Brazilian Influence

In honor of the World Cup starting, here are a few of my favorite Brazilian exports:

1. The concept of Saudade

The term has no direct translation in English. There are various definitions including a bittersweet nostalgia for something lost or that perhaps has not even happened.  At its most basic, saudade is a feeling, a longing for someone, something or some event that one is fond of, which is gone, but might return in a distant future--although the term often carries a fatalist tone that the object of longing might never return no matter how great the desire. So when someone says, "Tenho saudades de você," it's more than "I miss you." It means a longing, a reveling in the pleasure of having loved and felt the warmth of another, all while dutifully accepting the emptiness and pain of loss. Truly a beautiful and complicated concept. 

2. Paolo Coehlo. 

The Alchemist was given to me by someone special and has been a great source of inspiration.  The concept of loving even while letting go to pursue our dreams resonates deeply, especially now.  Like Fatima, I also believe in the idea of "'Maktub," which translates to, "it is written." Basically the idea is that fate will unveil itself and if someone or something is really part of your treasure or personal legend then they will appear or return.

However, as the Alchemist points out, we never lose control of our own destinies...fate and the universe will send omens and the right people into our lives, but ultimately it is up to us to determine our own paths. Our choices, our ability to not lose sight of the little elements that make up the grand scheme, and always listening to our hearts even if it means suffering are what will ultimately lead us to our treasure...our personal legends. 

And to lighten the mood...

3. Pão de queijo

I've written about this yummy little concoction before but cannot praise its perfect blend of crispy savory goodness enough.  It's my go-to gluten-free biscuit/bread of choice. It can be somewhat sticky and tricky to make, but it's definitely worth your time. You can use my recipe or try to find another one online...if you do...make sure to send me your pics and the recipe. I'm always looking to improve.

Right...well on that note...FORZA AZZURRI!!! Looking forward to a great World Cup 2014! 

Embracing Perspective

I recently came across a post by Luminita over at Purpose Fairy. Reading through it, numbers 5, 10, and 11 really struck a cord with me. 

15 Things You Should Start Doing Today

5. Don’t settle for anything less than you’re worth

Dream boldly, act fearlessly. Build your life as if there were no limits to who you could be, do and have. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Don’t settle for anything less than you’re worth. The day will come when your whole life will flash before your eyes, and when that will happen, you will realize that you could’ve done it all, you could’ve achieved it all.

Live life fully. Dream boldly and act fearlessly. Make no room in your life for regrets.

“Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

10. By letting go it all gets done

Learn to laugh in the face of chaos. Stress less, live more. Detach from all the drama that your mind is constantly trying to create. Let go of all the to toxic thoughts, things, people and past experiences that are holding you back in life. Let go and be happy. 

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.” ~ Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

11. Surrender to what is 

Learn to be soft like water. Let go of fixed plans and concepts. Allow events to follow their natural course. Don’t fight life, don’t resist it. Surrender to what is. Accept whatever comes your way with grace and appreciation. Trust the wisdom of life. 

“Acceptance of one’s life has nothing to do with resignation; it does not mean running away from the struggle. On the contrary, it means accepting it as it comes, with all the handicaps of heredity, of suffering, of psychological complexes and injustices.” ~ Paul Tournier

I am about to face some major milestones in my life and have spent many sleepless nights anticipating what these changes may bring.  As I lie there watching the minutes turn into hours, it finally dawned on me: I have lost perspective.  I have lost sight of the present by fearing the uncertain road ahead and dwelling on what might have been under different circumstances. 

The past was beautiful, tragic, and at times, a bittersweet intermingling of love and loss.  In its true nature, however, the past is fleeting.  Today I am a woman molded by my past but not so rigidly defined by it.  I will grow stronger from both the love and conflict I endured but not give into self-pity for dreams dashed out of my control.  It is time, as she pointed out above, to let go and be happy. 

The future, as always, is unpredictable.  I can prepare and plan, but in the end, life is an adventure.  My best course is to live fearlessly and graciously.   Thanks to some persistent and friendly reminders that I am indeed wicked and worthy of happiness, I have found a renewed sense of hope and confidence.  My future is no longer bound by my own perceived limits. 

Time to focus on the present.  In this moment, as I sit here watching my fingers quickly peck away at the keys, I pause to breathe deeply and listen to sound of the air rushing in and out.  In this moment, I am healthy, I am happy, and I am loved.  Surrendering to and embracing change, I can find solace in my thoughts and sleep well tonight. 

Take a moment for yourself to check out a few suggestions that might help you approach every day with a better perspective.