Every New Thing is a Good Thing- Forget Comparisons

The recent death of a close family friend not only brought me to a moment of retrospection but his death has awaken something in me. To see the outpouring of love for a young man was truly heart warming and it felt good to know that I had the opportunity to not just meet this persons but to also be touched by him. This reflection then led me to think about my life and the impact that I have had on those around me. It brought me to a movement of self-assessment and it is within that moment I realized the importance of eliminating comparisons in life.

I must admit, I instantly felt a level of sadness that can not be described, I actually tried to imagine if I were to die, would I receive the same outpouring of love. I questioned, whether my friends would grieve over my death and even tried to guess how my family would react and then I caught myself. I realized that the thought in itself was not only depressing but did not add value in anyway to my life.
Rather than comparing, instead, over the last few days, I have used this time of reflection to celebrate my accomplishments. I looked at my vision paper (because vision boards are not realistic for every day life), reflected on what I have accomplished and identified new goals to knock down.

In today's world where social media consumes most of our lives, comparing ourselves to others often times leave us in a state of depression. We want what we see other people posting. Everything is #goals and without knowing how they have achieved these things, we interrupt our daily lives to be just like them. Comparison is the thief of joy and despite what you see people posting, there is always a back story. Live your best life the way you know how. Enjoy your journey and watch the beauty of life unfold in such a way that not only will you experience authentic happiness but your happiness can transfer to those around you.

Living life authentically,
Keiani :)

Lessons from a 4- Year Old

Ok, so I have to be honest and admit that my greatest moments in life happened only after having my kid. It's like becoming a mother gave me a clean slate to start a new life ( and boy did I need it!) Each year as my daughter gets older, I find new ways to appreciate her. She's four now and to be honest, what I am learning each day from her, is truly profound. Here are a few lessons I am currently learning from my chocolate drop:

Good Memory Matters
You want to test the memory of a four year old? Promise them candy, cake or ice-cream. Often times I make promises with my daughter that I have no intention of keeping, but I know that it will get her to do what I want for that moment. Wait. Don't get excited just yet; it comes back to haunt you; and most times its in a MAJOR way! To this day I owe her a cupcake, a popsicle, and a trip to the candy store.
Side note: I promise to fulfill these at some point. For real.

Holding Grudges is for the Birds
The best thing I love about my daughter's love for me is that its truly unconditional. We disagree, she cries, we talk and then we are back at it (selfies in the parking lot)! Can you imagine every relationship being this way?! The fact that she can be disciplined for bad behavior and still run to give me a hug and kiss just makes my day!

Food is NOT  that Important
I don't know about you but if I'm not eating every two hours of the day, you can find me somewhere passed out wondering when the next meal will come.  Food is my everything (and can possibly explain my current size).  However, let's face it, food  as often as we adults consume, isn't a requirement. If she can go 5-hours with just water and some fruit, ruling the playground, who am I?

Please and Thank You are the Magic Words
You know how when you get older you sometimes forget your manners aka you are rude. My daughter never allows me to forget the magic words. Like ever! While I get annoyed when she finds the most inappropriate times to correct me (usually in front of others). its so refreshing to have the constant reminder that manners matters and saying kind words are important!

The lessons I am learning and reminded of from my four year old are timely reminders that there is growth in every thing we do. The way she articulates her thoughts are out of this world and I am eager to see what the years ahead would bring.

Here's to lessons from my 4- year old!

Weekend Rant: Raising Mini Me

Do you ever get to a place with your kids where you despise what they are doing then you stop and realize that its exactly what you do, ALL THE TIME? UGhhhh! I can not tell you the amount of times I want to scream when I see my daughter doing the same nonsense I was disciplined for as a child. It's like she is my exact replica and while for some parents that may be a sigh of relief, Im holding my breathe because I know I am in for a ride and a complex one at that!

Here's to a great weekend from our home to yours!