Back to myself, by the bay

I need a consistent self-care routine in my life in order to keep sane. But, just when I let life sweep me away, time and time again,  l must be nudged,  in the form of a disruption of some kind—a pulling of the rug moment —to get back to myself. 

In honor of World Mental Health Day Awareness month, I decided to launch this blog on May 1st.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I’m Ana, an award-winning journalist who grew up and worked in New York City’s hustle and bustle, and was chewed up and tossed into the vortex that is St. Petersburg, Florida. Anyone who’s not local always seems to have a story about how they were somehow meant to be here, and my story is no different...will discuss that another time!

Since my divine placement in the Tampa Bay area, I have made the conscious choice to remain and for the second time since I moved down here, am faced with an unexpected loss. Once again, I was given the choice of staying or going back up north to familiarity. This time around, it’s a lot easier to make this choice because I’ve reflected enough from the first loss that I’m indebted to this space, let me reiterate, to this community, to the support and healing opportunities all around me, beyond the lovely sunshine and water.                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          You’ll most likely see me hanging around, as I explore and navigate the realm of healing and improvement of the body, mind, and soul — and I’ll document it here. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    If you’re curious, in the process of healing as well, or you just need a sign to begin again—you’re in the right place.

Ana hanging around Tampa Bay.