Staying Motivated for the Long Run

I know there is probably a large majority of us who have large life goals that we want to achieve. These life goals are not easy to accomplish and take a lot of hard work. Once these goals are accomplished we feel so accomplished (obviously) and proud of ourselves. But sometimes, and maybe even a lot of the time, there are people who do not make their life goals and quit because they couldn't see it to the very end. The life goals that you set for yourself can be accomplished. The determining factor of your success is how you come about your goal. Like I say in a lot of my post, because it is true, I'm still young and have a lot of learning and wisdom to gain. But, at this point of my life I feel like I have learned two important tips in achieving long term goals that I would like to share. 1) Turn your long term goal into short term goals and 2) Give yourself time to acknowledge your success. These two tips are probably two of many steps that need to be done in order to accomplish goals, but I think these two will lead you in the right direction. These are steps that I have been working on myself. So wish me luck and I hope you enjoy these two steps and possibly even put them to work to benefit yourself.

Yours Truly,
Carla Renee

Turn your long term goals into short term goals
-Working towards a long term goal takes a lot of work, dedication, and patience. A lot of the time our efforts feel like they are getting us no where and as a result some people give up on their goals. The best way to keep yourself motivated is to not focus entirely on the long term goal, but to focus on the completion of milestones that get you to your long term goals. Focusing on the big picture is way more overwhelming than looking at the smaller picture. I'm sure most people, including myself, feel motivated to keep pushing forward when they are seeing quick results. Focusing on the big picture will not result in faster results. But, the smaller pictures that construct the bigger picture will.
For example, my long term goal in school is to go to graduate school and become a certified Nurse Midwife. In order to do that I have to do well in my undergraduate studies, get into a nursing school, graduate, work as a registered nurse in the labor and delivery department of a hospital for at least a year, get accepted into a certified Nurse Midwife graduate program, endure 2-3 years of that program and then finally graduate with the proper education and credentials to practice as a Midwife. From all of that, it is going to take about 7 to 8 years of schooling. That means a lot of sleepless nights studying and having to stay consistent with my grades. As of now, I am only in my first year of college and if I constantly focused on becoming a Midwife now it would be far too overwhelming to think about all of the years of stressful studying I would have to do. I'm starting to stress just from thinking about it. So instead, I focus on the first step first: getting into nursing school. Nursing programs are impacted everywhere and competition is tough. So to keep me motivated to continue down the path towards becoming a Midwife I focus on getting into nursing school. I need to keep my grades up for 3 more semester, including the one I'm in now. So right now my only focus is nursing school. Because it's so much closer in the future than becoming a Nurse midwife it doesn't seem as daunting. After getting into nursing school I'll focus on graduating and getting a job as a registered nurse and so on and so forth. Focusing on the increment of the journey instead of the whole picture makes the extra effort less strenuous because you'll see the results of your progress much faster.

Give yourself time to acknowledge your success
-It's easy for us to complete a task and instantly work on the next one and not acknowledge that we have progressed from where we were at the start. Constant work on one really long task can be daunting, repetitive, and discouraging after awhile. To keep yourself encouraged, take a step back every once in awhile and look at how far you have come. From the time you first started working towards the goal to where you currently are. It's further than where you were in the beginning right? Be proud and take pride in that. Accepting and basking in your progress will make the journey a little easier because your progress will be your own motivation. Don't be afraid to take a day off and reset your focus. A trip to the beach, museum, park, garden, cafe, or restaurant you've been wanting to go to maybe? Give yourself a break every now and then. You deserve it.

We're always looking for it, but how do we know when we've found it?

Love.

This blog is about the simplest but one of the most complicated things in life.
What do you look for in love? How do we know it's love? Where do we look? and Once we've got it, then what? Questions that I know I don't have the answers to but questions that I can at least state my opinion on. I'm still very young and I have so much more to experience and more wisdom to gain, but as a person who feels and has emotions I can chime my opinion on this topic. Feel free to chime your thoughts and opinions on this topic as well. There isn't a concrete definition or a correct perspective on this powerful phenomenon, so let your thoughts be heard.

What do you look for in love?
From the perspective of someone who is looking from the outside in, I feel like people take love to seriously. I think that love should be fun, adventurous, kind and inspiring. I think you and your significant other should make each other laugh and should constantly be surprising one another. Love should be simple. It shouldn't take constant date night and gifts to be happy. I feel like you should be comfortable with a walk to the store or a planned stay in and wear pajamas and watch movies and TV all day kind of days are good. But that doesn't mean a romantic day/evening out every once in a while shouldn't be done. I think that it's important to examine the other person's true intentions in themselves as well as in the relationship. It goes for us as well. If our own intentions are not true to ourselves how can we hold true intentions towards someone else?

