Zen And the Art of Happiness

As you may all know that have been following my blogs for some time now, I'm a big reader!! Reading is very important to me. Reading will be apart of my children's lives as much as mine. I can't wait to read to my kids the way my parents had with me. My favorite book growing up was The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. The moral behind the book was unconditional love. The tree did so much for the little boy, give him apples to sell, her trunk to build a boat and her branches to build a house.

 That book will be read every night until my children get tired of it lol.

But this blog is about how Zen And the Art of Happiness by Chris Prentiss and why this short read means so much to me.

I had been given this book on my 18th birthday from my mom who at the time was battling cancer. My mom had been diagnosed a month earlier so things in my inner world had been turned all the way upside down.  I was hit with so many waves of emotions, fearing death was my biggest challenge. I had anxiety left and right.  I had been dealing with it okay on the outside, still getting my good grades and maintaining a somewhat okay attitude.

 I had been seeing a therapist at the time and she was wonderful. She really helped me to get in tune with how I was feeling, the understanding of how sometimes I was just numb and all the other roller coaster of emotions that were being flooded. I will never forget her and how much she has impacted my life! I hope if you are reading this Casey, thank you so much for all that you have done for me and my family. You are so remarkable and I will never forget such a soul like you!xo.

My mom always knew how much I had loved to read but I don't think shell ever know how much this book helped me in my darkest days. I even now read it from time to time when I want to feel her closeness when I'm down. This book is a very easy read and only holds 142 pages for those who don't like to read a lot.

When I first opened it up, the back of the front cover my mom had written a beautiful note to me. She had been given this book when she first was diagnosed to help deal with the whirling emotions that she was going through. I felt so special that my mom's hands, the licks of fingertips as she would turn the pages were on this book and no one else touched it.

 I sometimes just read the message that she had wrote on days where she crosses my mind more often. Since moving away from my house, I do not have any other writings from her with her handwriting so you can only imagine how special this is.

Chris's message is about the power of positivity and seeing a silver lining in any event whether it was maybe positive or negative. I love how each chapter there is a different quote about positivity, the power of our minds, or just spiritual quotes that are enlightening to read.

 I won't go into detail about his writing but an easy read like this will really get you thinking on how you can perceive that any possible outcome that occurs is for your best interest only. Getting into the way of thinking takes a lot of patience as well as a practice but he is so fulfilled and happy! it's hard not to want to incorporate into your own life.

All of the books that I have hoarded throughout the years mean a lot to me. I only buy books that I know I will be reading more than once. Going back and reading books that motivate you will give you a fresh perspective on things that maybe you were missing.

Books have a way to expands our mindset beyond belief. I encourage you to go back and re-read some of the books that once sparked something in you to be the go-getter that you are. You never know what knowledge will be awaiting!!

When I have kids, I will be passing down all of my self-help books with a special message that will hopefully motivate my children to become the best version of themselves.

 I had started to do that with my boyfriend. Most of the books that I give him, I always write a little something so he knows and can look back and see how much he means to me. To give a book is to give knowledge!!

"A book has no unwanted calories and you don't have to worry about sizes as long as the subject matter appeals to the recipient." - Sue Grafton, Y is for Yesterday

Conquering Negative Thinking

When I first started writing this blog, I didn't want the focus of my writings to be all about my everyday life. I wanted to help and inspire others to look deep into themselves and come out living their best life. I wanted to tackle the key points on how we can improve ourselves every day.

Today I am discussing the benefits of letting go of negative thinking and patterns.

After my mom passed away, for a few years I was very angry with myself and the world. I felt the world was against me and somehow I was being punished. I was ignorant and felt like a victim for some time, so I would just lay back and let the days passed me by. After seeking therapy and the help of good friends, I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and take action.

Remember I spoke about it takes 21 days to form a habit. Journaling allowed me to express my negative emotions instead of taking it out on others and most importantly myself. Unfortunately, I didn't pursue my journal logs until years later.

Before moving to the city back in 2017, I had found those journals and decided to take a peek. I wanted to hug my younger self for how she had felt about herself.  Almost every page was filled with such negative language, expressions, and self-hate. I knew I couldn't live like that and most importantly how unfair of me to pursue such thinking that didn't lead me to my dreams and goals.

Fast forward to now 2020, my negative thinking habits have been washed away. Not completely due to being human and perfectly imperfect but I've made such remarkable progress for how I process certain emotional events. Holding on to so much resentment towards myself and others who had done me wrong, I knew I had to let go and forgive. Easier said than done but its a big step in the right direction.

By letting go of emotions such as resentment, guilt, pain, anger, you get it by now allowed my thinking pattern to slowly turn around as well!!

By allowing more effective thoughts such as positivity, problem-solving, and really just knowing how strong I was as an individual, my subconscious and conscious started to work for me, not against me.

We don't realize but the way we speak, it greatly impacts the way we think towards ourselves. If all that comes out of your mouth is negative or whining like a little kid, what do you think that's doing to your brain waves and how you interpret others? I feel how we speak is how we feel and vice versa. How can one have a beautiful life when most of their thoughts are working against them?

It's hard to finally come to terms and be aware of how you speak and think. But I promise you it will save you from yourself, your relationships, and all of the interactions you have on a daily basis.  Fun fact, our brains are more susceptible to think negatively due to our survival stress factor, but that's not an excuse to go around being a jerk. You're in control of your thoughts, emotions, triggers.

