Started the new year with a BANG!

Let me start out by saying, it was not a good "bang".  I felt like I was shot down when the new year began.  I ended 2013 on such a high and I expected 2014 to welcome me with open arms. Instead I felt like I was tripped over as I walked into the new year.  I started 2014 with a lot of resistance.  I'm dealing with a lot emotionally right now, and am just trying to sort it all out.

Health-wise, most of my healthy eating habits went out the window in December.  I was stressed preparing for my vacation, then while on vacation I was trying to acclimate to the weather, family, friends, and the stress of the holidays.  I did better than expected with food.  I didn't go overboard at all, but I also wasn't eating as healthy as I would've liked.  Still, I was proud of not pigging out.
Ever since I came back to San Diego I've been on an emotional rollercoaster.  Don't get me wrong, I was happy to be back (especially back to warmer temperatures), but I was missing my loved ones.  I was feeling lonely and vulnerable.  To top it off I felt totally off balance and unsure of what my vision/goals were for 2014.

Financially, I am not where I want to be, but thankfully the clouds have parted and I am beginning to once again feel the abundance flowing.  I started out this year with a lot of fear about money (where was it coming from, will I have enough?).  I was freaked out.  I spent way too much on my trip for the holidays so when I came back it was like a rude awakening.  I prayed on it and decided to let go of the anxiety since it wasn't helping me move forward.  I took action by applying for jobs and contacting my temp coordinator.  A week later I had another temp assignment (this one for 2 months).  RELIEF!  I can once again save up, and this time invest in my future.  I also just filed my taxes and 60% of my refund will be nicely tucked away in savings.  The rest I plan to use for something useful, such as a class, but I'm not sure what for yet.

January was very rocky for me, but the main thing that helped me get through was meditation.  I downloaded a few guided meditation sessions, as well as have a "Meditation" station on Pandora (you can listen to it HERE).  The music helps me relax and I like to have it playing in the background as I'm praying or stating my gratitudes for the day.  Through the 4-week THRIVE COURSE I was taking I was able to determine what my main focus for 2014 will be.  I don't feel comfortable sharing what that goal is (yet), but just know I will for sure keep you posted on my progress.  I decided to take another session (my 3rd one) of Magical Manifesters to create a plan of action for this goal.

I previously shared my Resources for Positive Shifts where I list most of the tools which brought me to this point in my life. If you're looking for some change and clarity, this is a great place to start.

May the force be with us all! =)

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

Useful resources for positive shifts (updated 2/2/14)

Hello all!  I've mentioned a few resources here and there throughout my blog but decided to create a comprehensive list of all the ones I follow/subscribe to (and I'll continue to add-on).

1) (Book) I first began creating positive shifts in my life back in 2010, when I read "The Secret". When I refer to "positive shifts" I mean that I'm being guided to my path, or I'm being put back on track.  I felt for a long time, even back in my teen years, stuck in a rut.  I've kept journals since middle school and I like to read them from time to time.  I noticed every year the themes were the same.  There were subtle changes; changes with my body, my surroundings, the people in my life, my relationships, but the major themes like love, money, health were the same.  Every year started with a search for something better, and when I read The Secret it really helped me understand that I was creating my world.  I created my own obstacles, I created the rut. So reading that book gave me a very different view on my life; I was no longer a victim of circumstance.  This book is great to shift your thoughts and help you open up to possibilities.

2) (Entrepreneurship + more) Around 2011 I began working with one of my sorority sisters, Laura Yamin. Laura has a blog called Joyful Shimmy where she shares how she found her center, and what resources she used to get here there.  Since then her business and brand have grown exponentially. I've involved myself in many of Laura's workshops and classes, as well as have looked into her resources.  I am currently taking her 4-week THRIVE! course and she has another session starting February 3rd.  Thrive is perfect if you're over living on the margin; if you're over just having enough to survive.  You want more out of life.  You want to live the best life you can. Laura helps you take a deep look at your "stories" surrounding money, why they are there, what we can do to overcome.  Everything is done online and we hold weekly group sessions which are all guided by her.  Through Laura I was (finally!) able to learn what my relationship with money looks like (not pretty).  Now that I know I understand what I have to do to shift my relationship to a more positive place.  So if you want to THRIVE this year, please click here to learn more about what she has to offer you. She is an amazing resource to have especially if you're a creative individual with a entrepreneurial mind.  She can help take your business to the next level. She also introduced me to another life changing resource, Magical Manifesters....

