But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun, stylish time as you ring in the new year.

Fox 40 in Sacramento asked me share some tips on how to zhuzh up your New Year’s Eve. It’s all about more intimate, meaningful and connected experiences.

Here are some highlights on how to have a safe and sane NYE.

1. Smaller soirees

Bigger is not always better — this year it’s all about staying safe and quality over quantity. Instead of big parties, many folks are opting for smaller, more intimate gatherings that are more meaningful and controllable. The key here is that you can control who and how many people come to your home.

2. What’s a celebration without food? Can I say, “Potluck, please?”

Get creative and raise the bar with a potluck-themed party by creating a DIY bar. Think nacho bar or sandwich bar. One of my friends went all out and did an Eggs Benedict bar!

Or pick your favorite cookbook and ask guests to make one thing from it. This idea helps you cut costs and the stress of having to prepare everything yourself. And it’s fun!

3. Retreat — if the pandemic’s pause has taught me anything, it’s YOU do YOU, no regrets

Don’t feel stressed about doing nothing. If you feel like not having anybody over, I don’t blame you. Nothing’s wrong with vegging out on the couch, watching the ball drop around the world and FaceTiming or doing a group call to catch up with loved ones.

4. Timing isn’t everything

If you have young folks in your life who can’t stay up till midnight, ring in the new year at noon, then have lunch to celebrate. Be flexible — when it comes to being with loved ones, anytime is the right time.

So how am I welcoming in 2022? By cooking a yummy meal with a friend, creating a list of what’s working in my life and what isn’t, and writing in the sand on the beach in San Francisco things that don’t serve my highest self and letting the waves wash them away.

However you decide to celebrate the new year, may it be full of love, gratitude, reflection and hope. Happy New Year!

Xx,
Toan

The post How to Ring in a Safe and Meaningful New Year appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

How do we get out of a rut and how does being in one serve us? I believe that all challenges are here to break us open so we can ultimately be and do better. We must experience the darkness to see the light. As spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, “The art of happiness is also the art of suffering well.”

This universal intelligence has been coming through strong since we were forced to shelter in place last March in San Francisco. Where did the year go? And where did our inspiration and creative energy go? Ahhh.

I know I’ve suffered through multiple ruts as of late, but now, thanks to this lovely sofa and these pillows that sparked a massive fabric hunt, I’ve gained some knowledge that I want to share.

Ready for some pillow talk, boo?

On a walk this morning, I was thinking about how to help creatives get out of their ruts. Then, an acronym came to me. Duh!

Here’s my download on emerging from R.U.T.S:

R — Realign with your authentic self and true desires to manifest whatever excites you.

U — Unlearn the “should’ve/would’ve/could’ves.” Just be in the flow and tap into that feeling of excitement and spur-of-the-moment momentum without trying to figure out how to make money, get more likes/views, etc. Don’t distract those creative juices!

T — Tribe. Nobody gets through hard times without their homies, family, friends or community.

When I’m feeling sad, mad or in a rut, I reach out to my beloved network of friends and family. I always feel better after connecting and chatting about what is bugging me. According to this article in The Atlantic on “The Pursuit of Happiness,” being socially connected and doing things you love are directly related to our happiness quotient. 

For nearly five decades, Bhutan has used a “Gross National Happiness” index to form public policy. What, what? Sign me up for more.

S — Share. I believe sharing is caring. Share not only your happy, but the sad and seemingly bad. You’re not alone and there is always hope.

Now just be and do. No matter how small the project seems, get started and you’ll feel the momentum build. It’s as simple as that. Move your energy around by taking baby steps. When you follow your excitement, the universe really does conspire to help you.

In this case, as I mentioned in the video, Elena, a creative soul sister and friend, was super excited to search with me for fabrics that matched my sofa and sew the pillows I designed.

This creative combustion has gotten me eager to share more of what brings out my true authentic joy — helping you design a life and style that elevates you, boo. For more inspiration, go to StyleYourSpirit.com.

Sharing is caring, so please share what kind of rut you’re in and tag a friend who needs some inspo to keep the good creative energy going.

