A Dose of Sunshine

Alright y'all I have A LOT on my mind this morning! The number one thing on my mind is probably on your mind too. How tired are we of the news, our emails, and our social media being filled up with a giant shitstorm of negativity? First thing in the morning I am sipping my coffee, listening to the birds chirp, and reading about the newest upset in our government. What a drag! I don't avoid the internet though, because I have some stellar friends, family, and role models that keep on posting the love. So today, I want to be the cream in your coffee, the sunnyside up to your egg, the sleepy morning hug. 

DID YOU KNOW THAT THIS WEEK IS BODY CONFIDENCE WEEK? 

Instead of posting a video on how we get negative views on our bodies or about the struggling of body confidence, I am going to post this video. I picked this video because it is women of different shapes, sizes, colors, heights, etc. Look at all the things they love about themselves! This video makes me very happy.

I'm a little vain so I'll just list some of my favorite things. I have strong, thick legs and I love them. I have high cheekbones and straight, shiny hair from my Native American side, a round nose and strong brows from my Italian side, and dark body hair from both. I love that eventhough I am separated from my heritage, I carry it in my features. I'm also pretty crazy about my booty. 

Now, on the topic of the government, there are two particularly cool stories that have surfaced. I want to go ahead and highlight them here. First of all, can we talk about these veterans storming the World War II memorial? Some people might disagree, but I think this story is fabulous. Going to the memorial and paying your respect is free and is a beautiful thing. For these vets to take charge and get that moment of peace really makes my heart happy. Watch it here!

Probably my favorite story though is the story of Chris Cox who has been taking care of some of D.C.'s memorials. When the memorials and parks got shut down, he rode his bike at night making sure no vandalism occurred. As time went on though, trash cans filled up and the grass became unruly. He took it upon himself to start maintenance on these landmarks. Not because he is making a political statement, not because he is trying to start conflict, and not because he wanted media attention. Cox simply did what he felt was right. He didn't want these beautiful memorials to be treated poorly. "You don't get a lot of opportunities to serve your country, so when one pops up, you better be ready to go with it". Here's a video of him trying to recruit more volunteers. I absolutely love this story.

I just want to add in here that his choice has caught on like wildfire!!! Military families are taking care of the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and it is a beautiful thing! This is a movement I can stand behind 100%!

Probably my ultimate favorite thing in the World right now is partially a person and partially her cause. If you haven't already, please watch the video below. This is an exclusive interview with Malala Yousafzai, a sixteen year old who is blazing the way for women's and children's education worldwide. She is wise and beautiful beyond her years. If you enjoy this video, I recommend looking up her UN speech on youtube as well. I feel that living in America with all of our resources, I am ashamed of how often people throw away their educations. We so often take for granted all of our blessings. Prepare to be inspired y'all. 

Another beautiful lesson from Malala that I want to share is her quote "If you hit a Talib with your shoe, then there will be no difference between you and the Talib. You must not treat others that much with cruelty and that much harshly. You must fight with peace and with dialogue and with education. Then I said I will tell him how important education is and that he would want education for his children as well. I would tell him 'this is what I wanted to tell you, now do what you want'. 

I pride myself in being strong willed, passionate, and I try to advocate to the best of my ability. Many things stir anger inside me because they are so close to my heart. I watch this video as a reminder. There is no good in battling anger or humiliation with the same force. There is no benefit when you speak out of frustration. If you give them a dose of their own medicine, you are no better than them. My goal as of late has been to respond only with educated facts and as much positivity as I can muster. I try to take a stand because it is the right thing, not because I am upset. I think it has made me a happier person. 

These videos are just a small sliver of the beauty in the World right now. Despite how closed-in and hopeless things might feel, try to step back and look for the sun. Let the goodness be your guide.