#FollowYourDreams

[kodagonart]

Cutie pie thief, stealing hearts ❤️

[gentlelimerence]

“The intimacy of…

Eye contact. Smirks across a crowded room. Raised eye-brows. Knowing glances. Witty banter. "I heard this song and thought of you." The sides of legs accidentally touching in the backseat. Dancing in front of strangers. Playful teas-ing. "I saved you a seat." Comfortable silences. Quiet time. Falling asleep together on the couch. "I'm so sorry." Hope. The little things. Inside jokes. Appreciation. Mutual trust. "You're my best friend." Crying in the car alone at a red light. Heart-to-hearts in dive bar bathrooms. Giving the benefit of the doubt. Giving a second chance. Giving in to a deep laugh. "I was literally just about to call you, too." Sharing books with your scribbles and notes throughout the margins. Losing your footing. "I never told another person that before." First hugs. A kiss you know will be your last. "I understand." A sense of safety. A feeling of alignment. Just knowing someone is here to stay, even though you have no real evidence for thinking so. Believing they will anyway.”

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

[motivationalpapa]

An inspiring quote urging you to overcome fear and follow your heart's dreams, set against a stunning city skyline

[echoesofphilip]

When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.

[adiyo]

Coming Back to My Passion: The Pull of Music When Everything Else Says "No"

For years, I’ve tried to convince myself that I wanted something different. Something serious, something more aligned with what I thought was expected of me. At one point, I even set my sights on international law. It felt like the right thing to do, the responsible thing to do. But every time I thought I had found my path, something would pull me back. And that something was always music.

The funny thing is, I’ve tried different directions—enrolled in culinary school twice (the first time stepping away because of health issues), completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training, and even became a certified English as a Second Language teacher. All worthy pursuits. But no matter how far I wandered, I always found myself back in music’s orbit.

Each time I got involved in music and things started to pick up, I’d feel alive. There’s something about performing—whether it’s at Folkarama, an open mic, or any small gig—that makes me feel seen. It feels like home. But here’s the twist: every time I leaned into my musical passions, I felt guilty. Ashamed even.

Why? Because it didn’t feel "serious" enough. It wasn’t academically prestigious, and because I came from a family of immigrants that weighed heavily on me. I’m the youngest of three, and I could never seem to figure out what I wanted to do academically. On top of that, I struggled with maintaining good grades—something I later found out in my 30s was due to ADHD. By the time I was in eighth grade, my confidence in my intellect had crumbled. I carried that insecurity with me for years.

I kept telling myself that music wasn’t a “real” option. That I should be doing something more "respectable" in the eyes of society and my family. And so, I wavered. Even when I had momentum with my music, I'd let insecurities creep in—the fear that I wasn’t a strong enough vocalist, or that I didn’t sound like other female artists. I'd let the weight of my family's opinions and my own self-doubt pull me away from something I loved.

I always had one foot in and one foot out. Never fully committing, never fully allowing myself to embrace music as more than just a hobby.

But something shifted this year. Something snapped in me, like a quiet but powerful voice saying, "Enough." I realized I’ve spent too long letting other people’s expectations and my own insecurities dictate my choices.

And that voice? It was telling me to give myself a real shot—to embrace abundance in all areas of my life, including the one place I’ve always felt most alive: music.

I may not be able to control everything, but I can control the actions I take. I can decide to honor my passions and let them guide me instead of letting fear or doubt steer the ship.

Now, the real question is: What are my end goals? I’ve spent so long trying to fit into other people’s expectations that I forgot to figure out what I want. And that’s what I’m focusing on now—defining success on my own terms.

Here’s what I know for sure: People will always have ideas about what’s best for you. But at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live with the decisions you make. So why not make decisions that honor your heart? You can’t always control whether people believe in you, but you can choose to believe in yourself.

And that’s where I am now—letting go of guilt and stepping fully into what makes me feel alive.

