theyellowbrickroad

series of old posts from my tumblr

Listen to the Dalai Lama

He speaks the purest. Sit and listen then you will have peace.

Today, say thank you to your peer, I love you to your parents and sorry to someone you hurt or forgive someone who hurts you. We need peace within ourselves more than ever. Give this day a rest, tame your monkey mind. Today, we give peace to the world! Let go of your fears, be vulnerable and trust the process.

Peace be with you.

Peace & Love,

Reney

Tags: journal reflection dayofpeace to you love

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September 21, 2016

Inspired tonight

This message is for you, a beautiful person like you should never feel upset. You heart deserves more- I ache to see you smile just like the first time I saw you. Be brave my friend things will be better tomorrow you’ll see.

Love,

p.s. i would like to give credits to this blog for inspiring me to practice short stories and inspiring scripts http://www.iwrotethisforyou.me/2007_07_01_archive.html

Tags: writing inspiration tonight hope tomorrow

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September 22, 2016

No blueprints for Heroes

How do you even start to follow the North Star when you don’t understand why? When your journey is full of darkness how do you give light? Where do you get the core to put the light in every shadow that covers it?

How do you anchor yourself?

If you can tell me how to start drawing the blueprint of superman please do.

Out of my league,

Reney

Made it through without my Peanut Butter (p.s. series of old posts)

Just when I thought I was ready to live abroad but then I got my first culture shock :O. It’s funny to think that because I watched people get weird reactions about my culture and tried to explain to them the reason behind it and now I’m that person who freaked out at the grocery store when I found out that they do not have peanut butter. My first reaction was, how come? It’s peanut butter! worst is you got to explain it in Portuguese which I’m still learning and really bad at it.

My favorite Portuguese lines are?

1. Voce fala Ingles? ( do you speak English?)b

2. Nao falo Portuguese ( i don’t speak Portuguese)

and people will give you a frown look that says “ why are you even here?”

but generally Brazilians are friendly and warm they always greet you in the morning, will ask you if everything is fine “ tudo bem?”

I also met a really nice Archaeologist yesterday she was finishing her Ph.D. I met her through Couchsurfing and decided to meet her finally. She just got engaged to a Filipino man who is living in America and so we have things to talk about, she also wants to practice her English so there is another one. I asked her if she could also give me some Portuguese lessons. And of course, she gladly said yes.

After my peanut butter incident, my day went from my! to omy : I made a friend and learned a lot of new things.

She took me around her University which by the way is humongous. Take note it’s a public university as well, she said that it is in the law that it is right of every Brazilian to get access to higher education. Which I think should be a priority of our government too. There is nothing more powerful than to get a good education.

We also talked about relationships well mainly because we are women and women love to talk about relationships. She shared with me her story about how her color was really a big deal to her past relationship, she is 34 and she had two long term boyfriends. Her first one was 12 yrs long but she decided to end it up because the family of the guy couldn’t accept that she has a different color. She said, “ I would accept that his mom would say bad things to me” but at least if the guy really loved her he could have stood up for her and defended her but he didn’t do nothing and so she decided to break that connection. After 2 years she met an incredible person who she is engaged now. The same reaction that she got from the family of the guy but this time the guy protected and defended her.

I really cannot fathom the fact that until now discrimination and racism still exists, it’s the 21st century the age of digital revolution and all other things, isn’t that we are supposed to be more accepting by now? old and new? there should be no exception.

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a community that love prevails and that color didn’t matter because either we like it or not feelings are feelings and we should look beyond what we see outside, look through a person.

This is why I think that going out of your box is really important or knowing what is outside of your box is vital because going out and seeing through is really liberating and humbling experience.

I can live without my peanut butter for sure but I can’t stand people judging each other because we look different and that society expects you to follow the norm. Let’s break the norm, let’s create wonderful beautiful and colorful stories.

Love,

looking back 4 months ago

I started my journey with a little amount of money and a pocket full of dreams and hope. Before my flight to Brazil, I was talking to some people that are very close to me, of course, my dad, a friend of mine from work Natasha and my sister Wendy. I told them my fears about this grand trip that I am doing, this is not the typical I quit my job to find myself kinda thing well because I couldn’t afford to do that. I’m going to Brazil because I am going to pursue my studies and it was just a timing that it’s in a different country.

