For a minute there, I was ready to give everything up.
But I was reminded of the places I have yet to see, the people I have yet to meet, and the dreams I have yet to pursue.
If you’re thinking the same thing. Don’t let go of life. It’s not worth it because there’s still so much to live for. Yes, things aren’t always happy. But yes, they always get better. Just listen to the universe and follow the path that’s laid out for you. Be happy and proud of who you’ve become and who you have yet to be.
“The more you love your decisions, the less you need everyone else to love them”
A one month road trip changed my life. It made me realize the things I need to prioritize, the things I need to change, and the life I want for myself. We’ll see where this story will lead to.
Arches National Park was a fun visit. We we’re able to really see much except for two arches. It was so hot, we were unprepared for the sun. I feel like it’s common sense, but sunscreen is so crucial. Stay hydrated!
“Aparigraha (Sanskrit: अपरिग्रह) is the concept of non-possessiveness, non-grasping or non-greediness. It is one of the virtues in Hinduism and Jainism. Aparigrah is the opposite of parigrah, and refers to keeping the desire for possessions to what is necessary or important, depending on one's life stage and context“ -Google. lol.
On a serious note, all reference jokes aside. Aparigraha has been a big concept for me in this transitive state of my life. Learning to let go of emotional, physical, and mental attachments to my belongs, feelings, and past has been a huge part of my life as of lately. If you follow my instagram, then I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about this already.
If you know me personally, I can speak.. forever.. and ever. I wanted to touch base with this theme one more time because it’s just another thing I want to share with you so maybe you can do some reflecting on your own as well.
For a long time, I was holding onto some deep-rooted things in my life. I always considered myself as someone who lives in the moment. Looking back, I realized I was far from that. I kept repeating an endless cycle of bad habits. All my problems were thrown in the back of my mind for me to deal with later. I refused to leave a friendships that was making me unhappy for hopes it would somehow work out. I felt joy in my possessions, ignoring the fact that I wasn’t getting any happier with owning more material things. I cycled through terrible habits involving alcohol and just general chaotic actions that were morally wrong.
This February, my contract with my job ended. I moved away from Hawaii and went home. I started exploring more and doing the things I loved. I traveled outside of my comfort zones, met amazing people that inspired me along the way, and finally signed up for the yoga teacher training I have been putting off for years. My life transformed. I began seeing everything from a more “present” perspective. I was enjoying my moments and learning to let go of my past.
Aparigraha. Learning to detach myself from my past actions, forgiving myself for my mistakes, and finally realizing that the things I owned were starting to own me. I decided that I’m going to make an impactful change right here. My passion for traveling, yoga, and reuniting an old flame all helped this transformation. I wanted to sell all the things that didn’t bring me joy and cut off attachment with friendships that were affecting me negatively. I wanted everything I owned and everyone I interacted with to be meaningful. The things I chose to keep in my life must have purpose and bring me happiness.
It’s a process but recognizing this issue already opens up my heart and world to infinite possibilities. I feel happier everyday and it becomes easier to let go of things, people, and thoughts that don’t provide me with a happier sense of being. I love it. You should look more into this and attempt to make little changes in your life and see how it could make you happier. What are somethings that you may be holding onto a little more than you should? What are some thoughts/ possessions/ relationships in your life that would make you happier if you just let them go?
Feeling like I'm in HS again playing with christmas lights and looking at old drawings. Glancing at the past makes you realize how long you've come since then. The progression and growth as a human and an artist is something truly amazing to me. I'm only going to become a better person from here on out. I can feel that my heart is happy where it finally is. 🙌🏽😜
I have to finish what I’ve started. And I mean that in a general sense, not just with this drawing. I’ve got so much work left to do and so many more things to accomplish. But I’m excited because this is ALL part of the journey. <3 Always remember to pursue your dreams! Life wouldn’t be fun at all without them.
I’ve been off the face of the art world for over two years now. But i’m back. You’ll be seeing more of me and more of my art pieces from now on. I promise. Mostly to myself. It’s been too long and i’m ready to show you guys all that i’ve got. All that I’ve been waiting to unleash. :) Let’s have some fun, shall we? <3
This drawing was stepping way outside my comfort zone. And it's just a practice sketch. Took me wayyy too long to finish and it bled off the paper. 😭😭 But there's no progress made when you stay in your comfort zone. I have sooooo much to catch up on but I swear I'll get there eventually. ❤️
Take lots and lots and lots of chances. Because that's how you learn. That's how you grow and that's the only way to really live.
Every amazing situation I ever came across in my life all came through moments of unexpected courage where I did something I wasn't exactly 100% comfortable with. And more than likely, something really worth it comes from these experiences. When you encounter an unfamiliar situation, how you react to it makes you.
Follow your dreams even if it's scary, go talk to that boy even though you're intimidated, climb that rock even if it's big, say no because you don't want to do it, say yes because why miss out on great experiences? It's all about taking chances. No matter what your situation is. Be courageous cause you'll be a lot more happier in the long run. The fear, the scariness of it all.. it's ALL in you head. You are stronger than you believe and you have way more capabilities that you can possibly imagine. The only way to know is to take this chances!
Had a quick mini beach shoot before surfing today. Finally getting back on the art grind after a quick hiatus since the last night market. The next one is on May 17th! We'll see you there, lovelies! <3
Shop graphic tanks at www.niconono.com
Set up a new instagram account for the store! Follow my lovelies! Art updates, photoshoot sneaks, and well.. just IG of my wonderful supporters.. DUH! :)
Updated the website with the Girl Pals Crop Tank yesterday! Had an amazing shoot with the girl, Maressa, in Honolulu. Posing in front of streets and Korean BBQ.. The best way to spend a Sunday before work. :)
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