google-site-verification: google25a08fc65649193e.html Living in Mommywood: live your best life

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Discover who You really are

Discover who You are, not what Others want you to be.

illustrations by wisdomquotes&stories

 It is never easy regardless of your age to start over again. Fear is fear no matter the form in which it presents itself and anxiety doesn't stay too far behind either. If we are lucky though in our life time we will go through many amazing changes.

Such was the case for me the time I decided to go to dinner alone. I'm not talking about grabbing a pizza and soda. I'm talking about walking into a fairly nice restaurant and asking for a table for one. Waiting to be seated, being walked over, settling down and when your all cozy asking the waiter/waitress to bring over your favorite drink along with the menu. "Will you be dining alone? Yes. Ok, I'll be back in a moment, thank you."

At first I must admit I was self conscious of others looking at me and wondering why I was alone but then I thought "who cares?" I began to relax and really enjoy my drink. I looked at the menu carefully and ordered something semi new within reason of course I mean who the heck wants a tummy ache for crying out loud. As the waitress took my order we smiled and exchanged lite conversation and as she walked away I kept smiling in gratitude. I am here, this is fun, I am alone but I am not lonely.

While I waited for my dinner to arrive I read a magazine something I hadn't done in a while because I was always rushing. I turned the pages slowly, took in every picture and every word and still that smile stayed on my face. The music played softly in the background, families laughed, kids were being fed by their moms, couples held hands and chatted. My dinner finally arrived.

illustrations by quoteaddicts.com

I had pan seared Salmon. It had a few other things with it but it's been four years can't recall whole plate but I can tell you that it was one of the best dates I've ever had. No stress about the conversation topics, not rushing through my food but instead savoring every forkful and really being in the moment. Looking at every bite, taking in every scent of what was presented to me on that plate. Grateful. To top things off I ordered Raspberry Cheesecake! Amazing so soft and fluffy and thick and rich and creamy all in one.

Once I was ready to leave and asked for my check, I took a long look around my surroundings and thought...Alone time is priceless.

I discovered that:
-fear is not always your enemy but just a cautious friend
-loss is never easy but sometimes totally neccesary and even freeing
-who You woke up being doesn't have to be the same person you put to bed
-if your so called loved ones don't see your potential then they are not really seeing you
-time moves, wounds heal and authentic love is forever
-every moment is truly filled with a chance to move in another direction
-forever is only as long as you want it to be

illustration by quotes

Four years and tons of alone time later I still look back on that day and smile a grand smile. I believe it should be a requirement of us all to invest in some time alone with ourselves. Time to do and be only for and about us. What we want, what we like, what we think and what we feel. Time to Discover who we really are.

Especially parents, we are almost expected to believe we are suppose to sacrifice ourselves for our families, for our children but No! There is no need to sacrifice just a desire to find a workable balance. It isn't about having it all it is about working with what you currently have and aiming towards something better if that is indeed your goal.

Discover who you really are you are your greatest investment.

What has been your greatest discovery about yourself?

Always stress free xo,
Mari

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Change Direction

I care too much to stay the same.
You care too little you just want to place blame.
Going around in circles repeating the same things.
Nothing ever changes, do you think talking makes things happen faster? 
Do you feel the need to say things to keep our hopes up?

Tick Tock Tick Tock the clock keeps ticking.
Reminding me of what is passing me by, reminding me not to let my dreams die.
Tick Tock Tick Tock the clock keeps ticking.
Hey! are you done waiting yet? What are you even waiting for?

Do you think your special? Do you think words just make things happen?
Don't you ever feel the need to scream
I WANT TO BE FREE!

I care too much to stay the same.
Live life till you Die 

illustration by pinterst.com

Always stress free xo,
Mari

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Dream Chasing

Hey Dolls today is my baby #2 (viejita/grandma) 93rd Birth Day! I'm off today so going to lay in the sun for a bit then head out to Brooklyn! to give her a mini celebration. Though I know she is clueless to the importance of this day or any day I just want to acknowledge it. I'll share some pics on my twitter later. As I think of her 93 years and all her possible unfulfilled dreams I want to leave you with these thoughts.

