Des'ree - Life

To good music! Enjoy

Words From Drake

Who would have thought that I'd be quoting the rapper/singer/actor Drake in a post.

"Everybody dies, but not everybody lives."

The reason why so many people love this phrase is because there is so much power in it. We (myself included) go through our day to day activities barely living. It's a routine that we must endure, we must succumb to, a road we must travel. We often sit and dream about all the adventurous and exciting things that we could be doing if. If this were that way, if that were that way, if we had this, this, that, that, that and those two over there as well. We let the ifs of life bog us down into boring, and unsatisfying.

I've picked up my glue gun, needle and thread and began creating and experimenting. I may not become famous or get rich off of these little crafty things I let my fingers do, but it's something that keeps me entertained and not bored and frustrated with life. I turned 24 of Saturday and the Tuesday before my birthday I went to the club and had an epiphany, yes I know, an epiphany at the club? I wondered if it was just me getting older, but I no longer enjoy going to club. It's not exciting, nor is it entertaining, nor invigorating or stimulating. I go and I subconsciously force myself to have fun or rather not feel bored at that very real moment in time. Should I have to entertain myself or be silly for me to enjoy myself at the club? I'm not too convinced of that. Someone can easily say oh you're going to the wrong club and they're playing the wrong music, which very well may be true but still...maybe I need to take a break from the club scene and get into other mentally stimulating things.

Thankfully I've had a few conversations with friends about various topics that truly were mentally stimulating and it was refreshing and invigorating to experience those things. I shall challenge myself to have more of those discussions and not only on controversial topics like religion or the development of my country, but on simple topics like energy and remaining motivated. I shall challenge myself to speak to more people about important topics and not about frivolous things like what shall I wear to work tomorrow. I challenge you as well to step outside your comfort zone and having those difficult conversations that help you understand the people around you better. Don't just talk, listen. Listen to what the other person is saying and don't be so quick to judge them. 


Today we are beginning a challenge of growth, exploration and stimulation. Let the journey begin!

When There Is No Path

After my bout of being unmotivated I am re-energized and ready to continue on that path to greatness.

But what do you do when you want to achieve something big, something fabulous, something great and there are no directions, no guidance no nothing to lead you in the right way? You create your own path to success! It may be a difficult challenge but when you receive that victory, that success, nothing else will matter. All the struggles and hard work will make that victory taste even sweeter.

This is my motivation for my dreams. I understand fully that what I want to do is to venture into unknown waters, but that doesn't stop me. The end product is more important to me than anything else. I'm a bit tired of people telling me don't come back to Saint Lucia because there's nothing there for me. Why do people always have a one-sided view? Yes things look dismal in Saint Lucia but by encouraging everyone to stay away how can development and progress be made? It may take me years to return to Saint Lucia, but I want to know that I have made a significant contribution to my country. That's why I want to go back. I want to make a positive and significant contribution to my country. I feel like I owe it to my home to give back. I don't doubt that it's gonna be difficult, but this difficulty does not deter me, and I hope it never gets the better of me.

What dreams lead you into uncharted waters? How do you find motivation to keep going? Let me know. 

What A Birthday

For various reasons I shall not divulge the happenings of my birthday on my blog. I wish I had taken a proper photo of my hair style, because it did look lovely, and it has been a while since I've styled it up nicely.

The lessons I have learnt from my birthday may be odd ones but I know the reasoning behind it.
The first is that everyone sees things differently.
The second is that what is "normal" or a usual occurrence will take priority over that which is not the norm.
The third is that I take things to heart too easily. I need to learn to shake things off and not let it bother me so much. I'm a bit too uptight.

All in all, my birthday was a lovely 24hrs and I enjoyed those 24 hrs significantly. I don't think there is anything in particular I would change about it.

Can We Save The World By Planting Trees?

I came across the discussion of whether trees can save the world and thought I would chime in about it. Whether anyone read my chime is beyond me, but I figured why not share my thoughts on this matter with you. You are more than welcome to chime in by leaving  a comment about you views on the question.
Can we save Earth by planting trees?

I believe that trees are an integral part of the remediation and restoration of the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere, however I believe that this question is a bit too simplified when we are taking into account what is happening to the world presently.

