Lately, there has been a lot going on in this head of mine. Where to begin almost seems a little daunting. For starters, the past month has been met with triumphs as well as sad moments. The indescribable loss of Julia in January initially cast a dark shadow over a seemingly optimistic start to the new year.
As tragic as her loss has been, it has been an opportunity for me to take a step in the direction of making sure that I am okay. So much of my life over the past year and a half with this gratitude baby has been hustling left and right to get this brand and the cause into the light and seen in the eyes of as many individuals as possible. Often times this means putting the brand before my own personal needs. Understandably any passion project for the first few years is going to require a lot of time and energy. Over the past couple months, we have been working on getting projects with larger fitness venues that will reach more individuals than before… while also maintaining our sense of community and lifestyle through the creation of our State of Gratitude Retreat in April 2022.
This past week in Los Angeles, we have been doing work with our wonderful brand ambassador Caroline Lacy. Working on planning out what our experience is going to look like when 60 individuals from all over the country ascend on Cuyama Valley for our 4-day weekend retreat (buy your ticket here).
The passion and motivation of others who have become a part of our State of Gratitude family and maintain our core values are who keep me moving forward. There is a saying in my community that says that “we will love you until you can learn to love yourself”. While I have no issue in the sense of loving my self and my life. I have slightly changed the meaning of this saying, instead of love, I substitute it with “inspire” because right now I am being given so much inspiration in so many ways that I would have never thought possible.
We started this initiative together with a vision of what this State of Gratitude will look like and since that first day at launch with three tee shirts in three different colors… we have been able to expand to where we are today. Just a couple weeks ago, we placed our largest order of new inventory in tees, cropped tanks, unisex tanks, cropped tees, and caps that by far exceeded any order that we have previously placed. We all received the largest quantity of links for me to be able to produce bracelets at a rate never before experienced. All this means growth, daunting and scary growth, but exciting nonetheless. (Shop New Collections)
All of this occurring while simultaneously planning a life-changing retreat.
Being in out of Miami always pushes my limits and comfort zones, I come with zero expectations and leave with more than I could have ever imagined. The universe has a way of providing as long as we are open and willing to accept whatever challenges it serves.
Life is full of pickles and sometimes it rains in paradise. Fortunately for me, I like pickles and I’m not afraid of a little rain.
Stay Grateful. Remain in a State of Gratitude, Always.