tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40350978504983394892024-03-05T23:28:21.363-08:00Faith Trust and Pixie DustCreate Your Own Adventure Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-29406019444906328172016-08-04T08:17:00.001-07:002016-08-04T08:17:19.459-07:00Where Has the Time Gone?My, oh, my.<br />
<br />
It's been a few years since I've written a post for this blog. This is my first blog, my baby, and I'm not quite sure how it was put on the shelf for this long.<br />
<br />
I've come across a sudden Epiphany, just in the last few minutes of my morning, and I decided to log onto this page and write. There is no premise for this blog, I simply wanted to write what comes to my mind.<br />
<br />
I took some time to read the last post I had written here. My life has changed so much since then, in all aspects.<br />
<br />
I'm such a different person now. I have grown and changed in so many ways. My life has taken me in such unexpected places.<br />
<br />
I am so, indisputably, happy right now. All pieces of my life puzzle have fallen into their proper places, and I have such amazing opportunities in my path.<br />
<br />
I'm excited to document my life journey on this little blog of mine, and hopefully share some things that I've learned along the way, and inspire people to embrace their circumstances as well. My life is not perfect by any means, but it is mine, and it is beautiful.<br />
<br />
Much love, and I look forward to where this takes me.<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
Christina<br />
xoxoxo<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>INSTAGRAM: @ChristinaBracco</b><br />
<b>FACEBOOK: Christina Bracco</b><br />
<b>LINKEDIN: Christina Bracco</b>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-57762030209495545002014-03-29T10:17:00.002-07:002014-03-29T10:17:26.959-07:00When Life Hands You Lemons...Hello, friends.<br />
<br />
It has been a draining few weeks.<br />
<br />
Recently, someone very close to me has been diagnosed with cancer.<br />
<br />
The news came as a total shock, though I don't think anyone truly expects something life that.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I was absolutely hysterical when I had first heard. Inconsolable. How could this happen? What does this mean? What do we do now?<br />
<br />
But what really amazed me was... the person who was diagnosed didn't shed a tear. She had just been diagnosed with cancer, and she seemed so calm.<br />
<br />
I asked her how she was remaining so calm, and she simply said, "Maybe I'm just in shock. But there's nothing I can do and I have to keep it together. I'm sure I'll have my moments, but everything will be fine and I have to have faith."<br />
<br />
In that moment, I dried my own tears and sat amazed at the strength of this woman. In one instant, with one life-changing experience, she taught me that no matter what circumstances are thrown your way, you must keep it together and keep moving.<br />
<br />
You're allowed to have your moments. You're allowed to have yourself a nice cry. But don't dwell on the fear and sadness. Instead, let it fuel your strength.<br />
<br />
Something as scary as cancer can send you in a spiral of "doom and gloom". If you keep a positive outlook, you will have positive results.<br />
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I have been having my own private moments to fall apart and cry, but I quickly pick myself back up and put a positive thought in my head.<br />
<br />
My life as of late has been dedicated to providing support, a shoulder to lean on, laughter, smiles, and love for my loved one who is going through such a scary time.<br />
<br />
The support of those around us has been so comforting and encouraging. So many people have reached out to offer their love and prayers, and we've been so touched by them all.<br />
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A surgery is coming up this week, and we are doing our best to keep hold on our positive outlook.<br />
<br />
When life hands you lemons, no matter how big or small they are, make the best damn lemonade out there!<br />
<br />
Much love, and thank you for your support.<br />
Remain positive, and remain strong.<br />
<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
Xoxo<br />
<br />
Reach me at my FACEBOOK or at my TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a><br />
<br />Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-8694110203197702882014-01-25T16:34:00.002-08:002014-03-29T10:06:19.133-07:00I'm Baaaaaack, And It's All About Love! Wow! It's been about 10 long months since my last post. What a 10 months it has been.<br />
<br />
A lot has changed for me since I took this impromptu break from blogging.<br />
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I didn't necessarily intend on taking such an extended leave. Before I knew it, time just slipped away from me and so many things were happening, and well... here we are.<br />
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Since I've last posted, I've done a lot of exploring. I took a long break from writing to focus on school, and my own self exploration. In doing so, I stopped seeing my life coach. A decision I often regret. Who knows, now that I'm back to blogging, maybe I should reconnect with her as well.<br />
<br />
I'm now into my last year of college. An extremely frightening thought. I'm back in the zone of being a little unsure as to what the future has in store. I'm a little lost as to what I'd like to do when I graduate next January. Boy, oh boy, kids. Adulthood can be pretty sucky at times.<br />
<br />
I'm also a year older! I'm now at the ripe old age of 21. The age that people describe as the "last hurrah birthday". I've been loving this newfound freedom that comes with being completely legal.<br />
<br />
And finally, and most importantly in my opinion, I've a new love in my life. We began seeing each other a few months ago, began officially dating at the beginning of this month, and I've never been happier. I couldn't have asked for a kinder, more thoughtful, more handsome, more loving, caring, and so much more man than him. I feel so incredibly lucky and I'm reminded of that every single day.<br />
<br />
In beginning a relationship with such an incredible man, I'm now certain that true love exists. Yes, you may have to wait a very long time. I've been waiting YEARS. But once you find him/her, you will be blessed with a love that is unexplainable. Don't ever allow yourself to become jaded. Your true love IS out there!<br />
<br />
In reconnecting with this blog, I hope to reconnect with my creativity in a new way. Since finding love, I've been reinspired to write poetry. My poetry is now much less dark than it was in the past (though, I will never truly stop the gloom, hehe). And I have decided to work on officially publishing a collection of my poems.<br />
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It is an exciting and new time for me. 2014 is all about love. Love for yourself, love for others, love for what you do, and love for the world around you.<br />
<br />
Spread love. Spread joy. Never forget to smile.<br />
<br />
I look forward to connecting with my older readers, and any new readers that come my way.<br />
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As always, thank you so much for taking your time to read. I hope I've touched you.<br />
Join me on this journey of self discovery, and discover many new things about yourself.<br />
<br />
Much love to you all. I will see you in a week. Maybe even earlier!<br />
Feel free to follow if you're interested. You can reach me at my Twitter and Facebook too!<br />
<br />
Xoxo, Christina Bracco<br />
PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-49131666427063041362013-03-22T11:27:00.001-07:002013-03-22T11:27:55.159-07:00Definition: Hello all!<br />
<br />
I can't believe how fast time is going by.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I realized that I only have seven weeks left in this semester. Wasn't it just January yesterday?<br />
<br />
My spring break starts today. I plan on using this time off to get moving with my creativity and reconnect with my fire.<br />
<br />
Which is a fancy way of saying I'm going to light a fire under my ass.<br />
<br />
I was stumped on what I wanted this Friday's topic to be, but then I remembered something that I watched on Tuesday and POOF, the idea popped into my mind. Isn't inspiration amazing? :)<br />
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I was watching a documentary on Bob Dylan. For those of you who don't know, Bob Dylan was very popular back in the day (and still now) for using his music to protest society.<br />
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Media began to label him as the "voice of the generation," the "leader of the protest."<br />
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But Bob didn't want that responsibility. He only wanted to make music.<br />
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At interviews and press conferences, media would constantly be trying to ask Bob to give himself a label and pin him down to agreeing that he was the voice of the generation, but he refused.<br />
