Meli's world

As I sit down to write this, I keep thinking of the AT&T commercial made popular by the cute kids yelling we want more! More is better. More money, more house, more car, more friendships, more clothes, more shoes, more fun.... sure that sounds harmless enough. But while we are hoping, waiting for more, could we be missing out on enjoying the "Less" we have? Could what we have even be "Less" at all? Growing up to my two parents who came from Colombia to this country looking for "More", they were very careful in letting us know that although we should do all we could do to pursue a better lifestyle, we should be thankful and appreciative of what we have in the present moment. As we raise our kids, this is something we try to instill in them. MORE stuff will not always mean MORE LIFE, or MORE JOY, or MORE PEACE. The music and movies and even celebrities.... that have saturated our everyday TV, magazines and headlines are living the lifestyles of t

That's what I'm learning this week. And perhaps that's why its taken me so long to write this entry. In the past 2 months, I have decided I was no longer just going to make new years resolutions but actually start doing things I've wanted to do. It started with tackling my weight issues. I changed what I was eating. I joined the gym. Got a support system in place and set a time to exercise. (after the kids go to bed) I also decided that it was time to start tackling home improvement projects. So my husband and I have been making time to paint here and there and take on a bunch of DIY projects to beautify our home on a budget. Then there's the kids. Emeli is at that age where I am trying to teach her as much as possible as she's just impressing us with her conversation skills. We have been teaching her her numbers, letters, and colors. And not to mention potty training... My least favorite with her. With Emmanuel, even though he goes to a homework free

How many likes will this get? Living in the social media age we live in, its often a question we ask before posting anything. A thought, our lunch, a new outfit, or an accomplishment in school or our career. Last week in school, my son was nominated to run for president of his kindergarten class as they learned about president's day. When he came home he told me he wasn't sure if they liked him and would vote for him. Of course, with me, that sparked a life conversation with him. "Not everyone is going to like you Manny, and that's ok!". I could even hear my moms voice in my head (in Spanish of course) telling me the very same thing growing up. I had to reassure him that all he could do was keep being the Emmanuel he is. With all his knowledge, likes, dislikes, habits, and mannerisms that are individual to him; he has to know he doesn't need anybody's approval to be just that. (except his parent's right now, but authority is another topic). I&#

Yesterday morning as I was getting ready, my daughter Emeli who is only 2 and a half came up to me trying to take some make up out of my little baskets and bags. I told her  "no Emeli, you don't need it, leave it there". And then she said something I've been thinking about since then : "Yes I do, make up makes me pretty like you." "Make up makes me pretty." I was stunned. I was almost left speechless. Is this what a 2 year old already has in her mind as the image of beauty? Can my getting ready routine on the weekends really have her thinking that make up makes us pretty? That's certainly not what I want to teach her. Thankfully, my husband was there and helped me reassure her she's beautiful because she is Emeli, not because she puts on makeup. Personally,  I love makeup. I buy it, I use it, I admire it, I even want to pursue a career in cosmetology.  I think all women could benefit from it. It enhances and highlights your features. I

Time to relax, unwind and hopefully act on those big plans you have been making all week. Whether you're working Monday thru Friday, or working some odd schedule, you're always looking forward to your day off. We are working for the weekend. Waiting for the weekend.... And sometimes being miserable all week. How are you spending your week? The weekend is not promised to anyone. As a matter of fact your next breath is not guaranteed. Are you spending your time looking forward to the time to come? Are you living, really living Monday through Friday? I love weekends. I am guilty of putting things off for the weekend knowing very well I could do it today. And how often haven't we heard that saying? Why leave for tomorrow what you could do today? Today, Friday, I urge you to stop putting things off. Stop living in the future and daydreaming about what the weekend may hold. Live Today. It may be the only day you have. Reach out to others. Text, call, email... Love today. G

I know that's a song...but I'm not talking about the whole gender war. Have you ever met that person that seems to compete with you and every thing you do or say on a daily basis? You're not alone! These people exist. They are the "better than you" friends or acquaintances. No matter what you have done, they did it. First, faster, better. No matter what you purchased, they got it. Newer, cheaper, and first. No matter where you're going, they've been there. Many times. If you're planning a vacation, they're planning one too. Longer, and sooner than you. If you have experienced this, I need to say no more. You completely understand and are envisioning that person right now. You even feel upset thinking about them, but let me tell you and hear me out on this one: it's not their fault! Half of these people are not even aware they fall into this category. They react in their competition at all times and may not even realize it. Sure you'd

This was always my sisters phrase to me when we were little and she'd get mad at me. If she didn't address me, we couldn't speak. And I remember as I thought about it, I'd tell her that was a flawed argument because if we waited to be talked to to speak, no one would ever talk to one another. But isn't that the mentality we take with us wherever we go? How many people do you pass in one day? Do you greet them? Get to know them? Or do you let them pass you because they didn't speak to you first? We live in a very busy world and we tend to speak about the generation growing up with no manners....but do we teach them any different? I also notice we are the type of people that love to criticize others and say things like "oh wow she thinks she's too good to speak to me" or "he's so rude, he didn't say hi", but what are you doing to counteract that? Is talking about it productive? no! Do something. It may be that girl doesn't

Today I have decided to start a blog. I have entitled it the World according to Meli. Because I can only write about the things I see, the things I know, the things I hear and how I personally perceive them. To understand my thoughts a little better, I'll tell you a little bit more about myself. I am a first generation American 25 year old woman born to Colombian parents born and raise in Hollywood Florida. I am a wife to my amazing husband Emerald and we just celebrated our 10th anniversary. I am also a mom to a 6 year old boy Emmanuel and a 2 year old girl Emeli. I am growing and learning not only so much more about me, but about relationships, and life and what they're supposed to be. Though I am titling this blog the world according to me, I do want you to understand that the way I see things change daily as I learn more about God and His purpose for us, His Love, and experience more of his grace. I pray that someone who reads this can find this relatable, inspirational, an