Black & White [colors]

If people had eyes, then why doesn't everything appear to be beautiful. Yeah, there's always going to be an ugly truth, but it doesn't mean we have to sulk in it. I like to find the beauty in all things black and white. Lean towards the brighter side of life. Live a little. It's totally okay to have fun. Take life with a grain of salt, even if it's a bit too much for your taste buds. Believe me, it's much easier that way.

... oh and don't forget to smile! 

Vision

Don't ever think that you will not make it far. We all have eyes and we all have the ability to see, even if we are seeing with our hearts. We must all have a vision.

It's all the little things that sometimes get us down. We allow so many obstacles to distract us from our goals which keep us far from reaching the end. In times like these it is essential to take a step outside of the box, to gaze inward, in order to see what is truly going on. Our minds easily trick us into doubt and self-destruction. But, how much easier could it be if we simply said, "no!" to these attacks. Your mind is not your enemy, it is your friend. But, we've all got to learn how to maintain our thoughts, then our actions will follow.

When we have a vision, we have motivation. The beautiful images painted in our minds, gives us reason to work towards something amazing. It is essential to believe in our dreams. Never think that it is unattainable, because at that slightest thought, you are making it impossible for yourself. It is simply a matter of when, not if! Patience, persistence, and a heart of hope will guide you swiftly to your dreams. Now that is a vision worth working towards.

Always have a vision. Always have a dream. Always believe in yourself. Your spirit will flourish.

Risk

                                                                     “Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don't be sorry.” 
                                                                                                         ― Jack Kerouac

It is in our innate nature to take risks. From the early beginnings of humanity until present day, man has relied upon risk for survival. Hunter gatherers needed to take risks at an attempt to capture their prey, an act that could have meant death. If not for risk, the human population would not have made it this far. Risk runs thick in our blood.

To take a risk is to step outside of our comfort zone, to leave behind a world that is all too familiar to us. One may wonder, why take a chance, why risk it all? Well, for those who don't know, constantly chasing after the unknown, is like trying to quench a thirst that only risk can satisfy. Living a life of uncertainty may be illogical and dangerous, but it brings forth feelings of accomplishment and an adrenaline rush that can't be beat. Thriving on risk is like no other.


True adventure can only be witnessed through the eyes of a risk-taker, willing to lose it all. This world is too big and too beautiful to let it all slip by. If you really want to know the secret of living a real life, this is it... to leave your bubble that you call home and venture to a foreign land. Take with you what you need, leave behind the rest. Carry an open mind and a pocket full of courage. You will see the world how it really is and it will make you a better person, undoubtedly. So I end on this note...

Don't be afraid to get lost, it's scarier to never find yourself at all.

Forever

I want to live free, forever. I want to be led by the Spirit of love, forever. I desire to be close to Him forever. I will strive to lead a life as simple and as pure as I am capable of, forever. I will be a beautiful soul forever. You know, there are many distractions in this world that keep us from becoming who we are meant to be, that keep us from finding truth in this life. However, for me I am blessed to have found the sunlit path.

I could sit here and question, why me? But, instead I am grateful for the way my life has been unraveling. For the past three years, I have been finding the answers that help me to become a better person every single day. It is by the grace of God that I could have the opportunity to shine so bright. There is beauty all around me and the more I learn, the closer I get to my higher destiny. I am constantly meeting people who make my day, or whom I am given a chance to brighten theirs. I may be only one little girl in this big world, but I am making a huge difference.

I don't mean on a large scale. I don't have any desires to make a huge impression on the human population. I don't need fame nor fortune to feel like I've changed the world, made it a better place. I am simply content with a smile a day. I have this belief that if I've made one person smile a day, then I've made a significant difference in the world. By sharing my love with those around me in a purely giving way, I am doing more than what is asked of me, I am being faithful. I may not have all the means to support a million people, but what little I have and what little I share, is plenty.

When you feel like you've not done enough, just think of what you do have and what you can do for the world. You can change the world. As a matter of fact, you are changing the world. When you find your reflection staring back, say to yourself, it's not what you're looking at, it's what you see. What do you see? You can be forever free.


In this life, beyond everything ugly in this world, look around and see the wondrous beauty.
"We must be the change we wish to see in the world." - Ghandi.

                                                                         Photo by: Will Corvatte

The Art of Happiness

I am not perfect, I am not an angel, I am not a saint. I am a human, constantly stirred by my emotions. The ups and downs that carry me through life are like the valleys and rivers of a mountain range. When I overcome one hill, standing atop, I am only led to realize that there are going to be many more downhill treks before I am to reach my next height. And when I climb the next hill, I am stronger, greater than I was before. But, sometimes when I am standing tall, surrounded by distant obstacles and past trails, I become overwhelmed with the sight before me.

