Violeta Parra, Árbol De La Vida (Tree Of Life), 1963

The Sexy Lie, Caroline Heldman at TEDxYouth@SanDiego

an•da•le ✊

What I constantly remind the youth I work with and myself as well. Promote healthy growth.

Yes!!! Much to us all!! But let's drop the disabled word, much love to all Latinas with different abilities. Much love us all (one more and more!)

Honestly Latinas are so incredibly important. Brown Latinas, Black Latinas, First Generation in the USA Latinas, Latinas who have to translate everything for their parents, fat Latinas, disabled Latinas, Latinas who were only ever told to speak English so they might fit in better, trans Latinas, all Latinas. You’re beautiful.

That simple. An instinctive act of kindness has led to the creation of Las Patronas, a charitable organisation helping tens of thousands of Central American migrants…awarded Mexico’s most prestigious human rights prize.

3 parts of building a habit: a cue, a routine & a reward.

As part of transitions, I am developing new habits both naturally (like sleeping longer ☁) and those at will (like working out more ☜). But how does the human body, brain and soul develop new habits? AND how do we build a positive habit over a negative habit? But first, we should acknowledge that only YOU have a say in what is a positive or a negative thing that you want for yourself at at given time and space. With that being said, here are some good tips I just read about developing new habits, and repetition or self-torture are not the answers. 

What are habits and how are they formed anyway?  Habits are made by synapses, or gaps between cells that send impulses to the brain. This helps facilitate what a person thinks or does. If this is repeated constantly, it becomes more accessible -- or a habit. 

Now to the 6 ways to breaking a bad habit and developing healthy habits:

Link the new behavior to a routine or environmental cue: Repetition is only part of forming a new habit. It is useful to develop a habit loophole, which means performing something at the same time of the day. This becomes a response to specific cue.

Link a difficult task to a reward: Pretty much think “If i do this tough task, then I will reward myself with something that I like” The idea behind the if-then principle is to link the new behavior, which may be uncomfortable at first, with something positive so the new behavior is associated with positive. This enhances confidence in performing new habit and thus increasing positive feedback and desire to do it again. 

Repeat new behaviors and keep track of progress: Okay, I did say repetition but 24/7 repetition is not what makes a habit successful. In addition to repetition, keeping track of new habit and response to performance is a helpful technique in developing new habitual behavior. Be mindful that life happens (let it happen) and it is okay to miss a day or two of your routine. It is much more important staying schedule most of the time rather than ALL the time. This helps build a new habit. 

Keep it simple: Focus on one habit at a time, otherwise it becomes overwhelming and easy to give up

Use peer support for accountability: Tell a friend, partner or join online support group for motivation or a even a little peer pressure. 

Make a detailed plan: As with many other personal or professional goals a plan in mind will provide more direction. This can be very helpful when building a new habit as well. 

Forget the 21-day habit myth, there is no exact time for developing a habit but with a cue that reminds you and makes you comfortable to do something, a routine that fits you, and a reward for your hard work, a habit will be formed. 

"Apolitical art does not exist" Diego Rivera

Frida Kahlo exhibition in Genova, Italy

Moon

Homemade #ceviche de camarón para el alma. #feelinggood #ecuayorkerlife

International Women’s Day 2015

Photo © Jakub Jerzy Markiewicz