Her Deep Thoughts (sm)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Your Purpose

2013-05-15T10:22:00.001-04:00

LushLunes: Say Yes To Yourself

2013-05-13T10:02:00.000-04:00

In a world full of "No" wouldn't it be nice to hear a "yes" once in a while? Especially from our own mouths.

I spent a large part of my life saying "no" to things that pleased me. Yes I could draw and paint but when my teachers told me to pursue art, I said no.

When I did a performance piece for class, my teacher told me to pursue drama. I said no.

When I wrote an article for a course in journalism, my professor told me to pursue that field, and I said no.

It's not that I wasn't saying yes to myself, it's just that I was only allowing myself one "yes," that I deemed practical and that was for the law.

My mistake was I thought there could only be one yes. But that certainly isn't true.

If my life is an example of anything, it's that we can obtain an abundance of YES in our lives, if we just allow it. Not just for our career paths but for love, happiness, health and adventure.

Today your mission is simple: tell yourself YES.

Yes you can go on that trip.
Yes you will love again.
Yes you are becoming the best version of yourself.
Yes you are healthier every day.
Yes you can have it all.
Yes you are successful.

Here's the thing- there will be many voices telling you NO, telling you to give up, telling you to turn around. The only voice that matters is your own. So don't give up ok? Tell yourself YES!!

Have a LushLunes full of "yes" my deep thinkers!

Be The Best Kind Of Crazy

2013-05-10T15:02:00.002-04:00

This might be too much for you to handle. Truth is, I'm anything but normal, average or bland. I know this. In fact, I might be crazy. But if that's the case, then I am the best kind of crazy.

The kind that isn't afraid to shake things up. The kind that sends a friend a motivational text because my heart told me to. The kind to make a super hero reference at any given moment, then laughs by myself, at myself, as loud as I want. The dance alone wherever, whenever kind. The stop in the middle of foot traffic, look at the world with eyes wide open and stand in awe of all its wonders kind.

I'm the kind of crazy that dares you to think differently if only for a moment. The hyphenated kind: the don't-judge-a-book-by-its-cover kind; the dare-to-dream kind; the love-you-fiercely kind; and the loyal-to-a-fault kind.

The kind of crazy that says "you will succeed," and really means it. The "I will stop and listen to my inner voice," kind. The "I don't need to know you to lend a hand," kind.The kind that will tell you how awesome you truly are with a zeal you've never seen and clasp my hands before you to bow in your honor kind.

Seriously. That kind.

Others may laugh but my fellow crazies stand behind me, by me, with me and before me. And you may be afraid of this kind of crazy, but if you just let go, you might taste how sweet this freedom is.

Being the best kind of crazy has the kind of freedom that is not caged by the boxes we're supposed to fit into. It's where limitations aren't real but dreams truly ARE. Where paths are crooked and worn and ablaze with the passion we leave in our wake.

True happiness, raw laughter, and a kaleidoscope of light rules our world. And it's contagious, if you just break down those walls. Can you handle this?

When you're ready to forget your normal, forget your average, forget your bland, step a little closer my friend. And the best kind of crazy will be waiting to rush in.

#LushLunes: Shine So Bright That You Blind The Darkness

2013-05-05T23:50:00.001-04:00

I was feeling really down recently and I realized that I was missing something. I needed to hear some positive words. I needed to hear the Word of God. I needed to take some time for that since I had not made time to meditate in a couple of weeks.

So I listened to a sermon by Joel Osteen. And I spent 20+ minutes with tears of joy streaming down my face. The exact words I needed to hear were spoken and helped fill the void that was ruining my day.

The piece of that sermon that I want to share is this:

"You shine so brightly that you blind the darkness." -Joel Osteen

Do you believe it? I do. When you embrace your greatness, your goodness, the blessings in your life, you allow yourself to shine. When you truly own it, nothing can dull that luster.

And so this is your mission. Take a minute for yourself today (and every day this week), to warm your heart and to give strength to your soul. Nourish yourself from the inside.

