More money more problems?

I realize the more I'm alone the more I observe. I mean I've been a people watcher since I was little and it always facisnated me. Not to sound like a creep or anything, but when you really take a look at what's happening around you, it gets you more curious.

I've been reading a lot more lately, series, self improvement, and financial literacy books. They have been teaching me so much on how to value yourself and how to maintain wealth. Main topics that I have found in most of my books shocked me. Like the common mentality on the working people, spending habits, value of money, confidence, success, future goals, and living in the moment.

I've always tapped into some of these in conversation, and many of the people I would converse with would agree, disagree and bring up great ideas on how to become a better person in any of the above categories. When you really talk to a friend or a stranger you can feel or analyze their sense of perspective. Not to judge them, just hear them out and listen. That's another thing we love to talk, but never embrace listening. We never talk about creating steps to change our habits, just always wish we had more money to solve our problems. Which it never really does, just like the saying "more money more problems."

Anyways, understanding many more of life's wonders and challenges I always questioned why we work for money and why do we use most of our income to pay our bills? Is there not another way to survive in this world without money, what was the point of money's existence? I've always asked my mom these questions and her immediate response would be, " you better not think like that and start working and learning how to manage money." 

Was I ever wrong to question if I never had an idea about why or how money really works?

My first job at age 15, was at AmeriPrise Finacial office. I was shadowing my Godmother (Financial Adviser) as an Assitant. Making phone calls, faxing, understanding and putting together Financial plans, viewing where people's money really went. I was aware of what was suppose to come when I grew older. 

I just never understood it to the extent I've always asked. 

We always say, "I can't afford it" but work hard all week to spend it on the weekend partying, shopping, or eating.

When all of the fun is over, we feel disappointed. Because looking at those charges and knowing how much we spent, automatically creates a negative vibe of disgust. 

My real point here is, we have to understand, talk, and learn how to manage our income. Lets not be afraid to face what is a little part of life that we praise so much and reevaluate: our attitudes, and how we spend. What is a solution to understand money and be happy in our lives.

My simple answer, is to go out and learn. We as a country highlight school so much, but believe after school is over we should not need to learn anymore. This mindset is what a lot of us must change and be more open to continuing to learn. Especially about the things we do not like to talk about i.e money.

I hope I leave you, on today's post with a little more insight. Remember, embrace failing. 

Free write of the week.

Hey guys,

Here's another free write. Tell me your thoughts! Enjoy.

I've been feeling kinda lost haven't meditated in almost a week. 

I'm feeling like I'm here but not really here. My mind feels empty, but I'm constantly doing things.

That- I know will benefit me, but I pause.

Just for a second, to just listen. First in forever where I can't finish reading a page of my book. Or listen to music. I'm not sad I'm not physically lost. 

I keep living in the moment holy thinking about the future. Thinking this is the only game out here to play..

they say inspiration is always given, and when you know you want it, you expect it. 

But listen for a second, stop the whole world and listen. 

Your soul has been wanting to vibrate and give you the best energy you never knew even existed. 

Inspiration comes to those who aren't looking for it 

It is a gift from the precious universe 

And when the universe gives you a sign.... It's a SIGN

To let go and be free 

Free write

Hey y'all, I'll be posting a free write / poem/ spoken word once every two weeks on my blog. 

I haven't written much poetry or free writes in a while and I truly just miss it. 

Hope you enjoy.

         Hurt

Angry, 

when you have no control of what's pumping through your veins & 

Your sick of these comments that are all driving you insane. 

When the woman in your life, that you want to make happy and proud

she chooses when to love you & chooses when to stomp on you.

When you give her advice because you want to see her happy, but she's stuck & she knows it & she chooses to stay there, in that same situation

When there is opportunity to be loved - to love. But her heart is on hold-

On lock down& you can't even calm her down

Because it's offensive because you are wrong, because you always do the evil or the bad in the eyes of God-

Because your career isn't sh*# and you might as well be a striper since you carry no dignity & respect according to her.

Because you don't work hard enough and you don't make a living, or have a real job that will be proven on your taxes.

Because your younger and stupid & apparently don't know anything about life.

But being you.

It's not enough, it's a crime, since speaking your mind is a violation. 

Not determination. Of life

A sickness a disease of trying to show your own mother love and share real happiness in her very own light.

