Play ball

To challenge oneself is the name of the game this week. Personally, Monday started a little slow. We are now into Wednesday, even though it's almost over, and so far so good. Hopefully I'm not alone...

With Thursday fast approaching, I hope you've made the best of this week so far. Only two more days to go. Lets kick this weeks a&%!

Nicole

I challenge me

Monday, Monday...

The last few weeks I've been dealing with a small internal battle. Ever get one of those? You may know the feeling. The feeling like your head is going through this tug of war. To be or not to be productive...this is my delima.

Working out has always been a big part of my life, lately I just haven't been that enthusiastic about it  and  I've just been taking it easy. Not that big of a deal right? Well, I'm sure at different times, and whatever the situation, at some point you've felt that internal struggle of what you should or should not do. You also make up your mind if you want to act on it or not.

That was exactly what I was going through, but how could I break the cycle? The answer came pretty clearly. What if I just challenged myself? If I'm wanting to get results and know what I need to do in order to get them, then I challenge myself to do it. Time to be my own cheerleader.

The battles we face internally are real, but in order to move forward, we have to push ourselves and do it because we know we can. It's so easy to think and say what you want, you can talk and talk and question your lack of results, but you know the truth. There isnt really much effort on your part trying to get what you want, nor is there any enthusiasm and devotion to attaining it either. But, I don't have to explain to much, you know, when you go for it, commit and go for it, that's when you really see yourself in a different light.

It's already Monday, so the week is rolling. For the remainder of the week, I challenge you to challenge yourself. What is it that you keep saying you need to do but haven't done it yet? Challage yourself to complete whatever it is. Just go for it, like Nike.

Nicole

These things happen

In our everyday lives,  whether you admit it or not, at some point you will pass judgment on someone...

Pretty good opening huh?

Nobody really wants to admit it, but we all judge in different ways. We judge fashion, food, music, sports, and the big one, each other.

We see it played out in the media all the time. There are television shows, news programs, and websites, where this is spot lighted. It's in magazines, newspapers and as we all know, the list keeps going. Ever notice how  quick we are to judge one another? Its pretty incredible. The average amount of time it takes to judge someone from one introduction, is seven seconds. That's insane!

I have been on both sides of the coin.  There are a number of times I immediately pasted judgement on someone. Some of my thoughts were insensitive, judgmental, and crude. And at the same time, there are people out there who are making assumptions about me and my story. They are likely passing judgement the exact same way I was. 

Sadly, passing judgement is something we all posses. However, if you choose to break part of the cycle, you 100% can. 

I believe when you allow yourself to have an open mind and just take in this new exchange with someone, judging doesn't seem to exist. In that moment, you are interested in an authentic introduction and pleasant interaction. 

I'm sure everyone has heard the saying "you never know what someone's going through". But, it's absolutely true. We each have a story. All of us are going through our own personal battle. 

Try to keep that in mind next time you feel the urge to immediately start talking smack about the "weird" looking lady heading into the grocery store and wearing mismatched shoes and clothing. Maybe she's homeless and grabbed the only clothes she could from the shelter. Maybe she has some brain damage, or, she could be slowly slipping into dementia and has no next of kin to watch after her. 

The point is, don't be so quick to judge if you can. You just never know...

Nicole 

The moments that make us human

As human beings, we feel on many levels. Our emotions go from one extreme to the other. They range in depth, time, spans, and much more. Whenever we get a dose of reality, whether it's good or bad, it does something to us. It reminds us of the creatures we are and just how different we are from any other species.

There have been plenty of situations I've find myself in, and I'm sure I'm not alone, where reality has slapped me in the face. Anytime I've lost a loved one or have been around someone else who has lost someone time stops for a moment, and in that moment it comes to light that someday this will happen to us. We will leave this world. It is one of the purest and most shocking moments we can have. It reminds us that this is part of our human destiny, one day, we will be no more.

The same goes with helping those in need. Let's say, you come from a good home, a good family, you have a roof over your head, food on your plate, and a place to sleep. Then you go on Facebook or youtube and see videos of folks who have none of those things. People that are homeless and search for scarps of food in the trash. Again, in that moment time stops and we see the reality of being human. We see that things like this exist and happen on a daily basis. Then we see people reach out to those in need. We see the love we as humans posses to help our fellow man.

