This unprecedented time could be jaded with negative connotations of illness, unemployment and uncertainty. However, many of us are taking this as an opportunity to rise to our own occasion.

Exercising, learning a new skill, and more sleep and are a few aspects of life people have been trying to improve on during the pandemic. However, I wanted to take it a step further so I re-read the book Eat Pray Love while relaxing in the sun this past weekend.

There are a few reasons I keep coming back to this book. For one it is a self discovery book and I love that shit. You won’t believe how many self help books I have read over the years. Trust me, there are more blog posts to come.  I believe there is always an opportunity to provide good in this world. Why not start with yourself?

Second, I love the aspect of learning from the environment around you. When I learned Spanish in Argentina, I thought it was amazing to immerse myself in the culture and rhythm of the city while learning a new language.

Of course now, more than ever, I am dreaming of travel. But since I can’t go to India, Indonesia or Italy (the three locations in the book), I figured I come up with my own version of Eat Pray Love from home.

Kitchen: Building a healthy relationship with food.

Before quarantine, I thought spending time in the kitchen was a bit overrated. I often meal prepped the same meals, not really interested in expanding my knowledge about cooking in general. Well, I hate to admit it but this is still the case.

HOWEVER, I have enjoyed the idea of spending time with my love ones over the dinner table. Although I have to resist opening my fridge 100  ten times a day out of boredom. Without numerous distractions in our daily life, I started to peel back the onion to understand my relationship with food. Food is more than a foundation to support our body’s basic growth, development and function. Rather, sitting around the table and enjoying food has many symbolic meanings for love, friendship, family, helps us cope with stressful moments, and unites people together. 

Outside: Staying Active and Getting Sun

This is is self explanatory, but I have found it imperative to get some sun at least once a day. Most of the time, I walk around the block and act like I’m working out while listening to pump up music. No matter how you get it, spending at least 10 minutes out in the sun will boost your vitamin D absorption which can uplift your health and well being. Plus it gets my lazy ass off the couch. . . which is always a win. . . and who doesn’t like winning? 

A Night In: Take Time for Reflection

Although we all may be getting into the swing of quarantine by now, it is never too late to start with self-reflection. I have also found writing these blogs and doing journals as an excellent source of self-reflection. When your ideas are put on paper, you can clearly see what you want. Sometimes I let my thoughts run along the page with no restrictions or judgment. This time to be vulnerable and open with yourself can be liberating and relaxing.

We are more than half way through the year. If there is something that you want to change, start a business, move to a new place or improve your finances– now is the time to do it. It is never too late to make a change in your life. 

I hope you enjoyed my version of Eat, Pay, Love. . . what’s yours? Would love to hear about it in the comments below or send me an email at reelreviewbylauryn@gmail.com 

Until next time,

xoxo Lauryn