Live Simply and Smile

Throughout this past year I have undergone many ups and downs in my life which have most certainly taken effect into shaping who I am today. I learn from my mistakes and take advantage of that by creating something good from it. I tend to not like living in the past but rather in the moment. Having a positive outlook and keeping my priorities straight is also important to me. 

My current job is working as a mentor/facilitator and role model to individuals in living a good Christian life. Our mission here is essentially providing life changing experiences for all in a Christian environment. This doesn't necessarily mean that we are shoving religion down everyone's throat but simply sharing the love and appreciating each others unique gifts that we possess (whether you're religious or not). 

So I am writing this because I have been thinking to myself lately how I have been trying to 'live a better story'. I am consistently preaching to our guests here about being confident and proud of who they are and being kind to one another as well as taking chances and making mistakes that I sometimes forget to take my own advice. 

If you didn't already know this, I am a big fan of quotes and one in particular that has been sticking with me recently pertains to living in the moment. "We spend too much time living in the ‘what if’ and need to learn to live in the ‘what is.’"-Rev. Leroy Allison

With this said, I would like to share my life motto with you. Peace everyone.

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over-analyzing; life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once: seize them. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people. We are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream, and wear your passion.

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California Dreaming

A couple of weeks ago, My friend Tori and I decided to take a long weekend trip to visit our good, old friend Jess in California. Jess was my neighbor back home growing up and we both shared the same passion for traveling and discovering the world. My big step was moving to Michigan, hers, Cali. This was actually my first time visiting the golden state (aside from transferring flights at LAX) and it was definitely a great experience. Jay lives right outside of L.A. so we managed to knock out a lot of the touristy attractions throughout the area. We started our adventure by taking a stroll down the walk of fame and then took a moment to match our hand prints to the celebrities outside the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre. For those of you who are wondering, I have the same size hands as Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) -__- 



It is always exhilarating to be able to witness something so famous that you've only been reading about or seeing on tv. This is the exact feeling I encountered when being here and admitting the awe of seeing the Hollywood sign. 
Later that afternoon we hopped in the car, opened the sun roof/windows, cranked the music and began to cruise. Sunset Blvd, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills; all just as picturesque as I imagined. The houses, the cars, the interesting people, it was just a fun and very chill time witnessing it.
The next day we dedicated our time to the beaches. Starting at Laguna and standing on the "top of the world" to Huntingdon, Newport and Seal. The Pacific is gorgeous and I loved every minute of being on the shores. We managed to get ourselves into several other frolicsomeness during my visit, especially during St. Patricks day. I think I'll save that for another day though ;)


It's funny that while visiting this short time and sharing stories with Jess and her family I was able to see a vast difference between the lifestyles of the West coast and East. From her experiences so far, Jess has landed multiple jobs and I was quite shocked as to how she managed it. I've found out that people like to be independent and Angelenos or Californians want to make it happen on their own terms and will sacrifice to have a better quality of life.  I am constantly amazed at the tech world, the entertainment industry, the fashion, and incredible writing communities here. People on the east coast typically have one job.  People on the west coast have multiple.  I find it kind of invigorating. At first, not so much, but now I see why. FREEDOM. People are chasing their dream and working where they can to support that dream.  
When you grow up in the North East, everyone around you is talking about what prep school or prestigious college they would like you to attend. This talk starts fairly early in our youth. Often many generations attend the same school and it is an honor to continue that legacy because so and so’s grandfather has their name on the building. College is just considered a minimal start. Having a master’s degree, PhD etc. is just an extra something to have under your belt. I have found people on the West Coast are not raised with the same educational whip. I was surprised when Jay was telling me about how it's not a big deal at all. Many high school and college drop outs are quite successful. This “drop-out” thing would be unheard of on the East Coast, but sometimes I think this non-education thing creates people who work and learn skills at an early age because they have to, and often have real world life skills than many of us who spend years and years in classes don’t have.


On another note, 
I know for me, I get extremely excited when I see a celebrity (and it does happen occasionally). One evening, we were leaving our restaurant and I just stumbled into Steve-O from Jack ass and got my picture with him. Well, it was pretty awesome but ya know in LA, locals are not phased too much by anyone since they share all of the same commodities like gyms, restaurants, sidewalks etc. Considering I am so used to the East coast way of life, I strongly admire this new lifestyle. It really makes me step back and re-evaluate how I want to live my life. I mean, part of my life motto is to live simply, do what I love and from there everything tends to fall into place. This was a memorable trip and I thank Jess for letting it all happen.

Laguna

Leia Mais…