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He didn't want a label. He didn't want others to define him. He just was.<br />
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I think that's really important.<br />
<br />
When others try to give you limitations, put a label on you, ask you to define yourself... don't do it.<br />
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Because you don't have to. And you can't. You cannot be defined because you're always changing. You're a million things at once.<br />
<br />
Why do we need to choose just one?<br />
<br />
Don't let others label you. When someone tries to, challenge them. Prove them wrong. Keep moving.<br />
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I wish you a happy week. Hugs and kisses.<br />
I'll be attending the P!nk concert at Madison Square Garden tonight. What a way to kick off my spring break.<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-83817087958359599702013-03-15T08:54:00.002-07:002013-03-15T08:54:52.769-07:00I'm On The Right Track... err... No.Hello, all!<br />
<br />
I've been extremely disappointed in myself lately.<br />
<br />
I must apologize for being so inconsistent in my blogging and posting.<br />
<br />
There has been something off with me lately, and I've yet to figure out what it is.<br />
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Not only has something been mentally off, something is physically off as well.<br />
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I'm very fatigued, feeling weak, mushy. I just haven't been feeling like myself.<br />
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I'm making every effort to get back in the swing of things, but I'm having difficulty.<br />
<br />
This has inspired today's blog theme. Staying on track.<br />
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People often get into the habit of giving up when they feel they've lost their grip of something.<br />
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Whether it be a diet they're on, studying, writing, when we slip up it can be difficult to steady ourselves.<br />
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I refuse to allow myself to succumb to these feelings. I am determined to get back on track and continue on.<br />
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When you get off course, put your foot on the brake and take a second to sit back and reflect. Once you've evaluated where you took a wrong turn, turn the car back on and get moving in the right direction.<br />
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My foot is currently on the break. I'm reflecting. Bear with me as I do so. I appreciate everyone's support thus far.<br />
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You're the one steering your car. You have the control. Use that power to keep driving.<br />
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I love you all and I promise you I will start my car back up soon.<br />
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Since I didn't post any poems this week, I'm going to post TWO today at 2pm est.<br />
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Drive those cars!<br />
<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-74757664025233701132013-03-01T17:30:00.003-08:002013-03-01T17:30:59.575-08:00Bye, Bye, Bye!What a week!<br />
<br />
Hey readers,<br />
<br />
I've been lacking in the posting department. I've missed this weeks poetry.<br />
<br />
I have good excuses, though! Here me out:<br />
<br />
On Tuesday I was in the hospital because my grandmother was getting a procedure done. She's fine now, but I had to be there.<br />
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Last night, I was at a show in NYC at the Highline Ballroom.<br />
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I've had a week full of stress and awesome moments. What is up with that, life?<br />
<br />
I've been so distracted, I even forgot to make a session with my life coach this week!<br />
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Starting tomorrow, I'm back on track with things. Back to some me time.<br />
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What I really want today's blog to be about is drama. Actually, a dislike for drama.<br />
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I'm one of those crazy people (total sarcasm here) that hates drama.<br />
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Do you know those extremely intense individuals who feed off drama.<br />
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They enjoy being surrounded by drama or starting drama.<br />
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I've encountered many people like this in my lifetime.<br />
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What do I say? Bye, bye, bye!<br />
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I cut those people out of my life. Life is too short and too beautiful to be stressed out because people bring drama into your life.<br />
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It's time to discover whether you enjoy the drama and want to be surrounded by it, or you want to move on and focus on better things.<br />
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Personally, I think it's better to stay in the drama free zone. Things are A LOT easier that way.<br />
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Even if it's a situation where you can't cut ties with the person, whether they be family or someone close, maybe it's time to say "please don't involve me in it. Leave me out. I don't want to be involved."<br />
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That way, the person won't be tempted to come to you when they've got hold of some new drama.<br />
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Keep it positive and keep it moving.<br />
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In the words of Mary J. Blige, "NO MORE DRAMA."<br />
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Stay drama free this week. Much love to you all.<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-79003517156890156882013-02-22T19:34:00.002-08:002013-02-22T19:34:18.879-08:00What is IT?Hello friends,<br />
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I'm so sorry this post is later than my usual Friday blogs. I've had a day of rest. I was feeling ill earlier and decided to take a nap, only to wake up hours later. Oops.<br />
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I've had an odd week full of mixed up schedules and running errands. Needless to say, I'm excited it's the weekend.<br />
<br />
Upon returning back to school, I've really been enjoying my classes this semester. Particularly, one of my English classes.<br />
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We've been reading a lot of moving and inspiring books and poems that have been inspiring me non stop this past week.<br />
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Discussion in that class is what inspired last Friday's blog, and it has inspired today's!<br />
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So, what is IT?<br />
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IT is what we're looking for. What feeds our soul. It's what makes us the happiest and inspires us to get moving in the morning.<br />
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IT is what we're meant for. IT is what we need to do to feel most alive.<br />
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How do you find IT?<br />
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We can spend a lifetime looking for IT. Who's to say we'll ever find it?<br />
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I think that we'll all find IT at one point of another. I've already found my IT.<br />
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My IT is writing books of all different genres. Helping others who are in need of help. To help others find their IT. I want to use my own in order to help others find theirs.<br />
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My life coach once told me that you'll know what IT is when you see it.<br />
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If someone placed three potential career paths in front of you, you'd know in your gut which one you would pick.<br />
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I think that if we all search deep within us, we will find it.<br />
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Here are my tips to helping you find your IT:<br />
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Meditate. Spend some time every day delving into your soul. The answer will come to you through your own body.<br />
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Try different things. Get a feel of how you'd feel doing these certain things every day. You'll be able to narrow it down.<br />
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Listen to your heart.<br />
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I hope you all take some time this week to delve into your souls and try to find out what IT is for you.<br />
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XOXO,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a><br />
<br />
