Not Just a Dreamer

Dream on, dreamer.

Close your eyes, and lay it all out. All of those attainable desires. There’s power in visualizing. There’s beauty in manifestation. Let’s go to the place where we do not lack confidence. The place where abundance is true. It’s real. Let’s dance the dance of dreams becoming reality. Let’s pray our love reaches far and wide, to places uncountable. Dream on, dreamer, for you have no limitations. For any and all is possible, because you are real, and was once nothing at all.

Dream on…

Her Words.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina – on what would have been her seventy-ninth birthday. 

My grandmother would always say, “I wish you all the lucks in the world.”

On every card, for birthdays and graduations, she faithfully wished me all the lucks in the world. Her simple words, were not so simple to me. I wondered why she wished more than one luck. Deep down inside, I felt touched by her spirit – and even when it was written in a card, I could hear her voice saying the words so clearly. Sweet and simple, with grace and confidence. She wished it for me, because she knew it was possible to have luck in the world. That pleasant memory of her is etched on my soul.

In some selfish way, I began to believe that she actually wished me the world. That she wished me great purpose in the world. That she wished me to see the world. That she wished me to make a difference in the lives of people in the world. I translated her words to mean that she wished for me to learn as much about the world, and to travel the world, and to share my spirit with the world. I’d like to believe that she wished me to seek out my talents and place them ever so humbly in the world. Perhaps she wanted me to see the world as my school, a place where learning never-ends. What if she meant for me to see what the world has to offer, and confidently go after whatever I desired? She could have easily meant she wished for my safety in the world. Perhaps finding genuine love in the world. Having good health. Financial stability. Peace of mind. I believe she wanted me to do some of the things she wished for herself, but she would never say that. She would just wish me all the lucks in the world. She would have never disclosed to me that she wished she could have been a dressmaker, if I didn’t ask. It wasn’t about her dreams and her sacrifices. It wasn’t about her past decisions. It was a message of hope to her granddaughter, that the world has so much going on, and she simply wanted me to be well in it. I believe she wanted me to live purposefully, not letting too much time go by without seeing my dreams come true. She didn’t place any specific ideas in my mind. Her words were careful. Perhaps, general. I believe they were plentiful. Those words were full of love, hope, and imagination.

My grandmother passed away shortly after her seventieth birthday. I’d like to believe she had many experiences in the world. One may see her message as simple, as something anyone would wish for their loved ones. It’s true. Many grandparents must wish this for their grandchildren. Many parents must wish this for children. The variety of life experiences in this world are inevitable. There’s much good, bad, and ugly. Wishing luck or blessings are prayers for peaceful paths. The luck brings about a light of hope, it brings about a purpose to inspire, it brings about the drive to live before you die.

In the case no one has told you once before, accept this message:

“I wish you all the lucks in the world!” – my grandmother

 We can all use a little luck… 

The Sun

84DFA172-5D87-48FC-A6A0-DE1A78E622C7.jpegMae Ra Moe, Thailand. 2018. 

Today, once again, from a tent on a beach, at 6:42 AM, I watched with amazement, the sun presenting itself to the day, as each time is the first time. It reminds me of the opportunity we have as people to enter the day, brand new, with style and grace. There were hues of light blue, purple, orange, and pink that were sprinkled throughout the sky, almost as if it were a red carpet for the sun’s arrival. When it happened, when I noticed the first sight of the tip of the sun, I became excited yet again, for something I’ve seen multiple times before, and when it came into full view, just like the ending to a classic movie, I wanted to give it a standing ovation. I almost wanted to cry. Just like that, taking in something so simple, as a sunrise, has reminded me yet again of the possibilities in life.

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Phuket, Thailand. 2018

It’s the 27th day, and from the sands of Phuket, I sat still until the spirit moved me to write. During that stillness, so much flashed through my mind. I remembered moments of being in love, moments of mourning, moments of celebrating new life, moments of celebrating personal successes, moments of experiencing new things for the first time, moments of landing in countries I’ve always dreamed of visiting, moments of witnessing my very own dreams coming true. Then I was moved to pick up a book and continue reading, when it hit me.

I’m reading an inspiring story written by Bill Strickland, “Make the Impossible Possible.” This is becoming one of my favorite reads after The Alchemist, The Four Agreements and The Book of Awakening.

In the book, Bill Strickland shares his story of building a dream that he didn’t originally plan for himself, but because he’s a man who simply follows his heart and trusts his intuition, has been led to unveil an inspiring reality that has come to positively impact and transform the lives of many people, people who would have never believed in themselves if it weren’t for the opportunities Bill Strickland was able to present to them – had he not listened to his gut and fought to make all that seemed impossible, possible. It’s a story that reminds me of the powers that lie within the combination of harwork, faith, determination, consistency, and a heart to do good.

