Rachel's Fuel

"When Sleeping Women Awake, Mountains Move." www.rachelsfuel.com

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Dreams do manifest ;)!

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***New***Hands down, Experience is the Best Teacher!!

Experience by definition is "practical contact with and observation of facts or events". Experience has always been deemed the best teacher. For it is through our senses we determine firsthand whether or not we enjoy an experience, and decide if we want to partake in it. Making the decision to be a part of an experience often teaches and molds us better than a parent or teacher. A person of authority can preach a message but how can you truly learn if you don't apply the lesson. Being up close and personal with an event and our observation of it has the ability to burn or delight us, and this is how we come to learn our limits and what we're willing to indulge in.

Top experiences we encounter in life: education, relationship, job, childbirth, spiritual, death, pain, and the list goes on.

Why is experience the best teacher? Through experience we gain wisdom. This wisdom cannot be attained without experience. The more experiences we have, the more wisdom we have in choosing what’s best for us. 

 Do experiences really make us wiser? Through trial and error we began to learn about ourselves (strengths, weaknesses, character) this can help us to become greater individuals. "Play with fire you get burned", it is through our experience of the fire we learn we don't like it.

What should I do after an experience? Reflect upon the experience. Was it pleasant or uneasy? Acknowledge the experience (Trust me on this). Feel all of the emotions related to the experience and choose to continue the experience or not.

Personal Testimony: I, like many of you have encountered many experiences that have caused pain and delight. One experience I'd like to share is, I chose to park in a private lot without paying the meter. In the past I had skipped out on paying meters; and this particular instance I wand up paying for all the combined tolls I had ever skipped out on paying during my 3.5 years living in Miami. This was one of those unpleasant experiences that changed my perspective on parking without feeding the meter. As a result I am more respectful of parking enforcement rules and regulations, and paying meters. An amazing quote by Erykah Badu states “the sooner we learn from our mistakes the better we will be”. I like to think I learn the most through experience. Experiences can be trail and error, but we must learn from them and grow!                                                                                                        

When going though an Experience keep in mind the following:

Choose your decisions wisely as experiences are sure to follow.

Pray and spend moments in solitude so that you are guided properly.

 Lean on your friends and elders (for wisdom) to offer support and advice during difficult experiences.

If you don’t like an experience make the necessary changes you can to end them.

Share how your experiences impacted you with others; because you may never know how they will heal from your testimony.

Much Gratitude,

RJ

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And to not EVOLVE is dangerous.

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"We must FORGE on" While reading an article about International Women’s Day (IWC) the author decided to link it to Mother’s Day and Valentines. As if to say it’s another holiday reserved for celebrating and cherishing women for their essence. I personally don’t think IWF has the same semblance. In fact, I think it’s one of the most social impacting movements of our time. I believe IWF is a day for the world to reflect on political and social activism that have afforded women equal pay, voting rights, property rights, rights over their bodies, and the list goes on. Not only do I believe it’s a day to reflect on these victories but most importantly it’s to compare and measure how stagnant we remain or how much we still need to achieve. For instance, we still earn less than men (16% to be exact), we are still more likely to experience domestic violence and sexual assault, 80 percent of congress is male (meaning we are underrepresented in government) and the harshest realization is although American women are making strides in 2017, our sisters in the East are still subjected to unfair conditions, like ones occurring during the 1900’s. In my heart and mind, I believe we as a nation and people should highlight this day and the accomplishments of courageous women and men who made it impactful. However, to frame it as just another day to “cherish” women is dimming it down. Yes, we women have come so far but still have much more to accomplish. We must continue to break down barriers for more advantages and equalities. We must continue to lift our voice and secure our divine rights. When thinking of the unjust and unfair systems we need to disassemble-and how to achieve it-my mom, Aung San Suu Kyi, Angela Davis, Oprah Winfrey and many others come to mind. May we channel courageous women that have paved the way, summon the women who are ready to make a difference and protect the women that need our shelter. Much Gratitude, RJ

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****NEW****Don't read these QUOTES....too inspiring

One of my favorite pass times is to read quotes. When I need inspiration, a new perspective, liberation, and optimism; quotes never fail me. Below listed a collection of quotes from my favorite authors, speakers, and influences. They are listed in the categories of love, fear, success, political, spirituality, and equality. May they inspire and provoke change in you as they have in me.

