2013 Recap / Happy New Years Eve !

Did you make the most of 2013? Did you obtain everything you said you would this year? If not, don't give up because the beauty about a new year is a new start !

The most important things about age is growth; If you aren't growing with each year, you are wasting away. One of my favorite quotes is: "Evolve or Evaporate". Even if it's an inch of growth, something is better than nothing.

What did you learn this year? People often associate failure as a negative connotation but I believe they are reality checks in life. This year alone, I gained and quit more jobs than I ever have in my life lol (3 to be exact). And while some may say I was ungrateful and should have been happy to have a job while others didn't (especially my Carrier job at the post office), I think I blessed others with jobs I knew weren't for me.

I'm more grateful than anything that I finally faced my fears and began blogging. I'd been wanting to do it since college, and never did it in fear that no one would receive what I had to say. But surprising after only 3 short months I've been blessed with you guys... My beautiful amazing Ryders ! You guys are the reason why I keep going. The overwhelming love and support I've received in the US as well as International are still astonishing. Thanks for helping me take the necessary steps to reach my dream. You all are truly remarkable.

I encourage you to welcome the New Year with open arms. I am a firm believer in change, so embrace it... even if it's something you aren't used to. Eliminate any negativity in your life and start the year off fresh and optimistic. Make 2014 a better year than 2013. Work towards your dreams, and never lose faith. Anything worth having is worth the storm, don't quit before you reach the finish line !

I love you all so much, I hope your New Year is safe and memorable.

Happy New Years Eve !

There is so much life you've yet to experience

We are often so consumed and confined in our own little nook, that we don't realize how big the world really is. There is so much to explore, learn  and gain from life, but only if you are willing to step outside of your comfort zone.

Our little worlds are based in one particular section of the earth. As humans, we are genetically inclined to gravitate towards familiarity. But it's not until you do something different that you become more aware of all that life has to offer.

In the United States alone, there are so many cultures and religions. Just think if you were to travel to a different country where you don't know the language, and the most scariest aspect... you know no one. It would be different but, because we gravitate towards familiarity, things will start to click. You may not know the language but guaranteed if you stay for a while you will pick it up, and begin to understand naturally.

There are so many people you've yet to meet, so many places you've yet to see, so many opportunities you've yet to experience, and so many possibilities yet to be discovered.

This life can be one with character, experience, laughter, and love if you allow it to. There is no telling who you will meet and how they may change your life; Or where you may go that could give you spiritual guidance and a more balanced life that you desire. Now is the time to explore and soar ! Spread your wings and fly without fear or reservation... give your life some C O L  O  R  ! 

5 reasons...

I love CHRIST !!!

5. He is E P I C ! There is no one more powerful, helpful, giving and loving than Jesus. All things are possible through him, and we are all a reflection of him. It's a privilege to know my hero personally.

4. Blessings. It would take me forever to list all of the limitless blessings I've received from Jesus. I'm blessed beyond measure and I'm grateful for the blessings I have attained as well as the ones I have yet to get.

3. Love. Jesus' love is abundant and infinite. If no one else loves me, I know he does. He is my confidant, friend, father and provider. I celebrate him everyday because I know without him I am nothing.

2. Security. No matter what, Jesus is always there for me and I enjoy the comfort in that stability. There's nothing better than knowing someone is looking out for you and protecting you even when you aren't doing it for yourself.

1. The Sacrifice. I don't know about you, but anyone that would give their life for me has a special significance in my life. That unconditional love and sacrifice is so overwhelming but heartwarming. Words can't express my appreciation and gratitude.

Make the future YOU proud

What are you doing today to ensure that your future is everything you want it to be? How are you working to make the future you proud? Now is the time to ask yourself these questions, and if you don't have an answer, it's time for you to get started !

You cannot expect your future to be better than you present or past if you aren't putting in the ground work now. Nothing comes overnight, and anything worth having comes with sacrifice. So what have you sacrificed thus far to attain your dreams?

It's never too late to re-write your story and start over. Whatever it is you want out of this life go get it, and don't let anything stop you. You are your greatest strength and weakness, don't let fear or doubt outweigh what you have to offer to the world.

Today is the perfect day to write out your plans and begin to execute them. Yeah... the new year is only a week away and it sound good to make new years resolution but let's face it, we never keep them. Don't wait until next year to do what can be done today. Get a head start on your future and welcome the new year with a new perspective and drive to come closer to attaining your dream.

