So many times we try to make the people who raised us proud of the accomplishments and good things we’ve done. But sometimes, good isn’t enough for some people. No matter how good you are as a person, student, or a worker, they will be quick to point out the negatives in you.
I had to learn how to focus on the good, and not let others make me dwell on the bad. I, like everyone else, continue to be a work in progress, growing with every lesson. That’s the beauty about life and the human species; we grow in time.
Take away the pressure that comes with trying to make others proud, be able to make yourself proud first. Do what you love, be who you are, and when good isn’t enough, continue to give it your all. Only then will you be able to accomplish great feats!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Bring It, Bag It
What will you bring to the table and what will you leave behind? So many times we enter new relationships with people, hoping to bring all of who we are as a person. Except that we bring it all, the good and the bad.
When you enter a relationship, whether it be romantic or not, you have to bag and discard just as much as you bring to the table. Get rid of your past regrets, insecurities and enter the newfound connection with a clear mind and an open-heart.
This is exactly what I plan on bringing, as I bag and throw away all of the garbage I have hoarder throughout the years. As we seek to see what others have to offer, we must remember what we ourselves offer, and be honest.
Some things I bring to the table is that I like to micro-manage, and I am a stickler for structure. I am also quite anal about certain details, and I am trying to bag that aside and learn to go with the flow, live in the moment.
Could you imagine the difference our relationships would be like if we thought more, not just with our hearts, but also with our minds? If we really reflected on what we go in with, and what we discard along the way?
Don’t let the growing pains stifle the growth you have ahead of you, and never let your heart become dreary, because although life has a way of turning light into dark, what you bring and what you bag away will help guide your way. Bring with you only what you can bare to carry and peacefully get rid of that which weighs you down, because the burden must be lifted.
When you enter a relationship, whether it be romantic or not, you have to bag and discard just as much as you bring to the table. Get rid of your past regrets, insecurities and enter the newfound connection with a clear mind and an open-heart.
This is exactly what I plan on bringing, as I bag and throw away all of the garbage I have hoarder throughout the years. As we seek to see what others have to offer, we must remember what we ourselves offer, and be honest.
Some things I bring to the table is that I like to micro-manage, and I am a stickler for structure. I am also quite anal about certain details, and I am trying to bag that aside and learn to go with the flow, live in the moment.
Could you imagine the difference our relationships would be like if we thought more, not just with our hearts, but also with our minds? If we really reflected on what we go in with, and what we discard along the way?
Don’t let the growing pains stifle the growth you have ahead of you, and never let your heart become dreary, because although life has a way of turning light into dark, what you bring and what you bag away will help guide your way. Bring with you only what you can bare to carry and peacefully get rid of that which weighs you down, because the burden must be lifted.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Breathe Again
Note to the readers:
I have not written a blog in a long time, maybe that is because of my busy schedule or because I have lost touch with the writer within me. Whatever the case may be I decided that this summer I would make it my mission to blog once a day (when time permits).
Have you ever had that moment, when your lungs ceased from working and everything around you seemed to be closing in on you? Call it a panic attack, or a vivid imagination but sometimes life has a way of stopping you from breathing. Of course, it isn’t long enough to kill you, but long enough to make you realize that something is wrong.
For the past few weeks I felt as if I could not breathe. I felt as if life was closing in on me and I had nowhere to go. Trapped. However, I am finally able to breathe again because I am no longer allowing life to dictate how I feel or how I cope. Life happens, this we all know is true. Sometimes the challenges are minor and easily overcame, and other times, the challenges are greater and require a greater strength. But when you feel like you are suffocating, what do you do? What does anyone do in that situation?
I learned that it is easier to cry, get angry, forget eating diet plans, and sleep in bed and when all of that fails, I bury myself in my work. Coping is such a personal process, whether you are coping with death, a failed relationship or personal struggles.
