Back to myself, by the Bay

In honor of World Mental Health Day (4/7), I decided to launch this blog.

Time and time again, instead of keeping a constant maintenance of self-care, life has to nudge me, in the form of a disruption of some kind—a pulling of the rug moment —to get back to myself.

I’m Ana, an award-winning journalist who grew up and worked in New York City’s hustle and bustle, and was chewed up and tossed into the vortex that is St. Petersburg, Florida. Anyone who’s not from here always seem to have a story about how they were somehow meant to be here and mine is no different, but I’m not going to talk about that now.

Since my placement here, I have made the conscious choice to remain here and for the second time since I moved down here, am faced with an unexpected loss. Once again, I was given the choice of remaining or going back up north to familiarity. This time around, it’s a lot easier to make this choice because I’ve reflected enough from the first loss that I’m indebted to this space, let me reiterate, to this community, to the support and healing opportunities all around me, beyond the lovely sunshine and water.

You’ll most likely see me hopping around Tampa Bay, as I explore and navigate the realm of healing and improvement of the body, mind, and soul — and I’ll document it here.
If you’re curious, if you’re healing, too, or if you just need a sign to begin again—you’re in the right place.