Simple is not boring.

Living in a world of instant gratification, it's not hard to see why we're always on the go. We have access to literally anything at our fingertips thanks to our handy dandy smartphones and countless WiFi connections. 

This life can get hectic; at least mine seems to be most of the time. I've heard plenty of times that "You can do it all; just not all at once" and up until now, I did not agree. When we're young, ambitious, and excited, the possibilities are endless, am I right? I'm right.

I like to think that if I'm passionate enough about something, anything, I can do it! The second I decide I want to do something, I want to do it! But pretty soon things start to catch up; working late to get your paperwork done, pulling all-nighters to study for exams, spending time with your family, going out with your friends who you haven't seen because you've been so busy, etc. Things add up and then we're left to make choices. 

That's the beauty of being who we are- we choose what we want to do, who we want to be, where we want to go, and so on. Sometimes it's hard to just sit back and think because we may feel like we need to be constantly moving, but it's OKAY to take a break. We don't have to rush through life; or we shouldn't at least. 

It's actually a necessity. Don't be afraid to boring and just chill out once in a while. 

How else will you know how truly awesome you are? 

Why "I'm Sorry" Matters.

Saying "I'm sorry" seems fitting when you do something wrong or something you probably shouldn't have. Apologizing is a coping method for us to acknowledge some kind of wrongdoing to someone else. Take for example, if you bump into someone, if you say something mean, if you drop something, etc. the list goes on. 

By now I'm sure a lot of you have heard about Pantene's #SorryNotSorry campaign and seen the video (If you haven't take a look below). This summer has been super busy for me but since seeing this video, I've been thinking about why women may feel inclined to apologize constantly. I thought that maybe it's a part of our culture or maybe even our upbringing? So I decided to pay more attention to interactions that I have with other people and make a mental note of how many times I say sorry in one week. 

Some of the instances were:

When asking my boss a question.
When I didn't hear what someone was saying. 
When I didn't have the answer to a question. 

What I realized was that I said "I'm sorry" by instinct-habit. When did I pick up on it? No idea. I feel as saying those two words justify what I'm going to say next or that it's a buffer just in case the person I'm talking to does not agree with what I have to say. 

Apologizing is something that is definitely important when it's valid. When used in the right context it shows compassion and willingness to make amends. It should not however precede what you say because you have the right to express yourself freely. Speaking up for yourself and for the things that are important to you will always be okay. 

Ladies [and gentlemen], what you have to say is of value; at work, at school, with friends/family. Don't be afraid to share your ideas and opinions because they matter.YOU matter.

Here's the new agreement I've made with myself: I should not be worried or afraid to say what I need to say (as long as it is respectful, of course). I hope you do too.

What do you think? 

P.S: Kudos to Pantene for the awesome video and subject! 

2014 Go Further with Ford Trend Conference #FordMillennials

Last month I was invited by Ford Español to attend the 2014 Go Further with Ford Trend  Conference in Dearborn, Michigan. I was able to document my experience as one of a few #FordMillennials chosen from all around the country!

After accepting the offer to attend, I started thinking about what the conference might entail. Obviously, Ford is an automotive company  so I surely thought that I would be learning everything and anything about cars but to my surprise, Ford dedicated much of its time to discuss global issues which included Sustainability, Females and careers (Female Frontier), Big data, and Design Innovation.

Through a series of sessions with great presenters, attendees were engaged in learning about relevant topics. As a Millennial, I was very intrigued by the platform in which these issues were addressed.

Some key highlights from the sessions I attended were:

FEMALE FRONTIER:

·         More than half of Millennials would work for less money if their company’s values match theirs.

·         67% of Americans are okay with women out earning their husbands

·         Female Millennials are buying cars and roughly 75% feel misunderstood by automotive companies

SUSTAINABILITY

·         The average American uses 400 liters of water daily

·         1 in 9 people do not have access to clean water

·         Los Angeles relies on the Colorado River for water and shares its water source with 7 other states.

DESIGNING INNOVATION

·         81% of global workers are not engaged in the workplace; Gaming=virtual engagement.

·         Women generally play collaborative games rather than competitive.

·         There are over 1.5 million apps. Most of which have replaced something in physical form.

This three day conference also included an exclusive tour of the Ford Truck Plant and Behind the Wheel test drives of their newest models. It’s great to see a global company supporting the conversation of important issues as well as making positive eco-friendly changes.

Being at the conference, I was surrounded by journalists, bloggers and professionals from all over the world which allowed me to hear diverse opinions on global issues. 

*Disclaimer: Travel and lodging was provided by Ford Español.

"Ain't It Fun?"

Life is tough you guys. T-O-U-G-H.

