Choices . . .

To say we face numerous choices is a gross understatement. Life is like one of those god awful trick boxes you see around the holidays - the outer shell is a big box containing another and another and so on and so forth until you reach the prize in the middle. Life is like that. The choices we face daily are the center, but tend to have a ripple effect. Normally people tend to think that we have huge decisions and we have small decisions - no. Every decision we make is huge in itself and they all effect you and in that it will help shape the person you become; to shape the life you currently have.

People tend to play it safe when dealing with decision making. Don't want to rock the boat, upset people, cause trouble etc. This is a necessary part of making decisions that are best for you; the ones that will help you be the best person you can be and to ensure that you achieve the things you want in life.

Granted there is a fine line between looking out for yourself and being selfish, but if you remain true to yourself, honest, but respectful to everyone else and fair in the choices you make, you have no fear of being seen as selfish.

I walk this line everyday. You may not like what I have to say, but I will always be honest with you, I will always respect you and I will always be fair. No one is better or worse then you. Always remember that. Sometimes in business we have to play the tough guy role and handle unpleasant situations causing us to make choices we would not otherwise make. This is part of a job, that has rules of it's own. It is simply a role we play, not something that defines us. In saying that how we choose to handle said situations can and will define your character. Remember: honest, respectful and fair.

In our personal lives the same rules apply. We need not to worry about what others think of our choices. If we play by the three golden rules, people will treat you in kind. If they do not, you're are truly better off without them in your life. Do not invest more in someone then they will ever return. I'm not saying this as a general - 'don't help anyone, unless they help you' - I'm saying when making 'life choices' do not make someone a priority if you are not one for them as well.

Remember one thing; you have one life. There are no dress rehearsals, no do-overs just this one time around. You need to be at the end of your ride, looking back with a smile. No regrets over should haves, could haves or would haves.

Make everyday a memorable one, give it all you have. Be prepared for curve balls and when faced with a choice - follow your gut. Learn to trust yourself and your instincts. The only things in life you will regret are those you chose not to do in fear of something or someone else.

"I'd much rather be hated for who I am, than to be loved for who I am not. "

-T-

Life . . .

Funny how I created this space and then neglected it right from the start. I've come to a shocking revelation recently - I can feel the person I used to be slipping away. Not in the growing up way, but rather the neglecting myself way. To say I don't like that is an understatement.

For those who know me this comes as no surprise. I used to pride myself on my appearance (not in a conceded way) and follow my 'gut' on things. It never led me astray. I would decide on a whim to go away and follow up by booking a plane ticket right then and there, going to work the next day notice in hand, go home and pack my things - all without knowing when or if I would be back. I would go to work one day and decide I've had enough of my current situation and apply for school which would start two weeks later, all because I didn't want to be added to a waiting list. I was a firm believer in never waiting for things, when I wanted something I wanted it now - if possible. Though I know sometimes waiting is a must, most times it is not.

As many of you unfortunately believe; things don't fall into your lap; you make them happen. You are in complete and utter control of your life. There is no impossible just simple lack of determination. Determination is everything. I have always believed that when you want something bad enough is when you will make it happen. I have heard mothers complain about having to go to work because they simply can't survive on one income - sure you can, you simply choose a lifestyle that requires two incomes. Hurtful? Sorry but it's true. There are always options it's just a matter of priorities. Those of you who complain about not receiving funding for school? Try a student loan, line of credit, grants etc. Life will not always present you with a free ride. Nor should it. If you want the education and the opportunities that go along with it - want it enough to fight for it. Want it enough to not give up on it only because someone won't hand you a free education.

There are things in life that I have always wanted and somewhere along the way I've lost sight of that. In the past few years I would make plans and they would fall by the way side because something or someone else would become a priority. No more. This is my life; the only one I have. I will from here on out make more of an effort to put myself first. Don't like my choices? I won't apologize because to be honest - I simply don't care. You no more ask for my opinion on your choices then I did of you. If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it. If I want my life to be your business, I'll make it so.

You can count on me having everything on my bucket list for the next 4 years. It will unfold here before your eyes. I have determination in spades and I intend to use it with a vengeance. I've seen my aunt (whom I miss on a daily basis) pass away at a very young age; I have seen my fair share of illness hit my family; all unexpected and I unfortunately seen each of these people miss out on living their lives the way they wanted. You shouldn't wait for your life to flash in front of your eyes before you decide to start living it - start today. Love yourself enough to live it today, tomorrow and every day forward. Don't look back. Don't regret anything. It's what got you to the person you are today. You cannot change the past but it's in your hands and actions to mould your tomorrow into whatever your heart desires.

"Give thanks for what you are now and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow."

- Fernanda Miramontes-Landeroes

New Space - MY Space . . .

SO . . . . I wanted a little corner of the big world wide web for my little self. I have no desire to spare the time needed for a website/page right now. Not that I wouldn't love one - just doesn't rank high enough on my list of things to make time for right now (Aka priorities). I needed a space to vent; think aloud; just plain put my thoughts out there. To those of you who know me on a personal level - you know I don't hide my feelings. You also know I am aware of proper placement and timing of my thoughts. Here I don't have to hold my tongue at all. So please be aware that you may not like some of the things I put here. Also keep in mind; this is MY selfish space and only here because of MY opinion; therefore the things I put here are not to make you feel better or worse about something, it is simply put here because I want it to be here.