  LOVE

  “LEARNING LOVE If our parents didn’t love and understand each other, how are we to know what love looks like? There aren’t courses or classes in love. If the grown-ups know how to take care of each other, then the children who grow up in this environment will naturally know how to love, understand, and bring happiness to others. The most precious inheritance that parents can give their children is their own happiness. Our parents may be able to leave us money, houses, and land, but they may not be happy people. If we have happy parents, we have received the richest inheritance of all.”  

― Thich Nhat Hanh

 “To love is to recognize yourself in another.”  ― Eckhart Tolle

  SUCCESS

“Success means we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way that served others.”  ― Marianne Williamson

“Cherish your visions. Cherish your ideals. Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment, of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.”  ― James Allen

  EQUALITY

“To call woman the weaker sex is a libel; it is man's injustice to woman. If by strength is meant brute strength, then, indeed, is woman less brute than man. If by strength is meant moral power, then woman is immeasurably man's superior. Has she not greater intuition, is she not more self-sacrificing, has she not greater powers of endurance, has she not greater courage? Without her, man could not be. If nonviolence is the law of our being, the future is with woman. Who can make a more effective appeal to the heart than woman?" ― Mahatma Gandhi

 “Equality is not a concept. It's not something we should be striving for. It's a necessity. Equality is like gravity. We need it to stand on this earth as men and women, and the misogyny that is in every culture is not a true part of the human condition. It is life out of balance, and that imbalance is sucking something out of the soul of every man and woman who's confronted with it. We need equality. Kinda now.”  ― Joss Whedon

  FEAR

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”  ― Marianne Williamson

 “There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.”  ― John Lennon

  POLITICAL

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”  ― Martin Luther King Jr.

 “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”  ― Angela Y. Davis

  SPIRITUALITY

 “Usually, fundamentalists, be they Christian, Muslim, or any faith, shape and interpret religious thought to make it conform to and legitimize a conservative status quo. Fundamentalist thinkers use religion to justify supporting imperialism, militarism, sexism, racism, homophobia. They deny the unifying message of love that is at the heart of every major religious tradition.” ― bell hooks

 “Because you’re a creation of God, you reflect the Divine qualities of creativity, wisdom, and love.”  ― Doreen Virtue

 RJ

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***NEW***Our Environments can Make or Break us!

“I can’t remain in an environment that is not conducive to my growth”. These words rolled effortlessly off the tongue of one of my colleagues. She was fed up with working and receiving minimal recognition and support with professional development, needed to excel. She was keen on growing and advancing in the work-sense but was not given the opportunities. She held a volunteer role but was adamant about transitioning to employee to manager to director and finally CEO. Many of you may think, these are just titles; however they are an individual’s desires, whereby if placed in the proper environment, combined with self-effort is achievable.

When I listened to my coworker discuss finding a job, one she wo uld feel was a rocket ship to her success I thought about the environments we grow up in. I remember asking myself the question “Did I grow up in a limiting environment”? My response was “somewhat, and it could have been better”. When I think of an environment I think of the people I grew up around, family, friends and community, resources like education, access to proper healthcare and food and shelter. In regards to a limiting environment, one where the family is broken, education is poor, the community is lacking in social niceties, health care is below average, and the water is polluted, statistically speaking this is a challenging environment to thrive in.

My friend knew she wanted more out of life, and specifically work. She knew that a part of getting to her destination relied on her environment. What I have come to realize is everything is ephemeral, including our environments. This is very important to note because people often believe in the reality that appears, instead of the “will” to change their destiny. I believe in God, and in all sacred books you will find the truest words “where there’s a will there’s a way.” Regardless of what you’ve experienced in the past or present in your environment, if you want to have different results, you can, you will. I’ve witnessed people from the most destitute environments rise to exponential degrees of success (mentally, spiritually, physically, and financially). I have also witnessed individuals from the same environment remain bound. Whether the goal is to travel the world advocating against social injustices (my dream), be an awesome mother or the next Dalai Lama, placing yourself in the environment most conducive to your growth is crucial, and key to your success.

