Make Your Heart Smile.

I have been letting anger, frustration and doubt get the best of over the past few weeks.  I'll share my discovery.  What has finally worked for me was to be an observer of my thoughts.  As someone who tries not to be judgmental of others, I am certainly Supreme Court Justice with herself.  And so I resign.. My vision for this blog is to share my personal observations, challenges, solutions and offer an honest, impacting observations and lessons created out of love.  As a loving person with others, I am learning how to cultivate that relationship with myself.  The pendulum swings slower these days but as I was reminded by a friend, I have to celebrate my progress. In other words, it's the journey that is unique to me allow me to grow and forward myself.  So what better time to celebrate then my birthday. On Thursday,  I will be 28 years young.  My vision is big and over the past year, I have been blessed with time, resources a

How many of us these days can say “I love you” with conviction?  Love in and of itself is a lost commodity.  I am guilty as charged. I love deeply and completely. It's very hard for me to let go.  (Love here is not only romantic love)  I am facing many of the decisions I have made over the past few years with reflection and objectivity.  Through a variety of life experience, I can see what is of value now I was searching for love outside of myself for years.. When I had it, I didn’t appreciate it..  but.. How could you love when you really don’t know what it is in the first place?  An even important distinction for me was learning (the very hard way) that love comes from you-- from the inside.   Loving yourself is the ability to express yourself and not hold back.    I've been holding back my joy for a very long time.  Every wonder why fears more accessible than joy and peace? These are some random connected tho

I had a dream... about Stretch Armstrong.  Remember this plastic dude?  He was made of latex rubber filled with gel corn syrup, enabling it to be stretched from 15 inches to 4-5 feet.  Think about that for a second---from a foot and some change to 4 to 5 feet!  In order to get from where I am to where I want to be-- I have to stretch: 1. Physically 2. Mentally 3. Spiritually 4. Emotionally A lot of old beliefs are coming up and if l let them will keep me right where I am.  Well, I don't want to stay right where I am. I want to grow.  I always was afraid of competition. It's not about that. It's about being the best version of yourself as possible. When you are constantly seeking and choosing to grow and stretch- you are able to contribute more. As Rumi says,  “I didn't come here of my own accord, and I can't leave that way. Whoever brought me here will have to take me home.”   Follow your bliss- and in giving my

I've fallen off of my writing in the past few weeks while adjusting to a full college course load. My mind is expanding.  I am learning art and design principles, poetry, TV Film & Culture,  Documentary, Typecasting, Photoshop, Illustrator-- needless to say, I am a busy girl.  I am so intrigued by how economics, social forces, politics, influenced people-- the art/craft is reflective of its time.  On a visceral level, something in me is coming alive. I trust in it. I believe in it.  It's not my obligation as an emerging artist to express myself-- it's a very powerful and conscious choice.  I look forward to my college graduation and the unveiling of all of the writing, art and beautiful things I am creating.  I am so grateful. Love and blessings, Erika 

She opened the door. new place, new space. There are unfamiliar faces  Testing her knowledge. She aces life's tests . The wind blows. High velocity.  A branch is torn off,  The roots are in tact.  * * *  * * *   * * *  Stay true to the roots. Branches grow in many directions, Yet, the roots remain safely in the ground.  Life's seasons, nature's reasons. Knowing the branches may break But being willing to explore the directions..

No need to look any further.. it's all an illusion;  confusion.  Dissapear, Fear. Vanish. I embrace your face.. Decisions bring change.. But also, Courage and strength.. I'm not in this alone.  The power within creates the world without. Pride doesn't exist. Humility and love, surround me. It's all within reach.  How Good do I want it?