Radical Optimism

It’s a gorgeous day in New York today. The sun has broken through winter and the air is refreshing rather than bitter cold. My body is singing.

I’ve been working on a new website and thinking more about “my story” and what has given me the courage to make moves in life. Why have I lived in various places, traveled (oftentimes alone), given my all to love, and “put myself out there” in ways that were sometimes scary and uncomfortable? Why do I dream big and why do I believe in myself? It feels a little scary to admit, but I do, and I wish that for you, too.

Oftentimes it’s good ‘ole optimism! Whenever I take a leap of faith, I believe things will work out for the best, and that if I do come across any challenges, that I can find the silver lining in them and grow.

I’m the type of person who is more afraid of regretting what I didn’t do in this life rather than what I did do. Meaning, I’d rather lunge forward and try a lot of things/see a lot of places, then to play it safe and stick to what I know. I consider myself to be a risk-taker and make decisions based on my heart’s desires.

It’s not always easy to live this way. I have struggled with feeling misunderstood by others, as though my choices were a little crazy sometimes. My family has worried for me plenty of times, and though they truly love me, I’ve felt pressured to make “safe” choices, mostly when it comes to my career. A steady 9–5 was always more rewarded than trying to create my own business or taking time off to travel and live abroad.

I’m highly stubborn though, and know what I am capable of: creating a life by design. I believe that we can (and should) thoughtfully make choices that move us closer to our ideal lifestyle, regardless of how those choices may look like to others. This is about creating our own definition of a good life. Not society’s. Not our family’s, nor our friends’. For me, it means having the time and the luxury to be creative everyday, sharing my message with the world, inspiring and helping others on their journey to an authentic life.

I’m radically optimistic that we can have it all.

Instagram Inspo:

Optimism is a guiding light; a perspective that opens doors, and lends you the courage to take massive action and leaps of faith. Optimism has ignited me to move, to travel the world, to fall in love and to take creative risks among many other things.

There’s been plenty of times I’ve felt the pressure to be more “realistic,” whether it was coming from individuals or society as a whole. There’s a push to settle for what’s safe and known rather than to venture out and choose your own creative path, building a life that’s authentic to You. Doing You, Being You, and living a life by design is a form of rebellion. Knowing you were made for greatness is a form of rebellion. Shoot your shot. Be the light. The world needs your optimism.

Looking Back at Now

I’m honored to share that this is the 50th Weekly Motivation! Wild! Thank you for joining me on this ride—for reading, sharing, and supporting!

I’ve mentioned the theme of slowing down in a couple newsletters, and I’m especially feeling that lately. Truth is, I’m tired. Maybe it’s the transitioning or the long winter. Maybe this is a new type of tired — “A New York Tired,” one gets from keeping up, from all the people and all the energy, from the hustle-culture. Being here is inspiring, but there are moments when I’ve had to step back and wonder what exactly I’m trying to keep up with.

I’m blessed to report that I’m finally at a job I love showing up to. A true win. Yet, sometimes I continue to push myself into the “next step,” — full blown, entrepreneurship, as if there’s some type of looming deadline.

I’m happy where I currently am — and maybe that’s something we all need to get better at; the actual enjoyment of our lives, presently.

There’s no real rush to reach the next milestone, or the big goals I’ve set out for myself, which will continue to grow bigger and bigger, I think. I’m at a point where I can do what I love for the pure love of it. Doesn’t have to make me a living right now; I don’t need a different “title” or party pitch, that’s all really in my head.

While ambition and drive are qualities I truly admire in both myself and others, sometimes it gets thrown off balance. We may find ourselves constantly running towards goals without taking time to unfold into our current reality — to realize that one day we may look back at this time with a type of nostalgia.

Some day you’ll admire the perseverance you had today, and how you gracefully balanced the imperfect pieces of your life. You will give thanks to the unwavering love you had for yourself, which gave you permission to dream with fervor. You will honor the valor in putting one foot forward each day.

