GABRIELA YARELIZ

Thursday Brain Dump: May 21, 2015

ISSUES OF CONTROL:

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Greetings. I should be studying or sleeping. One of the two. Instead, I am here. The mind has been on a constant study roll. It’s incredible. My mind is like a giant pitcher with a bunch of Kool-Aid sloshing around. With the smiley face on it… Yeah, keep the smiley.

The days are filled with more appointments and responsibilities than I could possibly fit into a set of 24 hours. I guess that is what makes my life consistently interesting. So, life is interesting. I ended my flirtation with one type of social media. I’ve discovered that once I am over it, I am over it. One can’t really force oneself to be into something if one isn’t… so that ended. I hate that stupid social pressure that comes along with it, and the etiquette that tends to control people’s lives– it is just boring.

Control. It is something I don’t like about a lot of new technology, and also about certain people. Some people need to learn their place in life. There are people who try to impose themselves on others. People try to manipulate others with what they think are subtle tactics, but they are not subtle at all. It’s disturbing. Please take your manipulation and insecurities elsewhere.

People will say things, and mentally, it’s like:

Then, you must audibly respond with:

And then, at the end of the conversation, when he or she realizes he or she can’t control the situation:

Bar prep has begun. Oh the joys. We are all reliving our first year of law school. It’s glorious. We are reciting scandalous hypotheticals, reviewing legal concepts and praying a man who is not as promiscuous as George Clooney (but just as handsome) finds us. Bar prep will have control over a lot of us for months, whether we like it or not.

I am very observant. And through observation, I learned that a quote by Marisa de los Santos has some truth to it; she says, “I don’t think love is blind, but wanting to be in love, that’s probably blind.” I saw that in full color this week. Sometimes, that desire to be loved makes people forget their worth and what they really want in their lives. Sometimes, it leads people to want to control, or allow others to control their circumstances.

Hmm… The things we do, say, and try.

The biggest lesson of all is that we are all independent agents who choose. You can’t force someone to like you; you can’t force someone to respond to you; you can’t force someone to value you; you can’t force someone to love you; and you can’t control people. Letting go is really for the best.

People need space. Many times, people make up their minds about relationship issues before they even think they have their minds made up, and they show it in their actions and attitudes. And if they don’t have their minds made up, an act of manipulation can change things and make up their mind, quick.

People don’t own each other. They don’t; and they shouldn’t.

I think you can seldom respect something you can manipulate in every which way.

Be free, and let others be free.

[Images from Tumblr and BuzzFeed]

Monday Inspiration: May 18, 2015

By: Gabriela Yareliz

It’s time to get that Monday positivity up. Our to-do lists are as full as they are going to be this week (I hope), and things will be crossed off (and hopefully not added) as the week progresses. In life, we continue to grow and progress, and after one hurdle is conquered, another appears on the horizon. It’s like a snowball rolling… it gets bigger; pieces may break off; it keeps rolling; it gets bigger; and eventually, maybe it even builds something… I guess, the key is to not get overwhelmed. We must sit back and gain perspective; we adjust our belts; prepare our strategy and our mind set.

Take this as a moment to relax; a moment to recalibrate focus, and a moment to gain perspective, to dream, and to rise to the occasion.

Remember why you are where you are standing, and remember where you are going.

It’s Monday; let’s rock.

“Remember, you’re called to be like Christ, not like other Christians.”

“Oddly enough, it’s the storms that whisper His name, the storms that make His presence most known. So prepare yourself when the seas of life begin to grow restless because you might be getting ready to encounter God, and what a heartbreakingly beautiful thing it is to behold.”

T.B. LaBerge // Go Now

“Goodnight and great love to you. We see the same stars.”

George Mallory, from a letter to his wife Ruth during the 1921 Everest Reconnaissance Expedition

“If we are going to heal, we must find something meaningful that came to us because of our tragedies.”

Donald Miller

“God is never as nervous about our future, or as concerned about our past, as we are.”

Bob Goff

“I learn a good deal by merely observing you,
And letting you talk as long as you please,
And taking note of what you do not say.”

