Sandy Jimenez
I checked all the boxes in life and I’ve never been one to break the rules, but with nearly 14 years of research and writing about more sustainable ways to live, I’m on a mission to uncover a lifestyle beyond cultural norms.
I used clean beauty products before they became mainstream. I started talking about the joy of embracing natural curls when Brazilian blowouts were still a thing.
I slowly found myself being drawn to simplicity by no longer doing what was expected of me. My drive to be an editorial writer uncovered the true secret — certain cultural norms were not sustainable and I needed to find a better way.
Little did I know I was cultivating a holistic approach to life. The heart and the mind work together. Less toys and more gaps in our family calendar gave us room to naturally move and enjoy life. Reacting from the heart versus the mind helped me to relax and stay humble. There is so much more to share and I hope you will come along on this journey with me.
Welcome to The Lived-In Library where each source is a testament to my findings, experiences, and lifelong mission to reveal a beautifully intentional and sustainable way to live. There will always be trials and tribulations, but our choices and attitude in life matter.
AN UPDATE ON THE HOLA, MY DEAR BLOG
Sometimes in life we need to pivot. The journey and prior goals are still very much a part of the plan. Of getting us to this point. “Hola, My Dear” played an important role in my grief. The grief of losing my mom to cancer in 2018. In many ways, I felt as if my mom wanted to remind me of an important part of my life — writing. But not simply writing, sharing my findings with others.
Naturally, I’m quite reserved. This is my voice, so to speak. Because I have a lot to say. A lot to share. Why? Because I want my legacy to be about encouraging others to make more intentional and sustainable lifestyle choices.
Prior to my life as a mom, I was all about “checking off the boxes,” figuratively speaking. Day-to-day, I actually used a planner to check off more boxes, but to prove success in a different way.
Success to me is a lot more profound and meaningful now. A planner carries less weight even though it’s filled with more responsibility. I am not trying to prove myself to anyone.
I’m here to live by example, stay curious, and let others know there is a simpler way to this complex world. Not devoid of challenges, pain, loss, and confusion, but being capable of withstanding those by scaling back on unnecessary asks. I don’t need to lease that car. I don’t need to buy a huge home. I used to buy clothes I had no desire to wear because it was the “trend”.
Now more than ever, I know who I am. I hope you follow along because if you’re experiencing any sense of confusion, I believe this blog can help you through your journey to live with authenticity and intention.
The Hola, My Dear blog has become part of a beautiful chapter in my life. It will be considered an archive. Not to be forgotten. A wonderful point of reference.
And with that, I am moving forward with my new website. This website. It features my name and in many ways it’s like inviting you to my personal library. A library filled with life, love, authenticity, intention, motivation, and so much more.
With love,
Sandy