There are days when I feel so humbled and grateful for all that I have and all that I am in this moment. And there are days where I curse my life in a shared, tiny apartment. Sometimes it’s dreadful to lug groceries on a crowded train, or carry half my weight in laundry down the street. Sometimes it feels like this is not enough yet, and that I’m climbing up a never-ending hill.

And then, in a moment of grace, I remember. I remember where I am. You’re in New York, bitch!,my inner-voice hollers. Where you always wanted to be! And you’re doing it on your own!

A huge smile comes across my face in the middle of the street, or in the stillness of my cozy room. I appreciate the unfolding of a miracle, one of my greatest manifestations yet.

And I know, how I’m going to look back at this time. I’ll remember the days of graceful and humble perseverance. Of newness and brave aloneness. One of gratitude, for all things perfect and imperfect. When I decided I made it, even though there was so much more to come.

New York Bound

The past few days I’ve been taking some space. Some space to feel through this transition, some space to enjoy Salt Lake City, and some space for self-care. I spent two days at the spa and I have no regrets. Though I could feel on a surface level how my move from Salt Lake to NYC was affecting me, I knew that I had to go deeper and allow myself to mourn and accept this change, as well as to offer myself the support and care I desired.

I noticed a few days ago that I started to get pain in different parts of my body, particularly in my hand. I looked up what emotions hand pain could be linked to, and found that it can indicate trouble letting go. That hit home.

It’s hard to admit that I am struggling with that, because I want to jump into life in New York City weightless, and with open arms. But it’s difficult to leave something you built, even if that was an emotional refuge of sorts.

I experienced so much growth, love, and companionship in Salt Lake, that despite the things the city lacked for me, I know I’ll look back at this chapter with gratitude and some nostalgia. I can now see the beauty in having had something wonderful enough to miss.

When we feel uprooted, we can remind ourselves that home is where the heart is — in you. Each time I move, I’m astounded at the ability to make a home within myself; how one can take refuge in their bodies and being.

Another quote comes to mind: “Everywhere you go, there you are.” It carried a negative connotation when it was first presented to me, like, “You can never run away from yourself.” But, isn’t that perfect, too?

You will always, always have yourself, your one true home. And when we move from chapter to chapter, we’re really just renovating our inner home, using new experiences, connections and energies as building blocks.

When I think of my transition in those terms, it makes it easier to let go of a physical place, and of an experience. Life in Salt Lake changed my inner world, and I take that with me, this time as I build.

Goal Setting + Self Love Journeys

Hello friends:

In my last newsletter I mentioned how I was challenging myself to work 10 hours towards my creative projects/side hustle. Last week I began mid-week and accomplished 3.5 hours which was under goal. I had planned on setting time during a long layover at the beach (in between dipping + tanning 😉 ), but was instead rerouted and worked non-stop for three days (oh the joys of working in the airline industry).

Sometimes things don’t go as planned but it’s all about how we react to the unexpected trajectories and perceived “failures.” Most importantly, it’ about the relationship we have with ourselves through it all.

In the past, failing to accomplishing a goal would have made me feel like a loser. Like I wasn’t trying hard enough and that it may not be worth it to continue striving. It would have fed a belief that I’m just not good at consistency or “putting in the work.”

But, I’m choosing a different story now. One of compassion and understanding. I am simply doing my best. The fact that I set aside 3.5 hours for my creative work is a win, specially during my first week of being more intentional about time. And this week—and for the many weeks to come, I have the opportunity to keep working towards those 10 hours in a positive way.

I choose to see this as progress rather than a set back. With that, the weight is removed from my shoulders, I can breathe deeper and continue having fun with this—(may I remind myself)—self imposed challenge.

Instead of not feeling valuable until I create a set amount of work, I can use this “challenge” as a practice of self love + compassion no matter what ❤

Working towards those 10 hours per week is more about the journey than the destination. Just like self love.

