So, here’s the deal, these past couple of months I have been experiencing a lot of stress. That stress is a result of feeling a lot of pressure, not only from others but from myself as well. I know the pressure that I feel from others is not intentionally, if anything it’s completely indirect.

However, I have a natural tendency to just take care of others, and that very innate part of me has been creating a lot of pressure to be able to truthfully live up to that part of me. As a result of that, I’ve been putting a lot of pressure on myself to be able to follow through with the commitments that I have made, to not let others down, and to make sure that I am taking care of myself in the mist of it all.

Needless to say, these past couple of months have been hell for me but somehow, I’m still going.

All the stress and indirect pressure that I have been feeling lately has been a daily reminder of how important it is for us to have effective coping mechanisms. If you’re not aware of what coping mechanisms are, to put it simply they are effective stress relievers. The funny thing about this is that I have plenty of stress relievers, I just haven’t done such a great job at using them lately.

I think a big part of this is due to the fact that I work overnights and just don’t have much energy to accomplish all that I intend to accomplish in a day. Working overnights really takes a lot out of me and I honestly dislike it so much! I don’t like not being able to get in a good 30-minute workout in the morning, having to skip breakfast because I’d rather sleep, missing lunch because I’ve slept in way too late, and basically having to operate my whole entire day on what little energy I can muster out of pure exhaustion.

It sucks guys, it really does and if you have ever worked overnights, or even an overnight shift in your life, then you know what I’m talking about. [Read more…]

Hi guys!

Lately I’ve been really getting into art. Well, I wouldn’t say “getting into”, but I have been really inspired by a lot of art recently. Especially a lot of DIYs (Do It Yourself) projects. I love art so much! That’s a fun fact about me that not a lot of people know. I find so much peace and solitude in it, and even though most artwork does not physically “speak” or showcase words, somehow it always manages to just speak to me.

When I was younger I drew a lot of pictures. Specifically, anime pictures, and if you are not familiar with what anime it is, it’s Japanese animation (and it is awesome!). I was a big bookworm (and I still am) growing up, so picking up art was just another hobby for me that I decided to adopt all because of my big brother. He was (and potentially still could be) the artists in the family. While I was spending a lot of my free time going to the library checking out books to read, he was back at home in his room drawing anime characters. It’s because of him I took on the hobby of drawing in the first place.

I drew a ton of anime pictures in my teenage years. I had multiple sketchbooks (all of which never got completely filled), and when I got into middle school I even took an art class, something I never imagined I would do. It was there where I actually made my first sketchbook! At the time, I thought this was completely unique (making your own sketchbook) and I was taken aback by the talent that existed within me. I didn’t’ think I would have been able to make a really colorful and creative cover, and stuff a bunch of computer paper inside it, stitch it all up and be ready to use it, all in a day! but I did, and it was awesome, and it was the first real accomplishment I had in my creativity as an artist.

Again, I knew that I could draw and was proud of the work that I was able to produce, but I had no idea that I would be this quick of a learner when it came to art! I definitely didn’t think that I would love it as much as I did. [Read more…]

Hobbies, oh how I love them!

In fact, I love them so much so, that I actually have a ton of hobbies. Not only do I have a ton of hobbies, but I’m constantly taking on new ones, revisit g old ones, and of course maintain a lot of my favorites. Some of my favorite hobbies include writing, reading, drawing, playing video games, watching anmie (Japanese cartoons), and discovering new music! If you don’t have any hobbies I only have one question for you, what are you doing with your life in your spare time!?!?!?

Before we jump into the importance of hobbies I want to make one thing clear. To have or consider something a hobby doesn’t mean it has to be crafty in any way possible. I feel like a lot of the time when people think of hobbies they think of arts and crafts, or anything that requires your hands to be moving. However, I’m here to tell you that this is totally false! A hobby is and can be anything that you find pure enjoyment in doing.

In addition to some of my favorite hobbies mentioned above, I also enjoy participating in the watching of YouTube videos, watching/catching up on TV/Netflix shows, going on long walks, and blogging of course!

As you can see not all of my favorite hobbies are what most people would consider “productive” and they most certainly do not require that I use my hands. I mean watching YouTube videos, and watching/catching up on TV/Netflix shows is not something that I would consider “productive”, but I do consider it to be productive in the sense that I am to some extent exercising my brain (I have to follow individual story lines by memory, it’s not as easy as it sounds when you watch a ton of shows!).

If I’m being honest, when I do participate in these hobbies I’m usually either in my bed, doing my hair and/or make-up, or at work trying to make the time go by faster. [Read more…]

Hi guys!

On Friday of last week (August 11^th) a really good friend of mines officially moved to Los Angeles, California to follow her dream of becoming an actress! Honestly, I have a mixed wave of emotions about this big change in her life. I’m so very, very sad because in a way I’m losing a really good friend, but at the same time I’m so very, very happy and proud of her for taking that leap.

We started our journey of studying a new acting technique together in January of this year. Since the first day we met we’ve been really close. We have a lot of things in common, our life stories align almost perfectly with one another, and of course nobody can overlook the best part about this friendship. We both have a deep love, passion, and commitment to the entertainment industry, and that means a lot to me.

It’s so important to have people in your life who understand you, support you, and will always encourage you to live your best life. Though we have only known each other and been friends for roughly a year, I know she’s someone who will always be a part of my life. I will always be one of her biggest supporters, and I know she will always be one of mines.

Which is why it’s so bittersweet for me to write this post and tell her goodbye, not only in person but through here as well. I know deep down inside that it’s all for the better. She’s taking control of her life and making the most of it. She’s allowing herself to been seen in her own spotlight, and I absolutely love that she has the courage to just take the leap.

It’s her courage that got me to thinking about how many times I’ve heard someone say, “I want to be (insert your ultimate dream here) when I grow up”, or, “This is what I want my life to look like”, or even, “In 5 years’ time I will be…”. So many people think and say these things and fail to act upon them. Why? [Read more…]