P.S. - I'm back in poet action! Catch up on my poetry HERE: <a href="http://christinabracco.tumblr.com/">http://christinabracco.tumblr.com</a>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-75402827929656317292013-02-15T16:59:00.002-08:002013-02-15T16:59:51.414-08:00Dance The Night AwayWhat a crazy day!<br />
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Crazy because I completely forgot it was Friday. Hence, why this post is later than my usual Friday blogs.<br />
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I would first like to apologize for having not posted any poems this week.<br />
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I've found myself to be in a creative slump lately and I'm working on reconnecting with my creativity in order to continue writing.<br />
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How have I been doing that? By doing things that spark my creativity.<br />
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I've been doing a lot of cooking, baking, reading, singing, etc. to get myself back on track. It's been working little by little.<br />
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I did however, reconnect with something that has brought a positive energy back into my life that has been missing for a while.<br />
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Dance.<br />
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I've been dancing since I could walk. I would always create choreography to my favorite songs or learn the choreography and perfect it.<br />
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Dance was always a positive outlet for me. It's always been very therapeutic for me.<br />
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If I was angry or stressed about something, I'd go and dance and I'd be transported into another world.<br />
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The bad energy would leave my body with every move I made and I was full of happiness.<br />
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I moved 11 months ago in order to downsize. In doing so, I lost my spare dance room.<br />
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I've tried to keep up with it, but the lack of space limited my abilities and I was unable to dance freely.<br />
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This week I decided to clear all of the boxes in my basement and turn it into a dance area.<br />
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Best decision I've made in a while.<br />
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Getting back into dancing has been wonderful for me. I've found a new energy and passion that I lost for a while.<br />
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I'm even considering signing up for dance classes!<br />
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Is there something that you used to love to do, but lost the time or availability to do it? Reconnect with it. Trust me. It can be the smallest thing, but if it's something you loved and enjoyed, you will be amazed at what reconnecting with it can do for you.<br />
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Maybe there's something you'd love to try, but haven't tried yet. Try it!! Who knows what kind of energy you can receive from it.<br />
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Once I post this, I'm going to head down to my basement and dance.<br />
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Once you read this, I hope you think of that something that you want to reconnect with.<br />
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Get moving!<br />
<br />
Much love to you all,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a><br />
<br />Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-16570780420186410722013-02-08T08:46:00.002-08:002013-02-08T08:48:16.344-08:00Who Are YOU?It's a rainy day here in New York. Supposedly, a blizzard named Nemo is on it's way.<br />
<br />
If things happen as they say they will, I'll be thinking of my fellow east-coasters.<br />
<br />
I had an interesting discussion with someone this week that inspired this weeks topic.<br />
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We were discussing the topic of life and what it's all about.<br />
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That's a very hard question to answer, isn't it? What is life about?<br />
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My answer: "Life is about finding what you love to do, and doing it no matter what."<br />
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Life is all about getting where you want to be and enjoying the process.<br />
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We can't just expect things to happen over night. Life doesn't work that way. Believe me, I wish it did.<br />
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Things take time. Why not enjoy the trip?<br />
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Their response: "It's more about the process rather than the product."<br />
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How true!<br />
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It takes a lot of work to become who we are. A LOT.<br />
<br />
This brought up the question: "Who are human beings?"<br />
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Before you read our responses, think about what your answer would be.<br />
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Think of "being" as a verb.<br />
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We are forever being. Forever becoming. Forever changing.<br />
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"One is not born, but rather becomes a woman." - Simone De Beauvoir<br />
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You can replace "woman" with anything. I was not born a spiritual thinker, but I became one.<br />
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Do you see?<br />
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We are flowers forever blooming.<br />
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YOU decide who you want to become. YOU decide if you enjoy the journey.<br />
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Who do you wish to become? Who are you becoming right now?<br />
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Today, I'm becoming a success.<br />
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Have a becoming week. Much love to you all.<br />
<br />
XOXO Christina Bracco<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-11014499078295172552013-02-01T11:21:00.000-08:002013-02-01T11:22:17.904-08:00Theme of 2013Happy February!<br />
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Something that's been on my mind a lot lately has been taking chances and starting new things.</div>
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Taking chances and starting new things has become the theme of 2013 for me.</div>
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The month of January was full of amazing things that I wouldn't have done a year ago. Not even a few months ago.</div>
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I have a great fear of the unknown. I think we all do, actually. Some fear it more than others.</div>
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I've always been very fearful of doing new things, meeting new people, going new places.</div>
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In the last month, I've already taken major steps to overcome that fear.</div>
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One of my favorite quotes is: "Anything worth doing has some fear attached to it."</div>
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Often times, we benefit most from doing the things that scare us.</div>
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If there's been something you've been wanting to do, but have been to nervous or afraid to do it... GO DO IT! </div>
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Not only is there the potential that you can emotionally/physically/mentally benefit from it, but you will feel so great after doing it.</div>
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Even if things don't work out the way you hoped, you will still feel SO proud that you overcame that fear. </div>
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There's also the potential of things turning out even better than you expected!</div>
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The other half of this theme, trying new things, is also a big one.</div>
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Whether it's trying a new class at the gym or trying a new food, try it! </div>
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Experience new things, go new places, meet new people! LIVE LIFE!</div>
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If we don't try new things, we don't grow. </div>
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I've been making every effort to try eery new thing that comes my way. I encourage you to do the same.</div>
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It's been a busy week for me. I started the new semester on Monday. Things are going great so far. </div>
