Goal Accomplished

It is the last day of August, my goals for the month have been accomplished. I have posted a post on this blog for the past 31 days, everyday. I read books, studied, worked on projects and went on my walks. I worked on my hobbies, most specifically photography. I created a private album that I shared with those who are close to me.

The month in review was great, I learned a great deal about myself. I had some bad times, but I learned that those bad times only made me stronger. I enjoyed every minute of this month. I created many wonderful memories with those I care most about, I spent time with people I love and admire. I had the opportunity to express myself in my most honest form. It was a great month, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

September is about to start in a couple of hours, my posts will probably diminish. Maybe they won’t be everyday but I will do my best to update often. I’m about to go back to school! While this adventure ends, another begins! I’m looking forward to September, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Smile! Thank you for being a part of my goal this month.

15 of 75 Questions I Asked Myself Part V

Here it is! The last set of “75 Questions To Ask Yourself” ! This being the last set, I’d like to say that these questions are some that we can always ask tomorrow, or next month. We change with time sometimes, hopefully for the best. Here are the last questions, 61-75. Enjoy!

• 61. Do I hold grudges? This is one of those things that I definitely have to work on, but been getting better with time. Progress!
• 62. Do I read enough? For pleasure, not until this year which was one of my goals. You can see some book reviews here on my blog too. =)
• 63. Do I listen to my heart? Yes, but I’m logical by nature. There are times I must call in on my logical side too.
• 64. Do I donate enough to the less fortunate? I try to be as philanthropic as possible.
• 65. Do I pray only when I want something? No, I believe that praying is not just about wanting.
• 66. Do I constantly dwell on the past? There are times that memories come to mind, especially those memories that made a big impact in your life. However, I understand the past is the past and that is where it stays.
• 67. Do I let other people’s negativity affect me? When I see someone sad it does get to me sometimes, but overall I learned that I cannot let others negativity affect me.
• 68. Do I forgive myself? Yes, if I couldn’t forgive myself how can I forgive someone else?
• 69. When I help someone do I think “What’s in it for me”? Helping those in need is not a business, when I help someone I think of what else I can do to help them and to help others. It’s an act of kindness not work.
• 70. Am I aware that someone always has it worse than me? Unfortunately, yes.
• 71. Do I smile more than I frown? Ah! If you read my blog you will know that I do!
• 72. Do I surround myself with good people? Absolutely!
• 73. Do I take time out for myself? Yes, call me selfish if you want but I must make time for myself every now and then.
• 74. Do I ask enough questions? Sometimes I think I ask more than enough questions.
• 75. What other questions do I have? Many! One of my favorite is: Is there a version of me in another alternate Universe? What can I say, I’m a nerd.

Smile, what are your questions?

The Aunt Experience

When people ask me what has been one of my greatest experiences I always answer with: being an aunt. There’s nothing quite like it. I have been around with my nieces and nephews ever since they were born. I’ve seen them grow over the years, and they have allowed me to peek into their minds many times. They are bright, outgoing, natural charmers and extraordinary people. I don’t just say this because I’m their aunt but because I’ve seen a side of them that others haven’t.

Over the years I came to realize that they are a lot like me when I was little. I wanted to be heard, I wanted to be treated like an equal and that is exactly what they want. One of the best things that has helped my nieces, nephews and I is the “Feedback Sessions” we have every now and then. I sit down with them and we talk, I talk to them like if they were my friends. I ask what I expect of them and they in return tell me if there is anything that they would like for me to change. They helped me learn to be VERY patient, and helped me be a better listener. They taught me many things over the years. Things I never thought little kids would ever teach me. They are an inspiration to me, they make me want to be a better person in every aspect of my life. To me they are not just my nieces and nephews, they are my little brothers and sisters, and best friends.

I know I’m not perfect, I’m only human and I’ve made many mistakes in my life. I know that there are times when I can’t be the easiest person to get along with and I know there are many things I havent done right. But at the end of it all, I know I have made someone smile, I know I have made some kind of difference in this world. You know how? When they present me to their friends and teachers. When they talk about their aunt aka “Big Sister” and even when they say that they would like to be like me when they grow up. I’ll tell you something else too, they sure know how to warm my heart even through the coldest of times.

Smile, you never know when someone might be looking up to you.

15 of 75 Questions I Asked Myself Part IV

This is the second to last post of the “75 Questions to Ask Yourself” I think that by the time I’m done with them I will add links to my About page too. Now I present to you my answers to questions 46-60!

• 46. What makes me sad? To see any of the people I love going through a bad phase. It breaks my heart, but I do my best to bring them some happiness.
• 47. What makes me angry? Many things, which I’m thinking I will be posting about here on the blog. To give you an idea: injustice, inhumanity, discrimination among other things.
• 48. Am I satisfied with my appearance? Yes, I even love my weird looking toes my friend likes to make fun of =p something quirky of mine.
• 49. Am I healthy? Lets put it this way, I could be healthier.
• 50. What was the toughest time in my life? I had a couple of those phases over the last couple of years. I learned a lot from them, gained character and strength and what matters in the end is that we made it through those dark stages in life.
• 51. What was the easiest time in my life? Nothing in life is every easy, but the easiest I can think of was being a baby.
• 52. Am I selfish? Yes, I won’t deny it. I need time for myself, I like to see the world through a different perspective when I am alone and about. It’s actually very helpful.
• 53. What was the craziest thing I did? I’ve done plenty of crazy things in my life!
• 54. What is the craziest thing I want to do? Take off to a random place on my own for a couple of days. I tell you, I’m an adventurer by nature.
• 55. Do I procrastinate? Yes, although this last school year was less procrastination and more work.
• 56. What is my greatest regret? I learned to live without regrets, there is no point in them. Life goes on and my energy should be focused on the possibilities of the future not the failures of the past.
• 57. What has had the greatest impact on my life? My father leaving my family when I was little.
• 58. Who has had the greatest impact on my life? My mother, as a single mother raised my whole family, and taught us to be good people in our community and in our family.
• 59. Do I stand up for myself? I sure do, if I don’t who else will? I gotta have my own back too.
• 60. Have I settled for mediocrity? No, since early on in life I was taught that anyone can achieve great things if and only if they work hard to get them. Therefore I don’t settle for less.

Smile, done anything crazy today?