Managing to find little moments of healing and light, even when everything else seems so bleak.

While I am eagerly anticipating my return to Tel Aviv in just a mere 2 weeks, I can't help but feel incredibly lucky to lead a life that brings me so much joy both at home and abroad.

How learning to love myself opened me up to a world of growth, connection, gratitude, and hugs.

Grappling with the realization that everything is temporary and the feeling of pre-mourning the inevitable end of my incredible journey living in Israel.

Learning that my body doesn’t need to look a certain way to be appreciated.

As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month comes to a close, let’s be more mindful of the words, jokes, & one-liners we are putting out into the world.

Slowly learning that avoiding something does not make it go away.

In honor of turning 21 today, here are 21 of my favorite things that I have learned this year.

Saying a bittersweet goodbye to Madhappy + The Local Optimist :(:

3 years ago, I backed out of my friend group's spring break trip to the Bahamas because I was insecure about how I looked… This year I challenged myself and traveled to Europe with a big group of girls despite how I felt about my body.

How trying on new clothing for an upcoming trip led to the realization that different brands and styles will fit my body differently, and they aren't always an accurate representation of my size. My body is not a measuring stick.

Social media gets a lot of negative publicity, but it can actually be a great tool. It’s time to stop using social media to make ourselves feel bad and start using it to feel more empowered, supported, and inspired.

Learning about languishing, rethinking the spectrum of mental health, and making room for the grey.

How I am learning the difference between spending time alone versus spending time alone with no distractions, plus a note on the benefits of crying.

Vacation is all about the experiences and memories. Since food contributes to some of those amazing memories, it deserves to take priority. Read about how I was able to eat guilt-free on my holiday vacation.

How feeling sad can feel more comfortable than not feeling sad, an exercise that helps me detach from my emotions, and the importance of feeling your feelings without becoming them.

I’m going on vacation soon, and I’m starting to feel anxious about it (it happens every time I go away, unfortunately). I decided to journal through it, and it completely shifted the way I was viewing my trip.

Reflecting on November and realizing that I have a lot more control over my thoughts and memories than I realize.

Viewing my sensitivity in a more luminous and exciting light.

When I don’t make time to be alone with my thoughts and get in touch with how I'm feeling, I feel burnt out and stressed.