How? As you wash your hands, brush your teeth, walk out the door, grab lunch (whatever time you can spare) say: I shine so brightly that I blind the darkness. Say it again: I shine so brightly that I blind the darkness. Then say it one last time, even louder: I shine so brightly that I blind the darkness!

Then smile and give a moment of thanks for this day, for the strength to keep moving, for the wherewithal to keep going, for the courage to let your light shine through any darkness you may face.

I hope today's mission helps you kick off a Lush Lunes my deep thinkers!

Wordless Wednesday: Loving @TheRitaMoreno

2013-05-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

LushLunes: What Are Your Five in Five?

2013-04-29T10:46:00.001-04:00

How many of you have written out a bucket list? Well writing out a list of your five in five works in a similar way.

I think there's some magic in writing out a list of things you want to do while on this planet.

First of all it gets our creative juices going. For many it will consist of things they find alluring but perhaps believe to be implausible. Secondly, once it has been written out, we get a sober look at our desires and at ourselves. Seeing it on paper might make it real, and therefore (dare we say it?) achievable!

So here's what your mission is for today: Write out 5 fun things you want to do over the next 5 years.

Need some inspiration? Here are my five in five, in no particular order:

1. Vacation in Spain, Italy and France.

2. Get featured in The Hollywood Reporter.

3. Take singing lessons / Get a vocal coach.

4. Go horseback riding on the beach regularly and just for fun.

5. Get to know and work with JLo (Jennifer Lopez).

See? It's all fun stuff!!! Now go write out your five in five!

Have a creative, fun and Lush Lunes my deep thinkers!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Time to Bloom

2013-04-23T18:18:00.000-04:00

LushLunes: Go Do Nothing

2013-04-22T11:55:00.000-04:00

I have this recurring dream about being in Puerto Rico, and always looking at the beach, but never getting do enjoy it. The dream always ends with me heading to an airport saying, "I didn't even get to go to the beach." It feels like a nightmare.

I know why I have this dream. I'm a busy person. I juggle so much on my plate that it can be hard to keep up sometimes. And I can be so busy that I don't stop and look at the beautiful world that is around me. I can be so busy that I don't enjoy it. That's why I make it a point to do nothing at least once a week.

On my recent career-oriented trip, I scheduled in down time. Time for me to literally go and do nothing. I meditated, I went for a walk, I sat by the pool, I put my feet in the ocean, I stared at the stars... all of this is my kind of nothing. Actively doing nothing but breathing, living, and being present. Why? Because it's easy for me to get overwhelmed with a whole lot of something to do, that if I don't take a break, I could just fall apart. I don't ever want that to happen to you.

Did you know that the most successful people make this sort of "me" time? Yes they do.

Don't believe me? Check out this post by Jeff Weiner, the CEO of LinkedIn, whose post inspired your mission today.

What kind of homework am I giving you? Well your mission is to take a look at your calendar, and schedule some nothing today. Even if it's just 15 minutes, block it out. No phone, no emails, no work, no TV... just you (if you're already groaning, "oh I can't today," well you can do it before or after lunch, it's that simple). Then go do nothing.

Do it. Make it happen. You'll see just how much more productive you will be when you get back to saving the world. Have a very Lush Lunes my deep thinkers!

Wordless Wednesday: Miami, a Few of My Favorite Things!

2013-04-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

A Butterfly At Hispanicize

2013-04-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

I remember my first conference. I was overwhelmed. I was shy and quiet and wanted to escape to my room. I was on the verge of a panic attack at one point. Those caterpillar days are long gone. Since then I’ve made so many friends and have learned tools to help me overcome the fears I have when it comes to networking.

I have never been to Hispanicize before but it paired my love of blogging with my love of film – I definitely wanted to check it out. After a lot of, “I don’t know if I should go,” moments, the Universe had its’ way and before I knew it I was going to Miami.