Let me give you some tips on how we can conquer these negative thinking patterns and live our best life:
 1. Analyzing your thoughts, patterns. 

Throughout your day, be aware of your thoughts, emotions, how are you feeling? Are you irritable, is something triggering you? Awareness is key to how to tackle negative thinking.

2. Staying Rational

Remember you control what comes out of your mouth, not the other way around. Staying rational and calm will allow you to analyze your thoughts and feelings easier.

3. Having a convo with yourself!!

I know sounds weird but ask yourself questions such as: If I react the way I would like to, does that make me the better person in this situation? Am I feeling this way due to what the person is saying or is this emotion built up from something else?

4. Positive Affirmations

I remember when I first started doing this, I thought it was weird, foreign, tacky but once I got into it, focused, and remembered why I was speaking positivity into myself, it allowed my brain to switch the off button when it came to negativity.

Writing positive affirmations on sticky notes and placing them where they will be visible to you all day really helps the subconscious. Some positive affirmations I write are: "I am healthy", I am divine", "My life is wonderful", "I am rich in all things", "I have everything I want".

Speaking those words out loud or just thinking them for 21 days, you will see the difference!! Speaking good words allows your thoughts to align with what's being said. Remember what we say, we become!!

I hope these tools will help you tackle anything in your life that you know you can change.

"The more you feed your mind with positive thoughts, the more you can attract great things into your life.

How Reading Has Impacted My Life

From when I could remember, I loved to read!! I am a very open-minded person. Sports, fishing, making mud pies with my brother, we would also dig in our background to find gold haha. I am very blessed by how I grew up.

Morals and values were essential in my household. My mom was and still is an inspiration for me. May she rest in peace in knowing her daughter is taking over the legacy.

I remember as a child, my dad and I spent days at Borders. Funny enough a few years later, Barnes and Nobles were built right around the corner, and sure enough, Borders closed their doors. My dad was very passionate about welding, fishing, he would educate himself by reading!! Soon enough Barnes and Noble came to be our place, we would spend a few hours reading books and articles while sipping hot cocoa at Starbucks.

Reading was my imagination!! When I read a book I was interested in, I found myself not putting it down until it was finished. Getting lost in between the pages, visualizing as if I was the character in the book. Reading improved my comprehension and along came my love for writing.

I had built a fascination with reading books on vampires for some reason lol. Fiction was my favorite genre because I could pretend to be whatever I wanted to be and of course, I wanted to be a vampire for some time.

Due to reading so much, I decided to write an 8-page short story about a vampire named Dracula and how he was to be taken down from Kseniya the vampire slayer. I gave it to my parents as a gift lol, they were so happy that I developed such essential habits.

The only thing good coming out of quarantine so far is allowing me to have so much freedom to read and write!! Every day I read for an hour or more if the book is that much enticing lol. Currently, I am reading The Way Of The Superior Man by David Deida and so far really good!! His book is very informative on how we use our masculine and feminine energy, how to balance both of these polarities so that we can become more centered individuals.

As you've followed my blogs thus far, I'm sure you see the pattern of my readings and writings. How to become the best version of yourself. Reading books such as these, alongside inspirational memoirs. Books have such an influence on our subconscious along with our conscious, its only key to read books that uplift you if you want to become a better version of yourself.

Reading allows me to reflect on my certain behaviors that hold me back, my attitude towards everyday situations. Every time I pick up self-help novels, or a book that gives me infinite knowledge on things, it inspires me to a better person!

Reading has saved me in so many ways as well. I notice if I don't pick up a book after a month, something is going on with me whether I'm conscious about it or not. But thanks to reading, it has given me a better perspective, and now I know what to do to help myself if I feel myself going under.
For you, it could be something different and that's great!! Just make sure whatever it is, it serves the good in you.

One day I would like to write a book about my life, the obstacles I've overcome, my everyday habits. Giving back to the community comes in different forms and, writing my story will allow others to see the badass in themselves. I hope to spark something in you if you decide to one day read my story.

Whatever impacts you, drives you run with it!!

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies".

Traveling is my Zen

 A few months back I went to Puerto Rico to meet my boyfriend's family for the first time. I did not know what to expect but I was so grateful I had an opportunity to explore the land that was not familiar with me. Pablo and his family are from a little town up on the west side of the island called Las Marias. It is literally the countryside of the countryside!! When we arrived, his parents picked us up from a tiny airport in Aguadilla.

Aguadilla is about 30 minutes away from where they lived. I remember the road being so windy, and the elevation gradually increased as we traveled further and further up the mountain. It was dark outside but from the car lights, I could make out the town. My god in the daytime the view is to die for!! To get to the shops, we would drive about 15 minutes down the mountain to a town called Mayaguez.

Driving up and down the first few days, Pablo and I were so nauseous due to the elevation, but sure enough, we got used to it. We stayed for roughly 2 weeks, I did not want to leave!! From the white-colored sand to the beautiful foggy mountain views, I fell right in love. The houses are very different from those back in the states.  Each house has a different personality.

