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

Observation + Inspiration

Such a warm and lovely night we had on Tuesday. It was one of those weird summer days in Chicago when it should feel like fall, but instead it’s a scorching 96 degrees + humidity. That night, however, was perfect. My landlord invited us to an impromptu cookout on our rooftop, which I love because it’s anything but ordinary. While we were sitting there getting to know his guest from Brazil and new tenant from Italy- it hit me how incredibly lucky I am to live in true diversity. Yes, TRUE diversity – not the corporate America BS definition. You know, they employ an African American, Middle Eastern and Latino and call it a day. Our view of diversity is so incredibly skewed it blows my mind sometimes.

I grew up in a suburb where we had an equal mix of ethnicity: White, Black, Middle Eastern and Latino. That was always normal to me. On my first day of college, we had to share something about ourselves that was interesting or unique – or something – you know the drill. When it came to the girl sitting next to me, she quietly said “this is the first time I am in a room with a person of color” – say whaaaaaaaaaat?? This isn't the 60’s, girl. I’ll never forget the look on her face or the expression on mine lol. I couldn't believe this poor girl, in her 18-or-so years of life was so sheltered. But it’s not her fault. And I applaud her for leaving Bufu, IL or wherever the hell she came from to experience the real world.

If you haven’t experienced TRUE diversity, you need to get on it.

Back to my rooftop story: at one point of the night, there was an Egyptian, Brazilian, Italian, Guatemalan, Irish-Norwegian and a couple of Mexicans listening to African music. We were learning about each other in a way that could never be read in a text book; swapping travel stories, favorite foods, old traditions, learning phrases in Portuguese – I mean, it was awesome. I don’t normally step back and take time to admire the amazing company that surrounds me, but that night I did. (and it made me realize I should do it more often)

You have so much to gain and nothing to lose from having an open mind. I mean, really – OPEN YOUR MIND. Learn something new, get lost, travel alone, travel with someone, make friends with a stranger, ask someone about their goals and aspirations, do the things you’re not “supposed to do”- because it isn’t “safe” or whatever the bullshit reason is. Use common sense, obviously - but you get my point. Let go of your fears and get out there! Travel with your mind. There is sooooo much to learn! "The mind is like a parachute, it doesn't work unless it's open."

Here is a little inspiration
(my favorite short-videos of all time)

EAT | LEARN | MOVE

Okay – where are you really going with this, Daisy.

I am inspired. And I am starting a new project called enséñame (teach me). It’s a project with a mission to learn things about cultures from all over the world, more specifically- about their food, art and tradition. I will document and publish my findings here. My mom will bless the project as my first “teacher” this weekend. 

I hope I inspire YOU to learn something new. Stay tuned! 

You should read more.

Gratitiude Will Set You Free

It's amazing how far a little gratitude can take you. One of my favorite blogs, Tiny Buddha - touches on the subject constantly. "Practice Grattitude" it says, "A sure and quick way to start loving right where you are is to think of all that you have to be grateful for. You can keep a journal, say it in a prayer, or shout it to the sun. When you make a practice of giving thanks, it gets you back in touch with just how amazing right here and now is."

Today, I want to share my gratitude.

There are a few things in life that elate me. One of them is traveling. I have an extreme case of wanderlust. I’ve always had it, but it was kicked into high gear in 2009 when I visited Puerto Rico for the first time. Then it was kicked into turbo in 2011 when I went to Kenya, East Africa. What a wild experience; I came back a completely different person.

Early last year, I set my eyes on Bali, Indonesia as my next big trip. I was determined to go, even if it meant going alone; it had been on my to-do list for far too long.  And so it happened, I booked my flight in April and in October of 2012- I was packing my bags with my best friend, ready for a trip of a lifetime.  

If there was ever a place to have an awakening experience on God’s green earth, it would have to be Bali.  And I’m not just saying that because of the Eat Pray Love craze- I’ve never read the book or seen the movie. It has everything to do with the beautiful island and the genuine good spirit its’ people carry.

I went in search of peace and enlightenment. That is subject to interpretation- for me it meant finding direction as I turned another year older, calming my thoughts, accepting big changes ahead and maybe- finding an answer to my lack of commitment to any particular religion.

I found a lot of things in Bali. Things that are so difficult to put into words. But the day that resonates so clear in my mind is the day I found an enormous sense of gratitude. This was something I had never felt before. I consider myself to be a grateful person- I don’t take my blessings for granted- but this. This was unknown energy that made me shake and weep until I couldn’t cry anymore.

After an action packed day-4 of our vacay, we went to visit the Holy Tanah Lot Temple at sunset. It was. THE MOST. Beautiful sunset I have ever seen in my life. It was peaceful and grand at the same time. I remember watching the sun set as if I had never seen it set before. And as I became present in the moment, it hit me. I was half way around the world, doing what I love most- and slowly, the long list of blessings and accomplishments in my life came pouring over me. (The picture below does no justice to the actual scene.)



Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia


I am not a wealthy person; I live a basic-needs life. I am, however, wealthy in goal achievement, health, love and family. Everything I’ve set out to do I’ve done. From my travels to owning a business, to teaching adults & children and learning to paint. I am living proof that if you set a goal and constantly work towards achieving it- no matter what it may be- you can accomplish it.

Bali was good to me for so many reasons and I accomplished more than I set out to. One of the items on my agenda was to connect with my sponsored child, an orphan living with HIV at the Bali Kids organization. In my previous post I mentioned I am a philanthropist; it is on my few-things-that-elate-me list. Before I booked my trip, I looked into organizations that I could help and/or be a part of during my stay. Luckily, the stars aligned and led me to Bali Kids, which then connected me to Tria and raised the bar on things I am grateful for.  

Tria is the youngest of three children.  Her mother deserted the family when she was still an infant leaving her Father to cope alone.  Apart from the eldest brother, everyone in the family is HIV+.  Tria’s Mother eventually died of Aids but to this day, her Father remains healthy.  He was working full time as a mechanic but was imprisoned for his involvement in a crime. Tria and her middle brother Wahyu are ill due to complications from tuberculosis and HIV. Because of this they were brought to the attention of Bali Kids. Tria is extremely easy going and bright. She is quite brave when it comes to medical matters having her fair share of needles and surgery. 

Now, I understand this story sounds like one in million- one in a billion, maybe- when it comes to orphans in underdeveloped countries. Unfortunately, we (in the US) have grown imune to it and think very little of it- or not enough of it, in order to take action. I believe, in order to wake from this immunity, we must experience a real-life connection for ourselves.

This little girl is amazing. She is a beautiful bright-eyed 7 year old, so gentle and warm hearted- that even though we could not communicate clearly because of the language barrier, we seemed to understand each other very well. After all she's been through, she keeps her head up and continues to be fearless with anything life throws at her. Her demeanor is so full of hope; she has become an inspiration to me. She is learning English right now and hopes to become a doctor one day. I have no doubt she will. I welcomed my 28th birthday with her and the rest of the kids at the orphanage building a Beauty and the Beast puzzle :) It was my best birthday yet. 

 Yesterday, I received a thank you card from her that just melted my heart.

I am so thankful I got the chance to connect with her. I am thankful she is getting the treatment and education she needs. I am thankful I'm in a position to continue supporting her month to month. I am thankful I have an incredible support system in my life: family, friends and mentors that guide me during my most difficult times-and I hope with all my heart to be that support system for Tria one day, whenever-if ever she needs me to.

Be thankful today. Many that have less than you, are thankful too.

-Dais
Learn more about Bali Kids at www.Balikids.org #getinvolved