I’ll explain:

I used to think self love was a goal to reach, at the end of continual self development and improvement. Each time I thought I had finally reached the most ideal relationship with myself, I would be presented with an emotional challenge that revealed just how much more profound my self love could be; how there was so much more room to love and accept myself— in all the crevices that still carried shame, guilt, emptiness, or whichever emotion manifested the idea of not being enough. It’s a never ending journey with an opportunity for more depth at every moment, whether you’re enduring a high or a low.

I know better now than to think reaching a goal can define me or make me feel more valuable; in other words make me more lovable to myself.

The opportunity to truly love every bit of yourself lies in the journey of it all; which includes the imperfections, the failures and the incessant striving on its own. We have the power to feel enough and loved wherever we’re at, and when we do that, every dream and every goal becomes an added bonus—a fun journey to be had.

Let’s see what we can do, and all that we can accomplish from a place of already being enough.

Love,

Gabriela

Bringing Presence to Purpose

Happy Sunday y’all!

It’s a gloomy day in LA but I’m happy to have some quiet, alone time before work to say hello!

Writing this newsletter means so much to me and I just want to say thank you for being a part of it 🙂

This newsletter has been a tether that’s kept me connected to long-term goals. I hope to one day have a larger platform, and if the universe will have it, to write a book (or maybe even two). Sending out these weekly emails is a small step I can consistently take, when life seems busy and fast and all the other creative work gets buried under the motions of the every day.

I’m discovering though, that the true importance of this “small step” is to bring me into the joy of the present. I am learning to form ideas from my experiences and give them a place outside of myself. I’m learning to share insights that could also give comfort or guidance to others, the way I’ve found comfort in others’ words and work; teachers I’ve never even met.

I’m realizing how fulfilling it is to accomplish this one task, and that I’d still be happy and complete, if nothing else came of it but an outlet to express. And I believe that’s an indication of finding something good.

In that sense, writing this newsletter is no longer a means to an end, but a purpose on its own. And that perspective gives me the freedom to fully appreciate it in the now, rather than waiting to feel fulfilled or accomplished in an illusory future.

So tell me, is there a passion of yours you could bring more presence and appreciation into today and in this week to come?

xxGabriela

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Let the new chapter begin.

Happy Monday, everyone! Mondays are sort of strange for me these days, I’m actually excited for them! After taking it easy on the weekend and spending quality time with my partner and foster doggy, I know it’s time for me to get back to my work.

This Monday is special because I am launching an updated website, that feels more like me. I believe my current mission to is to see how my coaching business can positively impact others and change my life. There’s a fire in my belly, urging me to get this work out, and see what type of feedback I receive from the world.

Throughout this journey, I’ve stumbled with my own self confidence. I’ve thought: who am I to be doing this–to be coaching? Or, how can I just decide to start my own business and dictate my own life and schedule? Sometimes I felt like I was living in my own fantasy, waiting for the bubble to burst.

For months now, I have been experimenting and learning. I hired a business coach and took several courses, worked thoroughly on my own self-development and came to the conclusion that now it is time for my own inner-guidance to take the lead. From this point on, I am trusting myself to know best & to take forward only the information and lessons that resonate with me.

The truth is, after listening and experimenting with so many other opinions on how to grow this business, I’ve been waiting to give birth to my mission in a way that feels authentic to me.

The re-vamp of my website represents this new chapter. It was created to express what feels true in my heart: I want to help others connect to their inner-guidance and live joyous lives, and I am bringing forth the confidence that I am prepared to do it.

Love,

Gabriela

Examining Worry

Sometimes I worry that I’ll end up unsuccessful and broke. Do I really believe that? No; but I’m programmed to think worry is a natural reaction to the uncertainties of being an entrepreneur.

I grew up with a single mother, who–naturally, worried and stressed about money, and with a grandmother who achieved financial security through hard work and controlled spending. I learned that to be a responsible, safe adult, I have to have a reliable source of income, save, and spend sparingly.