Of course one of my favorite things about conferences in general is that it’s like a reunion! So many familiar faces, both online and off, in one amazing City. Getting greeted with squeals of excitement (@laflowers, @curvesandchaos), hearing “LaLicenciada!” being yelled from across a room (@joseresendez, @doggystudio), and being welcomed with big hugs all around (every day) is just a wonderful feeling. Love it! And the LATISM presence was incredible – we’re such a supportive bunch! It was powerful to see us all in action.

At the Tide #FabulousWhite Party

Some highlights from my weekend included:

a fabulous cortadito run ( @JoeysGymClass),
chat sessions by the pool ( @dancinghotdogs),
lots and lots of dancing ( @JusticeJonesie @VaneSmith777 @UrbanJibaro @YesImJose),
a yellow camaro, dinner full of laughter & blue glow sticks (@latism_NYC), and
unexpected moments in the lobby where people turned to me for encouragement (you know who you fantastic people are)!

Holy, did I return with some awesome memories!

With Helen Troncoso, Nadia Jones, George Torres and Monique Frausto.

Interestingly, I realized that people see me in my blog. I know one would think that is a given, but it is always astounding to me. It feels like everything I have done over the years to help people (and myself) find balance, achieve wellness of mind, body and soul, and to remind them (and myself) that it is ok to chase ones dreams is really putting ripples out into the Universe. It is so very gratifying and moving to feel that I make a difference, however small it may be.

Armed with that beautiful knowledge, I made some amazing new connections as well. And that’s what it’s all about: connecting. I’ve come a long way from being panicked in a bathroom at my first conference. This bloguera was a butterfly at Hispanicize. It’s about time.

____________

SPECIAL THANKS GO TO...

Un abrazo fuerte to Mercedes Sanchez, for being so hospitable. You're beautiful inside and out. Special Thanks to LatinaMomBloggers for gifting me a ticket to Hispanicize. And a special #wow mention to Helen Troncoso (my fellow LATISM-NY Co-Director) who said, "wana go to Hispanicize?" in the first place.

LushLunes: Loving Our Bodies

2013-04-15T12:45:00.000-04:00

Today’s LushLunes mission is a continuation of a prior mission focused on affirmations.

After spending a weekend in Miami, I heard a lot of talk about fitness. And I wonder, with bathing suit season approaching, how many of us are actually loving our bodies, as opposed to berating them, comparing them, or ignoring them?

I spent the weekend at a conference (more on that later) and every day I woke up to say my “I Am” list in the mirror. Which included a few positive affirmations about my body, my appearance, and my level of happiness. Let me tell you, people approached me and complimented me in a way that reflected my “I Am” affirmations. No joke.

Here are a few:

I am fit.

I am healthy.

I am relaxed.

I am happy.

Loving our bodies (loving ourselves) is an important place to start. It’s so easy to get body-conscious. But remember, the way someone else looks is not a reflection of where you are when it comes to your health or your fitness. What is in your mind – how you see yourself – is a reflection of where you are.

If you focus on your flaws, the world will focus on your flaws. If you focus on your amazing attributes and how beautiful you are, just the way you are, so will the world.

So today, for your #LushLunes mission, I want you to nurture your body (in any way you can), look at your body (in a mirror), and compliment your body (at least three times). Your “I Am” words should be focused on how fantastic you look and feel. Then wait… and see what happens.

Have a Lush Lunes that is as fabulous as you are!

Wordless Wednesday: Time To Rise And Shine!

2013-04-10T00:30:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday: A Part Of That World

2013-04-03T00:30:00.000-04:00

A painting, made for me by my sister.

LushLunes: I Am...

2013-04-01T14:04:00.002-04:00

We've spent many a LushLunes giving ourselves pep talks, creating vision boards, and lifting up our own spirits, but today is a bit different.

Over the weekend, I was inspired by a sermon by Joel Osteenon, "The Power of I Am," and the "Living Optimism" meditation from the Chopra Center's 21 Day Meditation Challenge.