3) (Course + more) August 2012 I had made the decision to take a Leap of Faith and move across the country.  At that point I was hungry for information and more powerful tools.  Laura hooked me up with the knowledge of the Magical Manifesters course.  The course was created and is taught by Erin Stutland.  It's a 4-5 week online course, which you can do at your own pace.  Once you're a member of the MM community you have unlimited access to the course and materials (I've taken the course 3 times already).  I still use the tools and resources to check-in with myself, assess my goals and what I need to achieve them. She approaches reaching goals in a way I've never thought of or experienced before. This isn't simply making a list and then crossing things off. She actually teaches you to look DEEP within yourself to assess what your fears and blocks are BEFORE you even begin to discover your goals and talents. You are then taught to analyze your desires with a whole new set of eyes. The way she approached things, for me, was innovative, creative, and just really thought provoking. There's also a group on Facebook for all MM participants, where we network and share our experiences.  If you're truly ready to take ACTION rather than wishing for your goals to get accomplished, this is a great first step.

4) (Book) I was introduced to "Think and Grow Rich" from reading The Secret.  Where The Secret helped me shift my thoughts surrounding life as a whole, TAGR helped me shift my thoughts and beliefs surrounding money.  My financial situation is the #1 area of focus for me and has been for a very long time.  I didn't realize, until very recently, how toxic my relationship with money has been.  I will share with you later on about that, and what I am doing to shift the energy surrounding money.  This book is one of the cornerstones of establishing a positive relationship with money.  If you want to change the way you view and attain money, this is the book for you.  Furthermore, mi gente Latina, many of us are taught very early on to have a negative relationship with money.  "Money is the devil", "More money more problems", and the list goes on...Lionel Sosa has taken the lessons he's learned from Think and Grow Rich and "translated" (so to speak) for the Latino perspective.  I highly suggested checking out his "Think and Grow Rich: A Latino Choice".

5) (Entrepreneurship + more) I've been following Marie Forleo since about 2010.  I started a small, home business back then selling items to my sorority sisters.  Marie has a wealth of information for entrepreneurs; articles, links, courses, videos on Youtube, and much more.  If you're an entrepreneur, do yourself a huge favor and check her out.

6) (Entrepreneurship + Jobs) I am including my e-books on here.  I wrote two (so far) which are available on Amazon for Kindle (you can download the free app fro your phone, computer, or tablet HERE). The first one is for anyone interested in establishing a home business, it's called "BYOB: Be Your Own Boss - How to Start a Home Business on a Budget".  This e-book breaks down how you can take your skills and transform it into income.  Get your small business started from home with little down.  You'll receive step-by-step guidance as well as resources to get you started.  The next one is "How to find the BEST gigs on Craigslist: pay your bills and earn some money on the side". I am a Craigslist guru when it comes to gigs.  I've been "gigging" for a long time and here I share how you can get started navigating through the ads on CL to find legitimate, short-term work.

Blogs I follow:  It's not enough to just bookmark a website.  Subscribing to receive updates is the best way to make sure you get the knowledge first.  I subscribed to receive email updates from each of these.  I've grown my subscriptions over the years; I really like what these people have to say and they each touch me in some way.  They all have something special and unique to provide to me.

Joyful Shimmy

Erin Stutland

Marie Forleo

Mike Dooley

Sonia Choquette

Kate Northrup

Patricia Moreno

Yesenia Vargas

Terri Cole

AstroStyle

Erika Lyremark

Food Babe

Wandering Earl

The Curvy Fashionista

Martine Holston

Catherine Collautt


Youtube peeps: Just like with the blogs above, I also subscribe for some video inspiration (some of the folks above also have channels on Youtube).

Doreen Virtue

Lilou Mace



By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

Leap and the net will appear

What's interesting is that I just recently learned this lesson, after taking my leap of faith.  When I first decided to move and basically turn my life right side up I didn't have much support from my loved ones.  Not to say they were completely against the idea but they were fearful for me.  I made the decision to move somewhere I had never lived before and in a place with no family, or security (I didn't have a job lined up).  I continued on with my decision against all odds.  Then once I actually made the move I had more support and love than I could ever have imagined.  The net appeared for me in so many unexpected ways.

Everyone tells me I'm so brave.  I did something that they could never do.  It's funny because I don't feel brave at all.  I was so hungry for change and did the most drastic thing I could think of at the time.  I made the decision to better myself and my life; I thought of it as the right thing to do. Our lives are ruled by the choices we make and we make them with the intention of being right.  I made the decision to move because I felt it was the right thing to do for me, not because it was the "brave" thing to do.  And don't think I just got up one morning and moved the next, I had a plan. My plan took 3 months to blossom.  