Quite frankly, I’m doing the opposite of that right now. I don’t know when or how my next earnings will show up, and I’m living off savings to invest time on pursuing my dreams. Nothing is certain, except for the faith I have in myself, which can sometimes feel…odd.

Anybody else in my shoes would be worried, I sometimes think; so I let the worry creep in in order to feel “normal.” During these moments, I worry about how my business will pan out, if I’m spending too much, and whether I’m crazy.

But, I’m beginning to realize that the worry isn’t even mine. I’ve taken on the worry that my family feels, and the worry I assume a normal person in my situation would feel.

It reminds me of when I decided to move to Vietnam for a year. I’d never been before and I didn’t speak any Vietnamese, so when I told people about my plans to move there, some reacted surprised and concerned. They expected me to be scared, but I wasn’t. I had faith in myself.

Was I crazy, then? I’d question. Maybe I should be scared, I thought, so I tried it on. I told someone I was scared about my move just to see how the words felt, and they responded, “I’d be worried if you weren’t.”

Maybe we live in a world that’s more understanding of worry and fear versus faith and belief in ourselves. From my experience, one is more normal than the other.

I’m learning to own my faith and use it as a critical tool in moving forward with my goals. I have to accept that I may be misunderstood in that, and that sometimes others will express their loving concerns; but I don’t have to take on their doubts as my own. If to them it means I’m living in the clouds, so be it. Life’s more fun up here, where anything is possible.

Becoming Your Ideal Self, Today

I’ve been very future oriented lately. My days have been busy with dreaming, goal setting and hustling. Hustling to reach this “ideal version” of myself: the successful woman I’ll one day become.

This idea of a future-self has propelled me forward. It’s such an exciting life I’m building towards, why wouldn’t I want to work hard to get there? The problem is, I’ve placed this ideal version of myself somewhere far off in the distance. It’s a goal to be reached in the future, when a bunch of different pieces of my life fall into place.

Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s vitally important to have goals clearly outlined for yourself, and to visualize exactly the type of life you want to have. Clarity gives you a path and a better idea of the next best step, wherever you are in your journey.

The important thing to remember is not to get stuck in the idea that you can’t have any aspect of your ideal life yet, and to perpetually wait for the “right moment” to begin making necessary changes. You can create a shortcut to your dream life, today.

Here’s what I did, and what you could do to reach your goals sooner rather than later:

First, I created a list of all the things I wanted for my ideal life + self. I wrote down details for all aspects of my life, including: health, finances, travel, style, self-confidence + beliefs, relationships, career etc. To give you an example, under “health” I wrote down what I wanted my diet to be like, how often I wanted to exercise, get massages etc. Under “finances” I included how much I wanted to make per month, how much I wanted to save and give. In the “self-confidence and beliefs” section, I wrote down all the new beliefs I’d have about myself, such as “I believe, with 100% certainty, that I can accomplish anything.”
After creating this detailed picture of what I wanted for myself, I went through and highlighted all the things I could start doing now, even if that meant pushing myself a bit. I highlighted things like: “I eat tons of fruits and veggies every day,” “I have a regular yoga practice,” “I iron my clothing,” and “I am honest and caring in my communication.” The financial goals seemed the most currently out of reach for me, but I realized I could start tapping into some of those goals. Even if I couldn’t save x% of my income right now, I could push myself to save more than I had in the past.
I started incorporating the habits of my ideal self into my current life.

What I learned from this project is that I have much more control of the present than I thought. I can shortcut to that ideal life if I choose. I no longer have to wait for the “right moment” to begin. The right moment is now.

I’d like to invite you to try this exercise with me and see what happens when you start choosing to live out your goals now.

A video on the topic:

Motivational Tips for Dream Chasers

Chasing your dreams isn’t always rosy or easy. Sure, the ride is exhilarating and energizing when done right, but there are bound to be days when you may question what you’re doing and want to give up.

First of all, give yourself a pat on the back. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist/creator or just a badass whose paving their own way, you are choosing the road less traveled, and that’s something to be proud of.