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Forgive me for being a little absent this week.</div>
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I'm back in action.</div>
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In honor of taking chances and trying new things, I have a new super secret project that I'm working on.</div>
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It relates to the new poll that is sitting in the top right corner of my blog. Please take a moment and vote!! It will be worth it. :)</div>
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Get out there and take chances this week! Report back with feedback.</div>
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Much love to you all. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Christina Bracco</div>
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PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a></div>
Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-77542079013829431132013-01-25T08:34:00.001-08:002013-01-25T08:34:46.685-08:00Would You Like To Accept?Hello, all!<br />
<br />
We've all struggled with being too hard on ourselves at one time or another. Some more than others. It's important we learn to be our own biggest fan, not our biggest critic.<br />
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I'm certainly my own worst critic the majority of the time. Whether it's looks, eating habits, work, writing, I'm never stuck on finding something to criticize myself about.<br />
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We need to learn to ease up on the self-judgement and increase self-LOVE.<br />
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There's enough people that will criticize you and find something wrong with what you're doing or what you look like. The important thing is to not add on to that yourself.<br />
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With great self-LOVE, we learn to block out the negativity of others and keep our confidence in tact.<br />
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If we're just adding on to the criticism, we're holding ourselves back from accomplishing all the things we hope to accomplish.<br />
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We don't have to be hard on ourselves. We need to love ourselves.<br />
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I know that's so cliche. "Love yourself. You're perfect just the way you are."<br />
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But in reality, when you love yourself, you're so much happier, confident, strong, and intriguing.<br />
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Everyone has things they wish they could change about themselves. I sure do.<br />
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The important thing to learn is to accept the things you wish you could change... because you can't change them.<br />
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One of my favorite prayers is the Serenity Prayer. Whether you're religious or not, I think this can speak to everyone:<br />
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"Grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change.<br />
The courage to change the things that I can.<br />
And the wisdom to know the difference."<br />
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The last line is most important. The wisdom to know the difference between what you can and cannot change.<br />
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Sometimes, you just have to accept that you do things a certain way, or you look a certain way.<br />
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Some things shouldn't be changed. You shouldn't want to change certain things. You were made this way for a reason.<br />
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Instead of picking yourself apart, build yourself up.<br />
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Declare your mind a judgement free zone!<br />
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Don't judge yourself. Don't criticize yourself. And don't beat yourself up when you make a mistake.<br />
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Love yourself and you'll succeed.<br />
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Love yourself to love others!<br />
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Do you declare your mind a judgement free zone?<br />
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Love, the judgement free,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a><br />
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<br />Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-74455875041570889452013-01-18T12:16:00.000-08:002013-01-18T12:27:44.226-08:00An Evening of Inspiration Hi friends!<br />
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It's been another week full of fun things.<br />
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The most exciting thing that happened this week was attending An Evening of Awesome, hosted by John and Hank Green.<br />
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I'm a huge fans of the Greens. They're incredibly talented and inspirational men. Go check them out on YouTube! (Vlogbrothers)<br />
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Attending this evening was one of the most inspirational things I've experienced in a while.<br />
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The evening was all about celebrating things that we love, people that we love, and ourselves.<br />
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I was inspired by so many special guests that were there.<br />
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I was inspired by John Green and Neil Gaiman (that's right, NEIL GAIMAN) as a writer, to always write, read a lot, read broadly, and believe in my abilities.<br />
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I was inspired by a new band I've discovered called The Mountain Goats. This two-man powerhouse brought down the house with beautiful songs with beautiful messages.<br />
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I was most inspired by an AMAZING singer/songwriter named Kimya Dawson.<br />
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Kimya sang two amazing songs that are all about embracing our own spirit, creativity, and dreams. Songs about finding peace in humanity and within ourselves.<br />
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I was so touched by Kimya, she brought me to tears.<br />
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I write a lot on this blog about my hopes for humanity. I want to spread peace and love to people all over the world. No matter who you are or where you come from. I feel that Kimyas music really expressed my own thoughts and feelings on life.<br />
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I was unsure as to what I wanted to write about in this weeks blog until I attended An Evening of Awesome and heard Kimya.<br />
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I may say it a lot, but I feel strongly bout it.<br />
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We as people, NEED to learn to respect the way other people choose to live their lives. Sometimes, it's not even a choice.<br />
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It is THEIR life. Unless they are truly harming others or themselves, it shouldn't make a difference to you who they love, what they love to do, how they love to dress, what they love to eat, what they think is waiting for them on the other side, etc.<br />
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It's important for the sake of humanity, for everyone to respect each other. Judgement is unnecessary. There is no one on this planet who is better than anyone else.<br />
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I just felt this idea is important to share. If we really want to change the world, we need to learn how to RESPECT and LOVE each other.<br />
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I leave you with one of Kimya's songs. It's such a powerful piece and it really gets across the message that I'm trying to send with this weeks blog. Check it out! And be sure to find Kimya on Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.<br />
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"I fight for equal rights, and I fight for inner peace"</div>
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So spread love. Hug the people you love. Tell them you love them. And respect people who don't share the same beliefs as you. </div>
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This year is all about trying to spread my message of love and peace. Lets help each other! </div>
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I love you all. Sending you all virtual hugs. </div>
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Christina Bracco</div>
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<b>PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a></b></div>