T.S. Eliot – from The Cocktail Party

“Sometimes the story we’re telling the world isn’t half as endearing as the one that lives inside us.”

Donald Miller, Scary Close

[Images from Tumblr]

Reflections Before Bedtime #24

Tuesday Badinage: May 12, 2015

By: Gabriela Yareliz

It’s exam season in law school. The final days countdown. Oh, law school. You can meet noble people, strange people, catty people, self-centered people (the world in one building, minus the racial diversity)– and it is often said that all attorneys have some kind of ego complex. Not sure if that is accurate. Maybe it is (not all attorneys are Harvey Specter, however). It’s an interesting work environment when you work side-by-side, consistently close with people. It can be cliqueish and very reminiscent of high school drama, at times. You become a family, though. A weird family. I guess it’s like that everywhere. No matter what the career or location. It’s a human thing. Law school is coming to an end, but everything else is beginning.

So, here I am. Before endings and beginnings commence, I am distracting myself a little. Pressing pause. I hope you find some inspiration here, too.

I am ready for summer. I stayed up last night until 3 a.m. today. Keeping it real. I want summer. I am thinking family, lemonade, Sarah Dessen books, sunshine, bar prep books, gluten-free bagels… it’s looking good.

“We loved with a love that was more than love.”

Edgar Allan Poe

“‘I am with you always’ is enough for my soul to live upon no matter who forsakes me.” Charles Spurgeon

“The sun does not demand a plant to grow more quickly than it should, it simply shines and allows the plant to soak in the rays that it gives. So should our love be, never forcing but always radiating, allowing growth to happen in time.” T.B. LaBerge // I like you and I miss you

Loving this new Becky G song. It’s making me dream of summertime.

[Images from Tumblr]

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Monday Inspiration: May 4, 2015

[Audrey Hepburn, who shares my birthday]

By: Gabriela Yareliz

It’s my birthday week! There are exams to study for, but it is going to be a good week.

It has been a fantastic year; one of my most stressful, but also one of the years most filled with growth.

This is only the beginning.

Random notes on Monday (today):

I met a nice man who was a book publisher. Now, he works at the South Street Seaport Museum in the craft section. He worked at the Columbia law school library while he was in undergrad, and he said he remembered seeing Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg when she was in law school. Pretty awesome. He said he remembered seeing her in the library a lot, and that she was a focused woman. People are so interesting. Everyone has something interesting to share…You never know who is sitting in front of you. And you never know who they have met.

Can I just say, the weather is amazing. Absolutely amazing. There is so much to be grateful for.

The epic Cristela season finale:

“If we are amazed by the stars and all the wonders of nature, can we not also be moved to tears by the grand composition that God is doing to us?” T.B. LaBerge // Go Now

“I am an intense person. I don’t do things half way. I’m all in or all out. You either have all of me or you don’t get me at all.” Unknown

Natalia is right…

[from Tumblr]

Our lives right now:

This needs to happen in season 2:

“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” Unknown

This week is going to be awesome; two exams and a lot of awesome. 🙂

[Images from Tumblr]

Reflections Before Bedtime #23

By: Gabriela Yareliz

The fact that this is my 23rd reflection is ironic and perfect. It’s like a lot of those things in life that we don’t plan, but they happen at the right moment.

We age, day by day, and it is a privilege we must embrace to grow our souls into flourishing gardens. I have so much to learn, and I just wanted to write this and say that I am so grateful for everything that has been fulfilled in my life. God has been so good to me in just 2015 alone–and His goodness transcends time. He has been the most perfect Father. The most faithful friend.

As I see how good God has been to me, I am reminded of the verses in Jeremiah:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.” 31:3

“Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord.” 31:16

“There is hope for your future, declares the Lord.” 31:17

It’s so important to see every choice and every reaction as a step forward or backward on the path you want to go down. I really want to take the right steps that lead me to being the person I want to be in Christ.