First step: I made the decision and set the intention.  I said "I am moving to San Diego" rather than "I hope (or wish) to move".

Second step:  I believed it was possible.  Right when I said it, I felt my heart leap for joy.  The decision was not made from a place of desperation or fear.

Third step:  I surrendered the "how".  I prayed on my desire and then let the magic happen.  I remained open to possibilities.  Once you believe something is possible, keep your mind and heart open to whatever presents itself next.  

Fourth step:  I kept myself open to receive.  I learned that we get the things we want (and need) in unexpected forms.  We receive the very best.  The path to the desire is not linear and it's also not clear to us, so I kept "my eyes peeled" to the things that presented themselves to me.  For example, right after setting the intention to move I was presented with the opportunity to work for a temp job.  I took it because I knew it would help fund my desire.  The opportunities which present themselves right away are important.

Fifth step: My daily routine involved planning to receive my desire.  My desire was to move to San Diego so I planned my move.  I did my research on housing, transportation, activities; I planned how my life would be once I moved.  I also made my desire present.  I wrote "San Diego" on the top of each month on my calendar so that every day marked off was one day closer to receiving it.

Sixth step: Make the desire greater than your fear.  This is a tough one because fear is a part of us. The fear inside will always be present but what helped me quiet it was to visualize my "new life" in San Diego.  Also I really avoided negative people and anyone who did not support my dream.  I did not like to talk about all the things that could go wrong because I can't control every single thing that happens (or doesn't happen) to me, so why focus on that?  I'd rather focus on what I can control.  Plus to be honest, everything was flowing nicely once I made my choice so much so that I figured the Universe was on my side to make it happen.  I felt right about it and so the right things were popping up in my life.  

When people are throwing shade your way, walk in the sun. Tweet this!

Seventh step: What's the worst that can happen?  I don't know if this will work for everyone, but I am a pretty cautious person and can be very paranoid at times.  Because my desire to move was greater than my fear, I did not let fear stop me, but trust me it was present.  One of the ways I was able to face my fear was by identifying what the worst case scenarios were.  In essence, it helped me to identify some of my worst fears tied to this decision.  I didn't create back-up plans to prepare for the worst case scenarios because I wanted to attach positive vibes to my choice.  I chose not to focus on the fear, rather just observe it.  I discuss a little bit about how I face my fears in a previous post.  I'll share with you my greatest fear attached to moving was that it wouldn't work out and I would have to go back home to live with my parents.  Doesn't sound so bad, right?  It's still an echo in my mind I can't get rid of, but I no longer fight it.  It is what it is.  I'm alive, healthy, have tons of people who love and support me, and that's what's truly important.  Which brings me to...

Eighth step: Gratitude! I thank God for placing "The Secret" in my life back in 2010.  This was one of the books that changed my life and the way I live it.  I am grateful every day.  I like to state out loud what I am thankful for every day.  I like to do this as part of my morning ritual, while getting ready for work, to start my day off right.  I think keeping tabs of what you're grateful for opens so many doors.  I think gratitude paves the way for blessings.

I can't tell you what happens after you take your leap of faith because there is no "cookie-cutter" result; everyone's journey is different. What I can say is that I have no regrets.  I would rather do something and determine whether it was the right choice or not for me, from my action, than live regretting my inaction.  I faced a lot of obstacles in the beginning.  I kept myself motivated by learning, meditating, writing, blogging, and taking comfort in the support of my loved ones.  I kept my desire to thrive in San Diego present.   I've shared with you in other posts some of the resources I used to guide me on my path.

I really hope this post can help you take more leaps!  I would love it if you can comment below what leap (or leaps) you would love to take? Or if you've already taken a leap of faith, how did you do it?

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

Resisting the New Year

Right before New Year's Eve I had the pleasure of viewing the recording of "Create Your Dream Year in 2014", a conference hosted by Patricia Moreno and Terri Cole. I was so inspired by the powerful panel of women; their words spoke to my soul.  I was on cloud 9.  I was still on vacation in NYC at the time and felt I started the new year on track.  Then my vacation ended.

I just got back to San Diego on the 6th.  I am in love with the sun and warmth.  I had such an amazing time seeing my loved ones that I came back truly inspired and recharged.  However, I've spent the last few days just taking it day by day.  I cleaned my room from top to bottom, which is a great tactic to de-clutter my mind and energy, but after all of that I still felt like something was missing.  I've been resisting working on myself and goals and I'm not sure why.

