She is so much more

She is so much more 

than a pretty face, she is a soul on fire 

T. B. LaBerge

December 9, 2015

Does she scare you a little? Good. She should make you fear her love, so that when she lets you be a part of it, you won’t take it lightly. She should remind you of the power that beauty brings, that storms reside in her veins, and that she still wants you in the middle of it all. Do not take this soul for granted, for she is fierce, and she can take you places that you never thought you could go; but she is still loving in the midst of it all, like the calm rain after a storm, she can bring life. Learn her, and cherish her, and respect her, and love her; for she is so much more than a pretty face—she is a soul on fire.

What Makes Me

What Makes Me
December 8, 2015

What makes me weak? My fears……….
What makes me whole? My religion.
What keeps me standing? My faith.
What makes me compassionate? My selflessness.
What makes me honest? My integrity.
What sustains my mind? My quest for knowledge.
What teaches me all lessons? My mistakes.
What lifts my head high? My pride, NOT arrogance.
What if I can’t go on? Not an option.
What makes me victorious? My courage to climb.
What makes me competent? My confidence.
What makes me sensual? My insatiable essence.
What makes me beautiful? My everything.
What makes me a woman? My heart.
Who says I need love? I do.
What empowers me? My spirit.
Who am I? I am a proud strong woman!

“Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its trouble, it empties today of its strength.”

Now I Know

Now I know that...

I am getting closer to my purpose

December 5, 2015

By: Gina Yoryet Roman

My meaning, my why, my reason.

Another reason to be grateful, some are at a loss all their life.

This doubt “Why am I here?” has haunted me all my life. Now more than ever, now that I am scratching forty, yes, 40, that reflection has paid a very abrupt visit once again and it has not parted from my turbulent mind yet. Conceivably because I am eleven days from embracing another year filled with ups and downs, fear and hope, success and disappointment and a great deal of trials. 

Amidst all those struggles, and as the end of the year draws nearer, I don’t have the words to express all the appreciation for the many blessings I’ve been gifted with. The other day I was lethargic to express my gratitude in writing to all the fortune given to me, but I did anyhow. Even after that atrocious accident on the road that threw me off the curve and put a gridlock to my high-rendering and competitive lifestyle. That was a catch-22 almost impossible to disentangle from, to this day I am still suffering the aftermath of that life-changing event. Every single day my pain is a remembrance that at least I was able to live to tell, others are denied that opportunity after more catastrophic occurrences.

It has taken me all my life to gradually unveil my “Why am I here?” and 2,362 days to get a clear vision and fathom that even this accident was meant to happen to teach me a lesson. To appease my ego and bring me back to the reality that youth and a fit body are NOT the most important fundamentals in our existence. 

That’s why at this age,

I have accepted…

That even after losing small fragments of Gina Yoryet and being bent temporarily bent either physically, emotionally or spiritually, I’ve bounced back and retaliated amidst the storm. In exchange of that, I´ve gained more symbolic possessions - priceless life-learning lessons.

I have also accepted that we have to be appreciative of the “not so favorable” happenings in our life.

I have realized…

That the promise of a new life lies by my side, it is peering through my window day by day, and I am given the opportunity to choose whether or not I take that opportunity for granted. 

I have received a wake up call…

Letting me know that I wasn’t practicing what I preach. One of my doctrines (writing) was obliterated temporarily. Yet that wake up call was my persuasion to NO longer forsake one of my principles.

I have learned…
That is it NEVER a good idea to force things and make them happen under my own standards. As a woman of faith, now I know that everything that is meant to be, will happen at God’s time and will, not at mine. Anything that is NOT meant to be, will NOT happen no matter how much I kick, punch and cry.

I have also learned…
That the only way to really see and listen is with the heart; people who have less, offer the most; and most of all, I have learned that before we can even think about changing our community, our country, our world, the change must start within. In addition to that, I´ve learned to be self-dependent because no one will always be there to do everything for me, the way it was before, in illo tempore.

At last I have acknowledged...

That family is one the greatest blessings that we are all granted with.

Therefore we have to cherish them and the few or many moments we can spend with them.

