Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Sunday Inspiration

Thinking of a master plan?
I haven't posted in a quite a while and a lot of that has to do with what I've been going through lately.  In the time that I've been absent from the blogging scene I've been through so much and I finally feel like I'm getting back to being happy...not that mask that I put on every day for the public but honestly and truly happy.   Life is funny (sometimes in the way that's not literally funny).  The best way that I can describe what I've gone through in the past 6 months is like being a beginner swimmer and a strong current sweeps you out into the ocean where there is no land in sight.  You can't gain any footing and wave after wave is crashing into you and you have no idea if they're pushing you out further or if you're getting closer to land.  What's worse is that no one notices.  Scary right?  That was me and I'm sure I'm not the only person in history that's been through something similar so enough of the talk and let's get to how I got out of it.  Actually, it's more like how I got through it.

1.  Realize no one is coming to save you.  As cynical as it may sound it's true in most situations.  I'm not saying that no one will help I am simply saying that you have to work for it and you have to want it.  As John Heywood said, 'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink'.  Plenty of people tried to help but I had to want it.

2.  Be aware of yourself.  We all want to be number one but there comes a time where you have to realize that you can't be number one at everything.  We're told that we can be anything we want to be. We should have also been told we can't be everything.  Admit what you're bad at and then focus on what you're good at.  Don't waste your time doing something that you aren't good at.  Don't bullsh*t yourself.

And finally the best advice I received from a friend (and back to the swimming comparison)...


3.  Stop swimming against the current.  What?! What my friend meant is that you're wasting your time.  You're tiring yourself out and getting nowhere.  Eventually you are going to drown so stop.  The mission is not to get out of the situation, the mission is to deal with it, learn from it, and use what you learned when that current gets you to where you are going.


Everything that you go through isn't happening for nothing.  And yes it all does seem to happen at once but why not get all these lessons in at once?  I learned a lot about myself and abilities in the last 6 months.  I'm still learning.  So when you feel like you're at the end of your rope hang on and focus.  You don't win some and lose some. You win some and learn some, but should you not learn your lesson bet on the fact that you will repeat.  I know my post won't save the world but I hope that it at least helps one person that's struggling.  Thank you for reading.



Thursday, May 1, 2014

Be Fearless

Fear-an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that something or someone is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

How often do we let fear get in the way of us accomplishing what we dream of?  If  you're anything like me fear and doubt permeate your thoughts on a daily basis.  A few weeks ago I spoke with an old colleague of mine who I hadn't seen in years.  While catching up she inquired about a few major opportunities that I had been presented with in the past.  I summed up those inquiries with a simple 'I passed them up'.  Disappointing yes, but what was more disappointing were my reasons for never pursuing those opportunities.  I had become someone who not only let fear permeate her thoughts but I allowed fear to control what I chose to do.  I can't change what happened then and I can't change the fact that I get scared (especially with motherhood on the horizon).  However, I can change how I use that fear.

What do you mean 'use' fear?
In a previous blog post (Words to Live By) I mentioned that fear should motivate you.  Fear isn't always a deterrent.  Listen to that fear and often you'll find that it's a sign that you're doing something right.  Now this isn't to say just go living recklessly and putting your self in harm's way.  That's different and it's called stupid.  Just joking, but I don't want anyone going out and living life that way, it's harmful.


Thursday, January 9, 2014

Advice: Planning

"Plans are nothing; planning is everything."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower



Life is hectic and that's a fact that we all know.  Changes come up every minute and just when you think you have it all mapped out it's generally at those times that you come to a roadblock.  However, if you're looking to increase you productivity, get organized, or make the most of your free time planning is a great way to accomplish your goals.   So where do you start?  For those who are just beginning I'd like to share a few tips that have helped me.

My choice tools for planning. 
1.  Reserve a block of time during your day for planning.
For myself, this is usually at around 6:30 in the morning as I am having my cup of tea.  You can choose to map out your day whenever you please but I suggest doing this either the night before or first thing in the morning.

2.  Choose the tool that works best for you.
Whether it's an app on your phone or a planner just make sure to have something on hand that makes your tasks for the day visual.


