Living in Miami has its perks. The weather alone is one of the reasons I love it here, especially during this time of the year. We’re also really close to the water, and seeing that it’s been a dream of mine to live near the ocean for as long as I can remember, well, I can now tick that off my list! I know we’re lucky to be here – trust me!

However, one of the major downsides of living in any city other than Atlanta is that we are far from our family. Both sets of parents and siblings live in Georgia, and sometimes it’s really hard being physically far away from them for months at a time. And even though FaceTime is pretty much the best thing ever, it doesn’t replace the feeling of “being home.”

I figure that many of you can relate to being far from those you love, including extended family and friends, so I’m going to share a little visualization exercise I do a few times a day to help me cope. And as corny (and slightly crazy) as it sounds, it really does help. I promise.

Ok, so all I do is close my eyes and picture each of the people I love (or in some cases, groups of people I love). Then I visualize a little heart with feelings of love and strength attached and basically send it their way. Kind of like blowing a kiss, except I’m blowing a heart. Ha!

*I also do this when I want to send strength, love, and prayers to those going through a tough time. When I say that you’re in my thoughts, I mean that quite literally!

BTW, this is a Parita orginal!

The person who told me about this little exercise believes that the loving energy you send to people actually impacts them in a positive way. And it helps your own energy as well, while strengthening the connection you share with those near and dear to your heart.

Well, after a few months of doing this on a daily basis, I’m a believer. As much as I miss my family and friends, I feel 100 times more thankful that I have people in my life to miss and love that much.

Happy Friday!

Do you live near your family? If not, how often do you see them?