My dad said I have to be more organized and smart with my decisions which of course he is always right I never really plan things that much I just go with the flow but this ain’t a normal 3-day holiday trip, this is my future plans. So I have to really sort things through. Thanks, Dad!

Natasha said you booked your ticket! Don’t waste your money which is again true. Thanks, Nat!

And my sister Wendy, who is my supporter of all my siblings said that “you can do it”.

And so I am here in my new little Brazilian room trying to comfort myself that I’ll be fine and that I can do this. I traveled almost 24 hours halfway across the world and there is no going back.

Today marks my official first full day in the new country that is totally out of my league.

Love,

I can tie my hair now

I cut my hair to prove something

To start anew

To feel that things will be lighter soon.

I had troubles deciding on where to go and letting go of something you love is never an easy choice.

I have to let go!

The worries and the heavy sighs that I’ve been carrying for the last two years.

And so I did.

I moved to a new country

I cut my hair

After five months

I have to buy a bunch of hair ties coz my hair is long enough for me to keep together.

Just like the things I’ve been through for the past months.

I was on a path to change the world

I was busy thinking and soul searching if this life is for me and although this road had a lot of bumpy stops

I know that in the end, I can keep it together

Now, my hair is long and my journey too.

I’ve reached a point where my heart is at peace and happy!

Wherever this road will take me, I might cut my hair again who knows

I am sure that I have people who will always be there for me to keep it together, to remind me that things will be alright.

Love,

Organically Connected

How nice would it be if your connection flows authentically? a connection that does need effort, pure and genuine ties.

For a person who is constantly moving and discovering life possibilities having genuine friendships with people you meet along the way is very powerful the bonding you created for a short while will last a lifetime.

You will remember those nights you shared together over a bottle of beer, the mountains you trekked, the oceans you explored, the coffee shops you went to, the endless late night conversations about life and where to go next. Those memories, those moments create the organic relationships.

Do you have that person in your life?

A person you connected with in the most genuine way?

If yes, tell that person that you think of them today and the memories you shared were priceless.

Tonight I am writing this to remember the people that I shared great memories with, although we don’t talk and update each other I know that deep in our hearts those moments will be passed on to the next generations of explorers.

Love,

Life in Between

It’s been a while since I did not post anything to this page although that has been my promise.

To write and share things that I am learning to those who need inspiration not just about traveling but life in general.

Five days ago I was in La Paz, Bolivia.

I traveled two days from Sao Paulo to La Paz via bus imagine that! You can look it up on the map and see how far I traveled.

I booked a 3 days accommodation at a backpacker hostel called “Loki” and apparently it’s a party hostel. Don’t get me wrong I love parties but it’s not really the main reason why I’m traveling up north.

From my broken Portuguese now I have to switch to Spanish and I’m 4,000 ft high. My brain has been damaged for so long! In my country, we have this expression when you don’t know the topic or the language we always say ” nose bleed”. So I was nose bleeding everytime I have to make a conversation with someone who does not speak English.

So La Paz,

the experience was surreal

I’ve met so many people who shared stories with me.

A girl from Germany who will be a great lawyer for sure.

Two girls from Malta who are great teachers and has shown genuine friendship to each other.

A girl from Canada who is a geologist

Several men from Argentina who love making films.

A girl from England who is an accountant and has two friends who she needs to comfort every time.

Two Korean girls.

I’ve shared a piece of how life is, working in an international NGO with a great Bolivian guy who showed me that I totally sucked at games and that never ever trust surprisas because they will all be the same.

I learned about Chulita’s and Ekeko.

You know what they always say? It is not about the destination but the journey.

I have the chance to dig deep into a different context of life, relationships, and culture. Stories that will move you and inspire you to be a better person to the world.

The idea of going back “home” to Brazil and facing the life that I started is a little itch in my heart.

I know that my life is in between here and there and traveling, in general, will give you that tick, that action of doing something good for people.

Heading back I took the “Trem de Morte” it’s translated as Death Train, it’s not because there’s a lot of accidents and that I am doomed the history of the train is really interesting although the trip was also nerve-wracking, I have to sit 16 hours in a bumpy ride and crossing fingers that after the long journey I’ll make it alive (lol). And yes! I did!