In my journey here, I’ve been able to see…

The dehumanization and destructiveness of capitalism, neo-liberalism, and globalization on my people in general and the Indigenous people in particular; a beautiful country that’s extremely rich in natural resources, but is controlled by people who are willing to sell and exploit our country; the environment being destroyed for profit, for the rich and their financial interest; communities where water comes every 3 days, have no drainage, and no electricity or its very expensive; families that have to pay more than companies and fábricas for electricity; houses built out of cardboard constructed only 10 minutes away from luxurious homes or hotels; lies, the powerful always chingando, desalojo, despojo, invasion, and repression; Men and women working 14-16 hour days for a few pesos. The organization, solidarity, and unity of different types of people not only on a national level, but on an international one; the presence of chicanos, mexicanos and people del otro lado; people fighting and struggling their entire lives; an anger so deep that they are willing to die fighting, not for money or richness, but for their families and land, their mother earth.

I have listened…

To the voices of each people I´ve encountered, I can finally feel his or her pain and suffering. Throughout my travels, their stories and their palabras touched my heart. Listening to each individual when I was part of a campaign to fight for the indigenous rights sent shivers through my body; but their anger, resistance and courage began to run through mis venas and stirred something inside of me. During those brief but profound moments in that campaign, each child I played with, Don o Doña I spoke with, each danza o canción I heard began to touch my Corazón, until I realized it was filled with love for this country, this culture, this raza-mi raza.

I have concluded…

That we truly are connected, and although I deceived myself that I was from el otro lado, las raíces run through my blood and the border really is only an imaginary line, because no migra, minute man, or muro can keep our hearts from uniting and fighting for what we believe and know…that another world is possible------ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡Otro mundo sí es possible!!!

I have experienced…

A personal transformation that has changed me indefinitely, and I have all of my family, friends, mentors, and now my husband to thank for being a part of this journey we call life.

I have lost…

Friends that were really NOT real, truthful or transparent. But even those friendships at a given place and time, taught me a lesson that made me wiser, more careful and stronger.

I’ve have become…

More resilient, selective, wary and protective of my surroundings, my loved ones and the people I chose to keep in my life.

I have also become...
Acquainted with temporary disappointment, grief, sadness, failure, heartbreak, physical and emotional mishaps. Yet, everything has left remnants for me to get a hold of myself and stay put to reach success, to be at ease and peace with who I am and with what I've accomplished.

I have regained my faith…

And understood that God does answer our prayers at his time, under his standards, NOT ours.

I have concluded…

That before setting high standards, sending petitions and holding high standards from everyone else, I have to express my gratitude every single morning in my moments of serenity, and I have to start with my own expectations of me.

I have FINALLY…

Met THE one, the man I was meant to be with, the  male that was made to love me and the one I was created to complement, to become one soul, one body, one spirit.

I am finally well aware…

That God had a plan for my husband J.V. A. and I, and that he was there all along to unite with me at the right moment and place…

Reasons Why I Love You

Reasons why I love you:


You give me good advice
You trust me and I trust you
We can be ourselves around each other
We are a team
You are very noble
You are VERY, VERY guapo (handsome)
You never judge me
You are family oriented
You are very caring and hardworking
You are respectful
You are a gentleman
You always spoil me
You protect me
You make me laugh
You are an AMAZING cook
You always put me first
You love and respect others
You are compassionate
You are responsible
You always have words of affection for me
You are always there for me
You are understanding
You are patient with my demands
You are always there for me
You are very forgiving
You don't hold a grudge on me when I annoy you

Today, I am one step from accomplishing one of my purposes. YOU!
You happened very naturally without forcing things in any shape, way or form
at God's time and will, NOT at mine.
Had I known that, I wouldn't have spent all my youth stumbling upon many blocks
and causing myself unnecessary grief 
It will be magical living with you and coming home to you.
I am glad it will be you and ONLY you, and I wouldn´t want it any other way.

Esposo, husband, I love you. I am looking forward to our one year anniversary!

Life Learning Lessons

Motivational Life Lessons

By Bruce Lee
December 1, 2015

Every one of my English and Spanish classes are required to read a book, preferably small biographies to avoid boredom. My students love doing interactive activities but for many, reading is not the best option, that´s why I chose these 'Who is,' 'Who Was,' biographies. My 4pm class is reading Bruce Lee and I used these life learning lessons by Craig Dewe.

Lesson #1 – Life Purpose

“The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering.”

You only have one life in this body so make the most of it by creating something that adds value to those around you.

Lesson #2 – Limits

“If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”

“Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one’s potential.”

You will only grow to the limits that you place on yourself (and let others place on you). To truly reach your potential you must forget limits and realize you will never reach your full potential in this lifetime.

