Knowing there’s no straight path to success allowed me to embrace all my failures and learn to enrich myself into the woman I am today. I used to be scared to embrace who I was, my past, my vulnerability, my flaws. Afraid to embrace the image in the mirror. Somehow, I managed to trust myself, learned not to listen to those insecurities, negative thoughts, and trust the process no matter how challenging. In order to embrace myself for what I am, I’ve adapted these rules.
Veternitsa (2420m), Bitola, Macedonia
Live my Best Life
I’ve allowed myself to live my best life. Live in the moment. Live in the NOW. It ain’t easy said than done because of the struggles and challenges I need to overcome. However, in the mist of my problems, I fight not to let life slip by that I forget to live a little.
So, my friend, live your best life. Live for yourself, your family, your spouse, your partner. Enjoy the moment. You want to wake up and say today “I LIVE”!
I did it!
I ran that marathon!
I conquered my addiction!
I conquered and lived my best moment today!
Veternitsa (2420m), Bitola, Macedonia
Explore the Backyard
Few days ago, my cousin and I discovered a small park right next to our town. We were so excited, we explored the whole area, hiked for a while and enjoyed the true beauty of nature. On our way home, we walked down memory lane back to our youthful days. we reminisced on how we used to go down to the river a lot, but we always stayed on the south side of the river and never attempted to go North. Right on the north side overlooking the Hudson River was the hidden gem in our backyard.
You don’t have to go far or travel half way around the world to learn and experience something new. Explore your neighborhood, go to a new restaurant down the block. Attend a new live comedy show. If you don’t have the means, it’s alright too.
Guess what? There are tons of free shows, local/national parks, gigs, or other local events you can attend and have an amazing time.
Golemo Ezero (Big Lake), Pelister National Park, Bitola, Macedonia
Go with the Flow
Jump in the lake you said? No Problem!
My friends and family can tell you that I’m a person who’s down for whatever (nothing illegal). I feel a sudden rush of excitement when I’m enjoying and experiencing something new. It may be due to my short attention span, Ne znam! (I don’t know!). I become this whole new person and can’t resist from seeing it through.
Whether traveling, trying new sex positions with my partner (hey! No judging), experiencing new cultures, tasting different types of food, for whatever adventure, I always discover something new about myself. These small discoveries, sometimes, become the missing puzzle I’ve searched for a while. These small clues add purpose to my existence. I used to shy myself away from experiencing the unknown, exploring life, going places. I used to doubt myself and let fear control my whole being, but the more I put myself out onto the world and face my fears, the more I notice my strengths, my capabilities, and myself.
Red Rocks, Bitola, Macedonia
Feel the Moment
I don’t just experience the moment, I feel the moment. If I’m hiking, I embrace myself with nature. Be one with mother nature, I touch the trees (yes, I’m a tree hugger! I climb them too!), feel the grass, listen to the wind, and enjoy the absolute FRESH AIR. In other word, BE PRESENT.
Learning how to make AJVAR in Vatasha, a small village in Macedonia
Learn Something New
I travel a lot and I make it my purpose to learn about the country, city, culture, the food, tradition, or the people I encounter during my expedition. I’m always yearning for more, thirsty for more. It has become an addiction. If you’re a fellow traveler, I know you’ve experience that thrill.
I’m a foodie and love cooking. Each time I visit a new culture, first thing on my list is their local cuisine. When I go places, 99% of the time, I stay away from hotels or a crowded touristic location (find out why next weekend) because I prioritize interacting with the locals to learn about the food, bars, values, customs, rituals, habits, places to see, or must do activities.
Lake Balaton, Hungary, largest lake in Central Europe
Be Free
I try to live a good, peaceful, and adventurous life. I respect everyone and treat people equally and with fairness. If I make mistake, I acknowledge my wrongs and learn to move on and live a stress-free life. I’m free from judgement. I’m free from caring about what people think of me. I’m free from animal cruelty. All I want to do is to live my life, eat healthy organic plantbased only food, be content, give back and pay it forward. And, I wish all my readers the same.
