The Battle in My Mind

Every adventure I take breeds another opportunity for personal growth. Although the purpose of each trip is usually relaxation, I never pass up any opportunity to gain wisdom. Jamaica was jAMAZING! The culture is so rich and the people are extremely caring and relaxed. Along our journey to Jamaica, we met some extremely wonderful people that took the time to educate us on the lifestyle, history, and culture. However, along with the beautiful weather and water also came the difficulty to maintain a decent lifestyle without struggle. Being on an island, gas prices were triple the cost of my norm due to the transport cost to get the gasoline in their area, therefore many people cannot afford to buy their own car and rely heavily on taxis or buses.  We discussed rent/mortgage, bills, family and were enlightened that most, although not all do not have air conditioner, live with their family for a long time or forever to economically survive, and with the income they earn they must sa...

As cliche as it might sound, it is important that you take time out to smell the roses. Sometimes we get so tangled up in the twists and turns in life that we neglect to simply enjoy life. I am guilty of constraining myself to self inflicted pressure to maintain a certain schedule or make sure everything is in order. This year I made up in my mind that I would not be all work no play. My trip to the Bahamas reiterated the need to just enjoy my singleness and reward myself for all of my hard work. As I lay on the beach, listening the waves crash amongst the sand, I could honestly say I was at peace. No responsibilities, no deadlines, no schedule, no checking in, no cares , no worries, no pressure, no negativity .... Mere peace. As the sun glistened on the beautiful water, I began to self reflect. Life is a beautiful thing. Embrace it . Live in the moment. Take pictures. Make memories. Travel . Let your hair down. Nothing in life is that serious, unless you make it.   Avoid going th...