Here’s a list of essential habits I’ve found to be helpful in order to stay focused and inspired throughout the grind:

Eat Well + Get a Good-Night’s Sleep: Ok, I know it’s obvious, but it can’t be left unsaid. Taking care of our bodies is essential whilst hustling. As creators, our livelihood and ability to give and inspire depends on our health.
Find a Morning Routine that Works for You: It’s taken some experimenting to figure out what lights me up in the morning, but I’ve found that incorporating a walk, meditation and journaling after waking relaxes me for whatever the day has in store. Sometimes, if I wake up anxious or stressed about my long to-do list, journaling helps me vent those emotions out. Meditation allows me the space to be still before working a full day, and walking is just a good, low-key exercise under some sunshine and fresh air. I encourage you to experiment with habits that make you feel great at the start of each day.
Immerse Yourself in Inspiration: Another part of my morning routine is to listen to podcasts on my walk, particularly of successful female entrepreneurs. It’s not just about the useful content. The important thing is to remind myself that there are other people who have successfully accomplished some of my own goals and dreams. It reminds me that it’s not impossible, and that there are kindred souls out there. You are not alone on this journey.
Set a Schedule: This one was a game changer for me. I used to take my business tasks day by day and just try to run through a long, mixed to-do list. Now, I set specific days of the week for specific tasks. For example, Mondays are reserved for admin and organizational tasks while Thursdays I film videos. That way, I’m immersed in a particular head space each day which keeps me in flow and increases my productivity.
Visualize and Talk About Your Goals: Frequently fantasizing about and seeing my desired future career and lifestyle gives me fuel to continue hustling. I like creating vision boards where I post photos of my dreams so I can have daily reminders of what awaits me if I keep working hard. Similarly, you can journal about your goals or listen to guided visualization meditations. Talking about those dreams with supportive loved ones will hold you accountable. You’re less likely to abandon a goal if you’ve told someone else about it.

I hope these simple steps can help propel you forward in your very own, dream-chasing journey.

“An Open Letter to Your Future Self”

Yesterday I looked up some writing prompts to keep the blogging momentum going and came across one that struck out to me: “Write an open letter to your future self.”

I can see why this assignment was enticing. I spend so much time focused on my goals and dreams, visualizing all the success I desire and the type of woman I want to become. My future-self is undeniably alluring. She’s her own boss, a public figure of sorts, a writer, fashionista, and traveler. She’s wealthy–not just financially, but she’s full of purpose, joy, laughter, and creativity. She’s a powerhouse, and someone I find refuge in as I work diligently to turn my dreams into reality.

My letter started out like this:

Dear Gaby,

I dream of you often. I have these grand impressions of you and everything you’ll accomplish. Even if no one else can see you or understand you, my faith in you is unwavering. There’s no way for me to know how I’ll get to where you are, but I believe that little by little, the pieces will come together, and that the ride is bound to be epic.

Lately I’ve been working hard at ensuring that you become a reality. Each day I take small steps towards growing my brand and business and each day I take the opportunity to develop and learn as a person.

Midway through the letter, I had a thought: I could’ve written the same letter to this current version of myself as a sixteen year old, sitting in her bedroom at night, feeling like the whole world was ahead of her.

I thought about what I wanted for my future-self as a teen that I currently have: a place of my own, a partner, a dog, and lots of travel under my belt.

I took a rare moment to acknowledge how far I’ve come and all the decisions I’ve made to manifest that vision. Time and time again, I’ve listened to that rumbling heart of mine despite the risk. Time and time again, I’ve put myself first.

I think about the woman I want to become. She has some experiences I have yet to attain, like living in New York City and Portugal, writing a couple books, and owning a walk-in closet 😉

Those desires are so valuable; they’re glimpses into what my soul wants to experience this time around. And though I intend to go forth in my attainment of them, I cannot lose sight of the unfolding process and the milestones I’ve already reached.

I am the woman I so wish to become. Het tenacity, wisdom and drive, is already here.