AIRA

A girl who believes in the goodness of people

[ranglopez-blog]

My Triathlon Journey

Before I share to you my Journey as a Triathlete, let me introduce to you and explain how the sport Triathlon works.

A triathlon is a multiple-stage competition involving the completion of three continuous and sequential endurance disciplines. While many variations of the sport exist, triathlon, in its most popular form, involves swimming, cycling, and running in immediate succession over various distances.

A total commitment to your sport means pursuing your goals, doing your part, and giving everything to the absolute best of your ability, no matter what it might be. Just as every person has specific tasks they are expected to accomplish in life, so too does every athlete have a set of tasks they are expected to fulfill on their specified sport.

The year 2015 when I started getting into the sport. My father has been a biker for a long time and he was the main reason why I was introduced to this new level of biking. One day, I joined him for a ride using a road-bike, of course it was also my first time trying out this new trendy bike they use for races. I truly enjoyed and unexpectedly became interested to it. Days have passed, and I had really fond of continually joining him on his rides.

Then one of the days after we ride, we visited a bike shop where my father always visits. There was this owner of the shop who saw me on my full-geared bike outfit and said "Hey, why don't you try Triathlon? It's a sport combination of swim, bike and run." Then that was the time I realized that it was a good opportunity for me knowing that I wouldn't have a trouble anymore to catch-up on the two remaining disciplines in Triathlon since I've been into sports back in my high school years where running was affiliated. After that day, I was trained swimming by a coach to complete the said sport.

AND YEP! Here's the result. My first race and I was undeniably happy for being able to finish it safely. The time when I also realized that I want to do more and be better on the next races ahead. Plus, another fulfillment feeling for me? I made my Papa super proud!

Committing to your training means putting your heart, mind, and soul into your preparation and practices. It means preparing yourself with quality in every way possible to consistently be at your best.

Lots of training-days have passed, and so much time I have asserted in the sport. I train swimming on evenings, running is for afternoons and bike has always been in the mornings.

Despite of all the efforts I've put in Triathlon, there was only one goal in my mind, to always be the best and Go for the Gold. 🏆

"The pain you feel today will be the strength you feel tomorrow."

Now, I am continuously doing what I love. Triathlon takes a big part of my life and it constantly reminds me of my self-worth whenever I finish my races.

"Your true success in life begins only when you make the commitment to become excellent at what you do."

[ranglopez-blog]

Two Keys to Succeed In Life

The self-help sections of most book stores make it look like succeeding in life is a complicated puzzle that only a select few are either clever enough or privileged enough to solve.

Most of us see success as unattainable. We compare ourselves to people who “society” heralds as successful, and we never measure up. We settle for less than living up to our potential, which is much higher than we know it is. But success is very simple. It is not magical.

To be successful in life, you need to be two things: Passionate and humble. Let’s look at those two emotional states.

> How to Succeed in Life: BE PASSIONATE

Apathy might be in style, but it won’t get you anywhere. When you are passionate, you are aflame with inspiration. You are driven by your purpose in life, a purpose much greater than yourself that without fail serves others.

> How to Succeed in Life: BE HUMBLE

Passion without humility can be dangerous — in  a state of passion, one can intellectually justify doing things that are far below his dignity and that do not serve his true purpose in life. Humility means being a vessel for spiritual energy, and being solely focused on your true purpose in life. Humility means being totally present (as much as you can be). In the language of Jewish mysticism, humility is called “Bittul”. It means self-nullification. Note that it does not mean self-hatred, or self-abnegation. Instead, the ego takes a back seat to being fully present and embodied, ready to receive energy from Above.

