My Experience with 'The Artist Way'

September 09/25/2018

My Experience with ‘The Artist Way’

Self-care continues…

Let’s just say I’ve made a few adjustments since I last wrote anything. Since my last blog with you, I’ve focused a lot of my energy on self-care. I started a 12-week course that has taken a lot longer than I expected because of real life. The course is called “The Artist Way” and I can say it is the best thing that has happened to me. All it requires of you is to write 3pages of free writing every morning, reading a chapter once a week, and once a week an artist date.

The Morning Pages are definitely a struggle some days when I do physical activity for hours back to back and go to bed really late and have to wake up really early for fitness classes. However, when I make time for them, I don’t regret it. I have a mindful day without all that judgmental chatter. I learn to be a little more self-reliant when it comes to problems. As much as I love talking to my friends, that doesn’t always solve the problem. It always just adds more validation when I’m really looking for a perspective change. Don’t get me wrong, I still go to my best friend for confessing thing that is heavy on my heart to help me relieve that stress but with the morning pages, I do the work on solving whats the next step with getting me to place I want to be.

These Artist Dates have been one of my favorite times honestly. During the Artist Way, you are working on the recovery of your creative self. You are asked to tap into the inner artist child in you that sparked that creative lifestyle you always wanted for yourself. This is not always easy. You are digging deeper and deeper into the person you were as a child that changed as you grew up through outside influences and responsibilities. I know in my line of work as an actress and dancer you need to maintain that child-like carefree fearlessness. You find what your inner child used to like through tasks in the book and morning pages. It is like having “big talk” with yourself to truly find the things that matter for yourself. Anyways, Artist Dates is a once a week date time where you and your inner child (so basically just yourself) go on a date that your inner child would have liked. Such as going to the aquarium, visit a museum, reading in the park, hiking with your dog, movies by yourself, etc.

I’ve come to find parts of myself that were ashamed to come out because of past childhood fears of the judgment of my peers. I’ve recognized the struggles that I’ve had and rewarded myself for small and big achievements. I’ve said ‘No’ to amazing projects that I would have loved to be a part of but didn’t want to overcommit or overdo it and then regret not giving it 100%. I’ve taken myself away from harmfully mindful people. I’ve spent time doing things outside my comfort zone like going out with street dancers and going freestyling in circles just because. Most people would assume that being a dancer that would be okay for me and it is when I’m surrounded by non-dancers but when I’m surrounded by technically trained hip-hop dancers in certain styles, I feel like such a phony. Even though I’m not and I am more of a performing dancer than street. I want to rid myself of that judgment I carry for myself and just do it until the fear becomes excitement again.

haha- Oh man… I can’t believe I’m sharing these things with the internet, however, I hope my truths will allow you to find yours.

Your self-care journey will be never-ending. Sometimes people (including myself in the very beginning) assume it is just facial masks, baths, massages, acupuncture, and/or etc. Don’t get me wrong that is a few aspects of self-care but its coming to a place of emotional stability, physical longevity, tapping into your vulnerability to remain your truest self, mentally open & constantly challenging what you believe, and treating yourself with compassion and push. You’ll eventually come up with a list of things that help you be the person you want to be during the day with the task you need to accomplish to get you there.

Here is a link to Julia Cameron the author of The Artist Way if you are curious about more information about this book. https://juliacameronlive.com

If you're interested in ordering the book: Amazon: The Artist Way.

Leave a Comment below if you’ve read the artist way as well. I would love to hear about things you’ve discovered.

Burnt Out

How often do we tell ourselves there isn't enough time a day for self-care? How often do we forget our intentions behind the big ambitions in our life? These two questions are ones I've been personally investing time in solving for myself and hopefully helping you.

Human beings come up with so many excuses to why not make the self-care a priority. Not enough time, not enough energy, or I'm traveling too much, etc. Each excuse delay us from being our best self. Sometimes we're confused on what self-care is. Often people think its facial masks, manicures, bubble baths, hair care, etc. - Yes, those are a few of the things that are considered self-care to help you view yourself the way you want to with the self-confidence it provides.