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<br />Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-14333347874270292412013-01-11T07:25:00.000-08:002013-01-11T07:25:27.532-08:00You're Blessed! Are You Aware? Good morning, friends!<br />
(Well, good morning if you're on the east coast of the US!)<br />
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I hope everyone is doing well. This has been a whirlwind week for me!<br />
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I think we often get so caught up in the bad, that we forget to realize and appreciate all the good that comes our way!<br />
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Like, Monday. On Monday, I had the unfortunate mishap where I feel down the stairs in my house. I was home alone, there was no significant injury. Just a lot of pain. I sat on the last step to give myself a moment to recover, and then continued on my trip to the kitchen. I was in pain, but I pushed through and decided to walk outside to get the mail. When I checked my mail I found that I had finally received a postcard that I have been looking forward to receiving for a while!<br />
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You go through something tough, but you are greatly rewarded for pushing through the pain.<br />
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Are you aware in the good that comes after something bad? Are you present in it?<br />
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It may be something as little as receiving a postcard, but that little act of kindness from Him shows that you will be rewarded for your suffering.<br />
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One of my dreams came true this week. I still haven't fully recovered from the glorious experience, and I'm still sitting on cloud nine.<br />
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I won't share the experience with you all. Maybe just not yet. It's something so personally fulfilling, I don't want to taint it by taking away the intimacy and authenticity of it.<br />
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I'm just feeling completely blessed in the new year! I feel something BIG coming. This is going to be a BIG year for me. I'm sure of it.<br />
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You know when you just <i>feel</i> something in your bones? I feel it.<br />
This year will be a year full of blessings and new/life-changing experiences.<br />
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In order to stay aware of all the good things that happen every day, (believe it or not-something good happens every day), I've decided to work on a little project for 2013.<br />
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I'm calling it my <b>"2013 Journal Journey"</b>!<br />
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Every day, I write a journal entry on my computer about my day. The things that happened that day, how I felt, what I'm thinking about.<br />
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I plan on writing one entry every day for the year 2013. At the end of the year, I will print every page out and get it bound. A sort of book, if you will. And I will read it to myself.<br />
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Maybe i'll start doing it every year. A document of my life to keep with me forever.<br />
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It's amazing how much you forget as time goes by. Being able to keep it with you will keep your memories alive, and keep you aware.<br />
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I hope you all took something from this blog. I hope this inspires you to focus on the good things that happen to you every day.<br />
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I wish you all a great week. I'll be seeing one of my favorite authors on Tuesday. He's a huge inspiration to me so this is another blessing and dream come true.<br />
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Stay aware and stay grateful!<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<b>PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a></b>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-16006193511609481702013-01-04T06:54:00.001-08:002013-01-04T08:21:07.802-08:00Tunnel Vision!Welcome to 2013!<br />
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In honor of this being my first blog of a brand new year, I'd like to dedicate this post to my goal for 2013.</div>
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Focus.</div>
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That's right! For me, 2013 is all about FOCUS! </div>
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What am I focusing on?</div>
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I'm focusing on mastering my creativity and achieving all the goals I have for myself. </div>
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I am focused on finishing <i>Odyssey</i> by June! Maybe even earlier! I want my book completed by mid-way through the year. And I want to have it published (self-published or not) by the end of the year.</div>
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I also want to get an illustrator and start working towards publishing my first children's book. </div>
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I want to continue to grow and advance in my poetry. I hope to write one poem a day and to NEVER be late to publish on my poetry blog on Tuesdays and Thursdays. </div>
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I have so many goals for 2013 and I can't wait to watch them come to life. I'm excited to document this process every week via the magic of this blog!</div>
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It's important to be dedicated and FOCUSED on the things you want. Write down your goals and work towards them every day!</div>
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2013 is all about mastering my craft. </div>
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What is 2013 about for you? Are you focused on it?</div>
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Ask yourselves these questions and get cracking to make what you want happen!</div>
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I love you all. I believe in you all.</div>
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Christina Bracco</div>
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PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a></div>
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Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-74619656471249037492012-12-28T10:12:00.000-08:002012-12-28T10:12:00.655-08:00New Year, New Me?Well guys, another Christmas come and gone.<br />
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It's crazy how quickly the holiday season comes and goes. Yesterday, I found myself putting away all the decorations and turning on the radio to find 106.7 is back to regular music.<br />
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I spent the majority of this Christmas reflecting on the year and working on peace.<br />
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We may not always be surrounded by people that we enjoy being with. No one's family is perfect. But what's important is to make the best of the situation at hand and do your best to make it better.<br />
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I had a lovely Christmas and I hope you all did as well.<br />
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And now we're on to the new year!<br />
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In preparing for the new year, I've been doing some reflecting on what I want to accomplish in the new year.<br />
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Here are a few things I hope to accomplish in 2013:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Finish writing/publish Odyssey </li>
<li>Publish my first children's book</li>
<li>Continue reaching out to people in any way I can</li>
<li>Be more open with those closest to me</li>
<li>Continue bettering myself</li>
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Those are just a few things on my list. You should make one of your own! Write down all the things you hope to accomplish in 2013. Keep it close to you and look at it whenever you need a push.<br />
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Have you ever heard that saying "New year, new me" when New Years comes around?<br />
I don't like that term because I find it silly. If you keep becoming a "new you" every year, you'll never truly know who you are. You shouldn't be constantly changing yourself every year. You should be working on bettering the you that already exists.<br />
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Don't change who you are. BETTER who you are.<br />
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2013 is all about improvement for me!<br />
What is 2013 about for you?<br />
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Have a happy and SAFE happy new year. Be responsible in your celebrations!<br />
Much love to you all!<br />
<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<b>PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a></b>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-52528186362189648322012-12-21T10:18:00.001-08:002012-12-21T14:58:58.941-08:00Are You Living For You?Hello friends!<br />
