by Rachel An Liverman
When the Sunday Forever team asked me to contribute my How I Sunday thoughts, my first reaction was, "Why me? Boringggg." and then I was like, "Oh, this is probably a really good exercise for me.” It would give me a reason to sit down, in the quiet, and reflect on how I currently spend my Sundays. This couldn't have come at a better time. You see, a little over a year ago I started my own business, Glowbar. The idea for Glowbar grew from a personal need for another option in professional skincare that could easily fit into my life. Before Glowbar, the options that existed were either too expensive, too time-consuming, and/or I didn't know who to trust with this money-maker of mine (I joke, my face makes no monies). So, like any other lunatic (read: entrepreneur), I decided to take the leap and build what I believed needed to exist in this world. What I didn't realize at the time was how precious every minute of every day would become, even on Sunday.
“SUNDAYS ARE NOW LIKE ANY OTHER DAY FOR ME; A DAY FOR ME TO ENSURE THERE IS A SEMBLANCE OF BALANCE IN MY LIFE.”
So, back to the initial "How I Sunday". Sundays are now like any other day for me; a day for me to ensure there is a semblance of balance in my life. I am a strong believer that there are five areas of your life; professional, health, spiritual, personal and social, and for me to be my best Rachel, all five areas need to be in a state of semi-balance. Therefore, I look to Sundays as a day to make sure they are, indeed, all in check. It may seem simple, but there’s an art to achieving the perfect harmony in life and I’m always working on it.
Professional
My to-do list. If I don't have an updated to-do list where I put the thoughts in my brain down on paper (yes, paper - my favorite notebook right now is this Leuchtturm 1917 in Glowbar red, as I call it - given to me from an amazing woman who worked for me at beautyblender, my former job) then I feel all over the place! There is something very satisfying about making a list and checking off everything on it. It’s tangible proof of my accomplishments and I’ll always be a proud list-maker.
Health
I have to eat at home a few times a week. Weird, I know, but I am always eating out. Whether it's catching up with friends, meeting with colleagues, or attending events, I feel like I am always “treating” myself in one way or another (you know, the whole "I'll get a salad with a side of fries, please."). Eating at home allows me to feel grounded and in control. Psyche. As an adult you really realize that you aren't in control of anything but it lets me feel that way. Perception is important to me.
“AS AN ADULT, YOU REALLY REALIZE THAT YOU AREN’T IN CONTROL OF ANYTHING BUT IT LETS ME FEEL THAT WAY. PERCEPTION IS IMPORTANT TO ME.
Spiritual
This means so many different things to different people. To me, being spiritual means I am connected with myself and checking-in with my feelings regularly. The weeks where I consistently meditate with the Headspace app and complete my Five Minute Journal are my best! Even seeing my therapist weekly checks the box for me here because it’s a place and time that allows me to bounce my thoughts and feelings off of a totally unbiased listener. In short, it’s important to identify what tools keep you in touch with yourself and use them on a regular basis.
Social
I saved the best for last. I am inspired and fulfilled by connecting with people in both my personal and professional life. I won the gold medal when it comes to friends and I try to prioritize them when I can in between Glowbar and my own time. Nothing invigorates me more than meeting new people or connecting with people I have known forever. This connection is vital to my emotional well-being and I enjoy sharing stories, experiences, advice and time with people everyday (or as much as possible).
Rachel is inspired by her passion to connect with people and believes that connection is at the core of all personal and professional fulfillment. When she isn’t taking care of her skin @glowbar, she is with her dog Cooper, trying new restaurants, or spending quality time with friends and family. You can find her @rachelista
