You Only Have 11 Months, Not 12

What if I told you, you're short changing yourself from living a full calendar year? That's right, instead of 12 months, you really only have 11. For most of us, this is a scary truth. #LaCrudaRealidad

I've been doing quite a bit of personal development lately, and in reading The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, I found myself in utter shock at uncovering several time wasters I didn't even know I had. The biggest time suck? Spending too much time on social media. 

Now, before I go further let me clarify that I am a social media specialist in my current position. The mind-numbing activity I refer to falls completely outside of my day-to-day work. 

Let's say, for the sake of this post, your time spent on social media - (posting, commenting, sharing or silently stalking)- goes something like this: 

30 min in the morning 

30 min in the afternoon

30 min in the evening 

30 min before going to bed

This is equivalent to 2 hours out of your 24. No biggie, right? Now look take a look at this: 

In just one week, those 2 little hours have turned into 14, and in one year, those 14 spiral into seven hundred and twenty eight hours - the equivalent of 30 days!!  Let that sink in for a second. 

That means, if you find yourself with a similar schedule - you are literally living 11 months out of 12. I think its safe to say 2 hours a day on social media is quite conservative for the masses. Now think of the other time wasters in your life; sitcoms, extra naps, netflix binging, worrying, regretting, deciding and not DOING... 

Is wasting a whole month out of your life worth it? Ask yourself the next time you reach for your phone or complain to someone "there aren't enough hours in a day". #guilty

Since becoming aware of this, I've made it a strong point to spend as little time on social media as possible. It's crazy how I catch myself (without even thinking) reaching for my phone to check email, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest...  the first time I became aware, I did this like clock-work, every 15 min in one hour!! I was sick to my stomach to realized this. 

It's been one whole week since I nipped this awful habit in the bud, and am happy to report, I have successfully created a new, healthier habit; I now only spend 15 minutes in the morning (after my morning routine, not as soon as I wake up), 15 minutes mid-day, and 15 minutes in the evening (not while in bed). It's more than enough time to "catch up" on things and people that are important to me, without neglecting things that really deserve my undivided attention.

45 min a day still comes out to 11 days out of the year that I'm wasting. And yea, you could argue that knowing what family and friends are up to isn't too bad of a habit -- but often we find ourselves in a tailspin of gossip, news, "10 tips for_________" whatever you want, vines, clips, etc, etc, etc, Or worse, deliberately ignoring those we love. How many times have you gone to a park/restaurant/bar/cafe and found most everyone with their nose in their smartphones? Are you one of these people? Next time you go somewhere, try forgetting your phone. 

I challenge you to check your mind numbing activities and redirect that energy to things that really matter, like your goals, family or self development.

And on that note, I'm out ((throws peace sign)) 

xxo Dais

The Power of Vision

I've gotten to experience some pretty amazing things in my 30 years of life. Some may call it "luck" - I call it pure manifestation. I must admit though, it wasn't until I was about 24 that I began to realize the things in my life that were happening, were no accident. If you ever doubted the power of intention or the law of attraction, there may be hope for you written in these words.

To my believers, dreamers and goal achievers; I'd like to share with you some experiences that could not have been possible without a premeditated vision.

Becoming an Entrepreneur: I was looking through old boxes the other day, and I found a project I developed in my entrepreneurship class while in college. It talked about this boutique company that offered PR, event planning and marketing to the fabulous world of fashion named De La Croix. At the time, I created the business with a location in Coconut Grove, Miami. And basically it was going to be the shit. Heavens knows how I was going to build this magical company with no money or years of experience, but I was certain in my heart I was going to do it. Just one year after I graduated college while scouring craigslist for a job, I accepted that "magical" opportunity, and opened those doors, not in Miami as planned, but in the heart of Chicago, and not to any fashion icon or store, but to many meaningful businesses and non-profits. Many things took place before the moment where I said "yes!" and took the leap that turned me into a business owner. Again, some may call it "luck" or being "at the right place at the right time" - but I mean, seriously - what are the odds of that happening to a 23 year old? And isn't being in the right place at the right time part of a universal plan anyway?  Operating De La Croix Media Group was one of the most difficult and rewarding times of my young adult life. And while I am no longer running this company, I am incredibly grateful for the 3.5 year we had, the projects we created and the lives we've changed.

Traveling the World: In 2011, while DLC Media was still in business, I decided it was going to travel far and wide. Again, I didn't have that kind of money and I didn't know how I was going to do it, but my intention and belief was so strong, that it lead me to having one of the best travel experiences of my life- almost immediately after my intention was set. (For free!) Yea, trust me, I know how that sounds, but its true!

