Número 23.

Twenty-three feels, oh so sweet. I have this indescribable feeling that 23 will be more than good to me. And that is a beautiful feeling to have.

I feel strong mentally, physically and spiritually. Perhaps, it's because I'm in a chapter of my life where I feel more comfortable in my shoes figuratively, of course. Post-college, I considered myself a rookie adult and for the first time in a long time I feel like I'm getting into the swing of things. Not to say things are constant but to say I'm getting use to unexpected changes and I'm learning to welcome them in.

I feel it in my bones that this year will be filled with adventure and opportunity. Lately, I've heard God speak so loudly to me in such a gentle way. He is causing all this ruckus in my heart but the kind that makes you feel like the world is at your finger tips. He keeps telling me to get up and keep showing up but more importantly to get ready. The last couple of months I've seen him close doors and open new ones so quickly and yet every single time he has left me with an immense peace in my heart and knowledge that he is making way for me.

I think all humans worry about where they are going and if the decisions they are making correlate with their short term or long term goals. Sometimes I find myself feeling a little bit paralyzed in my tracks and this usually happens when I begin to listen to world. But there is a remarkable shift when I begin to listen to him and no one else.

When I stand on God's promises and his truths I feel equipped and capable. His love and grace encourage me to keep pursuing what I love. He keeps introducing and reintroducing me to people who have either helped me or redirected me in some way or some form towards him. His ways are magical.

I can't wait to immerse myself and dive into things that make my soul happy.

• Working-out
• Writing
• Reading
• And interviewing people who have inspired me or motivated me in some way.  So if I ask you on a coffee date just know it is synonymous for an interview. This is your warning. (;  Be kind and say yes! I think you are the bees knees from the bottom of my corazón.

 

This year is my Michael Jordan year, numero 23. This year is my action year. This year is all about God and me.

 

Embrace the Journey.

XO

-J

Flying Solo

“Oh my gosh why would you that?” 

“You sound bitter… (He’s like a brother so he gets away with way too much.)” 

“Are you serious?” 

“If you want me to go with you just ask me…”

 Above are the responses I have received from my family and friends when I tell them I'm planning a trip by myself. 

 My feelings have gone from excitement with a side of nervous to just plain doubtfulness. What if I am really crazy...? What 22-year-old goes on solo trips? This prompted me to think about what I do on a day to day basis.

 

Examples of my craziness/weirdness:

1. I don't mind going to the movies by myself.
2. I have gone to dinner at a semi nice restaurant and sat at the bar reading a good book.
3. I love working out by myself.
4. I signed up for a half-marathon and trained all on my. [It's next Sunday in Dallas. Wish me luck!(:]

I absolutely have an amazing group of friends who would join me in a heart-beat. I feel incredibly grateful and proud to call them my friends. But I'm the type of person that needs to be reminded that I am able and capable. Of what exactly? Of anything!

 

I feel in your twenties you should do things that scare the crap out of you but empower you and inspire you to be a better person. Confidence and self-esteem are like muscles that we must exercise. 

 

I feel that when you graduate college it is so incredibly easy to settle and stay in that comfortable job that pays the bills and allows you to have a decent life. But to be honest, I have a million and one dreams in my suitcase that terrify me and thrill me at the same time. Those dreams will require confidence, fearlessness, determination, fire, resilience and thick skin. 

 

So a question I ask myself often is how do I prevent myself from settling. How can I remind myself of the fire that is within? How can I remind myself that I only have one life?

How do I remind myself in the middle of all the chaos of being twenty-something not to store my suitcase away but to keep it open and by the door? How can I learn to silence all the voices even from the people I love the most and say my decision is enough. I'm not crazy or being unreasonable. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

p.s. Embrace the Journey.

 

p.p.s I'm so going!

 

 

XO

 

 -J

The Real World

I graduated college a couple months ago and all I keep hearing is, "When the real world hits you… just wait…" along with a polite laugh to compensate for the awful truth they know that I don't. I politely smile back and nod.

In retrospect, I believe the real world has visited me a couple of times, but then again I do admit… I'm only 22 which makes me as green as a kiwi. Please don't get me wrong I appreciate and need all the advice I can get.

Many people credit my enthusiasm for life as that of a recent college graduate who thinks he/she can conquer the world and in part you're right! I think to myself on daily basis how blessed I am… I have ten toes, ten fingers, I have food on the table, a roof, the opportunity to thrive, I can run a mile in 8 minutes, I'm starting to get some ABS definition and I have a mom and dad that truly care.

However, my enthusiasm for life is not merely that of a recent grad that hasn't experience enough disappoints in life to feel like the only thing they are going to conquer is finishing a whole series on Netflix in record time.

The real truth behind my enthusiasm is that I know I'm young but I know I am not invincible. Life is nothing but short and sweet and my mother reminded me of this about two years ago. Seeing my world laying in a bed of a trauma unit made me realize that life is brief.

Tomorrow is not promised… so I will continue to pursue my passions, continue to love on the people who mean the world to me, smile/laugh even when I don't want too and dream like it is impossible to fail. Life is going to happen regardless of the type of attitude I decide to have… Life is going to continue to move forward whether I choose to make my passions a reality…

I also know I'm going to fall flat on my face a couple of times and I'm okay with that reality.

I know that my generation is known for being lazy and expect everything to be handed down to them… but world we're all not like that… (:

p.s Embrace the Journey.

XO

-J