I loved the way Pablo's looked. It was gorgeous, lively with many beautiful plants surrounding it, and not to mention 4 dogs!! Mia and Brandon were the outside dogs who guarded the home, and then we have Bongi and Luna, the old farts who were inside. I had such an amazing time, I was so upset to go. See the way the people lived, the different climate, I truly felt at peace.  That's what vacation is all about right?!

You want your home away from home to be pleasant, and that's exactly how my experience was. I can't wait to go visit again!

Growing up I was very fortunate enough to go on vacation almost every year.

Traveling more inland than international but any chance my parents could take off, we were on the road. Traveling has always left me feeling more grateful for what I already have. Experiences are what shapes a person! It's easy to go on vacation, and party drink, do what you do, but vacation should be more about feeling free.

 Feeling free from your everyday routine, work, maybe you decided to go by yourself or with friends. But breaking up the everyday routine with a vacation is the way to go!! I mean that's why we go in the first place, to break away even if it's just for a few days.

Vacationing and traveling gives you a chance to step out of the norm. Cliff diving, skiing the Swiss Alps, whatever you chose to do, go all in! Sometimes it may just be a once in a lifetime opportunity so please be fully immersed in it. Don't think about your flight being tomorrow, just enjoy every second of the beautiful views.

My goal is to someday travel the world. Traveling for me is more about gaining a different perspective. When we see the same old town, the city every day we get used to it. So even a little getaway to a different state or city gives me a fresh pair of eyes.

 Sightseeing is the best way to gain different perspectives. Staring at a mountain or a beautiful canyon, now there my mind will start to change!! I know we all don't think this way, and even if you just go away for a few days to get hammered, whatever floats your boat!

There are so many benefits of traveling, whether its to escape from everyday routine, or to find yourself.

Please get up and book a flight!!

"Traveling -it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." -Ibn Battuta

Becoming Supernatural Review

Sooooooo, after two loooong months! Not to mention, the number of things we were doing, I felt like I've been running around without a head for some time. I finally finished my book!! Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza.

 I've heard of Dr. Joe in the past, his workshops, meditations along with a few books. I never read any of his books besides this one but boy does he get into the details!! I am an avid reader, as well as a fast one, however, let me tell you his book is so detailed down to the nitty-gritty, I advise you to pay very close attention when reading this book in particular.

I don't want to spoil it for you since I highly recommend this book but if you are looking to deepening your inner self, connect to others on a more spiritual and intuitive level, please do yourself a favor and grab a copy! This book will give you all of the guidelines, tips, specific mediations to practice to seek such a profound state.

I'll be honest, I have not practiced all of which he emphasizes, but one step a time. I'm a person who likes to master something before I move on to the next.  I have started to envision and design a new future for myself and my loved ones. I am all about positivity, and all other elevated emotions that will bless you with a beautiful and fulfilling life to come.

Everyone deserves to go deeper into themselves and find out, or as I should say explore the magical things that can await us when we use this knowledge to our advantage.

From balancing chakras to finding the answers to world peace, to the pineal gland, Dr. Joe dives right into it. A lot of what is in this book is based on science, his own evidence, the profound results of everyday people like us that have attended his advanced workshops, that have explored themselves, and went to different dimensions.

I know I'm being very broad but you really need to find out for yourself. I advise you now that this book is long, detailed but I guarantee, even if you don't practice his tips, your level of understanding of yourself, others, as well as the universe will change. I hope you give this book a try and just go in with an open mind!!

I understand everyone's beliefs are different, and I respect that entirely, but you will thank me later:)

If you have any questions or aren't interested in reading in its entirely, feel free to shoot me an email and I will break it down in detail.  My email: Kseniyarussau138@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you who will or already have read it!!

"The more you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you'll go" - Dr. Seuss

What Drives You?

 When I had worked in sales, my mentors would always talk about the fundamentals of success behind a business.  The one key point they always brought up was the Why. Why do you want to start a business, why do you do what you do, why do you think something is right or wrong? The list goes on but that specific key really opened up my eyes. Finding your way in life will allow you to keep going in spite of challenges that are faced.

When you do anything in life it should be driven with some sort of motivation, and hard work unless why would you do it? For myself when I want something, I go for it with everything I have. For years I struggled with the beginning of an action that I wanted to obtain and especially feeling if I was worth whatever I was seeking.

With the help of good mentors, I was able to overcome those emotions. Don't get me wrong I still feel that way when I start a goal, but my why is always stronger than that little voice saying I can't achieve it.

Everyone's why it is different. Maybe it's your kids, your family is depending on you, or maybe because you want something different for yourself. Whatever it is I support you.

When you have a dream or a goal you want to achieve, by remembering that why will take you further than anything. When achieving whatever it is, feel those feelings of victory, triumph, all of those emotions you will feel once you have completed whatever it is. That will allow your mind and body to already be in that state!!

 Remember to always pursue something with passion!

Keeping it short and sweet today but I really hope all of my writings so far have sparked something in you to look deeper!

Keep shining!!

Letting go of Control

I was listening to Alan Watts this evening and he spoke about control and the importance of letting go of control. You're probably reading this thinking what is she talking about? The only thing we have in this life is control, but most of the time we do not my friends. We feel we have control over our lives, what goes on during our daily days, but think about it... How many times in a day something unexpected happens? Maybe someone who you were thinking about calls you, or a surprise task shows up on your desk?