Whenever I catch an article or video of someone who has persevered through adversity, or is determined to write a new narrative for themselves  after some life altering event, I see what we as humans are all about. I see how strong we are and just how special we are and how deep, I mean really deep we can go. 

We are unlike anything else in this world, and to quote the fabulous Gene Wilder, a.k.a, Willy Wonka:

And if you really think about it, we are. We are surrounded by life. Each of us has felt what being human truly is and how we stand apart. So its OK to feel emotions, its OK to indulge in life, and its OK to be who we are. Through out our lives, we continually have moments that remind us we are who we are. Try to learn and appreciate whatever you can from each one. They were put there for a reason... 

Nicole

Reality, tv shows, madness, and self esteem

Reality TV, how silly you are to me.

Though I find myself getting sucked in from time to time

by your crazy debauchery.

From House wives, to tour buses, bar rescues and more,

 guilty pleasures to me, but nothing more.

Why, one might might ask,

I'll tell you my friend.

Seeing craziness ensue...

sometimes isn't so bad.

I think about my life,

and the people around,

craziness like what I see on TV,

is no where to be found.

So watching these shows is truly

a guilty pleasure at best, also

a self esteem booster,

I mean, have you seen some of those hot mess?

We all have guilty pleasures. Whether it's indulging in ice cream,  taking long baths, late night snacks, fuzzy socks,  you name it and it's probably a guilty pleasure of somebody. Mine just happens to be really horrible reality shows. You know the kind I'm talking about, people getting in verbal fights for the most ridiculous reasons,  pointing fingers at one another, uncovering scandalous revelations that aren't really that scandalous at all. I think I painted the picture for you. Yes, that is my guilty pleasure.  The main reason why it is such a guilty pleasure is because seeing these people getting aggravated over the pettiest things, makes me feel really good about myself and those around me. I'm no angel, but I feel like a saint after I watch some of these reality shows.

My point is, everyone has their own guilty pleasure, the one little thing that lets them release a little bit of steam and just indulge for a little while. I think a guilty pleasure, in a way, is a sort of escape.  Your brain turns off for a little while and you just enjoy.

The other guilty pleasure I have, and I'll admit it, I like stupid pop music. That's right I said it, with certain pop songs, I go into another world and just let go for a bit, and the best part is it's perfectly OK.  Whatever pop song I'm listening to, I can shut down, unwind,  and as I sing-along, I one, think I'm the best singer of all time (I'm really not) and two, enjoy the moment for all it's worth.


Before we are really knee deep into the holidays, go indulge in your guilty pleasure for a sec. So...what's your guilty pleasure?

Nicole

Holiday bliss...or madness?

The Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend isn't exactly a walk in the park. After counting down the days leading up to Thanksgiving, having the actual day, followed with the days after that, we are thrown  into a world spin of eating way to much, crashing on the couch all day, seeing friends and family, traveling, and eventually gathering up all the energy we can to make it to this day...The Monday after Thanksgiving weekend.

I commend you all. Most of us wish we were still on the couch, but never fear. Christmas or the "holidays" are fast approaching. You'll get to be lazy on the couch all over again.

With all the holidays underway and New Years literally right around the corner, we have time to look back on our year along with utilizing the time we have left. The year is not quite over yet, so any last minute self affirming steps you've been trying to make or things you need to accomplish before 2016 ends, you can absolutely do. Even though our time before the new year is technically pretty short, you can still make an impression. You can still do what you need to do to end this year with a smile, and greet 2017 with open arms and an open mind.

If whatever you are doing or need to do rolls into the new year, then you can consider that a good sign. You ended with a positive note and began the same way. One can definitely get anxious during this time, especially with all the hustle and bustle, even the year coming to a close gives you that butterflies in your stomach sort of feeling. One important thing to remember during this time, is that it is never to late. Interpret that the way you want, but again, "it's never to late."

