A&B: Things I Don't Want to Forget

Am I the only person who feels like July was the longest month of the year? I could blame it on Mercury Retrograde, or on it being my 12th House season (woof), but in more ways than one, this past month felt like those endless weeks of summer when we were kids, when time warped and stretched into something almost infinite.

If you’ve been working with me one-on-one or following me over on Instagram, you know this month has been complicated. A very close family member of mine has been in the hospital for weeks, and I’ve found myself in the middle of an emotional, logistical, and, quite frankly, nerve-wracking vortex. But even in the middle of all of that, I’d be lying if I said it was all bad. In the most magical way, I’ll remember July for the hospital, yes, but I’ll also remember it for its magic.

For the kindness I experienced from strangers. For the collective joy of living the World Cup alongside my 91-year-old grandpa at home, and in the hospital during those long nights of uncertainty, when rooms filled with IV drips somehow transformed into a sports bar. I’ll remember the sweetness and care I received from my friends, who always knew how to make me laugh, who sent me memes and edits of my newest soccer-player crush, and who were always just one call or text away. And my family, for showing me day in and day out what unconditional love looks like.

But most of all, I don’t want to forget the clarity I felt about who I am during these moments. How I chose, again and again, to see beauty and blessings in the bleakness. How deeply grateful I felt every single day that I built a business that allows me to work from anywhere, giving me the freedom to be present for my family when they needed me most. I want to remember that after one particularly harrowing moment, I took my inner child to the beach for a swim because that’s what she wanted, even if it wasn’t what made the most sense.

And I want to remember just how loud, undeniable, and divinely guided the signs can be when you’re truly paying attention.

Because while so much has felt messy and chaotic, so many beautiful things have quietly been coming together. Many of the new faces here found me because of a silly little note I posted almost a month ago after the in-person event I co-hosted. I’ve signed some incredibly exciting projects I’d been dreaming about for months. I haven’t lost my sense of direction because, at every turn, a divine wink (or several) has reminded me that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. And I’m so, so grateful. Everything truly is a gift if you’re willing to pay attention.

So this is my invitation to you: pay attention. Maybe where you are, life doesn’t feel as sunny or as shiny as you’d hoped. But I promise there are dozens of little rays of light waiting patiently for you to notice them.

And to my team and all of my clients who have been graciously following along and adapting to shifted timelines, thank you SO much for being the best. Everything is slowly going back to normal and I’m so endlessly inspired and lit up by what we’re building together.

I’m singing to — free will summer playlist

While all of this was unfolding, I’ve been getting creative with how I connect with my inner child, and I finally put together a playlist of the songs I remember listening to during those endless summers in Venezuela at my grandparents’ house. It’s been such a nostalgic little time capsule. But when I’m not scream-singing my way through that playlist, I’ve been obsessed with Gracie Abrams’ new album and have had this other playlist on repeat.

I’m reading — The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston

Speaking of signs, I found the most beautiful one inside of the one book I read this month besides Outrageous Openness. A couple of weeks ago, while staying overnight at the hospital, I asked my grandmother for a sign that she was with us. Two chapters later, one of the characters’ nicknames turned out to be the exact name we used for my grandmother (Lala!!). Yes, I cried. And yes, I absolutely loved the book. Highly, highly recommend this one, as well as Ashley Poston’s The Seven Year Slip if you haven’t read it yet.

Loving — Sporty Flirty Summer season finale

If there’s one unexpected thing I learned this July, it’s that I apparently love soccer? Watching the matches became such a joyful reprieve between work, hospital visits, and everything else. And now that the World Cup is over (España!!!!!), I’m seriously considering picking a club to follow for real. Will get back to you on that later.

With all the love,
Daniela