Environments that will propel your growth.

Beautiful-Whether spending time on a beach, garden, or Mount Everest, allowing yourself to be in beautiful environments will bring forth the best inspiration that will never cease to motivate you to be creative and excited to contribute more in life.

Spiritual-Experience God’s love through allowing the energy to flow through you and sharing it with others. Take time to be in solitude in prayer and meditation. This is how you remain joyful, radiant, full and tenacious.

Positive-Maintain a circle of family, friends and associates that uplift you, and inspire you to keep pushing outside of your comfort zone. The quote “show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are”, shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Intellectual-Visit libraries, learning institutions, museums, workshops etc. keep advancing and surround yourself with individuals smarter than you, absorb the knowledge and thrive.

Much Gratitude,

RJ

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Currently, In life like, I’m PREPARED, BRING IT ON💫

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***New***The Biggest Mistake I Made in 2016

The biggest mistake I made in 2016 was not being aware of what I wanted. I started the year off sure of myself and what I wanted to achieve, yet as the days and months passed I wasn’t satisfied. I was receiving the things I yearned for but not feeling fulfilled. I tried to count my blessings and compare myself to others that appeared more ± less fortunate than me, to gain a different viewpoint and ended up feeling inspired or less satisfied.

Sometimes you think you know exactly what you want, a mansion, child, to cheat (which is so lame) etc.  but at the core of this all we’re really aiming for is happiness. When we receive our wants the euphoric feelings that arise are ephemeral. Studies have shown that humans are addicted to novelty (new experiences) and in these moments our brain releases a ‘feel good’ hormone called serotonin. So, it feels good to get what you want!

I thought I wanted a cool/relaxed career, a phenomenal life partner to travel the world with, 1 million followers on my YouTube channel, and to eat whatever I wanted without having to hit the gym-and these things would make me happy. While I’d love to have these things, I think I was equating all of this to "successes", and vital to my happiness. I remember this quote from one of my favorite people in the world Thich Nant Hanh “Each one of us has to ask ourselves, What do I really want? Do I really want to be Number One? Or do I want to be happy? If you want success, you may sacrifice your happiness for it. You can become a victim of success, but you can never become a victim of happiness.”

After allowing these fine words to marinate, I realized the biggest mistake I made in 2016 was believing that success equaled happiness. I was so caught up in reaching goals this year instead of taking the time out to enjoy the journey; and to be happy in each moment- with-or-without-success. It was the feelings of happiness I wanted all along. Furthermore, I needed to comprehend that happiness comes from within and not to look outside for it. 

Recommendations:

Affirmations to repeat over and over for a more centered life, where, regardless of the factors your happiness doesn’t waiver.

Everyday in every way I am getting happier and happier

Because I seek the lord I do not lack for any good thing

To offer no resistance to life is to be in a state of grace ease and lightness

Every day in every way I am in divine alignment

What was you're biggest mistake in 2016? Please share below.

For videos click here to check out my YouTube channel

Much Gratitude,

RJ

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***NEW***Life Ends Fast, Spend it Feeling Good!!

Before we end the year, I thought I’d like to share how important it is to spend your time wisely. I know the saying is cliché but it’s one of the wisest sayings I have yet to hear. Not too long ago I was in a stressful situation that didn’t feel good and was looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Last week a series of events stressed me out during the first half of my day; and all I could think of was going home, crawling beneath my bed, and never coming out. After a period of overwhelming negative thinking, I did not want to feel that way any longer. I preferred to feel good and wanted to use my time here on earth wisely.

Often, we get caught up in the drama and squander our valuable time. When was the last time you experienced a situation, you didn’t like and it destroyed your mood? You may have saw someone being mistreated (or yourself), you may have argued with your SO (significant other), you might have gotten laid off, or perhaps the Sun failed to shine the way you wanted it. Whatever the event may be, it’s easy to go down a negative spiral and remain there for hours, days, weeks, even worse years.