How do we know it's love?
Love is completely subjective. It depends on the person and their needs. But all in all, I think that you'll know it's love when that person makes you happy and makes you laugh. When you can let your barriers down and they never go near the boundaries of taking advantage of you. When you see things in that person that no one else can. When you can see their gentle side, their strong side, their potential and the love that you are blessed to be able to experience. I think when you feel secure and protected around this person and feel like they have everything under control is a powerful feeling. Yet at the same time you can feel strong even in their presence. When they encourage you and push you toward your own goals while still being able to focus on their own. I think when all of these components come together it makes the strong bond that we know as Love.

Where do we look?
I feel like love just naturally manifests when you come across someone that makes you see things in a whole new positive perspective that you would have never thought of before. But if there were a place to look for love the number one place to look would be within yourself. Be the person you want to love and that person will come. If you want someone who is strong, confident, and independent then you have to be strong, confident, and independent. It would be illogical for you to think that your "dream guy/girl" will come along if you aren't the "dream you". The phrase "opposites attract" is irrelevant to the circumstance of love, in my opinion. Not all of the time, but most of the time, if there is someone who is not matching the amount of effort that you are putting into the relationship then they do not have the same intentions as you. For example, if you are someone who lacks confidence and someone with a huge amount of confidence comes along there is a possibility that they think they can take advantage of you and they will. Or if it's the other way around and you're a strong confident person and the other person is the opposite then they may have the intention to use you to better themselves or somehow get ahead in life. If you ever feel like the person that has come along is too good to be true, then chances are you're right. The person you "fall in love with" shouldn't be an intimidation. They should be an excellent compliment to the strong and solid you that you already are. These circumstances are not always the case, but it's really important to watch this person and really dig deep and look into their intentions.

Once we've go it, Now what?
Hold onto it. Easier said then done, I know. You're two individuals who are trying to work as one solid couple. Someone's interest might change, or time just slowly changes a person. Honest communication is key. Let your feelings be heard. Tell them how you feel, do what you can to make it work. Love is a never ending process. It's difficulty varies on the kind of person you are with, which is why it is important to really examine and watch this person before stepping into love. Keeping the love strong can be a little easier or harder. What's really important is that equal effort is put in by both partners. No one person can put in more effort. It will lead to resentment and frequent arguing. It's possible to fall out of love with a person, it happens a lot. That's completely normal. Is it going to hurt? Yes. But time and experience will heal. But if this 'love' is doing more harm than good, it's time to let it go. Don't ever be afraid to let go of something that you know is hurting you or the both of you. It'll be hard in the beginning but in the end you're doing both of you a favor.

Love is such a complicated situation. But if it's done correctly it can be one of the best experiences in your life. Love is not a one try success, it's going to take trial and error, misses, minor hits, and heartache. But just think of it this way, all of your struggle and strife is going to bring you closer to the love that will make you smile, feel like your on top of the world, and happy beyond description. It's gonna be a long and rough journey, but if you follow the path you create for yourself you'll find your own happy ending.

So are you up for the journey?

Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo

Healthy Spontaneous Getaways

Everyday routines can be draining and stressful; wake up, go to work/school, sit in traffic/study for hours, go home to cook/try to be social and interactive, get less than the recommended 8 hours of sleep, and repeat. It can become extremely overwhelming. As crappy as it is, it must be done. But there is a way to make our every day routines a little less stressful and overwhelming.
The best way to do that is to take spontaneous getaways. Whether it's a beach day, going to the city, or going to a coffee shop that you've been wanting to go to. Pick one day or even two days where you can take some time to get away and re-energize yourself. If you think you do not have the time to relax and recharge yourself then you really need to do this. This getaway doesn't have to be a day long, it can be a couple of hours. The constant rush of every day life can definitely wear you down mentally and physically. If you stay in that routine constantly you'll lose sight of yourself and you'll eventually find yourself going through the motions and not living.
So next time you feel like you're losing control or you're about to break down take a step back out of your life and ask yourself, "where do I find peace?" and "where can I relax?" The first place you think of is the place you'll be able to relax and unwind. Plan a day out your week to go to where ever that place is and try to make that your weekly routine so that when you're having a crappy week your getaway day will be your motivation to keep pushing through your week.
When you go to your getaway location leave your busy life for the time that you are there. Leave all of your stress and worries behind you. The only thing you should be thinking about is where you are right then and there and how much your getaway was much needed. From personal experience these private getaways are super efficient. My mind felt so much clearer during my getaway and when I returned back to my reality things weren't as hectic. I was able to think clearly and get things done. I actually got more done after my getaway than I do while under stress during my week. You're getaways should be exclusively customized to you. Go where you want to go and do what you want to do. Go alone or bring a close friend, it's up to you. Just make sure that whatever it is you do you do it only for you. If you happen to plan something on your getaway day, drop it. Or at least push it later into your day. Make sure you take advantage of your getaway, you deserve it.