[harmonyhealinghub]

The Fresh Start Café Shaina Tranquilino August 5, 2024

In the bustling city, Mark Thompson had climbed the corporate ladder with relentless ambition. As a high-powered executive, his days were consumed by board meetings, financial reports, and endless emails. The stress had become a constant companion, and Mark's love for cooking, once a cherished hobby, had faded into a distant memory. One evening, after another grueling day, Mark found himself gazing at an old photo of him and his grandmother in her kitchen, covered in flour, smiling ear to ear. A longing for those simpler times stirred within him. He closed his laptop, leaned back in his chair, and sighed deeply. The seed of change had been planted.

Six months later, Mark stood in front of an old, charming building in the quaint town of Maplewood. The Fresh Start Café, read the sign above the door. The paint was still fresh, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafted through the air. Mark had traded his tailored suits for a chef’s apron, and the gleaming office towers for this cozy, sunlit café.

The locals were curious about the new addition to their town. The café quickly became a popular spot, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious homemade food. Mark was often found behind the counter, chatting with customers, or in the kitchen, preparing dishes with a passion that had been dormant for too long.

One brisk autumn morning, Mark was kneading dough when the doorbell jingled, signaling a new customer. He looked up to see a woman in her fifties, dressed in a smart but casual outfit, with an air of confidence that reminded him of his old life. She introduced herself as Linda, a travel writer exploring small-town gems.

Linda was captivated by the café’s charm and Mark’s story. She returned every day for a week, sampling the menu and jotting down notes. They struck up a friendship, bonding over their shared love for food and travel. Linda's visits became the highlight of Mark’s day, a reminder that even in a small town, connections and opportunities for new beginnings abounded.

One evening, as they closed up the café, Linda handed Mark a draft of her latest article. "The Fresh Start Café: A Haven of Homemade Happiness," it read. Mark felt a swell of pride and gratitude. The article beautifully captured the essence of his journey and the soul of his café.

Months turned into years, and The Fresh Start Café flourished. It became more than just a place to eat; it was a community hub where stories were shared, friendships were formed, and dreams were rekindled. Mark’s transformation from a corporate executive to a café owner was complete, and in the heart of Maplewood, he found his new purpose.

One day, as Mark looked around the bustling café, he spotted a familiar face in the crowd—his former boss, Mr. Reynolds. They exchanged a surprised but warm greeting. Mr. Reynolds was passing through town and had heard about the café’s reputation. Over a cup of Mark’s signature coffee, they reminisced about old times and marveled at the unexpected turns life could take.

As the sun set, casting a golden glow over The Fresh Start Café, Mark felt a profound sense of contentment. He had found his place, a space where his love for cooking and his desire for connection could thrive. The café was not just a fresh start for Mark, but a testament to the power of following one’s passion, no matter where it leads.

[k-motivationletter]

Embrace your passion and let your vision guide you. This powerful quote by Steve Jobs reminds us that when we are truly dedicated to our dreams, motivation flows naturally. Our vision becomes a driving force, eliminating the need for external pushes. Let's find what we love and let it inspire our journey. 🌟✨

[remarkist]

[jiyuvib3]

✨ Dreamers are awake They see the world through eyes Of possibility ✨

[kodagonart]

Opening up an Etsy shop soon, can’t wait to start selling prints like this one!! ❤️

Updates as soon as I got em ❤️

[gentlelimerence]

“In between making it happen and letting it happen.”

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

[iwriteveganrecipesnottragedies]

To Ignaz Semmelweis

Currently watching videos from the NIH clinical research course online and I’m two videos in when I realized no one’s going to notice you’re doing something great in the moment.  They’ll usually dismiss you and gaslight you.  But if you’re passionate about something and you think it might make a difference, go for it.  Because if it does eventually make a difference, it’ll be good for the world.  They might not notice it until you die and you might go crazy because everyone thinks you’re ridiculous but at least someone’s benefiting in the future.  So, thank you Ignaz Semmelweis.  You did not deserve to be fired for proving sterile conditions decrease mortality in pregnancy/delivery.

[inspiredstories]

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." - Steve Jobs

[abluebirdthings-blog]

A pause !

Pause and give yourself the gift of presence, allowing your mind to quiet and your soul to speak.