Let it be.

The new year is here. Hello, 2018. The frigid cold hasn't done much to help in welcoming you, I'm sorry about that. It's kept me inside this whole time. Instead of being excited about your presence, I've managed to shut down and go deep into my thoughts, fears and anxieties once again. I should be grateful to enter into your realm of possibilities, because not many of us were lucky enough to join you.When you came 2018, it's as if at the stroke of midnight, like Cinderella, everything should just magically change.... but we don't live in a fairytale. We don't have fairy godmothers who can wave their wands and turn a pumpkin into our carriage. Instead, we have life.  We have heartaches. We have bills. We have Houston traffic.This morning, I woke up determined not to let the weight of the world bring me down, so I forced myself to run. Running is life. As I went down a street that I don't normally run, I ran into you, Mother Mary. You just stood there with your beautiful face and stretched out arms as if to tell me that you're still there, God is still there and neither of you have ever left me.Thank you Universe for reminding me that I'm not alone and have never been alone. Just like in my dreams when Papa tells me everything will be ok, I'm grateful for the reassurance. Thank you for reminding me that things will work out and to let things just be.

Changing

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” ― Jim Rohn

It's that time of the year again. The time when we all pull out our journals and reflect back on the adventures taken, lessons learned and memories created from the past year. As we reproduce fondly (or cringe) on the moments of the past 360-ish days of yesteryear, we start to think about what we can do different next year. How can I make more money? How can I be happier? What do I need to rid of in my life in order to succeed? How can I fit back into my size 4 jeans? Because we are closing out on another year, we are all of a sudden inspired for changes and motivated about the possible outcomes.When I was a trainer, I knew I couldn't change people. I can help them and encourage them to lose weight, but I always knew that in order for them to live and believe in a healthy lifestyle, it has to come from within. YOU have to want to change. YOU have to want to eat better. YOU have to want to fit in those jeans from 2 years ago. I can only guide you and inspire you, but that want, desire and effort has to come from your heart.Goal setting is fantastic, but the the problem with setting goals and creating New Year's Resolutions is that they can only last for so long. They only last for as long as we stay motivated. When your motivation and drive starts to wain, because... well LIFE, then we fall back into that vicious circle of "I"ll try again next year." Then next year comes and instead of vowing to lose 5 lbs., you set yourself up to lose 10, because you gained 5 more. Or instead of enjoying your dream job, you're new goal is to go on vacation from life because you basically gave up on trying to find your dream job. It's a constant battle of excitement and disappointment until you either actually hit your goal or you give up.So why not try something different this year? Instead of committing yourself to a New Year's Resolution and setting new goals, why not commit to YOURSELF and YOUR personal growth and development? Instead of learning a new hobby or sport, learn about yourself and who you really are. Figuring out your purpose and your why is a new concept I've been working on. Amazingly, it has lead me into different paths and ideas that I never thought I would ever explore. I'm still trying to hone in on my "why" but I'm a lot closer to that then I was a few months ago.For 2018, instead of making a New Year's Resolution that you'll probably break by mid January, I invite you to accept who you are now and be curious about everything. Step out of your comfort zone. Do that thing you've been wanting to do, but haven't for the fear of whatever. Be bold in you actions and find self-love.Goals are a lot easier and more fun to accomplish when our foundation is strong. You are perfect the way you are, have fun figuring out who that person is.

YSL

Almost 2 years to date, I blogged about my first pair of Louboutins. It was a very proud and accomplished moment in my life. I was able to treat myself to something beautiful and expensive. I've only worn them once (because they are insanely painful), but damn they make my legs look nice... haha.... BUT, it was the start of my designer shoe collection.

In the early part of 2016, I created a vision board. On that vision board, I pasted a picture of a pair of Yves Saint Laurents. I knew exactly what I wanted,  Tribute 105 Sandals in nude. I love that classic shoe and its versatility. You can dress it up or dress it down and you will still look gorgeous. For so long I stared at my vision board pining for those shoes. I finally got them.

Aren't they just beautiful???