This was my first week starting this routine and I've been absolutely pleased with the positive effects it has. Before I used to think I didn't have time to relax and "reset", but taking time out to "reset" is what's going to improve my performance during my busy week. My getaway day takes place on Saturday mornings to this beautiful place. It's a reasonable distance away so I jog here. I walk along the beach and let the water rush against my feet. After walking the beach for about half a mile or so I find a place to sit down on a towel and enjoy the view and mediate. I encourage everyone to try this at least once. Find your peaceful place and see the immediate difference it makes on you and how differently you perform during your week. Give it a try and if it works for you spread the word to your friends and family.

Ocean Beach, San Francisco, California

Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo 

February 14th, a Day for Everyone

Besides the by default valentines that I got in school I've only had a real valentine once and that was about 3 years ago. Before and after that one instance of having a valentine I never really liked Valentine's Day. I was either Anti-Valentine's Day or Happy Single Awareness day, credit goes to Joseph Vincent's 2012 song "S.A.D. (Single Awareness Day)" , as bitter as that sounds I enjoyed it. Valentine's day is a week away and couples are being extra cute and trying to plan out what they're going to do for the holiday of romance. As of now I do not have a valentine and I probably won't have one. 
This year I plan on doing something different. Instead of Valentine's Day being Anti-Valentine or "Single Awareness Day" February 14th will be Reminiscent Day. Everyone has had at least one person in their life that has made them feel loved or allowed them to experience some kind of emotion that made them feel good. Whether that person was a lover or a really close friend. On February 14th think back on the people that made you smile, laugh, feel important, feel special, feel weightless, feel loved, or made you see life in a whole new positive perspective. Whether they are still in your life or not, they meant something to you. Whether you and the other person ended on mutual or not so good terms if it wasn't for them you wouldn't be able to say that you know what it feels like to be with someone who makes you happy and that you can be yourself with no cares or fears. After all, why resent something that once meant so much to you? Because of those people you have the experience of those kinds of feelings that you can express to the next love interest you meet. You can show them how it feels to feel the feelings you once felt and if this person is the one they too can be the reason why you feel those feelings again and some even greater. 
The people in your past taught you how to love and how it feels to be loved right. They also taught you how to be strong and how to let go. So on February 14th don't feel left out if you don't have a valentine. On February 14th revisit the memories you have of when times were good and love was once true in it's own special way. Be appreciative of those memories and embrace them because one day you'll find someone who will make any day feel like Valentine's Day. Someone you can love and express your unconditional appreciation to. Someone who will love you the way you once were and more, will be standing right in front of you



Your Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo

Foods to help increase energy levels

With the new year still fresh and full of possibilities I'm sure there are a lot of tasks that you are determined to tackle during the year. I know I do, but with school, work, and other things going on in life wouldn't it be great to have the energy to lead your every day life and conquer those tasks on your 'to-do list'? Here are some foods that I picked out that are great for boosting your energy levels while on the go. It's not everyday that we can go home and cook up some energy boosting meals and go back to our busy days. These foods are great for on-the-go and easy to put in your purse, backpack, or whatever bag you use during the day. I hope you all enjoy and Happy New Year!

Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo







Greek Yogurt
Greek Yogurt is a little bit thicker than other yogurts, it's also one of my favorites. After working out for hours at the gym a cup of Greek yogurt is always my go-to snack. It's light and filling at the same time. Greek yogurt can be a quick and healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert. To dress it up and add more to it you can add your favorite pieces of fresh fruit or granola. Not only is it healthy, it's great for when you need to stay awake or if you need a quick energy boost throughout the day. Greek yogurt is high in protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin B12, and carbs. The carbs are what make the yogurt a valuable source of slow-release energy. So go and find your favorite Greek yogurt flavor and enjoy.

Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit are really easy to grab and take with you on the go. If you have a lunch bag or just a plastic sandwich bag don't be afraid to fill it up with some fruit. Fruit contains natural sugar to help boost your energy levels and many fruits contain vitamin C and fiber. Strawberries and oranges are the most common fruits to take on the go, but grapes, cherries, and chopped melons are great energy boosters as well.

Grains
A great way of consuming grains is through whole grain cereal. During school I used to bring a sandwich bag of dry cereal, preferably the Mixed Berries flavor of Special K, and I would snack on them throughout the day. Eating cereal throughout the day kept me awake and I felt more alert in class. Our bodies use carbohydrates to fuel itself and eating whole grains is important for creating natural  energy that last throughout the day. I love carrying dry cereal with me. I can carry a lot of it in a small sandwich bag and it can easily be stored in my purse or in my backpack without taking up space.

Green tea

I'm a huge tea drinker! I love all kinds of tea whether it is hot or cold. During the later half of the year when it's really cold I always carry hot tea to class in my travel mug. During the early months of the year when it's mild out and starting to warm up I drink a lot of iced tea. I occasionally drink the already bottled tea out of the store, but I like to make my own as well. I usually boil water as if I am making a hot cup of tea. I pour the water into my travel mug with a teabag, let it cool down for a little bit, store it in the refrigerator overnight and then I'll take it out the next morning to take with me. I add ice cubes to it as well to give it an extra chill and a little sugar to sweeten it very lightly. If I have time I make large quantities of iced tea and keep it in the refrigerator in a large pitcher so that I can pour it in my travel mug or  have some while I am at home .Tea, specifically green tea, is packed with powerful antioxidants and is known to help boost energy levels. The caffeine in the tea could be a major factor to that. 

Water
Water makes up about 60% of our body weight. Our vital organs require water in order to function properly. Water is an energy booster and keeps us alert and focused. I always carry a bottle of water where ever I go. There is always a bottle in my backpack, my purse, or in my hand. If I forget to bring a bottle of water with me I feel incomplete, as weird as that sounds. There have been some days when I hadn't had a lot of water and I would feel sluggish and unable to concentrate or organize my thoughts well. After drinking a bottle or water I felt more awake and alert. It's always important to drink water and stay hydrated. I know a few people who do not like the taste of water because it's too bland, I can totally relate because I was one of those people. If you need ideas on how to make drinking water more tolerable I posted an article about different ways to make water taste better by adding fruit to it and making your own fruit water. You should definitely check it out.

Looking back on 2013 and feeling hopeful for 2014

Hey lovelies! It looks like we made it through another year! 2013 had a few monumental moments: I turned 18 in April, I graduated high school in June, and I moved away for college at the end of August. I've had a lot of fun in college and I've learned a lot about myself. Even though 2013 had great moments for me there were some hardships here in there throughout the year. I had stumbled, faltered, and lost direction at one point. But through the good and bad I learned a lot, grew from my struggles, and I look forward to the upcoming year.

Now that the year has ended a new one has begun it is time to make some expectations for 2014. It's common for people to have "New Year Resolutions" but to be honest those resolutions only last about 2 or 3 months max. I used to write resolutions and they would only last about two months at the most.

Starting this coming year I won't have an New Year Resolutions. My main focus for this year and many years to come is self improvement. Becoming a better and stronger person is an ongoing process that never ends. I want to work on being a better person than I was in 2013 and years before that. I wouldn't call them New Year Resolutions but this year I want to make sure that I don't repeat last year. I don't want to make the same mistakes I did last year. I want to be more willing to put myself out there and truly strive for whatever it is that I want. I want to continue being humble and staying healthy and becoming healthier. I don't expect to see immediate results from anything that I do because I know it's going to be a never ending process and my results will become visible in the long run.

Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo

So what are some of your goals and aspirations for 2014?

Music to Capture the Seasonal Feeling: Christmas Session

Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope you all are enjoying the holiday. I probably should have uploaded this yesterday, but here are some songs that I like to listen to on Christmas. These songs are new, old, and everywhere in between. I love listening to them, they definitely gets me into the holiday spirit. I hope you all enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Yours Truly,
Carla Renee
xoxo

Toni Braxton- "The Christmas Song"

Boyz II Men- "Let It Snow"

Justin Beiber- "Christmas Eve"

Whitney Houston- "One wish for Christmas"

Chris Brown- "This Christmas"

Monica- "Grown Up Christmas List"

Jackson 5- "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

Jaime Foxx- "Christmas List"

Mariah Carey- "All I Want For Christmas Is You"