“All I have, all I need, he's the air I would kill to breathe
Holds my love in his hands, still I'm searching for something
Out of breath, I am left hoping someday I'll breathe again
I'll breathe again “—Sara Bareilles
After a recent break-up, I was really a hot mess. I was drinking by myself and still kind of shocked on how everything went down. While I won’t get into the details, to spare my friend’s feelings, it was an eye-opener. Although our romantic relationship didn’t last, I can honestly say I’ve found a great friendship with him. Although he is not perfect, and there are some things he needs to deal with, I realized that every one that has entered or left my life has done so for a greater reason then I will ever realize. So dealing with the break-up, and all of the insecurities that came with it, I realized I had stopped breathing for a while. That was easy for me to do, I retreated to what I know best: my work.
However, coping with life’s ups and downs is not simple and it is always a process. Sometimes you have to cry, and other times you have to pull yourself up, wipe your face and move on. The process is not as simple as I am writing it to be however I know that the process is one that we must all endure and go through at least once or twice in our lifetime. Whether it is dealing with the death of a love one or dealing with a failed relationship it needs to be done. Don’t turn to vices, or abusive behavior, take the time to really cope and grow from the experience.
I have begun to breathe again and in that process I have found a greater sense of self-awareness and appreciation for all that I have. As the air begins to fill my lungs, and I exhale, I can say that I am a better person at the end of it all and no matter where life takes me next; I know I will breathe again.
I have not written a blog in a long time, maybe that is because of my busy schedule or because I have lost touch with the writer within me. Whatever the case may be I decided that this summer I would make it my mission to blog once a day (when time permits).
Have you ever had that moment, when your lungs ceased from working and everything around you seemed to be closing in on you? Call it a panic attack, or a vivid imagination but sometimes life has a way of stopping you from breathing. Of course, it isn’t long enough to kill you, but long enough to make you realize that something is wrong.
For the past few weeks I felt as if I could not breathe. I felt as if life was closing in on me and I had nowhere to go. Trapped. However, I am finally able to breathe again because I am no longer allowing life to dictate how I feel or how I cope. Life happens, this we all know is true. Sometimes the challenges are minor and easily overcame, and other times, the challenges are greater and require a greater strength. But when you feel like you are suffocating, what do you do? What does anyone do in that situation?
I learned that it is easier to cry, get angry, forget eating diet plans, and sleep in bed and when all of that fails, I bury myself in my work. Coping is such a personal process, whether you are coping with death, a failed relationship or personal struggles.
“All I have, all I need, he's the air I would kill to breathe
Holds my love in his hands, still I'm searching for something
Out of breath, I am left hoping someday I'll breathe again
I'll breathe again “—Sara Bareilles
After a recent break-up, I was really a hot mess. I was drinking by myself and still kind of shocked on how everything went down. While I won’t get into the details, to spare my friend’s feelings, it was an eye-opener. Although our romantic relationship didn’t last, I can honestly say I’ve found a great friendship with him. Although he is not perfect, and there are some things he needs to deal with, I realized that every one that has entered or left my life has done so for a greater reason then I will ever realize. So dealing with the break-up, and all of the insecurities that came with it, I realized I had stopped breathing for a while. That was easy for me to do, I retreated to what I know best: my work.
However, coping with life’s ups and downs is not simple and it is always a process. Sometimes you have to cry, and other times you have to pull yourself up, wipe your face and move on. The process is not as simple as I am writing it to be however I know that the process is one that we must all endure and go through at least once or twice in our lifetime. Whether it is dealing with the death of a love one or dealing with a failed relationship it needs to be done. Don’t turn to vices, or abusive behavior, take the time to really cope and grow from the experience.
I have begun to breathe again and in that process I have found a greater sense of self-awareness and appreciation for all that I have. As the air begins to fill my lungs, and I exhale, I can say that I am a better person at the end of it all and no matter where life takes me next; I know I will breathe again.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Love Happens
When you least expect it, life will introduce you to someone you didn't even think could exist. Your ideal kind of person, the kind of person that you catch yourself thinking about. The kind of person that you just want to listen to all day, because what they have to say, has some great importance.
