"She who leaves a trail of glitter is never forgotten."

The saying goes-- "When life gives you lemons, you make...lemonade?" Hmmmf, something like that. Well, I guess you could say that life definitely gave me a couple of lemons this past year which led me to change my life course. Reevaluate things. Center my focus. Stop that stagnant feeling and/or the same mistakes. My own form of making lemonade, if you will!

So I changed things. My first step? I decided that I was going to leave Los Angeles and head back to where I feel the most immense amount of love: Florida, where my family is. It all seemed to make sense and fall into place-- my lease was running up, I received a job opportunity to teach English through theatre to children in Italy for 6 months, and I desperately needed time for myself in order to reset.

With a little help from my fantastic friends, I had the most amazing going away party in the history of man prior to my departure;)

 

The party was initially meant to be a small, calm get-together...HAH... well, it turned out to be quite the opposite. We had a blast. I felt so much love and am so grateful for everyone who came. I'm not going to lie, I felt very sad. I had to constantly remind myself of why I was leaving in the first place.

Immediately following the party-- my brother (who came out to help me move), myself, and my cat grabbed all our bags and hopped on a plane back to Tampa, Florida.

The transition was weird. I loved being around my family-- but I couldn't help but question whether or not I made the right decision. After about a week, however, I began to shift my focus and was actually able to think more clearly. I began having epiphanies like:  'I'm glad I came home because I feel more at peace... I'm remembering what is actually important in my life... Although I had many amazing relationships in Los Angeles, there were a couple that were very toxic to my growth and well-being, and with that being said, I am glad to have left.' I felt a complete feeling of relief come over me :)

I then began the process of attaining my EU Passport in order to take the job offer in Italy. When I called the Embassy, the earliest appointment they had was in A YEAR AND A HALF. That was obviously an issue because Teatrino (theatre company), needed me in San Remo on January 6, 2015. I decided that this job did not sit right in my gut...At least not right now. The main reason why I decided to come home was to balance myself. The thought of running away to Italy for 6 months sounds amazing, but it will just distract me further. In the end, I went ahead and made my appointment to attain my EU Passport in a year and a half anyways. This is for my own personal benefit and hey, maybe I'll reapply later in life. Noting that this decision did not upset me in any way, I realized that this was the right thing to do.

So, I stepped up. For those of you who know me (or if you simply take a look at my previous blog posts), I am a yoga instructor. I love teaching and that will always be a part of me. So I decided to shift my focus directly into the field of health & wellness-- I want to go to grad school. Where? Uh, not Florida lol. I was really thinking and hoping to go up north. NYC, perhaps? :)

With my new found decision of going back to school, I also realized that I still have about 6 months of hang out time until the Fall 2015 semester starts (gotta get on all my applications). So, I began to keep myself busy. Quite busy. I've been catching up with old friends, taking class, eating, drinking, and just loving life.

I now teach yoga at a gorgeous studio in South Tampa called, Bella Prana. I am also starting an intense LAgree training at the end of January for a brand new studio called, Mantra Fitness. I also transferred on over to the LA Fitness gyms in the area. I'm not going to lie though-- working there really isn't a priority to me but if it happens to work within my schedule, then why not.

 

In other job news, I am currently on my 3rd interview as a full-time Healthy Eating Specialist at Whole Foods. This upcoming interview sounds slightly intense-- I have to have a 10 minute presentation prepared for a panel of regional managers yikes. Guess we will see what happens.

Oh and don't assume that I've completely forgotten about my love for acting and theater. I've actually been pushing myself to audition regardless of the fact that I am no longer living on the west coast. One of my auditions went surprisingly well and I am currently working on a live show and will be performing this Saturday, the 27th at the Venue Orlando. I'm very excited! Check out our press release here: http://www.broadwayworld.com/orlando/article/Tim-Realbuto-Announces-Full-Cast-for-WUNDERKIND-in-Orlando-1227-20141224

Remember when I turned down the job offer in Italy? Well, the stars must have aligned because I received a phone call from my very good friend, Jessica Clark, informing me that she was just accepted to host a yoga retreat in Italy-- and that I could co-host with her!! Jess owns her own yoga studio in North Hollywood, California called The Soul Shack. I was teaching there with her up until I left for Tampa. Check out her beautiful studio & class schedule: www.soulshackyoga.com

I immediately followed up with the retreat company and it looks as though the two of us are planning a 5-7 day retreat in Umbertide, Italy. How amazing, right?!! The details aren't completely sifted out yet but I will definitely be keeping everyone updated. So, if you are interested in joining us, please let me know!

This holiday season has been pretty incredible. A few nights ago, I went to the 93.3 Jingle Ball with my sister and three other close friends. Christmas Eve & day were equally awesome. We ate and drank many things-- and went into sugar overload. As for presents? Perfection. I landed the Vitamix blender I've wanted for YEARS, a ticket to EDC Las Vegas, Tibetan Singing Bowl, gift cards, workout plan, and a spirit animal hood. #winning


Now, it is currently 2:30 in the morning and I am watching 'New Girl' with my siblings. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Tomorrow, I am Orlando-bound to spend time with two of my best friends.

Life is good.

I think I am heading in the right direction. Practicing awareness and being present in everything that I do definitely helps.

Until next time. Sweet dreams world

<3 Kimmy