“Growing up, whenever my mom used to bake these amazing banana coffee cake muffins I immediately knew my day was going to get better. Whenever I am missing her a little extra, I make these muffins. The smell alone is enough to transport you to another dimension. Try it for yourself if you don’t believe me. And if you do, tell me your thoughts!”

“Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet. When things go awry, it's natural to search solutions to distract yourself or just hope it just goes away eventually. I mean, who doesn't want their problems to just away! I know I do! But what's necessary and the hardest thing to do, is to actually stare the problem in the face and acknowledge it happened. “

“I was standing on the street in the newly established neighborhood of Mar Mikhael, drinking a beer. Someone asked me what I did and I told them I was going to become a journalist. A good friend of mine stopped me immediately and said, Alexandra, don’t ever say that again. Say that you are a journalist.”

“Technology has played a huge part in my career. And over the last year I have become obsessed with finding the best systems to optimize my efficiency. I juggle anywhere from three to five projects at a time - so I have no room to be disorganized or unmotivated to say the least. Take a peek inside my phone and see what my ride or die digital necessities are … “

“Nowadays, everyone’s routine feels different than usual, and perhaps it is very unsettling and uncomfortable at times. I found this list of safe activities to bring solitude and balance while sheltering in place. Find what works for you, and see what you end up learning about yourself!”

“The start of my wellness journey began like the rest of us … when we’re oozing with hormones, awkwardly growing and self conscious of any and all remarks about you. In other words, when I was thirteen years old.”

“It is great if you are somebody that is able to fully commit yourself to your plans whatever they may be. However, if you find yourself unable to fulfill your goal 100% every single day…this is not something to beat yourself up over.”

“There's a lot of advice out there. Some advice is groundbreaking. Maybe even life changing. And some of it isn't all that interesting, applicable or helpful. The most interesting advice - to me - however, is advice that only becomes clear when you're ready for it.”

“After grinding on my own business, and creating my own projects, and seeking my own clients. This felt bland. I began coming home from work and crying. I kept saying to myself “I lost my mojo”. The essence of who I was felt like it was slipping out of my grasp. And to top it all off, I couldn’t drive to San Diego on a Tuesday morning with an iced chai latte and my best friend.”

“I crave the ability to immerse myself in a task and completely focus on it. When I am learning a new craft or skill, I am practicing being mindful. This means allowing myself to dive into the activity and commit to being present.

I cannot stress this enough; find something that excites you or allows you to refocus your energy. “