#iolight

8.4.16 no makeup, no problems

A few months ago, I decided to give up makeup almost in its entirety, (with seldom exceptions) and I couldn’t be happier. The past few months I have felt so much more my authentic self. Not putting anything on my face helps me think “This is what I really look like. This is me in my raw form. Now people have to ultimately look at me.” 

Beauty truly comes from within; it radiates outward. It doesn’t need any help from any artificial substances. Confidence comes when you decide to stop caring about the opinions of others, and prioritizing yourself. 

By all means, if wearing makeup makes you feel empowered, please wear it! Ultimately do what makes YOU smile! 

5.18.16

I’m currently planning a move back to California, and every day I spend in Hawaii, I find myself worried that I won’t be able to live the same life in a new state. Here, I am surrounded by people who love and connect, a land that loves and connects, an ocean that loves and connects. 

And then I realized, you create your own environment. Even though my surroundings may change, I will not. I will live mindfully here and there. I will attract like minded people. I will create connections and celebrate our planet there, just as I am here. 

2.5.16

I recently read an article written by a nutritionist, simply explaining the foods he eats in a day. There was one line that really captivated me; he asks himself every time he eats a meal, “How can I make this healthier?” 

Then it struck me, thats what I should be asking myself everyday, and apply it to all aspects of life. Not only what I can add to a meal to benefit my body, but what can I add to each moment of time? What can I do that will brighten the world for not only myself but everyone around me? How can this occasion, this minute be brought to its full capacity?

1.21.16

1.15.16

I’m 20! Well, I will be in 47 minutes actually. I am officially entering my third decade of life. Half of me is thinking “what 20 that cannot be right, we just passed second grade here!!” and the other half is thinking “wait, only 20? Thought we passed that one a while ago..” 

1.14.15

It is everywhere!! The clouds, the moon, the sun, the sky, the flowers, the cracks in the sidewalks, a stranger’s freckles, a stranger’s smile, the highlighted paragraphs in a used book, the dirty socks on the floor, the dogs running around at the dog park. the lady bug caught in your hair, the girl next to me’s cute outfit, someone else’s handwriting, this orange I’m eating, other people’s artwork, your own artwork, the song that ignites a smile every time you hear it

1.3.15

12.30.15

While Miley has a reputation of being a wild, unstable popstar, her recent album has shed some light on some serious issues in a beautiful way. Her latest album, I’ll admit I was not a fan of at first. However, the more I listened and payed attention to the lyrics, the more I realized how strong of a message she is trying to radiate. Her entire being is about love, acceptance, and peace and that is something that should be celebrated, not shamed.

For example, she has a song called “1 Sun” that is completely about saving our environment. She mentions how we have to “take time to replace what we’ve stolen from mother nature.” Throughout the entire song, the lyrics so creatively speak about a message that I find so important, especially in today’s society. 

Another song, “Pablo the Blowfish” honestly makes me tear up every time I listen to it. 

I recently went to her concert at the Wiltern in Los Angeles, and watching her perform shows her honesty and compassion. I’ve read so many articles bashing her saying she just wants to get attention, and be fucked up. But i just think she is being true to herself and thats what is most important, regardless of the media or societies’ responses to that.