Life Update / Summer Must-Haves to Internally Glow Up

Hi friends!! It has been too, too long since I have had the time to sit down and write a blog post. This Spring semester has been insanely busy, filled with classes, work, interviews, events, and even lots of travel. I am so blessed to have had the opportunities to do all I did this semester, but I am so happy I am finally done with finals and slotted in some time to sit down and write on here:) I really have missed this! I want to give y'all a little life update, because a lot has happened in the past few months, and my summer is about to be pretty chaotic and fun as well! Since January, I have been living in the city -- my lease coming to a close at the end of this month, eek! -- and working part-time as a writing tutor and a full time student. I have been prepping for summer internships, been a part of some wonderful poetry awards and events, writing my life away, and basically have been living my 12-year-old dreams. What I really took away from those moments, with a whole lotta gratitude, too, is the importance of work-life balance. These blessings would never have been possible without my support system, my faith, my relationships, but I had to step back and look at the value of my own life, health and make sure it wasn't being lost in the work-hunger city and career I am enveloped within. Beyond these amazing learning lessons, I have been able to go on some beautiful, culture-enriching trips with my best friends! Being able to visit some of my closest friends in London for spring break was truly the highlight of my semester. These past few months have been some of the most stressful, yet insanely eye-opening gifts. I cannot even fathom that I have had the blessing to be a part of it all.

Summer is FINALLY here for me! And, I have a few weeks off (yay vacation!) before moving to Brooklyn for the summer (with the roomie!!!); starting two very important internships; writing, reading, and publishing; prepping for the big move abroad; and making the most of my summer in NY with the people I love. I know I sound all mushy, but I definitely have been in a state of go-go-go, where I haven't really gotten the chance to reflect and understand how thankful I truly am.

Anyway, I wanted to end this blog with a little Summer Must-Haves, but for internal growth and happiness during one of the most fun seasons!!!

1) Small Bullet Journal:

I, just this year, purchased a small bullet journal to take with me everywhere, and it has been my lifeline. When I really good line comes to mind, I can immediately jot it down. I can sketch in it on the subway (which I pretty much never do because my drawings make me nauseous LOL). I write down the funniest or purest or sweetest memories of things that I see or happen to me, even. HIGHLY recommend, as you can look back when summer is over and see all the beauty!

2) A Summer Playlist:

A summer playlist is vital, but not just for fun, top-hit tunes to jam out to in the car, on the water, in the sun, but also a playlist that goes a little deeper. I see summer as an oppoortunity to relax, and I want a playlist to bring out those feelings while still giving me the warmth of summer. I am going to attach the link to my current summer playlist (via apple music -- im sorry!).

"A summer in love with life" playlist:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/a-summer-in-love-with-life/pl.u-KVXBBjPFL9LXWJ4

3) A Camera (film or digital or just on your phone!):

If you know me at all, you know I am definitely a film junkie. I have my point and shoot (specifically my Olympus) with me at all times, with a back-up not too far away. I even used to drag my big manual Nikon around for awhile, but I've resorted to smaller and more convienent. However, film can be expensive, especially right now. So, I think the best tip I can give is to use what you have to take authentic snapshots of the moments you cherish. Try not to be glued to social media, texting, or being on your phone. Try not to get pictures for Instagram (though, I'm guilty of that constantly). Instead, take pictures for memories, for close friends and family, for yourself. It can make the moment sweeter;)

4) A Routine:

I am a type A, need a plan girl. While I get more relaxed and spontaneous each year, I don't thrive in a chaotic environment without any sort of goals or resonsibilities. And whether you are like me or not, I think everyone benefits immensely from a routine. It doesn't have to be a time block of your whole day, or even following the plan perfectly, but I think writing down a routine, and being as consistent with it as possible can allow your summer to morph into being productive while still enjoying the break.

5) Vitamins, Sunscreen, Hydration!!:

OK, this one is a no-brainer, but for the longest time I was terrible at this, not understanding its importance. All of these things still give you the permission to maximize the fun summer brings while still taking care of yourself. I, personally, use HUM vitamins everyday, and while you might not be seeing results, it is an informative understanding of the importance of taking care of your body, especially in the months of partying, tanning, and traveling.

Hope you all enjoyed this blog post! I am ready to be writing more on here this summer, so I will be back soon!

Deep love,

Nina Lee

(via Pinterest)