Wordless Wednesday: ¿Café? ¡Olé!

Don't Hate. Participate.

I'm the first to tell someone how awesome they are when they share an achievement.

Why? That's just how I am.

I've had people frown when I said I was going to be a lawyer. They loved to tell me how hard it would be, how competitive, and my odds of passing the bar."Why thank you" says this lawyer. But no thank you. 

I sat next to a woman at a conference who shared with me how she was worried she wouldn't pass a nursing exam. Did I tell her about her odds? Hell no. I told her not to worry, that all she can do is her best and her best is surely enough ... it is just in my nature to be encouraging. But people love to spread doom and gloom... don't let yourself be permeated by that.  

What do you think I hear about the pursuit of an acting career? Psht, they too can step to the left, and get right out of my way. I'm not just dreaming, I'm doing! And this degree is mine to keep - the best back up plan everrrrr. 

Following ones bliss is not easy and we can use all the support we can get. So why doesn't everyone just dole it out and let that good karma pour all over them? I don't know. Maybe it's not in everyone's nature to show kindness, support or to be compassionate. It's not just a gender thing or a cultural thing... it's across the board. 

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LushLunes: The Art of Appreciation

It's funny how imparting kindness on another will not only bring a smile to their face, but on yours as well. All those honest feel-good moments are exactly that... good for you. 

I feel good when I tell Che how much I appreciate his support; when I tell Sorayu how much her friendship means to me; when I thank Bubbles and Buttercup for always being there for me. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have such beautiful and genuine people in my life. And they should know it. 

So what's your mission? Spread a little joy today. Here's a simple example:

"Hey, _____ I appreciate it when you _____. It makes me feel _____. Thanks for being so awesome."

Make this Lunes a Lush one by telling your loved ones you appreciate them. And remember, the energy you put out into the world will be returned in like kind.

Found Memories: A beautiful film.

"Historias Que So Existem Quando Lembradas," also known as "Found Memories" is set in a coffee plantation town in Brazil that celebrates the raw beauty of life, love, and even death. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to see and support a film from Latin America where the strongest characters are the women.

Synopsis: Like every morning, Madalena makes bread for Antonio's old coffee shop. Like every day, she crosses the railways where no trains have passed for years; she cleans up the gate of the locked cemetery, and listens to the priest's sermon before sharing lunch with the other old villagers. Clinging to the image of her dead husband and living in her memories, Madalena is awakened by the arrival of Rita, a young photographer who is arriving in the ghost village of Jotuomba, where time seems to have stopped.  A deep relationship is forged between the two women, which gradually builds to have a profound effect on both of their lives, as well as the rest of the villagers.

How did I come to find out about this award-winning film?  Well I'll tell ya!

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LushLunes: Quality Time

What is something that you love to do? I can count a bunch of things, depending on the category we put it in.

 I love spending time with my family, cuddling with Che, watching a really good movie with my friends... basically being with people I care about.

So what could your LushLunes mission possibly be? Plan something special with friends, family or your significant other. Plan it for this week so you have something to look forward to - but the catch is, it can't be on a Friday. Friday has enough glory, so let another day of the week shine. I've got my plans for tonight with family, and friends for Thursday!

What will you do this LushLunes?