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It's been a busy time around here. My Fall Semester has officially ended, my favorite holiday is just four days away, and I'm keeping busy!<br />
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In the midst of all the craziness that is the Christmas season, I've spent the last four days in a "Creative Cleanse".<br />
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I spent Monday through Thursday in a state of creativity. What does that entail?<br />
I kept away from all social media/television/blogging for four days and devoted my time to reading and writing.<br />
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I stayed away from Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and my beloved TV for four days straight. Nuts, right!?<br />
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The first day was rough, but then it was smooth sailing.<br />
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During this time I did a lot of meditating and thinking about my choices in life.<br />
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You all know that I'm dedicating my life to Philanthropy, People-building, and being of service to people.<br />
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I started thinking about why it took me so long to make the realization that this is what I wanted to do with my life.<br />
I came to the realization that I was living my life based on other people's emotions and feelings.<br />
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I would listen to family, friends, teachers, strangers. They didn't (and some still don't) "get" what I'm about.<br />
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"How are you going to make a living that way?"<br />
"You can't make money by doing that."<br />
"Yeah, but what's your REAL job going to be?"<br />
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I've been asked these questions time and time again. They often stopped me from believing in my ability to do what I love.<br />
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I WILL make a living by helping people.<br />
I'd rather be rich in my heart than rich in my pocket.<br />
My REAL job is helping people.<br />
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Don't let the negative comments of others stop you from reaching your goals. Listen to you heart, not the herd.<br />
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<b>AUTHOR UPDATE:</b><br />
In doing my cleanse, I was incredibly focused on writing my novel and I got over some MAJOR hurdles.<br />
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Because of your support through my struggle with writing, and since making so much progress, I've decided to announce the title of my book!<br />
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I'm pleased to announce the title of my first (of many) novel... <i>ODYSSEY !!!</i><br />
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<i>Odyssey </i>is a YA novel about a young girl named Stella Logan, who goes on a journey of self discovery.<br />
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I'm incredibly excited to share this process with you, and I thank you for the support.<br />
More to come!<br />
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All my love to you. Live your dreams.<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<b>PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a></b><br />
<i><br /></i>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-20158415439574653162012-12-14T19:25:00.004-08:002012-12-14T19:25:52.889-08:00Hug Someone Today.In light of recent events, I will dedicate this blog to something different than my original plan for this week.<br />
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I got home from English class around 2:20pm est. I opened the door, put my keys on the hook, took off my jacket, hung it up, and checked my phone. I opened my Twitter app to see a number of tweets regarding Connecticut.<br />
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I had absolutely no idea what was going on, having been in class for two hours, so I turned on my television. I come to find out that there has been a tragic, tragic shooting at an Elementary school in Connecticut.<br />
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An Elementary school. A building full of young kids going about their day as normal as possible. Kids who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their holiday.<br />
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Parents at home with presents under the tree for their children.<br />
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And they were attacked. Children were robbed of their innocence, and their lives today.<br />
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I am deeply, deeply saddened by this news.<br />
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I am absolutely heartbroken.<br />
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So many children between the ages of 4 and 10, teachers, faculty, killed or seriously injured.<br />
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Brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, grandparents. They're all suffering an unexpected, and unfair loss.<br />
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My wish for you today, and every day for that matter. Hug the ones you love. Heck, love the ones you don't.<br />
You never know when this gift of life can be ripped away from your hands.<br />
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Hug your loved ones. Tell them you love them. Wake up and be thankful every day. Live your life with peace and joy in your heart.<br />
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For those who have been affected by this tragedy, my prayers tonight will be dedicated to you.<br />
I hope that they're in my readers' thoughts as well.<br />
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Keep faith in your soul and love in your heart.<br />
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Bless you all. Go hug your loved ones. I'm sending you virtual hugs.<br />
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I love you all deeply,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<b>PERSONAL TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a></b><br />
<br />Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-90000898183235084412012-12-07T11:54:00.000-08:002012-12-07T11:54:37.163-08:00Stick With It!Hello all!<br />
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I hope you've all gotten into the holiday spirit since my last blog.<br />
(Quick note: Anyone in the NY/NJ area who'd like to help out with a drive I'm doing, leave me a comment!)<br />
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I've really been struggling in the last few weeks to find motivation to continue my book.<br />
As creative beings, we often run into dry spells while working on certain projects, and I was certainly in one.<br />
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It had been weeks since I had written my book and I was really frustrated with myself. I couldn't find inspiration, I didn't know how I wanted the story to continue, and I lost faith in my abilities.<br />
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I didn't mention anything about it in my last few blogs because I was trying to work through it on my own.<br />
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I came to the point recently where I almost shelved the novel in order to work on other ideas that I had.<br />
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Luckily, I had a meeting with my life coach on Wednesday and we discussed the matter.<br />
She encouraged me to push through and continue writing. If I were to shelve my book and move on to something easier, I wouldn't be growing and I wouldn't be challenging myself. I would have been giving up on myself.<br />
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We made it certain that I would schedule time in every day to write. Even if I'm unsure of the direction I want to go in, or I feel the work isn't good enough, just write. I can always go back and change it.<br />
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Since Wednesday, I have done just that and I feel back to my old self.<br />
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I've made it my goal to maintain this new energy and continue writing every day, as well as keeping up with my meditative walks and reading.<br />
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I urge you all to continue to push through when you feel as though you have nothing more to give. Find the strength and stick with it. Nothing is better than the feeling you get after you accomplish your goal.<br />
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Work hard and you will be rewarded with greatness.<br />
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Much love and faith to you all,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<b>PERSONAL TWITTER:</b><a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0"> https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a><br />
