#LoveWins

2015 © Dana Eve Valencia

What a wonderful way to cap off the week! Well done, America. So excited for this new beginning—a start of a colourful journey. Hats off for being that courageous seed, for stepping into the light and embracing change and diversity despite uncounted struggles. Such immense bravery and heart.

Love wins. All the time.

Be Brave, Little One.

2015 © Dana Valencia

To the shy girl seated across from me here in the café, who would sometimes stare down at something—like she is staring at the coffee stain on the table now—as if she were used to only gazing on horizons a little wider than her arm’s embrace:

I want to tell you—assure you—you can look off into the distance, gaze on horizons much broader than your little personal space. Be brave, little one.

Our Last Sunset

2015 © Dana Eve Valencia

✎ #DannysDiary ✎

⠀

⠀

“It’s going to be all right,” I said, feeling my bottom lip quiver. “We just need time.”

A long pause of silence followed my words as we sat there on the beach. Both of us too wrapped up in our own thoughts to talk or move. 

Out toward the horizon, the sky was shot through with brilliant bands of red, orange, and yellow. The flaming colors reflected off the ocean waves. 

But the early spring sunset was also chilly. I shivered, the cold breeze making goosebumps pebble my skin under my sweater. I had not realized before how cold it had gotten. But now I felt it, freezing my tears. 

You must have noticed how I felt and quickly you took off your denim jacket and put it upon my shoulders. I smiled weakly, grateful for your sweetness. After all that we’ve been through . . .

I turned my head to gaze at you. You lifted your hand to push back your hair. I studied your face, evenly lit by the golden hour. You were silently looking at the setting sun, tiny tears in your eyes.

I brushed sand off a tiny abandoned conch. “I didn’t know about hermit crabs until one pinched me.”

“I’ve never seen a real one, actually. I’ve only seen clips of them on BBC Earth,” you said. “But they look harmless.”

I smiled to myself, amazed by how you still humor my silly stories. “Well, looks can be deceiving,” I said. “It’s interesting how they live. Unlike snails, they don’t have shells of their own, so they have to find an empty one to live in.”

Your forehead wrinkled. “What’ll they do when they get bigger, though?”

“They’ll have to find a bigger, more comfortable, cozier shell. Move house, move on,” I answered and shrugged. “It’s just how the world works, I guess. You can’t force something that doesn’t feel right anymore.”

A sad smile. “Poor little things. What if they don’t find one?”

“They’ll get eaten.”

“That’s tragic.”

“Not really. I mean, I love me some surf 'n' turf,” I quipped, and you laughed at this.

That was our last sunset together.

And we both understood why.

⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❦ Danny

Driven By Inspiration

2015 © Dana Eve Valencia

5:30am. Jumped out of bed, ran out of the rest house barefoot all the way to the pool area just to chase this spectacle. Like I said, I love starting my day with something to smile about and to share that beauty with others. Luckily all the shoeless running paid off.

Then it dawned on me. Chasing something fueled by inspiration and not to fill a void really pans out.

It's okay to want what you want. You want to lose twenty pounds, cut your hair, improve your wardrobe, make more money, buy a bigger house, or find the love of your life?

Go for it!

It's human nature to have desires, to want to expand and experience more.

But do it from a place of inspiration and excitement, NOT from a place of fear or lack.

Tumblr Resurrected!

Woke up at 3am and was unable to go back to sleep. BOOM. Tumblr blog revived. Out of boredom.

It basically contains the same little things I post here on my official blog but with more selfies and hats and randomness.

You may check out my Tumblr blog here: thelegendannydiaries.tumblr.com

Cheers!

Find Adventure.

2015 © Dana Eve Valencia

FIND ADVENTURE. Just like the first time I victoriously scaled this craggy mountain, I think back to more exhilarating, defining, or even life-changing moments and noticed these memories occurred when I was going with the flow, having faith—even when I couldn’t see the big picture at the time.

When we release a tight grip of old comforts, adventure and opportunities seem to naturally arise. When we allow situations to be—without having to change or redirect them—transformations begin to happen.

Meaningful Relationships

2015 © Dana Valencia

As I got caught up in everything going on in my life, I realised that I need to nurture my connections with other people and make them meaningful.

Not everyone has to be a super friend, but it's integral to our happiness that we show people who we truly are, allow ourselves to know them in return, and then remind each other through actions—small or large—that we care.

We never need to be or feel alone in this world, but it's up to us to create and allow opportunities to be together, enjoy each other, and be there for each other. It's up to us to make our relationships priorities.

Choose Positivity

2015 © Dana Valencia

Despite the crappy things that happen daily, it’s important to remember that the world is basically a safe place.

When you intentionally choose positivity, you look inward for resources and you trust your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Life still brings pain and heartache, but you know there’s a way out.

Enjoy your day, lovelies. Make it a good one!