Gumption

When I think about all of the amazing things and people that have come into my life one things seems to always run constant: it all has been driven by gumption. Gumption is the act of taking initiative; having courage, spunk, guts. Gumption is what brings all happiness into my life. Looking back on my life I realize that without this, I would not be at the University of Washington, I wouldn't have the friends that I have...ultimately, I wouldn't be the person I am today. This is something worth expanding on...how is it that this one word sums up everything that I am and ever will be?

With that in mind...here is a quick video expanding on these thoughts! I hope you enjoy it, and I am sorry for the quality!

Worth It

Today I want to vent to you guys, I sure hope you are all okay with that...if not, you already clicked the link so just go ahead and read it anyway. Haha

This morning I am a little bothered with a specific construct in this crazy thing called life -- money. Growing up, it was something I never really paid attention to, it was just something my parents took out of some thing called a bank and then we did fun stuff. So I guess way back then I created this unconscious idea that money would bring happiness, that it would bring my greatest joys...Today, money is something I absolutely dread talking about, something I actually hate to use. Now I know that seems weird and not "economically correct", but my hatred for money goes a lot deeper than just a frugal idea. Money is the one thing that has continuously tried to keep me from my future. How is it that a piece of paper can determine where you will go, and just how successful you will be? I envy those who do not have to worry, I respect that luxury so much. Mind you I am not throwing a pity party, I am just making an observation. Apparently, the only way I can better myself and my education is to pay thousands of dollars....BUT FOR WHAT?! Why am I being penalized for wanting to be successful? Why do I have to struggle every third damn week of the new quarter? How is it that I am seen as a monetary gain rather than a person who just wants to learn? Ultimately, I am just bothered. I do well in school, I work so hard, but then that tuition and housing bill comes in and then it feels like I am right back at square one. This constant back and forth is what brings me my lowest days and my highest. It is beyond confusing as you can imagine -- I know a lot of you can. I just wish college was something that was attainable for everyone. When I look at my graduating class, the main reason why anyone ever said they weren't going to college was because of the money -- that is powerful. A green piece of paper has that much power in our lives...enough power to make us turn away from what we really want. And what really gets to me, is that there is NOTHING we can do to change this power that money has gained. 

What do I know for sure?

I know that no matter how many no's I am given, whether it be from FAFSA, my peers, haters, friends, even family, I can not and will not stop fighting for my future. I have been through too much, I have seen too many let go of their dreams...I refuse to be another tick on the unemployment graph. I refuse to let a piece of damn paper tell me what I can do with myself. I know my talents, my strengths, my purpose in this life, and no matter how many times life brings me down I will always get back up ready for another fight. Bring on the next quarter, hell I have struggled every single one...and I am still here! Bring on another person telling me I won't make it, give me more motivation to keep this blog going! Bring on whatever you want to try and diminish my pride in myself and my future...I will consistently counter with everything I have. What do I know for sure? I know that the struggle I am fighting right now with money and school is only temporary. I don't care what it takes, UW is where I will be graduating from, and my words will be heard all around the world. This struggle is nothing but a blip in this story I am writing for myself.

It'll all be worth it in the end.

Goodbye 2013!

2013...it's been real! 

This post has given me so much trouble, BUT finally here it is! I hope you all enjoy the video because it took forever to compile! Before you watch it, let me leave you with some quotes, written by myself, to get your new year started! 

"Don't let the mess of life stop you from acquiring the greatness it is ready to provide you, pick up your broom and sweep out the garbage, only then will you see the perfection life can bring."

"Life can sometimes seem boring and mundane, but when you are constantly working towards a greater self, newer and more exciting adventures will always come your way."

"Stop worrying about what other people are doing, worry about what YOU are doing to make your life as successful as possible."

"When life approaches you with a storm of negativity, head straight to the airport and get on the next flight to a place of solace."

"Acceptance and openness to new ideas is rare...step outside the norm and be different."

"Dreams are meant for those who see a reality that does not function the way they see fit. So I daydream -- I daydream ambitiously in order to create the world I wish to live in."

