Thoughts Before Turning 21

8:11 PM Unknown 0 Comments


I finally turn the big 21 this Friday and I'll admit, I have really been looking forward to this birthday for a long time now. 

Normally I don't make a big deal about my birthday, I usually do something small with my family at home, but this year I decided to make things extra special.

In retrospect, reaching this "milestone" in life has made me very pensive these past few weeks and I have just been reflecting on my past lately. Here's what I have concluded so far:


1. Friends 

  • I look at the closest people around me now. The ones I talk to every day and the ones that I don't hear from often, but I know they are there, and I just can't help but to feel extremely grateful for the type of people that have been put in my life to this point. Your friends play such an important role in these key years, shaping you into the person you will become. I have some of the most genuine and loving friends I could ever ask for and every day they inspire me and teach me to be better. They are real examples of what it means to be loyal. I know they have my back at any second, but I also know they will never belittle, mistreat, or even be rude to anyone that has hurt me. I love that.. It's definitely a lesson of growing up, you don't need to bring someone down just to bring someone else up. All in all, I am just so happy I get to celebrate Friday night with these amazing people. In general, I'm grateful for all the new faces in my life. I have met people recently that are so different from me and they are just amazing. I have changed a lot this year, physically-mentally, but they embrace my changes and encourage me to follow my goals. 

2. Family 

  • Family. What can I say? My family would go to hell and back for me in an instant. That's not to say we are perfect. Just like any family, we each have our own set of challenges, but in the end of the day I know without a doubt they are always there for me. I have parents that support my dreams and even push me to travel the world and follow my passions. Then there is my big brother. My only sibling. These past months I have felt closer to him than I had been in a while. We talk almost every day and even though he can be the biggest pain in my ass. I love him. I hate him, but I love him. I have to remind myself not to take anyone in my family for granted and to just appreciate all the moments I get to spend with them. As we grow up, we move away, we start our own lives, our own families and we don't get to see our own as often as before. As I start preparing for graduation soon, the possibility of me moving away is becoming very real, so I am trying to soak up all the family time I can. 

3. Past

  • It's no secret that I went through a big break up this year. I have my fair share of posts on this subject. The reason I haven't stopped bringing it up is because surprisingly many of my readers are dealing with break ups of their own and I have been told that reading my posts has helped them. Which is honestly the only goal I had when writing about it. Right now, I can confidently say I have let go of all anger and bitterness I had. I don't want to carry those negative vibes into my new year. There is absolutely no point in holding on to grudges and resentments. He may not be a part of my life anymore, but I can appreciate the beautiful moments we had together. Aside from our problems, what we had was definitely special and I'll always be grateful for the times he was there for me. He will always be my first love and I think a part of me will always care for him. Maybe that's what it truly means to move on in a breakup. When you can look back and smile at the good memories, learn from the bad ones, and wish your ex nothing but happiness - regardless of what was done to you. The truth is, I've had to grow outside of that relationship in order to really grow as a person. And that is exactly what I'm doing now. Growing, learning, and finally loving myself the way I deserve to be. 


I have to say, I am really interested in seeing what these next years bring. So much can change in just months. I think that's how your 20's are suppose to be - full of new experiences, lots of learning, growing, and lots of fun.

If any of  my readers are fellow cancers or July babies, I wish you a very happy birthday! 

Remember, you are enough.

-m

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Fitness Journey Update + Advice

12:33 PM Unknown 0 Comments


Fitness Friday!

Hello my beautiful readers, I thought I'd share with you guys an update on how I have been progressing in my fitness journey!

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By the way, after an amazing vacation I am finally home! I am back to work (possibly getting a second job) and I am taking one summer class.

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So far I am down around 15 pounds, I have lost 4 inches off my waist, and I have dropped a pant size! It is extremely rewarding to see the progress you make over time. I have taken various progress pictures of different parts of my body and it really is insane to see the transformation. 

I am still not at my goal weight, but every single day I get closer and closer and I also get stronger. But there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will get there. 2015 is the year I get fit.

So far my diet mainly consists of eating as raw and natural as possible and of course lots of water. I try to avoid processed foods and eating out. I have cut bread, pasta, and rice from my diet completely. I rarely eat pork and cheese as well. 

In a typical day I eat oatmeal with fruits and flax seeds for breakfast, lunch usually consists of fruits and veggies, and dinner is either a salad or egg whites with turkey and veggies. I avoid eating dinner too late, but if I get hungry past 8, I usually will eat some greek yogurt or make some green tea. 

As far as my workouts go, my goal is simple: break a sweat every day. You do not need to kill yourself at the gym all the time. I use my rest days for small activities such as taking my dogs out for a walk/light run or swimming with friends. 

For the weekdays my workouts vary every day from weights, circuits, cardio, abdominals, cycling, and yoga. I tend to do combinations of two or three. And if the weather is nice, I'll go running the university lakes which is roughly 4 miles. 

It's become a lifestyle for me. I don't have anyone telling me "go to the gym." I want to go work out, it's honestly been the best therapy for me. I feel happier and lighter because of it and since I'm eating right I don't feel as bloated and sluggish as before. Even my skin has cleared up a lot.

If any of you are thinking about getting into shape, my best advice is do it for yourself. You have to really be determined to work for it. 

