Your Passion in Action

To become a master at something you have to train yourself.  You have to decide what it is you want to do.   Once you decide, Now take action. Do something! Anything, Just do it.

It's amazing once you get started it all comes together somehow.. But what surprised me was sometimes there are moments of discomfort where you don't understand or you simply don't want to work.

I used to think well it's my passion and I should naturally want to work at it and I do naturally want to work at it but that's not enough to make me do something I am not in the habit of doing everyday.  It takes practice.  Everyday a conscious effort to practice working at it.

There will be times you don't want to do the work, research or exercise but those are the moments of  life that matters the most, the moments we choose to stay in bed and watch American Idol, Scandal or even go out with our friends. Guess what Kerry Washington did her work (years of work) and now she can show up like a gladiator in a suit every week.

Every time... you have to choose you, your passion, your dreams.

There is nothing wrong with having a good time with friends. I believe life is a balance.  But you know you didn't get your ass up and do your work. So now you have to choose to work for your jewel moment. The moment where nothing else matters but you.  Sounds selfish? yeah It's ok,

My plan of action is to get up early everyday for one year. 10 minutes in the beginning.  Then gradually increase my time.  I will set a timer. 10 minutes everyday of design and sketching to train my eye and hand to work for that jewel moment.  No facebooking, no emails, turn everything off except what you need to work.
I will share my updates weekly, so check back.

It takes time and effort to become a master of your passion.-

Above is a pic I took at the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit in San Francisco  last month. 

Best M

Being Content this Memorial Day Weekend

Being content was the name of the game this weekend.  From meeting up with friends Saturday, tasting new wine from Uruguay and dancing to Afro-Cuban music of Ricardo Lemvo at LACMA, to Sunday's Hike to the highest peak at Griffith Park to absolutely relaxing at home on Monday.  I was content going with the flow of the music where ever I ended up.  I planned this extravagant weekend in Catalina Island, needless to say all that was scrapped at the last minute.  I really didn't feel like traveling. Just listening to wonderful music, hanging with friends and taking in nature was good enough for me.  I hope you are enjoying your time on this earth.  See More Pics here    

3 Ways to Gladiate a 10k!

I have to start by saying Sunday's race in Santa Monica was so invigorating. The energy and all the beautiful people truly inspired me.  Not only was the Santa Monica Classic in its 7 year run supporting the  Heal the Bay organization but the euphoric energy you experience running with all those people for the same cause not even an orgasm can beat that.

It's a feeling that no one else can give you.  You have to experience the moment for yourself. 

My old acting coach used to say if you're not fucking, you're not living.  Well I say if you're running a 10k, you're not living. 

Which is why I want to share with you 3 ways to Gladiate a 10k Race. 

You might not win the race especially with all the African runners participating but you will radiate a energy of confidence and euphoria.  

1.   Sing while you Run.  Sing a song that inspires you, that uplifts you.  You can sing it out loud or to yourself. Whatever you prefer!  Hum it! If you want to.  Singing inspires active breathing.  And active breathing allows you to set your own pace of the race. 

 If you follow someone's else pace and when they stop! or change...guess what! You will too!  We don't want that.  We want you to drive you're own speed, inspire you're own pace.

2.   Don't try anything new the day of the race.  Don't go out and buy a new work out bodysuit the day before the race.  You might end up running with your pants or shorts rising down showing your buns. And believe me that is not cute. 

 Don't try a new energy drink, gel or supplement even if Sport Chalet gave you a $10 gift card to buy anything you want.  Don't do anything you don't normally do when you practice running on a normal day.  In fact you want to have something or wear something you normally wear to make you feel like it's a regular day of practice.  

By the way ignore those cute little Asian students passing you water every other mile.  If you don't drink water During your normal run don't drink it on the day During the race just because it's free. You will get cramps and that doesn't feel good at the 3rd mile marker.

3.  Smile the entire Race. This is the Most Important of all 3.   Fake it! you have to.  In the beginning you will be so excited and happy you won't have to fake it.   However, when you get to mile 3, you might be saying... What the Fuck was I thinking when I signed up for this.  

 Just Smile! Sing your favorite song and Believe me! when I tell you! on the turnaround at the 4th mile marker you Get a second wind that is Sooo ...rejuvenating! You're going to be like Damn! Where did that come from?. 

 Just keep smiling, keep singing! Your speed will pickup and the next thing you know... you  ARE at the Finish line. Sweating, Crying, (the ugly cry) because of this  amazing accomplishment you've just achieved.  There is nothing like it!  I tell you! Nothing like it.

I hope you have the courage to participate in the next race.  Check out Active.com for races in your area.  If you like this post feel free to share it with your friends.  

Best, 

Malaika    

Imagine You are Perfect!

Just a quick thought I want to share today.  I read an article last night about being content with what we have right now.  This morning I woke up with the same thoughts, imagining...
I am perfect just the way I am.
I am good enough just the way I am.
I am grateful with what I have right now.
  All is Well.

Eating" Shrimp, Spinach & Pesto Salad

Another beautiful salad I made today with grilled shrimp, orange yellow and green bell peppers, white onions in a bed of spinach topped with basil Pesto. 