But it's reject e d-

& all you can do is love her. 

Forgiveness is Hard Enough, but is it?

I have been doing a lot of reminiscing and thinking back to situations when I was younger that use to make me mad. No matter what the situation is, I know now we have no control over what and how people react and do things.  Because at the end of any situation in life we always have a choice.

Yes, i said it. A CHOICE. A move we can make.

I am an analyzer, and also a libra lol. So before I make any move I really have to think about situations.

But this isn't about me.  It's more about forgiving yourself after an argument or something you did that hurt another person.

You must be thinking, "Forgiving yourself? Alba don't you mean forgiving the other person that made you upset?"

Well yes, you have to (or choose to) forgive them, but before you forgive them, you MUST really forgive yourself. How can forgiving yourself help you?

Lets first start with letting that tension go.  Getting angry takes away more energy than being happy. Its a fact.  So while your upset about a situation that you can't really control or if its not going the way you planned, you are already wasting your energy mad about it then really trying to solve it or let it go in its own direction.

May sound a little confusing, but observe another fight or situation you or someone else may be in, and you will see! I promise.

I am going to share with you a VERY personal story, that made me feel mad, upset, angry, pissed, sad, ... EVERYTHING.

I was a senior in high school, and graduation was coming up. In about 4-5 days. My class and I were going on senior trips, excited for the big day. That Wednesday our class was going paint balling. While everyone was outside getting their cars ready, some one told me my principal was looking for me. I got called into the principals office to face the worst news of my life (at that moment).

*Mind you,  during my college application phase earlier that year, I literally kept receiving rejection after rejection. No acceptances, but 2 out of my list. I was frustrated and depressed. Seeing all my friends get acceptances while I was getting rejected was probably the hardest. Going to a College Prep school wasn't helping the situation in any way.  I ended up getting a full scholarship to do a gap year in Brazil (which was my life saver at such a down peak). *Happy dance*

But back to the story. My principal told me I wouldn't be graduating with my class (which was 2 days BEFORE graduadtion).  Because of an end of the year research paper in which I failed by TWO points. (I never failed a class in my whole middle-high school life)... I broke down, I pleaded to just walk on the aisle with an empty diploma and make up my paper.

She didn't budge. What I wanted most in my life at the time was my dad to see me cross the stage. He moved to Florida when I was 11 and he was traveling to my hometown, Boston for my graduation. I kid you not, that is all I wanted, to hear the words "I am proud."

I committed to my middle and high school so much; throughout my passion of clubs and any leadership roles I can grasp. And I never failed a class before! Never would I have thought I wouldn't have walked with my class.

The point? Well after that situation, I HATED every teacher in my school that existed. I felt like they looked down on me because:

 a) I wasn't going straight into college
 b) I didn't graduate with my class

I felt like everyone was against me. My parents didn't understand, my family was not really supportive of me going off for a year out of the country. It felt like everything was just going down hill.

But once I left the U.S, I realized I still held a lot of that hate within me. And I kid you not I felt it in my chest like a big ball wanting to just explode. And thats exactly what I did.  I talked about the situation with my friends abroad and just cried. I yelled, I swam in the water to let all that held in energy completely go...FREE. But what really helped me was writing.

I chose to forgive myself, and remind myself that I did nothing wrong. That I am valuable and I am unique. Remind myself, that my path may be the one I hadn't planned, but it sure was going to make me happy no matter what problem came across.

Then little by little I began to forgive everyone else. Not like I told them "I forgive you".  But in my sanctuary place. Where only I knew.  I had truly forgave them and did not keep ahold of any sort of grudge. Didn't happen over night, but over months.

There is always an outlet. You just have to find your own outlet, the one that truly frees you from any sort of negative energy that YOU do not really need in your life to truly be happy.

The challenge is to be aware and consistent with forgiveness. There is always a challenge you can over come.


Peace&Love,

Alba

10 things you can do before sunrise

Many of us complain that we never have enough time in the day to do the things we want. It is very false. We have 24 hours every day to accomplish all that we desire. The difference about 'making time' is you have to sacrifice something to make little changes become stronger.

E.g- If you want to get in shape and work a 9-5 job, knowing you usually are exhausted after work.. maybe you should wake up earlier and work out for at least 15-30 minutes daily. Think about it, these little 15-30 minutes daily can actually impact your body and health by being consistent and pushing yourself just a little bit. It can guide you to a better you.