If we believe that by planting one hundred billion trees we will save the world we will be instore for a very rude awakening. This is like being a diabetic, taking a lot of insulin and not changing your diet and/or lifestyle. Planting trees does not address the source of the Earth's destruction, which in my mind is consumption. I believe consumption is the root of the Earth's destruction primarily because our rate of consumption is not a sustainable one. If we reduce the quantity of things we consume as well as improve the quality of them alongside planting trees we won't save the Earth, but it will be a great start to getting the recovery on it's way.


What is you view on this topic? Do you think planting trees is all we have to do? Do you think planting trees is useless and something else needs to be done? I'm curious to hear your point of view.


Cheers!

Lesson of the Day

Did you ever feel like you made a massive mistake? Did something you really shouldn't have done? Ever wondered how you change it? Guess what...changes are you can't. So accept the fact that you messed up and move on from there.

I did something to someone which I acknowledge that I shouldn't have done, and the person has decided (potentially or not for the while) to break all links with me. I feel bad and want to apologize again and try explainging myself, but I can't. What can I do apart from what I have already done which is take full responsibility for my actions and move on from there. If ever this person decides to speak to me again I will know that I cannot just say or do whatever I want. If this person never speaks to me again, I am reminded that I can not say and do as I want.

Fear of the Desired

One of my dearest friends from university has said many times "one day I'm going to be famous" and today I got the great news that she is well on her way to doing that (and not in a scandalous way). I couldn't have been happier for her. This is something that she has desired for quite some time and has worked towards as well. Her mission being fulfilled slowly before her but visibly has made me wonder why am I afraid to live my dreams?

I can't say I'm a genius...actually I will say I'm NOT a genius, I'm just a lady with an opinion. Some times my opinion makes sense and other times it doesn't. Through out my years I have had wonderful dreams and aspirations that I have wanted to achieve but for some reason I never seem to get there. Having my friend, who is younger than me, see an opportunity, take a risk and get through should inspire me to take the bull by the horns and go for it. But I'm not. I'm no longer striving for excellence or greatness. I'm becoming more and more content with barely getting by. A part of me wants to be that highly self-motivated person but as if that desire is a lot weaker than me being satisfied with what I'm not really doing.

How do I get back in that position of yes I can, yes I can, yes I WILL!? I give motivational pep talks to all my dearest friends but I cannot take my own advice or even take theirs and let go of comfort and take risks. I have this master plan which is bound to be breath taking when you think about it, but somehow I'm not behind it wholeheartedly. Something is wrong here, if I can create this and not have the desire to see it through to the end, blood, sweat and tears. What am I afraid of? What really am I afraid of?


I do apologize if this post is a bit all over the place, and if I've asked the same question 20 times. I'm going to try to do a reflection and get to the root of this, find a way to motivate myself and get off my bum.

Are You Too Good?

While walking home from the club last night (or this morning, however you look at it) I asked my male friend something that has bothered me for some time. The pertinent question is "Why am I still single?" Before responding he asked do I want the truth? Of course I say yes!! I mean why else would I ask a question I wasn't prepared to hear the answer for? Anyways his response was quite simple "Guys are intimidated by you."

Why though? On what grounds do I intimidate a guy? I am hoping to find the root cause of this intimidation. I don't think I'm that smart to intimidate a guy intellectually, so it can't be that. I wonder if it is that I'm wifey material and guys are intimidated by that, by my level of maturity or motherlyness (which isn't a word but I make my own words all the time). I cannot guarantee that finding the answers to my questions will cause me to make changes that will allow me to be less intimidating, but at least it equips me with knowledge about the males around me. I cannot be someone or something I'm not. I can try but at the end of the day I will not be happy at all.

Oh well, my search continues to understand how I am perceived. How do people perceive you?

Achieving Wellness and Beauty Naturally | Simplistic Chic Repost

Hey everyone!

In case you don't go through the blogs I follow on the left I'm reposting this article from Simplistic Chic. The post is entitled Achieving Wellness and Beauty Naturally.

7 Foods for a Flat Stomach

I’ve learned from various personal trainers and health experts that diet is the key to a great waistline.  While exercise helps, great abs start in the kitchen! Here are some foods that will help you to achieve those washboard abs sooner.

1. Rolled Oats
They fill you up with fat fighting fiber to not only keep you satisfied and give you the energy to start your day but this flat tummy food also helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels – which keeps your body off the fat storage roller coaster and helps to fight cravings!

2. Apples
Apples are so easy to grab and go, we always have them on hand, they are high in water content and fiber, plus research has shown the pectin in apples aids in your fat loss efforts for it causes the stomach to empty more slowly and you feel satisfied longer.

