39 Is Sublime

Today I face my final year as a thirty-something year old man.
My grandpa assured my years ago that every decade comes and goes just a little bit faster.
As forecasted, my 30′s blazed by, and still I managed to experience a lifetime of adventure, evolution, loss, and triumphs.
I lost my grandpa two years into my 30′s;
Booked my first big job as a choreographer on television;
Co-produced, wrote, directed, and starred in 40 digital shorts;
Co-created and starred in 3 television pilots;
Choreographed 2 movies;
Welcomed my gorgeous niece into the world;
Lost my grandma (and best friend);
Married my soulmate;
Became a homeowner;
Published my first book, So You Want To Be A Dancer;
Nursed my sister back to health and became closer than I could ever have imagined;
Booked three roles on television;
Choreographed my first full-length concert dance piece;
Finished writing my second manuscript (which will hopefully be published during my 39th year);
And finally––through countless hours of yoga, meditation, prayer, and Faith––I managed to find the Present.  I learned how to release negativity; breathe through anger; and trust.
Decidedly, I will confront the final year of my 30′s with pure joy, gratitude, and peace of mind.
I’ve accomplished so many goals––I’m ready to stop overachieving and start appreciating the blessings that surround me.
Every day of my 39th year I will cherish myself with one fabulous action, gift, or thought that celebrates my life.
Living in the present every day––so as never to look back and say, “I wish I would have enjoyed that moment more!”
What we invest in our life is directly related to what we receive; I’m ready to embrace God’s plan for me.

Work Through It...

Fighting off the demons in my mind with drowning love and acceptance;
Escaping the reflection in the mirror through breath and inner peace;
Batteling the temptation to give into darkness––I seek light in the present.

Light Brings Clarity

In a dark room, switch on the light and you can see.
In a dark moment, seek out the light and you will see;
It’s that simple.

LENTing Go

Through sacrifice we find light;
As I child I gave up chocolate, toys, and (tried to give up) homework for Lent.
Unaware of the purpose and starving for junk food until Easter, this time was nothing more than something I did because I was told I had to.
As an adult, I observe through letting go by choice.
Not because a church or religion tells me to, but because it’s the perfect opportunity to deepen my connection with God; Enlightenment.

Hearing Peace

In the stillness I heard:
Birds chirping, an airplane flying high above, construction on the house next door, a gardener’s leaf blower, and a baby crying.
I went deeper into my meditation; quieted my thoughts and heard peace.  I didn’t know you could actually hear peace––yet in the silence––there it was.

Chaos to Calm

Lost in thought during my morning meditation;
I smiled at The Universe and asked for clarity.
The thoughts dissolved and I heard the rain falling outside,
Beautiful melodies of water droplets hitting tree leaves.
Acknowledging the chaos brings attention back to the calm.

The Moment I Let Go Of It.

In my quest for balance, inner peace, and surrender I continue reminding myself that I just need to let go of “it.”
All of the self-discovery books affirm––in their own way––that release is the key to achieving a more evolved me.
But I think Alanis Morissette said it best,
“The moment I let go of it,
Was the moment I got more than I could handle.”
I have to face the facts, I’m a product of the 90′s.

Hawaii Day 3

Just as the sun rises over the volcanic rock behind me,
My mind awakes and begins to stir;
Just as the ocean rolls in towards the sand,
My heart beats and I feel alive;
Just as the birds call to each other,
My soul sings out with gratitude.
In this moment, I am present and at peace.

Good Morning

It’s still dark outside;
A sliver of light cracks over the San Gabriel Mountains,
The birds chirping outside my window serve as a beautiful, calm wake-up call.
My puppies are still cozy in bed as I make my way to the office to write.
The smell of dew covered grass wafts into the house,
My serene Saturday has begun.

Peace

Humanity.
Violent and compassionate––we coexist with people who share vastly different backgrounds: politically, socially, religiously, and economically; it’s devastating when one disturbed individual plays God in the name of God.

Remember:

When you breathe and release;
You are at peace.

The Light in You

When the negative energy is overwhelming;
The mind becomes concentrated on giving into the doubt.
When you are surrounded by darkness externally;
Close your eyes and find the light inside––it will always be there.
We have the tools to triumph in even the darkest storms.

Peace For Paris

The world has changed;
Evil threatens our safety.
United we stand.

Yoga

Body and mind at peace;
Or at least breathing through the fact that I stuffed my face yesterday and I want to feel good about myself today.

Palm Springs; Day 4

We beat the heat in the pool;
Just in time, we packed––late check out and headed out of town before the traffic crawled.
Life is wonderful with my family: Jeff, Ginger, and Lily.
It’s simple and lovely.
Vacation ends, and we’re back to the grind.
Thankful for the desert.

Hawaiian Vacation Day 11

What's the point of working so hard if you don't find time to enjoy the results?

#Balance

Acknowledging the Obvious, RE: Work

If it was fun, we'd call it play!
Even dream jobs come with headaches -
Slowly, I'm learning how to accept that there will always be more work.
Rather than focusing on the finish line, I'm concentrated on the road in front of me!

Homophobia at Prom... Really? Still!

It's hard for me to believe that there are still people in this country that (call themselves Christian's) and continue to condemn others.

Homophobia, fear, ignorance...

There are a lot of words to describe these people, but in the end, the word that sums it up best is: HATE.

The following article is almost unbelievable.

Now by "traditional" do you think they mean the kind of Prom where the "jock" date rapes the Prom Queen?

Insecure People

There are plenty of people on this earth that will fight very hard to extinguish your fire.
It's important to remember your worth.
Recognize that those people see something in you that terrifies them-
They see a talented, strong, intelligent person.
A person who is unafraid to stand up for their beliefs and remain committed to their convictions.
They see in you, individuality.
You cannot be swayed.
They cannot tame you.
They feel powerless.
Shine on!
Never compromise who you are to make someone else feel less threatened.
Their insecurity is not your problem.

Peace

Today, I remember;
I pray for the victims, survivors and the men and women still serving to keep our country safe.
I celebrate our freedom.
I honor my responsibilities to contribute to a brighter, more peaceful, evolved global humanity.
I give thanks for the opportunities provided to me as a United States citizen-
I strive to encourage tolerance among people who continue to hate.