is mumbo-jumbo (literally, I can't find a better phrase than that.) I'm sharing all of this because I know I’m not alone and sometimes it’s just okay to not be okay. I …

THE RETURN, REINVENT, & REBUILD

After some time away, something out there in the universe has have brought me back to this account. I created Mindfully Sarah (the original blog name) to be open and honest with myself in the hopes to keep myself going and pushing others to be the best version of themselves. However, life happens and this …

THE COMEBACK

Hello, Hi, Remember Me? It's been a minute, but I'm excited to be back. I don't like admitting my downfalls, but I have completely been stuck in a fog since May. I'm proud of myself for what I've been able to accomplish this year at work and in my relationship, but I'm also extremely stuck …

TRAVEL CHRONICLES: AUSTIN, TX (Part 3)

I just returned home from another great weekend in Austin, TX visiting my boyfriend! I think one of my favorite things about Austin is how vibrantly individualistic it is: food trucks, nature/city vibes, cool houses, beautiful views, and a blend of people. This is my THIRD post about my Austin travels & recommendations. Be sure …

MY TRANSFORMATIVE ‘SOUL CAMP’ EXPERIENCE

When is the last time you an opportunity to hear your own breath? Be alone with your thoughts? Or could listen without distraction? I'm guessing it's been awhile. In August, I was lucky enough to attend Soul Camp. Simply put, it's a retreat/sleepaway camp for adults. There's over 50 mind-opening workshops and soul-discovering classes led …

EMBRACE IT: TAKING EACH DAY AS IT COMES

If you've been here before, you know my posts do not at all hide my struggles. However,  I do try to be positive and uplifting, because (let's be honest) there's enough sadness and negativity in this world. However, life happens. We go through times of transition, grief, conflict, setbacks, and new challenges. Personally, I feel …

HELLO OCTOBER: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

LONG TIME, NO SEE! I have not blogged for over 30 days and it's time to reconnect with the writer in me! Life has been pretty chaotic this month, but I’m finally getting back to some normality, and thus back into blogging. Rest assured that in October, I will be back a little less fearful and a …

HELLO SEPTEMBER: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

GOODBYE AUGUST  Well ... goodbye birthday month! 26 is here and it's been a rollercoaster so far: ups & downs, highs & low, twists & turns. I watched one of my best friends get married, got to see my boyfriend, spent 2-weeks on Jury Duty, came back into work in awe of the kindness of …

STORYTIME: BREAST REDUCTION (GUEST POST)

WELCOME TO A NEW SERIES CALLED STORYTIME: REAL EXPERIENCES SHARED & WRITTEN BY PEOPLE IN MY LIFE. Before we jump into our first story; here's some background ...  I encourage everyone in my life to write more. It's therapeutic, reflective, and increases awareness. I created Storytime so my inner circle could utilize Mindfully Sarah to share …

OPENING UP

Reaching out has been a problem for me for as long as I remember. Heck, it even took my best friend YEARS to crack me open. She literally had to encourage me and convince me it's okay to be vulnerable with her. When I eventually came around and did open up about my emotions, it was …

MY FAVORITES: ACCESSORIES

We all know an accessory can turn any look from boring and bland to cute and chic! While we could dream for a celebrity's closet fill of endless accessories; that just isn't going to cut it in my mini NY apartment. These are the accessories I reach for on a weekly, if not daily occurrence. …

CHEERS TO 26!

Welcoming 26 with open arms!! 25 was good to me. It was a year that brought lots changes in terms of self discovery and growth. It included a lot of work, patience, time figuring out how to prioritize my energy, and what I need in order to feel fulfilled. All of these realizations brought great …

HELLO AUGUST: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

GOODBYE JULY  How is it August already? This year is just flying by and I’m having trouble keeping up! July was very busy. I was a guest at a wedding, my boyfriend visited New York, I tried new fitness classes, had a few life realization (as shown in the lengthy list of reflections), a family …

LIFE IN CONTRASTS

Have you ever noticed how much contrast there is in life? Light/Darkness Hope/Despair Joy/Anger Good/Bad Beginnings/Ends Safety/Terror Clean/Messy Order/Chaos Cold/Hot Self-Care/Hustle Acceptance/Desire for Growth Positivity/Negativity I’m learning to accept that there is truth and beauty in life’s contrasts. I spent so many years of my life chasing the light and hiding from the darkness. I’ve …

DEATH & LEAVING A LEGACY

I've been thinking about life and death this week. A typical thing to do when you lose a someone special, which sadly happened in my family this week. I lost my cousin Sidney; who was a devoted husband, father, musician, and teacher. As the Rabbi so eloquently said at the funeral, we "tucked him in" …

NEW BEGINNINGS

Sooooooo, I took an un-planned month off from my usual routine (talk about an obvious self-sabotage moment.) Work has been unbearably busy, family emergencies, constant travel; the focus on other things have revved up all the cravings that led to my unhealthy lifestyle originally. I have been saying for months, ‘Monday I’m going to get serious’ …

NO MORE EXPECTATIONS

I truly believe expectations hinder our ability to be at peace. Expectations cause unhealthy attachments to perfection, people, things, the future, and outcomes we wish we could control; but can't. If you keep up with the blog, you know I had a bumpy June (can read here). As I was re-playing the month in my …

SUGAR & FLOUR FREE LIFE: LUNCH INSPIRATION

Continuing this fun series of a peak into my favorite meals, we're onto lunch! Now, I'm not going to lie to you guys. I'm a total bore when it comes to lunch. I usually have one of three things: salad, soup, or a "market plate" from these new healthy fast food places. I eat lunch …

MY FAVORITES: KNICKKNACKS

Gimme all the things!! While some may categorize these things as decor, knikknacks; I like to call them chachkas, a Yittish word referring to a small miscellaneous trinket. While I was decluttering my room last week (can read about that here) I realized I had some really great chachkas. While they're not at all necessary, …

HELLO JULY: MONTHLY REFLECTIONS & INTENTIONS

GOODBYE JUNE: I’ve had a weird month y’all. I’ve had some really truly great moments and and some crappy things happen. All one right after another. It all got me in quite a mental funk, and it didn't help that I was slacking in my normal routine. It's scary how one distraction can cause such an …

THE EASY WAY TO DECLUTTER

We're so close to the first day of summer, and that means one things for me: it's time to do some major decluttering (what, you thought that only happened in spring?). The change of seasons is the perfect time to reset. When you remove those the things that you no longer have a need for, it …

WEEKEND MUSINGS: ADULTING

I've said it before & I'll say it again. As an extroverted introvert who's social calendar seems endless most weekends; I cherish the unplanned weekends where I can recharge for the week ahead. This weekend involved celebrating Father's Day, doing errends, tidying up, staying in my pjs, binge-watching Riverdale, and making some delicious meals for myself. …

SUGAR & FLOUR FREE LIFE: BRUNCH INSPIRATION

I tend to be #Basic when I eat out and am shamefully part of 69% of Millennials that take pictures of their meals (Huffington Post). LOL. Hopefully all of my public humiliation of leaning over tables to get a quick snap will inspire your next meal! Kicking off this mini series with brunch, see below for …

TAKE A BREAK: WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL & IDEAS

Balancing a career, social life, mental health, children, relationships, and LIFE can be quite challenging. Whether you're in school, an entrepreneur, working at a desk, a mother, or a combination; self-care looks different for all of us. I've written about the importance of self-care multiple times (check them out here); and while I'm still a …