Wednesday, September 17, 2014

An Update on Life in "The Cycle of Passion Killing"

For a blog titled "Freedom Through Passion" I'm not sure I'm really living up to the weight of this name right now.

In my last post I mentioned how I was struggling with the balance of my desires and how I want my ambitions to flourish from a place of passion instead more than reward.

But to be honest, I have no idea what I'm doing with my life 99% of the time. Sometimes I feel alive and other times, more than most, I feel I have placed myself in a routine because I feel I've failed at the other things I have pursued.

I've read and agree with the philosophy that failing over and over is actually a success and the character needed to be a true entrepreneur. Right now I feel I am stuck in a place of fear of failing again-but my soul beckons me so often whispering words like risk, adventure, independence and invention.

My soul is crying out to me, but I've tuned out it's voice so it decided to scream at me and make me completely restless. Thank you soul.

I am a woman of ambition and invention and when I am not in a place that heightens and supports this it's like chopping off the head of a flower or moving an outstretching bud into darkness. It suffocates me.

Sometimes, we need to slow down and take a look at our lives and not make excuses for denying our passions. These are my excuses right now: Money. Support. Community. Disappointing others. Past failures. Even writing them down feels pathetic because I know that the worst thing that could happen is I quit my job, lose a reliable check and a couple friends. But the truth is if I were honest with myself I really don't believe things could be different.

Honestly, I am not sure what to do with myself right now. It comes in cycles and every time I enter in I convince myself this time it will be different. Here's my cycle:




I'm not sure when this cycle will break, but I do know that I need to commit to an idea and pursue it without the "Feel like a failure" phase sucking me back in. I cannot let myself enter "The Cycle of Passion Killing" anymore.

Right not I am in the "Get sick of having a job" phase. For me, "The Cycle of Passion Killing" averages from 3-5 months. How do you kill an entrepreneurial spirit? You can't. Nearly impossible unless you want to live a life of no happiness, no passion, no adventure and most of all-no life.

So.... what now? I am asking myself the same thing. I wanted to write this mainly to help me process what's going on, but also to reach out to others like me for support and encouragement. What would you do in my place? How do you keep yourself from entering "The Cycle of Passion Killing"?

We shall see what is next on this adventure of life! I have ideas and other things I am pursuing right now aside from my 9-5 and next time I get to the "No immediate results" phase I am going to do whatever it takes to break out of this cycle and enter in the Passion cycle of awesomeness!

That's all for now folks. No real call to action really. Mainly just an update on how I'm feeling in life right about now. I hope this reaches some of you and calls you to action to live out a life of passion, purpose, and meaning- in whatever way that relates to you in your own Cycle of Passion Killing. 

It is time to break free family!

Friday, June 20, 2014

20 Year Old Ramblings About Living

Just relax.

Sometimes it seems like every situation in life right now is a do or die type thing. It's like whatever idea I have must be done or else my "claim to fame", we will call it, is doomed.

When in reality why do I actually care so much about trying to create some sort of phenomenal, revolutionary thing that will change people's lives. Whether that be a product, way of thinking, or whatever else my brain likes to spew out.

I have a hint of an idea that it has something to do with a way of feeling important. Which makes me wonder- How is it that I gain this feeling of importance? Why is it so important to me? Where do I direct this desire so that it can be satiated?

Let me clarify a little bit.

I think that it is ridiculous that I am believing I need to gain some sort of importance in the first place. I am perfectly capable of being important without any strings attached to some plan or goal that I am achieving. It has made me question some things about myself. Is honesty okay here? Ok, cool. Glad we got that out of the way.

First off, I want to know what my intentions are behind the things that I do. What is the point of the ideas that I come up with that I want to move forward with? Sometimes it is out of my passion to create and other times it is in hopes that I will reap some reward- Which is why it has been difficult for me to stick to one thing that I didn't get immediate reward from.

More than anything, in this pre adulthood (is it still pre?) I believe it is important that we don't get so caught up in our plans and future goals and create a sort of tunnel vision until we reach where we anticipate going. Time will continue moving at the same pace it always has. No matter how much it seems like it flies-I promise 1 day still = 24 hours. So let's stop worrying so much. Whatever the heck we are doing right now is definitely not ensured to be the end-all-be-all for the rest of our lives so lets chillax a bit more.

I guess here is where I should suggest some sort of philosophy or advice. Well, this is what I think.