I think the hardest part is remaining optimistic. You won't always see a sudden decline of weight, heck you might not even see a difference in the mirror for weeks. But I promise you that's the most challenging part, not giving up even when you see no change. I promise you it will happen. Don't strive for perfection, but for persistence. 

I don't feel like I am on a "diet" or that I am deprived. It's simply a lifestyle. I will not go back to eating like crap once I reach my target weight. I love my body, but I'm striving to be as healthy as I can be.  

If any of you are interested in some of my recipes or even just more information on my workouts let me know! Either through blogger or tumblr!

I am so excited I get to share my fitness journey with you all!

Remember, you are enough.

-m



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Picking My Mind..Answering Your Questions

7:48 PM Unknown 0 Comments



Hello!

I've been asked for updates on my tumblr on my personal life and I figured it was a perfect opportunity to do a new blog post.


To give a quick update on how I'm doing, I would have to say I am at probably at the best point in my life right now. I take comfort in knowing that it will only get better. 

I am doing everything I love to do! I am traveling; I am progressing in my fitness journey and I am closer to reaching my goal weight. I am meeting new people. I have stepped out of my comfort zone. I have grown spiritually. I am almost 21 (woo). I am maid of honor and planning an amazing wedding for my sister. I am working towards getting my first professional title as a designer. Graduation is getting closer. And some exciting news in my family. 

I can truly say I am the happiest I have ever been and I owe it all to God, my amazing family, and my wonderful friends. 

I'm going to answer a couple of questions I have gotten on my tumblr these past months...

1. Why did you guys break up?
    • This seems to be the most popular question I get. To respect the privacy of the other party I won't really discuss this too much. All I can say is that things simply don't always work out. I know that's a broad explanation, but it's true. If you asked me 5 months ago what my life would be like in 5 years, I probably would have told you I would be engaged or married to this person. But that's just it, we aren't always in control of our life and our future. God is the one that calls the shots and I just have to trust His judgement. His plan is better than anything I could envision for myself. I have used this failed relationship as a learning experience and I have had plenty of time to reflect on my actions and see what areas I need to work on. Regardless of who is more to blame or what happened, I believe we each have our faults and our fair share of mistakes. Keep in mind I started dating this person when I was 14, I have changed tremendously since then. I grew up, my mentality and goals changed, and sometimes we simply don't grow well or at the same pace with the other person. 
2. Are you dating anyone? 
    • Nope! And I don't plan to for a while. Honestly I take a lot of pride in knowing that I got through this breakup without needing to get into another relationship to help me move on. I am enjoying all the perks of being single and putting myself first. Not having to compromise what I want for someone and not having relationship drama. I even sleep better at night! I am not putting a time limit on how long I am waiting to get into another relationship. I have taken a couple of steps into the dating world, slowly, but I am not forcing anything. If it feels right, I'll let it happen, but as said earlier it's all about God's timing and not mine. I am in absolutely no rush. Plus I am pretty sure that at 20 years old I have not met the person I am going to marry; I am barely starting adulthood. So to keep it simple: I am not opposed to dating someone right now but it's not something I am focused on right now. 
3. What advice can you give on handling a break up and moving on?
    • Have a support system! Definitely a must and very important. Make sure it is with the right people. For me that was my family, my closest friends, and my faith. It does not have to be so many people, but personally I needed a big support system. With any break up, you are going to have your ups and downs. There will be many stages that you go through. IT IS OKAY. Seriously, if you need to cry, do it. If you feel angry, drink some wine and talk all the shit you want. If you need to vent for the 1948398543 time to your friends, go right ahead; that is what they are there for. It's something you have to take day by day, just remember you have to let go. Let. Go. You can not compare your progress to your ex's. Everyone has their own way of handling things (or not handling them at all) so just focus on yourself. There is no shame in taking time to move on as long as you do it the right way. I seriously thought it was going to take me a long time to move on, I gave this person 6 years, yet here I am months later happier than ever. The best part is that I feel like I was able to grieve and cope with the situation in a healthy manner.
4. Are you and your ex still friends?
    • No we are not and it is for the best. I do not hate this person, I hope he is doing well. I am genuinely cheering for him to succeed. I hope life gives him the opportunity to be the best that he can be. I feel like we did not end on the best of terms, but honestly I don't have anything left to say. I can sleep easy with a clear conscience because I know I apologized for what I have done wrong and I don't owe him anything more. I do not have any intentions on having him back in my life in the future and I don't mean that in a spiteful way, I just believe it is for the better; for his and my sake. 

This experience has definitely given me thicker skin. I was so self conscious on what people thought about me and I have really learned to not care. It is absolutely impossible to please everyone. No matter what, you'll always be the bad guy in someone else's eyes, even if they don't know the situation. It was so important for me to be liked by everyone and now I am not worried about it. Especially if those people do not add any value to my life. I'll let people think what they want. At the end of the day I know who I am and I really love who I'm turning out to be. 

If any of my readers are going through a break up, just remember it is not the end. In fact, it's only the beginning of a new chapter in your life and you have the power to make it an exciting one. There are hidden blessings in all experiences.

 Most importantly, don't close up on the idea of love. That is actually something I am still working on. But I know that there is someone out there for me and that one day, I'll feel grateful for this experience because it lead me to him. It's all about His plan. But for now, I am enjoying this new life of mine. 

Remember, you are enough. 

-m

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