GABRIELA YARELIZ

Sunday Girl: April 23, 2017

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[Image from Tumblr]

By: Gabriela Yareliz

A happy Sunday morning to you! French election, round one, kicks off. I need to find a minute today and whip out some stationery and write to Madame about our election concerns. I think I will wait until I see who dominated in this premier tour. Participation is at an all time low, in terms of voter turn out. The rest of us are praying today puts a halt on Marine Le Pen– but enough about politics. I will keep refreshing my Le Figaro app.

Spring in NYC is hesitant. It comes, and it goes. The other day, I was thinking about where I was at this time last year. So much has changed.

I was deeply disappointed with some professional aspects of my life (this year, I am disappointed with different aspects, ha!). Things have gotten better, though. This year, I was able to pull out of that funk that felt like post-bar exam depression. I felt like I had lost myself in the process of obtaining my license. But that is a different post, for another day. Today, I am certainly more seasoned at this point in the job– starting my third year in August. And I am becoming the attorney I wanted to be.

I was so giddy about my birthday, last year. This year, I am excited, but at some points, I feel like my birthday crept up on me. I keep forgetting I will be one year older, soon. This is very unlike my old countdown ways.

I am still working on the self-care aspect of life. I am getting back in shape and learning that ‘No’ is a complete sentence.

As weak as I may feel sometimes, I can still say that I have grown stronger. I deal with trauma every day and people who are unstable mentally, and this is not easy. I am learning I need to be less harsh with myself.

My style has changed, slightly. There are a lot less H&M $5 sweaters in my closet. The last ones got weird and the cheap fabric gave out, so I threw them out and never replaced them. This year, I stepped foot in stores I had never gone into.

I do celebrate my successful adulting, even if there is a tinge of lack of balance in some areas. Long work days are followed by nice walks and ice cream with my boyfriend. Soon, I will be hitting the pavement again (long runs on the promenade).

I stopped listening to my favorite radio show in the mornings. I don’t know when it happened. I just realized the other day that the show I never missed for 5 years no longer impressed me or made me laugh. I just realized I haven’t listened to it in two months. Strange.

I went to bed hungry last night, because I was flipping through recipes that I was going to make today. Food 52 is an amazing website for recipes. I can’t wait to start on that.

It’s early still. I am still in bed. The day is sunny and bright, unlike yesterday’s rain. I worked on a motion last night, so today is mine.

This is one of my favorite things about this year versus last year– Sundays are mine, and they are spent in my sunny kitchen.

Where were you, last year? What has changed? Some of you are stronger. Some of you are one step closer to graduation. Some of you are getting married. Celebrate the changes! Some of you may be in the middle of something that is awful and feels never ending. I am telling you, it won’t last forever. Stay focused; have vision and keep pushing forward. Someday, your Sundays will be yours, so to speak.

Lastly, I wanted to share some inspiration I collected from things I read recently:

“May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may boldly apply the truth of Christ and love as he loved from deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for peace, justice and freedom and demonstrate that true peace comes only in Christ.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you might comfort them and, in so doing, point them to the Great Comforter, Jesus Christ, the only One who truly transforms sorrow into joy.
May God bless you with enough faith to believe that you really can make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace in Christ, to do what otherwise could not be done.”

– A Franciscan Blessing adapted by Dr. Lindsay Fikkert

“So long as you write what you wish to write, that is all that matters; and whether it matters for ages or only for hours, nobody can say.”
– Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own
“We all have different reasons for forgetting to breathe.”
– Andrea Gibson

“The pen is mightier than the sword, but only in retrospect. At the time of combat, those with the swords generally win.” Margaret Atwood, The Nation

The wise Margaret Atwood… I believe in the power of the pen, deeply. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t leave all of my scribbles for the world to read.

I hope you also learn to record the painful and the joyous things in life. Yours is a journey that should never be forgotten.

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How Love Unfolds

Have you ever seen something that makes you recall and relive your own story or experience?

I think that as we get older we start seeing and accepting things for what they are. For example, ourselves.

When I saw the last season of New Girl, I realized I was not and would never be like the cool and collected, always gorgeous, slightly emotionally stunted Cece. I knew I was like the nerdy, responsible, PJ set wearing Jess.

Watching Jess’ story unfold with Nick, reminded me of how my own story unfolded with my “Nick.”

It’s always exciting when you start out as friends. I would tell him of my weekend adventures and the interesting people I had met. I would search for his face in a crowd.

He always made me feel better. He cheered me up with snacks and plants. He always believed in me, even when I didn’t.

And then, one day, he said he would potentially start a new adventure far away. I literally felt pain in my heart. Had I really met a friend I didn’t want to live without? I had good practice with goodbyes, but this was not one I wanted to say.