The more experiences I have and mature I become I realize the ebbs and flows in life are constant. And in this I’ve learned I want to be a person who is joyful and feeling good. In the event, I’m allowing a negative situation to shape my day I am not using my time on earth wisely, and not being the person I desire to be. I met with a kind gentleman this afternoon, his name is Mr. West (83 yo) and we discussed life, politics, God, marriage etc. He mentioned that “life will be tough sometimes but if you can be happy, laugh, and be sure to enjoy it you can make the most out of it”. I found our meeting and conversation ironic because I’ve stressed to my friends how much I just want to be strategic about my time; and my meeting with Mr. West was confirmation for me that I’m on the right track. Without the contrast of not feeling good or joyful I wouldn’t be inclined to put forth effort to live, laugh and love. I’m grateful for the contrast and life which I prefer to live happily.

Last tidbit, look up the studies behind living healthy and being happy as opposed to being sad, I will encourage you to prioritize.

Much gratitude,

R

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Working on yourself is the best job you can ever have. The benefits are inner peace, self-love, joy, patience, confidence, stronger connection with God, stronger sense of self, and the list goes on and on! 💫 #fuelforthought

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**NEW**To Attract Your Desires, "Be Them"

In life, there are many barriers we create ourselves that compromise our well being. Many of these barriers are certain behaviors, attitudes, and mindsets that limit us from living a happy life. Ever wonder why you see lack in your life? Whether it’s lack of money, happiness, friendships or romantic relationships. The reason we see/don’t see what we think we should is because of who we are being. For example, imagine that handsome man who wanted to date you but you managed to sabotage it with your behavior (not demonstrating interest) and mindset (thinking that all men are the same or perhaps he’ll be just like your ex “a bad seed”). These are compromising barriers that limit our chances of experiencing the things we truly desire. And by not evaluating these counterproductive barriers and correcting them we doom many areas of our lives.

I personally recall going down the road of allowing limiting behaviors, attitudes and mindsets to wreak havoc in my life. While wishing, and praying for things I truly desired to show up, such as the solid relationship, stronger spirituality and material possessions; they failed to appear or if they did wouldn’t last long. I realized I wasn’t being a space for it thrive in.

So, what state of being are your showing up as? What behaviors, mindsets and attitudes do you need to part ways with to experience a life where by being, will cause you to have what you truly desire? Because until you correct your state of being you will not have.

Tips for changing limiting barriers:

Prayer Works: Pray! Many of us often pray for the superficial objects of the world. Begin praying for a better way of being, along with healthy behaviors, mindsets and attitudes. Most importantly pray to walk in purpose. In doing so you will attract the divine things that are in alignment with what you are being.

Faith and Actions: We must believe and act! Imagine what you’d like to experience and believe in it. Furthermore, “faith without works is dead” you must put forth the necessary actions to gain what you desire.

Affirmations: Affirm! Affirmations originated in India (one of the most peaceful countries on the Earth). Stating affirmations each day has the power to reshape your inner and external environments. Just by stating an affirmation, day by bay you will become a different person.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my perspective.  Love sharing, please drop a comment below.

Continue to think highly of yourselves and much gratitude.

RJ.

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As I began to love myself I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth. Today, I know, this is “AUTHENTICITY”. As I began to love myself I understood how much it can offend somebody if I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this person was me. Today I call it “RESPECT”. As I began to love myself I stopped craving for a different life, and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow. Today I call it “MATURITY”. As I began to love myself I understood that at any circumstance, I am in the right place at the right time, and everything happens at the exactly right moment. So I could be calm. Today I call it “SELF-CONFIDENCE”. As I began to love myself I quit stealing my own time, and I stopped designing huge projects for the future. Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm. Today I call it “SIMPLICITY”. As I began to love myself I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health – food, people, things, situations, and everything that drew me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism. Today I know it is “LOVE OF ONESELF”. As I began to love myself I quit trying to always be right, and ever since I was wrong less of the time. Today I discovered that is “MODESTY”. As I began to love myself I refused to go on living in the past and worrying about the future. Now, I only live for the moment, where everything is happening. Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it “FULFILLMENT”. As I began to love myself I recognized that my mind can disturb me and it can make me sick. But as I connected it to my heart, my mind became a valuable ally. Today I call this connection “WISDOM OF THE HEART”. We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems with ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and out of their crashing new worlds are born. Today I know “THAT IS LIFE"

#CharlieChaplin

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And in this world we are often led to believe we are not whole but we are. We were created sufficient and must accept ourselves as we are. We must end trying to mend ourselves with ephemeral worldly objects or even relationships. We must realize we are always whole and operate from a place of abundance not lack. -RJ💫

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**New**Enjoy Life, Live in The Moment!!