How many times have you reached you're desired destination, only to find that you have many more miles to go? We humans have the tendency to think that when all is falling into place, nothing may go wrong. For me, when circumstances work in my favor, I become overjoyed with gratitude and contentment, yet it is times like these that sometimes pave way for my destruction.

When I am standing on the top of my world, often I forget to see the things that could cause distraction from furthering my goals. And when I let my guard down, this is when I am vulnerable to attacks, whether it be my own mind or an outsiders aggression.

Yet, a midst times like these, I know what I must do to persevere, and then again it is times like these, that it is so hard for me to listen to my own advice... staying true to myself is what I must always do to make it back to the top, however distant the travel.

We all struggle, we all strive, we all want to be apart of something greater then ourselves. We all yearn to live our dreams. And in order to pursue such aspirations, we must always know that happiness is an intangible gift, only given from ourselves to ourselves. I learned the hard way, that investing happiness in another being, is like walking on a pirate's plank. Teetering at the edge of a tiny surface, I could have dropped at any moment, with no ground in sight. And when I realized that happiness is what comes from the inside, I was at peace.

The art of happiness is a creation of the soul, pouring from the inside, out into the Universe. Overflowing with love, happiness is a signature of bliss, of peace, of euphoria. It is the laughter that floods our mouths, the smiles that burn our cheeks, and  the eyes of a dreamer, a dreamer who walks the valleys and crosses the rivers without giving up hope, the dreamer who pursues her goals, trying not to look back, eyes forward. I am a dreamer destined to climb to the highest mountain peak, and when I am standing atop, I will cherish the happiness that will consume me.

Give Wholeheartedly

Last Sunday I was nearing the end of my shift at work. While I was standing at the front of the restaurant ready to clock out, a woman walks in with her child in a stroller. She asked, "Do you know where there is a church where I can pick up some pampers for my baby?" I am unfamiliar with the surrounding area so I was, so I thought, useless. However, after realizing that none of my co-workers could or would help her, it suddenly hit me... (Steph, you must help her!)

I quickly spoke up before she could turn her back, I looked her in the eyes and timidly said, "I'll help you." This woman was practically startled, she couldn't comprehend the idea of a stranger helping her in such a way. But, I reassured her, I was willing to help.

We walked across the street to the market to buy the pampers. I was on a mission to change this ladies day. I had not the slightest clue how pricey pampers were, but I tried to zone the money matters out. All I really cared about was that I was embracing the act of giving.

As we strolled up the aisle where the pampers lay stashed, I asked the mother what her babies name was. His name is Christian, 2 years old. I glimpsed down at him as he sat there with a smile pasted to his face, his young eyes sparkling. Words truly cannot describe the feeling Christian gave me in that moment.

As we approached check-out the woman was telling me how she isn't used to asking for help. Her whole life she's tried to make it on her own living in New York City. I told her how important it is to never be hesitant in asking others for help, because I know for one, I'd not be where I am today if I hadn't asked. And for two, she wouldn't have met me if she didn't feel the need to ask her initial question.

Giving wholeheartedly always leaves me with such a vibrant feeling. I strive to live my life according to the virtue of treating others the way I want to be treated. And I always try to remember the times when I needed help the most, and those people who gave to me with their heart.

Mariane, was her name, and she was a blessing in disguise. Although I had provided her with a deed, it was she who uplifted me. And in return, I uplifted her. 

One Love

"So, why do you go by the name One Love?", I asked, as we walked over to my car for inspection. He responded, "Because, One Love a blessing," and warmly chuckled. I repeated to myself what he had just said in a low whisper as if it all made sense, I smiled. Right then and there, I knew this would be a very interesting encounter.

We made our way back to his small auto shop garage and briefly discussed prices for a minor repair on my four wheeled creature. But onto the more important stuff...

Following this conversation, he grabbed a book that bore great character. The original book being published in 1925, I could see the age and perfection of a book that has been read many times before. The faded blue hardcover with yellowing pages, were all a grand introduction to the golden etched title, "The Law of Success". It was quite apparent how appreciative One Love was to have such a book in his possession as he held it close to his chest upon presenting it to me. I could tell he couldn't wait to share with me.

He took a seat at his small square desk and began to skim through the pages. I asked if I could take a peek and stumbled across a message that stuck out like a sore thumb. "Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will, and energy to execute your ideas." (Henry Ford)

Isn't it so important to carry enthusiasm wherever we go. It is this characteristic which enables us to stay motivated and moving, carrying us forward towards our desires and goals. When we forget what it is we are striving for, maybe we should take a moment to reflect on the beginnings of our journey toward a specific goal, to picture a moment when we had the brightest sparkles in our eyes, for that sparkle is the sheerest sign of success.

When that sparkle is reignited I like to believe it is our inner light shining outward, allowing us to harmonize with the Universe. The sparkle in One Love's eyes gave me comfort and confidence that we can all be successful if we believe in ourselves.

Transform. Transgress. Truly express the Oneness that we all share. We are One Love.