Love ya,
xx
T

The post What Pillows Taught Me About Snapping Out of My Creative Rut appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

After my meditation today, I was inspired to share a li’l space in my new home and a message in my heart with all of you who are having the same feels.

While scrolling through my camera roll this morning, I thought, “Everywhere you go, everyone you meet, the experiences are etched in your heart, mind and spirit.”

You take those experiences and energy with you during the dark, cold, wintery times, and what serves you blooms in the springtime of your life.

When designing our new place in Sacramento (so excited to give you a sneak peek in the video below), I had to bring back a little chic French country vibe into the breakfast nook.

I spent my 40th birthday (seems like ages ago) in Paris and the Loire Valley in a cottage on the grounds of a lovely castle. Now, I have recreated a space I get to enjoy every day that evokes those feelings and fabulous vibes. It’s extra special because this holiday I’m not seeing most of my family because of the COVID lockdown.

Over the years and through a lot of adversity and loss, I’ve learned to make the best of everything and pay attention to the life lessons the universal intelligence is sending me. While I can’t have family here because of the pandemic and due to the fact that some have transitioned, I can celebrate the memories and enjoy the space I create physically, mentally and spiritually in the present moment.

I hope this message calms your nerves and helps you to tune in and focus on what really matters.

As my soul sister Stephanie Chuang told me, “You are loved. You ARE love.”

So love on yourself. Do stuff you love (I love telling stories that inspire you to do and be better, and interior design that lifts your spirits.) Know you’re not alone at the table this holiday or any day. Reach out to someone if you’re feeling bad, sad or glad.

You = love. And so many folks love you, boo.

Take Action

1. Calm yourself. When you feel the pandemic-induced anxiety, tension and sadness this holiday season, breathe. I reset by breathing deeply 10 times in and out. I also use the Insight Timer app if I need a little guided meditation.
   
2. Phone or Zoom a friend. While you may be feeling alone, you can thwart the loneliness this holiday meal by leveraging technology. I advise doing a little show and tell. I like to share my tablescape, what I’m eating and what I’m grateful for. Then, log off, take a break from technology to eat in peace and jump back on to catch up on holiday distancing plans.
   
3. Do whatever healthy hobbies excite you. I love reading, spending time in nature and designing. Time is lost upon me when I’m doing these things and they give my monkey mind a break from the chatter.
   
4. Ask for help. Lord knows I’ve been there. Growing up in an Asian household where “saving face” is like the sixth sense, I’ve learned to unlearn the “not asking for help” and “pretending you’re OK” when you’re not OK lesson that was ingrained in me.
   
   If you’re feeling down, blue and not feeling it, that’s OK. What helps me is to reach out to a beloved human and talk about my feelings. If you’re feeling super sad and it’s affecting your work and relationship deeply, it’s OK to get medical attention. Psychologists and psychiatrists are literally life savers!

So remember, you’re not alone in the sadness, grief and melancholy this holiday season. But let’s find a way to squeeze a little joy out of what you have. I’m literally tryna make lemonade out of lemons.

If you need some fall design inspo, here’s a blog out of my vault to get you started.

OK, I promised in the video I’d share the link to one of my fave stores for unique, affordable antique finds in San Francisco, Warren Estate Sales. In Sacramento, I love Sekula’s Art, Antiques & Design.

Thank you to everyone who has given me the gift of experiencing more of life with you by being around you! Happy holidays, from my table, home and heart to yours!

Xx
Toan

P.S. Special thanks to my soul brother Kevin Lee for editing and sharing this blog this Thanksgiving Day. You make me look like less of a hot mess. Now if only you could have been here to tell me to dress and comb my hair during this impromptu video message!

The post How to Still Have a Happy Thanksgiving During the Pandemic appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

If you’re in the majority like me , you’re part of the 86 percent of folks who are feeling election anxiety. That factoid is thanks to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) and Harris Poll. According to those sources, the stress is due to the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.

As a former TV reporter, I know there is more good news than bad out there. I truly believe that there are more good humans than bad on this planet, even though what you read and hear may not reflect this fact.

