Two words I live by: Pursue happiness

I wasn’t really sure what to write about, given the categories and as a new user, I was a bit overwhelmed with all the stories on here. It took me a while to figure this website out, I still am, but the more I sign in, the more I learn.

In a way, that’s what “new” feels like, right? Not knowing exactly what to expect but finding your way through. That’s what my story will be about. Maneuvering your way through life, not knowing what to expect but putting on your brave face and preparing yourself to get through it.

I grew up in a Dominican household, single mom, and being the oldest sibling, I had to learn things very quickly. I grew up with the pressure of being the example: get good grades, always behave, respect your elders, and always help. It became exhausting. Eventually, I found my voice (around 15) and it changed so much about my life. I still ran into many obstacles but speaking freely and securely made the journey that much more interesting. I was the teenager who always asked questions, from the classroom to the sports fields to my circle of friends to my home. I spoke out in times of injustice, like catching school bullies being mean to the students who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Doing that actually helped me with my confrontational and communicative skills. I learned to not be scared, to trust my gut/instinct, and stay true to my beliefs.

I did not know for a long time what I wanted to do, career wise. I knew from a child that life wise, I wanted to travel, be around food (I love to cook, garden, farm), and I knew I wanted to bring my family with me. I didn’t necessarily have the best examples to look up to and the ones I did, weren’t genuinely happy, and that was/is a non-negotiable for me. I’m so serious about living a happy life that it is the only tattoo I have on my body: pursue happiness. Now, 15 years later, I am back in school, and confident in what I am studying.

I can’t say what the future holds, and as much as I plan the next 8-10 years, I know life happens and I’ll figure things out as it passes me by. I don’t put pressure on myself to be the best; but I do push myself to be MY very best. I learn from my mistakes, I educate myself to stay knowledgeable, and I follow through with actions on my words. Over all, if there’s one thing I want people to remember me for, it is to pursue happiness!