3.  Take it day by day.
There's nothing wrong with planning ahead (monthly/annually) and I do especially when I know I have appointments, meetings, or deadlines to keep. However, my detailed planning is most effective when I list my 'to-dos' on a daily basis.  It helps me focus.

4. Mark things off.
When you've completed a task mark through it.  It's helpful to see what you accomplished and how much you can accomplish.

5.  Take it easy.
Planning is a tool for you to use to help you not stress you out.  Don't worry if you don't complete a task on the day you planned to just add it to the next day's list.  Planning is a guide and for the most part your guide is pliable.

As I always say change is inevitable and everything that we plan does not always come to fruition.  Planning is not to be mistaken with setting out a hardcore plan for your day.  It should be seen as more of a guide for your day.  Planning is a means to help you stay focused and accomplish your goals.  I hope this helps.


Thank you for reading. XOXO


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Invisible Child

Generally I reserve Wednesday's for a Fit Chick post but while prowling the status updates on my Facebook timeline I came across a story in the New York Times that just grabbed my attention and would not let go.  The article is called "Invisible Child-Girl in The Shadows:  Dasani's Homeless Life" written by Andrea Elliott (photographs by Ruth Fremson).  Dasani's Homeless Life is the tale of 11 year old Dasani, her everyday struggle in an ever-changing city and her fight to overcome a life riddled with homelessness.

This story is moving, sad, filled with hope, and nonetheless needs to be told.  Along with Dasani there are millions of other homeless and hungry children that need their stories to be told.  This article gives us a small glimpse into their lives.  Their stories and circumstances may be different but they all are just as heart-wrenching.   I encourage as many as possible to read this article, it is poignant and beautifully written.

Girl in The Shadows:  Dasani's Homeless Life 



Thank you for reading.

Photos courtesy of nytimes.com


Monday, December 9, 2013

Support Cassy Renee

"A really great talent finds its happiness in execution."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


Every so often in life we are fortunate enough to come in contact with people who are intelligent, talented, and an agent of positivity.  While pursuing my undergraduate degree at Columbia College I had such an opportunity when I met Cassy Renee.  She is an awesome friend and as I've stated she is insanely talented.  She sings and after putting in so much hard work to garner a local following she is finally ready to begin recording in the studio.  She needs to raise $2000 by the end of March and she needs our help doing that.  You can help her by going to http://www.gofundme.com/5ndgwk.  No donation is too small or unappreciated.  Thank you.






Think I'm being biased...check her out for yourself.



Thanks for reading.

XOXO




Friday, December 6, 2013

Reflection: A True Hero



As many of you already know Nelson Mandela passed away yesterday at the age of 95.  His passing is not just a loss for South Africans but for the entire world.  However, there is much to celebrated in terms of what he accomplished and those that he inspired.  He was courageous and there is much to be learned from the life that he lived.

I chose not to post my typical post today because I would like to take the time to reflect on not only the life of such a valiant man but also on my life as well.  What can I take from the lessons that he taught?  How can I be a better person?  Yesterday we lost a visionary.  Someone who dedicated their life to teaching peace and love.  I lost someone that I admire immensely.  

"No one person is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion.  People learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
-Nelson Mandela


Dee

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Try Something New

"Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things.  The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions:  could have, might have, 
and should have."
-Louis E. Boone


The unknown is a scary place.  We fear the unknown because it brings the possibility of failure but how often do we reminisce about a situation and what the outcome could have been had we tried something new?  My mom always said that people don't mind trying new things as long as they're exactly like the old ones.  Trying new things is important and intricate in the human experience.  It's garners growth, creativity, and keeps you from becoming bored.  That rut that a lot of us go through is a rut that we've created by staying in our normal mundane routine.  Trying new things is our key to getting out of that rut.  So where should you start?  Well I compiled a list of 5 small things you can do that will allow you to venture into the unknown so read up and go forth young grasshoppers.  

1.  Start small.  Do something that makes you nervous, like going to the movies by yourself or going to dinner alone. 
2.  Take a class to learn a new skill. Karate maybe or even ballet just sign up for it.  Your goal isn't to become an expert you're just trying something new.
3. Hang out with new people.  You know that coworker that you always decline when she invites you out, well next time don't decline. 
4.  Compliment a stranger.  It's a great way to start a conversation and everyone likes to be complimented. 
5.  Volunteer somewhere.  First of all you're helping others and you'll get the added advantage of meeting new people.  

