Moments of Musing

The bright side of snow

Filed Under: perspective, positivity //

It snowed here in New York City on Friday and there is a blizzard warning for tomorrow. I know, I know… Snow a couple of weeks before Spring is set to begin is far from ideal but look at the bright side (mostly for those lucky enough to stay home):


* You can finally catch up on that TV series or watch that new movie you’ve been wanting to see but have been putting off. 

* The snow falling is so pretty to look at. It’s rather calm, quiet and peaceful. In a way, it’s soothing. Snuggle up by a window with your coffee or hot cocoa and just watch it as it falls. For those who have to work: get yourself to a window and look outside for a few moments. 
* A snow day or two might give you just enough time to get through a book you’ve been interested in reading. So, grab a blanket and a book, and read your little heart out.
* For those lucky enough to stay home, you can stay in bed longer. That, my friends, is always coveted, especially after Daylight Savings, is it not?!
* For those who have a snow day, you’re home from work/school! Do an activity (baking, crafting, etc.) you enjoy. Spend time with your kids. Have a date night in with your partner or a friends night with your roommate and/or pals. There’s still fun to be had, people! 🙂
* Go outside. Play in it. Be a kid again. Let your guard down. Put your grumpiness away. Focus on the good and choose to be happy–it’ll make for a much better day, snow and all. 
Wishing you all a safe and warm few days ahead! 

You are smart, important and (more than) enough.

Filed Under: perspective, positivity //


For as long as humans have been alive, there have been judgments made about one another. In my experience, most of the judgments people make are based on material possessions or outward appearances as opposed to character or personal information. 

In elementary and middle school, it was about who had the best name brands. In high school, it was about who was the prettiest and most stylish. In college, it was about who was the skinniest. It wasn’t until law school that I felt intelligence was really even a factor. 

Now that I’m a mom, I am more mindful of what I say. For instance, I don’t curse or call myself “fat” (as much). I constantly tell my baby boy he is loved and he is smart. I just think it’s important to hear those things. 

These days, much of our lives are now displayed on social media. And that invites comparison and critique. Well apparently, National Compliment Day occurred this week, which was a joy to see amid this controversial political time.  

On Twitter, I came across this National Compliment Day poll in which each person voted for a compliment about him or herself. Of the options, I chose “I am important.” I was pleased to see that most people did, too. More than beautiful, people seemingly valued their worth. 

My hope is that the feeling continues long after a day like National Compliment Day. I think the world could use a whole lot more self-love. And to anyone struggling with their own self worth, I want to tell you:

You are smart. 
You are important.
You are (more than) enough. 

Don’t let anyone tell you differently. 

So take that new job offer. Go on the first date. Do that challenging workout. Pamper yourself. Be good to yourself. Believe in yourself. 

The good in the world

Filed Under: perspective, positivity //

With all the bad news and not-so-good people in the news lately, I’ve sometimes found myself being effected by the negativity and my feeling of nervousness for what may come. The thing is, I know there’s still so much good in the world. Good people. Good deeds. Good things.

For me, the good is my baby and being his mom. My husband and being his best friend. My family, friends, co-workers and their support. Being featured on Mother.ly today! The friendliness of the strangers on the NYC subway who strike up a conversation and wish each other a good day. The generous employees at Subway who chat with me and give me a free cookie with each order because I’ve been going there consistently for one and a half years. The kind woman who helped me carry the baby’s (heavy) stroller up the subway stairs. Being healthy, educated and aware of my privileges. My list could go on and on. Focusing on these things, rather than the not-so-good, is what has always helped keep my spirits high. 
It’s important in times of adversity to hold onto the knowledge that good still exists. That there is still much to be grateful for and to look forward to. Have hope and faith that good will prevail. That valleys are temporary, and peaks will follow. Negativity divides. Positivity unites. Hate fails. Love triumphs–and heals.  
So this week as millions of Americans are feeling scared and sad about the upcoming inauguration, while millions of others are happy and excited– to all I say: show some compassion. Show up for one another. Be an ally. Educate yourself. Open your eyes and your ears. Empathize. Give hope. Have some heart. 
Be the good. And not just today, or tomorrow, or Friday… everyday.

Don’t count Mondays out

Filed Under: Monday, perspective, positivity //

This morning, I slept in with my husband and baby boy. When we got out of bed, we relaxed over breakfast, coffee …and planned some life goals. Not exactly your average day off but I’ll take it. 
Then I realized, this is what life is about. Being together. And ambitious. And enjoying our time. This was proof that Mondays can, in fact, be good days. Really good days.


Mondays give you the opportunity to reset your week on a good note. To make your to-do lists. To start, or continue, getting stuff done. To motivate yourself and others. To purge and be healthy following a weekend of indulging. 
To me, Mondays have always represented a new beginning. A chance to start over and to make myself better. To keep loving and living well but to push myself, too. 
I know, I know, the end of a weekend stinks. Who doesn’t wish they could chill out and do as they please 24/7? But what good does starting your week out on a negative do? I believe negativity breeds negativity and positivity breeds positivity. So if you want to have a good week, start off on a good note. 
Give Mondays a little more credit–don’t just count them out–and they just might surprise you. 

Happy 5-4-3-2-1

Filed Under: perspective, positivity //

5. I have an exciting package in the mail to review and post about. I’ve been wanting it for forever so I’m genuinely looking forward to posting about it. 
4. I’m celebrating a non-scale victory: I am (squeezed) back into my size 2 jeans. It’s a reminder that I just needed to give myself time and grace. It really is amazing that I’ve lost 40+ pounds in four and a half months. 
3. Work has kept me busy and given me ways to deal with the post-election stress. It helps that I find myself in meetings with like-minded and concerned colleagues. It lets me know I’m not just being paranoid in my fears. Living in NYC helps, too, because I see both good in people and I’m surrounded by diversity. Win-win. 
2. The weather has been super mild and sunny, as seen in the photo above. I just love sunny fall days. I love summer and all, but this time of the year is my absolute favorite. Thanksgiving is in less than a week, which means Christmastime is right around the corner! I usually indulge in all things Christmas by this time but I think parenthood has taught me not to rush time. I’m looking forward to spending and dressing for the holidays as a little family.  

1. Slow-dancing this morning with my husband and baby boy reminded me just how important little moments are. I usually don’t get much time with the baby in the morning so it was nice to have those moments. It goes without saying but love them so much my heart could explode.