Here is a list of 10 things me and my sis came up with to do before sunrise. There is no particular order. (And if you don't know when your sunrise is, check the weather guide the day before to plan ahead!)

FYI you can do more than 1 of these things, 5-10 minutes banging out at least three is a good start. No pressure at all, go at your pace, but if you want a change you must start small first.

1) Meditate, some people think you have to meditate for a long period of time, in actuality you can meditate for however long you want. Just be in the moment.
2) Write your thoughts or gratitude in your journal (if you don't have one, get one! Observing where your thoughts are every day can help you turn more to the positive side.)
3) Make a toDAY-do list
4) Read, an interesting book, a new series, anything that interests you and will inspire you to be an awesome YOU!
5) Work out
6) Make breakfast
7) Paint, sketch, doodle anything creative that comes to your finger tips! Adults can be kids too.
8) Take a yoga class (@ Yoga to the people for my New York & Cali people! Check out their site for more info)
9) Reach out to a loved one via email, text, phone and tell them you appreciate them in your life, let them know they are not alone, and wish them a beautiful blessed day.
10) Prepare your meal for the day. Wanting to save money but find yourself not having enough time to make your lunch the day before, do it the morning!

Showering thinking?!

I've been thinking a lot lately. Going back to when I started this blog, I had no idea what I really wanted to focus on. I figured it would come around later. But doing research on how blogs can be successful, the first point made was always to pick your focus, your theme, whatever you want to call it.

I couldn't do it. I love talking or writing about anything and everything. That's when I realized I could never just pick one thing! 

But recently (these thoughts have been in the shower! You know when you have those heart to heart with yourself in the shower haha!) I've understood what I've been writing about most of this "life's" blog. (Not Very long and consistent but I'm trying here!) 

It's been about my passion all along and I didn't even know it. 

LIFE - I've been sharing my own thoughts and experiences on this beautiful journey that we all share in common, life.

I have officially accepted it and made it clear in my brain so I can continue sharing more experiences that I encounter or thoughts that I ponder about. Because what is there to lose? 

If I have 2 readers or 1000 readers, I want to convey my journey on our Mother Earth. And connect with you.

Because it isn't easy, putting ones thoughts out there. So kudos to many of those writers/bloggers/vloggers that share so many personal  experiences to the world.  Many people don't understand that half the time we feel doubtful on what others may think. But trying does not hurt, it's conquering your fear that feels like a champion! 

It is as being on stage, living life and sharing a piece of you with others...(as an actress ;) or not lol) It's Not easy and takes tons of courage.

Have an idea or perspective? Find a creative outlet to let your mind become free, creative, & artistic. 

Peace&love,

Alba

Winter.. is it over?

Hey guys,

Lately the weather has been acting crazy.. wait a minute actually its been acting crazy for along time. But there is this one thing that really bothers me and I just don't understand it at all.

I understand with fashion week and how they are always ahead of the seasons and all. (actually thats a lie lol, I have no freaking idea).

But retail stores piss me off! After the whole 'Holiday sales' Bullsh*, not even a month after January, all the retail stores post up Winter Clearance and Sale signs?!

Do they not realize that it is still under 30 degrees outside and winter is not literally over?!

Winter it is actually over on March 19th..and even then it is still cold! To be technical here.

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. 

In America, all the commercial life is all about living in the future. Seriously. We adapt so easily to it, that we do not even notice it surrounding us. We become like zombies, brainwashed and dead to the reality. How can we always plan for the future if we do not find a solution for the present issues in our country that are caused from the past? What sense does that make.. Really.

Americans crave buying and selling. Thats just a fact, to its own people or not. Consuming is an addiction. An addiction that causes trouble. Then people wonder why they are in so much debt? More than two credit cards, buying at least one unneeded item once a day… even coffee.

Now a days holidays have no real sentimental; because our youngest generation- already ask or have the technology that was just released by big companies. Growing up, wanting what every other kid has can be tuff,  and understandable. But parents should not forget to teach their kids value and appreciation. But thats another post…

On the bright side, s good thing from those early clearances are for us people in the cold area, to find cheaper sweaters that were overly priced and still keep cozy!

Be a smart shopper :)

Peace&Love,
Alba