When I was in medical school, I learned how every time you recalled a memory, it was never exactly the same as the first time. This is because as you age, your brain's connections alter the way in which a moment is remembered. It's like a story constantly being edited each time it is retold. The editor is a reflection of who you are at the time of recollection. Recognizing that each memory I had would forever be altered in the future made me appreciate living in the moment that much more.


With a new year approaching, everyone is always talking about creating a "new you." I understand wanting to reset your goals and intentions. However, instead of focusing on re-creating yourself or looking forward, I'd love for you to stop and take a second to be in the present, look at who you are and where you are right now. Reflect on how you got to this point.

As Maya Angelou stated: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This isn't just an observation - there is a biological reason for why this is true given the overlap between emotions and memory as organized in your brain (more specifically the limbic system).


I want you to appreciate those around you that have helped you get to where you are right now. How did they make you feel and how did you make others feel? Write it down in a journal or maybe even your own blog post because these memories will change but how the experiences have changed you and those around you will not.

For me, 2018 was 365 days of connections. From new people, to new places and opportunities, this year has forged a series of events that have made me value time spent with friends and family. My goals for this coming year are to build on these connections, live authentically, and focus on the present, not to live in the future or get caught up in the past.

As we wave farewell to 2018, keep in mind that we are also saying goodbye to these versions of our memories and in a way these versions of ourselves. Thus, you don't need to create a "new you" for 2019 when you are already a newer and truer version of yourself than you were moments ago.

This past week my friends and I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive fashion event at the mens fashion store Damari Savile near Washington Square hosted by Philadelphia Eagles players Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod.



These Super Bowl Champions know how to work it both on and off the field, each trailblazing their way through the fashion industry with their own clothing brand companies.



From Rodney McLeod's international collection known as Back of House USA to Malcolm Jenkin's custom-made men's suits (co-owned with Jay Amin) known as Damari Savile, their high-quality fabrics and designs will leave you wanting more.

Loved meeting Malcolm Jenkins and learning about his designs

Speaking of clothes, I got to paint the town red in my jaw-dropping Black Halo jumpsuit (compliments of Rent The Runway) complete with this gorgeous Represent jacket (see below). That jacket is the last one left so act fast and get yours at bohusa.com!

Great to see Rodney McLeod again!

In addition to clothes, we also visited Michele Plachter's interior design firm one floor above, where the ambiance was the envy of any and every homeowner in the city.



There were so many pieces to see, fun activities to do, and delicious hors d'euorvers to try, it was hard to keep track of where to go next.


On the first floor, we made beautiful bracelets by Moira Anne Artisan, with beads of all varieties. Custom jewelry truly is the perfect holiday gift this year!



Later, we ate to our heart's content as we watched the talented fashion illustration artist Denise Fike draw the attendees. She demonstrated how to pose and flawlessly produced a runway-worthy sketch that each of us got to keep.



"This one's going above the mantle," - my friend Lawrence exclaimed upon receiving his.



One of the highlights of the night was that every guest donated a toy for the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, helping those in need and proving the spirit of teamwork and family exists both on and off the field. Find out how you can help donate by clicking HERE.