We live in a day with online-dating, social media, and this anti-social stigma due to technology. So it doesn't happen as often, but you can be walking down the street and meet the person you've been waiting for to enter your life. You can ride your bike, and notice the person. You can be walking into a store, and catch a glimpse of the person you've been dreaming about.
Truth is, love actually does happen. You just have to give it time, and let your destiny unfold. Don't try to force the outcome, don't try to project your desire onto the wrong person, because that just leads to disappointment and heartache.
I am not in love, and I don't know why I felt inspired to write this today but I will say this, if you are single, and feeling lonely, and as if no one will ever want you- don't doubt yourself and stay true to who you are. I can assure you that there is someone out there who will appreciate you for all that you are. The good, the bad, and the other baggage we tend to carry around with us.
I recently met a guy, and for anyone who knows me, that is nearly impossible to do because of my busy schedule, and the beauty about this guy, is that fate just happen to let our paths cross. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason, but I am excited to see how this new found friend and I turn out.
I am in no rush to get into a relationship, but for all you other single people, who, like myself might think of giving up, and just focusing on your career, know that it will happen when you least expect it. Know that love happens after all, as long as you let life take you there, and don't try to micro-manage every aspect.
The only way to let live,and let love is to be open to all the possibilities around you and know that there is someone out there, waiting to cross paths with you.
We live in a day with online-dating, social media, and this anti-social stigma due to technology. So it doesn't happen as often, but you can be walking down the street and meet the person you've been waiting for to enter your life. You can ride your bike, and notice the person. You can be walking into a store, and catch a glimpse of the person you've been dreaming about.
Truth is, love actually does happen. You just have to give it time, and let your destiny unfold. Don't try to force the outcome, don't try to project your desire onto the wrong person, because that just leads to disappointment and heartache.
I am not in love, and I don't know why I felt inspired to write this today but I will say this, if you are single, and feeling lonely, and as if no one will ever want you- don't doubt yourself and stay true to who you are. I can assure you that there is someone out there who will appreciate you for all that you are. The good, the bad, and the other baggage we tend to carry around with us.
I recently met a guy, and for anyone who knows me, that is nearly impossible to do because of my busy schedule, and the beauty about this guy, is that fate just happen to let our paths cross. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason, but I am excited to see how this new found friend and I turn out.
I am in no rush to get into a relationship, but for all you other single people, who, like myself might think of giving up, and just focusing on your career, know that it will happen when you least expect it. Know that love happens after all, as long as you let life take you there, and don't try to micro-manage every aspect.
The only way to let live,and let love is to be open to all the possibilities around you and know that there is someone out there, waiting to cross paths with you.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Deny Every Feeling
Nothing is harder than admitting that something has a greater affect on you then you would like. So how do you pretend it doesn't bother you? You deny every feeling that tells you otherwise. Yes, it starts by lying to yourself, and that's okay sometimes.
Truth is, being in denial can be a double-edge sword; negative side is the fact that you are ignoring the reality of the situation, and the positive side is that you are protected, at least for a brief time.
I struggled with something recently, it required me to be honest and open, but some words I wouldn't say, and I had to fight back some tears. I don't know why the situation was bothering me so much, because I really don't care-- oh perhaps me saying "I don't care" was just my way of denying the harsh reality. I still think denying every feeling is better than admitting how you truly feel, because if you were to admit everything at once, it would leave you EXPOSED- open, vulnerable, and prone to more pain.
But what happens to the words unsaid? The sentence you wish you could have formed in your head, and spoken aloud?
You swallow them, compress them deep within your core, and you ignore every gut feeling telling you to say them. Deny every feeling, and in time, they should fade away, at least from the surface, and buried too deep to be seen ever again.