[ranglopez-blog]

Movie Review: THE HIDDEN FACE

The picture opens as wealthy, voguish orchestra conductor Adrián (Quim Gutiérrez) receives a video message from his partner Belén (Clara Lago), in which she breaks up with him. Her sudden disappearance leaves Adrián dejected, confused but keen to move on, as he swiftly becomes romantically involved with barmaid Fabiana (Martina García). The pair fall madly in love as Fabiana moves in with her new lover. However her opening few days at her new residence are tainted by a paranoia that she is being haunted, following a string of mystifying incidents taking place in the bathroom, as she is convinced that she can hear noises emanating from the drains.

The latter half of the feature acts as a flashback into the relationship between Adrián and Belén – seemingly all-consuming and passionate. However, after moving to South America from Spain for Adrián’s new work placement, the pair begin to argue and as tension mounts Belén decides to play a trick on her partner to test his resolve and commitment. Having discovered a secret room in their new home thanks to a tip-off from the previous tenants, Belén decides to leave Adrián the video message to declare that she is leaving him, whilst planning to watch his reaction from this secret hideaway. The room is entirely disguised and sound-proof, but allows those inside to see and hear everything that is happening on the outside. She hopes to witness him suffering of course, to prove he still has feelings for her, but Belén has accidentally dropped the key on her way into the room and is now firmly locked in, with the added torture of having to watch Adrián’s new relationship with Fabiana unfold, as she desperately searches for a route out before it’s too late.

The Hidden Face is brilliantly structured by Baiz, as he cleverly tells his story in reverse order, showing Fabiana’s side to the tale before delving into Belén’s, which had taken place previously. Despite it’s originality and ingenuity, the second half of the film does feel as though we are going over old ground, though in fairness, it’s the more enjoyable half, as it becomes good fun piecing it all together. Despite the fact Baiz is initially teasing us early on by taking on the guise of a horror movie, as the story unfolds and it all becomes clear, it soon becomes a riveting (albeit absurd) survival thriller.

The performances from the leading trio are all impressive: over-the-top certainly, yet it suits the nature of the film as they play on the melodramatic and often absurd plot-line. Gutiérrez, however, bears a more relatable character, portraying the ordinary man wrapped up in the fantastical elements surrounding him. It’s interesting that although effectively being the lead role and caught up in the romantic triangle, Adrián is completely unaware of anything that is going on around him. As for being an orchestra conductor, whilst mostly irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, his profession doubles up not only as a plot line but as an entry to a wonderfully dramatic soundtrack, as the music he conducts is used as the score, playing in the background to the more atmospheric and enticing scenes.

There is indisputable creativity within the story, but there are of course some misgivings in Baiz’s second feature film. Firstly, the relationship between Fabiana and Adrián could be explored further and made more comprehensible, as they appear to get together a little hastily, with little explanation. In fact the entire beginning to the film feels quite rushed , not only their relationship, but the entire story – a sentiment enhanced by Baiz’s use of sharp cuts and scene changes – whilst the fast pace of the Spanish dialogue doesn’t help in this respect either.

Another small gripe comes in the somewhat perplexing concept of time, as it becomes difficult to judge just how long Belén remains behind the mirrors. Although perhaps losing all sense of time is a conscious move by Baiz, as he intends to make the audience feel as Belén does, locked away and oblivious to the world outside. Finally, the constant eroticism within the film does seem superfluous, and, not that one often complains about such a thing, it does feel somewhat unnecessary. Those Europeans just can’t help themselves.

The Hidden Face is a hugely enjoyable, quirky and entertaining thriller; illogical of course, but that doesn’t matter. As long as you allow yourself to become engrossed in Baiz’s picture, it’s bound to compel you. There will no doubt be a Hollywood re-make of this within the coming years, but here is a foreign language film definitely worth seeing in its original version.

[dennel-a-blog]

IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH

.Abstract: Mental health is as serious as physical health and should not be treated differently. Being educated and having initiative can help lessen people who suffer from mental illnesses and create a world free from stigma.