The decision is solely yours... so what are you gonna do? Keep procrastinating and making excuses? or Get it done? I don't know about you but the future I envision for myself is quite fruitful, so I'd rather work now and play later. We are born winners Ryders, let's do something that will go down in history !

You hold the key to your destiny

We've all been told we couldn't do something, couldn't be something, and couldn't have something before. It's the worst feeling to be told what you can and can't do or have. But never allow others to dictate what you deserve or what you are worthy of.

God has the last say with everything we know, but you have a choice as well. People can say whatever they want, but if you don't believe it, it doesn't matter. We often give words power, but without the power... the words mean nothing.

You are responsible for what you allow and what you want out of this life. It's up to you to keep doing the same things, or make the decision to change for the better. Embrace the things you can't change about yourself and love you for you. There is nothing like self love, because no one will take care of you like you can.

Be happy. Be hopeful. Be thankful. This life is not promised so live, really live and enjoy it. Do something out of your comfort zone, take a trip, buy something you wouldn't normally buy, go snorkeling, read, be adventurous. Be free !

You hold the key to your destiny, open the door to endless opportunities and possibilities. Don't restrict yourself of all the beauty in the world. Explore and get to know yourself, and exude positivity into the universe and see what you get in return. Live for you, you only get one life.

Oblivion is B L I S S !

Have you ever just sat and thought about all of things you didn't know about, and how awful it was when you came to know the truth? I've been thinking about the concept of living in oblivion, and I question if it would be better to not know certain things.

It's amazing how your perspective can be changed in an instance. I look back on my childhood and think about how I viewed certain people, as well as my influences. It never really occurs to you that something could be the opposite of what it really is or not happen the way you had envisioned when you're young; For instance...when I was younger, I knew I wanted to be a writer because I loved creating stories, but it never once crossed my mind that I wouldn't become a writer or the obstacles I would face to obtain that dream. The most tragic thing in adulthood is a reality check lol. They open yours eyes, build character, and test your endurance. And although those can be great things if viewed in an optimists' eyes, I often wish I had that same nonchalant attitude I did as a child.

Present-day, oblivion is welcomed in adulthood lol. Just think of all the heartbreaking things that happen in life: death, divorce, accidents, bills (yes I put that in bold red lol), and the overall struggle that comes with being an adult. I'd love to live in bliss without a worry in the world, and go back to my carefree mentality as a child. There is so much promise and imagination in the world when you are young, and as you grow, life begins to suck all of that out of you. So I'm working now to restore some of those characteristics that I once loved about myself; And in doing so I created my blog months ago. After going to college and taking several creative writing classes and learning the technicalities of writing, it took away the fun in it. Therefore I have to bring that fun back in order to write and actually love what I'm doing.

Well that's it, don't want to keep you guys on this Monday before Christmas lol. But let me know what you think: Is oblivion bliss? or Is it better to know? Leave your comments below and let's talk !

5 reasons...

I love Scarfs

5. They're Trendy. The great thing about scarfs is that they never go out of style. I don't care how old a scarf may be, if it's cute, there is no expiration date. I actually wish I had vintage scarfs from my grandmother or mom to wear now.

4. Affordable. If there's one thing you should know about me by now is that I'm all about a good deal. I like nice things but I don't live above my means, therefore I shop responsibly and reasonably. Some of my favorite scarfs were only 5 dollars !

3. Adds character. If you ever need to liven up your attire just add a scarf. A scarf can make all the difference in an outfit, and can transform it from drab to fab in a moments notice.

2. Unique selections. There are so many patterns and colors to choose from when it comes to scarfs. You can pretty much get any kind of scarf: short, long, zigzag, solid, striped, multicolored, leopard, sports teams, polka dot, wavy, houndstooth... You name it ! Step outside of your comfort zone and get colors and patterns that add a little spunk and character to your wardrobe !

1. Great cover up. Ladies we all have those horrible PMS days when we're bloated and don't want to wear anything but sweats. Scarfs are the best kept secret in the winter. There's nothing better than a long fashionable scarf to cover up that belly during that time of the month lol.

**P.S. The photo above is a collection of my favorite scarfs. Photo credits to me ! Lol