010

I used to care so much about what others thought of me that I would NEVER leave the house without makeup, blow dried hair, nice clothes and heels (when necessary). After moving to NY, little by little I started to care less about what "others thought" and more about how I felt. Today, I care very little if I'm disappointing others with my look. I'm very confident going out without any makeup and dressed in whatever clothes I felt like wearing that day. By doing so, I started to develop my own style which I was not able to do before; I was so concerned about pleasing others that I had no time to explore what I liked 🙋🏼! Next time you dress up, ask yourself: who am I trying to impress? Make sure the answer is "Myself" and I'll send you a virtual high five 🖐🏼! 

009

3 years ago I was living in Miami, next to my family and my friends, working in advertising and married to the love of my life.

We had two options: use our savings to buy a house and start a family, or.. turn the steering wheel 180 degrees, use our savings to move to NY and follow my dreams and my heart.

Sounds like an obvious decision now, but it was not easy to go against what all my friends were doing and choose a completely different path.

Many thought I was crazy and questioned my decision, many still think I'm crazy for doing what I'm doing. But I understood I had different needs and priorities and I decided to follow my own expectations, not society's.

Choosing a traditional path can be great too, if that's what your heart desires, but if deep down you want something else, don't be afraid to make that decision, it's what will bring you joy and fulfillment, even though others may not fully understand it.

Today, I'm in Miami for Passover, and it feels weird to be surrounded by so many babies and mortgages, mostly now that I'm about to go nomad for a few months (or more). But, it's a good kind of weird. A weird that tells me I'm doing the right thing, at least for me :)

008

It's too easy to say "forget about it, it will never happen" and do nothing about it. It's hard to stay positive, to believe there is a way and to contribute even in a very small way. But it is worth it. My fellow Venezuelans are in the streets, fighting against dictatorship because there is still hope. After 18 years we believe we can get it back, and that is the first step to do something about it. Extremely proud and inspired by the people who are right now fighting for our freedom. My ♥️ is in Venezuela

🇻🇪 "Coraje es ser optimista en los tiempos mas oscuros" Es demasiado fácil decir: Olvídalo, jamás saldremos de esta, y continuar con nuestras vidas. Lo dificil es estar positivo, creer que hay un camino y hacer algo al respecto (así sea algo pequeño). Por qué? Porque vale la pena. Los Venezolanos que siguen en mi país estan hoy en las calles, luchando contra la dictadura, llenos de esperanza. Después de 18 años tenemos fé que podemos recuperar el país, y ese es el primer paso para hacer algo al respecto. Estoy demasiado orgullosa e inspirada por aquellos que hoy luchan por la libertad. Mi ♥️ está en Venezuela

007

I think this is one of the things that requires courage the most, to admit you made a mistake and actually do something about it. We can all do something to change the situation we are in, the question is, are you willing to disappoint others in the process? At the end, this is YOUR life and you only get one chance to live it to the fullest. What would you do if you weren't afraid to disappoint others?

006

For some this takes no courage at all, for other's this would not even be a possibility. I would never speak up whenever I wasn't satisfied with my meal, I would blame it on myself for choosing the wrong thing or not being specific enough and move on. Now, I realized that It only takes a few words to ask for what we do want and we will get it, not always, but most of the times we will. Like Oprah once said "You get in life what you have the courage to ask for." This is 100% true and on point. I'm so glad I learned this early in life 🙏🏻 -- Start practicing this and little by little you will realize you never have to settle ever again for things that don't make you happy (This not only applies to drinks and meals of course!) 

005

Would you pack your bags, pick a destination you've always wanted to visit and buy a round trip ticket just for yourself? Would you dare to spend a few days just listening to your own thoughts, enjoying your own company and experiencing life by yourself? Sounds like an amazing (but terrifying) plan, I must do this! 😬💪🏼🙋🏼 

004

The other day a friend was telling me how she saw a man touching inappropriately a woman in a crowded subway. She was frustrated and mad at herself that she didn't have the courage to stand up for her. Gladly, the woman stood up for herself. And my friend promised herself she was never going to allow something like that to happen ever again in her eyes. Would you stand up for someone else?

003

"Compassionate people establish boundaries, which keeps them out of resentment. How can others value our words when we dont value ourselves enough to put bundaries?" ✨ I recently heard @brenebrown talk about this on her book Rising Strong. I have a hard time putting boundaries because it takes courage to do so. But from now on, I challenge myself to not only establish boundaries but to value and respect my word. She also mentioned "People treat us based on how they see we treat ourselves" OMG, #gold seriously. Any advice on how to put boundaries fearlessly? 

002

Last month I started following designer Cristina Vanko and her @100daysofadulting project and loved everything about it. I thought about letting her know I exist and that she has a new fan, but then I was like "What if she doesn't care? I mean, why would she?" I finally got over my fear and reached out! 

Turns out we have so much in common and she was down to get to know me as well! 

We connected, became internet friends and she sent me her awesome book which I absolutely love 🙌🏼! 

The point is, it takes courage to reach out to people you admire, but try to find out how can you add value to them as well and offer your help or friendship. 

I recently heard the saying "you are the result of the 5 people you surround yourself with." That day I started expanding my network by reaching out to people that I not only would like to collaborate with but I would enjoy having as a friend.

001

Seriously, WTF am I doing??? Am I crazy enough to embark on a new 100-day project? Heck yeah!

Starting today, every day I will post a different situation that represents what courage means to me. From launching a new project to giving a compliment to a stranger.

This is a double fear because I will not only challenge myself to start another 100-day project, but I will attempt to illustrate all of these posts myself! Huge fear!!!!

Wish me luck!