Performance Review

I love when people share personal thoughts on what love means to them, how they express it, and what it has taught them about themselves or others. Some stand out. Some I take snippets. When people ask me how and why do I love the way I do, I simply love because it is impossible to stop. What's the other choice? Survive on a diet of hate where it eats at your soul?

Here is my take on the whole dating thing. It should first and foremost be easy, effortless and fun. Secondly, love is as plentiful as oxygen. You simply have to breathe it in. And thirdly, you can’t be too well guarded that even birds do not fly there. Because a place where birds do not fly is a place where people do not mix, ideas do not get sparked, friendships do not get forged, stereotypes do not get broken, collaboration does not happen, trust does not get built and love does not flourish. That is not the kind of place you want to be...living in a defensive crouch.

Every person that walks through your life is different. And must always be judged for them, their merit.

Someone may make you feel so unwanted now. But you have the option to always reinvent what you want.

You have to take risks and fail. Should the opportunity present itself, it can scare you to death, reappear and disappear without explanation. And if you are afraid, you are not yourself. I am sure love will come back. Love can come back but not if you remain on the wrong track.

As I strongly believe, we accept the love we think we deserve.

Love is the feeling we have for those we care deeply about and hold in high regard. it can be light as the hug we give or heavy as the sacrifices we make. It can be romantic, platonic, familial, fleeting, everlasting, conditional, unconditional, amplified by kindness, leavened by generosity, twisted by betrayal, deepened by time, darkened by difficulty, nourished by humor, and loaded with promises and commitments that we may or may not want or keep.

I believe love, in any relationship whether friendship or intimate, is not performance based where certain #expectations must be met or performed to receive love. You love someone because you want to promote their well being. It is about raising them up when they cannot do it themselves. It is about shaking, waking up, and jostling their soul to what they cannot see before their eyes.

I have learned that to truly love someone, you have to practice loving everyone. Be brave. Be authentic. Practice and keep practicing. And whether it works out into future years is irrelevant. It is an opportunity to know and love someone at the simplest term. Call it practice to love more, love better, so when you met the person, you would not be stumbling around. When they do arrive, you are not all thumbs...well just at speed texting McDreamy ♥

me. you. bed. now .

Castlewood Canyon : Inner Loop Trail

bon_vivi_ant_eats • Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park - Franktown, CO

♥ Having recently moved here to Colorado and being a singleton for a few months now, hiking has become my solace. The trees, the people, and the solitude bring me a comfort and calmness I was missing. Since everything that has happened, there is something about the mountains that gives me peace. Listening to the wind, smelling the trees, just staring as far as my eyes can see beyond the forest. I could stay for hours thinking about things or not really thinking about anything at all.

Castlewood Canyon, located outside Franktown, is a great hike if you are looking for something mild to moderate. The Inner Loop Trail is about 5 miles and takes you through the natural amphitheater and Bridge Canyon Overlook. The remnants of the Castlewood Canyon Dam that burst in 1933 sending 15-foot wave of water into Denver is also a great photo op spot.

#cardio #fitness #eatprickworkout #explorelocal #castlewoodcanyon #franktown #innerlooptrail #localparks #toomanymilestotrek #trailstoexplore

Happy Fireworks

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is my way.

Hello birthday plus one.

This moment marks the beginning of a milestone for me - the year that will hold and unfold more unknown surprises as I stay deeply rooted in the things I value: grace, kindness and simplicity. I had always wanted to change the world, make some impact. As I read the birthday wishes from each and everyone of you, it is a testament of how you celebrate me and I honor our friendships. I believe people should be treasured much like morning coffee and rain showers. I am thankful beyond the stars and moon for the friends and other people who care about me that I have in my circle. My loved ones will protect me. I am grateful for their loyalty. And for that I am deeply loved. We are deeply interconnected and I thank you so immensely for the love, fun, support and amazing memories.

Life is suppose to be about the journey, but all too often, we are so focused on where we think we are going, we never appreciate where we are. All I want to do is slow down and simply draw my family and friends close. My birthday wish for you is to soak up this moment with me, whether we share space physically or not, you are etched into my heart. A very very glad heart makes for a very happy face. I STINKIN ADORE ALL OF YOU!!!!!

Life is too too short and too fragile not to say what you mean and go after what you want. Not every day is good but there is always something good in every day. Give yourself a break. Give yourself credit. Give yourself time. Give yourself attention. Give yourself love. Give yourself power. Give yourself to you. I will be forever humble because I could have less. I will be always forever grateful because I know I have had less. This is how your crush. This is how you fall in love with yourself first. This is how you fall in love with life.

14 months, 58 weeks, and a whole lot of workouts later, I LOVE how my body is healthy and fit. Just having celebrated my birthday yesterday, I could not be more grateful. My body defies its age. I thank it for its bad assery, resilience, capacity to continue to be magnamious and beautiful. Age is of no importance unless you are wine, cheese or leftovers. But more importantly, I am even MORE in love with the soul that resides in that body... without a doubt a forever kind of thing.

This past year has taught me not to postpone enjoyment. Any opportunity to enjoy, take it. Happiness is more than a gift, more than a reward. I got more than I could ask for. THANK YOU for making this quiet birthday even more special. I really got spoiled more than I could ever give back. Here’s to another year of joy, success and a thousand adventures well lived ♥

#quietbirthday #celebrateeverything #bringyourbestself #inviteonly #chipmunkcheeks