I know those are the little things that we don't have control over but think about your life throughout the years up until this very moment, how many things can you say you really had the control over?

On the positive note, we do have control over ourselves! We have control over our emotions, feelings, the way we respond to outside circumstances, the way we eat.. the things all leading up to who we are as an individual floating in the galaxy.

I think we can all agree life is so unpredictable!! Something that we thought was going to happen doesn't, or the other way around, maybe something we wanted to happen happens but it didn't serve up to our expectation.  So many things!! Control and having expectations go hand in hand. Having high expectations of yourself will do you greatly when wanting to achieve whatever it is you are looking to obtain. However though, what we do not have is the control of when or how that expectation will come into fruition.

Expecting and then letting go of the outcome is the most reassuring thing you can do for yourself mentally. Allowing yourself not to be attached to the outcome but having faith that whatever it is you are seeking will seek you as well.

Manifesting is a great way to practice letting go of control. Releasing control will actually allow whatever it is to come faster!! Believing whatever you manifested is coming to you, but letting go of the control of the how will allow the universe to do the magic for you. Worrying won't bring you anywhere. Let the universe take control.  You just sit back and relax and act like its already yours!!

I'm keeping it brief tonight, but remember to "Release the stress. You were never in control anyway."- Steve Maraboli

The People You Surround Yourself With

I'm sure you all are aware of the famous line, "show me the 5 closest people you surround yourself with and I will tell you who you are". That speaks to me greatly. Believe it or not, I never believed in it growing up. I guess I always wanted to hang around the cool kids or the rebels.

 As a teen, I was definitely an adrenaline junky and still am, but back then I was geared more to the rebel side.  My friends had a tremendous impact on my decision making. Sad to say but if my friends jumped, I most likely would have too. 

Now as a mature young adult, I cut off a lot of people from my life. Some due to negative influences, I'm not saying I'm an angel now but, you know that feeling when you need to listen to your intuition. My dreams and goals were nothing similar to any of the people I surrounded myself with. I hope the people that once were in my life went off to do amazing things, but the alignment wasn't there for me anymore. 

I had gone out every weekend when I was legal to drink and up until I met my boyfriend, I had been constantly involving myself in the party scene. I wasn't happy, but seeing my friends going out made me think if I just go out and drink then all my problems will go away right?! WRONG!! Every night from coming home at 5 am, wasting my day hungover, puking my brains out, heading to the gym, work, and then repeat. I mean what a life I had! (Sarcastic tone) 

One day I had a revelation. I had to stop this madness. I realized I was going way down the dark rabbit hole and let me tell you it wasn't the hole where you find enlightenment. I felt worthless, depressed, faking this happy facade I couldn't do it anymore. Something in me had to change, and that's when the lightbulb went off in my head folks. 

I knew my environment had to change as well as the people if I wanted to flourish and really become this Kseniya I had sought out to be in the first place. It was hard letting go of my partying lifestyle, to be honest. Every weekend, I would get a text asking if I was headed to the bar or a party, but the drive to change was stronger. I decided to quit my job in the night scene as a server and bartender and try something sooo out of my realm! 

I received a call from a marketing company I had applied for and went in for the interview. At first, I was intimidated by all of the masculine energy but I knew I was to prove myself. I take everything as a competition lol, that Capricorn in me I guess. 

 I remember being a beasting the interview and coming out of there with such confidence, I knew I'd be hired. And sure enough, a few hours later I got called in to train the very next day. As training went by I finally understood what my duty was. Door to door selling Verizon FiOS. Always being in somewhat of the spotlight, I knew I could handle it. Every morning before we headed into the field, we had an impact. The impact was for practicing pitch, learning the more ins and outs of what we offered potential Verizon customers and along with team building and independent work. 

I loved the energy of my team. I had met remarkable people there. Every day was a new day and surrounding myself with positivity was my key to success. 

The people you have in your life.. ask yourself, do they uplift you? Give you advice, not the ones you want to hear but are necessary for your growth? In a time of need, are they there for you? Think about your closest friends... Do you guys share the same ideas or goals? Do they clap for you when you win or disappear? 

All of these factors are crucial to look at. You want and most importantly deserve good people in your life. You need people who can uplift you. People whose energy is drained aka energy vampires will continue to drain yours if you allow it. Remember the choice is yours. 

I was amazed at how my co-workers supported me and believed in me. That's what made me go in every day with a smile on my face. 

Finding your tribe will bring you closer to where you want to go. Surround yourself with people who have dreams and destinations. 

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" :) 

Motivational Speakers and Music

Let me start off by asking you a question.. What is the first thing you do once you wake up?

I bet most of you will say check my social media, check the news, snooze my alarm clock 10 times lol.

 I used to do all of those until I got into the routine of listening to Motivational compilations. Youtube will be your best friend for finding any teaching that piques your interest. Feel free to browse around until you find something that really speaks to you.

I started listening to motivational messages back in 2017 when a friend introduced me to Alan Watts, a philosopher who is known for interpreting Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Alan Watts is my all-time favorite. From his lovely British accent to his direct messages, I get entranced by his words. At first, it was difficult to grasp the message he was speaking of, but I recommend listening to that same message twice, so you can really intake everything that is being said.