I knew my life had changed; and it would never be the same. We both had a choice to make. We chose to stay.

He held my hand through some of the most uncertain moments. He didn’t flinch. I knew he wasn’t letting go and neither was I. He is the best man I have ever met, and I have the privilege of calling him mine.

Life sometimes gets us off focus. We are overwhelmed and tired. But we all need those moments where we look back at our story, and we see the steps that have brought us here. Here, to this place. There is no place I’d rather be. He is here, and that is more than I ever knew to ask for.

Conversations On Being A Woman

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Lately, women who inspire me have opened up to start conversations on topics we women have shied away from, typically.

I can’t say enough how empowering and interesting it has been to listen and join these conversations on PMS, endometriosis, menstruation, relationships, and health. And I mean deep conversations, not the typical superficial stuff you see on a glossy magazine page.

Knowledge is power. It’s great to learn from others’ experiences and to know you aren’t the only one.

I hope these conversations continue, because we have suffered alone and in silence long enough.

Check out:

The PMS Monster

The Atelier Doré chats about PMS

Julianne Hough on living with endometriosis

Friday Glee: April 7, 2017

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Some words I collected throughout the week:

“If something inside of you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real emotion at the center of your work. Write straight into the emotional center of things. Write toward vulnerability. Risk being unliked. Tell the truth as you understand it. If you’re a writer you have a moral obligation to do this. And it is a revolutionary act—truth is always subversive.”
– Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

“Love is a sure thing– it takes a living man to love.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

“The truth is that no thinker worth remembering has some monolithic “project” to undertake; all express a personality inevitably double, and full of the tensions and contradictions that touch any real life.” Adam Gopnik, The Illiberal Imagination, The New Yorker March 20, 2017, pg 90

This is how you oppress a people. You make people believe that things like education are a luxury. [Jenny Slate paraphrase, Pardon My French Podcast]

Radical

By: Gabriela Yareliz

No one is born knowing. I like this saying. It reminds me to be patient with myself when I am facing new circumstances and learning to deal. Sometimes, I place an unbelievable amount of pressure on myself.

This past week was an intense week of “learning to deal.” It was draining, emotional, and there was a question mark at every turn, inquiring of me, “Who do you want to be?”

I deal with a lot of upsetting situations. Things many people would be surprised to learn still happen.

In my profession, an attorney is more likely to be sanctioned or lose her/his license for misplacing escrow money than for being a racist, sexist bully. I am tired of a world where we care more about paper than a human being.

Someone once said that the paper money puts a roof over your head when it rains; but I would like to think that if we live in the right way and maintain relationships with love and respect, a person can offer you more than a roof over your head– a person can save you, so to speak. A person can offer you genuine and disinterested love and laughter. A person can dress you and bathe you when you are sick. Paper money cannot. Yet our priorities and what we celebrate are the other way around.

In my own frustrations and things I encountered throughout the week– as I learn to deal, I am reminded how radical life can be when you want to be a follower of Jesus. It means seeing the world and people through a lens that is very different from how others see things. That includes the upsetting things.

Today, my bible study group started studying the life of Peter. It was a profound reminder to me how God takes a person with no self-control, a wild temper, an air of superiority and filled with ambition, and He molds it into something beautiful and powerful. He completely transforms Peter.

In my figuring out of life, which is littered with plenty of mistakes, pride and feist, I see a God who has a radical sense of justice, holiness and love. A God willing to walk with me and transform me. That’s what I find most profound. Transformation doesn’t involve a Disney moment and a magic wand; it involves walking with God.

I think that when we look at Jesus’ disciples in scripture, we are reminded that we all speak from our corners with our own ideas, but in the end, none of us really knows what we are talking about until we are transformed by a radical, loving God. A God who asks us to love our enemies and offer them a place under our roof; a God who forgets no one and values flesh and blood over gain or fame.

This past week, I experienced frustration, hostility, sadness, anger, exhaustion, joy– and God keeps telling me despite all of it that He can transform me, use me and that He wants to walk with me.

As Easter nears, we are reminded to look up at an uplifted Christ on a cross. As we struggle and try to stand, we are called to cling to the cross so we can stand. It is only then that we truly understand what grace is. It is at the cross that we are reminded that the pure, Godly things are radical. Radical service. Radical love. Radical life.

Monday Inspiration: March 27, 2017

“Everything you do right now ripples outward and affects everyone. Your posture can shine your heart or transmit anxiety. Your breath can radiate love or muddy the room in depression. Your glance can awaken joy. Your words can inspire freedom. Your every act can open hearts and minds.”
– David Deida

March Madness & 73 Questions

“Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.” Lewis Grizzard in Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Happy spring. Here in New York, one minute, it feels like spring is finally here with a sigh of relief– the next minute, it’s bone-chilling cold.

