On My Way

Happy Monday!  Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I woke up this morning feeling very good.  I’m just off the cusp of a good weekend filled with culture, a wedding, unexpected reunions and smoothies!  I’ll write more about the culture aspect in a post later today.  Double posting, what what!  All in all, a great weekend.

 

So today is Cinco de Mayo.  I’ll admit that I never knew the background of Cinco de Mayo.  It’s pretty interesting, here’s a brief synopsis of what I found (per Wikipedia but you can Google for more):

“It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War,[8][9] and today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.”

Pretty cool, right?  I'm a supporter of embracing cultural diversity throughout the year, so today is a start but keep it going!

Anyway, when I commute to work, I like to listen to music and often I just groove along to whatever my player decides.  Today, one song really stood out to me.  It’s called “On My Way” by the very underrated (but surely appreciated), Res.  I’ve been using this song as a personal anthem for years but sometimes when you are going through transition or phases, songs can resonate more than ever.  This song is all about not comparing yourself and how you can pull through when life presents tough moments.  With hard work and perseverance, you can begin to make your aspirations come true.  See what I mean about the message being on time?  "If I fall, if I stall and if I crawl 'cause I wanna go, it's okay, I'm ON MY WAY"  YES!

Love this acoustic version.  It's the way to go!

Have a wonderful week!

Keep Calm...

Calm (noun)-  a quiet and peaceful state or condition;  a peaceful mental or emotional state (from the Merriam-Webster dictionary)

 

Calm (adjective)- not angry, upset, excited (from the Merriam-Webster dictionary)

 

 

Because sometimes it's just that simple.  No big production or show necessary. When tested by tough situations in life, just keep calm and carry on. Heartbreak, disrespect, rejection, sadness--everyone has been there and you can pull through.  Life goes on and if you live with good intentions, I believe that one day you'll receive all of that love and goodness back.  In light of recent news around the globe, people are in ever need of more healing and love and less panic and stress.  Keep calm and carry on!

As the late (and very great) Nelson Mandela said, "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."  So stay resilient, classy and calm, my friends!



Y'all know I love music...here's one of my favorites from Ms. India.Arie.  The music in this song is just so soothing and the lyrics are inspirational.  Enjoy!

Good morning!

Photo Credit: www.godominicanrepublic.com

Good morning!  It's Thursday, April 24th and I am feeling good.  No, I'm NOT in the beautiful Dominican Republic as in the photo above.  Though I would certainly love to be!  It's a good morning because I'm alive and well.  Have you ever noticed how easy to start the day off poorly?  A bad commute to work, running late, disheartening stories on the news, disagreements or disappointments from the day before, you name it.  What if we flipped that and thought about all the reasons it's a GOOD morning?  First, you woke up.  Second, you're reading this blog.  It's okay, you can admit that you enjoy it.  Ha!  Anyway, when we begin the day with a grateful and thankful heart, it sets the tone for a nice day.

So, I'll get us started.  Things that made me happy so far (it's still early where I am):

• Waking up
• Sunny and seasonal weather day
• Seeing a family member excited because it's their birthday
• A delay-free and safe commute
• My growing ability to be confident and not let other people's opinions define my fashion style
• Calm day at work which will yield productivity
• Lack of stress and tension

If you'll notice, most of my list includes emotions and "little things".  When we take the time to be thankful and happy daily, it contributes to overall outlook.  Of course, there will be tough and hard days but if you can find just a moment to reflect on what's going right, you will be on the right track! So, think about it.  What things have made you happy today?

And with that...I wish you all a GOOD MORNING and a beautiful day!

That Castle Kind of Life

Transition- the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.

Right now, I'm currently undergoing a period of transition.  This really is a year of growth and change.  I'm so ready for the new!  Believe me, change isn't always easy but if you never evolve, you always stay the same. And do you really want to look back 5 years from now and see the same version?  Changes can be tough because sometimes you have to let go of unhealthy habits/situations but in the end I definitely think it's worth it.  We all enter a phase in life where we seek clarity, purpose, and foundation in our lives, whether it's with goals, jobs, friendships, or love. 

