When I was a little girl growing up in a rough East Los Angeles neighborhood, I realized that we are shaped by our experiences. For better or worse, what we live through, with and in changes us. . In college I realized we have the power to choose what to marinate in, and I decided to surround myself with the people, places, books, art, music and experiences that would shape me into who I wanted to be, who I knew deep down inside I was: a goofy, joyful, multi-creative, inspired, nerdy, sassy beacon of light. . In the years that followed, I had many experiences, some beautifully uplifting, some tragically dark. . And what I keep going back to is this: . We get to decide what we marinate in. . We get to decide if we're going to consume books, TV shows, movies and art or be around people and places that light us up and inspire the depths of our being, or that bring us down and cause us to lose hope. . While we do well by staying informed of the reality of our times (which can be challenging), we also do well by taking note of what we need in order to function at our highest, to live vibrantly so that we have more to share and to give back. . So, let's really look at what we're marinating in, starting with where we are right now: . Look at the walls (or environment) around you. Check in with your body while you look around. What sensations arise? Do you tense up when you see certain things? Do you breathe deeper when you see other things? Listen to your inner whispers. What comes up? Is there anything in your space you want to appreciate more deeply? Anything you want to let go of? Anything new you want to bring in? . We can apply this process to every arena of our life to support our highest good, knowing that as we support ourself, we support our ability to shine brightly for the benefit of the world around us, and the world at large. . . . . . #innerverse #lightwarrior #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #heartcentered #soulhealing #quotesoflife #whispersfrommotherearth #youarelight #everydaymagic #innerwisdom #rainbowcolors #colorheals #rainbowtribe #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #doesmarinatingmakeanyoneelsehungry?😂 #alltheyumniness (at Canterbury, New Zealand)