Take risks. Don't be completely blind about it, but if you are like me and you have an opportunity and desire that takes you out of college. Life is not going to end and you can always go back if things change and you want some sort of certification. In my opinion, college is great for those who know they need it or who have know idea what they need.

Continue to invest into yourself. To me, this means reading, listening and doing things that are new, fresh, exciting and awesome, of course. I listen to a podcast by an inspiring guy, Tim Ferriss, who has revolutionized many areas of my thinking. Recently, I listened to a ten minute podcast he created about the 9 Habits to Stop Now-The Not-To-Do List. I put into practice a few of them today and had half the amount of stress and twice the amount of productivity. Score. I wonder what today would have been like if I didn't listen to that yesterday. It's important to continue keeping your mind active and not stuck in routine mode doing and acting out of habit.

Schedule time to do things you enjoy. You are never too busy or too tired to be with people you care about. Hit em up and plan a date. Don't wait for them to get ahold of you. Take some initiative. Maybe even make a list of some stuff you have been wanting to do, but always putting off because you're "too busy". Take a night to yourself to read a good book or invest into a hobby-playing music, writing, drawing, playing a sport, going to the gym. It will be worth it, just get over the feeling of not wanting to do it and do it. It's just a feeling and it's only temporary.

That's all I got for now. Check back for some updates and the ever-so-interesting like of Gloria and her 20 year old ramblings about living.

Friday, February 7, 2014

8 Things to Do to Overcome Depression



I can only even write this list because I have thought I was depressed three times in my life. At one point I thought I would need medicine, but I wanted to make it without it.So, I did. And so can you. I understand the mindset of wanting to disappear, being lonely beyond any hope, and feeling like it will never end.

It becomes an endless thought cycle that you can become comfortable in.

You have to break it. Act unnatural and get uncomfortable. Get out of the familiar acceptance of the depressing thoughts. I know what it’s like to feel like nothing. You feel nothing and nothing anyone can do can make you feel anything.

But the thing is, they are all lies. Everything in your head is not true if it’s taking you into depression. You believe the lies. The truth is true and you should believe it. You are valued, much better than you think you are, appreciated, and awesome even if nobody notices!

Know that whatever thoughts you choose dwell in you will stamp as true-harmful or beneficial.

So here’s to getting uncomfortable and out of the familiar grave clothes:

1. You are not going to want to do anything on this list.


That’s precisely why it is going to work. If you don’t like it-that one’s for you.


2. Tell yourself it’s a lie.


Out loud, in your mind, to someone else. Make sure you verify and believe that your depressive thinking is not true.


3. Speak the truth to yourself.


Read a book, the Bible, or a confidence statement out loud. Sing an empowering Beyonce song- anything to get you to speak out the truth (even if you don’t believe it yet, you will). Your words will interrupt your thoughts and keep you from playing in the pits.

4. Think about someone else.


Call, text, message a friend that makes you happy. And no, not that person that makes you feel special. A real friend you couldn’t live without. Let them know you appreciate them. Get outside of thinking about yourself and your situation is healthier than you know.

5. Write a list of things you are grateful for.


Don’t just think about it. Write it down. And then even read it out load.

6. Get around people.


Go anywhere there are people. If you live with your family go sit with them. Get to a bookstore or coffee shop. Walk around the neighborhood. Get out of isolation and switch up your normal routine.

7. Get moving.


Write a song, draw a picture, play an instrument, knit a scarf, take your dog on a walk (or your neighbors if you don’t have one), make a thank you or birthday card for someone before you forget and it’s too late.

8. Anything else you don’t want to do, but keep you from crawling into bed, isolating yourself, thinking and feeling lonely.



Dwell in the truthful thoughts, think upon them, speak them out and you will become them.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

10 Things to Try Before Taking Out a Student Loan

Sweet wall in West Hollywood, CA


The amount student loan debt is hovering over credit card debt in the US.

The commitment to massive amounts of debt was not an option for me. All I have to say is one needs a break in life to think and decide things for themselves. And we can!! Without much negative consequence in today's world.

1. Start a Kickstarter for something you care about

2. Start a blog. I’m sure there is something you know more about than me

3. Travel somewhere you've always wanted to go. Heck at least if you took a loan out for this you’d be 100% sure it was something you want to do.

4. Study something you are genuinely interested in. Books, videos, seminars, audios, whatever you like!


5. Take up an fitness class. I'd recommend Yoga. If it hasn't changed your life yet, it will.

6. Learn how to invest. You'll be way more ahead of most of your peers mentally and financially.

7. Get a job or internship in an industry you are interested in. You will make connections and learn about the needs of the industry.