With that here is the link to my video! 2013 Review

No Boundaries November: Confidence/Advice Response

Before I get into the post I would like to thank you all for making this month the most successful month for the blog to date! I really can't thank everyone enough for sharing the posts and giving me such beautiful feedback, it all literally warms my heart. I really do hope that you all continue to support me and my journey as I try to give you all helpful tips on how to get on the right path for your own!

Originally, this post was going to be about being thankful, in celebration of Thanksgiving...but something really touching and surprising just came my way and I can't help but respond to it! But before I continue, we must always remember that just because there is a day titled Thanksgiving does not mean that the other 364 days of the year you get to forget about it's lessons. I believe that holidays are meant to be reminders throughout the year to live the lives we are called to! Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, New Years, even Halloween! They all represent qualities ranging from giving, family, love, being thankful, creativity, and always working to change yourself for the better! So whenever you come across a holiday look at it is as a reminder rather than an obligation to do something you normally wouldn't.

Okay, so I think the best way to talk about what just happened to is to show you what was said,

"Hey I just stumbled upon your blog...it is really good! Ummm this may be a little awkward considering I don't think this is an advice blog...but I can really relate to this post. I'm in junior high and I am bullied because of the way I dress. I guess it is too "gay" or "girly" or w/e. Idk, I have been questioning myself for a long time, and all of this hate makes a specific path seem dark and lonely...I guess I just really want to hear what you think......I am sorry if this is out of your realm, you don't have to answer this, but if you do I would be really happy! :)"

This was a comment on my post Sexual Healing. If you haven't read it, click the link to get some reference to the comment.

Let me just begin by saying that this is a motivation blog, but also a place to find comfort and acceptance for who you are! So by definition -- this is also an advice blog. Also, I would like to say that I commend you for having the bravery to ask someone for help, that is the first step to get out of a tough situation like this. I am also humbled that you decided to look to me as a person for help! Honestly, I think the best way for me to help you out is to let you know what I did to get out of my dark time. First, stop second guessing your own decisions! Your clothing is YOUR clothing, if people don't like it then that is their problem. Don't allow external factors dictate how you feel about yourself internally! You are beautiful just the way your are and just because there are people who aren't mature enough or educated on the matter of self expression, doesn't mean you should stop dressing the way you feel comfortable. I realize Junior High is a tough time to discover yourself, but by the looks of it, you seem to be halfway there -- and that is saying something. When I was in Junior High I had absolutely NO clue as to what I was doing or who I was, so the aspect of bullying made it extremely worse. I think the second most important thing is to look at who you are allowing to influence your emotions, are these people really helping you achieve your own greatness or are they bringing you down to the lesser? While it is never easy to walk away from people you consider your friends, you also can't walk away from your own destiny. Find people who are going to accept you for YOU...that may seem impossible, but it isn't! If you have a good relationship with your family -- start with them! Then, you could move to finding new friends at school, or outside of school! There are billions of people in this world, so never feel like you are alone! :) The final piece of advice I would give to you is if you are questioning your sexuality -- don't beat yourself up about it or feel like you will be forever alone! Your sexuality is a part of you, and it should never be something you feel should like you need to hide! Maybe right now you still have more to figure out, but don't be afraid to explore your options -- there are no wrong answers to discovering yourself! :) Whether you decide you are straight, gay, bi, etc. it all doesn't matter! There is a community of people out there just like you, and there is an even greater group of people here to support such as myself! Never feel alone! 

I really hope that some of this helped, and if you would like to get to know me personally, add me on Facebook or start emailing me! And if you ever feel like your problem is getting to aggressive, you can call this hotline 24/7 for professional help! 800-442-HOPE (4673) And if your situation brings you physical/mental harm be sure to tell your parents or a teacher/counselor at your school! Stay blessed, and remember to always love yourself even when the rest of the world doesn't see your beauty! <3

Here is a song to lift your spirits! It is called Design by Tori Kelly. I have shared this song before on here, but i think this will really inspire you if you look at the lyrics in the description. I hope that your situation gets better and you begin to love your own design because you are beautiful -- no matter what anyone else says. <3