Staying Creative: 3 Mini-Habits That Fuel My Passion por St. Louis

As someone who wears many hats—podcaster, mentor, advocate, and community leader—I know how essential it is to weave creativity, innovation, and insight into my daily routine AND I keep getting questions about how I make it happen. Suffice it to say there is no magic answer, but I do want to share three mini-habits that help me stay grounded and inspired as I tackle on economic development, language access, finding my voz, community advocacy, being me.

Walking

Walking is mi salvavidas. It’s where I solve problems, brainstorm new ideas, and have those lightbulb moments. I often regret not bringing pen and paper and sometimes I use the note app on my phone. More often, I just have a bright idea and can't remember it later for the life of me, but taking a walk helps me look inside myself, think through things, and just let my mind wander. Whether I'm strolling through Forest Park with my friend Claudia, walking in my neighborhood alone, or exploring the trails with my other running friend, Mireya, the fresh air and change of scenery always spark new ideas and perspectives. It also gets me out to listen to the sounds of birds, dogs barking and other people enjoying life.

Being Grateful

So much has happened in my life in the last ten years, even the last four, so especially when I’m feeling down, (although I try to do it on all of my walks) I intentionally pause and think of the things I am grateful for…

📢 I am grateful I haven’t fallen in a long time and am out here walking or running

📢 I am grateful for my daughter Adriana

📢 I am grateful for three crazy dogs that fill my heart with so much love

📢 I am grateful for a husband who understands who I really am and is supportive of even my craziest ideas

📢 I am grateful for a job and team that support my interests inside AND outside of work

Practicing gratitude helps to shifts my focus, especially when I’ve gone down the woe is me hole, thinking of the things nos, heartaches or doubts. It’s often the little things: an amazing community, my favorite Cuban sandwich, or a kind word from a friend. Gratitude is a powerful tool that immediately lifts your spirits and helps you see the beauty in everyday life. Trust me, it works every time.

Believing in Myself

Mel Robbins talks about the high five habit of looking in the morning every day and high fiving yourself and smiling at the person looking back at you. So after brushing my teeth, I take a moment to smile at myself in the mirror and say, “Dale!” (Get it) Many of us don’t believe in ourselves enough, but remember, “We are what we repeatedly do.” If we make believing and acknowledging ourselves a daily habit, we nurture a positive mindset that radiates into everything we do. It’s a small but powerful act that boosts confidence and sets a positive tone for my day.

Do I do these every day? No but it’s my intention every day and incorporating these mini-habits into your daily routine can make a difference. They help me stay creative, innovative, and insightful in my work across St. Louis, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you. ¡Vamos a hacerlo! (Let’s do this!)

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