So besides staying away from excessive TV watching and limiting my time on social media, here are some things I’m doing tonight to calm myself. I hope they help you calm yo’ self too, boo.

Take Action

1. Make plans to keep yourself busy. Take a walk, organize a distanced Zoom dinner or work on a DIY project. We all find pleasure and distractions from different activities, so you do you, boo! Read, write, craft, garden, exercise (motion is lotion, lol), watch mindless TV or enjoy a funny comedy.

2. News breaks. Speaking of TV, reduce your time consuming news and social media. ’Nuff said.

3. Connect with your tribe. In times when I’m feeling my highest highs and lowest lows, I call on my peeps to share and commiserate. I remember when Barack Obama won his first presidential election, I gathered at a bar with friends as the results came in and history was made.

Last year, we had a potluck at a friend’s home. This year, let’s be COVID-19 clear. I’ll be chillin’ at home and will probably do some FaceTimes and calls with my beloved. Support groups are the best and help relieve stress internally and externally.

4. Gratitude: You’ve heard the saying “darkness doesn’t live where light exists.” Likewise, fear and anxiety can’t take up the same space as gratitude. Count your blessings and pass them on to others.

5. Sharing is caring: Do something kind for a neighbor or friend. I’m giving some succulent plants I’ve grown to neighbors tomorrow!

6. VOTE. Like your life and the planet depend on it.

Lemme know your thoughts and share in the comments or tag me @toanlamtv & @goinspirego.

See you on the other side!

Be safe, sane and good to yourself and remember to do a kind deed for someone else.

Love ya,
Toan

The post How to Calm Yo-self: The 2020 Election Edition appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

I have been reflecting on many conversations with loved ones lately about how to get through the tough, weird and wonky times brought on by the pandemic.

Every single time I’ve dealt with some dark s*** or sad stuff, saying a special, pretty magical practice from the late spiritual teacher and author Wayne Dyer, and a sacred mantra from my bookkeeper, Bobbie Howard, have helped me shift my perspective and lift my spirits.

What often emerges are answers to the questions brought to the surface by the challenges at hand. I’ve since shared these affirmations with several people who have been dealing with insurmountable physical, mental and spiritual difficulties.

I pray this will offer you some light and lightness.

Take Action

1. If you’re having a bad day or going through a rough patch in life, remember, as sucky as things may seem, they are here to teach you something. Feel the feels and do the things that bring a healthy, good-feeling vibration into your ether.

For me, it’s an uplifting soul-to-soul conversation with a beloved kindred spirit, walking in nature or sitting in silence as I take 10+ deep breaths. Try it!

2. Affirmations help you reset your mind, body and spirit. Repeat the mantra:

“The perfect and right <fill in the blank> is on its way. You’ve got to believe it to receive it.”

Wayne Dyer would put a sign next to his bed that read, “Good things are going to HAPPEN.”

I like to say, “Good things are on the way!”

3. Reach out for help. Chances are, someone is waiting and willing to help you get through whatever situation you’re facing. No matter the hardship, be it physical, fiscal, mental, emotional or spiritual, know that you are not alone and there is hope.

What challenges are you facing? How are you coping? How are you reaching out for help? I want to know! Tag me on social @ToanLamTV & @GoInspireGo

May goodness find you soon!

Toan

The post A Life-Changing Affirmation for Challenging Times appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

Whether you’re dealing with the loss of your health, wealth or have grieved the death of a loved one, it’s been HARD personally, professionally and spiritually, y’all.

I admit — during the pandemic, I’ve had some highs and a lot of really low lows, and oftentimes felt like a LOSER. I struggle with feeling like I should be farther in life, have more this and that, or be out there elevating humanity in a bigger way.

One moment, I’m feeling optimistic. The next, I feel trapped, suffocated and in despair.

I just spoke with Cynthia Q, a dear friend who is turning the big 4-0 soon. Cynthia and I met at the Unity 99 journalism conference back in 1999 when we were both part of a broadcast student project. We hadn’t been in touch for more than 20 years!