During the train ride, I met a swiss guy who takes great pictures and has a big heart. We shared opinions about politics and how “Trump” is fcking the world right now with the immigration policies and the wall and everything in the table that includes colors and other religions. And then we met a group of Bolivian professionals who at first are very shy to talk to us. I started asking them if they speak English and the other girl was pointing at her friend, the girl says a little bit but oh well! We got to know each other during the trip I learned that among the six, two are twins sisters, one is a doctor, an architect, and a civil engineer, they are traveling to Sao Paulo to see the city. After hours of me asking them questions finally, we got really into the conversation and everyone was active in answering my questions. Yay! for persistence.

We parted ways after the border.

I said goodbyes to great memories.

Love,

P.S. more pictures in my ig account @mslastimosa21

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Use your company’s blog posts to opine on current industry topics, humanize your company, and show how your products and services can help people.

The little things

Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. Real love is simple, everyday kind of thing. A smile, a hug, an encouragement. Continuous love without effort.

I shared this post two years ago and it is just a good reminder on how we should see things in a different light good or bad, how we make connections, how we make a difference and how we show love.

My inspiration list for this week.

I had a full conversation with the uber driver last night in Portuguese. He was patient enough to ask me questions and understand my broken sentences, it was a 30-minute ride from my home but he gave me the feeling of HOPE that until now my heart is still smiling. Was it the Portuguese convo? no, it was his act of being genuine to get to know a total stranger and letting me feel that I am safe that language is no barrier in connecting with someone.
I met a lot of inspiring people this week and this pushes me to pursue my dreams and who I want to be. It is always nice to find people who you can trust and count on. They showed genuine care and that is a real score!
All souls day! I have been really curious to check out the cemetery next to our institute but I was always scared, always have that “what if” but today it was different it was filled with people so, I went in and walked around observing. The deafness of the surrounding was scary but it reminded me on how life flows in mysterious ways and that we should appreciate the ones who are breathing before it is too late because sometimes we only regret things when it’s gone.
Cookies and lovely notes, getting a surprise from our sweet Sasha is just love! She draws so much energy and courage to me. Just like her cookies and cakes, she is a real sweetheart. You’re the best Sash!
Gathering, it was very unfortunate that there were only a few people who came but sometimes few is real and real is good. We had a good conversation! I truly love those who have pure intentions and honest individuals. I learned so much today and ate a lot too! Thanks, Alan and Lara!
Kitchen talk with Amani, after juggling through this week with a lot of work and deadlines it is always nice to come home to a person with a big and understanding heart. To have a good conversation with a person you journeyed with and grew for the past months of stretching. When you share your victories you know someone will be there to hug and cheer for you! Thanks, Habibiti!

Tonight, my heart is glowing with inspiration from people who really showed me real connections and love.

Love,

Picture (c) Caroline

Music : Don’t Panic

Breaks my heart

I woke up around 9 am. The rays of the sun felt so good that I decided to get up right away and do my personal practice.

I got up, grabbed my phone and listened to a guided meditation for 30 minutes and then I went for a 5k run. The flow of energy was perfect! I’m going to have a great day.

I sat down at my working area and started to flipped pages of research and cases for our social innovation project and then around noontime I went out to meet a friend for a great vegetarian food. We had a good conversation about life and plans and aspirations. Those are the moments that I enjoy the most, just talking about how things would have been different if? or what will happen if? kinda convo.

I smiled from ear to ear. After that, I have to go to another area of the city to do some work and that takes about 25 minutes bus ride. I sat down thinking, looking out the window while the bus zooms away (yeah they have crazy drivers here in SP).

I thought my day will go so well …. but then.

There’s a lady who just entered the bus, she is about late 30’s and most likely a mom. She was talking to the “combrador” I didn’t understand a thing but I’m pretty sure she was asking for something.

She started saying “desculpe” I’m sorry in Portuguese and tears ran down her face. I started to observe more carefully just to know what is going on.

She sat at the other side of the bus, she didn’t pay. She was looking away and crying. I wanna hug her and hold her and tell her things are going to be alright.

I don’t know what happened to her day but seeing her breaks my heart.

She probably got laid off in her job or …

I looked at her hoping to send my positive energy and just to let her know that she is not alone and that things will fall into a right place soon and that hope is always in the corner.

When I got off the bus. I keep on thinking how can we give love to people? to total strangers? is this possible?

Love,
R

Photo credits to : Amani (Habibiti)

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