Inspiration to Be Chic and Positive

There is always something new to learn and discover, and there are always new ways to find inspiration.

After a busy summer, I've spent most of the early fall trying to catch up and get myself sorted out and back to good routines. Although I'm still not quite where I'd like to be in terms of routines, organization, and workload, I've been trying to stay calm and remain optimistic. Of course, this can be challenging even on normal days: stress and anxiety are unfortunately a normal part of life. However, I've made an effort to actively seek positivity and inspiration because, even if I'm struggling in my own routines, it is nice to read or listen to sources that are encouraging and that serve as reminders of what I want to cultivate in my own life. Here are three of my current sources of inspiration, including two brand new (to me), out-of-the-box genres: chic podcasts!

Cultivate the Mind

A woman has to be intelligent, have charm, a sense of humor, and be kind. It's the same qualities I require from a man.
--French actress Catherine Deneuve

Style is not solely a material concern.

Although clothing, accessories, and products can all be used to enhance one's beauty-- the most permanent element of a beautiful woman is her mind.

Just as we update our personal style and the items in our closets, it is equally important to provide new material for our minds. Learning should not end with one's formal education! It is easy to slump into a routine where the only new material that we consume is what we have seen on reality TV and Facebook. (I too, have been guilty of this!)

What I love about travelling is that it is the surest way to immerse oneself in learning, culture, and history. Most tourists would not want to while away their vacation hours in a hotel room watching reruns of The Jersey Shore. Aside from the occasional photo update (intended to make Facebook friends envious), travelers find themselves exploring a new landscape, trying new foods, visiting a famous museum, or braving a foreign language. Whether we realize it or not, the thrill of learning something new is a great part of why we enjoy our vacations so much.