I certainly recommend you check them out (regardless of ones religious or spritual beliefs, the tips are universal)! But if you're not up for it, this is what I learned to do:

Affirm who we are, even if we're not there yet, or we don't quite believe it yet.
How? By writing out our list of "I Am's"
Reading our list daily until it sinks in and becomes reality.

It's like positive affirmations coupled with the "fake it 'til ya make it" mentality. It's a very inspiring thing to do for yourself.

Once I heard the sermon, then the meditation, I felt compelled to:

1) write my "I Am" list; and
2) spread the word.

Here is a glimpse of my list:

Notice it is all in the present tense... a mix of truths and desired truths. None of this "I will," or "I am going to," and certainly nothing negative.

The people with whom I shared my inspired learning, wrote their own lists and started telling others about it. Then they let me know how good it felt to spread the word about this motivational assignment.

Well, that's your LushLunes mission for today. Write out your I Am's and spread the word! Then see just how Lush your Lunes becomes. ;-)

Healthy Routines With Nutrilite

2013-03-28T17:23:00.001-04:00

Being allergic to most fruits can really make it challenging to cultivate a healthy routine, primarily when it comes to your color intake. It's a good thing berries are not a problem for me, but one cannot live on berries alone.

My mother tried all kinds of ways to keep me healthy as a child. We didn't have any sugary snacks in the house...and we took lots of vitamins. When I was little, I was a Flintstones vitamin hoarder. It's true. I had to buy my sisters silence with a few Dino's but it was worth it. If only a healthy balanced diet seemed as simple or as fun (minus the artificial sweetener). Well, I think that maybe it can be.

With a hectic schedule, I have to cultivate some healthy routines. Aside from watching my color intake, I've been taking some much needed vitamins from Nutrilite.

After my consultation with Nutrilite's Dr. Kip Johnson, he helped me understand that although I was very healthy, there were some areas that needed improvement. I needed to become better acquainted with Vitamin D and Vitamin B. Since then I've been playing nice and have been utilizing supplements that help when my color intake is off.

I get so worried about balancing my schedule that I can forget to balance my health. If I can get my cappuccinos like clockwork, then I can cultivate healthy routines.

Nutrilite is helping me keep up a healthy routine, making it simple and fun with their easy to access packs.

Now when it comes to vitamins (my vitamin hoarding history excluded) I can only use one pack a day because my stomach is very sensitive. As a result I alternate packs each day: I take Vitamin D3 daily, then a "perfect pack" one day, a "healthy aging pack" the next day. I've been doing that for a couple of months now with this neat little vitamin set-up I've got at home. I just snag a pack and go!

Fortunately I've been pretty consistent and I am feeling good. I notice that I have more energy when I take my vitamins.

Do you take any vitamins or do you balance your color intake like a pro? What healthy routines have you cultivated? This deep-thinker wants to know!

Disclosure

I received vitamin supplements from Nutrilite and a consultation with Dr. Kipp Johnson. The stories and opinions shared are my own.

WordlessWednesday: We Believe In Equality For ALL #NOH8

2013-03-27T11:35:00.003-04:00

With my sister Jillian Valentin.

LushLunes: Put A Smile On Your Face

2013-03-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Are you aware of how you look when you walk around? I don't mean your outfit, or your pace, I mean the look on your face.

Are you aware of the moments when you smile? A smile can change your mood rapidly. It sends signals to your brain that all is well.

So today, I want you to put a smile on your face as often as you can, and be aware of the moments when you are smiling.

Why am I asking you to do this as your LushLunes mission? Maybe these words will help you focus and give you some purpose:

I will walk around today knowing that each time I smile
I make this world a little brighter.

Think about that sentiment. Did you think your expression had so much power? Well, it truly does.

So just put a smile on your face. As you do, be aware that each time you smile today, you send a ripple of positive energy out into the universe, making everyones Lunes just a little more Lush.

Let your positive energy serve the world, and you will see how well it serves you.

Have a smile-filled LushLunes my deep thinkers!