We talked about the big 4-0 milestone along with other ups and downs and how we’ve both felt the “would have, could have, should haves” during our more than four decades on Earth — and how the anxiety of wanting to be further in life (and the lack thereof) has been amplified during the pandemic. Then we had a good laugh about how we were both overachievers and our own worst critics. Silly us!

Here’s my reflection and video diary on how to not only keep moving forward, but THRIVE during the pandemic’s pause.

Take Action

1. The truth is, we should stop comparing ourselves with others. We are each walking our own unique awesome journey called life. When you compare, you’ll always be in discontent and unhappy. Be in the moment.

What brings me to the present moment? Being in nature, spending time with people I love (virtually counts too), cooking, working out, journaling, creating or designing anything.

2. Sit in the darkness and write down the things that makes you feel uncomfortable. Then create a list of the things or accomplishments you’re grateful for. You’ll realize that You. Rock. My. Friend!

3. Take a deeeeep breath. And remember that worrying about what you can’t change is stealing away your joy. Stay positive.

I know, the times seem even more uncertain and scary. It’s crazy, it’s wild, and we don’t know. We aren’t meant to know. But I know that if we stay positive and think good things are around the corner, that’s what we attract, y’all.

Love you,
Toan

The post Thriving and Moving Forward During the Pandemic’s Pause appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

Marianna has shared about how while struggles can bring us to our knees, they can also teach us some of the most important life lessons: humility, compassion and empathy — if we are open to it.

I know that the pandemic’s pause has forced me to focus on what truly matters in life. While you, me, we are facing unique challenges, we’re all facing a new set of seemingly insurmountable struggles collectively. However, I learned from my chat with Marianna that if we learn from the struggles, we won’t waste the lessons and opportunities they’re here to teach us.

When you watch this, I invite you to pause and think about these questions:
1. What are you struggling with?
2. How can you show kindness to yourself during difficult situations?
3. Are you wasting your suffering/struggle?

Take Action

I believe that all challenges are here to teach us something. The more painful the situation, the bigger the lesson, it seems. I once heard Oprah say, “Turn your wounds into wisdom.”

Now that you’ve watched my video diary, write in your own diary or on a piece of paper the aforementioned questions and be honest with yourself:
1. What are you struggling with?
2. How can you show kindness to yourself during difficult situations?
3. Are you wasting your suffering/struggle?

After you answer these questions, think about what you’ve learned. What are you grateful for?

For example, one of my biggest struggles was losing four family members in about a year’s time. Looking back, I don’t wish that grief and pain on anybody. However, I’m grateful how death has taught me to live life to the fullest. Death taught me that life is short and not promised, so worrying about what I can’t control will only steal away precious moments of my life.

These words and this exercise have been healing and cathartic. Please share your thoughts and tag me at @toanlamtv or @goinspirego on social!

To learn more about Marianna Cacciatore or to work with her visit mariannacacciatore.com.

#TooBlessedToBeStressed

Grateful for you,
Toan

The post Are You Wasting Your Struggle? appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

I have a cheap, if not free, way to shift your energy around, y’all.

I was so excited to share these tips with you that I created this video diary before I could brush my teeth, comb my hair and change my clothes (sorry for the eye crisps, raspy voice and robe attire).

Life before the coronavirus was like a merry-go-round with an ever-increasing centrifugal force — moment by moment — work, social events, travel and more work and dream projects. We were all spinning around like crazy.

Then, six months ago (I still can’t believe it’s been half-a-year), the COVID-19 pandemic’s pause forced us to stop abruptly and take stock of what really matters. Most of us have become discombobulated on a personal, professional and spiritual level. I can honestly say I experienced loss on all the aforementioned levels and am still grieving.

Then more pandemonium ensued: #BLM #AttacksOnAsians #Wildfires #CrazyWeather #ExtremeHeat #Politics #RBG…. Ahhhh, #2020 stop it already!

I’ve never experienced such highs and low lows in such a short period of time. So how do you cope?

For me, whenever I’m feeling down, unmotivated and despondent, I meet up with my dear friends to eat or hang out at a coffee shop. I also like to take walks and spend time staring into trees, the bay waters or blue skies… and take deep breaths.