Self-care is not a one time fix or even once a week. It is repeated good habits to soothe to make sure you are functioning at your prime for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care to me is about self-love. Self-care is providing yourself a true foundation of love for yourself so that way you can be your best self for the people and task you come across everyday. Self-care is not taught to us in school and sometimes not even in our homes. My observation from people I see on social media and in everyday life; some people become so consumed to finding a "self-care" regimen online to bandaid their problems instead of invest time inward and truly discovering what the mind, body and soul truly needs for them. 

Another big question to you is: How many of you feel like if you're not constantly working than you feel like you're behind everyone else in this world?

Lord knows I am no expert in any of this but I believe in the extraordinary power of story-telling and how as human beings we are able to learn so easily from the sharing of stories. This is blog intention is to discuss myself struggles and the self-care process I'm currently doing to get myself to a point of self-confidence and self-love.

I know I personally feel like if I am not working or doing something than I won't be enough or keep up with others that are doing more. The thing is my multiple jobs, all involve me giving so much of myself to others through sharing my creativity, giving acts of services to keep others healthy, my talents, my emotions, my passion and my energy. Don't get me wrong, I live for it and absolutely love giving so much of myself to everyone I come across and work with... However I realized that I give so much energy, talent, and care into everything I do that if I don't allow myself to enough time to recharge I become less creative, tired of people, and irritable. And If i don't allow myself to recharge after every event, I can not perform as well as I would like to. The roles I take on in a day include: Stretch Therapist, Cryo Tech, Sales Associate, Barre Fitness Instructor, Social Media director for work and personal, Hip Hop Crew Director, Dance Teacher, Dance Instructor, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Girlfriend, Dog Mom, Professional Actor, Acting Student, Professional Dancer, Dancing Student, Artist, etc. Most of my day to day is extremely demanding that I didn't realize that truly need ALONE time. I often take on jobs thinking it will be good money/experience or (my favorite) I can squeeze it in.

In July, I ran myself to a point of true resistance. I was constantly tired, irritated, run-down, easily emotional, had anxiety attacks, and honestly depressed. I didn't understand what was going on... I had a wonderful boyfriend, lovely clients, hardworking students, I worked out pretty often, etc. I'm beyond grateful for all those things however, I still didn't feel like me and I didn't love me. I had to step back from a lot on my plate and honestly evaluate the intention behind certain things. My foundation in self-love felt broken and my vessel of giving was run so dry. I had to let go of a lot of things I love to allow myself to make time to resort my foundation. I got by for so long with the foundation I thought I had but once another earthquake shook up my world, my foundation got more and more torn apart.

How did I know I met my point of resistance? 

• My mental health felt weak, my spirit felt broken, and my energy felt drained.

• I wasn't as happy to be at my place of work

• I was creativity drained.

• I was emotionally high-strung and sensitive.

• I would be easily depressed or anxious.

• I was tired all the time.

What lead me to this point?

• Too many tasks and not enough recharge.

• Toxic environments & people.

• Surrounded myself with people of different intentions & different directions of ambitions.

• Saying "Yes" over saying "No" due to Fear of Missing Out

My own choices and decisions lead me to these points. No one forced me to take on more classes, take on more lessons, take on more relationships. Those were ALL my decisions and I had to deal with my consequences of these choices. It sounds like I'm getting mad at myself when I say 'consequences'; no it means to me as the definition, a sequence of events that were happened by my choices. I'm just trying to show you taking responsibility for your actions is a big part of getting to where you want to be.

What is my intention?.... & then why?.... Like what is my intention behind that intention?

You see??

For example:

1. I want a big house.

Why?

a. I want a big house because I think it will impress my parents & friends.

b. I want a big house because I just got married and have a growing family.

If you understand your 'why' behind your intentions you are more likely to feel more clear about why you are doing certain things and can accomplish more.