It's easy to become distracted, but try hard enough to pay attention and I promise your understanding of the universe will be different.

There are a lot of motivational speakers that have wonderful things to share, but I will just share the ones who really motivate me every day to become better.

Les Brown. My boyfriend and I listen to him almost every day.  Les Brown has a 15-day motivational program. Currently, we are on day 9. Les Brown has a unique story! He was born on the floors of an abandoned hospital, and just shy of his 6th week being on this Earth, he was given up for adoption along side his twin brother. I can relate to Les in so many ways. I too am adopted. Les shares that growing up he had been labeled "mentally retarded". Imagine that! Brown did not allow that label to have an effect on him nor his life. He is a prime example of someone who had been through so much difficulty and pain in his life, but not one event stopped him from reaching his goals!! Les is such an inspiration to me.

Alan Watts like I had mentioned earlier. Alan is more philosophy then motivation but both messages intertwine. Being very spiritual myself, I can't help but love his messages. He talks about the universe, understanding of now, overcoming anxiety. A whole list of topics but he is someone you really should consider looking into. He may not qualify as a motivational speaker like Les, but in my eyes, he motivates me just as much.

Tony Robbins is an amazing speaker. From his workshops, seminars, just his interviews I've seen, that man is amazing! His story too is one you should look into. Tony had faced some obstacles along his way, but that never stopped him from becoming a legend.

Jim Rohn.  I don't know too much about Jim but his compilations are great as well. Jim focuses more on the law of averages. The law of averages is what determines how many people you need to reach to start noticing a pattern. Rohn was a salesman, real estate, a very successful businessman. My boyfriend had us listen to him when we used to work in sales. I being a saleswoman for some time took a lot of information that I had learned from Jim and applied to work.

These 4 are my personal favorites but again there are so many out there. Most importantly find one that you resonate with, look up to them, read about them and their patterns, and then apply it to your life.

Listening to motivational material especially when you wake up and go to bed will trigger your subconscious. The subconscious is where all of the routines, habits that we don't even think to do but do is located. What we speak and feel, especially if that's how our emotions have been for a long time. By tackling the subconscious with such amazing material will help you to get motivated again and feel excited about life, especially if you aren't feeling your best.

Music too has a huge influence on one's life. What kind of music do you listen to? It doesn't matter what genre but what is the message you gain from each song you listen to? Will it help you in your future? Will it bring you closer to where you want to go?

 Choosing the music you listen to will have an effect on your day and eventually, your life believe it or not.  Notice when you're heartbroken or sad, you may listen to break-up songs or really dense music! That's because the song, the message, as well as the beat sends off waves to your brain and will then trigger your emotions. Or think of when you're listening to hip hop or a song your pumped about, notice how upbeat you feel?

That's what I mean when I say music has a huge influence. You may not even realize it, but next time you listen to any song, tap into yourself! How do you feel? Where are you at mentally and emotionally?

I tell you once you start recognizing the impact on the music you listen to, maybe your taste will change. Who knows and I'm not telling you what to do, but just be aware of how you feel when you listen to different music.

If I'm not listening to motivational content when I wake up, I listen to Meditation music or Binaural Beats. Music that helps influence and helps clear out any blockage I may have, mentally and emotionally. I don't always meditate when I listen to this type of music, I sometimes just listen to it when I'm sleeping so it will have a profound effect on my subconscious, and allow me to feel fresh in the morning. I notice such a difference from when I listen to when I don't.

I highly recommend doing your own research if you like or giving it a try, whether it be listening to motivational content before bed and right when you wake up, listening to Binaural beats, or both! Try it for a few days, you'll be sure to thank me! :)

Acknowledging Your Inner Child

As I sit here writing this post tonight, Monsters Inc is playing in the background. I know what you all are thinking.. shes 23, really Disney movies?!  First off why not and second, Disney+ is the best thing ever invented.

Yesterday I binge-watched most of my old childhood favorites, and might I say it was awesome lol. But that's not what my post will be about tonight. The importance is loving that inner child.

We all remember our childhood or at least up until a certain age. I hope all of you have had amazing memories. The ones of feeling loved by your parents, spoiled by grandma and grandpa, or how about those memories that where we didn't have a care in the world?!

 We would scrape our knee, cry for a bit, and then get right back up and run free. Children are so extraordinary. Have you ever taken the time to listen to a child and how they express themselves? Pretty fascinating!

A few years back, I worked in a school working one on one with children who are on the autism spectrum. Most of the children in the class were non-verbal except for three. One of my students Manny always had a lot to say!!

He would always come off the bus telling me stories. His creative mind blew me away. Being around children all my life, I have finally recognized to find that inner child in myself.

As we age we tend to become more serious, our external environments influence our emotions more than we think. We are more reactive and definitely negative. Everyone has an inner child in them.

Depending on the environment, how you were raised, the morals and values that were passed down on to you factor the child in you as you grow up. Many people suffer from trauma and that causes the inner child to shut down. Unfortunately, if your inner self isn't mended, it will take a toll on you mentally and emotionally.

Handling stress and attitude is a big factor when your inner child hasn't been recognized, maybe you can't stick up for yourself, or your self worth is determined by others. There's a lot of factors on why our inner child works against us, but I'm here to assure you that you and your little self inside have the ability to flourish and heal.