This month has been busy. Which month isn’t? I know, I know.

I felt like this month revolved around deadlines and other people’s agendas and times. Now, in this last week, I am exhausted. I wrote an insane post I never published detailing my frustration of trying to meet everyone’s expectations and desires, while living on the verge of cardiac arrest (is this hyperbolic…? I don’t even know, at this point).

That post I never published was written in my Notes, on my phone, on a stalled and delayed train stuck underground, while each ticking minute ensured I was another minute late to my haircut appointment.

The last part of that post read, “This evening, things are on my terms. I have exhausted myself and my apologies.” Let’s just say, thank God my stylist is a gorgeous Persian woman, who sat me in her chair and brushed off the failings of our insane public transportation system in NYC, and she instead talked to me about hair supplements and how long my bangs had gotten since I had seen her last. I needed that.

What is this crazy pressure we all accept to be put under? I miss Florida. Ahhh peace. This week on the train, a girl in front of me almost fell and in efforts to grab onto the poll, she smacked me in the face, full force. I couldn’t even be mad at her because I noticed that she almost fell, but that slap in the face stung. I blinked several times to make sure my contacts were still in and resumed reading my The New Yorker.

Is this what Camus was referring to when he said, “Live to the point of tears“? I doubt it. But what did he mean?

The cold and this whole dance has exhausted me. I am taking my rest more seriously. I cherish the mornings where I stretch in bed and linger there.

I am excited about spring. I am excited to leave my coat on a hanger and have the breeze and sunshine hit my legs. I remember one spring, I marched a couple blocks down to Washington Square Park. I had on a flowy skirt. I sat on a bench, propped up my legs and pulled up my skirt a bit like a scroll to try to tan my legs. The sun was shining, but it was freezing. I remember I stayed there for a bit, shivering, and then ran home. I am not going to push it this time. But oh, how I long for it!

Spring always represents a new beginning. There is something fresh and alive about it all.

I am always seeking for ways to grow myself and be transformed.

“For many people, [self-]transformation is a terrifying exercise, so we look everywhere for capable guides.” Amanda Petrusich, All In, The New Yorker, 81, March 13, 2017.

I have been reading a ton, (except for the news), praying a lot, and I am doing a reading-prayer plan in preparation for Easter appropriately called, Preparing Our Hearts for Easter, by Timothy Keller, on The Bible App. It’s a 40-day reading plan. So far, it has been such a blessing.

I have been digging for new recipes and flavours, and trying new things. I also started my exercise routine to get in shape. I am thin but so not toned for summer. The work out begins. I even made my own playlist on YouTube of fun Latin songs.

I have recently developed a fascination for Vogue’s 73 questions.

“What is one thing every woman should have in her closet?” Joe Sabia

“A bra. Duh. If your girls aren’t high lifted, what else is?” Ashley Graham

If you were interviewed, what 73 questions would you want to answer?

I stare at the calendar, and I can’t believe April is just around the bend.

Love. Spring. Warmth. Flowers. Peace. Joy. Patience with myself. Sunshine. Forgiveness. Dreams. Hope. Plans. Dancing With The Stars. Wedding. Beauty and the Beast. Camila Cabello.

Everything I am trying to cultivate and I am excited about, now.

Ugh. This post is all over the place. It’s an accurate reflection of my brain.

I guess Joan Juliet Buck is right: “If you know what you’re going to have written before you start, you’re bored, you have no energy, and you don’t want to do it. But if it’s an adventure of discovery, it’s more dangerous, but it’s much more exciting.”

And to add to the madness, my own 73 questions– Vogue style. I loved listening to other’s answers because it made me reflect on where I am today.

1.First thing you do when you wake up? I pray and read something inspirational. I also love looking at photography. If I see something I like in the mix, I will text it to my boyfriend.
2. What is the last thing you do before bedtime? I pray, talk to my family and write to my boyfriend.

3. When is the best time in NYC? Early summer; when they turn on the fountain at Washington Square Park.

4. What do you miss the most about Florida? My family, the people, driving down green roads, sleeping on sunny benches.

5. What is next? Publishing a book.

6. Essential item you pack in your purse? Tweezers.

7. Essential product you don’t want to live without? H2O Moisturizer.

8. One thing no one will ever find in your bag? Lotion.

9. Go-to drink? Lime-Ginger-Cayenne juice.

10. Advice you would offer your 18 year old self? You are stronger than you know.

11. What is one pet peeve? Lazy people.

12. What is your spirit animal? Raccoon; curious and agile.

13. Fashion Icon? Amal Clooney.

14. Favorite lipstick shade? Sunset Angora #176, L’Oreal.

15. On a scale of 1 to 1,000, how neat are you? 750.

16. What’s the best thing going on in life right now? My relationship. ❤

17. What is the best thing about your relationship? I am dating the best man I have ever met.

18. What is one thing every woman should have in her closet? A colorful silk print scarf that can be tied around the neck or around the head, turban-style.