I think that sometimes we are so eager to grow up and we have this idea of what the “real world” is going to be- you know, the one without curfews and chores. The independence and sense of freedom that we all anxiously await seems so sweet. I admit I am a culprit of this. Moving away for college seemed like the ultimate sign of freedom, that is until it actually happened. I don’t want to seem melodramatic, but it is a big change that took me a while to get accustomed to.  The same goes for graduating college! Change is scary and reality more often than not turns out differently from what you imagined, but that's okay.

For Millennials, there is this notion that we expect things to happen magically. I for one, do not agree. Do I think our generation is composed of dreamers? Yes. We have grown up in a world filled with positive reinforcement. Scenarios which include questions like "What do you want to be when you grow up? What are you passionate about?" and statements like "Do what makes you happy". Millennials, like myself, have  been encouraged to do what they feel and that has led to individuals challenging themselves to find their place in the world.     

This is what Paramore’s new song “Ain’t it Fun” embraces (in my humble opinion). Paramore’s “Aint it Fun” definitely hits home. It could actually be the Millennial’s anthem and I can totally relate. When you go through multiple changes all at once life can get a little intimidating; you might be moving out of the home you lived in all your life to be on your own, your circle of friends may be getting smaller, you might be starting college or a new job. Whatever the situation, new experiences can always feel overwhelming because they’re new.

The truth is life is too short to constantly worry. Things change because they help you grow. I've learned to think positive and embrace what life has in store for me. It's definitely easier said than done! But it's possible.  Let’s just all take a deep breath and go with the flow.

Music, I love you.

I have recently been introduced to the term “self-care” and let me tell you, it is definitely something I needed in my life. Doing everything on my day to day to-do list can be stressful at times, as I imagine it can be for others. Sometimes the hardest thing for me to do is take a step back, read a good book, do some yoga and just unwind. I am convinced that there is something in my DNA that prevents me from saying “no”- whether its work related or family related I feel inclined to help.

One thing I’ve learned in my journey to self-care is that it is OK to say no sometimes. I have to take care of myself to be a better resource and complete my tasks well. Having little time and what seems like a million things to do, I have found that any time I have to unwind is well spent with a little set of tunes.

Music has always been an important part of my life. No I’m not an amazing singer or anything (unless I’m singing my heart out in my car or the shower) but I love the meaning that music brings. Anything and everything I feel can be transmitted through a song. Certain songs remind me of specific people, events, and even lessons and I find that amazing.

When I feel like I am overwhelmed, without fail listening to my favorite jams is a quick way to clear my head, take some “me” time and go on with my day. Just like memories, music can take me back to my life lessons whether they were about dealing with heartbreak, depression, angst, genuine happiness, and of course love-especially love. And then there are songs that give me hope and the sense that everything will be right with the world eventually; Songs that have me feeling like I can take over the world because, well, I am me.

What is it that you do for self-care? 

Love, Love, Love.

On a recent girls night out with my besties we started discussing modern ways of dating and the topic of reality shows and dating sites came up.

I must admit I am truly a hopeless romantic and I am sucker for anything that allows me to see love unfold. I have even given in and discovered the entertainment that is The Bachelor/ The Bachelorette. I'm a little surprised actually. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that my friends are coupling up, getting engaged and all that good stuff that happens when you know, you become an adult.

I wonder though, how do these reality/dating shows work? How do you even decide that the best way for you to find your one true love is with the world looking at your love story unfold? Also, how are the men and women on these shows selected? Like, do they compare likes and dislikes and what their looking for in a potential partner? Do they do background checks or do they just spin a wheel and pick? And finally how do these, for lack of a better word, contestants, decide that this one person is possibly the love their life in such a short amount of time?

I guess the cynic in me takes over sometimes. Take The Bachelor/ Bachelorette for example; The way I see it, The Bachelor is a competition. What are you competing for? Love? I just don’t completely understand this concept.

I’d be a really uncomfortable Bachelorette to be honest. First of all, all those hugs and first greetings are just too much for me. How does a Bachelorette keep all these guys in order? The idea of awkward first dates comes to mind, except it happens 25 times. Not to mention, the gut wrenching rose ceremonies! I’m a loving person and would hate to send anyone home. (Roses for Everybody!)

It’s no surprise that dating shows are so endearing. You have regular people on TV ultimately looking for one thing-LOVE! You never know what may happen along their journey and the fact that we see all of this unfold makes it that much more interesting.

All I know is that it’s refreshing to know that the idea of love is still alive in this day and age. Media has definitely changed the way we connect and look for it, but it still exists. Men and women alike are still seeking out a partner to spend the rest of their lovely lives with and that is definitely something I support. Love for everybody! 

One way or Another.

“Wherever you go in life, however fast you’re going, remember this: When you’re in doubt, pause. Take a moment look at all of your options, check your intention, have a conversation with your heart. And then always take the high road.”

Life gets hectic at one point or another. It's crazy, stressful, and exciting all at once. Never let a bad day or bad moment keep you from moving forward. Take pride in your path and take pride in who you are. You deserve to be happy and you deserve to do what you love.