The chapter I just finished reading was the fuel I needed to keep the flame burning of all of the new dreams I have for myself, and it said to me ever so clearly that I must not scale back any of my hopes and dreams, because they’re all possible and necessary.

I have goals of connecting with more people, of presenting an opportunity for students to learn in a new way, of reaching new levels of creative artistic expression, of immersing myself in new lands and cultures, of learning new languages and carving a path that will lead me to connect my way back to my roots. There’s so much more to this life, without a doubt, and impossible is nothing as long as the sun is out.

How Far I’ll Go.

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Bali, Indonesia. 2017.

Happy is also the girl who quits a job that would prevent her from making dreams come true!

Happy is the girl who takes risks.

Happy is the girl who prefers to be optimistic.

Happy is the girl (this girl), who travels the world!

With each day, I realize the true power of my thoughts, and I am constantly noticing my life shifting. “Change the way you see things, and the things you see will change,” right?

Right!

As time carries on, I find myself enthused by tapping into the secrets of life, realizing that all I have to do is remain in alignment with what makes me happy, and indulge in that! I’m a curious being, and that curiosity forces me to wander, fearlessly. Embracing the magic of change! I just want to experience things for myself, and connect with others!

Anyone who knows me, is well aware that I love to write, travel, paint, work with children, did I say travel? I’m really grateful for the people in my life who pay attention, and support my dreams. Over the summer, my brother sent me a link to apply for a travel program called Remote Year. He somehow got an idea that it would be perfect for me.  I don’t like to drag out a story, so short story long, lol – just kidding… long story short, I applied, was accepted, and I leave to travel the world with a group of 50 other people in the next few days! Over the course of a year, myself, and this group will be living in 12 different international cities for a month at a time. If this is something you’ve ever considered, imagined, dreamed of, check it out – Remote Year!

Happiness is possible. I really don’t know how far I’ll go, but on my way, I’m taking all of my dreams with me – to the line where the sky meets the sea, the trees, the bees, the everything! I’m excited to actually focus on blogging about my travels, and I’m curious to know what my audience would like for me to share. Comment below!

In just a few days, I’ll be living in Croatia, for a month!

If it’s a dream of yours, get to work, because it’s so possible of becoming your life!

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

“The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.”

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

“The journey is the destination.”

“Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people.”

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Live a Lot

Slow down. Everyday will not be the same, no matter how strict we are with our routines. That’s the beauty in life, the unexpected. The sharp turns, and whether or not we are prepared to make them, even when we’re used to going straight. We’re supposed to be living flexible lives, taking the good with the bad. I’m no robot, so forgive me if I’m late, if I need a break, if I messed something up, if I forgot, if I didn’t respond, if I said “no,” if I didn’t stop to say hello, if I did something without telling you, if I didn’t apologize, if I was too blunt, if I disregarded your feelings, if I didn’t have pity for you, if I didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear, if I wasn’t honest, if I put myself first – please, oops, my bad, forgive me.

My true core self always speaks, as a doer. As doers, we simply say less. We are addicted to taking it all in, and getting things done. Who has time to talk about it! We are too busy manifesting. We’re quietly planning, observing, strategizing, and making moves to bring about all that we want in our lives. Everyone else may only see the results of that hard work, and then questions how it gets done. That there is the problem, too much talking. It’s great to ask questions, but there comes a point where you should actually begin to apply the information shared!

We are not perfect. It’s so interesting, because as much as we know this is impossible, we still strive for perfection. Why is that? Why does everything have to be so “perfect?” Let’s just live simply, and do all things with love. Let’s just follow the four agreements presented so clearly by Don Miguel Ruiz: Be Impeccable with Your Word, Don’t Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best, and my favorite Don’t Take Anything Personally. Yes, let’s do that! Let’s be filled with the same positive energy, so that we eventually become in sync, and on a frequency that will actually help make this world a better place. Stop striving for perfection, stop comparing, stop judging, stop criticizing, stop hating, stop hurting others, stop killing others, just stop! Be still, and feel the shift. We actually have the power to change things, not to make them perfect, just to shift gears, and make them better!

I want my children to grow up in a world with people who are compassionate. Women need to step up, take their place, know their power and worth, stop trying to please others, and live in truth! Get back to nature, that’s where all the answers are placed, right before our natural eyes!

Slow down, and let’s stop saying we don’t have time for this or that. We don’t know how much time we have! That’s plain and simple. If your mom wants you to give her a call, pick up the phone. Your kids want to play hide and seek with you, get to hiding! Your passion is burning a hole through your heart because you keep ignoring it, you just may kill yourself before you actually die. Time is of the essence, so take breaks when necessary, take action when necessary, stop striving for perfection, stop the comparison, do your best, live in the moment, spread the love, and embrace it all!