COVID + wildfires have taken much of those simple joys away, too.

While cooped up under smoky California skies, I decided to move my furniture around. If you’ve been following me on Instagram @ToanLamTV, you’ve seen me talk about how rearranging a room also moves your energy around. It truly lifts and shifts your mood and spirit.

TRY IT.

While I have vlogged about the importance of shifting your home space, I haven’t discussed a tip that will motivate you to move yo’ stuff around mentally, physically and spiritually. Here are some my #ToanTricks:

Take Action

Move your stuff around. It shifts your energy, inspires creativity and allows for new opportunities, energy and love to come through.

I’ve lived in this Edwardian shotgun San Francisco apartment for more than 13 years, so I thought I was a ninja Tetris pro at arranging rooms. But I am so proud to share that I configured my furniture in a way that I have never done before. Here’s a pic of my before and after. Please share yours. Then share your pic with us and don’t forget to tag us at @toanlamtv & @goinspirego.

Xx
Toan

The post Motivation to Move Your Energy Inside and Out appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

I cannot believe it’s been six months to the day since the mandatory coronavirus lockdown went into effect in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our personal, professional and spiritual lives have been shuttered as we experience one of the HARDEST realities collectively. Sitting alone with your thoughts and your truth can be downright scary and arguably one of the hardest things to do. I know I was grieving what once was #Prepandemic.

As if COVID-19 wasn’t enough hardship, we are dealing with #BLM #AsianAttacks and #climatechange. Here in California and much of the West Coast, the wildfires have stripped folks of their homes, businesses and lives, literally, going up in flames.

We grieve from so much loss, including the things we took for granted: visiting loved ones, dinner parties, working in offices, going to museums, and hugging our beloved. Coping activities like breathing and going on a walk were snatched from us this past month with all the smoke in the air.

#Lesigh.

So, checking in, how are y’all doing?

There are so many songs that can be the soundtrack for the recent apocalyptic wildfires and unprecedented smoke that kept Californians virtually locked indoors, y’all. Cue Tony Braxton’s “Breathe Again,” Yolonda Adams’ “Open Up My Heart” and one of my all-time childhood faves from the Brady Bunch, “It’s a Sunshine Day”!

As if 2020 couldn’t get more apocalyptic, the orange skies really did a number on my physical, mental and spiritual health.

I’m not going to lie, I kinda unraveled and felt super doom and gloom. But I’ve learned that when I feel this way, I will let myself wallow for just a bit, then I’ll go to light sources that pull me out of the darkness.

Besides singing to myself and dancing alone, journaling, meditating and breathing exercises, I turn to nature and walks/runs for a reboot. The latter anxiety coping mechanisms weren’t available because of the crazy Air Quality Index the past month, so I had to reach out and chat with friends and pray for any beacon of baby Jesus Hope.

Praise the Lord, the flog and smog lifted this week and I got to do a 5-mile run and three walks in one day! Here’s an impromptu download and live processing of the wild last half-year in my #ToanTalks video diary:

Take Action

1. This exercise helped me process my feelings and anxieties from the past six months:

Free write “I am…” and fill in the blanks. Write 3 or 30 things, if you like.

Then write, “I am not…”

Try it and please share, if you’re comfortable, what surfaced.

2. Then write in your gratitude journal, or jot down a list of things you’re grateful for. What blessings have the pandemic’s pause gifted you with?

3. How will you use your voice, power, talent to bring light and joy to someone during these dark times? I’m sharing my words and stories to lift your spirits + shift your perspective.

Happy Coronaversary, y’all. #Thistooshallpass

And remember, #Youareloved and #youARElove.

Love you!
T

The post Reflections on the 6-Month Coronaversary Lockdown appeared first on Go Inspire Go.

It’s OK to tell yourself you’re not OK and to ask for help. We are truly in this craziness together.

I’ve been feeling super blue lately, but the unprecedented, eerie, daylong darkness and crazy orange skies yesterday made me feel super sad. I usually go to my Namaste places to shift from the dark to the light, but it was particularly difficult because the light of the sun, literally, did not shine upon us. So I called for backup, yes, prayer. But here’s what else I did to process the blues.