Somehow in the midst of all my work, relationships, and life. I lost my true intentions, true foundation, and true self-love. I felt I was being pulled in multiple directions by people from a loving place of what they think is best for me or/and what would benefit them best for me on  accomplishing their dreams. I think we all come across this often with people, however, some people don't wake up to this realization and just allow these things to happen hoping it will pass.

What have I realized?

• I am an artist right now and I don't mind being in love but with someone who supports my creativity and space.

Half Way Check Point (JUNE)

Hello!

Can you believe its been 6 months into 2018?!

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I started blogging thinking I would have more time to write blogs and stay more on top of my goals through out the year. I'm grateful that i've been busy in all areas of my life but I do want to make it a point to take more time to write.

So here an update on my goals in addition motivational outlooks on my negative experiences.

1. I intend to lose 5% body fat this year. 

I started off the year with 22% body fat. I am at 20.2% body fat now. I've found this be the most struggle. I am trying to find more time to train in cardio. I recently started jump rope at home for 20-30 mins (interval training style). I'm thinking about start jump roping in the morning before the summer sun really increases the humidity levels because it becomes so difficult with that thick air. I'm eating right however since I stopped the nutrition program I haven't been on top of my game as much as I would like to be. Now I know and I can change that! I will.

My cousin, Diana Gomez (IG: @dianamgomez_ ) has been very helpful on this. She posted the other day 'that when you weighing in it may also be because of hormonal changes and to not get discouraged.' She posted a ton of great facts, inspirational work-outs, nutritional tips. 

Gosh- I forget MY INCREDIBLE Nutritionist, Kelli Hairston whom was voted #1 in Austin by Austin Fit magazine! She has truly motivated me  and taught me what works for my body. I have dated men in the past whom have wonderful knowledge in nutrition and fitness but its completely different from a guy your dating to someone you seek out specifically for that. Besides I wanted a female nutritionist to help me with issues men can't truly relate to. I'm sure those guys knew what they were doing and I'm sure their intentions where pure. BUT my intuition was telling me I need someone else to help change me. I didn't want someone I was dating to change my appearance... Hopefully that make sense... Anyways, she's fantastic! Her website is currently under-construction but if you're interested in contracting her- I can help you get in contact with her.

My Tip for you in this subject:

• Follow Instagram pages that inspire you, inform you, motivate you, make you happy. You don't need toxic pages that make you feel bad. Jules Hunt from Om and the City mentioned that in her "mediation for a hustler mentality talk" on Thursday June 21st. Check out her blog at Om & the city, or IG: @omandthecity.
• Schedule new classes
• Jump roping is a fun cardio!!

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 2. I intend to release minimum of 12 dance concept videos.

1- "Way Down We Go"

2- Music Video "Smile Roni"

.... That's it so far. Unfortunately I haven't had much time to do this because it takes a lot of preparation, organization, communicating with a videographers schedule, dancers schedules, and locations. I could just easily do something short on a combo that I've done in class but I really don't want to do that. However maybe I should.... I personally really like short lines for dance concept videos as an artist. I guess I just need to get on it... I can try to do 10 more (especially in the summer). 

3. I Intend to read minimum of 12 books in 2018.

I've gone through 4 books... thats it.. Nothing really to say about that yet. More information soon to come such as book reviews.

4. I intend to book commercials this year. 

COMPLETE!

I was hired for my first commercial of the year for "Texas Tourism" It was awesome! It was filmed in Austin Tx on Lady Bird Lake with the best view of the city! Such a fun day to work. Spending time all day with a dog, two co-stars, and by the water on a beautiful breezy summer day. 
Booked and blessed moment for sure! 

Many more to come!!

5. I intend to attend more networking events for Actors.

I've attended multiple events such as plays, workshops, and classes. I've made friends, networking connections, and exchanged websites. I look forward on continuing this one.

6. I intend to perform dance in more professional events.

I've done a few performances this year but not as many as I would like. I was hired for a music video as a principle dancer and actor. I performed a worship improv on Easter Sunday at Summit Worship Center - which was honestly my favorite performance so far this year. I was so connected to the music and my performance that it felt so great! A completely different feeling but so good! I'm currently working on a project that performs live this Sunday with an artist and is a heels performance.

