Part of the most beautiful thing that has come from my move to Shanghai and my own desires is that I have made time to pursue lots of my own passions. Through my daytime job as a teacher I have been able to become a student (again). I would hope that we all want to be lifelong students, but dedicating the time to learn and explore can be challenging when our lives seem like they are going a million miles an hour. Creativity has always been such a huge part of my life and something I use as an outlet for stress, place to find serenity and for pure fun too! Fun and silliness is so important.

I love podcasts! They are becoming quite trendy and there are some that have really inspired me and moved me very deeply. They are the perfect thing to listen to on the metro and on morning runs. These are the podcasts I have been listening to:

Super Soul Sunday with Oprah:because it is Oprah.

Goop: Gwyneth Paltrow’s company has a really great podcast where they interview “famous” people as well as have informative episodes on health, wellness, life and innovation. I highly recommend the first episode with Oprah and Esther Perel’s (more on this phenomenal woman as she has her own podcast….I admire her deeply).

School of Greatness with Lewis Howes: Lewis Howes is an athlete and motivational speaker who has AMAZING guests. He has sooo many episodes that I love and listen to on repeat mixed in with the weekly new ones. I highly recommend the episode with Robert Greene.

Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel: this woman is a legend and this podcast is revolutionary. She lets us inside therapy sessions and discusses what’s going on. Relationships of all kinds can be complicated and complex and it is relatable and raw. There is the second season but right now it is only available on audible.

60 minutes: enough said.

I love art! Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor) has been so relaxing and fun for me for as long as I can remember. Watercolor especially has been a lot of fun for me. I have a fondness for making greeting cards with swirly designs and then writing notes to people in my life. Perfect for the upcoming season of thanks!

I have a whole section for reading and books. I had to do so much reading for college so didn’t always make the time for reads beyond my syllabus. Now, I am reading more than ever! I love non-fiction and my favorite books I’ve read in Shanghai are When Breathe Becomes Air and The Power of Now. I am currently reading Women and the Art of War.

I have always kept a journal since I was little, though haven’t been a consistent. I have a bad habit for buying lots of little notebooks to write in because they are so adorable and aesthetically pleasing. In daily life I carry a small notebook around where I jot down thoughts on the go or will write when I have a moment on the metro or before classes. I have a larger journal at home that I regularly write in and spend a nice amount of time writing and reflecting. Journaling is so therapeutic and helps me sort out all the thoughts swimming around in my head.

And finally there is magic in creating moments. No one else is going to do it. I actively create magic in moments.

We are here to create in the small and large ways! Any recommendations on any level you have, I would love to hear.

Turning the next page,

Kaila