C O A C H E L L A

The music blasting so loud you feel the thumping in your chest causing you to do nothing but dance….

And dancing is what we did. 

In the middle of the desert, thousands of people spent three days in the hot sun until it turned us gold as the day turned to night. It was as if I was transported to another planet, one of rainbow palm trees and no worries. 

Bright eyes, carefree souls, beautiful people. 

Nobody had a care in the world, the only thing to be done was to feel the music, dance to the music, and sing along to the music. 

Air strumming our guitars to Guns n Roses, skipping through the crowd, eyes gazing wide at the flashing lights, laughing so hard we had to catch our breath, eating pad thai while literally dancing to rave music, silent disco-ing, coughing up dust, spotting unique fashion looks, jumping up and down with a crowd of strangers, looking up at the sky and feeling unbelievable lucky and happy and alive. 

These moments turned to memories as the weekend came to a close, but what an unforgettable experience we got to live.

Below is a quick 1 minute video (mostly from snapchats) but it doesn't capture even a sliver of our experience!

The Good News // Light of the World

Every time I seem to catch the local news, it's always depressing with pretty horrific stories. I'm here to share good news, from people that are making a positive impact on this world, changing lives, making us better. Light of the World is a Childhood Cancer Foundation in Nevada. This is a unique and incredible foundation started by Mary Ricciardi. Mary founded this non-profit organization after her son was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2013.

Light of the World forms relationships with families who have a child who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. They give emotional, financial, and spiritual support to these families at a time when they need it most. Instead of raising thousands of dollars to be given to raising a cure, LOTW raises money that goes directly to the family...those who can't pay for gas to drive their child to a chemo appointment, to be able to put food on the kitchen table, families who need extra money because they were laid off, anything the family may need at this time. 

Along with financial support, they have opportunities for emotional support, practical support, spiritual support, and encouragement for women. For example, they bring "Blessing Boxes" for patients and their siblings to brighten their day with a box full of their favorite things. How incredibly thoughtful but simple, and can easily change a child's whole attitude.

We need one another in this world. We need to support and lift each other up, especially when it comes to difficult times. Positivity, kindness, and generosity will allow us to live in a better place. It's people like Mary Ricciardi who are making a difference each and every day in the lives of others. She befriends these families, becomes a person to turn to, and gives. I think this is amazing and just goes beyond being kind-hearted. Let us celebrate those making differences, talk about what they are doing, and share it with others! 

Visit http://www.lightoftheworldnv.org to learn even more. A lot of this information was simply found off of the website. You know exactly how you are helping when you give to this wonderful organization. Please consider donating any amount possible to Light of the World to support these families and children battling cancer. Please pray and send positive thoughts for my friend, Cooper, whose mother runs this foundation. Thank you.

Mary and her son, Cooper

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'what are you doing for others?" -Martin Luther King Jr.

G O O D morning

The start to your day, the energy you choose for the next 12 or so hours, new possibilities. It's true, I am a lover of mornings. You choose how you start your day, what you do and what you think when you wake in the morning is all up to you. Yesterday, I had a lovely morning; I woke up and chose to do a few of my favorite things which always leaves me with positive energy for the rest of the day.
My alarm is generally set for 8:30 A.M. if I have no specific plans, but I almost always wake up before then. I laced up my Nike's and went on a jog around my community. Working out first thing is just what my body prefers. It's great to get up and do it before having to think too much or getting too busy or losing any motivation. After my jog I completed about a 15 minute ab workout routine plus pushups and lunges. Whew! This left me feeling good and ready to EAT! I headed home to make a scrumptious breakfast. Smoothie bowl + KIND bar it was.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl
Blend: 2 frozen bananas
            1/2 cup frozen strawberries
            1 scoop of Vega Vanilla Protein Powder http://myvega.com/product/protein-greens/
            Splash of water (so it can all blend a little easier)
Top: Strawberries/Bananas
        1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
         Scoop of almond butter
I poured my smoothie in a teacup and enjoyed it as I wrote a bit in my journal and read. I'm currently reading "The Four Agreements." I just started it and would already recommend this book to you-can't wait to finish and share more about it. So this is a look at how my morning went before I headed to work. This is one way I love to spend my morning and it might be completely different for others- but do something you love to start your day. You'll know you did something to make yourself feel good and that's really important.
P.S. Listen to the Spotify station "Have a Great Day!" when you're getting ready.

"Let us read and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world." -Voltaire

Jumbled Thoughts // Spreading Love

As I drove down the 101, I could not take my eyes off the vibrant, dreamy sky. The sun was setting and the clouds turned shades of cotton candy pink as they stretched to each end of the horizon. Staring at this natural beauty, I continued driving in awe thinking about how unbelievable this life is. To be alive at this moment in time-a time when our world is changing, minds are opening, love and acceptance is spreading-and being able to experience it all with such beautiful, kind souls.

I had just had an eventful, once in a lifetime day and driving home in this moment left me with an overwhelming sense of joy and feeling blessed. Moments like this one are my favorite. I love unexpectedly taking a second out of these busy days to reflect on what truly matters and thinking about all of the people I love oh so dearly. People in this world make everything worth it. Individuals that believe, inspire, encourage, love, and laugh amongst us. We should all take out any negativity in our lives by choosing to surround ourselves with family and friends, and even strangers, who support and love us for who we are, who we aspire to be.

This video by Soul Pancake is wonderful and full of love! Take a quick watch to start your weekend with the right, positive mindset.

