The best love advice I’ve ever received (and as a serial dater, I’ve received a lot) was to decenter romance. I would say to decenter men specifically, but I think this applies to any kind of relationship. For me, life really began when I learned to not base my self-esteem on whether or not somebody was prioritizing time with me or even just texting me back. When we make someone else our entire world, we make it a lot easier for our world to come crashing down. I’m not saying to swear off dating altogether, that would be very hypocritical of me; to decenter romance is to shift your focus away from external affirmation and towards internal fulfillment. It means to love yourself in a way that recognizes that you don’t need someone else to make you whole. You are fully whole as you are, and the more you embrace manifesting a life in which you are your ideal self, the easier it becomes to only accept the love someone as worthy as you deserves. When you stop making dating or the pursuit of dating your number one priority, and when you stop believing that there is a void in your life that you need to fill or would be empty without your person, the universe will open so many doors for you. When you decenter romance, you can recenter yourself.
Anyways, I’ll get off of my soapbox. Happy Valentine’s Day! Love you guys 💖
📸: @violetcreativephotos
Excited to celebrate Asian American history in Iowa with @iowaasianalliance at CelebrAsian 2026: The Story of US! Come hang out with me at the best foodie festival in the state this May 22 & 23 in downtown Des Moines 💖
*this is my CelebrAsian Leadership headshot, not just a random pic of me in this fit lol
Sam Beam @ironandwinetour is one of the kindest people I’ve interviewed for @iprstudioone 🍂 can’t wait to hear my favorites at @englerttheatre tonight — keep your eyes peeled for our conversation on the Studio One app soon!
I was my Grandma Mitchell’s only granddaughter. I think my adoption into the family was a sort of relief for her in that way; we got to do lots of “girly” things together — thrift shopping, baking, sewing, embroidery, painting, and the occasional wood shop project too. I remember 1717 Spencer St. and the many marvels inside by heart; I used to go there every week. I learned so many things there. I would do anything for one more day, one more project at my Grandma’s house.
Grandma Mitchell made it to heaven this morning. I hope the walk up there was easier than climbing the Cliffs of Moher on two replaced knees (we did that together in 2019). I will miss her forever.
Please accept this photoset in lieu of a Christmas card this year ❤️ I’m wearing Logan’s late grandma’s coat, that’s why I have so much more swag than usual 🎄 Holiday photography courtesy of my dear friend @violetcreativephotos 🎅🏻
My name twin @cici_nava & I had a beautiful experience today receiving a Sak Yant from an ajarn in Chiang Mai and receiving a blessing from a monk in a local temple. I know I don’t mention spirituality very often online, but this experience was so meaningful to me and I am so thankful to move forward from this trip with the magical protection and guidance this talisman gives me. Khop kun ka, Thailand 🇹🇭