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P.S. - Exciting things coming soon! Stay tuned :)Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-17276323758080961152012-11-30T11:36:00.003-08:002012-11-30T11:36:52.987-08:00A Time To GiveWow, wow, WOW.<br />
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I am most certainly in the holiday spirit!<br />
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Decorations up? Check!<br />
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Tree up? Check!<br />
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Shopping complete? Almost check!<br />
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Holiday festivities? Double check!<br />
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Christmas music? CHECK!<br />
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The holiday season is upon us, y'all. Instead of thinking about the material value of the holidays, I'm taking this holiday season with a new look. A look of faith.<br />
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I was just out and about doing some Christmas shopping. Normally, we tend to forget the true meaning of the holidays and focus on what we're hoping to receive. For me, this season is all about GIVING. As I was shopping and picking up gifts for my loved ones, I couldn't help but smile and get excited when thinking about their excitement and joy when they unwrap their gift.<br />
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My heart was filled with warmth because I knew that I would be making them smile.<br />
I will be a part of their happiness.<br />
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That's the best feeling in the world.<br />
Being able to bring someone else joy is a remarkable gift that we all hold within us and it's our duty to make use of it.<br />
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While in Barnes and Noble, the cashier asked me if I'd like to donate a book to children who were effected by Hurricane Sandy. Normally, I would pay no mind, the cashiers usually offer you things to make you spend more money, but I'm so glad I decided to listen. I donated a book (Monsters Inc. to be exact) and couldn't help but smile because I knew how much joy that will give one special little girl or boy at Christmas time.<br />
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What have you guys given to someone else during this time? You still have time!!<br />
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A few other acts of kindness I've done lately:<br />
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I wrote a Christmas card for a cancer patient in St. Jude's Children's Hospital.I know that a simple card will bring a smile to the child that receives it. I ask that you keep them in your prayers and donate if you can.<br />
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At my church, we have this little Christmas tree towards the front called the "Giving Tree". Instead of being decorated in ornaments, it's decorated with tags. On the back of each tag is an item that a family is in need of. I decided that I wanted to help someone who is less fortunate than I, so I took two. One tag asked for socks for a little girl, the other a woman's sweater. Socks and sweaters will bring a smile to someone's face this Christmas. Think about that.<br />
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I will also be helping out with a food drive as it gets closer to the holidays.<br />
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My point isn't to show you how much of a saint I am. My hope is to inspire you.<br />
No matter what holiday you celebrate, if any at all, take this holiday season and do something for someone else. No matter how big or how small, every act of kindness counts.<br />
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This Wednesday I was a VIP guest at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE I feel so blessed to have been a part of something so amazing.<br />
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I am so excited because tomorrow I will be going to Lincoln Center to see the Nutcracker for the first time. I love my city! I'll be going with my mother and my aunt. I can't wait to experience such a magnificent show! What a way to get even MORE into the holiday spirit.<br />
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I love you all and I hope that you are getting into the holiday spirit.<br />
I wish you all a happy and blessed week.<br />
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Love always,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<b>PERSONAL TWITTER: </b>https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0<br />
<br />Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-50922409511753317862012-11-23T17:55:00.002-08:002012-11-23T17:56:14.920-08:00What are you grateful for?Hello all!<br />
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It shouldn't come as a shock to all of you that today's post is about gratitude. Yesterday was Thanksgiving, after all.<br />
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Thanksgiving is one of the big holidays in the U.S. (Gosh. I ate so much. Workouts are cranked up to the extreme level today. Diet starts back up tomorrow. HEALTHY EATING. CLEANSED PALLET).<br />
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Anyway...<br />
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As I woke up yesterday, I felt extremely sick. I had (and still have) some sort of head cold going on up there. I felt like being a mush and laying in bed until our meal was ready, but I pushed myself. I got up and carried on with the usual traditions. I watched the parade with my aunt and mother, watched March of the Wooden Soldiers, and helped to prepare our feast.<br />
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When you're feeling down and out, don't be afraid to push yourself. Push yourself as far as you can go.<br />
I was glad I pushed myself. I would have been upset if I didn't take part in the usual traditions.<br />
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I realized another thing when I woke up yesterday. Thanksgiving is the day where everyone recognizes what they have and what they're grateful for. The truth is, we should be thankful every day. I try to make a habit of taking a moment each day to appreciate what I have and what I don't have <i>yet</i>. Why wait for one day of the year? Be thankful every day.<br />
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I'm also on a path of forgiveness lately. I'm reconnecting with people who I haven't interacted with in years and I've never been happier.<br />
This year is turning into my best yet. I've grown and learned so much as a person. I'm coming into my own and appreciating the life I have. I've never been happier than I am right now and I'm glad I can share it with people I love and people who I've missed deeply.<br />
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Christmas spirit is in full swing. I took part in Black Friday today for the second time. It was interesting. Instead of going at midnight like last year, I went at 6am. I've never been more exhausted than I've been in the last two days, but it was worth it. I had a great time and got some shopping done.<br />
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That's one of my goals for the week! Get at least half of my shopping done.<br />
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I also have quite a few writing projects that I can't WAIT to announce! They'll be announced next week. Stay tuned! :)<br />
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This week is also all about writing. I'll be focusing on getting back into my book this week! Back in action, my friends.<br />
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I hope you remember to be thankful every day.<br />
Gratitude is important for a fulfilled soul.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to announce my new projects and I'll see you next week!<br />
<br />
Safe travels and get into the holiday spirit!<br />
I'm thankful for all of you. Thank you for giving me a platform to express my views. You're inspiring.<br />
Love always,<br />
<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<b>PERSONAL TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</b><br />
<br />Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-35511853063057325802012-11-16T10:25:00.002-08:002012-11-16T10:27:58.564-08:00I Challenge You!!Greetings and salutations!<br />
<br />
What's going on in my life?<br />
<br />
I've been going through this process in the last month (more-so, in the last few weeks) of transformation.<br />
<br />
Here me out.<br />
<br />
Last week I told you all about how I was finding myself more in tune with my spirituality and my faith.<br />
Well, that has just been blossoming and growing stronger and stronger each day.<br />
<br />
You all know how important I find spirituality to be. It's important to do things that make you happy and feed your soul.<br />
It's important to keep yourself motivated, keep inspiration all around you, and to keep your creativity going.<br />