When you really stop to think about it, we're really not on any specific timeline other than the one we created for ourselves. Personally, I set a timeline for myself to have a book out by Christmas. Did I think it was going to happen? Well, it wasn't really looking that way, and yet, looking at the calendar, I got a boost of confidence because it's not to late. I still have time, and by God, I'm gonna do everything possible to hopefully turn it into a reality.

 Your biggest competition is yourself, and where there is a will, there is a way...so 2016, I plan on sending you off knowing that I tackled what I needed to and start getting my smile ready :)

Nicole

You think this is a game??

"You think it's funny?"
- Seinfeld

I can't believe tomorrow is the day, I mean THE DAY. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!!! One of those holidays where we're happy, we're sad, we eat to much, we don't eat enough, we enjoy company, we can't stand company, a constant wave emotions and laziness comes over us, and bam! Before you know it, we are knee deep in Thanksgiving! I think I pretty much summed it up. If I left anything out, I'm sure you can fill in the blanks.

Something we need not forget during this time, is that it is indeed a holiday, and there are many out there that find this holiday to be very difficult. It's just a reminder that, you never know who is going through what. Try not to judge a book by its cover and pay attention to the little things. For example, think about that  guy in your office that's really quiet  and seems to have the same characteristics as Eeyore. You know the guy, the one you think can snap at any moment, only, when you think about it, you realize you know nothing about him. Well, maybe he is really lonely and just wants a friend but has no social skills to obtain one. Who knows? You might go and talk to him, next thing you know you guys hit it off, he turns out to be a really  cool guy, and you invite him over for Thanksgiving. Just a thought.

Every now and then I question us as a society. I'm curious to know where our "good will towards your fellow man" went to. Curtsy goes so far, especially when it comes from a place of humility and is sincere. Let's not forget we are all human and something so small and heart felt goes a very long way.

(On a side note, I tried some of the stuffing I'm eating tomorrow and I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open)

Tonight, think about the art of giving and reaching out to your fellow man. Fear not what you think is, and embrace the possibility of what could or might be. It feels good to open your arms to helping those that look like they may need it. It's Thanksgiving, so give hope, give kindness, and give to those who need a helping hand in their life. 

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

Nicole

Ruff start with a pleasant ending

Another Monday, another week, Thanksgiving week to be exact, another reason to get rolling. Personally, I had a pretty ruff start this morning getting my Monday underway. Only now does it seem to finally be in full swing.

Monday's always seem to be a toss up. Some Mondays start off on such a positive note, sometimes they begin with a black cloud hanging over it, sometimes they just simply start the week off and that's that. I've always believed that Monday's are sort of like the blueprint of your week. On this day we decide how the rest of our week looks like, we anticipate specific days to follow and constantly ask ourselves "is it Friday yet?". This week, however, is the exception.

Most people are probably happy it's Monday today, because it's count down to Thanksgiving break. It's only a matter of time until the work week has ended and Thanksgiving break begins. Schools will be closed, businesses will shut their doors for a few days, the couch will be the focal point of the week, with good eating and probably Netflix bingeing  at the top of the agenda.


So now Monday is gradually coming to a close. I hope everyone has survived and has begun prepping for the Thanksgiving break whistle to blow. All you have to look forward to from here on out is waking up, finishing up any loose ends you have in front of you  and before you know it, you'll be on the couch in your jammies with family enjoying hours of  T.V marathons and checking social Media to see what different Thanksgiving spreads your friends are posting (did I nail it?).

Happy Monday, let the games begin! 

Nicole

A little Tap tap

Having a server case of writers block, I thought today I could fill your head with some good tunes and fun music videos. I hope you enjoy. Happy Thursday!!!

                                           

Enjoy!!!

Nicole

Focus

Top of the morning, happy day, nice to see you. Happy Wednesday everyone! I feel as if the weeks just keep flying by.

I have a question for you, how many times have you found it hard to focus? Follow up question, do you ever find it difficult to focus on yourself? Personally, I struggle with staying focused. A few years ago it seemed like my focus was on point. As the years have gone by, my focus seems to get harder and harder to obtain, and I believe I know why.