Oh yeah, and go on that trip you’ve been talking about for so long! What are you waiting for? Take some control, place fear in the trash, get the credit card, book the flight (with or without a travel buddy), pack your carry-on bag (less is more), and when you get there, smile, because you actually made it happen! In this life, we’re to make new mistakes, have new experiences, and not live so much in routine or fear. Ride the bike, take the fall, get back up, and get back to it! Do just that. Live, a lot.

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San Francisco, California. 2014

Unfiltered.

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Brooklyn, NY 2015.

Recording… We typically say, “honesty is the best policy.” Then we cover up in many ways. In moments of extreme comfort, we may take the opportunity to unveil our true selves, slowly. Spirit listeners, we are stepping further into a life of freedom. We are making the best decisions we can, for ourselves! We are removing the suits, the hats, the wigs, the false eyelashes, the labels, social circles, the lies, the drinks, the drugs, the caffeine, the filters, the pretense, and all things that contribute to the people we really don’t agree with being. We are becoming more honest, and mindful of every feeling and every action. We are moving closer to things that come naturally to us, because we are feeling natural within. We are beginning to see one another for who we really are. I want to see you. I want you to see me. Let’s not lie. Let’s not cover up. Let’s remove the filters. We are proving to others that they can trust and believe us, and believe in us, and understand our loyalty. We are letting down our guards, and paying attention to ourselves. We love who we are, especially when we’re in our natural state. We’ve also noticed that we attract the people and lifestyle that’s destined for us, because we’re not pretending. Life is awesome in this light of living. We feel comfortable sharing with others how amazing this journey can be. Not everyone will understand. The misunderstanding creates annoyance. All it really takes is getting to the basics. Real recognizes real. If people don’t respect your natural living, it’s because they’re struggling to get to that place. It’s definitely not easy. There are too many pressures to “keep up” and “carry on.” We, spirit listeners, are diving deep. We’re moving away from trying to “keep up” with a life of fiction, saving that for the books we write. We’re moving away from trying to cover up our faces and our personalities, saving that for Halloween. We’re working toward being unfiltered, everyday.

“Ask yourself what is really important, and then have the courage to build your life around your answer.”

“If only our eyes saw souls instead of bodies, how very different our ideals of beauty would be.”

“She threw away all of her masks, and put on her soul.”

“There is beauty in simplicity.”

“You are naturally beautiful, when you are yourself.”

“Being different is one of the most beautiful things on earth. Embrace your YOUness.”

“Beauty isn’t about having a pretty face. It’s about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart, and a pretty soul.”

“No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful.”

“A confident girl doesn’t show off her naked body, she shows off her naked face.”

“Blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.”

“Spend less time in the mirror and more time feeling wonderful.”

“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”

“Being natural is not a statement. It’s the closest I can get to being myself.”

Be true, to yourself!

 

Grace.

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Montego Bay, Jamaica, 2016

It was so peaceful atop the rock, which was perfectly positioned for one to take in such astonishing natural beauty. Wow, Jamaica – you’re gorgeous. There was such a strong sense of stillness as I sat there, taking a moment to be grateful for all I am, and all I have. I admit, again and again, “It’s the simple things that makes me happy.” It’s life’s purest and most innocent beauties that I admire so much. In those moments, I am reminded to show gratitude for good health. Not great or excellent health, because I believe we all suffer from some sense of mental, physical, spiritual and emotional imbalance. I’m grateful for loving and supportive family and friends, opportunities to travel, living dreams out loud as an author and artist, and working in an admirable field of education where everyone around me is helping to inspire and teach children (our future). I love this quote, “When you change the way you see things, the things you see will change.” I believe that to be true. It is all about perspective. So, when I think of the guardian angels that have been placed in my life over time as my very own spiritual guides, I am now viewing them from an angle of appreciation. Physical loss of near and dear loved ones may be the greatest form of pain that any human endures, but we get to a point where we are even grateful that their spirit carries on. As much as we miss sounds of their laughter, warm hugs, and kind words, it’s comforting to know that they are always in our hearts and guiding our steps. Over time, the light in which we see them shifts from darkness. It does not have to be sad forever…because we all know we’re going some day, and when that day comes we’ll become guardian angels ourselves. Losing their laughter, warm hugs and kind words, should only encourage us to laugh more, hug more and speak kindly to others, as often as we can. Our guardian angels feed our destiny. They are light. It is a struggle to always see them in this way, but it is the best way. So, I’m grateful for them, everyday, in every way. I try my best to keep an attitude of gratitude, because I’ve noticed that when I’m gracious and grateful, blessings that were never even imagined begins to surface, and my life experiences truly turn out to be just as beautiful as nature.