FEMME IN BLOOM: THE WORLD AWAITS

For as long as I can remember, travel has been there. It’s been that soothing element. It’s my medicine; the sweet tarts in a game of house.

The adventure of moving halfway across the world to the big beautiful bustling yet sometimes– and by sometimes I mean almost always– gloomy and gray city of London started in February after a month of heartache “recovery” travel backpacking through Thailand for New Years. That sentence was a mouthful right? Barely had time for a breath?? True. To. Life. But in that sentence lies the catalysts of my whirlwind year. Heart break and a continental shift. Plus all the other things real life throws, like career changes and weight gain -_-… lemme get an Amen if you can relate. *A crowd of women break out in roar, AMEN*…. I KNOW I’M NOT ALONE!

All in all this year was me… Getting lost. Feeling lost. Struggling. Choosing madness over peace. Choosing anger over hope ….if it is hard to imagine me at such a level, well folks! This girl is human. And she gets angry and hopeless at times. And although yes, I smile often, I still cannot shy away from my heart in it’s heavy moments. When I say we are in THIS, I mean it in all the most loveliest and the most dark of ways. But eventually, and I hope quite obviously, I found my way back to happy…

Why I ever left you Happy, I do not know! *lets out a sigh* Ah that’s a lie. I do know. Because these beautifully complicated life lessons weren’t going to learn themselves. It’s true. It doesn’t matter how many enlightening quotes on love, life, and happiness I read, that grace I prayed so hard to attain wasn’t going to simply appear in my boudoir of admirable character traits. I had to put in the effort. And to be fair, I don’t know if I have quite achieved a level of grace that one would necessarily admire. But HEY, I am a work in progress (watch me W.I.P.).

PSA: This search for equal parts growth and grace can be rough.

Rough at times, sure thing boss. Growing pains has many meanings. Tiring. Emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing. Blah, blah, blah. But listen carefully. More true than anything a text book can learn you; experience my dear, is the best gosh darn teacher, nurturer, and soul shaker around. You have to go through those rough patches. Do not be embarrassed by the lows and the crazy you reach. We have all be there in some way shape or form. And my crazy isn’t any more sexy, elegant, or tasteful than yours. Let’s be ugly together shall we?

And it’s all fine and dandy to read other peoples beautiful and poetic reflections on their journey to self love and growth. I encourage it. I have read so much material from amazing writers out there that has helped me put words to feelings I couldn’t quite identify myself. So please, absorb their words, be motivated, appreciate what moves you and move on from what doesn’t. But don’t think they got there without riding the same bumpy rides you have or will. You need to confront your insecurities by good honest reflection or getting down and dirty and actually going through those situations that reveal them to you the most. So much time and energy is invested in covering them up, disguising them, and shaming them, rather than discovering them and working through them. Give yourself a break aye??? Embrace your vulnerability. It gives you space to need and be needed. And please know, it is not a sign of weakness to be emotional, even to the point of tears. Crocodile tears. Cheek staining tears. Puffy eyes, you don’t want to get out of bed tears. Because in those moments, I find you are the most honest with yourself and you reveal something that we often need to be reminded of. That we are human. Beautifully and unapologetically, Human.

So, to sum it up. This year has taught me that yes, there will be those “I need a gallon sized tub of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream if I am to be expected to make it through this day as a functional member of society ASAP” situations. But what a marvelous reward it is to have made it through the lunacy and foolishness of these moments and yet be able look back on all you have overcome and think; “Yeah, I am capable. I am strong. I am BIGGER than that”. Give yourself a chance to be great. To be grand. And trust me, no matter the extent of the madness to which you reach in those moments, you will absolutely always be able to outgrow them. And that burden they imposed upon you, that you carried so dutifully will be lifted. You just have to hold on to those moments of clarity throughout the process and let them fuel your desire.

Ok, this PSA is over. Now back to travel 🙂

Travel. Grow. Love.

During this year of travel I must have met some of the most beautiful, wild, ambitious, generous, and loving people along the way. Really and truly, that is one of the incredible things that travel is for. It’s an avenue to the most inviting and life changing experiences, energies, and souls. You just gotta pack a back pack and go out into the world, with your bold and audacious, aka bodacious curls (or high top fade for the man dem) and walk in tune with that Herculean heart of yours.

And honestly, as much as I am in awe of all the magnificent places and spaces I have found myself in on my adventures, the real gift of travel is watching my perspective grow. One of my SEVERAL life mottos goes “Perspective Is Key”. I live by it. Often in stressful times I remind myself of this concept to empower myself to see the situation differently because the only truth I can know for sure, is that which I believe and see to be true. I also like to think of myself as a bit of a blank canvas and every step I take around this beautiful Earth, is a stroke of the brush. I am a work of art to be painted and carved and loved passionately by this world. And vise versa.