7. I intend to go see a minimum of 3 plays and 3 dance showcases.

3 PLAYS COMPLETED 

I've attended 2 Dance Showcases so far. Next weekend is The Dance Gallery's Recital so that will complete that. However I am going to attend two more.

8. I intend to go to New York City & Jacobs Pillow in Massachusetts. 

This one was harder to plan. I have yet to plan this trip. I may be able to go late july- early Aug to visit my brother Ricky, his wife Jordan, and little nephew Leo. I'm going to try to do that but Jacob's Pillow might have to be next year but you never know.

9. I intend to take a minimum of once a week to focus on my self-care.

I hate to admit that since my relationship started- I've spent more time with building our foundation and focusing my spare time. However gigs, family tragedies, and life has definitely given less spare time. We did do things I would have done for self-care by myself like I've gone to workout  together and paddle boarding. We do spend time doing event that are relaxing or adventurous. I believe the whole point of my self-care is to genuinely take care of myself by relaxing, doing things that make me happy, and allow me to be my best self for all my tasks.

Things really changed this past week though. On Thursday when I normally have classes (I don't because summer classes have begun), I was able to go to the Summer Solstice Yoga and guided meditation in the park outside of iPics in the domain. I went with a girl friend of mine. We went to listen to blogger talk about self care for hustlers, yoga, juice provided by Wanderlust, and then had some wine. We scheduled our complimentary acupunctures for the weekend- I did this hesitantly because I've got a little bit of a phobia of needles. Friday Morning, I woke up early for client I had at 6am and then completely remembered that Omnibarre brought Halina Day Spa as a pop-up for our clients where they got mimosas, a massage, and a partial facial. They tested the facial on me first to make sure the machine was working properly for the clients. It was amazing!! my skin looked awesome! I had also taken off my fake nails and was really proud that my real nails underneath were finally long (this is a first ever), they saw my excitement and gave me a great price on a manicure at their salon for Saturday morning. I had never gotten a manicure because my real nails haven't ever felt long enough or strong enough. So I scheduled my manicure in the morning and acupuncture at noon. It was amazing! I was actually able to relax at the acupuncture with all those needles everywhere.  

Lord knows I have rarely have free time and He totally took advantage to send me everything I need to take care of myself so I can take care of others. I'm beyond grateful for all the events that occurred to allow me to do that. Now that I feel rested, stretched, etc. I'm hoping I find a new norm in my life as new schedules appear and new challenges. I need to make time to workout by myself, recenter myself through meditation and yoga, morning journaling, and investing in myself. I want to present my best self to clients in fitness, dance and acting, new and current friendships, and most important to myself. I love great style, doing my makeup, looking fierce and confident. It's who I am and I just want to be my best me.

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10. I intend to spend time with girl friends that I value.

Honestly times got pretty busy with family emergencies, work events, and time with my boyfriend. Don't get me wrong, I have spent time with my girls!! I told my boyfriend that specifically, that as much as I love hanging out with him, I need my girl time. I've had lunches with them, coffee dates, attending church, bible study, and most recently, happy hour. Recently I went to yoga for summer solstice with Emily. I meet up with Cara, whom I haven't seen since she moved to Mississippi 3 year ago- It truly felt like no time had passed between us, which was wonderful. I've had brunch and church with my friend Risa. Spent time out with Brennan and Erika out or by the pool. Denise is killing it in a dance video series, I'm so proud of her! I keep in touch with Kelsey and I am excited to be one of bridesmaids for her wedding in March of next year. We all may be busy from time to time but we make the best of the hours we spend together. If you haven't hear from a friend, don't just assume that they don't want to see you or spend time with you, reach out to them. Sometime we allow our circumstance to stop us from spending time with people (such as not having enough time, not enough money, 'I think their mad at me', etc). Life is too short to do that to yourself and to the friendships you've developed. We can sit there and feel sorry for our lives because it is not the same as the memories from our past with them OR we can make NEW memories with them now. We empower each other in all areas of our lives and help each other out with whatever little drama or projects we have going. That's what friends do.

