Make Your Heart Smile.

What can you cut in 2012?

2013 is just two days away! 2012 has been one of the most challenging years I've ever had.  Change has been something that I would protest and delay. Now,  I find myself welcoming it.  The fear is still there. (So is it's BFF-Anxiety, Nerves, Paranoia)  In this year of self-growth, I've learned to see beyond past experiences. That is to say, to assign new meaning to starting over.  For example, I went back to school.  The last semester I was in college (2007),  I gave up on two classes in the end. I've since taken them over and have gotten A's. There are many more examples like this from this year-- it has humbled me.  My vision for myself and the world has certainly expanded. What does that mean? I believe in the possibilities. If we are always creating from what has been, we are likely to create the same results over and over.  What about from a place that hasn't happened yet? It's scary. It's uncomfortable. ...

Merry Christmas!  I am really grateful this morning. My mom came over to see my new place last night for the first time. We had a late dinner and she's sleeping in my bed right now.  It's amazing how spending time with your parents (and loved ones) really makes this holiday special---at least for me. There was a time when my relationships with my parents were tumultuous and combative. With maturity, patience and persistence, I am so grateful to say that I am close to both of my parents. That is my Christmas Blessing for today. What is yours? Comment Below!  <3 <3 <3,  Erika 

Yesterday,  I attended a Toy Drive that was organized by a powerful leader named Damien.  Toys and resources were donated and will be delivered to families over the next week. Fun was at the heart of this drive as participants bowled and mingled.   I was only there for thirty minutes and was completely humbled by the compassion and love.  Seven attendees joined me to support me t o spread holiday Cheer, in holiday gear at the Covenant House; Young men and women (some with children) are offered  housing and food for around 30 days as a place to start off.  My experience was all that I wanted it to be and more.  I was dressed in a Santa Hat, with me, were special reindeer and elves that helped to deliver candy canes and chocolate during meal time.  At first, I thought how ridiculous we looked to people of this age group...That went away as soon as I saw a smile..I focused out.. and when I did,  I saw my friends (some new ones) sit dow...

'Tis the season to be jolly Fa la la la la la la la la.... This is the season of Transformation.  The years winding down. It's getting colder, most people are getting broker.. (like all things, it's a matter of choice).   I am a native New Yorker. I LOVE New York at Christmas.  This year, I am grateful to be part of an awesome Leadership team that is dedicated to creating beautiful things. Last Saturday, we had a long day of creating intimacy through humility and service.  In the backdrop, Santa was appearing everywhere, in many shapes and forms.. Now, who doesn't love Santa? But, drunk Santa?  Now that's a horse of a different color. It was my first experience of Santa Con- at first sight is seemingly just light-hearted reindeer games..  However, from a leadership perspective, I had a different vision. Perhaps, it was all in good fun: the excitement, the costumes of people on the train and running through M...

I was presently surprised today when I received a compliment from an unexpected reader.  I remember why I choose to make this cheesy blog in the first place. If we are so inclined to reach for sugar or caffeine for pick-me-ups, this should be no different. Sometimes, I lose my writing mojo especially because nowadays it has been solely consumed by Academia. Fact-based writing gives me a headache. However, I've been offered yet another lesson on Resistance. I am choosing to fight against this on a daily basis. The same thing goes for my personal writing. I act like its not important to me. I come up with very creative and insightful bullshit that is very convincing, except I know it's all bullshit. While I used to be driven by the need to impress people, I am becoming more and more grounded. My heart is the leader, and it wants to deliver a message of love. My purpose is to communicate family values in an accessible way. I am all about the love. I am all heart, and...

I have been trying to do a Midterm paper. Last night, while reading dense course material, tears streamed down my face. I knew why. I had to take a moment to accept and nurture myself. Today, I have been working all morning, but other triggers have been coming up.. Again, tears coming down my face. So, here I am writing this: Whether we like it or not, the world around us is changing. On the macro-level, it's global warming/climate change..With Hurricane Sandy/Winter storm back to back, what does that tell you? On a personal level, since I am evolving, so are my views. My paradigm is shifting greatly. Most of my closest relationships were rooted in people-pleasing.  I am not happy with the results I am creating. I am changing that. As I have pushed my personal growth, these past few months, fears/old beliefs and emotions from being a scared six year old girl have been emerging. It's amazing how your own body can become some sort of Indiana Jones find of the re...