It’s so easy to get enthralled by the speed of connecting digitally with people and the speed of answering your question via a google search. Some of us have turned into digital age zombies. Not able to have present human interaction because our minds are always elsewhere, thinking about checking our social media accounts, work or anything else but the person in front of us. Could it be because of the smartphone invention? Now that we have access to applications, the internet, messaging and more where ever we go, when ever we want. It has hindered us from being able to break from it all. Here’s a beautiful reminder that we need to wake up and remember to be present:
I apologize in advance for this “after Friday” post. I had it ready to be posted but got really busy hosting a dinner last night. It’s been a busy week as usual. Between filming my next YouTube video, writing the post to go with it, Ramadan, preparing for my sisters upcoming wedding festivities and my full time job. This week I came across many images, posts and experiences that really made me think of the meaning of “Free Your Mind”.
Pause for a second and think about what that really means to you. What’s the first thing you think of? I don’t know about you, but my mind races to think of many things.
Free your mind of negativity, Free your mind of what the media says, Free your mind of worry… I can go on. Here are my faves that can help you free your mind and see things differently.
Fave strong message to spread awareness:
Don’t believe everything you hear in the news. It’s so hard to come by real news. I think since the peak of social media and so many varieties of it, like video, blogging and image databases it has been easier for people to seek the truth and seek the real news on their own. At least for those who want to find it. I’m all for research and spending hours trying to un-code from what is real and not real. With our time on this earth, we shouldn’t fill our minds with garbage and instead free our minds to have our own voice, our own opinions and do our part to spread awareness in every mean possible. This brings me to my fave strong message. Over the years I’ve seen a small group of people in my Facebook friends list who have been following the war genocide on Gaza with all of their hearts, minds and souls. One of them who even took a trip there and witnessed things that we will never get to see through media today. I watched, I listened, posted links on my Facebook wall, which sadly would get 2-3 likes compared to pictures of my cat Beep, that would get 100’s of likes.
I get it, some people feel helpless so they turn away and figure, “well we can’t do anything about it!”. That’s where you’re wrong. Free your mind from thinking that and you’ll see how much you can do. I appreciated seeing my Facebook news feed full of people voicing their opinions on what is happening in Gaza, with images, videos, blog posts and profile picture changes. Thank you to each and every one of you for taking the time to educate, direct and help people see the real heart wrenching media of the war genocide happening in Gaza.
There are a lot of variables within this conflict between Palestinians and the Israeli Government. I by no means wish to say the solution to this conflict resides with only the Palestinians goals achieved. The answer will undoubtedly consist of a two state solution with peace for both sides. However, on the road to this end goal, there should be absolutely no room for the collective punishment/genocide of either side.
I came across a post of empowering illustrations of women and everyday struggles they have of wanting to be free of what society says they should do with themselves. The illustrations are by Carol Rossetti. Confidence to be who you want to be, to be yourself, is something you should never lose sight of. Some can get caught up with what society thinks is cool or hot and start to mimic what others do or how others live their lives and totally lose sight of their own unique ways that made them special in the first place. What’s cool and hot is to be YOU. Your unique self shines brighter than being a carbon copy of someone else.
This illustration stood out to me because I can relate. I love heels! For the longest time I was self concious to wear heels around my girlfriends to events because I felt as if I was too tall. I was always told tall girls don’t wear heels, because heels are for those who want to be taller. I have freed my mind with what people use to tell me. I wear the highest of heels whenever I please. I won’t lie, it has made it easier to wear them with pride now that I have a partner for life who is 6’4.
Fave quote:
I experienced two situations this week that I hope no one has to witness. Nothing drastic or mind blowing to the average person. However, for me.. it definitely boggles my mind. One situation where I witnessed someone make hurtful remarks to another and another where their attitude and intentions were not in the right place. A place of negativity and hate. I handled both situations with peace and kind words. After all, if we did the same thing back then we wouldn’t be making the world a better place for ourselves and our future generations to come.
Lesson here is, if you find yourself in a situation where you see someone is being hurt instead of rolling up your sleeves and hitting them, which by all means I can do with my kick boxing skills. Don’t. Kill them with kindness. Smile and proceed in a kind manner. Chances are, you may have left that person re-thinking what they did and hopefully in the future they would feel ridiculous and awful to repeat it again.
“Be in charge of your mind and feed it with good.” – Hum JK
I am actually sick with a fever. Toronto’s winter weather hasn’t been nice to us this time around.-30 weather, snow in March and Leafs keep losing. Irrelevant to the weather, but I thought I’d throw that in there. Regardless of all that, throughout the week there were some things that made me laugh, motivated or sparked an idea!
Fave Video: I uploaded this video back in 2006 and totally forgot about it. This was my cat Maya’s first day at the house and I placed her for a second on my desk and wanted to record a video to send to a friend of mine, when something unexpectedly happens…to this day when I watch this video, it still makes me go “OU!”
Fave Pin:
I am in love with these John Galliano – Resort Shoes for 2014. The pop of yellow and the design is just impeccable.
Fave Quote:
Last year was a busy year but didn’t have too much time to create my brand and work on my projects. I have been very goals oriented this year and have so many things I’d love to accomplish very soon. Stumbling upon this quote was perfect timing.
Fave Purchase:
I was at the mall looking for something unique to add to the gifts I was getting for a special baby’s birthday, when I found this at Indigo. It is perfect! I love things that make a child’s imagination go wild, makes them excited and of course puts them into giggles. A tickle monster book box with tickle monster gloves included! It’s actually cheaper to purchase it online.
Happy Friday everyone and have a wonderful weekend!