There is a theory I have about trying to focus. I believe that, if you aren't giving your focus and what you're trying to achieve 110%, then you are constantly going to be wrestling with your focus. You will be in and out all the time and only focus on yourself when you feel like it, and then eventually you'll begin to complain about not seeing results and asking yourself "Why?".

Staying focused is tough. Now I could be wrong, but just from my observations of the world and those around me, including myself, it seems like our focus sky rockets after we have some major life altering incident happen to us. Afterward, we are ready to take this giant step towards focusing on ourselves and what we need to make us happy.  Crazy to think that we have to go through some monumental event to be  jolted back on the focus train.

I'm sure you've heard the expression "you can't love someone else if you don't love yourself" and there is truth to that. Giving yourself only 50% of your focus doesn't get you very far. You wind up always playing catch up to what you want and where you're going. Who needs that? Nobody. But when you believe in yourself and focus, slowly you'll begin to see doors open.

The struggle to focus is real, especially when it comes to you. There is a sense of pride when you focus and achieve what you want. I honestly believe there is no other feeling in this world like it. You know that feeling, that feeling of accomplishment, that feeling that YOU did it. YOU put in all the work, all the hours, all the dedication, all the focus...YOU. 

Just remember, focusing leads to new beginnings, new opportunities, new paths to go down. It's ok to let your focus wander off every now and then, just don't ever forget it's there, and so are you.

Nicole

Monday Monday

Hello all and hello Monday. It's hard to open our arms to Monday, but it's here so let's do it to it.

Over the weekend I had a plethora of really good experiences. I think my good experiences were mainly due to the fact, I went into each with an open mind, no expectations, and wound up having a great time.

Throughout the years I've realized something about myself as well as others that are close to me. Whenever I've approached a new situation and I've gone in with expectations, nine times out of ten, they never come to fruition and I am let down. Yet, when I decide to go in with a clear head and take in the experience for whatever it is, I almost always leave with a smile on my face.

It's easy to place pressure on yourself and on new experiences. It's almost like, if A, B, and C are not involved in whatever  new experience your in, then that's it, throw in the towel, it's over and you want to go home. But why not just embrace what is new? Why not step outside of your comfort zone? Who knows, you may actually really enjoy this new experience.

Plans are great. Plans give you a lay out of an event to come, it helps you plan for the future and be prepared. But just like life, plans sometimes change, and sometimes they are completely out of your control. Rather than getting flustered and agitated, embrace this curve ball and roll with it. Expect the unexpected, open your eyes to something new.

When you automatically make up your mind that you will or will not have a good time, you set yourself up for something to go wrong and poof, bad experience. Where as an open mind helps you to find some sort of joy within the experience.

So this week, open your mind up to the unexpected, you never know...something really cool and exciting could be waiting for you right around the corner.

Nicole

The Clair De Lune

Music makes me so happy. When I feel sad, mad, or like the world is going crazy (just turn the news on), escapeing into different pieces of my favorite songs seems to be the best solution. For just a few minutes, time stops, worries melt away, and as Jem and the Holograms would say, "it's only me and the music".

I'm a sucker for classical music. I've watched it, listened to it, danced to it, and have a hard time getting sick of it. Granted, it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but different classical pieces always find a way of making my heart skip a beat, and I'm not the only one. Everybody has there own genera of music that gives them comfort and ease along with that one song that always seems to turn there frown upside down.

In 1890 Claude Debussy began composing the Clair De Lune and had it published in 1905. Though it is a fairly popular song, the Clair De Lune is still one of my all time favorite pieces of music. 

The title Clair De Lune means "moonlight" and was actually inspired by a poem. Aside from these fun facts, it is a beautiful piece of music. Every time I ever listen to it, I always feel this wave of calm come over me.

So, this evening, I encourage you to go find music that brings you your utter calm and shut your brain off for awhile. With that said, I hope you enjoy these different video clips of the Clair De Lune. And relaxation begins in 3..2..1

Nicole

 

 

Into the great wide open

Tom Petty had a hit song in 1991 entitled "Into the great wide open". The chorus of this song goes:

"Into the great wide open, 

Under them skies so blue. 

Out in the great wide open,
A rebel without a clue."

