I learned that sometimes some events occur that can bring so much clarity you feel that maybe you were the one with rose-colored glasses on. The cliché that ‘actions speak louder than words’ holds really true for me in this case. I learned that it is not time that determines the strength of a friendship but it is matters of the heart.

I learned that no matter how much kindness you bring into a friendship or even loyalty the receiving party may not even appreciate it. However, this does not stop me from unconditional love and support for those that are around me.

I learned that the truth can be in your face but you have to stop making excuses and come to terms with it. Forgiveness may take time but it eventually happens. It does not mean that the person that hurt you is going to get away with causing you pain. It just means that you have come to terms with it and letting go helps you to move onto better and healthier relationships.

I learned that you can hold a friend’s many secrets and be the ever confidante but that does not mean that this friend will care to appreciate it. But that does not coerce me to reveal those secrets, as they are not mine to tell. That is a person of character and one who is loyal despite what occurs in a relationship.

I learned that you couldn’t pick your family but that is why we have the freedom to pick our friends. Some extended family members may not watch out for your best interests, but that does not mean that you cannot watch out for yourself. Surround yourself with people who love you and will stand by you in your time of need.

I learned that in spite of facing adversities you could have faith that things will work out for the best. A wise friend lent me one of her all time favorite quotes by Seneca that put things into perspective for me. It is true that ‘time heals what reason cannot’ – Seneca.

After all is said and done I have never felt so free in a long time. It is time to stop blaming yourself and to really focus on what matters. Let go of things that do not matter and realize that things will workout for the best. The eternal optimist in me believes in this as it has yet to fail me.

At times I feel like I have big shoes to fill, I mean they are the epitome of ‘selfless’ in all that they do. To this day I learn so much from them and I know it has made me a better person because of it. I love to give my time as a volunteer for many non-profits in my local community. I always get the chance to give time and I make sure that the one area that I do dedicate a lot of my time to is education. I have been fortunate to be given many opportunities to teach children art and dance for charity shows. I am grateful that I took the opportunity to spend time with many talented children in showing them the importance of culture and dance. I hope that with my dedication to community service, that I too can follow in my parent’s footsteps. If I can give as much as they have, I know that I would be a better person for it.

If we all take a step back and give our ‘time’ to another organization or within your local community I can only imagine how much we can grow as individuals. We can impact an entire community. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it holds true to this day.
So in this time of giving make sure to give your ‘time’ to someone who may need it. You will be surprised how much you can brighten up someone’s day or even a life.

A smile
A warm embrace
Family
Bookstores
Strawberries
Ice-Cream
Puppies
Pillows
Pumpkin Spice Latte
My Macbook Pro
Breathing
Talking to a good friend
Tea
Girl’s Night Out
Flowers
Food
Cupcakes
Truffles
Quotes
Random Acts of Kindness

This is just one of many my list can go on for a while but you get the idea. These items I listed above are just a few of the infinite joys I have in my life. We only have one lifetime so why not make the best out of what life has to offer to us?

The one that greets someone with a warm smile or someone who just likes to stay in the limelight in a room filled with extroverts and introverts alike. I love to observe people and really take notice. Some people like to socialize and others like to keep in their own circles. Occasionally, I will meet someone who is a stranger in the room so I befriend them. I have been that one person at one time, in a room full of strangers. I had dozens upon dozens of pairs of eyes on me with zero probability of anyone being kind enough to allow me in their circle. I applaud those that are welcoming to others that are new – that is character. That is what defines you in that one moment where you can make that split second decision to think for yourself and not so much about what others may think of you.
To think for yourself and not following the crowd is not always easy. We all make mistakes in judging people, at times we know right away and in some rare cases like mine I realized it at the most opportune time. Sounds like an oxymoron, but it is true. It is usually a situation that defines who you are. I know that I am constantly trying to be a better person. My passion for learning will forever be the foundation for growth.

So the next time you are in that ‘room’ take a moment and decide whether you want to be the leader or the one that follows the crowd.

I still think about that day and the fear that spread across my campus. International students were receiving threats and I too feared for my life. It really made me think about how fear really compels individuals to act out of character. I am grateful that my loved ones are safe and sound, but I learned that we must embrace everyday as it were your last. So many people lost their lives that fateful morning, not just US citizen’s but across the globe.

Today, I pray and remember those who lost their loved ones, and those who played a role in saving lives of those who were in peril that ill-fated morning.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This is a very inspiring and thought provoking book. If you are soul searching and need a book to help you put things into perspective then stop at your local bookstore and pick up a copy ASAP. I was first introduced to this book over a year ago but I did not make the time for it. I had a friend who let me borrow this book, but I returned it a few months ago without really giving it another thought. Recently, I purchased this book and I am so glad that I read it when I was ready. Words just cannot do justice to this piece of work! It is really about the universal language that we all need to learn in our own way.

So that is my recommendation for you, and I know that you won’t regret it. ☺

Happy Reading!!!

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Unknown

I am sure you all remember the sitcom “The Facts of Life.” Although, it was a comedy I found that it is a great tagline. Besides, I think you can make up your own rules to maintain accountability and a little bit of spice and sugar to add zest to your life. Really, its that simple.

So here goes, my list of The Facts of Life:

1. Life is what you make of it. Whether we want to believe this or not, it is true. ☺
2. You are in control of your choices.
3. Take a deep breath and smile, it will make a difference.
4. Make goals and achieve them.
5. Don’t take life so seriously
6. Worry less and enjoy your surroundings
7. Keep a good network of friends
8. Cherish your family
9. Create a map for what you want to accomplish, but don’t forget that detours may come along so be prepared for them.
10. Believe in hope and faith it is your spirituality that will guide you

It may sound cliché and you may have heard about these before, but it works for me. I am not saying that I am right or that I am wrong. It works for me and it has not failed me to date. So I encourage you to try this and if it does not work for you then modify it for yourself. We only have this lifetime to share our life with others and experience it to the fullest. So go for it. What are you waiting for?

Do yourself a favor and print out this poem on your favorite stationary and place it somewhere that is visible everyday. When you feel a hint of negativity take a moment and read this. ☺

One is not born a Winner, one becomes.
One is not born a Loser, one can change.

The Winner always has a program.
The Loser always has an excuse.

The Winner sees an answer to every problem.
The Loser sees a problem in every answer.

The Winner is always part of the answer.
The Loser is always part of the problem.

The Winner thinks positively.
The Loser thinks negatively.

The Winner is motivated by harmony.
The Loser is motivated by selfishness.

The Winner says I may not know but I will try.
The Loser says I don’t know, it is not my job.

The Winner says it may be difficult, but is possible.
The Loser says it may be possible, but it is difficult.

The Winner says, lets do it.
The Loser says, that’s not for me.

The Winner is all for sharing.
The Loser is all for grabbing.