Audience: Everyone

When we get a headache, we take pills. But when we are bombarded with toxic thoughts that keep us up at night we simply disregard them. Many people tend to be passive about mental health because of the wrong notion that it is less important than physical health. The world is imprisoned by the stigma surrounding mental health. We are afraid of being judged by others and bullied. An average of 18.5 million people in the United States suffer from mental illness every year and 56% of them do not receive any medical treatment. Untreated mental illness may lead to suicide, chronic physical sickness, homelessness, and trauma. Approximately 1 million people die from suicide globally and if we do nothing to help, the numbers may continue to rise. People need to realize why it is essential to take care of your mental health and why mentally ill people should seek professional help.

If we are mentally healthy, we are able to live life without our nagging thoughts and anxiety. We are more capable of being happy and free from anything toxic. We are open to a lot of opportunities. A drastic improvement in physical health is also one of the effects of having great mental health. The benefits of having a healthy mind are not only about future opportunities and physical health. Forming healthy relationships are included. We are able to maintain and strengthen friendships. We can keep up with people without the feeling of dread. We are able to live life with comfort and contentment. We no longer have the need to please other people and even put our mental and physical health on the line. We learn how to love ourselves without feeling any guilt.

What can we do to help? Starting with ourselves is the first step towards having a world that promotes the importance of mental health. We need to be understanding to the people who suffer from mental illness and help stop the stigma. Educating ourselves is a must, being ignorant can create more problems and sink the person even deeper. It is important for us to be cautious of the words we say and actions we do because something as simple as calling someone a bitch could really harm their self-esteem and put themselves down. We must persuade people to speak up and seek help without putting a strain in their emotions. It is not as easy as  1 2 3 and A B C. Belittling their problems and telling them some people have it worse is not going to console them. We are not created the same, we have different thresholds. Something traumatizing to me, may seem minuscule for others and vice versa. Sometimes, simply listening and being a shoulder to lean on can go a long way. Through these simple steps, we walk closer and closer towards a mentally healthy world free from stigma.

[ranglopez-blog]

This is very informative, Dennela! Thank you for sharing this to your followers. Surely would help a lot of people since this kind of issue is very rampant nowadays. God bless!

[ashleysison08-blog]

12 reasons why you should watch Riverdale: A Twisted Drama You’ll Love, Even If You’ve Never Read ‘Archie’ Comic

As a new school year begins, the town of Riverdale is reeling from the tragic death of high school golden boy Jason Blossom(Trevor Stines). Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) is still the all-American teen, but the summer’s events made him realize that he wants to pursue a career in music — not follow in his dad Fred’s (Luke Perry) footsteps — despite his forbidden relationship with Riverdale’s young music teacher, Ms. Grundy(Jennifer Gibson). With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Archie must look for a new music mentor and turns to Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray) but she is focused solely on her band, Josie and the Pussycats. Weighing heavily on his mind is also his fractured friendship with budding writer Jughead Jones(Cole Sprouse). Meanwhile, girl-next-door Betty Cooper (LiliReinhart) is anxious to see her crush Archie after being away all summer, but she’s not quite ready to reveal her true feelings to him. When a new student, Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), arrives in town from New York, there’s an undeniable spark between her and Archie, but Veronica doesn’t want to risk her new friendship with Betty. And then there’s Cheryl Blossom(Madelaine Petsch), Riverdale’s Queen Bee, who is happy to stir up trouble amongst the others even though she’s keeping a few secrets of her own.

Everyone wants to know who killed Jason Blossom – but until we find out, here are reasons why you should be watching Riverdale on Netflix.

 1.) It’s based on the classic Archie comics.

2.) It has one of the most iconic love triangles. It wouldn’t be an Archie show without the love triangle between Archie, Betty, and Veronica.

3.) They tackle important issues.

4.) They aren’t afraid to talk about race issues.

5.) The female friendships are on point: All of the women in Riverdale are strong and outspoken

6.) The romance.

7.) There are some major twincest vibes.

8.) Jughead and Archie are male friendship goals: Even though their relationship is damaged, they aren’t afraid to talk about their feelings – which offers men who may be afraid of opening up to each other the green light to discuss their emotions more.