Brainstorming section on how to overcome my problems:

• Be more specific about how I am I going to attack these goals
• Discipline yourself such as doing your homework or eating right. I may not always want to do it however I am doing these things so that my future-self will thank me. 
• Accept challenges that come up and let it go. Don't allow those challenges to become your excuses.
• When you feel like you've plateau'd, try something new.
• Ask for help or guidance from a professional 
• Schedule and book with a videographer and dancers so things get done!
• DETAILS! DETAILS! DETAILS!
• Roll with the punches and don't lose focus
• Remember to understand- not to memorize! 

Hopefully you're goals are going well this year!! If not, don't worry you got this! 

What are some struggle you've dealt with some of your goals for 2018?

Way Down We Go IF We Don't Change

Title of work: "Way Down We Go if We Don't Change"

Credits:

Dancer/Choreographer/Creative Director: Michelle Gomez

Freestyle/Improv [Fusion]- Contemporary, Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop influence.

Producer: Jason Rhodes- Instagram: @ohayitsjason

Song: "Way Down We Go" by Kaleo

Introduction Remix by DJ RiZo.

I mentioned in my first blog that I would be posting videos with creative process notes. This piece is mainly about the message behind the music since the movement was improv. The first portion of this song relates back to my piece in 2013 called "Am I Wrong?" which was my senior choreography project for Texas Tech University, Dance Department. I've been meaning to create way to bring that same idea into a series. The videography and editing was done by Jason Rhodes. Here is his email address if anyone is interested in working with him after reading this blog: ohayitsjason@gmail.com. Music was edited by DJ RiZo however the main song was by Kaleo called "Way Down We Go." [http://www.officialkaleo.com]

Scheduling Issues:

Setting up the film date in my schedule was very difficult. I had to move it around and I am so grateful that Jason was able to accommodate my busy schedule as well. That being said I was going to have choreography ready for this, however, I didn't really allow myself enough time to make it the way I wanted it to. So I decided to use this time to improv and then see what develops from this project. I wanted to use this time to actually analyze what type of movement looks good on camera, good on me, what I enjoy as an artist and choreographer. Although Jason took my improv cuts and made a beautiful piece! I truly am very happy with the way he piece things together allow the music and movement to make sense. This was truly a collaboration between the two of us. Jason Rhodes is also a dancer which is one of the beautiful things about working with him as a producer because he knows that music should match the movement and the can hear the intentions of timing on dynamic portions. I recommend that dancers looking to do more videography work, hire Jason. His price is very reasonable and does go above beyond the call of duty. I am definitely looking forward to working with him again. Thank you, Jason.

Music Choice:

Originally I was going to use the song 'Alone' by Auour since I had some choreography to it already from class. However that day I wasn't really creativity connecting to the song. So I changed the song to jam to another to create something for that piece however once I came across 'Way Down We Go' something inside of me told me to use it. The more I freestyle to it the more I wanted to use it. During the filming portion of it, I was truly listening to the lyrics and was reminded of my project from college and I was like "OH MY...!" I should combined the two!!! I ended up cutting up the original intro to make it shorter and get the message cross very quickly.

Meaning behind the lyrics/Association to Introduction:

A lot of people interrupt what he is saying as him pleading to God that he has brought someone down that a path with himself that is unrighteous. That we've been committing unrighteous acts for a while now and running from the repercussions. My association (this is my opinion and my correlation as an artist and human being to this piece, in no way am I saying that they are connected) to the introduction is a connection on to how we mistreat and talk about women. To be honest, its how we talk to each other, all genders. Often times we don't think about the repercussions of how this will effect us in the long run when we say these negative words towards each other. The resilience of women has shown over and over. When I hear women say "What more do they want when we talk about rights or equal pay?" often makes me sad that they are so okay with the idea that we should tolerate this because thats the way it is. 