It is hard, to deny something that is true. But life has a way of working itself out, and denial is just a phase--one I am willing to live in.
Truth is, being in denial can be a double-edge sword; negative side is the fact that you are ignoring the reality of the situation, and the positive side is that you are protected, at least for a brief time.
I struggled with something recently, it required me to be honest and open, but some words I wouldn't say, and I had to fight back some tears. I don't know why the situation was bothering me so much, because I really don't care-- oh perhaps me saying "I don't care" was just my way of denying the harsh reality. I still think denying every feeling is better than admitting how you truly feel, because if you were to admit everything at once, it would leave you EXPOSED- open, vulnerable, and prone to more pain.
But what happens to the words unsaid? The sentence you wish you could have formed in your head, and spoken aloud?
You swallow them, compress them deep within your core, and you ignore every gut feeling telling you to say them. Deny every feeling, and in time, they should fade away, at least from the surface, and buried too deep to be seen ever again.
It is hard, to deny something that is true. But life has a way of working itself out, and denial is just a phase--one I am willing to live in.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
When The Cookie Crumbles
I sometimes take for granted all of the fortune my life has had, when I focus heavily on the negative aspects. For much like when a cookie crumb falls, we get so preoccupied with the crumbs, that we forget to enjoy the cookie.
Weird analogy I know, but after the day I had, that's all I could think of. Yes, I also know that writing this as if I was directly speaking to you can be a little odd, but nonetheless, when the cookie crumbles, our stomachs rumble.
Okay okay, that was also lame! This has nothing to do with cookies, eating, or even crumbs, this has to do with the process in which I am currently in, trying to nitpick every aspect of my life, as I attempt to take full control.
Like when crumbs fall, you have no say where or how they land, you just attempt to pick them up, and clean. If we would apply the same idea in our lives, I think we'd live a happier life. If we let go, and gave up that control issue we develop in time, I bet your life, and mine would fall exactly into the place it was meant to.
To many times we try to force things to occur, taking away from the organic process of all of the various wonders in life. For a while, I've been stressing over my lack of social and romantic life. Yes, the cookie is crumbling and yes, no one is trying to clean up the crumbs.
I have learned that all things will unfold in their own time, and how that happens is in NO WAY in my control. Being this strong person, and very anal about structure, it is difficult for me, but like anything in life, some things are just better left to figure out itself.
So as my life begins to take me on this unknown journey, as the crumbs of my life begin to fall, I will not try to clean up, and decide where the crumbs will go, instead, like the cookie that crumbles, I will relish in the new delights, and take it one small crumb at a time.
Weird analogy I know, but after the day I had, that's all I could think of. Yes, I also know that writing this as if I was directly speaking to you can be a little odd, but nonetheless, when the cookie crumbles, our stomachs rumble.
Okay okay, that was also lame! This has nothing to do with cookies, eating, or even crumbs, this has to do with the process in which I am currently in, trying to nitpick every aspect of my life, as I attempt to take full control.
Like when crumbs fall, you have no say where or how they land, you just attempt to pick them up, and clean. If we would apply the same idea in our lives, I think we'd live a happier life. If we let go, and gave up that control issue we develop in time, I bet your life, and mine would fall exactly into the place it was meant to.
To many times we try to force things to occur, taking away from the organic process of all of the various wonders in life. For a while, I've been stressing over my lack of social and romantic life. Yes, the cookie is crumbling and yes, no one is trying to clean up the crumbs.
I have learned that all things will unfold in their own time, and how that happens is in NO WAY in my control. Being this strong person, and very anal about structure, it is difficult for me, but like anything in life, some things are just better left to figure out itself.
So as my life begins to take me on this unknown journey, as the crumbs of my life begin to fall, I will not try to clean up, and decide where the crumbs will go, instead, like the cookie that crumbles, I will relish in the new delights, and take it one small crumb at a time.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Inspiration: A Social Media Story
For anyone who is my friend on Facebook, they would know that I am a Facebook junkie and I always use it to network and connect with new people.