I've already heard at least a hundred different conversations this morning in regards to last nights election. I feel this chorus sums up what these conversations pretty much depicted. But I am not going to talk about politics. One reason why is because I don't have that much knowledge on the subject and two, because I'd rather blog about something else. I've decided to share a story with you.

Eight years ago, there was a girl who wanted to follow her dreams of performing. She had worked her whole life to become a performer. She could sing, she could act, and she could dance. All she ever wanted in life was to be on stage and perform. Then, something unexpected happened and her dreams were interrupted. All the years of work  she had spent dedicated towards her dreams, she now found herself having to start all over again. She was now back at the beginning. She almost thought about throwing her dreams out the window, they had been taken away so fast. Why would she go through all that work again? What was the point? Then she realized she had the answer, and it was simple. They were still her dreams. She had made them come true once, she could just as easily do it again, and she did. Little by little, step by step, she started rebuilding her dreams. They were slightly different now, but they were hers. She continues to keep dreaming, and never looks back. Possibilities in her future is all she ever sees.

We will never be able to rewind the clock on life, not in our life, in others lives, or even major events that happen around us (natural disasters, mass shootings, major financial disasters, etc.). We can't go back, it would be nice, but it's not realistic. 

So, if there is no such thing as rewinding the clock back, then why not move forward? 

It's scary to move forward, same with change. When you get used to something for so long, and you get comfortable, those two things don't seem to really fit into the equation. Although, moving forward in the face of change is huge, and it can be exciting if you open your mind to it.  Sure there will be a few trial and errors, but you keep moving forward. 

The future is unknown. There is no time machine or Crystal ball that can take us back to what once was, but taking that first step forward, that my friend, that right there is the beginning of whatever great destination lies ahead for you, and trust me it's out there and ready to embrace you with open arms. 

Nicole

A new beginning

Well October came and went. I didn't write at all last month. I wrote one entry and that was about it. Crazy right? Therefore, I am looking at this month as a new beginning.

A new beginning is something that happens throughout our lives. We can get comfortable in our daily routines, then something comes along to interrupt that, and before you know it you find yourself starting fresh, a..."new beginning".

New beginnings can bring a plethora of emotions . They can be exciting, nerve racking, scary, fulfilling. It's really all about how you choose to look at it. Since there are options you can go shopping around on  how you wish to treat or feel about your new beginning. Perhaps you want to go about it in a abrasive way. You might chose to shun all that is new, disgauard your new surroundings, close your doors to any change. Or you can take another route, and look at the brighter side of your new beginnings. You can embrace the new, discover yourself and your new surroundings. Open your arms to new experiences, new way of viewing things and the relationships around you.

Whatever it is you choose, just remember to choose wisely. If you prefer to have a black cloud over you and approaching this, YOUR, new beginning, no one is stopping you. But I garentee you that you won't be happy. Especially if you're hanging on to what once was. Remember, the past is the past for a reason, and although the future is unknown, and a tad scary, so is holding on to the past. It can just cripple you if you allow it. That's why we have memories to always help parts of our past stay alive.

So new beginnings can be scary, so can a lot of other things. Break the walls of fear, stop making excuses, and take that first step towards the new. You'll be surprised at what you find...

Nicole

A shock of reality

It's October! It's October 29th!!!! I can't believe I haven't written something on this month or this blog since September. Granted, there have been a few events in my life that have taken place in the last few weeks (nothing major, but I will inform later), but man oh man...I need to write.

So, as I said, it's October!! It's pretty much the end of October, but it's October!! This is crazy. If you've read any of my past posts, you should know that I am a big fan of the fall,

  
of this month, and especially of Halloween. Though, I like the goofy cheesy side of Halloween, not so much the scary aspects of it (ex: crazy horror movies, terrifying haunted houses, or ridiculous scary jaw dropping costumes),

instead I prefer the silly silly side. I dig the pumpkin carving, seeking out the seasonal Halloween stores and having way too much fun going down aisles and aisles of costumes, watching the most delightful Halloween films (Hocus ado, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, GhostBusters, etc.) and the list keeps going. Basically, I dig it!

