What's New Wednesday: Share your #shelfie

I need a favor friends, family and readers! I need to you to share your #shelfie. Yes, you read that right: shelfie. Words Alive - my family, employer and inspiration - is starting a campaign this February in effort to spread the message that reading matters. Because it does!

As many of you know, Words Alive helps at-risk students and families in San Diego County use the powerful tool and skill, reading as a means to change their lives. Share Your Love of Reading is our way of inviting the community to join us in this movement!
 
Please help Words Alive (and me) in spreading the public awareness about the importance of reading, taking a #SHELFIE and posting it on your social media site starting February 1, 2015. Here's the 411!

• Step 1: Take a #SHELFIE: Take a selfie in front of your bookshelf. We want to see you, what you’re reading and how books have a place in your life.

• Step 2: Share your photo. Use the following hashtag: #shelfie and don't forget to “Like” and “Follow” Words Alive for easy tagging!
  On Twitter @WordsAliveSD
  On Facebook @Words Alive
  On Instagram @WordsAliveSD

• Step 3: Invite your friends to join the movement and take a shelfie. Challenge your friends to tell the world why reading matters! Help us build more bookshelves! Invest in our movement.

Learn more about Words Alive and how we work to foster a love of reading in under-served communities by visiting www.wordsalive.org. Please join us and share your love of reading!

What's New Wednesday

What's new? Fun, hikes, healthy(ier) food and productivity! The first 21 days of 2015 have been busy, and I'm happy to report I'm maintaining my resolutions. Well, at least one: flossing daily. Okay, okay - I may have missed a day or two but I've made a conscious effort at least. Still researching a new dentist, however...

At any rate, check out some of my highlights (and events) from this year thus far. It's my goal to relish my time and make a point to enjoy what each moment provides. It's amazing how differently I view my life just by being present!

For instance, I've enjoyed a strenuous hike up San Miguel (located in East Lake Chula Vista); participated in a competitive poker game/party; and watched an unintentionally hilarious rendition of Dirty Dancing.

Additionally, I've been able to execute some work goals - thanks to the help of my amazing teammates and volunteers - like facilitating a scholarship workshop and work readiness program which benefited my student participants. I even attended a graduation of four scholarship recipients as of late - what an inspiration!

Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised at the quick and efficient response from local non-profit, San Diego Humane Society once learned Matilda was in need of an exploratory surgery for an ovarian remnant. She is bouncing back, by the way!

And lastly, installed a new fridge and stove to update my kitchen - ahem, Nick and Scotty installed. I admired the final product.

Check out some photos of my aforementioned experiences below!

 

Here's to accomplishing your goals, enjoying each moment and being present!

Motivation Monday: Be you!

Today it's a good reminder to be yourself - just. be. you! The glorious, unique, wonderful, fun-loving person you were meant to be. No one else can be you; no one has control of your actions; no one has power over you. Just showcase the real you - and read below why being yourself is amazing!

1. You feel better. Pretending to be someone you're not invariably leads to feeling tense, almost scared. After all, you could be found out at any moment! Accepting who you are leads to a feeling of calm, of relief, of happiness.
2. There's no one like you. You're a unique person, and acting like anyone else deprives the world of that special person.
3. Your heart will lead you. Being yourself leads to making decisions you'll NEVER regret, because you'll be following your heart.
4. The Real You. A great reason to be yourself today is that you find out there are people who love exactly who you are and are happy to allow you to be that person. 

Happy New Year!

I love a new year - it's my excuse for a fresh start and opportunity to be a better me. And with each new year's day, I make time to be active. Today, it's a light run around my neighborhood, Pacific Beach. But for many, it's hitting the trail.

Just a few days ago, in fact, we (Nick, Scotty, Danny and me) explored the iconic Potato Chip Hike (Mount Woodson in Poway). But, we skipped the paved trail and blazed our own path...literally. We crawled up boulders; squeezed through crevices; crunched dead tree branches; and endured many scratches, bruises and moments of uncertainty. While my innate conservative side was fighting the potential danger, my adventurous side was relishing in it. We definitely earned our view! Check out just a few photos from our hike below (taken with a cell phone).

Happy new year! Now, go find your adventure!