Using Technology For My Health

2013-03-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

Can you use your phone or tablet for health reasons? I sure do. Here are some of the apps I utilize on my iPhone and iPad:

I have my Nike Training Club app is on my iPad for body weight training exercises and a few other apps on my iPhone to track my fitness routines. I also have a sleep app to lull me into sleep when I can't have the whirrrrr of a fan.

For emergencies (or random health questions) I have the WebMD app and the American Red Cross: First Aid app on my iPhone. Plus, I have and the American Heart Association CPR app on my iPad. I dont' know that I will have the wherewithal to look at those apps in a crisis but at least it makes me feel like I'm prepared (because I look at them now, when there is no emergency).

Aside from apps, I try to utilize technology for motivational health purposes as often as I can:

My alarms are motivational (as I divulged recently) and they also ring with "Ohm," so I become gently aware of when it's time to meditate, work out and get out of the house!

I can listen to music and watch videos to motivate me while I'm spinning (when there is no class) or yoga videos to wind down (when I can't make a class).

And of course, I listen to guided meditations on my iphone.

So if it seems that I'm always on my phone, it might actually for a healthy purpose! Me and my phone, la la la la.

Do you use technology for your health? How does technology help you with your health goals? What health oriented apps do you utilize? Fill me in my deep thinkers!

Why Growing Pains Are Good

2013-03-21T12:28:00.003-04:00

There is an energy emanating from me since my first premiere. I am still excited!

But at first I was nauseous. Then I started crying. I was afraid; afraid I would be horrible. I couldn't even sleep.

As I watched the premiere I winced every time I came on screen, then slowly I tried to see the characters instead of me. Let's face it, that didn't really work. So I basically stopped judging myself and just watched it all unfold.

Here's the deal - the magic of falling into a movie or series dissipates when you remember how many takes it took or what you needed to do to get to a certain moment.

But here's the good news - It's replaced by another form of magic: the internal caterpillar to butterfly kind. I'll take it.

After the premiere, the cast went up for a Q&A and I felt so vulnerable - like I just showed everyone my heart. Why?

Because I did.

I didn't expect to feel so vulnerable. As I went up in front of the screen, I had my arms crossed the whole time. I was fidgeting with my clothes. I was wincing on the inside. I think if I could curl up behind someone I would have. This is not my usual "presenter" self. Usually I'm aware that I am going in front of a crowd, and I mentally prepare myself. This was a surprise. So, I cannot expect myself to behave in a usual fashion for a new experience. Once again, I had to remind myself that I needed to be gentle with ME.

Then the whirlwind began... all of that fear and worry was for nothing.

People stopped me to talk to me about my performance, congratulate me, and really bless me with so much positive energy that I was a little bewildered.

It was hard to even finish a conversation with my awesome friends and supporters because another wonderful person was there tapping me on the shoulder or pulling me into another conversation. It was completely surreal.

Then I went on Facebook and twitter I got messages from people who didn't get a chance to talk to me but wanted to share their wonderful compliments and even those people who wanted to talk to me about potential roles!!!

Most importantly, my family and close friends told me that they were proud of me. What a word: "PROUD." It makes you beam like a kindergarten kid on stage for the first time. And I did. I'm smiling now as I remember the feeling. Tears well in my eyes at how much that means.

But here's the part I haven't mentioned - how do I feel now?

Well, I went from feeling really raw, to thinking about how far I have come. I thought about all of the discomfort and happiness, the roller coaster of struggle and joy, all of that glorious change.

I feel: Happy. Accomplished. Proud of how far I have come. Confident that this is just the beginning.
This is what happens when you chase your dreams. Each baby step leads you closer and closer, then you reach another small goal that you must complete along the way. Then it's time to embrace it, reflect on it, learn from it, and grow into the next phase of the journey.

When you follow your heart you will be vulnerable or uncomfortable... you might feel growing pains. It might make you feel sick at times because you're doing something you care about.

But that is why growing pains are GOOD!

That kind of discomfort is how you know you're doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing.