Let me focus on the love side of things for a minute.  I've been watching one of my favorite YouTube vloggers, Naptural85, and I love the relationship she and her husband have.  They're both young (I'm pretty sure I'm around the same age as them) and have a beautiful daughter but what I love about their dynamic the most is that it's rooted in love.  Yes, this is turning into a relationship post.  I guess it's been on my mind lately!  Friendship has to be the core of any relationship but love and trust (transparency) are the other critical parts as well.  In anything we do, there's gotta be a foundation.  Sand castles are fun but are temporary and get knocked down so easily whereas a castle made of bricks will withstand the stormy weather and is lasting. Everyone is down to help you play with sand, only a select few want to lay down bricks with you.  Remember! The word commitment is scary to some but to me it just means having loyalty and focus and going from there.  Commitment shouldn't mean lockdown!  It's not prison, it should be something you actually want :-)  Looking back, I can see where I was in situations that were bricks and sand or even just straight up sand.  However, the wisdom that I've gained only encourages me that I will build the castle that I'm dreaming of.  All of that comes in time and, as is a theme in many of these posts, you just have to be ready.  You can't be pressured into it and in retrospect I've felt pressure and  possibly even applied the pressure in the past.  Where is this post going? LOL. I'm bringing it back! 



Speaking of castles, here I am in Carcassonne, France.  The castle I'm in front of dates back to Medieval times!

The point of today's post is that life is all about transition and timing.   Everything in its right place and time. I look back on many parts of life and see where perhaps things were just not meant to be even despite my best efforts and deepest dedication.  And that's OK.  Sometimes you don't know what you've got until it's gone and sometimes you don't know how you'll grow until you move on!  Let it go.  It's all about embracing the journey and living with love, integrity, and honesty.  When there are no questions about your intentions, the answers are always clear.  That applies to all areas of our lives.  Stay positive!

Evolve by Mya- I love this song!

Back Up Plans, Not Friends

In life, we are taught to plan.  We're also taught to have a back up plan in case the original or ideal plan doesn't work out.  Some people apply that approach to people.  I disagree with this.  Unlike a travel itinerary or a work plan, people are special creatures with feelings and emotions.  When it comes to people, it's just not right or kind to treat people like they're just filler and disposable if your plan A doesn't goes as planned.

I'm coming to realize that there are some people in my own life who regard me as a back up plan.  I'm only contacted when there's a free moment in between their other planned gigs.  They only seem to want to hang out when other friends are busy or if they need someone to hang out or talk  with until their other friends become available.  Never any original invitations and quick to cancel if their preferred plans come through.  I will be honest that it's really hurtful. Like almost makes me want to cry hurtful.  However, it encompasses lessons that are vital to growth and wisdom in life.  First, it's not you, it's them. Remember that. People who in essence use other people are just not kind individuals.  Second, once their true colors are revealed and you realize this, you have to decide what to do about it.  I firmly believe in the quote "What you allow is what will continue."  We don't have to be victims or throw pity parties.  We also don't have to seek revenge.  The best way to stand up for yourself is to actually stand up for yourself.  Show people that you will NOT be a back up plan.  If they can't find time or desire to make or keep plans with you, then they don't deserve your time or energy either. People who genuinely care about you will find time and ways to show it. We're all busy and the commitment can mean different things but it's the commitment to maintaining the friendship that matters.   The other thing you have to do is forgive.  It's easy to be angry or sad but you've got to release it because anger only hurts you not them.  Keep in mind every situation is different but these are general principles that can be applied.

So back to me, today I conclude my day not with sadness but with clear perspective and forgiveness.  I exhale negative energy from my life and inhale sincerity, positivity and love back in.

Happy30: Day 4

It's Friday!!!!  So I'll keep this brief.  Ever meet people who just seem to radiate positive energy?  Well, I have!  This person always managing to maintain a joyful demeanor even when they have a million things happening. Graduate study, a family, work--can you say multitasker?  But somehow through all of the stress or challenges that those things individually or collectively can bring, this person doesn't lose their light-hearted, energetic and fun nature.  So awesome and inspirational!  No matter what we have to balance in life, it can be done and doesn't have to be horrible!  I want to do more than just appreciate what I have, I want to just enjoy my circumstances.  It's a journey that will have ups and downs but the goal is a cheerful disposition throughout it all.  After all, the energy you put out is what you get back in return, so which vibes do you want?  I am team positive all the way!