With that said, there is one more thing I enjoy about the fall, which I will share. Judge if you must, but I dig pumpkin and of course the ever popular, ever so aggravating, laughable,  pumpkin coffee drink. Yes, it's true, I Nicole Marquez, am that classic case of every girl that LOVES pumpkin. Although, I do agree with all the goofy pumpkin fall jokes and clichés, all are funny and almost always accurate.

It is now officially the weekend before Halloween, so go play, dress up, eat candy, take in a flick. I mean, after all, it is a holiday, so let's celebrate.

As for my weeks of hiatus, well, I had a small surgery done. Nothing major, but definitely something I need to recoup from. I'm not really suppose to be bending, twisting, or stretching, which hasn't been tons of fun (I really enjoy working out and taking care of my body), so being a couch potato these last few weeks was fun for a moment but that moment has long gone and I'm ready to start getting my work out again. Note to self: have patience.

With that said, I bid you ado. I'll be writing more and thank you for reading. Have a very happy very spooky Friday!!

Nicole

One like, two likes, three likes, it's over!

Happy Wednesday! 

If you read my last blog post then you're familiar with my "like" challenge. For those of you who are unfamiliar, I'll give you the run down. Last week while I was at a coffee shop, I overheard a conversation where every other word used was "like". Therefore, I decided I would try to go a full weekend without using the word "like".

How did it go you might ask...well not as successful as I had thought. Over the course of the weekend, I tallied up not one, not two, but almost 30-35 likes. Doesn't seem like much, but over the course  of three days, I had my fair share of "likes", I also was studded that I use it more in my vocabulary then I thought. 

New thought- get the word "like" out of my vocabulary. Thus  far, I've only used the word "like" twice in the past day. PROGRESS!!!!!

Still moving forward with my challenge. Something I always try to remind myself: "Where there is a will, there is a way." 

Nicole

To "like" or not to "like, that is the question

Happy Thursday. I'm sitting at a coffee shop on a beautiful day. The sun is shining, I'm drinking some water along with my regular coffee drink, headphones in my ears listening to classical music while I go over my speech for the upcoming summit I'm speaking at, all seems right right? Well, almost...

Before putting my headphones in, I couldn't help but hear the two ladies next to me and their slightly loud conversation. It wasn't the conversation that bothered me or even the volume, it was the fact that every other word out of each other's mouth was the word "like".

Next thing I know, I'm starting to count how many times the word "like" was said. As of right now they're almost at 30. It hasn't even been a full two minutes yet. Well this got me thinking, I wonder how many times I use the word "like" in my daily conversations, how many times my friends use the word "like", my family, and so on.

The English language is a fun and complicated one, but man... It's an eye opener that many of us have given up on it, taken the easy way out, and "like" just used "like" to speed things up in our conversations. 

Therefore as of today, I've decided to challenge myself. Can I go a whole day, perhaps even a week without using the word "like" in my vocabulary?  This will definitely be a big wake up call, but a fun little experiment, and trust me, I'll be updating you. The weekend is coming up, so this will be really neat to see what happens. 

So before like the clock starts, let me like get everything like out of my system. I like think by like getting all the like's out, this might like make things like a little easier. 

Ok, so like, have a like great day, and I'll like be posting again like soon. Here we like go, and like, the time like starts....NOW!

Nicole 

Stop the storms

It's that time of year again...hurricane season, I'm from the south so this is second nature. During this time, meteorologists update us on any and all hurricane movement, we speculate where and when it might hit, we seem to unconsciously be glued to the television, radio, and the computer to see the latest movement of the storm, we endure rain, flooding and think of any plans we should make if it is to strike in our surrounding area.

Mother Nature is one unpredictable lady. Despite the doom and gloom fire and brimstone that seems to be all around us in the media, we forget about the storm we carry inside of us on a daily basis.

I bet you didn't even know that you were fighting a storm did you? News flash, welcome to reality. Whether we want to admit or not, there is a storm called life we are constantly butting heads with.
The storms we experience are internal, and they're usually formulated from irrational thinking, acting on our emotions,  going against logic and reason and so on.