But you have to do the work! Inner work is the hardest because its hard to face our trauma or even recognize there's still some hurt left inside of us. Let's get to healing ourselves because once we heal those parts of us, we can help heal others.

Have you ever noticed while admiring a cute baby or a toddler smiling at you, you get that warm, gushy feeling inside? Being around children for a long time. I realized I had abandoned that.

To find your inner child, let me give you some tips that you can practice daily, or whenever you feel like it. I still have a lot to work on with finding my inner child but being aware is the first step to healing.

Write a letter to him or her

To connect with the inner child, why not write a letter to him or her? Express how you feel towards yourself, don't focus on the mistakes you've made, focus on those loving times, the times you felt invincible!

Find a picture of your childhood

Connect yourself to a picture of you when you were younger. Focus on that picture, say nurturing things to yourself like you would to anyone else or a child.

Meditation

Meditation really helps when connecting to your inner self. Close your eyes, letting thoughts come and go until no thoughts are present. Focusing on your breath will allow you to be in the present moment.  In that present moment, rest your attention on your childhood. Fill yourself up with love, abundance, blissfulness. Connecting those positive emotions with your inner spirit will allow healing one step a time.

Therapy

Therapy will also help any unresolved trauma to come up. Expressing yourself, how you feel, maybe about a particularly painful moment will allow you to recognize, and then let go of those painful emotions. By letting go of painful memories, especially the ones surrounded by your childhood, will allow you to heal maybe not entirely( I'm not a doctor, just expressing my personal thoughts and experiences) but will bring you one step closer. We all deserve our inner child to be healed and loved.

Remember you are worth it! 

The Importance of Gratitude

  

Let me start off by asking, how many of you have felt grateful ever since our quarantine life has begun? I know for myself on most days I am feeling the abundance of gratitude just by being alive, having a roof over my head, and a full belly. But I would be lying if I said that was on a consistent basis. 

Some days I'm cranky due to not being able to go outside other than for the essentials but what can you do you know?! ;(.  At a time like this though, this is when its KEY to be grateful. Grateful that you are okay, or least I hope you are in all aspects. 

 Gratitude goes a long way. I know you all must have the intelligence to understand the importance of this feeling so I won't rant tonight lol, but just taking a moment out of your day and feeling grateful. 

Everyone's reasoning is different for feeling this way, it could be as simple as "my kid is taking a nap so I now can enjoy some quality time with my husband," whatever it is but I highly encourage you to sit with this feeling and soak it all in. 

I can't promise it will take away all your fears and anxiety, but it will allow you peacefulness and a good reminder that you don't have it as bad as you think. 

I understand it is in our nature as humans to feel fear especially when it comes to troubling times, the unknown but I know, in the end, everything will be just fine. Having that reassurance will hopefully lighten up the mental load for you. 

Feeling gratitude and practicing it every day is harder than you think, especially since our body and mind are conditioned to be in survival mode, that's how we get things done in a timely matter. 

However, I can assure you once you have gotten into the groove to say thank you frequently, even a smile can lighten someone up. Remember every action causes a reaction. 

When you're immersed in the feeling of gratitude and exerting that energy, let me tell you people will feel it. So why not share your smile and thank yous with the world?!  

Most importantly, thank YOU for taking the time out to read my thoughts. 

x

The Art of Love

Love.. such an interesting topic might I say? For years people have expressed their own idea of love, the emotions, the intensity, and what it means to them. This blog will be a short one I promise ;).

I will warn you now folks since I started writing my blogs, I don't even think about what I write, it just flows through my fingers onto the keyboard, and into your hands, or eyes I should say lol. I love writing. I love a lot of things.

I'm sure you can agree with my statement as well. Some things, including people you might love more than others and that, 's okay. But just the idea of love itself is amazing. To love means your heart is open and willing to attach.

The best thing or whatever you would like to call it is love in fact. Love is the root of all good things. Love can be whatever you want it to be. I ask you to sit with yourself for a moment and think about what it is you love, it can be loving to do certain things, the people in your life, your pets, mother earth whatever it is.

Sit with it and close your eyes, and try to immerse yourself with that love that comes from within your heart. Feel that love that pumps through your heart and veins. Whenever you are ready, open your eyes and just reflect on that feeling. How do you feel? Joy-us? Abundant? Content? Or maybe love, however you define that.

 Exercises such as this will help you in tremendous ways. By opening your heart will benefit you from overthinking, decreased stress, miraculous ways. If you're interested in going deeper into I just wrote, feel free to email me! Light and most importantly Love!! <3

Healthy Habits

It takes 21 days to form a habit and 90 days for one to become a lifestyle. I know the stats are always changing but I've always believed in these specific numbers. For me personally, after the 21 days, it automatically becomes subconscious. For all of you who know me on a personal level know I am a huge book lover.

Just a heads up, most of the blogs that I will share, I will give you some great novel recommendations. In reference to habit-forming, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is an excellent insight on how to form habits, how our subconscious is linked with everyday routines, breaking negative patterns, etc.

I don't want to give away too much, but after I had read that book and along with many other motivational novels, I found myself and still do try and apply everything I have learned into my own life.  No better way to become the best version of yourself than to form healthy habits.