Trying new things may not always lead to something monumental but it's better than nothing.   So get up, get out, and just try something new.  

Until next time...XOXO

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Fit Chick Wednesday: My Fitness Journey



I started my fitness journey about a month ago.  I had seriously let go and nothing seemed to satisfy me.  I was slipping down a long and all to familiar hole back to the person that I used to be all because what I had planned did not come to fruition.  However, that story is for another post.  So where did I start?

Okay so to begin with I have always been thin, but in my mind I was never thin enough.  So to make a long story short I chose to partake in the very unhealthy habit of limiting my food intake.  I'm talking 1000 or less calories per day and the least that I could get away with the better.  So eventually through my extreme actions I was down to about 97 lbs.  Now at 5'7 and 24 years old this weight is considered underweight.  Soon everyone began to take notice but no one seemed to understand.  They'd joke and say that I needed to eat or even try to give me more food but in my eyes my body was perfect.  Well if I was perfect what changed?

Well around my 25th birthday my current boyfriend and I started dating and going out led to me more and eventually I gained weight but it was unhealthy weight.  Nothing about this was 'pretty' in my eyes.  However, my boyfriend was happy because as he put it, I was no longer starving myself.  So he began to hint towards me looking at healthier options if I wasn't happy with my body.  So I began researching.  Now also around this time the 'curvy movement' was in full effect and I felt as though I was lacking 'back there' if you get what I mean.  So I began my journey to get a flat stomach and a bigger butt.  Yep, it was all about aesthetics. Aesthetics?! I thought this was a fitness journey.

Yes, I began working out to become 'bootylicious' (I hate that word),
but so far working out enabled me to become more confident.  I am able to do things that never thought I'd be able to do.  I can run a mile, I can complete more than half of a push up, and I've managed to make so many friends (my gym friends).  With that confidence I stopped focusing on being curvy/skinny and more on being fit because now in my mind fit equals happy.  I've added some healthy weight and I'm not done yet.  I want to be the best me that I can be.  So now the fun part...progress pictures.

 October 2013              November 2013

We all have our idea of what our ideal body is and sometimes we need a little push to get us started.  I'm here to be that push.  Get up and get healthy.  Help your body perform at it's optimal level.  Do some research, join a gym, find a workout buddy, drink water, move around more, or waste away.  If you need help feel free to contact me, I am always willing to help and even do some research for you.

I hope you enjoyed and thank you. 

Monday, October 28, 2013

The Active Prepared Life: Limitations



Though are often physical limitations that affect us all (for example:  humans can't fly) there are no limitations on what we can accomplish (example: we made planes so that we could fly).  The only limitations that apply to us are the ones that we create for ourselves.  Often times we think of something great then never go after it because we feel as though we are not talented enough, we don't have enough experience, or aren't smart enough.  In our minds we're not good enough to accomplish what we wish for.  Now is the time to stop that.  If we think of it then we can accomplish it.  It doesn't matter what everyone else is saying.

My mom always told me, 'Let them talk, but if they had an ounce of the guts you have they'd be trying too.'  When many of us were children we did things without even thinking about the consequences.  Yes, this is dangerous when not controlled, but why can't we apply this gusto to our adult lives.  We know what's safe and unsafe.  We rationalize the hell out of our doubts.  We make our imaginary inadequacies actualities because we believe in them more than we believe in ourselves and what we can accomplish.

This is what I've been dealing with recently.  I am probably the most prominent doctor of my own limitations.  I seek a better paying job and all I think when I'm filling out applications is 'No you don't have enough experience' or 'You're not qualified for that' but it stops now.  No more limiting myself by what I believe I can accomplish.  I've accomplished a good bit so far in life but that fear of failure stops me every time I seek something better.  No more fear, any failure that I encounter will be lesson, a stepping stone of sorts because I'm not perfect and there will be shortcomings.

Goals for this week

Life:  
1. Stay positive and focused.
2. Go after what you want and don't let anyone (especially yourself) tell you that you can't do it.   