My intention behind this video is to bring awareness to the words we say to women in the media. I would like to see a change on how we address each other. Educate young women to not accept that kind of communication and educate the public that its still a problem. My voice is through my craft. My voice is in my art work. My choice is to release work that may get people talk about issues and subjectivity in new perspectives. You can judge my technique, you can judge my music choice, you can judge the editing. That Judgement isn't what I intend for you to do. I would like you to mirror what you admire. Use your skills or talent to make movements towards way that you feel will be best see the change you wish in the world. It may be only seen or hear by few and maybe forgotten tomorrow, whatever the difference... you made something that will make someone think. Again, these are just my opinions in the subject. I am in no means an expert in the subject at all but I am someone that was definitely inspired to make statement however I can. I am going to be making more videos maybe along the same lines or different stories inspiration. I enjoyed working on this one a lot and look forward to receiving feedback from friends, family, and anyone else that took the time to read this. 

[LOVE Y'ALL] Thank you!

March Mayhem

Yes I skipped a month and I was going to edit it february's post and then post it up... BUT then I thought 'no its okay', this is my blog and I can do what I want, when I want. [Shamelessly Late]

Update on my Goals (please refer to my first post if you need to see what my goals were):

1. I went from 23% body fat on Jan 1st to 17.3% body fat on March 6th. My waist size keeps dropping and my weight has remained consistent at 127lbs. Honestly this one is going really well. Kelli Hairston has helped me with nutrition from program offered at Omnibarre. Its been so helpful honestly. It has been so hard!!! I cut out gluten, sugar,  and cheese. Often times I find it very difficult with a latin family whom respects my goals but loves to eat cheese on everything. Self discipline has been one of my biggest battles throughout this time. However I'm reminded that I want to do this for longevity of my body and being my best self for myself. I'll be fully honest with you... I have eaten gluten, sugar, and cheese daily still. HOWEVER I am extremely aware of the amount of things I am intaking. I've done better about gluten and cheese but sugar has been my hardest to escape. 

2. This one has been hard. The time of year this is in my life... My focus as been on my TDG CREW and their competitors, showcases, choreography, and etc. I don't mind giving them my attention but I do want to stay true to my craft as well. I've been collaborating with a friend on a long term project that will hopefully speak to the masses in a new way. That project is so exciting for me but I know it will take some time. I do have one video coming out soon that was me improving most of the time that is contemporary. I am nervous to see how that turned out but I can't wait.

3. Lately my books include a lot of poetry. I read Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur and I am filled with so much joy reading her words not because they are happy but because they are truth. She talks about break ups in ways I thought I was the only one. She talks about her love for her culture, being a woman, and being a human being with human being feels. When I was growing up, I wrote poetry so often. I was actually published in the 8th grade twice. TWO of my poems were by me but one was under my friends name because she didn't have a poem to turn in so I gave her one of mine. I knew the truth when it was published but she never said anything it. Not even sure if she cared that much... Oh well that was years ago. I've been writing a lot lately in my journal of things that maybe could be turn into poems. I'm interested to see if it turns into anything, however I am truly grateful for any encouragement from friends.

4. Still working on booking a commercial. I've gotten really close lately. I've had few call backs so I can feel it. However this is a whole new animal. I'm grateful for all these challenges though. I've had so much fun playing these characters. I'm really grateful for the guy I'm currently dating because he always manages to ask me the same question but it means so much to me... "Yeah? but did you have fun?" It gets me thinking on why I'm doing this. Its because I love it. Yes I want to be paid to do what I love and I know my day will come but that question is something that always puts me in a good mood.

5. I've attended a few plays because classmates asking me to join. Because of this I am able to meet other students of acting through association which is actually pretty great. I look forward to meeting more artist in this field. I'm really grateful for the people I have met. 

6. I've performed in two showcases so far and I've been asked to do a lot of other professional work but the time conflicts for shows are a big one. 