Lesson #3 – Happiness

“Be happy, but never satisfied.”

Allow yourself to be happy now and don’t wait until you’ve reached some arbitrary goal. However, remember that everything in life is either growing or dying, so choose which one you prefer for your life.

Lesson #4 – Self Image

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”

“As you think, so shall you become.”

You define yourself–no one else. So when you create an incredible self image for yourself you will naturally grow into your own amazing expectations.

Lesson #5 – Goals

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.”

Any goal can be reached when given enough time. So let go and just start moving in the right direction.

Lesson #6 – Learning

“Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.”

“A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.”

“Take no thought of who is right or wrong or who is better than. Be not for or against.”

Always be open to the lessons around you no matter where they come from. Everything in life can teach you something if you are open to receiving the lesson.

Lesson #7 – Action

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”

“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.”

“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.”

There are plenty of people in this world who know what they have to do to get what they want. The few that succeed are those who develop a character of constant and deliberate action.

Lesson #8 – Focus

“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

There are many paths you can follow to reach your destination. However, you’ll never reach the end if you keep changing paths along the way.

Lesson #9 – Time

“If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.”

We all start each day with 24 hours in the bank; the difference is what we do with it.

Lesson #10 – Failure

“Don’t fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”

Failure is a natural part of the learning process for anything we do. No parent has ever watched their child fall while trying to take their first steps and said, “well, I guess they’re not a walker.” So why would you do this to yourself?

Lesson #11 – Perseverance

“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”

You are always going to have problems and challenges in your life. Success in any area is simply learning how to overcome bigger and bigger challenges.

Lesson #12 – Flexibility And Adaptability

“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.

Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”

Become flexible and adaptable in your daily life and problems will roll off your shoulders. Tension is only created when results do not met our expectations or perception of how the world should be.

Lesson #13 – Simplification

“It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”

“Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.”

When you clear your life and mind of the unessential then amazing things start to happen. Be ruthless in asking, “does this serve my greater life purpose?”

Lesson #14 – Relationships

“To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.”

Let go of the behaviors and actions of others as you can never change someone else. Instead look at how you interact (and react) with others, as this is a reflection of your own beliefs.

Lesson #15 – Service

“Real living is living for others.”

Realize that anything you want in life can be obtained by helping others get what they want.

Lesson #16 – Live In The Moment

“Take things as they are. Punch when you have to punch. Kick when you have to kick.”

Always focus your attention on the present moment. Your past does not determine your future–that comes from what you do in this exact moment.

Grateful

Grateful
November 30, 2015
By: Gina Yoryet Román

I neglected to finally express myself a few days back because I didn´t want to give Thanksgiving a bigger importance than what America gives it. I am NOT American, and to me, the first and foremost holiday is Christmas, the only holiday with a real purpose. I feel that if I were to celebrate Thanksgiving, I would betray my roots because I am most definitely NOT devoted to a turkey, no offense. Mind you that I like the concept of being appreciative.

Giving thanks is one of my first daily duties and I am grateful for the things that I abide by, my ABC´s

Faith (spirituality)
Family
My career (my skills, abilities and endless opportunities)
My health
Being able to help others, give a lending hand to those in need.
Being able to see and read as that is one of the most fundamentals elements to consider in a person´s life.
Playing with words (writing; one of my passions, I don´t know what I would have done had I not been gifted with this marvelous gift, being able to make magic with words).
Being able to reason and having compassion for others.
And just enjoying the simple things in life. Not getting caught amidst the material and superficial aspect of humanity.
For the many blessings in my life.
For the good people that God has placed in my journey to guide me.

“Walking Ashram”

November 2, 2015

One of my dreams in life is to go M. I. A. for a month and cleanse my mind, body, soul, spirit, heart, and body. I have not yet planned this getaway but knowing me, everything I set my mind to, I make it happen sooner or later!

 “Walking Ashram”

When a person becomes part of an Ashram, he becomes a walking Ashram in his life; he becomes integrated. He is an Ashram because that is what he actually is.

An Ashram is simply a stabilizing factor, like the grandmother of a family who is always at home with the children: calm, beautiful, happy, and joyful. She is a stabilizing factor. When the home is an Ashram, that home is perfect. In the same way, if the government is an Ashram, that nation is perfect.
In the teaching, no one must be excluded or discarded. Everyone is part of humanity. Every part is essential.