Live a little.

Just do it.

hearts desire

discovery!
self-love, disguised as risk.
grace; your human, learn to live.
capture, surf, and feel inclined,
to whisper courage towards the pines.
waves crash in, crash out,
deep blue to violet.
adventure made haste with
borrowed time from space.
move swiftly sweet serenade,
as the wind picks up your soul,
learn the tongue of kindness,
grace; your human, learn to live.

GENERATION-Y, I'M SPEAKING TO YOU!

Generation-Y

What I have come to learn these last six weeks is that self love trumps everything.
After much reflection and therapy, I have come to understand that at the end of the day, we are all the same thing: human. We all FEEL! I have come to develop such an innate sense of compassion for all beings lately. I never really realized how sensitive the brain is. What we all place in our individual pandora boxes, to keep secure and hidden from the rest of the world.  We find it so easy to judge other people; other human beings. We scrutinize, humiliate and taunt each other for personal gain and satisfaction. When did we lose our sense of grace, patience and humility?
What I am trying to say is, why has it become so taboo to openly be comfortable in your own skin. To be okay with being YOU! There is no one quite like you! How can you expect other people to accept you, if you are not willing to accept yourself?
I think of it this way: If I have the capacity to change in an hour, week, month, year, who am I to say you don't have the same ability?


You could die tomorrow. Do you want to die trying to be someone else? Or do you want to die knowing you lived YOUR LIFE the way YOU intended?

 I will leave you with this question.

When did we as a race, lose our ability to love and see light in all things and in each other? 

The Countdown to Midnight

A New Year. Smells like second chances. Take one on yourself.

2013 has come and gone so incredibly fast, it was almost too hard let go.

I've been reflecting on this past year, on the person I want to become and just how to get there. On the successes, and failures. The love and the losses. The adventures made and moments savored. When I really think about it, it all comes down to love. What you put out, you receive right back..

This year I have finally understood this. I have learned after many life lessons, you are your words and thoughts. If you think, but do not do, you will achieve nothing. If you put in the action and just have a little faith, you'll succeed in every way.

Just like your outfit for the day, you choose your attitude. Blame is just a tool. And so is forgiveness. Once you walk out that door, know you have the power to make someone smile. Your life will be made up of small kind moments. Don't forget, there will always be Karma.

So remember, whatever you do, do it with love.

Monterosso

Monterosso, one of the five villages that span across the "Cinque Terre".

We decided to take a quick train ride from Genova to Monterosso, and as soon as I stepped off the platform, i was in heaven. Sandy beaches, beautiful cliffs with lush green trees and the vast baby blue salt water. We did not explore any further then Monterosso considering we only had the day. So we rented ourselves some beach chairs and an umbrella, sat under the sun and took frequent dips in the cool, yet inviting blue water. For lunch, we sat on the deck of this amazing italian deli/restaurant. Here is where we had the best pesto and foccacia bread! It was amazing.

In life, we have moments, tearful moments, beautiful moments but not often have I felt like my life was a movie. In that moment, sitting on the deck, eating such great food and looking over at Ben, with the ocean and blue, sunny skies as a back drop. It really was magical.

Serious business.

Since arriving home two weeks ago, I feel like we have already been here a year. Seriously, all sarcasm aside, it has been an ... adjustment. Reverse culture shock if you will. This city and the people we have surrounding us, will always feel like home. However, we both feel like our heart is out there, in the big world. It is so big, and we are so small, and all we want to do together is explore it. Adventure addicts if you must.

Since being home, I have been fighting the old Christina. The version of myself that is always looking for encouragement, advice and honestly, just approval for any major decision I make. Right now, it is finding a job. I want so badly, to be "raking in the dough", so of course I think of data entry or reception to some big company, probably that oil company everyone keeps suggesting. The fact that I lean on everyone around me for guidance, instead of making a decision for myself is not okay. I know me best. I know what I want and need, so why do I look to others to help in any decision making? If I'm really honest with myself, it is because I am so focused on pleasing everyone else. And when I don't fulfill that, I am so hard on myself. But why? My true happiness will never come from anyone else, including Ben. It will always be within me. Only I have that power, so why do I choose to look for it in others? These are all question's that I am finding the answers for, within me. Therefore, I already know I can't sit at a desk all day, five days a week. I deplete energy sitting at a desk. Sounds strange, but it's exhausting because I have no outlets. I am creative, fun and loving. Those are not qualities needed at a desk . I have come to the grand conclusion that I will not be "raking in the dough" because my sanity is far more important to me. Joy is what I want, and joy is what I am truly searching for in my heart. Writing brings me joy. And just like that "note to self", I wrote when I was 9 saying, "Publish book when older." Then dammit, publish a book I will! 

Genova

What an amazing port city, that hosts the second largest aquarium in Europe. Ben & I fell in love with this city. We are lovers of sea life and thus had to go to The Aquarium of Genoa. What an amazing display of sea mammals: dolphins, manatees, seals, sharks and all the large and small sea life in between! Thousands of gallons of water used at this aquarium every day! Its great what they are doing with their adopt a dolphin program. 

Along the port when we finally made our way out of the aquarium we noticed large white tents being set up. The closer we got, the more excited I got! Clearly we stumbled across a Festa, and that festa was Festa Democratica Nationale. Simply, it's a festival to celebrate democracy within Italy. So naturally, there's authentic italian food, drinks and desserts. The port was lit up, with music, laughter and the moon light! I can whole heartedly say, this place made me fall in love with the thought of living close to a body of water. Sigh

We ate like royalty in Genoa, further developing our love for mussels! Genoa is known for pesto (a sauce of crush basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil), and focaccia bread (flat italian bread made with yeast and olive oil topped with herbs). Delicious.