Monday, August 12, 2013

My Active/Prepared Life: Sorting Through Confusion

So as I drank my cup of hot water this morning (yep hot water, I'll explain later) and my 'roommate' began talking to me about duality (he does this a lot) I thought to myself 'what is he talking about it's much too early for this and why is he always so complicated'? 

Granted most things are complicated, rarely is there any thing that is clean cut.  However, how are these complications helping you achieve happiness?  As far as I can see these complications have only served as excuses and have only caused you stress.  If you realize that things are complicated, great.  Everything is not black and white, awesome.  But how is this helping you to make better decisions?  It should be helping you to make better decisions because if it is not then it's just creating mess.


If when asked why you feel a certain way you answer with it's complicated then you're confused.  I would even go further to suggest that knowing how you feel isn't what you want.  That anguish that you feel has so long been a part of your life that you don't know how feeling any other way would make you feel.  It would be uncomfortable and often painful.  So 'it's complicated' is now an excuse to remain where you are.  Unless of course you really are confused and of course no one ever wants to admit that they are confused or that they may not know (be ignorant of) especially when speaking of oneself.  If you don't know you, who does?  Deep down I believe we know ourselves; we just don't disclose or we have repressed what we know because honestly we just don't like what we know or discover.  For this we are in confusion and we can not come out until we at the very least admit what we know to ourselves.

If when asked how you feel regarding a specific topic (example: religion/politics) and you reply it's complicated then honestly honey you're confused.  Admit it.  You're confused and it's going to take a little more self-evaluation and contemplation to bring you out of that confusion.  It's okay to be confused.  I am definitely not saying that it is bad but I think that often people (including myself) are so concerned with not being seen as ignorant that we miss opportunities to acquire knowledge.  If it is knowledge that you seek then it is probably best not to try to be the most knowledgeable person in the room.  Now I will warn that if you seek knowledge you should be careful as to which knowledge you acquire and from where you acquire it.  There are agents out there that will corrupt you and your mind.  Thus you are back at square one>>>>>>>CONFUSION!!



So what does all this mean?  Sure things are complicated but when it becomes you're reasoning behind why you think, you act, and feel the way that you do then it's a result of mess/ignorance.  We all have it and the only way to rid yourself of it is to sort through it.  Complication should never be an excuse.  It should only be stated as a fact and once you know that it is a fact then you know what you have to do to clear it up.  Unless of course you are happy being complicated then by all means live and be happy.


Goal this week:  Simplify, reduce, and sort it out (in all categories).

Monday, July 29, 2013

My Active Prepared Life: Making the Best of It


Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.
Nido Qubein

There are things in life that we don't like but may still have to do, for example, I have to wake up early in the morning to go to work.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a morning person but I have to work in order to pay bills. So why not make the best of it?  I come in and even though I am pooped, I just make my way to the break room, get a cup of coffee, and smile.  If you have to do it make at least some aspect of it enjoyable.

Focus on the big picture but don't forget these baby steps.
Sometimes you just have to pull out the old 'I doing what I have to do' trick.  Right now you don't like it but it's going to pay off in the long run.  For instance, I am not fond of being an administrative assistant (that's not what I went to college for) but the pay is okay and it's a job. Do you know how many of my peers graduated with me and still haven't found a job.  So why would I gripe about not liking my job when it's helping me to pay bills?

Be appreciative of all the good things and quite a few of the bad things.
Sometimes it help to sit down, pull out a piece of paper, and write down what is going good/great/okay in your life.  It's not all bad, for starters you get to see another day and try for dreams.  There are a good many people who didn't wake up or they don't get to pursue their dreams.  So be thankful that you get to try again.  Also be thankful for the bad things.  Like I've stated before, you have to look for the lesson.  Take something from that pain, hell you went through it!  You came out and sure it shook you up but you're here.

Try your best.
I'd like to add that you should put in as much effort as possible when faced with any task.  I always try to put my best work out even for the most menial of tasks because my name is on it.  If I'm contributing then I want it to be the best that it can be.  You never know who is watching.

Each one has to find his peace from within.  And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.