By resisting I mean I know what I'm "supposed" to be doing but I'm not doing it.  I fill my free time with distractions and filling my mind with stories to keep myself from doing my "work".  I'm currently off assignment, so I have a ton of free time to work on the things I love (such as this blog).  You'd think with all this free time I would dedicate more towards working on me and my dreams, but no.  Instead I am just feeling like a giant brick wall.  I've been in this state of mind before, stuck in a rut, and in order to get out of it I have to take action.  My first step was to make a list of the things I've been resisting the most.  I found the most resistance around 1) writing, and 2) my birthday.

As far as writing, I have a few projects I'd like to get started on, but even getting to the point of writing this blog post felt like a chore.  I had a conversation with my go-to guru, Laura Yamin, and she helped me get back to that place of YES and showing up.  She helped me, once again, understand that I am blocking my progress with distractions and excuses, and while I should be gentle with myself I have to also understand that the work won't get done until I take action. Together we came up with a game plan to write every day for the next 30 days.  Even if it's just 5 minutes of free writing, but it'll help me break the blockage and become more disciplined with my writing.  As for my birthday (on January 16th) I am having a hard time thinking about what I want to do until I finally said I'm not doing anything.  Laura challenged me to do something nice for myself, nothing crazy overwhelming, even if just inviting people over for wine.  I'm not sure yet what I'll do but I will keep you posted.

A few other resources I want to share with you, which I am using as we speak; right before writing this post I checked my inbox (another thing which needs to be de-cluttered) and saw a post by Erin Stutland on taking it easy this month.  I was on such an inspired high before the new year that I thought I needed to start off 2014 like a torpedo.  So when I noticed I was resisting creating goals and taking actions, I felt bad about slacking.  How am I going to have the best year ever if I'm resisting it?  But Erin's right in that I have to let myself adjust to this new year which we tend to fill with so much hope and expectations.  While taking a little action is better than no action, I definitely agree with allowing myself to settle into 2014.  I don't know yet what I intend to do this year, but I do know that when I'm ready to thrive I will use this free workbook by Martine Holston to define what 2014 will be for me.

Not having set goals yet is a little uncomfortable for me.  I don't set resolutions but ever since 2012 I've been working on setting intentions.  I am keeping my heart open to receiving the blessings of this new year and receiving inspiration to help me figure out what it is I truly desire.  I will keep you posted on my 2014 intentions.

Have any of you been feeling like this?

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

One year ago today...

Happy December all!  December 1st marked my 1 YEAR anniversary here in San Diego.  One year ago today I left everything I knew behind to start something new.  I’m actually in shock.  I still can’t believe I did it; I can’t believe I moved and have been here for a year already.  I thank God every day for this opportunity and for the unconditional support of my family and friends, whose love and comfort kept me going when times were rough.  I made it!

In one of my previous posts I share with you how I made the decision to move and how I followed my dream.

With 2014 right around the corner, I have a few goals I want to accomplish before the start of the new year.  How will you end 2013?  How will you feel looking back?

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

2013 wrap-up

Hello all!  We are 46 days away from the New Year!  2013 was filled with many blessings and transformations.  I share in a previous post how I took a leap of faith and turned my life right-side up.  16 days from today will mark my 1 year anniversary since changing my life and moving here to San Diego.  I don't know yet how I'm going to celebrate but I will keep you posted!

Once November started I felt my energy shifting into "hibernation" mode.  I was feeling kind of stuck and indecisive.  Once the time changed, it just felt like the darkness was lingering longer and I am such a sun worshiper that it makes me a little sad.  It's so easy to put yourself into a pit of fear and despair; so easy for me to do to myself.  But thankfully I have some great resources to help me stay focused on my goals.  I always turn back to my Magical Manifestor notes and training for guidance.  I am also working with Laura Yamin of Joyful Shimmy on a 21-day "fear detox".  She's such an inspiration, overall great listener and extremely supportive.  I highly recommend working with her.  I recently also began following one of the people from my MM class, Martine Holston, who wrote this powerful post on taking action when it seems like you have no control over a situation.  It really hit home because sometimes it's so hard for me to make a decision, especially when it's something that worries me.

My job responsibilities will be winding down soon, so I'll have more ME time to focus on my goals.  I am 100% focused and dedicated to "getting it done" as Shaun T would say!

Re-cap on my status:

Happy October! Week 9 T25 + Vegan Update!

Hellooo everyone!  I'm super happy it's October!  I love October, mainly for Halloween (best day ever!).  I have tons of juicy updates for you! I've been so busy with LIFE!  I started a new job and just recently interviewed for another position, so it seems like a lot of opportunities are coming my way.  I've been playing catch-up with everything, including my posts, but am glad to finally have a little break to let you know everything that's been happening.