First was my trip to Kenya, Africa - which was without a doubt the most defining out of these experiences. The universe aligned itself for me, and through a non-profit organization, offered me a free- (government grant) to fly abroad and teach Kenyan entrepreneurs Marketing 101 for 2 weeks. Because the opportunity was so grand, I stayed almost the entire month and visited the countryside, went on 2 safaris, explored the city of Nairobi, the slums of Kibera, and the breathtaking beaches and city of Mombasa. During this time, I also went to our nations capital (for free), through another program. In the years that followed, I  reconnected with family in Texas, went sky diving in San Diego and traveled to Hong Kong and Bali with my best friend for my 28th birthday. I discovered the beauty of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico - and visited the most inspiring museum: La Casa de Frida Khalo in Coyoacán. My fiance and I married in Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico, we had our "baby moon" in Costa Rica, and just 4 months after our son was born, traveled to the Dominican Republic and shortly after to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

I wont say that everything on that list was free - because it wasn't, and I'm not filthy rich by any means. But somehow, all of my travels seemed to be within reach of my budget. Also, in my wanderlust adventures, my mantra has been to travel as a local, not a tourist; to give back and experience total culture immersion. I am so blessed to say I have accomplished that in each of my travels.  Currently, my intention is to travel at least 4 times a year with my family. Here's what that looks like for me:

• To explore a new state in Mexico
• To explore a new Latin American Country
• To explore an Asian or Middle Eastern Country
• To visit somewhere I've never been, here in the states 

I have no doubt in my mind I will make this, and everything else on my vision board happen.

I've taken the time to write this because I want to encourage you to do the same! There is real power in setting aside quality concentration time to figure out what it is you want out of life. This past weekend, I had the privilege of co-hosting a vision board workshop with ConsciousXplorer at the FABULOUS studio  space of Trigger Chicago. We gathered, shared our vision and proclaimed our intentions to each other, and each of us walked away feeling taller and more confident about our decision to succeed and goal achieve. 

What excited you? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What do you want to be when you "grow up"?  All the experts will agree, there truly is no limit. "What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve"- Napoleon Hill.  

Give yourself the gift of vision, take action and enjoy this thing called life!

Scuba Diving in the Indian ocean

Henna by my friend Halima Hassan 

Camel riding on Diani Beach, Mombasa

My dear Masai friend, Ole Nkooya

The brightest faces I've ever been greeted with! Kenya  

Some of my accomplishments while running DLC Media Group

Sky diving in San Diego!

Rice Paddy fields in Bali, Indonesia

Exploring Hong Kong

Sunrise Dolphin watching in Bali

In Frida Kahlo's Art Studio! 

Jungle adventures in Costa Rica

Black Sand Beach in Isla de Vieques

Enjoying the most breathtaking private beach in Costa Rica

Rain forest trekking in Costa Rica

Punta Cana, República Dominicana

Visiting el Faro de Colón in Santo Domingo DR

My SUN, enjoying the sand in Cabo San Lucas

Reignite Your Passion

So. You're stuck in a funk.

You've found the goal(s) you want to reach- but can't find the energy and your passion is no where to be found. What gives? A few months ago this was all you could think about and now, now you simply find yourself chasing your tail on how to get started.

Don't beat yourself up about it. Instead, reignite your passion by doing one of the following!

1. If it's something you really care about, chances are you've written about it in a journal, blog or maybe in an email to someone. Revisit your archives and read about what excites you most in your own words.
2. You are the company you keep; mom's oldest saying is true. Surround yourself with peers who share your passion and bounce ideas off each other. Don't have any in your inner circle? Maybe it's time to reconsider who you spend time with and start meeting new folks. Meetup.com is a great place to start networking with like minded individuals of all sorts.
3. Find clarity in your goals. The best way to do this is to disconnect. Turn off your electronics and go for a long drive, walk or even a weekend getaway by yourself; get some fresh air, get out of your routine and identify what you want to do and what steps you need to take to get there.  
4. Do away with clutter. Clutter in your surroundings equals clutter in your thoughts.
5. Help someone do something. Volunteer, donate, tutor - give your time to someone else and see what comes out of it. Sometimes people with nothing to give, give the most in return.
6. Try something new! There is no better brain-jolt than a new experience.
7. Leave your procrastinating ways behind. You're never going to get another chance at today. Start small and don't stop - tortoise made it to the finish line eventually ;)

Get Moving!