7. I've attended 2 plays out of my minimum of 3 plays so thats really great. I still am in need to attend some more dance showcases and I definitely will.

8. My New York City and Jacobs Pillow trip is still a fantasy of mine but not yet a plan. I would like to go towards the end of summer. Hopefully next week during spring break I can dedicate sometime to figuring out a game plan on what I need to do to make that possible. Questions I need to ask myself: Traveling by myself again? how much should I save? how much is stay? how much is tickets? how long I can go for? What shows can I see? how will I get around? 

9. I have been really good about doing this once a week to refocus myself. Its usually on Sundays when I find time for myself before my acting class. Even though I've been slightly distracted by a man asking for my attention (and I'm totally okay with it) and my career. I've find time to write in my journal, meditate, workout, plan out my meals, deep condition my hair, face mask, or just read. 

10. I have schedule multiple events to attend with friends during SXSW. I still call my best friend pretty often to keep her on schedule. I went to a boxing class with a co-worker/new friend which it was so much fun because we were encouraging each other the whole time! Nothing better than someone else being your hype man as much as you are for others. I attend church with my friend Risa just so I can see her at least once a week. I've had productive coffee sessions with some girlfriends on organizing our weeks or blogs. 

^^^ Going along with number 10... Today is International Women's Day. I'm beyond grateful for the women I have come across. 7 billion people in this world and I cross paths with you. You've inspired me, warned me, cared for me, loved me, pushed me, and shared something with me. I hope you are never oppressed. I hope you know you have a choice of your own body or of your own truth. I hope you find a voice for yourself and you are never sorry for it. I hope you stop pretending that you have it all together and accept that its okay. I hope you grow tired of pleasing people and choose to please yourself. I can only speak for myself when I say I am tired of society pressuring women to act or be a certain way. Here's to women who feel weak and to the women that feel strong. You are all worthy! Cheers to women raising up and encouraging each other and growing strong each day. 

Happy International Women's Day!

New Year, Same Me, Just documented...

Welcome Amigos!!

Whether you are an interested friend, a family member, a student of my hip hop classes, a client at the barre studio, a concerned parent of one of my students, or a random stranger. Welcome!!! I'm grateful you decided to take the time to read this. I promise this blog won't be too boring, however, I will not have an tips on how to be successful, or expertise on anything specific. This blog is being started to help myself, find myself in a public way. Plus it was one of my new years resolutions. 

I figured I would blog a few of my new years resolutions this year to keep myself accountable about staying on track along with tracking my own progress.

I do realize I am starting late on the blogging but today (the ICE DAY) is the first day I've had to chill (pun intended) in a long time. With the school year starting back up, picking up new projects, moving to a new part of Austin, etc. Time just got away from me. Like I said this blog will contain progress of my goals of 2018 and the thoughts behind them. However I may add some V-blog to practice being on camera along with days I don't feel like typing everything out.

2018 Goals: 
My intention for this year is to have indelible experiences!

1. I intend to lose 5% body fat this year. 

I am currently at 22.1% body fat and I would like to be at 15% this year. I am not too concerned about my weight anymore. I just want to be my most active this year so I can be the most productive in my dance career.

2. I intend to release minimum of 12 dance concept videos.

I absolutely love dance concept videos. I have participated in multiple projects as a dancer but I would love to release more videos of my own choreography. These videos will contain me as a soloist and/or choreography on talented friends in my life or even talented students in my life. I will release these videos with a description on my creative process, time frame, and subjectivity.

3. I Intend to read minimum of 12 books in 2018.

In 2017, I listened to 15 audiobooks and only read like 4. However my schedule allowed me to listen to more audiobooks than to read. I want to focus on reading more book by hand. As a child I would always read a book and stop halfway through. In college, I would read books for classroom assignments. The only books I would really read all the way though were books that we're about dance. I am going to be writing blogs or recording v-blogs on my thoughts about the book and things that stood out to me.