It's the Fall now and I definitely felt the shift right before it happened.  I felt the days growing a little darker sooner, I felt more tired, have been feeling more drained than ever.  Also on the emotional front I've been feeling a little restless and like I'm "almost there"; like on the cusp of something (not sure yet what that is). I just entered on Monday, my 9th week of Focus T25.  I can't believe it's been 9 weeks already!  Actually it's been 10 since I began but I wasn't feeling so great one week, so I decided to do that corresponding week over.  The workout itself is my favorite so far.  There are so many days when I get home from work exhausted and decide to take it easy and rest.  I figure I should give myself a break from a hard day.  Then there's this tiny voice that says "cmon, you should really work out", and then I respond "but I'm SO TIRED", then the voice goes "It's only 25 minutes, just try your best", and that usually does the trick for me.  I play the DVD's on my laptop, so what I do is place a piece of paper over the screen to cover the timer.  I don't like watching the countdown because it feels like time moves slower then.  When I don't look at the time, the workout flies by and I feel amazing when I finish. Some days I am so tired that I only do about 15 minutes, but I don't feel bad because I figure something is better than nothing. My favorite Focus T25 DVD's (all included) are: Alpha stage: Cardio, Speed 1.0, Stretch Beta stage: Core Cardio, Speed 2.0 (MY FAV!), Upper Focus, and Core Speed.  They each have a lot of modifications if you're just starting out, and the best part is when you're consistent with the workouts you'll eventually find that some things which were hard at first become progressively easier.

I haven't weighed or measured myself. I actually decided last month to take a break from doing that. It may work for some people but it doesn't for me. I hate feeling like a slave to the numbers when it's really about the feeling for me. I don't want to let the numbers on a scale or measuring tape define me or my body. I am much more than a body. I feel myself losing weight; my clothes fit much looser, I have an easier time doing things like running after my bus when I'm late, and having more stamina to do things. I tried measuring myself week to week and weighing myself, but realized the numbers were controlling me. I discuss my "ego trip" and negative thought patterns and behaviors in my last post "I forgive myself for being fat". Whenever I weighed myself it was like opening a door I did not want to deal with. If the numbers were higher than the last time, my self-esteem would be momentarily destroyed. If the numbers were lower than before, they weren't low enough. I just thought it was too much to deal with, so I choose to focus on how I feel rather than how much I weigh or how much weight I'm losing.

Actually I will be honest with you and say that I've been looking at myself naked more often and....

yea...

I made this pic collage of my week 1 and week 9, and also the fact that I can actually fit in the door frame comfortably, whereas with week 1 I wasn't able to.  I still have a hard time seeing the physical changes in these pictures, but oh well, here you go!

As for Veganism, if you're just tuning in to my randomness now, I previously discussed taking a Vegan approach to my weight loss (check "Going Vegan") and needless to say I fucked up, and that's OK.  I'm not meant to be a Vegan, at least not at the moment.  I'm not a big meat eater and thankfully dairy is no longer a vice, but you have to have a lot of patience to be a Vegan.  You gotta be religiously aware of what you're consuming and the best option is to prepare your own meals.  As I've stated before, I am not a fan of cooking and I just don't care to cook.  I usually prepare 3 meals per 7-days, in large quantities to last me for a couple of days for lunch and dinner. But after a while I just get bored of the same thing, and I'm just lazy.  I'd rather buy frozen foods and just heat them up.  I know it's great to cook your own meals but I commute about 3 hours total, per day, by the time I get home I barely have the energy to keep up with life, let alone working out.  I think my next endeavor with consumption will be juicing.  I really like Shakeology and would love to do a juicing detox soon, before the new year.

Speaking of which, we are less than 3 months away from 2014!  I've come so far and have accomplished so much; I'm at the home stretch and want to really focus my energy on the last few 2013 goals, which are:

1) Get my driver's license

2) Blast the belly bulge (would love to reduce it by half before the new year)

3) Finalize some short-term career goals, which include solidifying a position with a great salary

4) Create a plan of action for my writing goals

5) Would love to be in a solid relationship, at least starting out

I'm thankful I have my Magical Manifesters lesson plans to guide me through the last bit of 2013.

Whew!  I know that was a lot to take in, but hopefully you laughed, you cried, and you'll be back for more!  Till next time!

P.S: Check me out on Joyful Shimmy!  I was interviewed by my great friend and sister, Laura Yamin, on my journey from East to West (almost 1 year ago!).  Check it out and let me know what you think!


By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!