Most of us know right from wrong. While our internal weather patterns want to cross lines and do want they want, we actually have the ability to take hold and say "no." So we nix the idea of "acting" on whatever the situation is that's going on in our lives and reasonably handle it.

I'm sure at times you feel as if you have this giant rain cloud following you around that looks as if it could drench you at any second to ruin your day and possibly your life, but I'm here to tell you...YOU DON'T.

 

They say that you can't predict the weather or change it but I disagree. You may not be able to fix the weather outside yourself, but inside, that's a different story. No matter what storm just blew into your life, you, YES YOU, have all the power in the world to stop it and change its course. Crazy concept huh? Taking control of your situation and turning it around? Who would have thunk it?

I slack off from time to time and sometimes more then I'd like to admit. When the storm inside me is brewing and ready to blow me off my course, the course to achieving my goals, it's up to me and the power I posses inside to make that storm come to a screeching halt. Easy it is not, but 100% doable. Trust me.

So fear not the storms that linger inside of you. They may circle around, but if they decide to reek havoc, don't give it a second thought. You take control of that bad boy and send that storm along on its way.

Nicole

War of Wars

The war of wars...

That's what this country feels like right now. It feels like we are at war with the weather, mass shootings, republicans against democrats, democrats against democrats, the news, and it just seems like the list keeps going. In fact, I'm writing this post while riding on a train. All the people around me are to busy debating and arguing about Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton that the are missing all this beautiful scenery that is continuously passing by us. 

 So, in times like these I take the neutral road. I stay away from conversations, face book feeds, Twitter posts, and anything else involving social media regarding politics, religion, etc and focus on the positive. 

I live in a free country. Watching YouTube videos of soldiers coming back from war greeted by their dogs makes me tear up. Learning how to make some amazing dish I saw on the food network makes life sweeter. 

Laughing and smiling feels so much better the feeling bitter and mad. 

This method may not work for some, but it does for me. I find my head doesn't hurt as much. My stomach doesn't feel like it's in a 1,000 knots, and my attention starts to shift back to the good rather then the bad. 

There is little I can do or fix to make this world, but I have a small solution. My solution is to think positively, to be happy. Enjoy that There are so many things to be excited about and look forward to. Like, once I got home, I watched videos of puppies and immediately felt happy. I mean, who doesn't feel a little happier watching videos of puppies? Right? 

Try to find happiness when you feel as if your surrounded by chaos. It's out there.

Nicole

Something for your Sunday

Happy Sunday

 

Nicole

 

Leave it to Disney

Words of wisdom from Disney, and my favorite, Dumbo.

 

 

 

Nicole

Secret talents

When I'm alone in my house, I like to start my day with a few YouTube videos. Mainly the ones that have amazing dance routines and choreography. This morning I started out watching The Royal Family Dance Crew featured in Justine Beiber's music video "sorry." While I was watching the video, it got me thinking (On a side note, I'm not the biggest Bieber fan, but these gals have made this song darn pretty cool).

I truly believe we all have secret talents. For example, I am an amazing singer...when I'm in the shower. There are those of you out there that are also amazing singers, especially when you are in the car and a good song comes on. And when you are home alone cleaning, jamming out to your own tunes, I'll bet you are an incredible dancer. 😂😂
My point is, whenever we are alone, we are free to belt out as loud as we want to to a song, or run around like a dance manic such as Tom Cruise did in that famous "Risky Business" scene.

We are allowed to let our secret talents shine. Now let me ask you this, don't you feel so much better when you do? You can't tell me that if you are  having a bad day, and your favorite jam comes on over the radio, that you don't sing along. Then afterwards, you feel better. Right? 

So today, feel free to let your secret talents shine! Sing your heart out in the car, dance around the house, exert any negative energy into your own version of So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, The Voice, Dancing With The Stars, etc. You'll feel better and on top of the world!

Nicole

Ignite

 We all have guilty pleasures. One of mine happens to be pop music, the cheesy kind. I can go from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, to Justin Biebers "Sorry" in a snap (judge if you must 😂). Yesterday I was listening to Katy Perry's  "Firework", and there is a line in the song that stood out:

"You just got to ignite the light, and let it shine"

This grabbed my attention, mainly because I started thinking about the light we all have inside of us. That light that goes dim from time to time because we get busy. Sometimes we get stressed, we get overwhelmed, we sometimes unconsciously put our selves in positions where we invite drama, struggle, procrastination and whatever else into our lives. This keeps us from our goals. Once we become aware of this and are ready to make a change, we then ignite that light we posse inside. The light that shows us the path we need to get back on.