As this year progresses, I want to keep my focus on Christ. I want to value my peace in God above all other things, even above the things I may want (my own will). I want to love without limits and without fear of breaking. More than anything, I want humility. I want to break, and not only break but pour myself out. I want to stand valiantly for what I believe in. I want to show my faith and hope in my actions and in my vision.

I don’t want to be comfortable; I don’t want to be average; I don’t want to be afraid; I don’t want to be filled with pride; I don’t want to be self-centered– I want to be more like Christ, and I want to keep becoming someone that the young version of me aspired to be.

I want to honor others, inspire others, accept others, love others, and reflect that love through service.

Tonight, as I am reflecting on who I want to be, the promises I have made to myself and God, I realized that I have everything I could ever want or need. I have the most amazing family who are my lifeline, longsuffering friends, dynamic coworkers, health, life and a God who is King of everything, who calls me friend and child and who has promised and shown me that He will never leave or forsake me.

The lyrics of Be Thou My Vision, sum it up quite well.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Friday Glee: May 1, 2015

By: Gabriela Yareliz

“Do not become upset when difficulty comes your way. Laugh in its face and know that you are in the hands of God.” St. Francis de Sales

Happy May 1st!

This one goes out to all who want to be leaders, to all who are paving their way, to all who need faith to carry them through.

[Images from Webstagram for Dr. Tony Evans, and @Propelwomen]

This Month’s Picks: April 2015

By: Gabriela Yareliz

This month has been a whirlwind. A fulfillment of many things awaited. I can say that things did not happen the way I anticipated, but better; and not by my doing, but God in His infinite mercy orchestrates amazing things in our lives. I am so blessed. God has acted in my life in an amazing way. He has brought to pass His will, and I have learned a lot along the way. I will also continue to learn. I have a lot to learn when it comes to humility, service, relationships, and faith.

April, God made you a memorable month for me. God, you have been too good. Beyond. And You will continue to lead the way.

“Not being able to fully understand God is frustrating, but it is ridiculous for us to think we have the right to limit God to something we are capable of comprehending.” Crazy Love, Francis Chan

1] Let’s start with this month’s soundtrack:

2] While studying this month, I got to see Hitch after ages of not seeing it.

3] And one night of delirium and Employment Law, there was The Swan Princess:

4] My court face, interpreted by the bad-assery of Michelle Rodriguez.

10]

11]

12]

13]

14]

May is exam month. It is going to fly by. Wake up. Live every moment. And the goal is to live unafraid. Trust and know God is in control. He has the final say.

May–it’s going to be fast and furious. *wink*

[Some images from Tumblr & Webstagram]

Reflections Before Bedtime #22

By: Gabriela Yareliz

My random thoughts of the night:

Life surprises us in the wildest ways. We make plans, God laughs (that kind of thing).

Sometimes, dreaming big can cost you, literally, but then faith comes through to repay all debts.

Maybe, when we think we are lost, if we look close enough, we realize that we are right where we belong.

Time, oh time. Time the revealer of all things. It vindicates, it teaches, it grows, it uncovers, it inspires, it moves–

God. He is amazing. He gives us double; He goes beyond; He does things, and He does them on steroids. God is into the American ideology of: Go big or go home. God goes big. He goes BIG. His idea of big isn’t our idea of big, oftentimes. But His idea is the only one that counts. I have been on this weird journey that has taught me a lot about myself, and I know it was necessary to get me to the place where I am, and where I must go. He gives us a good beginning and a good end.

This week, He showed me that my thoughts and desires aren’t His thoughts and desires. That sometimes, to walk in God’s will, it takes a vision (and attitude) adjustment on our part. (When we don’t want to be like Jonah). And He taught me to expect big things from Him.

He taught me that we can’t just plan life out as if it were a scavenger hunt or something. We don’t know where the treasure is exactly. He gives us an idea, but He wants to take us there. He is patient enough to take us there.

Spring has come. Flowers are blooming. Hope is rising. Dreams are coming true; God really cares about our dreams. He likes to fulfill them ironically to make us smile.

He taught me that this is only the beginning. The best is yet to come. I am sure there will be more lessons to be learned, and relearned. But I am in it for the long-haul.