4. I intend to book commercials this year.

My acting coach, Carol Hickey, asked us to bring in goals for acting.  This was my first time to establish true goals for my new acting career. This is the first time that I feel like I'm actually taking myself seriously in acting. Before I would kind of think of it as a side gig. I still find it difficult to take myself serious as an actor even though I love it. I enjoying and studying characters and telling stories. I've overcome some of my scene sensitivity because of acting. I'm beyond grateful of acting and I plan on taking myself more seriously in it this year.

5. I intend to attend more networking events for Actors.

This goes along with taking myself seriously as an actor. I want to meet people more in my field and introduce myself. Hopefully work on more projects this year. My dance school schedule doesn't allow me to be in plays at the moment so I'm working on more film projects. 

6. I intend to perform dance in more professional events.

Last year, I was blessed to be booked for the MTV Woodies Awards. It was my first performance since my concussion and I was completely in my head about it. I'm grateful that I went with my boss, Chi Chi, because she was coaching me in a very productive way for me. She was encouraging and a wonderful reminder that "Love is all there is." She made sure to push me and keep me on track. I do want to go back to being a professional performer I just need to find a way to heal the inner demons that came with the concussion. I've come a long way and I do feel much better on stage and I'm ready to get back to work. 

7. I intend to go see a minimum of 3 plays and 3 dance showcases.

I want to support my fellow artisans whether I know the actors/dancers or not. I understand how much work goes into shows and how much you hope people come to see it. I'm excited to support my local artistic community or even in other cities.

8. I intend to go to New York City & Jacobs Pillow in Massachusetts. 

Alright! I said it, so I'm going to do my best to make this happen!!! I've been wanting to go to New York City for a while now but any other time I want to go to New York. I usually change my plans for an audition or training in  L.A. NOT this year!! I am so focused on going for this new adventure. I've always wanted to dance on the outdoor stage of Jacobs Pillow and hopefully one day I will. However for now I have decided to take action to go visit. 

9. I intend to take a minimum of once a week to focus on my self-care.

I've started this one already from taking time to get my nails done, epsom salt baths, purchasing massages over new clothing, focusing on taking care of my curls, and skin, choosing sleep over nights out dancing, reading books or scripts over watching netflix, choosing to practice meditation instead of watching TV, going on a walk with my dog for her and my own health, deciding not to drink when I go out with friends to be completely more myself without fear, etc. I plan on taking care of myself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I did this last year but lost focus a few time. 

10. I intend to spend time with girl friends that I value.

Saved the best for last. I'm blessed to have made wonderful friendships since I moved back to Austin. I have always chosen to surround myself with like-minded people. These women are inspiring even if I don't tell them that often (which I still try to do). I want to spend more time with them this year. I would like to host dinners for them, go to lunch to catch up, coffee dates, spending night in playing video games (yes, some of girls play video game too), attending concerts they enjoy, supporting their business, going to church, celebrating their relationships (if they get married) and etc. I also plan on supporting them by linking their websites as well. I don't want relationships to be so shallow and to just see them out at the bars as my "going out" girlfriend- I would like to get to know these women for who they are and want to be. DON'T GET ME WRONG- I've got great guy friends I promise to not forget about y'all as well however I am focusing on nurturing my friendship with my gals. New friendships or old, as long as my girls are real than that all that matters to me. 

These 10 goals may be simple or very hard but I am excited to document my journey. Yes including my failures, not just my success. I feel like social media has been a reel of everyone success stories because we don't want to show our "ugly" struggles. Well I'm going to take a brave-ish step to show all ranges of my journey. And I plan on leaving my comment box "ON" as well...  I would love to hear from you. Encouraging notes, tips on nutrition/work-outs, articles you found that would expand my knowledge, links to your blog posts, comment on books that are related to the ones I've read, and/or productive criticism, all of it is welcome on the comment box. I appreciate you taking time to read this and I can't promise all of them will be as lengthy as this post. My intention is to keep track of my journey through these goals and hopefully inspire you to take that brave step you've wanted to take. Okay, thats all i've got to say about that.... Hopefully I can come up with a better sign off. Thank you again for reading this!