Now by sharing my 2 core habits, I hope to aspire you to look into them yourself, whether you apply it or not cool, but an open mind is the best type of mind. Or perhaps become inspired to read upon habits or things that you never thought you would try or felt confident enough, but I assure you anything you do or attempt, when you apply positive energy as well as the time invested, you shall succeed at whatever it is!

 Positive or Negative but the choice is yours, my friends.

All my life I have been active. Every sport you can think of, I've most likely tried. Since I could remember my parents had involved me in all types. My top favorite would be soccer, swimming, baseball, and track. I've always been known to be competitive and sometimes a sore loser.

 My parents were very big on when you do it something, you follow through and give it everything you got. Quitting was not acceptable in the Rousseau household, and with that mentality, I have to thank my parents dearly for raising me with such moral.

I was about 14 when my parents had us sign up for a fitness center. I remember loving it because it had a pool and my favorite, the sauna! Oh, how I'd love to have a sweaty workout and then indulge in more sweat in the sauna. The cherry on top was a nice swim to calm my nerves and allow my muscles to breathe, followed up a nice shower, and off to bed.

 Ever since my youth I've had a love/hate relationship with the gym. I would be super pumped, go for a few weeks, and then just fall off the wagon. I went through this rollercoaster relationship with the gym up until I had moved out and had to pay for my own membership.

If I didn't go then why pay for it? That had been my motivation for a while, sad I know lol but I had to change my way of thinking towards the gym otherwise I would have probably canceled and never step foot into another again! One day I had a revelation, I was gaining weight due to my thyroid being out of wack. I had never been heavy up until this point.

I was feeling very depressed, up until my dad told me "you have a choice in this Senny, you either allow this poor habit of feeling sorry for yourself to eat you up, or you get up and do something about it. Everyone knows the Nike slogan, Just Do It! Well, I did just that! I decided to get back into the gym and focus my energy on sculpting my body.

 Boy from being so out of shape, I wanted to quit and never face a gym again! Not to mention how I wanted to transform into a ghost due to the way I looked and felt, but that's when you need it the most, that drive and will. After a week went by, I had started to feel like the old Kseniya, fit, and confident.

Every Time I got into that gym, I owned it. It was mine and no one will take that feeling away from me. When you feel good it shows. The gym had become such a part of my life, I would just wake up, put on my cute fit clothes and off to the gym I went, not even realizing!

My gym was apart of my lifestyle now. Fast forward, I go almost every day. The last few weeks being in quarantine has been hard due to the fact I miss my second home, but I now have formed the habit of working out at home, going to youtube, ordering a bunch of resistance bands. When there's a will there's away!

Quarantine sucks, not having the freedom to walk around, feel the sun on your face, or read your favorite book in central park. That's what I miss most, but I can't complain too much now that I have 5 lovely shelves filled with great books.

Every day my boyfriend and I take 30 mins or even more when we feel like it, to read a book. Whether it's together or independently, I love the tranquility that comes over me. Reading has always been a part of me as well. I remember when the Twilight series came out, I begged my mom to get me them and read all 4 books in one night!

I could not put them down! I know I can be maniac sometimes but being immersed in a book is the best feeling ever. I know you avid readers know the feeling I am talking about. Reading is like traveling but then you finally come out of it and realize you're still staring at Grandma's old cat clock.

Now I am not suggesting reading for 8 hours a day, I mean hey go for it but just taking a few minutes out of your day, or a chapter! A chapter a day keeps that brain youthful and yearning for more. Those good cliffhanger books, the ones you can't put down until you know what happens in the end ugh!!

I am so excited just typing this lol. Reading can be boring sometimes, especially when the topic might not be so interesting. But on the positive note, if required to read for school, work, whatever, just think you're now more educated on that topic, and can pass that info on to others:).

Reading has so many benefits to offer. By creating a habit such as this, you never know, one day I just might be coming to your book signing!

Talking about the benefits when forming new habits is great, but letting go of habits that don't serve you.. hmm lets dive right in. They say it takes the same time to break a habit, just as it is to form one. Anyone can argue because it really comes down to that specific person, as well as habits.

Some negative habits can be easier to break than others. It might take you just a second to realize how unattractive it is when you have no nails due to biting, or years! Everyone's different and depending on how deeply ingrained that habit is.

Letting go of habits that don't serve you is tough but remember you are tougher! Believe that you want and deserve to let go of whatever it is that prevents your happiness. Whether its smoking cigarettes or picking at your cuticles, be proud of yourself for breaking down those unhealthy habits one at a time!

Connecting to a higher source

When at a crossroads in your life... do you tend to look for answers through friends and family or beg for strength from up above? What I mean about such a thing is whether you believe in God, Buddha, spirituality, etc.  Whatever gets you through the day on a somewhat sane level, a job well done!

 I've always been curious about people, the what, where, how, and why. From binge-watching documentaries about serial killers to staring at people for too long in restaurants, I've always been a curious cat as my boyfriend calls me haha:).  

I had a passion for studying psychology on my short journey from a community college. School isn't for me or at least not right now, however psychology and finding out what makes each of us tick was and still is right up my alley. I also have a love to help people.

 People would come and seek out my advice whenever we both had free time to talk about our crazy lives.  By helping others figure out their own mind, helped me to reflect my own self. 

What made me tick, my impulses and urges? I've always believed when you help others, unknowingly you help yourself. 