Trust that there is a light inside of you ready to burst forth into the world. A light that needs and deserves to be seen and illuminated. Ultimately, it's up to you to let your light shine! When it does, it's brightness will have no end!

Most IMPORTANTLY, it is up to you. I know you're familiar with the saying "haters gonna hate", then also know this, "goals can/will be met". The key...is to IGNITE that light, and after its lit, let it shine.

 Nicole

Take a breath, sip it in, give your thanks

 

 

 

 

Thank you for all your love and support. 

Nicole

Prince: The rain is blue

My parents told me that when I was a baby, my favorite album, and the ONLY one that would get me to calm down, was Purple Rain by Prince.
 Even as a little kid, it was always "Put Pwince on Mommy! Play Pwince!!"

You know B.B King was right, right now, "the thrill is gone."

 It has taken me awhile to write this, but I'm ready. It isn't "two thousand zero zero", but sadly the party is over . However, it is 2016, and despite it all, we are gonna party like its 1999! And Prince is going strong.

Prince "PRINCE" Rogers Nelson was something next to spectacular. He was a musical genius and one phenomenal performer. Like most of the world, I've been shocked at the musical talent we have lost in the past year and this new one. But sometimes greatness is born into this world to make their mark. To get people together, spread their uniqueness far and wide, and once their job here on earth is done, they must leave.

Prince, you were an artist, a "slave", a symbol, an icon, a basketball player, a musician, and the list goes on and on. Thanks for making an impact in my life and so many others. My raspberry beret goes out to you.

 

Nicole

Productivity!!! Why is it so hard!?!?!?

That's right, I said it. Productivity is an easy concept. Work hard and you'll see accomplishment. So why oh why is it harder and harder to achieve? This my friends is the rut I find myself and many others are in during this time of the year. 

Think about it, summer is slowly approaching, the weather is getting warmer and you want freedom. Freedom  away from what ever going on in your life at the moment. Whether you are in school, an office, a mail room, whatever room your in with a window, you find yourself longing more and more to be outside and leave your priorities back behind you. 

The truth is, in a perfect world that would be lovely. The reality is, you have to swallow those thoughts, finish up what needs to be done, (meet your priorities), then, go play away. And when you do play, it will be way more fun and rewarding because you earned it! 

It's tough to be a big kid. It's tough not to just stop what you're doing and go play hooky, but you can make it. Nobody said life was easy. But, would you really want it to be? I mean, where's the fun in that? 

Nicole

Curve Ball

The last two weeks have been ruff. I've been absent (due to a family matter) but now, things are moving up and looking great.

My dad went into the hospital two weeks ago to have a leaky heart valve sewn up. Three days later he woke up from his surgery with his left side very very weak. He can talk, walk, he's the same ole dad. He just needs to get his left side stronger.

Watching my dad and being on the opposite side, well...it's very interesting and insightful. Let's just say I completely understand the frustration of being in a hospital and your body deciding not to work properly. I get it

Though, I do also see where I get my will, drive, and over all better outlook on life comes from. Both my parents. With my mother as a general, motivating herself and her troops to fire only positive thinking. My father whose stubbornness and need to return back to the life he has and wants. The two outlooks, combined, helped mold my brother and I. Each taught the both of us a very valuable lesson. 

At anytime, no matter whats going on, life can throw a curve ball your way without any warning. When it does, there is no use in crying or getting mad or sad about it. Take what time you need, then pick yourself up and take action. 

These past two weeks Ive witnessed it from the two strongest people I know. My parents. They really do follow that age old saying, "When life gives you lemons, just make lemonade."

Nicole

do what makes you happy

Yes, yes, yes. No matter what you do today, tomorrow, the day after that, and so on, DO what makes YOU happy.



 

 

 

 

 

Nicole