This little victory is HUGE at this point in my journey and I'm ready for more.

Wordless Wednesday: Hello Spring!

2013-03-20T00:01:00.001-04:00

LushLunes: Committing to YOU.

2013-03-11T14:07:00.002-04:00

Are you a person who keeps their word? Do you honor your commitments to others? Hopefully you answered in the affirmative.

Now here's the bigger question: do you honor the commitments you make to yourself?

We may be wonderful friends to other people, but we may forget to be friendly with ourselves. Spring is almost here so take a look at whatever resolutions you made in January. Are you on track? Have you progressed? This is a good time to check in with yourself.

Here's my mini check list:

It's a simple list. I didn't go crazy with resolutions, but it's still very important to me. I'm not doing too bad, but there is room for improvement. Now that I've got myself in check, I can be a bit more mindful of my behavior.

Which leads me to your LushLunes mission: Take a moment today to look at the promises you've made to yourself them ask the question: I am honoring my promises? If you answer yourself honestly, you'll know exactly what to do next.

Just remember, you deserve your utmost attention. You need you to show up. So what are you waiting for?

Have a LUSH LUNES my deep thinkers!!!

Oprah & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation Challenge: Time To Spring Forward

2013-03-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

What is it about meditation that can make one resistant to the notion of quiet time? What are we afraid of?

I think that the idea of meditation can be scary at the beginning. Especially if it's a foreign concept. What does it mean? What will happen? What if nothing happens? What if I suck at it?

All the old patterns of thought arise when a challenge is presented that may cause a ripple effect in our lives. How interesting.

Honestly, meditation isn't that complicated! It's a centering of yourself. It's a measured amount of time where you give yourself the opportunity to feel peace. It's getting your mind to quiet down, where you stop fidgiting, and allow yourself to be. That is the challenge. The remainder is pure ease.

Yes, meditation can have deep spirtual meaning - it does for me. Or it can simply be a relaxation tool - it is for me. It can stir up a lot of internal crap - much like Spring cleaning, or it can reinforce how well I've maintained that space in me. Meditation is what you make of it, just like anything else.

Think about it. Winter is ending, and Spring is right around the corner. We have our own internal seasons too - and if you have been in a winter funk, dedicating some consistent YOU time will certainly help you spring forward!

So how about it? Want to give it a try?

The Chopra Center is offering another 21 Day Meditation challenge and I want you to join me! Will you accept the challenge?

Let's do this!

Here's all the info you need to begin Oprah & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation Challenge (from their newletter):

Starting Monday, March 11, this
ALL NEW, life-changing journey is
free and open to everyone--worldwide!
We encourage you to invite your friends
and loved ones to join you and experience:

There is no charge to participate in this

transformational journey. Sign up now

for Oprah & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation

Challenge to receive your welcome

information and get on the path to perfect health!

Register and participate for free

If you sign up, please comment below so I can stay updated on your journey!

Wordless Wednesday: Enjoying Hard Work

2013-03-06T11:53:00.003-05:00

Today's Lush Lunes mission? STRETCH!

2013-03-04T10:35:00.000-05:00

We spend a lot of time stretching our schedules, our time, and our commitments. This can cause us stress, especially as we start our week. Heaven knows I throw quite a bit on my plate, and am always looking for ways to achieve balance.

I find that giving my body some attention really helps. It gets my mind off of things and really keeps me present in the moment.

So maybe that might do the trick today...commit to doing your body some good: STRETCH.

Do some stretching for about five minutes, but make it count. The first step: smile. That will begin the relaxation mode. It let's your brain know everything is ok. Then do whatever stretches you feel comfortable with. The important thing is that you take your time. Breathe into each move. Start with your neck and finish with your toes.

This LushLunes mission to stretch your body just might be a nice way to end your day and lead to a great night of sleep.

Have a LushLunes my deep thinkers!!

Wordless Wednesday: Stay Strong. Be Healthy. Stay Motivated.

2013-02-27T12:43:00.000-05:00