Mahatma Gandhi


Not to compromise the importance of happiness but let's be honest sometimes the issue is not the situation it's the person.  You choose to be happy regardless of your situation.  Your dream job is not going to make you happy suddenly because it never was the issue.  This is not to say that you should not pursue your dreams.  By all means go after them but until you've met them please make the best of your current situation.   What are choosing to let upset you?  Are you in control of the situation or is the situation in control of you?

Goals
This post sums up my goals for this week.  Never one to be deterred, I will have a great week this week and I hope that you all will do the same as well.






Friday, July 19, 2013

Be Happy

"Happiness is not something ready made.  It comes from your own actions."
-Dalai Lama


When I made the decision to change the way that I live I chose to move towards happiness.  However, this proverbial pursuit of whatever happiness is has shown me that even though the word happiness can be defined, the feeling is an entity all its own and its definition depends purely on the seeker/possessor.  I don't believe that we stumble upon happiness or that what causes our despair now once fixed will result in immediate happiness (sure it will but its longevity is questionable).  No you can't just fall into happiness...it's a choice.  What you do determines whether or not you'll be happy.  You have to want happiness.  If you're broke today and about to lose your home winning the lottery may subdue your misery for some time but where there is light there is also darkness and distress is unfortunately always around the corner. You have to make an effort.  I am a believer in doing what's right, though I may not do right all the time.  You should strive to be good to yourself and to others.  Your happiness depends on you.  If you change, it will prompt change in your lifestyle, your friends, and your surroundings.  


It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.
-Aristotle Onassis



Be grateful for what you have even if it is very little not because it could always be worse but because you know it will get better.  Make your thoughts positive thoughts.  Everyday won't be a good day, it's just not possible or plausible but if even on those bad days you force yourself to focus on the positive things that are taking place in your life you'll be all the better for it.  Trust me, I was a very angry/sad person and though I will not dwell on my situation I have come a long way in this last year. Your despair, anger, or whatever you want to call it will hold you back if you let it.


"Seeing is deceiving,
Dreaming is believing,
It's okay not to be okay."
-Jessie J (Who You Are)


It's okay not to be okay.  You can not possibly be happy all the time unless there's some magical entity I don't know about.  It's not going to happen.  You could fake happiness but you're only hurting yourself.  When you feel angry, upset, sad, or miserable take the time to actually feel those feelings.  You do not have to dwell in them. Let them go after you've dealt with them.  Pain shouldn't last forever.  If you can't cope with what you feel then it's time to go seek professional help.  I say this with all the sincerity in my heart.  I don't think that depression or any feeling that may cause you to harm yourself or others is a laughing matter.  If you can't pull yourself up there are people who can help.  

Our happiness can't be found through any other means than ourselves.  Why not choose to be happy?  

Monday, July 15, 2013

My Active Prepared Life: I'm Back

"Today and for a lifetime discouragement will follow you and keep you company if you allow it to do so.  "




Discouragement and negativity are no strangers to any of us.  It is offered on a daily and regular basis it is up to each and every one of us to accept or reject it.  Don't quit because it seems to hard.  Don't give up because someone said it's impossible.  Don't retreat because you're scared.  If you fail you should fail trying.  







Life/General:
Focus on the positive, reject the negative.
Focus on my goals.
No more potty mouth. Yep, I say bad words.

Health/Fitness:
Drink water all week.
Work out 5 days this week.

Finance:
No more spending.

It's going to be a great week with many accomplishments.  It does not matter who told you that your dream is impossible.  Do not dwell in negativity and discouragement.  Be happy even if trouble is around the corner...it sure beats being down.


Monday, July 1, 2013

My Active Prepared Life #2: Goals This Week

Disclaimer:  Let me start out by saying that by posting these goals I am letting everyone who reads this into my life.  I like my privacy and doing this actually makes me very uncomfortable but it is what's best because by announcing my goals to my readers I am establishing some accountability as many of you pointed out in my initial post that summarized the plan (The Active Prepared Life). Thank you for reading and coming on this journey with me. 

Categories:
Life/General
Health/Fitness
Career
Financial


This week there are only four categories because after completing last weeks goals in the 'love' category.  My relationship with my significant other has improved tremendously thus leaving me feeling very secure.  So I removed that category because at the moment my love life is satisfactory.  If I begin to feel anything less than secure I'll definitely revisit that category.  Now onto this weeks goal.