About 6-8 months ago I came across this video on Youtube, the video was a contemporary dance solo choreographed to Katie Thompson's song, "It Doesn't Hurt" which I am absolutely in LOVE with. It was because of Katie, that I was searching Youtube for different dance videos. I came across this one video choreographed by a gifted choreographer, and the dancer was amazing. I felt so inspired by the video that I shared it with my Facebook Network of friends.
Several months later, I came across the video again, and then I realized that the choreographer had other pieces of work so I began to watch. After watching a few videos, I decided that I would be the Facebook Junkie that I am, and I would try to see if I could find the choreographer on Facebook. To my surprise, I was able to find her, and I sent her a message right away.
That amazing choreographer is Marinda Davis, an inspiration for a young choreographer like myself. I didn't expect her to reply to my message, or my Friend Request, she replied to both. I initially reached out to her so she could be a guest choreographer for my dance company, marked dance project. Due to her hectic schedule, she and I said we would re-visit that prospect in the near future.
However, I was so moved by her work that I had to work with her soon, so I was able to schedule her for a contemporary master class at William Paterson University.
I was excited that I was going to finally meet the person who I have only known online, through social media. Her choreography really touched me, inspired me, and I felt like a little kid the day of the class.
People say that I am on Facebook too much, but if it wasn't for me coming across that video on Youtube, and finding her on Facebook, I wouldn't have met her or been touched by her movement. Friends and I were just in awe during the class, and the best part is that I met her Assistant who was the dancer I saw in the initial video for "It Doesn't Hurt", when I realized it was her- I screamed like some crazy fan. Yes people she is uber talented.
So the moral of this blog, it's simple! Inspiration comes in all forms, and through various outlets- My meeting Marinda Davis and being able to take her Master Class was a Social Media Story of how I was inspired to reach out to her because of her talent. See, there is something good out of being a Facebook Junkie.
About 6-8 months ago I came across this video on Youtube, the video was a contemporary dance solo choreographed to Katie Thompson's song, "It Doesn't Hurt" which I am absolutely in LOVE with. It was because of Katie, that I was searching Youtube for different dance videos. I came across this one video choreographed by a gifted choreographer, and the dancer was amazing. I felt so inspired by the video that I shared it with my Facebook Network of friends.
Several months later, I came across the video again, and then I realized that the choreographer had other pieces of work so I began to watch. After watching a few videos, I decided that I would be the Facebook Junkie that I am, and I would try to see if I could find the choreographer on Facebook. To my surprise, I was able to find her, and I sent her a message right away.
That amazing choreographer is Marinda Davis, an inspiration for a young choreographer like myself. I didn't expect her to reply to my message, or my Friend Request, she replied to both. I initially reached out to her so she could be a guest choreographer for my dance company, marked dance project. Due to her hectic schedule, she and I said we would re-visit that prospect in the near future.
However, I was so moved by her work that I had to work with her soon, so I was able to schedule her for a contemporary master class at William Paterson University.
I was excited that I was going to finally meet the person who I have only known online, through social media. Her choreography really touched me, inspired me, and I felt like a little kid the day of the class.
People say that I am on Facebook too much, but if it wasn't for me coming across that video on Youtube, and finding her on Facebook, I wouldn't have met her or been touched by her movement. Friends and I were just in awe during the class, and the best part is that I met her Assistant who was the dancer I saw in the initial video for "It Doesn't Hurt", when I realized it was her- I screamed like some crazy fan. Yes people she is uber talented.
So the moral of this blog, it's simple! Inspiration comes in all forms, and through various outlets- My meeting Marinda Davis and being able to take her Master Class was a Social Media Story of how I was inspired to reach out to her because of her talent. See, there is something good out of being a Facebook Junkie.
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