Talk about a good time! Only thing missing is a glass of champagne. 

I hope you are enjoying your lunch. Bon Appetito!

Imagine" living on a Positive Peak

Imagine moving through the universe on the highest positive peak all the time.  From the time you get out of bed, make love, work out, have coffee, morning ritual, to work, lunch, breaks and most important after work.  What do you do? How do you spend your time? I read about a philosopher who believes he gets more work done after 6pm when everyone is drinking he's working.  I thought wow, when I'm not at school I have at least 3 to 4 hours to be present and practice my passions.  I want to be 100% present and available for my mind, body, spirit and craft at the highest possible positive peak available.  Let's work on that.

Also I've been thinking about practicing my passions alot lately.  Just a little practice everyday.  Because I'm so in my head I have to come up with a plan of action and schedule when I'm going to design and style from a creative standpoint.  I am still learning the basic principles of designs so I imagine I'd be reading and researching about designers who've made an impact and why.  So stay tuned in for my 365 day plan to practice my passions.  You know what they say, if you can do something everyday for a year you will be a Master.  That is what I aim for to be a master at design, be it apparel, shoes, accessories, we shall see.  Thanks for reading.  Peace

Loving the Built-in Bling

I would give my first born for this Dolce & Gabbana dress

My favorite Quote and Simple words to Live By

I am starting to memorize my favorite quotes and recite them in the morning as a part of my planning and solitude practice.
Memorizing increases mental strength and reciting out loud affirms the positive energy readily available to me.

Eating" Swiss Chard, spinach and Salmon Salad

Sitting at my desk reading and eating lunch. My lunch is so yummy I had to share. There's a new salad mix of Swiss chard and spinach, which is suppose to be one of the best for the green veggie family. And if you know me you know I love to eat salmon, although I will be vegetarian soon, it will be a fight to the end of me eating meat. Also added tomatoes, onions, garlic and brocoli. Topped with a little olive oil and my tummy is feeling yummy! Bon Appetite!

Believe that you have choices

 

I am so happy and truly grateful to have chosen a journey I believe in and enjoy. Because when the time comes when you feel negative emotions of  fear or anxiety you really need to "believe in something, anything, that gives you the courage and strength to continue on when it would be so easy to give up" -Rachel Snyder. 

I had to reread this quote last night because after my fashion design class I went home feeling despair and uncertainty about my designs because my fashion design instructor suggested a different path in my collection than what I originally selected.  I respect my teacher and value her knowledge and training but at the end of the day I have to follow my instincts.  I felt calm after rereading the above quote because I know I have choices and I believe in myself.  So I wanted to share with you today, just in case someone has shared a similar experience and chose to ignore their own internal guidance. 

Quick Pics of My week

Quick Thought Today: Trust your Instincts

Last Friday I told you I'm doing inventory on how I spend my time besides that's all we have, Right! And today I woke up thinking about trusting my instincts. So I'm learning my subject of passion and it is very important to trust my instincts in order to guide me through my time on this earth.

I'm going to the fabric store today to get sample swatches for the collection I'm designing for my fashion design final project. Often time I get overwhelmed in a Costco type situation with so many types of things to choose from, so I try limit my choices. I have an idea of what to look for, let's pray I stick to it but remain open and flexible. Wish me luck! Best M-

Shoes Most Coveted last weekend in Vegas!

I wore these shoes the entire weekend in Vegas.  Although I packed 3 pairs, one for each outfit.  I ended up only wearing these heels I bought at Zara in New York City on Fashion Night Out 2011.  So not only was the purchase for a good cause, the shoes turns out to be comfortable and versatile which I can wear with anything.  Dancing til 4 in the morning, waking up 2 hours later to lay by the pool then dinner on the strip @ Mon Ami Gabi in Paris Hotel followed by more dancing at The Chateau, well what can I say?  Total Glam blast with the girls in my Zara Heels.  What are your most coveted ( most worn ) shoes this month?

18 days til Santa Monica Classic

 Santa Monica Classic is May 20, 2012. I'm tracking progress on the calendar events. I'm using run keeper app on my phone as well as sharing Facebook status updates daily. Sometimes it feels like you're holding me accountable and I appreciate that.
The race supports Heal the Bay read more

Running 10K to Support the Heal the Bay!

Today starts my training for the 10k Race Santa Monica Classic  to support the Heal the Bay organization. Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean.  I absolutely love nature, water and was so truly inspired to run the 10k last year.  I am determined to run the race this year and will be prepared for the rain.  Last year, we did not dress for the change in weather as if it never rains in Southern California.  I kid you not, the moment we sat foot in Santa Monica, the rain stopped and it was on! I knew mother nature was on our side.  At the start, everyone took off running.  It was so exhilarating. A total euphoric experience. If you are in town, it would be great to have everyone join in the race.  The race is in 19 more days so I will run 14 days total including today, alternating between 3 to 6miles.  And rest in between.  Because I've learned from my 21 day brazilian booty challlenge that your girl needs to rest, plenty of water and relax in lavender epsom salt.  Hope to see you out there running to Heal the Bay.