19. If you were in a band, what would the band name be? The GGs.

20. If you were a bond girl, where would you be from? Puerto Rico.

21. What would your name be? Gabriela.

22. What is one country you wish to visit? United Arab Emirates.

23. What is your work out anthem? Despacito (Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee).

24. One thing people would be surprise to learn about you? I love cleaning.

25. Most memorable pick up line that has been used on you? “Will you touch me today, miss?” So weird.

26. One book that has had a positive impact on your life? El Tiempo Entre Costuras by Maria Duenas.

27. What advice do you have for other women? Failure is not an option.

28. What series would you kill to see a reboot of? So Little Time.

29. What is a movie that made you cry? Life is Beautiful.

30. What is a movie that made you laugh so hard that you cried? Life is Beautiful.

31. If your life were a song, what would the title be? “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.

32. Who is the most handsome Disney prince? Aladdin.

33. What do you find yourself doing a lot of, these days? Cooking.

34. Current obsession? Supplements.

35. Can you make any prediction, about anything, exactly one year from now? I will be one year closer to 30.

36. What do you do on your days off? Go on an adventure with my boyfriend.

37. What is something you own that you truly cherish? My Bible.

38. What is one hobby you will never give up? Writing.

39. What’s one hobby that you plan on picking up? Fencing.

40. How would you describe yourself in three words? Introspective, passionate, loyal.

41. What scares you the most? Losing someone I love.

42. What is your favorite exercise? Dancing.

43. What is your favorite candy? Peanut M&Ms.

44. What is your favorite thing to eat? Tacos.

45. What is your least favorite thing to eat? Eggplant.

46. What is your first memory of life? My mom dressing me in my pink Barbie birthday dress (I think that was my 3rd birthday), while I was on my parent’s bed.

47. Who do you look up to the most? My mom.

48. Where do you see yourself in ten years? Married, with a family, in a sunny place.

49. Fictional character you would want to spend the day with? David Copperfield (Charles Dickens novel).

50. Fictional place you would love to live in? Genovia.

51. What is the movie you can watch over and over again? Princess Diaries 1 & 2.

52. What was your favorite movie as a kid? A Little Princess.

53. What is the best gift you have ever received? A trip to Paris.

54. What is the coolest thing about your family? How close we are.

55. What is your favorite thing about your mom? Her strength and beauty.

56. The silliest nickname ever given to you? Gabbers.

57. In general, when do you feel the most beautiful? When my boyfriend hugs me.

58. When do you feel the most creative? In the shower.

59. What is your favorite song to blast in the car? “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

60. What is your most overused word? “Bizarre.”

61. If you had to choose another career, what would you be doing? I’d be a professor.

62. What do you have left on your bucket list? I want to dance a tango.

63. What’s your favorite holiday to celebrate? My birthday.

64. What angers you the most? Being misunderstood.

65. What are three things you look for in a man? Loyalty, caring and a seeker of truth.

66. Who did you have a crush on when you were younger? Boston Rob from the series Survivor.

67. What is your favorite place to visit? Florida.

68. What was the name of your first pet? Spidey (Beta Fish).

69. If you could have a super power, what would it be? I’d heal people.

70. What is the app you use the most? Notes.

71. Who is your favorite teacher? Mrs. Partridge; she taught us everyone has a gift and should use it to bless the world.

72. If you could teach one subject in school, what would it be? Foreign language.

73. What one thing do you need in your refrigerator at all times? Butter.

And now, I am off to work on that summer bod.

XOXO.

Come Walk With Me: Playa Sucia (Dirty Beach)

By: Gabriela Yareliz

This was my favorite stop. Breathtaking views. Skies and ocean for days.

The Problem With Being Sincere In Our Error

Sincerity of belief does not justify the belief. This is why we must seek truth, which is something objective and absolute, not subjective.

“A drunkard reaches a point at which (for the moment) he actually believed that another glass will do him no harm. The beliefs are sincere in the sense that they do occur as psychological events in a man’s mind. […] But errors which are sincere in that sense are not innocent.” The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis, 38

Sometimes, we try to justify our acts or beliefs with our sincerity. But if they aren’t in line with God Himself and His character, our sincerity is worth nothing.