Life/General
1.  Meditate/Pray daily
2.  Actively think positive thoughts

Health/Fitness
1.  Work out at least 5 days this week
2.  Eat Clean

Career
1.  Assist whenever needed
2. Ask for more responsibilities

Finance
1.  Create a budget
2.  No more spending


Friday, June 28, 2013

This Week In Retrospect: Positivity

I hope everyone had an awesome week that was productive as well as inspiring.  Here's a rundown of my week thus far:

    • Started the 'active/prepared' lifestyle
    • Spent much needed time with friends/family
    • Came back from a wonderful vacation
    • Began a new healthy lifestyle routine (more on that later)

  I chose to focus on positivity this week because even though those things that I've done sound great I still had plenty of opposition.  I had to overcome issues at work, toothaches (extreme, migraine inducing toothaches), and a slew of other family/personal issues.  However, I figured if I just keep a positive attitude and think positive thoughts then the pain will only last for a little while.  It made an extreme difference this week (I was getting beat up left and right).  We don't have to feel bad.  There is no rule that you have to feel like crap when you're having a crappy day.  You are allowed to be bubbly if it makes you feel better.  There's no need to beat yourself up if circumstances/your boss/your body/your family is already doing a good job of beating you up.

This week in My Active Prepared Life
I honestly thought that since I had a plan integrating this new system would be easy.  Boy was I wrong.  It is hard work trying to better yourself.  It's even harder to watch people (friends/family) shun you when you want to live a better life.  I foresee plenty of these goals being revisited in the weeks to come. However, I did see improvement in my overall well-being and ability to handle situations.  Meditation and prayer have helped with my anxieties.  I received many compliments at work regarding my improvements.  So far it's been tedious but worth it.  

Until next time be happy if it makes you feel good.  

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The Active Prepared Life #1: Goals This Week

Let me start out by saying that by posting these goals I am letting everyone who reads this into my life.  I like my privacy and doing this actually makes me very uncomfortable but it is what's best because by announcing my goals to my readers I am establishing some accountability as many of you pointed out in my initial post that summarized the plan (The Active Prepared Life). Thank you for reading and coming on this journey with me. 

Categories:
Life/General
Love
Health/Fitness
Career
Financial

These are the areas in my life that I feel need the most improvement.  Each week I will set goals in these categories aimed at cultivating a more healthy and happy lifestyle for myself.  Goals and categories may be removed and also revisited.  The goal is continual improvement and the integration of this system into my lifestyle.  So here goes...

Life/General
1.  Meditate/Pray for 15mins daily
2.  Actively think positive thoughts

Love
1.  Call my boyfriend at least once a day
2.  Express concerns about relationship

Health/Fitness
1.  Work out at least 5 times a week
2.  Only drink water (green tea & protein shake are allowed)

Career
1.  Assist wherever needed
2.  Complete tasks as they come to you

Finance
1.  Do not lend money
2.  Only purchase necessities

I chose two goals per category this week because I did not want this process to be a burden.  I think two goals should suffice until I get into this.  Once again thank you for reading.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Happenings This Weekend #2

As you all know I am currently on vacation but I am taking a little time to update you all on what has been going on while I've been on vacation.  My boyfriend and I departed for Florida on Saturday.  While the trip there was great when we got there Expedia conveniently (extreme sarcasm) decided that at that point they would contact us and let us know that something had gone wrong with the reservation.  Meaning that we would not be in the hotel that we wanted to be in.  This is after all monies had been paid.  We had planned to stay on the beach but instead we had to be moved to a hotel that was about 10 minutes away.  I generally do not partake in negative reviews but I definitely will not be utilizing Expedia again.  It may not have been Expedia's fault that there was in issue with the hotel but to tell us 30 minutes before check-in after claiming to have tried to contact us is not acceptable.