9.) The music: As if Archie’s playing flawless guitar playing and singing wasn’t enough, Josie and the Pussycats are bursting with talent and provide a fresh new sound on a regular basis. And when Archie starts helping them out with their songwriting…it’s just too much to handle.

10.) The parents are full of drama.

11.) The location: Riverdale is filmed in Vancouver, a city in British Columbia, Canada.

12.) The murder.

This series is definitely a must-watch! It will surely make you think and draw theories to uncover secrets revolving around the town. The story touches all the reality in life that will make you relate yourself into it!

[ranglopez-blog]

Amazing. I’m excited to see this series!!! Thanks for sharing this. Looking forward for more, Ash! <3

[ranglopez-blog]

Would you go back to watch?

Back to the Future mixes science fiction with romantic comedy. Brimming with lighthearted energy, the movie begins in the present with a teen-ager named Marty who thrown back in the ‘50s to avoid being shot by terrorists. He travels back via a Do Lorean car time machine invented by his friend and mentor Emmett “Doc” Brown, a lovable, wide-eyed, wild-haired stork of a mad scientist. Marty encounters young versions of his parents and must make sure that they fall in love or he’ll cease to exist. In the finale, he has to return to his own time and save the life of Doc Brown. 

Some of the many running gags in “Back to the Future” is the way how the town has changed in 30 years like when shopping mall was a farmer’s field, when people in ‘50s thinks that the Do Lorean car with its gull-wing doors is a flying saucer and wanders into town while still wearing his 1985 clothing jacket and townsfolk ask him  why he’s still wearing life preserver.

Back Future is an entertaining time-travel movie with a clever plot and many hilarious moments. Although this has been produces almost 30 years ago, this would still be one of the most enjoyable and iconic films of the ‘80s. The film remains light and breezy and both romance and science defer to the film. Marty’s friendship with Doc is also at heart of the film.

[ranglopez-blog]

Why the Youth should allot time for Sports and Games

Sports and games give us body and mental relaxation. Games and sports symbolize the youth of nation because they keep the nation young as they keep the people young. The intellectual growth of nation too depends upon the physical health. Sports and games help in building up not only a healthy body but also a healthy mind. They teach young people to be disciplined and be obedient. By observing the rules of a game, a person learns to respect the rights of his opponent also. These rules are to teach us to honor a good foe, to praise him when he does well and to keep our temper when we are beaten. Team spirit and fellow, feelings we acquire and develop while participating in a team event. Victory is combined affair and not only an individual one.

Sports and games encourage a spirit of healthy competition, both the victor and the vanquished gain. The competition is perpetual because once it becomes a habit, it enters all our activities. Games and sports give us the sense of sportsmanship like enjoying the victory of our rivals and also to shake hands with them. It is not the victory that counts, but how we played the game. It is on the games field that the young learn to take victory or defeat in a sporting spirit. This is a lesson which is necessary throughout life.

Sports are nice physical activities that provide freedom from the stress and worries. It has nice scope and professional career for the sports persons. It has the ability to give sports-persons their required name, fame and money. So, we can say that, sports can be played for personal benefits as well as professional benefits. In both ways, it benefits our body, mind and soul. Some people play it daily for their body and mind fitness and enjoyment; however some play it to get valuable status in their life.

Game and sports are an essential part of a student’s life. A student should study hard to be successful in competitive examinations but he should also play games and sports to enjoy health and vigor of life. Education is very necessary to get name, fame and money. In the same way, getting a sound mind and body, everyone must involve in some type of physical activities for which sports is the best way. These activities have been made mandatory in the schools and colleges for the student’s good physical health, mental health and professional career. Sports have nice career in the future for anyone who is involved passionately. It is very beneficial especially for the students as it support physical as well as mental development. People who are much interested and good in the sports can love more active and healthy life.