scars aren't always so bad.

"it's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars." Garrison Keillor

scars tell a story. every scar tells a story of endurance and survival through the pain. they are a sign of heroism and strength. they are history. they are joyous because you were able to live through the pain to tell a story. they are a lesson. they teach you what to do and what not to do while teaching others. they are a sign of healing powers. they give character and uniqueness.

the physical nature of a scar is completely synonymous with the scars we acquire in life. we all experience things in our life that aren't the greatest. situations that plant themselves in our lives unbeknownst to us. they may not be the greatest, but they happen. without warning. they end up hurting us. leaving a wound so deep. often so deep they become unhealable, unable to mend its parts back together. however, more often than not they do heal. the wound will leave a scar, but it heals. they may start out as rough, bumpy and very noticeable scars, but over time they tend to smooth out in its appearance becoming barely unnoticed. but the victim of the scar knows its there. it serves as a constant reminder of the pain endured, but eventually overcome. it's the victims choice to allow themselves to be empowered by that scar rather than allow the scar to overcome them.

a scar is so much more than a scar. it can be someones gift, a source of motivation and encouragement that healing is possible. a scar doesn't mean that the world is over, it just means that you got a little banged up at one point in your life, but now you're all healed. as good as new.

scars aren't so bad. they give you a unique extraordinary since of character. no one has experienced what you have experienced. no one knows the severity of your situation. no one can copy that. we can share similarities in our scars but they are unique to us. use that a source of power and own it.

whether you have recently been bruised or your scars have been heled for quite some time know that your scar is beautiful in its nature. it's a sign of maturity and your undeniable strength to endure. take the necessay healing measures and you be renewed.

taking steps

"My travels led me to where I am today. Sometimes these steps have felt painful, difficult, but led me greater happiness and opportunities."~ Diana Ross

i found this image over here. i absolutely love this image! it speaks volumes. it reminds me that you must take a step in order to proceed with anything in life. sometimes it can be the smallest step, but you make it and and continue to climb the staircase. once you reach it to the top of the stairs, you turn around, look down and see just how far you've come...just from making that one little step.that's an amazing feeling. make that small step today. don't ever think a step is too small because it's all movement in the direction of a wonderful journey.

motivation

you must motivate yourself EVERYDAY. ~matthew stasior

as a creative i often find myself experiencing from a "creative block." it happens to the best of us. however, the important thing is to not stay in that state. if you're in a rut, experiencing writers/creative block or just need some spice in your life the following tips are sure to help and give you that nudge you need.

1. do at least one new creative thing a week. whether you're trying out a new tea or taking a walk in a new park. doing something different and out of the ordinary breaks up the monotony of your everyday life. it also helps to write down your experience afterwards.

2. have breakfast for dinner. i'm a huge fan of eating pancakes anytime of the day!

3. join a class or workshop. there are so many opportunities out there for you to learn something new. many  times they're free. i found a money management 101 class that i'll be starting next week and that's free! it's a way to learn something new and even a chance to meet some new people.

4. create a list or start writing things down. i recently started to keep a "tidbits" journal where i write down my thoughts and goals as they come to me. i'm often inundated with ideas at the wrong time. when i'm at work or on the metro. by writing my ideas down as they come to mind i can go back to them when i'm at a more relaxed and creative state.

5. be inspired by someone else. read some new blogs. read a new book or an article from a genre or someone that you wouldn't be typically attracted to. i get so excited and inspired when i find and read new blogs. it helps to foster new ideas and it's fun to see what other people are thinking and writing out there.

what are some things that you do to get out of a rut?

random things about me.

1. i am extremely optimistic about everything in life. I'm really excited about my life and the direction its headed in.
2. i am inspired by motivating and accomplished women that think outside of the box and aren't confined to typical female roles.
3. i am a dreamer of many dreams and am confident that they will come true.
4. i really enjoy nature. i marvel at God's creations, many of the things we take for granted every day.
5. sunflowers make me smile. they are my favorite!
6. i love butterflies. i'm truly fascinated by its life cycle and its symbolism. 
7. i am a shameless introvert and i love it. although i enjoy spending time with my friends and family, sometimes i just want to be alone. 
8. i am passionate about social justice and committed to change.
9. youth inspire me to be great.
10. i love cupcakes!
11. pizza is my favorite! but is has to be new haven or new york style. none of that cardboard pizza hut or dominoes stuff. no offense to those who enjoy that.
12. i'm such a snacker...cheez-its, chips, doritos, strawberries ( yeah i snack on the healthy stuff too)
13. i love finding new blogs! i get so excited when i stumble upon a new one they are a form of inspiration.
14. i am very unorganized at times. i'm working on it, but somehow it works for me.
15. i am an extremely spiritual person. all of this is not by chance, so i know God is real!
16. i find peace and comfort in meditation and prayer.
17. i absolutely love my family. although i don't get to see them as much as i'd like, they are always on my mind.
18. my friends are an extension of me. they are my "better halves." they inspire, motivate and encourage me daily. they push me to be the best me.
19. cultivating strong and lasting relationships is something that's very important to me. 
20. i love reading personal development books and memoirs. 
21. i love that i am a creative. it gives me this freedom and confidence that pushes me to be fearless and do all that i imagine.
22. although i love writing, sometimes i don't think i'm the best at it.
23. i'm no artist, but i love painting! getting paint splattered everywhere and allowing my hands to talk while the brushes listen is magical.
24. i'm a hopeless romantic. (enough said)
25. i'm inspired by my ancestors. all those who encountered and endured such tremendous injustice. it's because of them that i am today.
26. i enjoy culture, understanding more about my culture and discovering new ones.
27. i'm fascinated by learning. knowledge is infinite and when you have it you possess an infallible power.
28. i'm such a girly girl. i love it all, make up, shoes clothes accessories. yep that's me!
29. i am truly a free spirit.
30. everyday i enjoy unleashing my potential and becoming the person God has intended me to be!

wow thanks for getting this far! glad you took the time out to get to know me a little better :-)