Happy Friday...xoxo

Breakaway

"If you don't like something, change it.  If you can't change it, change your attitude." -Maya Angelou

As I continue to grow and get older in life, I’ve been feeling this feeling that I just want to do more.  I’m realizing more of my passions- world travel, fitness, and writing but I want to do more than fulfill my own life’s pleasure.  I have many talents (and this is not a statement out of conceit- rather confidence in and thankfulness for the abilities God has given) and I want to use those to help and uplift others in a more direct way.  But even when you have a vision, the opportunity is not always there.  What if you want to live a life of simplicity but the complexities of life won't let you?  What do you do during those times?  Well for me, it’s prayer for not only the opportunity to come but also the wisdom to recognize it and make smart decisions.  It’s also patience and optimism even when I feel like I want to give up.  Believe me, it’s not easy, as I’m currently going through this phase in a couple areas of my life now. As I type.  But what helps me is to think about what complaining does versus what being hopeful does.  Complaining brings about stress which leads to a host of health issues and a general negative outlook.  Being hopeful, on the other hand, allows you to go through life appreciating the good things that ARE happening and feeling a bit more inspired.

So to follow Ms. Angelou’s wise words, today I choose a positive attitude even in the moments where I feel like walking away and giving up on certain situations.  Despite the fact that I can't instantly change the aspects that are frustrating.  Every day may not be perfect but every moment that we are alive and able to is.  Remember that! :-)

As a pick me up, I continually jam out to Pharrell’s “Happy” video.  If you're a regular reader, I hope you're not tired of it :-)  Here’s one of my favorite global versions of this amazing song from one of my favorite cities: PARIS! Smile

Spring + Happiness Day

Hello!  It's been awhile since my last post because I was away.  Where, you ask?  Why only Barcelona and the French Riviera!  More on that in future postings.  For now, I want to focus on today- March 20.  A truly epic day.  First (and foremost), it is the Vernal Equinox also known as spring.  Whether you love springtime or were just turned off by winter, today was a welcome change for everyone!  In my city, it was sunny and mild, a nice touch to the changing of the seasons.  I know there's a cold blast with snow in the forecast but I refuse to think about it.  Must. only. focus. on. sunshine.  I'm just excited that days have begun getting longer, brighter colors, flowers in bloom and no longer needing heavy wool overcoats.

The second reason March 20 was so awesome was that it was International Happiness Day #happyday 2014!  Now I was already excited because of the nice weather for spring's introduction and the fact that the NCAA March Madness tournament got underway.  But a dedicated day to happiness?  Awesome!  Besides jamming to Pharrell's "Happy" on repeat (I swear that should be a global theme song), I decided to reflect on the great opportunities I've had recently as well as the dreams of the future.  I feel happy when I workout or dance, when I travel, and when I can have good times with family and friends.  A simple list but the best things in life don't have a price tag.  The key is to just enjoy what you have.  Aspirations and goals are great but you've gotta just release, breathe and embrace.  Sure those things won't pay the bills but they sure will improve your quality of life :-)

Do you like spring?  What are your favorite activities during this season?  What makes you feel happy?

MARCHing onward

Today is March 1st!  On the one hand, I want to marvel at how fast time flies.  On the other hand, with the way this winter has been, I'm SO glad to see March arrive.  It means we are that much closer to springtime! Sunshine and warmer temperatures.  Yay!  Thus far, 2014 has been off to a pretty good start.  I've been able to get a solid handle on my fitness and wellness journey.  It hasn't been perfect but what in life is? It was taking that initial step and then the additional steps that will ultimately help me reach my overall goal.  The biggest change has been my outlook.  Outlook and attitude really do play a large part in how things go.  Kind of like the whole glass half-full versus half-empty.  Like I posted on Instagram recently, I just want to go on adventures, be around good people, and set, achieve, and create new goals.  Yes, I hope for career advancement and to start a family but for now, I just want to travel and experience the world, smile joyfully, live happily, and just enjoy the moment.  Plans are great but life proves that you have to be flexible as nothing is certain (and that's not always a negative). So begins the march onward and upward!  Wherever you are, join me on this optimistic ride.  Glass is half-full and can always be replenished :-)

P.S.  Only 3 months until summer. So if you're through with winter, press on.  With the summer also brings the FIFA World Cup.  Yes!!!  Where are all my football (soccer) lovers?  I've been counting down since 2010 :)

Who doesn't LOVE this song?!  One of the coolest songs I've heard in a long time. 

My theme song for sure! "Clap along if you know that happiness is the truth!"

A little bit of Mambo...

