Unlearning Patriarchy: The Deconstruction of Traditional Gender Roles

  The emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says, “It’s a girl.” ― Shirley Chisholm When I was about 11 or 12 I saw my cousin get her face punched in by her husband in front of an abandoned gas station. It was a warm summer night and the normally loud Brooklyn neighborhood was uncharacteristically quiet save for two crack … Continue reading Unlearning Patriarchy: The Deconstruction of Traditional Gender Roles

“Live On Purpose” Challenge Day 5: Who’s On Your Team? Get your squad up!

There’s a saying in Spanish that says “Dime con quien andas y te digo quien eres (Tell me who you walk with, and I’ll tell you who you are).  Who we surround and align ourselves with has a huge influence on who and what we become. The same way running with the “wrong” crowd can get us into unnecessary trouble, rolling with the right crew … Continue reading “Live On Purpose” Challenge Day 5: Who’s On Your Team? Get your squad up!

Live On Purpose Challenge Day 3: If You Have A Dream, Go Get It

The greatest contributing factor of why many people do not go after their dreams is the fear of failing. Anyone who has achieved ANYTHING great, anyone who has CHANGED THE WORLD has at some point made a choice to embrace failure instead of fighting it. If Thomas Edison had believed in failure we would still be living in darkness. If Henry Ford had given up, … Continue reading Live On Purpose Challenge Day 3: If You Have A Dream, Go Get It

“Live On Purpose” Challenge Day 2: Becoming the Person You Are Meant to Be

One of the most powerful things any of us can do is dare to live up to our fullest potential. In a society where being different is frowned upon, where you are ridiculed, or made fun of for going against what some may deem as “societal norms”, it takes a lot of courage to go against what everyone else is doing and do your own thing. Living a life that is of our own design, while it can be challenging, is the best thing you can ever do for yourself. But in order to live your best life and in order to become the person you are meant to be you have to understand who you are at your deepest, core level. Who you are is not your job, your name or the labels you have given yourself through the years. Who you are is underneath all of that. Continue reading “Live On Purpose” Challenge Day 2: Becoming the Person You Are Meant to Be

The 31 Day Live On Purpose Challenge: How to Live A Purposeful & Empowered Life

Once we start really thinking about who we are, what we do, and why we do certain things we may discover that a lot of the things we give our time and energy to really don’t add any value or benefit to our overall growth. So really this is about learning to identify and eliminate those things/activities and even people that are not contributing to our development and evolution as human beings. It’s more about reconnecting with yourself and letting go of everything that may be holding you back or bringing you down. Continue reading The 31 Day Live On Purpose Challenge: How to Live A Purposeful & Empowered Life

Why Rejection Is the Best Thing That Can Happen to You

Every experience we go through (whether good or bad) influences where we ultimately end up. I firmly believe there are no coincidences in life. Everything happens exactly as it’s supposed to; to teach us, to make us uncomfortable, and to help us grow, this includes being rejected. Whether it’s the job you didn’t get, the life changing opportunity that you missed out on, or the lover who cheated on you understanding that everything that happens to us happens for a reason can help us better deal with rejection when it comes. Rejection isn’t forever. It’s a moment. It will pass. And what is meant for you will come when the time is right. Continue reading Why Rejection Is the Best Thing That Can Happen to You

Why Aren’t You Living Your Dreams? 4 Ways to Get You Moving In the Right Direction Right Now!

So many us are living mediocre, unfulfilled lives because we are afraid of actually living the life we are destined to live. We have subscribed to the belief that living passionately and purposely is not meant for us; that somehow living a great life is not something we are worthy of. How often have you started your day with the same routine? When was the last time you actually gave though to what you were doing and why you were doing it? When was the last time you did something that you truly enjoy, something that was just for you and nobody else? We have become a society so accustomed to putting the needs of others before our own that in doing so have become comfortable in neglecting our own desires, needs, and wants. The time has come to start putting yourself first. Continue reading Why Aren’t You Living Your Dreams? 4 Ways to Get You Moving In the Right Direction Right Now!

#NoALaJunta: Puerto Rico’s Government Appointed Fiscal Control Boards Meets for the First Time in NYC Amid Protests

  It’s a wet grey morning in New York City. It’s raining. I’m cold and I’m tired. Despite the dreariness of the day I trudge on and don’t allow these things to stop me from attending Comité Boricua’s call to action against Congress’ decision to impose the Puerto Rico Oversight Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) on the Puerto Rican people. This morning the government … Continue reading #NoALaJunta: Puerto Rico’s Government Appointed Fiscal Control Boards Meets for the First Time in NYC Amid Protests

Policing the Police: Who Do You Call When Cops Murder?

As I watch the news and read the first eye witness accounts and see the images on the internet, I am horrified and I am afraid of the direction this country is headed. This is all too familiar and very reminiscent to the Civil Rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s. I can sit here and discuss the countless ways our constitutional rights are being violated. I can argue about the lack of accountability in holding these police departments legally responsible for many of these senseless deaths, but the reality is that none of those things matter, at least not when it comes to the targeting and shooting of people of color. If it did there would not be such a brazen abuse of power amongst police officers not only in large cities like New York and Los Angeles, but all over the country. The fact is these officers hide behind their badge and use their shield as an excuse to be above the law. Continue reading Policing the Police: Who Do You Call When Cops Murder?

My Take on the Dallas Shootings, the Media, & Why Black Lives Matter Too

While we mourn and acknowledge the Dallas shootings please let us not forget about #AltonSterling #PhilandoCastile and the many others who have been gunned down by law enforcement who have abused their power. What happened in Dallas speaks volumes about the state of this country. Civilians are getting killed. Cops are getting killed and the solution is not more killing. Killing doesn’t change a thing. All it does is leave an aftermath of grief, sorrow, frustration and anger. Stop killing. Start listening. We must all be a part of the solution. Continue reading My Take on the Dallas Shootings, the Media, & Why Black Lives Matter Too