So, it's been a while since I've been on the YouTube screen. Welcome back! To me and to you.

On Thursday night, I got my very first tattoo. And the story behind it is something I so wanted to share. It says "just bloom" and is from a poem in Milk and Honey by Rupi KaurTo say I'm obsessed with it would be such an understatement.

Last summer I let myself collapse. And it wasn't until I went through it all that I realized how raw it can be. Dealing with your darker side is never easy or effortless, and is so personal. But, I left with a bittersweet love for struggling because I was left with my truest self. And that's something I can let radiate into everything I do, and that I never knew I really needed.

Struggle isn't an experience that's unique to me. Truth is, we all go through it in some way during our lifetimes, and I think it's the universe telling us that we just weren't the strongest or brightest version of ourselves yet. Some days are about following your passions with everything you got, and others are just about trying your best to be you. The important thing to remember is that both are okay.

This video is a lot of realness about struggle and some less cheesy talk about my tattoo.

I posted a picture in this same spot in my room early on in my summer. I captioned it: "something will grow from all you're going through & it will be you." It was a quote I found on Pinterest, and instantly loved. You've heard it time and time again that social media has a way of filtering our lives to make them look truly amazing in every way. And although Cancun and my adventures were still as amazing as my feed made it seem, there definitely were other days that were simply about making it through.

Same camera, same place. Sure, it's not all over forever and ever. This life is full of change and curveballs and how we handle them says a lot about who we are and where we're going. But, we'll all be just fine...as long as we just bloom.

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Love always, Marisa

It's almost afternoon nap time.

But for now this video breaks down my usual slow morning. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I LOVE slow mornings. In a very rushed world, I thrive off of the ability to live at my own pace, even if that means just taking five extra minutes to finish my mug of tea and aimlessly scroll on Instagram. Of course, post-grad life has made this a little bit easier for me too.

Aside from tea, morning playlists and comfy pajamas, my morning routine has come to include podcasts and sudoku. In this video, I give you some podcast recommendations like one of my personal favorites: Call Your Girlfriend.

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Now for that nap...

Love always, Marisa