8. Create something. Maybe sell it. You know Etsy and Shopify.

9. Write a book.

10. Do whatever you want for one year. Come on you've been in school for forever now. Take a break and explore the passions you have been suppressing.

Just start with one and see where it takes you.


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

5 Successful Entrepreneurial Women

On the list of 100 Top Entrepreneurs Who Succeeded Without a College Degree seven of them were women. 

There are just those stories that you hear about that make you wanna shout "HEY I CAN DO THAT TOO!"

I was seeking out on the web specifically women entrepreneurs and i'll admit it has been a difficult task. Keeping in mind rights have changed over time, I understand why most of the Top 100 list is men.  

I support, listen, aspire and learn from many entrepreneurial men. While equally, I want women to be empowered to step up in the entrepreneurial world and inspire more women. It could create a wonderful snowball effect of beauty ;) Sometimes, there's nothing like hearing it from a lady. 

These powerful women definitely made the list:

Rachael Ray 

+Rachael Ray Show 

@rachaelray




Food Network cooking show star, food industry entrepreneur, with no formal culinary arts training. Never attended college. 







Ashley Qualls 

+Ashley Qualls 

@AshBo 




Founder of Whateverlife.com, left high school at the age of 15 to devote herself to building her website business. She was more than a million dollars by 17. 



Gabrielle Berstein 

+Gabrielle Bernstein 

@Gabbyberstein 




Bestselling author, influential thinker, Youtube vlogger and Founder of Herfuture.com. She grew up in New York and attended Syracuse University with a degree in Theater.








Marie Forleo 

@marieforleo


Wrote the bestselling book, Make Every Man Want You: How To Be So Irresistible You’ll Barely Keep from Dating Yourself published in 13 languages. Marie has been interviewed by Tony Robbins as one of the world’s leading lifestyle and online marketing experts and mentored young business owners at Richard Branson’s Centre of Entrepreneurship in South Africa.  



Danielle Laporte 

+Danielle LaPorte 

@DanielleLaPorte 



Creator of the Desire Map: A guide to Creating Goals With Soul. She is passionate about creating a life that we love living. she skipped out on college to learn what she was really interested in and it brought her to the place she is now-inspiring, encouraging and motivating other ladies.








Other great resources: 

Monday, January 27, 2014

3 of the Best Professors on Life: James Altucher, Anthony Robbins, Timothy Ferriss


Master of Finance & Believer Non-Traditional Ways of Educating and Succeeding

Claim to Fame: Stockpickr: a financial social network, Time Magazine’s 50 Best Websites of 2007, sold in 2007 for $10 million.

History: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at Cornell University, Doctoral candidate at Carnegie Mellon University
Influence: Being a master of finance gave Altucher much wisdom to share. He now shares with others how they can respond best given the current economic opportunities.

I came across him when I was on Amazon looking for a cheap business book. This book empowered me to step into the life I wanted to live mentally and practically. In his book Choose Yourself he describes how much the world has changed in relation to the market, jobs and industries.

He teaches you how to use the changing conditions to your advantage by choosing yourself instead of making yourself eligible to be chosen by others. He brings light to the opportunities we have available to achieve inward and outward success.

G+: +james altucher
Twitter: @jaltucher

Expert Communicator & Life Changer

Claim to Fame: Infomericals and self-help books UnlimitedPower, Awaken the Giant Within

History: Promoted seminars for Jim Rohnneuro-linguistic programming, Personal Power series of self-help audios.

Influence: Powerful, life-altering topics on overcoming your fears, enhancing relationships, persuasive communicating, health, wealth and energy.

I was introduced to Robbins through a friend who was going through his training to be a life coach. I’m sure many people have heard of him-maybe not as much if you are around my age. That is exactly why even watching one of his videos will blow your mind.

His experience in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is the science that backs up his methods of training. He has transformed people’s lives in minutes and lives a life worthy of emulating. I would say his training and words and definitely worth the reading and listening.

G+: +Tony Robbins
Twitter: @tonyrobbins

   4 Hour Productivity Guru


Claim to Fame: 4 Hour Work Week, No.1 Bestseller on New York Time’s bestseller list

History: East Asian Studies at Princeton University, worked sales at a data storage company, founded successful company BrainQUICKEN that sells nutritional supplements.

Influence: More productivity in the least amount of time giving you the freedom to live the life you want.


