Dark skinny jeans

One shoulder stripe top

Articles of Society jeans Nordstrom

JOA one shoulder stripe top

Prada saffiano cuir double bag

Cute summer tops under $100

Last week, my brother knew I was in a funk about my transition from Dallas to LA, so he invited me to his meditation class. The group typically meditates for about 30 minutes and then has a discussion afterward about some kind of theme. The actual meditation part was interesting (sitting still for 30 minutes is hard though!), but I got the most out of the group discussion. We talked about living generously with others and ourselves, and it has been weighing on my heart a lot the past few days.

I think most of us were taught from a young age how important it is to give back and show love to other people. But we’re all so busy and things slide off our plates. This discussion was such a good reminder for me to make giving a daily practice.

I love giving little gifts to friends. It makes me so happy to give a pineapple bottle opener to a friend who loves pineapples, treat a friend to a yummy dinner just because or send a cute thinking of you card. But I also have to remind myself that giving doesn’t have to be monetary. It costs nothing to be present and really listen to a friend when she’s having a hard time. Sometimes it’s better to not offer up an immediate solution but just let your friend know you love her and you’re there for her. Or if you notice a friend going through something you’ve experienced, try to offer advice from your own path. My friend Courtney is a total health and wellness guru. This girl lives and breathes coconut oil basically. Courtney knows I’ve recently become more interested in taking care of myself, so she took me on a Whole Foods shopping trip and shared SO much of her knowledge with me. I don’t even want to tell you guys what she told me about my favorite white cheddar popcorn because it’ll just ruin your day, lol!

It’s also so true that you can’t give from an empty cup, which is why self-love is so important. I was running around like a crazy person the other day trying to get all these errands done. I felt like I should just go straight home afterward, because I had so much work to do. But instead I put my hand on my heart, told myself out loud to take a break and went totally out of my way to get my favorite Earl Grey latte. It was SO NICE.

What does living generously mean to you? How do you like to give to others and to yourself? Xx

Outfit: J.O.A. top, Articles of Society jeans (similar)

Accessories: Prada purse (similar), Steve Madden heels

Felicia Lasala Photography

8 Comments

  1. May 4, 2017 / 8:26 am

    yes to all of this!! self-care is so important so that you have the energy to give back to others. wish i could have gone whole foods shopping with you and courtney. you guys will have to share all the tips with me!

    • brookedujour
      Author
      May 4, 2017 / 8:18 pm

      We missed you SO MUCH this weekend! xx

    • brookedujour
      Author
      May 15, 2017 / 2:50 pm

      Thank you! Hair extensions are my favorite thing, lol!!

    • brookedujour
      Author
      May 15, 2017 / 2:50 pm

      Thank you! Appreciate it! xx

  2. May 15, 2017 / 1:18 pm

    Love this and hate this because I love white-cheddar popcorn too and now I’m scared lol!

    • brookedujour
      Author
      May 15, 2017 / 2:51 pm

      I don’t even want to tell you!!! Lol!

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