I am always looking for ways to connect to like minded souls who enjoy writing as much as I do and I found a great group of people one of them being the lovely Ashley Coleman over at writelaughdream.com. I just did a great Webinar with her and she shared some great overall tips on ways to get closer to bringing your dreams to life.

She also has a great section on her page that has thought provoking writing prompts that I've decided I want to use in addition to my Brainspark and of course daily life and the news.


I find pleasure in many little things as well as some big things but I am in special bliss in my Photography. While everyone is busy in motion, I am still in observation. While everyone is focused on the main attraction, I am zoomed in on the little details. I've shared in the past my youthful dream to be a National Geographic Photographer. Though that dream for a very long time was stored away in the back of my mind and my life took me on a different road, I am grateful that in this stage of my life I can once again revisit it and see how far I want to go if I still want to go at all.


If you too are in a place where you are reconsidering an old dream maybe you can ask yourself these questions:

-Are you doing something everyday to work towards your dream? For me, the answer is yes. Mobile devices today afford us the luxury of always having a camera handy. I have no excuse not to take a picture or hundreds of pictures. I take photos everyday of many things. Sometimes I'll take fifty to keep four but that's part of the fun. Every day I get closer to where I am meant to be. For you it can be rearranging your work schedule to allow time for you to research or hold meetings.

-What does that look like? For me again, its just constantly taking pictures. Constantly looking around at my surroundings constantly researching information and implementing tips I have learned. For you it can be buying a new sewing machine or new drawing pencils.


-Getting up early, working late? When you have a passion for what you are doing there never seems to be enough time. Getting up early may mean you beat rush hour and get to the gym just in time for that great spinning class that gets your juices flowing or perhaps if your like me, working late so you have no noise around and you are alone in your thoughts. For me night time is so rejuvenating. I research, jot down notes, edit my pictures and go online and look for new places to visit and photograph.


-Are you making certain to make time for your dreams? As parents we make sure our families needs are met always but as mothers sometimes we forget that our own needs must be met as well. Dads somehow find time to do the things that make them happy, it should be no different for us as well. Moms should at least invest half an hour a day minimum on doing something that brings them closer to that forgotten dream. Even if its just something as simple as organizing their weekly planner to include shopping at their favorite craft store. For me its scheduling camera dates and going to photography classes both online and at workshops.


Dream chasing is never a waste of time if you love what you are chasing enough to make it come true. Everyones dreams are different there is no dream to big or to small. There is no right or wrong outcome only your outcome. I may never work for National Geographic I may never get a photograph published but that won't stop me from sharing my work in other ways and from picking up my camera every time I spot something that interests me. That certainly won't stop me from adding to my camera collection. Live your best life, go chase your dreams.

Always stress free xo,
Mari

Monday, April 4, 2016

What does my Heart say?

Had a wonderful grateful filled and loving weekend. Spring cleaning at home and deep into my passions. My pens and pencils were put to good use and my camera saw some really beautiful things. Inspired!

This topic comes to you courtesy of Brainsparker, lovin this writing prompt app!

What does my Heart say?

My heart says that I'm in a happy place, that even though the ground is shacking the cement will soon dry and make it strong.
My heart says this is a good place to be, it's peaceful and full of joy and though it is small it is full of love and laughter.
My heart says some parts of my journey have been filled with sadness but what better way to reach the gratitude you feel today? 

illustration by clipartpanda

My heart says I love where I stand today and who stands with me today and looking back is not an option.
My heart says everyone is capable of love but only if they know how to love themselves first.
My heart says don't dim your light, don't bow your head, walk tall and proud.
My heart says thank you for taking care of me, for protecting me and for not lying to me. 

illustration by pixabay.com

My heart says thank you for all the laughter.
My heart says thank you for all the times your face bought me comfort.
My heart says continue to make the best choices that will help keep us healthy so we can live a long strong healthy life.

What does your heart say?