Soul Pancake: A Recipe for Love-Man on the Street

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray" -Rumi 

h a p p i n e s s

I was sitting at my desk in my dorm and looked up at the bulletin board that has my jewelry, photo booth pictures, post cards, and inspiring words tacked on. About a year ago, I wrote a list of the things that make me happiest. After reading it again I actually felt happier and a sense of comfort so I thought I would share. There's a number of things that I'm now adding to the list (macarons, when my dog kisses and jumps on me after I've been away, good vibes at farmer's markets...), too! If you are feeling down or have a few minutes, make a list to remind you of the best things in your life.
The Best Things in Life..
-diving under a salty wave
-making someone smile
-coffee shops on rainy days
-California fog
-your stomach dropping on a roller coaster
-laughing uncontrollably
-the smell of fall
-getting an A on a test
-being told you impacted somebody
-having your back scratched
-walking barefoot on main street
-your plane landing at your destination
-giant acai fruit bowls
-surprises that make you smile
-friends who truly care
-sleeping with tons of pillows & blankets
-driving with the windows down when it feels
like the whole world is sleeping
-dreaming of traveling
-heart to heart conversations
-having your mom as your best friend
-helping someone just because
-banana creme pie
-when all of your family is together
-cozy sweaters
-not worrying about the time
-reading life changing books
-Christmas morning

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases from being shared." -Buddha 

Happy, Happy, Sunday

I spent this morning at a local farmer's market and then headed to Sunlife Organics for a healthy shake/smoothie. College can get a bit stressful and overwhelming at times, so it's nice to take a little time and do simple things that brighten my day. Farmer's Markets are full of wonderful inspiration; from the organic and fresh food, to the bright colors, to friendly local venders, it's a blissful place to spend an hour or so. I've come up with a list of things to do to make the most of any day, but specifically weekends. These are just such simple ways to not waste the day away, even if you have nothing going on.
It's time for me to study for my French exam that's tomorrow and prepare for the upcoming week. I'm completely looking forward to these next few days! Big things are happening and I can't wait to create a few different posts about it. Happy Sunday and sending out good energy to all for a positive and creative week. xx

Making the most of your day: 
Wake up early. This is probably easier said than done for some of us, especially because I'm a total morning person. The morning's are such a lovely time. It's quiet, the world seems to be calm and all is good. Waking up early makes your day longer and you'll be feeling more energized as opposed to waking up at noon. Don't check your phone until an hour after you wake up. It can wait, your brain is just now starting the day and doesn't need to be overwhelmed with tons of information on a bright little screen!

Drink water. The benefits of drinking water in the morning are endless. Just to name a few: it boosts your metabolism, is good for your skin, and reduces the risk of diseases. Add a lemon for flavor and even more benefits! I love drinking a cup of hot green tea in the morning, as well.

Stretch a little, do a little yoga, dance around! Today is going to be a good day. Clear your head, take deep breaths, close your eyes. There are some short yoga videos on youtube that are simple for anyone to practice.

Write down a list of everything you want to get done throughout the day. I like writing these things down because I can check off all I accomplished by the end of the day. (tasks, small goals, self goals, errands, homework...)

Make a delicious breakfast. Smoothie bowl, glass of orange juice, fruit and granola, oatmeal loaded with toppings, healthy pancakes...go for it.

Exercise. You can make excuses or you can get up and do it. I must admit, exercising makes me feel a million times better in almost every sense. My mind, my body, my energy, my thoughts... Whether it's going on a hike, taking a class, or hitting the gym, exercising improves my mood and I leave feeling motivated.

Do what makes you happy. Whether it's reading a little bit of that book you want to finish, writing down your creative thoughts, going on a walk, or buying something small that simply makes you smile (for me it's little succulents, green juice, and some flowers) it's definitely worth it.

Clean. Why does life seem better when you have a clean room? It takes at the most 10 minutes to straighten your place up and get it smelling wonderful, either with fresh flowers or a nice little air freshener. You can move on with your life after you clean up and come back to a nice little area to relax!

Explore. Do you have nothing major going on today? Do something you normally wouldn't do! Yelp is one of my favorite apps to find local restaurants and shops, it's very useful for just about anything.

Yesterday's hike!

"Eat like you love yourself. Move like you love yourself. Speak like you love yourself. Act like you love yourself." 

Smile a Little Brighter

There has been an overwhelmingly amount of negative news lately. As much bad that is happening around the world, I know that there is still good. I'm keeping those in need in my thoughts. People come together when tragedy strikes and that alone is powerful enough to make tremendous changes. Hearing bad news makes me want to fix everything for everybody, to make it all right, to rewind time, to stop all the bad...but unfortunately I cannot do that. Nobody can. What everybody is capable of doing is being nicer and kinder to each other. I currently have a "Pay it Forward" status that was shared to me on Facebook, which has inspired me to share some ways of kindness on here. It's easy to take one second of your time to completely make somebody's day. Be cautious of your interactions with others and be kind. It's always possible to be kind.

Smile at everybody you see today

Pay for the person behind you at a coffee shop 

Call 3 people you love and tell them 

Try not to say anything negative or complain all day 

Buy a homeless person a meal 

Surprise someone with flowers 

Make uplifting cards with a group of friends and deliver them to a hospital 

Deliver baked goods to your neighbors

Leave a positive note in a public place (restaurant, bus, restroom, etc...)

There's lots of quotes about kindness so I'm sharing three at the end of this post instead of just one.

"When words are both true and kind they can change the world." -Buddha 

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou 

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -Plato