Till I was about 17, my mother had raised my family, and I catholic. I went through all my sacraments, but yet I never felt a closeness to God. What was God? Was he a man, a woman, a thing? Always being curious, I would seek to find the answers but after not getting anywhere I had decided to give up.

Going to church and praising an almighty to me sounded stupid. I mean I can't see the guy, so how can he be so important and, why does everyone gather on Sundays to celebrate God and his son Jesus Christ? 

My mother was a devoted Catholic having gone to catholic school all throughout her youth. She loved and prayed to this God for as long as I remembered. I would try and make her happy by singing along while bored out of my mind at church. 

I just felt that I wasn't connecting to God like my mom had been all her life, but sucked it up. Unfortunately around Christmas just shy from my 18th birthday, my mom discovered she had pancreatic cancer. 

I remember her telling me to have more faith in God himself and that everything will be just fine. So I did just that. But tragedy struck, almost 2 years after being diagnosed, My mom was no longer on this earth. 

I was angry, hurt, guilty, depressed. I would say most of all feeling angry at this so-called God who my mom had told me to put so much trust into. I just kept thinking, God, my mom had believed in you... how can you let this happen? 

Right after feeling those emotions for so long, I had decided to turn away from God and to seek out different callings. I read books on Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity. None of them really latched on to me. I just felt defeated but I knew there was something out there, bigger and stronger than any human, and if you just believed, maybe things will get better.  

A few years went by and I still had not found whatever it is I was seeking up until a new job came along.  One day while I was setting up for an event to bartend, I was to train a new employee. This employee just looked different and seemed different. 

He had a baby face but spoke in such a mature tongue, I was dumbfounded. He had shared with me that he facilitated ceremonies. Ceremonies included a lot of meditation, breathing techniques, medicine. He had expressed that he was spiritual and believed in the universe, and was an alchemist. 

I had heard of the word Alchemist from a book I had loved and would read a few times a year. An alchemist for me meant someone that turned anything into love, riches, abundance. As he kept ranting about how he went about his practices, I couldn't help but notice myself feeling more and more connected, questioning, yet soaking everything up that he was sharing. 

I went home that night and decided to look up everything he said, and whoa was my mind blown! I had learned about auras, the law of attraction, higher-self, energy, etc. I knew I had found whatever it was I had been seeking all these years.  This feeling I was embodied in felt like home. 

Connecting to this higher source felt new but strangely familiar. Believing in something had allowed me to shift into becoming a better and new Kseniya. Someone that I never thought was present in me, but there it was all this time.

I believe in every phase in your life whether you are in a good space or not, allowing yourself to have faith in any higher power even if it's just a tree LOL!  having faith will allow a sense of comfort in knowing that everything will be just fine.

If you have any questions and need to talk about these topics, feel free to contact me via email: kseniyarussau138@gmail.com

Learning To Be Present

Quieting the mind and letting go especially when there's a pandemic going on sounds super cliche, am I right?! But right now ladies and gentlemen is the perfect time for practicing such a thing. 

Over time we have conditioned the body as well as the mind to respond to past experiences through our emotions and habits. We can reverse the negative conditioning done on our minds and bodies just by doing this one thing! 

Meditation along with different breathing exercises is your right-hand man in achieving the state of now.  Meditation allows the body and mind to quiet down. Thoughts will come and go but it is your duty to focus on your breathing. 

By acknowledging your thoughts, then letting go will allow the mind to fully come to a quiet. Meditation isn't easy folks so pat yourself on the back! Meditation is where your in control of your breathing, and allowing your being to be fully immersed in the present. 

There are so many benefits to meditation, I can't even think to begin, but one thing is for sure, it will allow you to take control of your thoughts and to add, being in a state of blissfulness, gratitude, and abundance, you will become more connected to your higher-self and the universe. 

In tough times like these where everything is uncertain, freeing yourself from troubling thoughts, negativity, fear etc will allow you to appreciate more. How can one be appreciative of what they have when their so focused on past experiences? 

Let me tell you its hard not to worry about what tomorrow might bring, or the regrets we all have, the "I know I could've done better" as well reminiscing on the good times that we all share.  But by living in the past, it won't get you too far to where you want to go or just appreciating the things and people you have right now, at this moment. 

Practicing just being in the moment takes a lot of work and diligence but I know we can all obtain it. It might take some time but remember it takes 28 days to form such a beneficial habit. 

 Currently, my days in Quarantine have been great due to my volume of spiritual books and self-developmental that I attained throughout my years.  Currently, I am reading a book called Becoming Supernatural by Dr, Joe Dispenza.

 For all the book lovers out there that have a yearning to discover themselves through the practice of meditation, history of the universe, and most of all, learning to be more in tune with the higher self that we all can obtain, and of course, mastering being present. 

Dr. Joe goes into detail about different meditations and they can literally heal our bodies simply by the practice of meditation as well as being in a state of happiness. I am just scratching the surface on this topic but if you are interested I highly recommended reading this book. It has motivated me to practice being in this state and loving life for where it is at this moment. 

I promise if you follow the guideline, maybe not all of your fears will be washed away, but YOU will be in control of your feelings and emotions through life and especially circumstances in which are out of your control. Either life controls you or you control your own!