Lust for life.

With the sudden and unexplained passing of my second cousin, who was only 20 years old, shit got real fast.  Regardless of how horrible and baffling this death was, which it was, there is a light at the end of this dark and gloomy tunnel, and I'm sure she would be happy to know that.  I now realize how precious life is, how quickly things can change and how you seriously need to do everything in your power to make the best of your life, whatever that may be. Do what makes you happy. Don't worry about trivial shit like money. (and I'm speaking mostly to myself here) Don't concern yourself with what other people have that you don't possess. Tell those you love, that you love them. Be nice and friendly. do what you want and need to do to make every second of your life enjoyable. Just be happy. Because you never know when things can turn upside down in a matter of seconds. 

With that in mind, I made a list of all the things that I need to do/change/acquire so I can practice what I am preaching:

1. Go to New York  

Because I've always wanted to but thought I needed tons of money to do so. Now, I'm saying Fuck it. Why wait? Now is as good a time as any.

2. My Job. The fire under my ass has reignited and I now fell the motivation I was losing, slowly but surely, to get my financial planner credentials. Though its not an overnight process, my studying has picked up ten fold. And though studying to me, or anyone for that matter, doesn't constitute a fun and fulfilled life that I've been going on about, it is a means to and end. However, now more than ever it is more important to hone in on the hobbies that get me though the day. I need to do instead of say. 

 3. and I believe most importantly, make time for all those people that I love and love me back. Too often, I become this hermit-lone ranger-couch potato-kind of beast that just wants to be left to her own devices, don't want to go out, just want to plop my ass on the couch and watch my shows and though, I will still do that every so often cuz it does actually bring me joy (its the simple things), I'm going to make an effort to see my friends more, to call my little sister and brother more, and to make sure my family and husband know how much I appreciate them, because sometimes (mostly during PMS) I can be a ball breaker (my hubby can attest to that)

4. Stop being a ball breaker. 

5. Get a Fancy Schmance camera. One with a tripod and a self timer. Because I love this here ol' blog and though it would appear as though I neglect it I think about it all the time. It brings me much joy and I need to show it that it makes me feel as such.

6. Stop worrying so much about money. I recently read a blog post from Chelsea Talks Smack that really pulled on my heart strings and just coincided perfectly with everything that I've been feeling lately. I urge you to take a look, its an awesome blog. I'm a go with the flow kinda person everywhere else but when money is involved. When it comes to money I become this monster who truly believes that cash, money, yo is the be it and end all of happiness. Its NOT, it really really isn't. I need to stop thinking like it is or I'm going to turn into this miserable crabby ol' shrew that has nothing but bags of money and lots of cats. (okay, I'm exaggerating, but only to get my point across more efficiently.) 

7. Do more DIY projects, cuz I love doing shit myself. 

 Whats on your list?

Cheers,

Mara

This post is dedicated to my little cousin Nikki, I will always remember you and what you stood for. I'll meet you up there when its my turn and we'll party it up together with John Lennon and Jimmy Hendrix, whom I'm sure you're already friends with.

XOXO