Femme In Bloom

So, in spite of all the madness, I will never ask for an easy journey. I just hope to continue to work towards an enriching one. And for all of us on our journey’s, I wish that we may always find the strength to navigate home to happy. To love. To us.

“Femme In Bloom” is my new project to share the catalyst for growth and change and positivity that travel has become for me in hopes that others will allow travel to do the same for them. I look forward to sharing all my travels with the OwnByFemme audience and hope you are inspired. If you have any questions about anything, anywhere I have been, more of my journey to happiness, confidence, and self love, or why I prefer cookies over cakes… just leave a comment or get in touch on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and I will get back to you! If you would like me to write a blog post on a topic feel free to propose one.

I am La Femme in Bloom.

I am Growing.

Wild and True.

As Graceful as I am Foolish,

I am here to blossom in my purpose.

And the world awaits…

12 Comments

Janna wrote:

Great read, Rene!

Travel has absolutely helped put life into perspective, what I want, don’t want, and what really inspires me. I certainly couldn’t do it sitting behind a desk, and to my surprise it all became so clear when I decided to just live freely.

Thanks for sharing, love!

Janna
http://www.itsmejmarie.com

Posted 10.27.15 Reply
- René Daniella wrote:
  
  Thank you so much for reading and for responding!! I appreciate it so much my love. And I am sooooo happy you have had the same experience. Girl we need to catch up and talk travel… haha meet you on an island somewhere? 😛
  
  Posted 10.28.15 Reply
Nalcie wrote:

Thanks for sharing! I too am on my path to find happiness and grace. Trying to embrace my journey with all its ups and downs and use it to grow into the best version of myself I can be. I would love to travel the world one day after grad school, but the way my loan are set up….lol for now ill continue exploring through you experiences :o) Thailand is def on my bucket list bc of you! May we all find the courage to BLOOM! Thank you for being such a beautiful soul! #peace.love.light

Posted 10.29.15 Reply
Nalcie wrote:

Thanks for sharing! I too am on my path to happiness and grace. Trying to embrace my journey with all its ups and downs and use it to grow into the best version of myself that I can be. I would love to travel the world one day after grad school, but the way my loans are set up….lol for now ill continue exploring through your experiences :0) Thailand is def on my bucket list bc of you! May we all find the courage to BLOOM! Thank you for being such a beautiful soul! #peace.love.light

Posted 10.29.15 Reply
- René Daniella wrote:
  
  Ahh I hope you travel soon. Take mini trips as you get everything else organized. Keep your eye locked onto theflightdeal.com for some of the best travel fares around! When you see one that is in your price range and time frame jump on it. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my article and thoughts. I truly appreciate your feedback!! Have a beautiful day love!
  
  Posted 10.30.15 Reply
  - Nalcie wrote:
    
    That’s a great idea. will do! thx 🙂
    
    Posted 10.31.15 Reply
Tabia wrote:

Hello! Forgive me if you’ve answered these question a million times before, because I know I’m not the only one who has asked, but I’m new to your site. With that being said, how are you able to travel so often? What kind of career do you have that allows you You that kind of free time? How do you pick your next destination? And probably the most important one of all, how do you find affordable tickets?! I hope to hear from you soon. Good bless! You have so amazing post on here.

Posted 11.5.15 Reply
josie jo wrote:

Great post! So honest and intimate. I don’t know you, but I do. What you have expressed resonates with even the smallest piece in each of us, and a huge piece in me. Travel is a prescription for so many things, for healing, soothing, growth and reflection. I am just beginning to discover and I look forward to it. Packing up and leaving everything you know and everything comforting, is scary…
I found you on IG (I can’t even remember how) and while I enjoy your feed, this right here… no words. I’m looking forward to more from you in this medium.

Posted 11.10.15 Reply
- René Daniella wrote:
  
  Aww your words have been so very appreciated. Thank you for reading my blog and sharing your thoughts!! I am always writing little things in reflection here and there and finally thought I should share them on the blog. Sometimes its hard to open up so thank you for being so accepting and welcoming even.
  
  Sunny Skies,
  René Daniella
  
  Posted 11.10.15 Reply
Mel wrote:

So, my first comment got removed some how lol. But.. I would love to know which books you have read that inspired and motivated you. I need to start reading mire myself! Keep on writing Rene! Love.

Posted 11.17.15 Reply
Mo wrote:

I came across your blog randomly on Instagram. I’m 26 and leaving my job as a corporate lawyer in Sydney, Australia to travel the world for a few months and resettle back in London. Your blog has given me the little boost to start this new adventure. So thanks, and Happy New Year:)

Posted 1.6.16 Reply
Doug Ward wrote:

First time on your site & coming across you in general now. Your sharing of vulnerability is inspirational. Thank you, love & respect from Manchester, UK.

Posted 3.6.17 Reply