A moment can be defined as a very brief time. A moment is the present, so open it up and enjoy it; Life=moment=present=gift= can you see the connection. I like many of you enjoy life’s moments. Just the other day I was at the park which was recently reconstructed with new landscaping, statues, seating areas and trees. This was indeed a beautiful setting to enjoy a great moment. However with all the alluring scenery I was somehow distracted from being present in what the moment could potentially offer me. When we are fully present in the moment we are blessed with many opportunities for experiences and growth. I made a decision about what was most important and beneficial to me at the moment and realized it was the Moment I was in. Once I decided the moment was divine and fleeting, I immediately brought all of my focus upon everything that was around me; and the admiration began to arise. I started to feel more connected, appreciative, and joyful. I captured pictures to take with me so I could remember the moment and perhaps share them with others to give rise to the same admiration I encountered.

Making each moment count is extremely beneficial to really living life. When you’re sharing time with the object of your affection, coworkers, someone you may not be too keen of or perhaps alone with yourself. Try to be in the moment because you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself and others which is the purpose of being on this planet. Many of our elders go through life and towards end, wish they had more time. But time f I gather from this is that they seek time to make each moment count perhaps to do things a little differently. When you are fully open to life and being in the moment you won’t have to worry because you are making it count. Enjoy the experiences. Think highly of yourselves, much gratitude!

RJ

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In life a beautiful mind, body and soul will get you really far. Surrounding yourself with inspiring people places and things will keep you there.💫 Www.rachelsfuel.com

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Beauty is confidence, self-love, radiating, unique, mysterious etc. We often seek approval from others which restricts our beauty from maturing. This makes us anxious. Accept yourself right now as you are-made in God image! Be your beautiful self.💫

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STOP! Comparing Yourselves to Others.

While grocery shopping the other day I realized a slew of tabloids surrounding me upon checkout. I literally became sick to my stomach with how awful the images were along with the commentary. The blatant message on the majority of them were glorification of celebrities, a specific body image, and high consumption of superficial purchases. I don’t believe that any of this is ultimately bad. However when there are 8 magazines on the shelf all conveying the same message, I can assure you that there’s a hidden agenda behind it all. I began wondering why weren’t there more variety? As there are over 7 billion people living on this planet with various interest. I thought to myself there has to be at least one person with totally different interest (someone that wasn’t interested in being a size 2, having chiseled abs or the most elaborate 54 room mansion that only 2 people and 1 dog live in) to appeal to. While I was pondering the message behind the advertisements, I realized the connection and how the are linked to an individual’s self-worth.

Because of what we are fed today through media, and our surroundings it’s easy to loose ourselves in a game of comparison. Just the other day I was shopping with a friend and she mentioned she wanted to do something out of character that could gain her millions of dollars (just because that seems to be the trend in the media nowadays). While I knew she meant it as a joke, there are many individuals that fall prey to comparing themselves to others each second- risking their unique individuality.

 I want everyone to read closely “comparing yourself to another gives your energy away”. This same energy can be used towards cultivating the greater you. When you compare yourself you are playing a dangerous game because you can never measure yourself against another individual. The only person you can compare yourself to is the person you are today to the person you were yesterday –this is realistic. And this is the individual that the world is waiting for. Today as the world is rapidly changing, and there is little time spent in solitude; loving and learning who you are should be as vital to you as breathing. While it is easy to fantasize about someone else life and possessions (current message in society) DON"T. We have to stop and realize that admiration is okay but being yourself is way better than idealizing a false representation of someone else. No one has a perfect life! Enjoy yours love the person you are and don’t be swayed by the outside forces. Continue to think highly of yourself, much gratitude.

RJ