Well after we got to the hotel we decided to tidy up then go to the beach and it was amazing.  I loved it and I've said it many times but the beach is my favorite place to be during the summer.  It was absolutely amazing.  The guys played football on the beach while I relaxed, frolicked, and had a cocktail or two.  The view was breathtaking.  Then we went out to eat and partake in the festivities that night.  Yesterday we relaxed and went sightseeing.  I am definitely having fun and not looking forward to returning to work tomorrow.  Below are a few pictures that I took while on our adventure to the beach.

My swimsuit and messy hotel bed.
View on the beach
Amazing
Sunset..goodnight beach.




Friday, June 14, 2013

This Week In Retrospect: Pulling it All Together


So this week (like every other week) had it's ups and downs.  Some things didn't go as planned while others went so smoothly you would have thought it took months to plan.  However, this week did let me see just how focused I am in accomplishing the goals that I have set for myself.

Here are a few goals (some short-term) that I have set for myself that I hope to will accomplish


  • Move into my own place (by myself)
  • Blog on a regular basis
  • Amass a substantial emergency savings
  • Earn my certification in Spanish
  • Exercise on a regular basis
  • Pay off debt...ALL OF IT!
It may not seem like a lot but these are just the big ones.  There are plenty of other things to accomplish as well.  This week my main focus has been organizing everything so that accomplishing these goals happens with as little stress as possible.  Well we all know that nothing comes without obstacles but the point is to not become overwhelmed with what I do have planned and the obstacles when they come my way.  There is a lot of tedious work in becoming successful and living a fulfilling life.  This weekend I urge everyone to look at their goals, focus on the steps it takes to accomplish them, and go after them  with everything in your arsenal. 


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Book Review: The Total Money Makeover


Disclaimer:  All books and/or items that I review were bought with my own money unless stated otherwise.  I am not being paid to endorse any product or service that I review.  These reviews are based off of my experience and my experience only unless otherwise stated.  So now that I have that out of the way let's get into this book.



This guy is so cool.
(My Personal Background)
After months of worrying about my financial stability, I finally decided to take action and it all began with Google.  Yep, my long-time friend with whom I've discovered many unique and interesting tidbits while exploring the outer regions of boredom.  I typed in 'financial well-being' and of course good old Suze (Suze Orman for those who just came out from under their rocks) and this other fellow Dave Ramsey popped up.  Well I've heard of his radio show (never listened, yikes!) and he seemed to know enough so I sauntered over to his website daveramsey.com where I spent the rest of my day learning all sorts of useful information including the fact the he wrote a book...The Total Money Makeover.  Well it doesn't take much to convince me so I bought the book on Amazon (for download on Kindle).

(Actual Review & Gushing)
 Let me start out with THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!  Not only does it let you know how to gain your financial footing but it gives you a plan to do it.  There are steps, but not the normal crappy teeny baby steps that leave you feeling like you could have had a V8 instead...nope these steps (after completing of course) leave you feeling like you getting out of debt is simple and he explains that it is, but it is also uncomfortable.  You're going to have to give up old money habits and adopt new ones and by now we all know change is uncomfortable.  Nevertheless I love this book.  It includes success stories, helpful quotes, and financial advice that you can really use.  Dave Ramsey has been through what he's teaching and knows what he is talking about.  He didn't just learn a bunch of principles then spit them out at us expecting that we understand.  He went from bankruptcy to where he is now, he lived what he is teaching.  I would recommend this book to everyone.  It is awesome and I realize that I am a little late reading this book but it was worth it.  The information that he gives is absolutely still relevant and everyone should have a copy.  The Total Money Makeover is what you need if your financial situation is looking pretty bad (let's cut the crap you're in some deep mess) and you desire to reach financial security.  I plan to read his other books, listen to his radio show, and if my boss doesn't mind I'd like to spend 3-4 hours of my workday on his website (I'm joking). Thank you Mr. Ramsey.

Financial stability, not just the ability to buy nice things, is my ultimate goal and I feel as though this book is as good a place as any to start.  I will begin my makeover now and I hope that this book can inspire others like me to do the same.  Thanks for reading!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Monday Inspiration #2

I love the idea of inspiration on Mondays. It's the beginning of the week and it feels like a fresh new start.  So why not start the week out happy, fulfilled, and with a little bit of inspiration?








I hope that everyone has a productive a joyous day. 

-Until next time