Another friend introduced me to Tim Ferris and his approach on quality living: less work, more productivity, and massive amounts of freedom. I learned how to increase productivity and lessen wasted time to achieve the life I want. He begins in 4 Hour Work Week talking about the lifestyle I have always thought was possible: freedom from a workplace, ability to go wherever whenever and doing in the least amount of time necessary.

He teaches you how to turn your dreams into achievable goals and live the life you really dream of. If this sounds like something you desire and think of as impossible, it’s time to think again.


G+: +Tim Ferriss
Twitter: @tferriss

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Unlock Your Unlimited Potential



How do people follow through on their potential?


What is it that makes this rich get richer and the poor get poorer?

We know that it has something to do with mindset of course.

One man, who has changed people’s lives in a record time of eight minutes, surveyed a range of successful people to come up with a simple,practical formula. Tony Robbins’ life purpose is to change people’s lives. He is not only someone to emulate, but someone who emulates others very well, too. For that reason, I want to share a practical, life-changing way of thinking.

It used to be impossible to run a four minute mile. So why is it that after one man made the impossible possible 37 people were able to do the same thing over the next two years? It was because Roger Bannister did more than just physical practice. It was his certainty that he could run a four minute mile that allowed his body to get him to his desired result.

How does it work?

The potential we have is infinite. Anyone can do what has or has not been done. Whether or not we use that potential depends what we do.

The action then determines the result.

Now, this all sounds pretty simple, right?

This is where people begin to categorize themselves.

Here's the thing. Most people already have a certainty or belief of their potential before they ever take action or see results. This belief is what drives them to their action and gives them their results. These results then reinforce their belief. Old beliefs may keep them from their real potential.

So for example, I could have an unlimited potential, but little action and little results. Does that mean I have little potential? No, it means I don’t believe that I have unlimited potential.

If I believe there is little potential I am going to then take little action and my results will be lousy. The  discouraging results will reinforce what I believe is true. It’s all because my belief from the beginning is what I identified with and acted upon.  The cycle continues to spiral downward as my results get worse and I become more and more certain that I have little potential. But I don't.

How do I believe in my unlimited potential?

Start with a “must”. I must do this because I have no other options. This business must be successful or I will have to be dependent on my parents again, go to school, and get a job. I don’t want that! This “must” cannot be a “should”. Like: I should start a business that’s successful. That’s not enough. There are no other options but the “must”.

I must believe that what I am doing is going to work.

What do I do when I don’t believe in myself, take action or have the results I need?

Start at the results. I envision what it is that I must have. Basically, I see the results as if they are already here; I already have what I want. This builds my belief and actions and the results follow suit!
The cycle will happen no matter what you believe.

Although right now, I understand you may be nowhere near to what you want or need. When you have an unrealistic vision your belief in your potential and actions join the cycle and bring to life your envisioned results.

We have to condition ourselves to believe the things we don’t yet have so that our potential and actions bring us to the desired results.

A study done at UCLA concluded that we consciously exert control over individual neurons in our brains. Researchers revealed that humans regulate the individual activity of each neuron to intentionally alter their outcome. Individuals in the study manipulated the behavior of an image on the computer by only their thoughts!

This means that no matter what we have thought, seen or experienced we have the power to manipulate, control and change our thoughts to become our desired results.


We can override what we see or believe by focusing on and envisioning our results. When the desired results are clear in our mind, we have the power to fuzz out old beliefs and actions and begin our upward cycle of progress.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Is Debt Good or Bad? 3 Lessons I've Learned

stockmonkeys.com


I know from the get go that many people have their philosophy on debt. This is simply mine.

For so long I have had only one thought about debt-“Debt is bad”. All I knew was debt caused my family to go bankrupt. Then we had to move from the only home I ever lived in and witness my family go through a lot of stress. I didn’t like it nor did I want to be around it and I formed a really negative perspective of debt. I mean, how could you blame me? The only thing I could associate with debt was negative circumstances.

Following high school, I was convinced I had to buy into a dream college in order to get what I want. I didn’t really know what I was doing. I just knew that in order to go there I needed more money than I had. As a result, I took the money the state offered me. Money they want back with interest.

I took the loan. $7,000 of debt. I used my credit card to pay for books. $600 worth of debt. More debt. $7,600 worth of debt.

I kept thinking bad debt, bad debt.

Literally, it was one day towards the end of the second semester of my first year when I felt the weight of those borrowed bricks fall on me. I had to pay this money back!

What if my job doesn’t pay me enough? What if I become some slave to the government since I’m only working to pay back what they gave me? Isn’t this just a cycle of investing, working then working then working to pay it all back? When does the reward come? And finally: When will I be free and not owe somebody something so I can do what I really want?