Always stress free xo
Mari

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Live the highest expression of Yourself

When I tell you that I will not accept something Believe me
When I say I am for real Trust me.
When I open my space to you Enjoy it

I aspire to always be like a Peacock

Expand my feathers and give you an amazing show. Be tall and glide as I walk so my presence is known. Turn from side to side so you can take in all the wonder of me and tip toe gracefully as not to scare you away.

illustration by starshineranch.com

I aspire to always be like a waterfall

Bold and ever flowing with natures gift. Sometimes loud sometimes quiet but always exciting to look at. Whether high up or low to the ground always leaving your mark behind. 
Never selfish always connecting with another to allow life to continue to go on.

illustration by andriodguys.com

I aspire to always be like a Boulder

Hard to miss and smoothed out with time. Strong, enduring, and no matter where it lands it always manages to hold its own.

illustration by theboulders.com

I aspire to always be Childlike

Never afraid to run free, let go of your hand and try new things. Always laughing, giggling and rolling around on the floor. Spitting things out that taste bad and asking for more when things are really good. Enjoying a game of make believe and never taking things to seriously.

illustration by gratitude planet.com

I aspire to always be like a Rose

Beautiful as she blooms inviting all to come and enjoy her beauty but with Thorns that say use caution as you approach. Bringing joy and brightness to her surroundings and leaving a sense of emptiness when she is gone. Reminding us that nothing last forever so enjoy each moment and shine brightly as you walk through life.



Always stress free xo
Mari

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

The journey of being Fearless

I no longer fear the idea of being Fearless
I want to have butterflies in my stomach each and 
every time I try something new, yet do it anyway
I no longer seek the security of a plan
I want to just get up and go
I no longer yearn for that approval
I want to shock you with my courage
I no longer wish to keep the peace
I want to stir the change needed
 to make a difference
I no longer desire to hold myself back until I am ready
I won't know if I am ready unless I just jump right in

illustration by filtr.com

I no longer fear the idea of being Fearless
I want to experience the rush of anxiety
I no longer think its best to always use caution
Sometimes you just have to move with your emotions

Once it is was my goal to reach you, I thought in doing so all things would fall into place and that would be the end of that 
but I see now that for me part of my peace, 
tranquility and triumph is the uneasiness that 
Life brings me

illustration by pinterest.com

Fear less is good but sometimes Fear more can be even better
Live your Best Life

Always stress free xo
Mari

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

How Awesome is it to be the Original You?

Isn't it funny how you can hear something often but it only takes someone saying it in a different way to make you stop in your tracks? Words are so powerful and can do so much but its when you listen carefully that it can bring about changing moments.

"You are the original researcher of your own life"- Jon Kabat Zinn

illustration by ahealinglove.com

It has been a very long time since I looked at my life and wanted to be like someone else. Those days of being envious or jealous of another's journey have long left and I want to credit the past 10 years of my life and all the people who have come in and out during this time.

When we are young we are always wishing to be someone or something else for the most part I think its a universal experience. I think maturity, mistakes and experiences tweak this behavior as we grow. I think its just a process we must go through in order to arrive at our authentic self. To want to emulate someone we see as having a great life because of what they show from the outside only to as we mature and we begin to tear away their layers we arrive at the truth and realize they are not perfect or they don't have it as great as we thought.

It is then that we grow to appreciate our Original selves.

illustration by payalrai1303.wordpress.com

I'm the Original me! Think about that. Think about how awesome it is to be you. To be able to shape your life and yourself as you wish. Not having to use someone else's template to be who You want to be. Think about how freeing that revelation is! Think about the endless possibilities your journey can achieve.

I'm the Original me
No one sees that Rose like I do
No one will enjoy that breeze like I did
No one will capture that photo the way I did
My words are my own
My smile shines as it does because it is looking at you
No one laughs as I do
No one will see my scars and see the beauty I see
No one can dream my dreams
No one looks at that cloud the same way I do
My wardrobe fits Me
My home is cozy for Me
My body type is awesome to Me
My daughter loves me because I am Me

Today I encourage you to see how amazing it is to be You and to go out and share that Original beauty. Share with me what is your Original beauty!

Always stress free xo
Mari

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Let go

I want my time on this earth to mean something
I want my name to evoke feelings of joy
I want my face to bring a smile to yours
I want to leave a room and be missed

Don't want to waste a minute holding on to anger
Don't want a day to go by without saying I love you
Don't want to look back and think what if
Don't want to use I am sorry as a crutch

If only is a cop out
But is an excuse
Later doesn't matter
Tomorrow is too late


The present is what matters
Don't waste another day putting off living the life that you dream of
Everything has an end.
Always stress free xo
Mari