3. Blueberries
I always have a giant bag of these powerful berries on hand! Not only super high in antioxidants to keep you youthful, healthy and energetic, they are also a sweet source of fiber and they contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation – promoting a healthier digestive tract.

4. Almonds
“Portable protein” – the perfect emergency snack or pair it up with a fruit or veggie. High in metabolism-boosting Protein and Healthy Fats. Watch your portions though – measure out 1/4 cup servings and stick in a snack size baggie.

5. Eggs
Yes, they ARE good for you. They are considered the gold standard of protein quality because of their superior amino acid content, providing your body with the building blocks for lean muscle – the heart and soul of your metabolism – they keep you satisfied and energized. Plus they are affordable and super easy to make – it takes less than 3 minutes to prepare an egg.

6. Spinach
This super veggie goes with everything. At only 5 calories per cup how could it not?! Use in omelets, wraps, salads, side dishes…the list goes on. Great source of beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, folate and magnesium to keep your body healthy and your metabolism humming!

7. Yogurt
A great source of protein and the live cultures help boost immunity and aid in digestion. My favorite – Greek Yogurt. NOTE: Avoid choosing brands that contain High Fructose Corn Syrup and artificial sweeteners. Read the ingredients!!! (ex – yoplait – not so good).
*info. from Fit Yummy Mummy http://getfitandyummy.com

Some Cancer (Zodiac) Facts

Thoe following are ten Zodiac Facts about Cancers, as provided by @ZodiacFacts

• #Cancers,care so deeply that they can stop caring about themselves, instead only caring about the other people in their lives.

• #Cancers are capable of completing projects alone, often bringing a strength and perseverance that helps conquer even the toughest tasks.

•  The moods of #Cancers are so dependent on the emotions of others that they can become oversensitive when they feel they have not done enough

•  #ZodiacFacts Known to be both loyal and eager to please,#Cancers are highly in tune with the emotions of others in a relationship.

•  #ZodiacFacts #Cancer Rising seeks opportunities to care for others through acts of kindness and hospitality.

• #ZodiacFacts The #Cancer Sign stimulates the integration of knowledge for growth-filled change.

• #ZodiacFacts As a #Cancer,Your loyalty is unconditional and you make the staunchest of friends.

•  #ZodiacFacts As a #Cancer, you have a very deep and penetrating mind and can sometimes be overly intense in relationships.

•  #ZodiacFacts As a #Cancer,try to curb your changeable emotions. Don't let sentimentality rule you.

•  #ZodiacFacts As a #Cancer, your most passionate qualities are revealed when you're in love.

• #ZodiacFacts As a #Cancer,You are one of the most unlikely zodiac signs to be promiscuous.

Cheers!!

(8) It's The Little Things (8)

India.Arie did not lie when she said it, it is the simple things.

I'm trying to plan a little get together for my birthday and I must say it is causing me a great deal of stress. Just to go to the club people are asking me questions that I deem unnecessary. I guess I am a bit more independent than others and what I think is blatantly obvious and common sense isn't to some one else.

Although I joke about it next year, my champagne birthday, I'm not doing anything fussy. I've joked and said I'm going to go to KFC by myself for dinner hahaha. I won't do that, but I can tell you that I will invite only my dearest and nearest friends to my house wherever it will be and we will have a cooking party. This simple task will be executed to the 9, and we will all have a good time. Good food plus great people: what else can I ask for?

Anyways, I'm off to see about more details for this minor event called my birthday.

Cheers

Motivation

Consider the following:

When God gives you a gift what should you do with it? You should use it; you should cherish it; you should show your gratitude and appreciation for it. Your body is a gift from God, so why are you not cherishing it? Why are you not taking care of it? Your body is the temple of the Lord, so why are you not maintaining the integrity and structure of the temple? Why are you letting it become derelict and battered?

If this isn't enough to get you motivated and moving in a direction that will help you take care of yourself, what will? This is my motivation to keep moving, to not pass by my mirror, look at what I don't like and do nothing about it. This is my motivation to maintain my temple, my gift from God in the best shape possible.

Happy Birthday to Me?