I didn't have enough logical desire to continue.

I couldn’t come up with one good lie to pull out more money I didn’t have only to invest it into something I didn’t even care enough about. I knew there had to be another way; some other way to not be another employee working forever to pay back borrowed money.

I know I might have lost some of you college go-ers right there. So let me bring you back. You probably know exactly why you are in college. You most likely have it all paid for or are okay with the amount you owe because you are certain you will have the job you want that will pay for it. You enjoy what you are learning and believe it will apply to what you really want to do.

Or maybe that just made you uncomfortable..

Perfect. Now that we got you back I’ll actually start sharing why this matters anyways. I promise there is a point to this.

After investing into my financial education, I started learning more about good debt and bad debt. I thought “Good debt? How could there be such a thing?” Maybe you are thinking the same thing right now.

The purpose of my story is to illustrate where I have come from so I can share some important lessons I have learned.

1. Not all debt is bad. 

The difference between good debt and bad debt falls heavily upon assets and liabilities. Assets-pay you, while liabilities-you pay. Let’s practice on some examples.

Education? Good debt.  Obviously, if you learn to catch fish you can have enough to feed yourself and sell some to make some money. Which is the ultimate purpose of schooling, right? You invest into an expertise that is expected to get you to your desired outcome-something that pays you back.

For me, this meant changing the education I was investing in since I want to be a financial genius and start my own business.

Credit cards? Good and bad debt. Gotcha there. If what you purchase on a credit card is an investment that is going to pay you back (ie: Education, stocks, etc.) then it is good debt. If, on the other hand, your purchase is a couple new outfits, a new phone or a meal with your friends you are buying into bad debt. That outfit or phone is probably not going to be paying you back much.

In my case, I stopped putting random purchases on my credit card. If I couldn’t afford a new phone, I couldn’t afford a new phone. No ifs ands or buts about it. It is a liability. On the other hand, when I want to invest into an education or product that will pay me back, asset, I have no problem charging it. For example, yesterday I spent $188 on a website for my business. Why isn’t it a liability? Because that site will bring me more business and therefore more money. It will pay me back. Good debt.

Okay, now here is where I have to warn some of you to not be ridiculous and invest into a bunch of education and products that you don’t apply because those can and will become liabilities. A smart investor looks into a matter.

Car payments, shopping sprees, subscription services, food, and entertainment? You can answer these for yourself, but let’s say it like it is: liabilities. Boo liabilities. Bad debt. Don’t worry I’ve done it, too. I’m not going to slap your hand.

Education, business ventures, stocks, and real estate? Risks. But these risks are assets worth investing in because with the right knowledge you will be paid back. Good debt. Go assets.

Which brings me to the next lesson I learned.

2. The right education, if applied, is worth the debt.

 I don’t feel the need to explain this one.

3. What you invest in is entirely up to you. Not anyone else. Only you.

Invest in the education you want to benefit from. Not the education you are most supported or encouraged to invest in. You pay the bills at the end of the day so let’s make them worth paying.

I had to make a tough choice this year. I had two options: Option #1 Have the support and understanding of my parents and a majority of those around me. Option#2 Have lots risk and many more responsibilities. As grateful as I am to have had the opportunity to attend community college at my parent’s expense, Option #1, I had to respectfully decline. In doing that, I also accepted that I am going to have to start paying for my own living expenses soon, Option  #2.

The bottom line is this: College education is not what I want. It’s what others want for me. The things is, I want to look back at my life 15 years from now and have a story worth telling. Not one of secret regrets because I invested in what others hoped for me. So in summary, invest in what brings value to you because it is your life-not anyone else’s. No one else needs to understand or support you. Some will, some won’t. That’s life. Support and understand yourself and let that direct you.

The purpose of this article is not to condemn you by any means. It is to bring you to a place of recognition with me. Let's be honest.

Often, I wonder why I see nice cars parked outside not-as-nice houses. It wasn’t until I realized it is so easy to be consumed, in this culture, with living outside of our means (storing up loads of liabilities). We are sold on the radio, TV and by our own comparison of others, that we can and should have that which we cannot afford- to which I say bogus.

We are going to live with what we have, albeit not up-to-date. We can and will live if we don’t buy a newer car or the latest fashion trend. We will say no to the bad debt and liabilities we are constantly sold. We can and will be smarter than average consumers by reducing our liabilities and gaining assets.


We will make every investment worth it.