Deep breath.

I find it so incredibly amazing how the littlest things can inspire you to better yourself in the most positive light.  Perhaps it's a movie, or a piece of art, a song, a person that you meet.  Things happen for a reason and if you can't get it out of your head, maybe it's just supposed to stay there.

This week has been a tough one for me.  Unlike myself, I've been sulking in self-pity and frustration.  I've had a difficult time trying to stay positive through a tough time with my family, trying to heal my broken relationship, financial stress, seeking some sort of spiritual guidance, looking everywhere but right in front of my face for something to make me smile...

Epiphany: life is beautiful and for a short while, I get to live in this wonderful place filled with people that do care. Why not follow my dreams? There is nothing that can stop me from persuing what I love. Each doubt is challenged by a stronger solution. Today, I can dance. I can love. I can learn something new. I can discover a piece of my soul that I didn't know existed. I can go wherever I want; it's just up to me to get back on the right path.

The pheonix, one of the most beautiful of mystical creatures is born from it's own ashes. The grass rots into the ground in the fall, but in the spring, it is freshly awakened, gleaming with the brightest, most beautiful green yet.  The tinyest bits of inspiration can get you back on the right track.  Open up your eyes to what's in front of you.  It takes failing to succeed.  Deep breath.  Everything is going to be ok.

Painting: "Friends Under the Rain" by Leonida Fremov

First love.

Beautiful cover to one of my favorite songs.  This one really hits home.

Smile.

"Don't cry because it's over.  Smile because it happened."  --Dr. Seuss

"Eva"
Watercolor by Cate Parr
Los Angeles

Raw.

I adore this video and this girl's amazing raw energy!

Laugh.

Hahaha!

Vulnerability

It always amazes me how the smallest things in life can leave the heaviest footprints on your heart. There's a man I work with, middle-aged and single, with no children, who takes care of his grandfather every evening. Although the grandfather has been fighting for the past three years, this man was always there to push him, to keep him hanging on. It was his passion, almost like his duty. The man is one of the most loving and caring, yet one of the most strong-willed I've ever met and I've never seen a tear in his eyes until yesterday. I heard the news of his grandfather's passing and I knew it would be a tough night, especially because he had to be at work. I didn't say much to him all evening and when the day was done and I was about to leave, I went to express my condolences. I waited until he was alone and told him I was sorry for his loss. His back was turned and all he muttered was, "Thanks, Christina." As I turned to leave, I noticed he was crying. I've never seen him so vulnerable, so weak and upset. I didn't sleep much last night and his sad expression has been spinning through my thoughts all day. I don't really know why, but it made such an emotional impact on me.

Inspiration:  Listen.  Hug.  Be compassionate.  Love.

"It's a long, long road you gotta roll down, before you find your way, my friend. And it's a high, high hill you gotta climb, before you get to the top again."--Grace Potter and the Nocturnals ("Low Road")

Artist of the day- Tim Janis

I love Tim Janis' music. His gorgeous, light melodies blended with the soulful, heart-wrenching harmonies have gotten me through a lot of rough times in my life. This song always makes me smile and reflect.