This year is a year of many firsts for me. Some of my firsts include first summer in Canada, first time meeting an interesting black guy in Peterborough, and first time engaging a white guy in a game of flirting. One major first for me is my first celebrated birthday in Canada. All previous years I have been in Saint Lucia for my birthday, and that being said I usually do not do anything big for my birthday. I recall my 20th birthday was spent at the beach with my then boyfriend-thing-a-ma-bob watching the sunset. Other birthdays have had large portions of the day spent relaxing and by myself reflecting.

This year there's a buzz in me for my birthday. I am actually excited for my birthday this year, although I really am not sure why. I am also planning on taking a trip (somewhere) the big day and partying it up with friends. Although the big day is two and a half weeks away I'm still freaking out and planning like crazy. I can't help it! I'm just so excited to be able to celebrate this day with people who I haven't been able to in the past because I was home.

I'll keep you posted with the updates and with the scoop on what went down. Of course my other blog The Spotted Fashionista will have pictures of the outfit, the hair, the make up, the works and of the event. Let's hope all goes well and without a hitch.

Tributes to Wonderful People

I recall about four years ago when I was trying to decide whether I should leave the Caribbean and travel all the way to the icy cold north called Canada to study. A good friend of mine name Ana encouraged me to go and explore the world. Having studied in Canada herself Ana compared and contrasted the pros of living and studying in the Canada and the Caribbean. In the end I decided that I would go to Canada to study.

Three years later I am sitting here writing this blog post to kind of pay tribute to some of the most amazing people I have met in my life. I can truly say that these people are the type of people I love engaging with and cannot image how different my life would be if I did not meet them. I wish I could start listing and naming but that would not be fair because I don't want anyone to feel as if because I did not call their name I think less of them. I will however say that there are two young ladies I met, both have left Trent but I shall keep in touch with them as much as possible. These two ladies have different auras and spirits but they both are such inspirational and humble people. The level of admiration I have for them is astounding.

One of the young ladies if from Japan and it's hard for me to formulate words that can express how I feel about her. She is amazing. She is inspirational. She has this something about her that just captivates you, commands your attention, intrigues you and draws you closer to her. But this something isn't loud and full of powerful colours, it's soft and mystic, gentle and kind hearted. I wish she had her own tv show or radio show, because I like the radio more than the television. Or maybe her own blog. But whatever it is, I wish there was a way to capture her wisdom and maturity, her passion and love. She is so amazing. I wish everyone could meet her, could observe her, could appreciate her.

The other young lady graduated this year (on Thursday actually) and she has a bit more spunk than the first. She's from Thailand and again such a motivational person. She's one of those great supportive people you have in your life that encourage you to do the right thing without being overpowering. Her mind and aura is a very colourful one but still not loud. She has a curious mind and loves to find out things. Her thirst for truthful knowledge is wonderful. Extremely talented and just a firecracker of good energy, she draws you into her. I don't even know what to write. She's just amazing, and humble. Her humility amazes me and I admire it and her for it. She's one of those people that no matter how terrible I'm feeling that day, no matter what stresses are weighing me down, the sight of her face and her jovial smile lifts my spirit.

These two ladies are just two of many. Many that inspire and motivate me to become all that I can be; that remind me that I'm not a terrible person and I still have some more growing to do in humility, in personality, as a woman and as a person. I may in the end say that Trent could be a better institution academically, but one thing I can never say is that Trent does not have amazing people there.

"The friendships you make at university are those that you will keep with you for the rest of your life. These will be your maids of honour and bridesmaids at your wedding, your children's god-parents, and those people who will be there for you through the years." I certainly feel that way. And regardless of distance or placement around the world, these friendships I have made are too valuable for me to let go of. I am grateful that I have been given this opportunity to experience this.

Dancing Words

Dance to the rhythm to the music to the beat.

Let your feet wiggle to the groove to the boogy to the beat.

Down your spine you are mine you groovy rhythm groovy bass groovy tweet-
aerodynamically shaped
i move with the rythym with the boogie with the beat
to the tweet and the tit and the chit and the bomp and bah,
aha, oh yes, to the left to the left
and hold it,
freeze.






To the right to the right shuffle turn to the right.
you are mine you are mine away we go into the night.
Skipping shuffle side step swing
we wait for the clock to ding ding ding.
To the left to the right
shuffle front shuffle back
turn around touch your toes
wiggle wiggle and away we go!!


[I'm not really sure what this is. I just typed something that describes the bubbly mood I'm in internally. If you can figure it out or decode anything from it go for it, and let me know what you get]