In true #ToanFashion, I got on the phone with folks whom I regularly check in on, and, likewise, loved ones checked in on me. To truly process these challenging times, I talked it out and wanted to share some of my “Toan’s Talking Points” with you.

I hope this #ToanTalks video diary inspires you to put one foot in front of the other as we walk through the fog together.

Rewind to yesterday, Sept. 9, 2020. I went on my @ToanLamTV Instagram Stories to share these thoughts about how dark and ominous it looked in the morning.

What in the actual orange f***?

I woke up this morning thinking that it was still the middle of the night, and before looking out the window and opening it to let fresh air into my bedroom, I checked my air quality app. Yep. New disasters due to climate change are changing our daily routines, like checking air quality apps and wearing masks.

Never in my 20+ years of living in San Francisco have I experienced anything like this. Here’s what I saw when I looked out the window.

In many ways, it feels like we’ve hit rock bottom in the San Francisco Bay Area:

–COVID-19 shuttered many businesses to where I don’t recognize the city and its vibrant energy anymore.

–Many parents worry sending their kids to school is too dangerous, so a lot of youngsters are spending more time with a screen than with their friends.

–We can’t go out regularly for mental health walks and workouts because of the poor air conditions

–Like clockwork, wildfires struck again this season, charring a record number of acres. According to The Sacramento Bee, even though the wildfire season is just beginning, California has already set a record with nearly 2.3 million acres burned this year. “This is historic,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a briefing from Sacramento.

–Yes, it is real. We are living and breathing (trying to breathe) this bad science fiction nightmare that is reality

–Record heat in many parts of the U.S.

–The nation is divided by political pandemonium

No matter which side of the divide you’re on, we can all agree the apocalypse that is 2020 is getting weirder!

As I fielded calls and texts from people checking in on me, I scrolled through my social media feeds to see a flood of photos of the spooky, sepia-toned, orange rust color Bay Area sky. It felt like we are on Mars post-apocalypse and there seems to be no end in sight.

I responded — honestly — to them with, “Not good. It feels heavy. I feel like I’m choking on smoke most of the week. Many people I know don’t have jobs, can’t pay their bills and are sick and some folks have died.”

Where do we go from here?

There are more questions than answers:

Where did we go wrong?

Where do we go from here?

How much worse can the world’s woes get?

When will this end?

I tend to be a glass more than half-full, silver lining kind of guy. I’m someone who makes lavender lemonade out of lemons. So I thought, how could we make orange juice out of today’s orange sepia sky moment?

Take Action

I usually go to my default action/reactions when I’m anxious or scared: deep breaths, meditation, exercising (yes, I did all of the above early this morning). But today, I admit it’s harder. I don’t know. I am not 100 percent OK. So I called for backup. I do believe in prayer and calling on friends to share in this unprecedented time.

I do know this…

I’m not alone. There are people who care for me. There are people I care about. I have so many blessings swirling around me.

For me, speaking with beloved folks and spiritual friends helps me change my perspective and remind me of what I do have.

I’m grateful for:
–loved ones
–shelter
–food
–health
–creativity
–employment
–a good book
–ability to exercise
–mindfulness… and so much more.

So I urge you to:

1. Check on someone you love and talk about the good and the bad, but just don’t get stuck on the latter.

2. Make a list of the abundance. I promise you, more will come.

3. Move your mind (read uplifting content). I know a good place for that ~ GoInspireGo.com

4. Move your body. Stretch. Take a walk (if you can outside). Exercise. Dance.

5. Know that you are loved and that you ARE love.

6. Breathe. Sit and notice your breath.

When I freak out, I take a deep breath and remind myself that the fog and smog will lift. So let’s take it one day, one hour and one moment at a time.

So, help me, how are you getting out of the this daze-dream-nighmare?
Please share some things you’re worried about (I’ll pray over it for you, promise). Share some things you’re grateful for.

You, me, we, will get through this.

Xx
Toan

The post Apocalyptic Awe — I’m not OK. Are you OK? It’s OK to not be OK appeared first on Go Inspire Go.