OK, I know I haven’t recently been speaking much about my fitness journey lately.  Not because I’ve not been working out but because I modified my routine due to my schedule and recovering from a mild injury.  It’s been great!  The cool thing about working out is that you don’t necessarily need the studio or gym experience.  That environment definitely helps but you can do it your own.  Thanks to the training I did in January,   I now know how to plank and squat jump properly.  LOL  Anyway, what prompted this post today is that I got to reconnect with of my favorite Zumba instructors today during my lunch hour.  It was awesome to be back in the mix of dancing full out (this location is by the far the most visually beautiful studio in DC that I’ve seen!).  My instructor (and others) even noticed my fitness progress.  Summer, here I come.  World, here I come.  Watch me work :-)  The whole point of this is no matter where you are in a journey, whether it’s achieving fitness goals like I’m doing or other aspirations, it’s okay to give yourself props.  Don’t get so focused and caught on the end goal that you don’t take note of the progress you are making.  In fact, it’s that progress that’s going to keep you motivated.   Not to mention, when you see that fat disappearing and muscle definition appearing or those clothes fitting differently, you are going to feel amazing--physically and mentally.  Goals are meant to be met and exceeded.  In the meantime, embrace the journey!

Saturday Night Vibes

So it's Saturday night and I'm not at a lounge or a club!  Now, if you know me, that's totally NOT a surprise.  Haha, you could say I'm more of the low-key, just chill type.  While that is my general vibe, it's also winter.  Somehow getting dolled up just seems easier when it's warmer.  Plus I just love daylight, so spring and summer tend to be the times when I'm game for more of the evening/night-ish life.  But I can't be the only one right?  I feel like social media is deceptive (well actually it's completely deceptive) because people only tend to post when they're shining or having a really great time.  At least that's my approach and those of my friends/followers/etc on these networks.  My guess is there are more people actually just relaxing and staying IN versus going out.  Just a hunch!  Now, I know many of my connects are married or parents now, so there isn't really that desire to party like before.  But what about the single peeps like me?  Am I the only one in relax mode?
 
Well, even if I am, it's fine by me.  Last year, I started reading "Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass" by Mandy Hale and it's been eye-opening.  Known as "The Single Woman", Hale's book is such a well-crafted message about self-love.  A lot of single-girl books tend to try to give you tips on how to get a new guy or even straight up male bash.  Not this book!  It's totally about loving and improving yourself and NOT worrying about finding the next guy/future boyfriend/husband, etc. and I dig that 100%.  As I mentioned, I am single and it's not a negative.  You need to love and appreciate your own company before anyone else will.  A guy doesn't define me anymore than a job or a car or any material possession would.  I'm all about that self-loving, happy and healthy life!  I strongly encourage all women to read it since getting over breakups (even if you initiated it) are tough.  There's light at the end of the tunnel and just like your story isn't defined by a relationship, that's not the end either.
 
So how am I feeling?  Great!  I've been working on that healthier me.  I've been eating better (no chocolate, pity party binges over here), working out (the best way to clear your head), taking up new interests (studying French almost daily now!) and most importantly, being more positive and loving the things that make me...ME!  Just because people don't see your bright qualities doesn't mean they don't exist.  Duh!  So, shine bright for you!  This is not about karma or making somebody regret what they lost by not cherishing you.  Their loss is YOUR gain for the future and as my girl Natasha Bedingfield so beautifully sings "the rest is still unwritten."  So chin up and if you're flying solo at home on this Saturday, rest assured, you're not the only one! 
 

Natasha Bedingfield- Single (from the album "Unwritten")

 
P.S.  If you're liking what you're reading or have any feedback, comments are welcome :-)

The River Flows...Does Your Spirit?

Today, I went on a guided tour of a historic local river. As I floated by, the tranquility and beauty of wildlife creatures in their habitat was astounding. However, when I took my eyes off of the movement and existence of the herring on a marsh or the fish and turtles within the river, I suddenly became sad and angry. You see, the river is not a beautiful, clear blue as you normally think of rivers. Instead, it was a murky, brownish color. This is not the result of nature wrongdoing, it is the result of human abuse. As I sailed along the river, I saw fish and I also saw plastic bottles. What a disgusting mix and destruction of THEIR habitat.

This got me thinking. How many times do we left other humans or situations disrupt our habitat? We are who we are and our flaws make us unique. Unlike creatures of the land and sea, we can control what negativity we allow into our lives. Yes, we all have down days (I've had one which has prompted me to write this evening) where we self-deprecate but to let other people do it? That will not do! We can all take a lesson from natural wildlife to survive in the midst of ugly situations. We have more power and free will over our lives, so exercise it!

Do not let others steal your joy or your confidence. If somebody can't build you up, then they are tearing you down. Don't be afraid to cut people back because you DESERVE to have the best people in your corner. Remember: "When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves." -William Arthur Ward

Great website for positive thinking: http://www.livingwordsofwisdom.com/dont-let-anyone-steal-your.html