<br />
INSPIRATION.<br />
<br />
I find my motivation/inspiration in many different places. I continue my meditation, my walking. Reading/writing. Look at the world that surrounds you.<br />
I work with my life coach, who keeps me SO motivated. I follow inspirational Twitters, I get emails, I watch shows.<br />
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There are SO many things you can do.<br />
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MUSIC!! (Hi. Go get Ed Sheeran's album. It's been inspiring me like crazy.)<br />
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I've been reading this book written by a pastor named Joel Osteen. It's called "I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life"<br />
It's a 31 day process where you read one chapter a day and practice working on yourself.<br />
It's been so amazing. It really puts things in perspective and gives you confirmation that fulfilling your dreams is what you were meant to do.<br />
<br />
In reading this, I've decided to make my own challenge for YOU! (And me!)<br />
Over the next seven days, I want you to think of one thing a day that you'd like to change about yourself and work on it!<br />
NOW, I don't mean things such as: "lose weight, get a boyfriend, go to that party". NO. I mean positive, internal things. Like "becoming more organized, having more confidence, loving myself, writing that story I've been meaning to write"<br />
Do things that will benefit your spirit and your soul! For the long run!<br />
<br />
Check back in next week and let me know how it went! Next Friday, I'll write about my experience too!<br />
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As usual, thank you all for your love and support. You're all so awesome.<br />
I hope you have an amazing week.<br />
Happy Thanksgiving to my readers who celebrate!<br />
(I'm totes looking forward to it.)<br />
<br />
Lots of love and fuzzy thoughts,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<b>Personal Twitter: </b>https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-19630267038848835412012-11-09T09:44:00.002-08:002012-11-09T09:48:39.388-08:00Advice?How's everyone doing?<br />
I hope my east-coasters are slowly getting back to normal since Hurricane Sandy hit. I know I am!<br />
<br />
This week has been super crazy for me. That's probably why this week FLEW by. Friday? I feel like I just wrote a blog yesterday!<br />
<br />
Well ,where do I begin?<br />
<br />
I've been on a spiritual journey in these past few weeks. I've been working a lot with meditation, keeping calm, inspiration, reading, and practicing my faith more.<br />
<br />
To me, life is all about exploring and feeding your soul. Keeping your spirit alive and growing. Searching for yourself and the things that you love. Seeing things from a new light and responding to challenges in a different way.<br />
<br />
Remember, things may not always happen when you want them to or how you want them to, but you WILL get what you're looking for in due time. Even things you didn't know you were looking for.<br />
That's something that I've been working to accept during these past few weeks.<br />
That and so much more.<br />
<br />
I encourage you all to explore yourselves, listen to your hearts, explore your souls, and find your spirituality. It does wonders for you!<br />
<br />
Secondly,<br />
I'd like to thank everyone for their support with THPC. I'm slowly getting into posting more, it's just been crazy since Sandy.<br />
Be sure to check out<b> The Happy Place Campaign</b> HERE: http://thehappyplacecampaign.tumblr.com/<br />
<br />
The poetry blog is also getting back into routine!<br />
Check out Tuesdays poem and Thursdays song HERE: http://christinabracco.tumblr.com/<br />
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<b>Author Update:</b><br />
I'm going through a bit of a rough patch in regards to my book.<br />
I had an epiphany, if you will.<br />
The idea and direction of my book has now changed.<br />
I'm having a bit of a meltdown because I feel as though all the work I've put into it so far has been for nothing and I've wasted my time.<br />
The plot is still the same, but I've done a few major alterations that cancel out 70% of what I have written thus far.<br />
Do you guys have any advice on how to get through something like this? Trying to get through something that's out of your control?<br />
<br />
I guess it's good in a way because that means that I'm growing and developing more.<br />
It just really sucks.<br />
<br />
But an exciting Author Update:<br />
I have several great ideas for Children's Book's that I plan on putting in production in the next few months. Stay turned for a lot of exciting news about that!<br />
<br />
I'm about to calm down, have some lunch, take a breather, and think through this.<br />
I tell you, I'm really looking forward to meeting with my life coach this week.<br />
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I wish you all a lovely week. Stay safe and stay warm.<br />
Hugs, kisses, and best wishes,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Personal Twitter: </u> https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-28588132321403419512012-11-01T06:15:00.002-07:002012-11-01T06:15:13.143-07:00After A Storm...Hello Dear Readers!<br />
<br />
Gosh. It has been a CRAZY week over here in NY. I'm sure most of you know about Hurricane Sandy hitting the East Coast Monday/Tuesday of this week.<br />
<br />
As a New York native, I don't feel that we expected the storm to be what it was. I personally, have never seen anything like it. The wind was like nothing I've ever experienced before. Losing power all around you, looking out your window and seeing complete darkness, lightning, wires going on fire, no heat, no hot water, limited food.<br />
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I am thankful enough to live in an area of Staten Island where I, unlike many residents, didn't have to evacuate. I also live on an incline so the risk of flooding was also not an issue. However, living on a street full of large trees was incredibly worrisome. (Many of which came down).<br />
<br />
All in all, I was without power for two days. Without any contact with the outside world. It was something I've never had to deal with for a long period of time before. It made me realize just how much we take for granted. Not being able to open the fridge, having to do everything by candlelight, no cell service, no heat or hot water, we don't truly realize how lucky we are.<br />
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My mother and I decided to get out of the house to check out how the neighborhood was looking. Trees, wires, debris, fences, pieces of homes, signs, all down. On every single block. To see people who had trees going through their homes, significant damage done to their property. It's incredibly heart wrenching<br />
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I sat in my car (which thankfully has enough gas to last me a while) and I charged my phone as much as I could while I listened to the news on the radio. To hear all of the devastation around NY/NJ was unbelievable.<br />
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When I finally regained power and turned on the news to see what was happening, I couldn't believe my eyes. Places in New jersey that I frequent during the summer, that I love going to ever year, completely underwater. All the homes that have been destroyed, fires, flooding, people crying on television because they've lost everything. Family member's homes ripped away from them. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before.<br />
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I've been thinking a lot about volunteering. I will definitely be doing it around the holidays (they will be here before you know it, people)<br />
But in the aftermath of this horrible storm, I definitely plan on volunteering throughout my city to help those who weren't as lucky as I was.<br />
I encourage you all. DO WHAT YOU CAN. Even if it has nothing to do with the aftermath of the storm. Volunteer around your own cites.<br />
<br />
When you take a shower today, remember that people are without hot water. When you turn on your lights, remember people are still without power all over.<br />
BE THANKFUL. Don't take these things for granted. I know I won't anymore!<br />
<br />
<b>ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!!!!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The Happy Place Campaign is officially LAUNCHED!</b><br />
<b>I'm so very, very excited to start this project and I hope it does what I want it to. Follow and spread the word. I need your help!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>You can find more information, as well as it's very first official post HERE: </b><a href="http://thehappyplacecampaign.tumblr.com/">http://thehappyplacecampaign.tumblr.com/</a><br />
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<b>The OFFICIAL THPC Twitter is HERE</b>: <a href="https://twitter.com/THPCampaign">https://twitter.com/THPCampaign</a><br />
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And I'm so very excited to wish those participating a happy start to<b> National Novel Writing Month!!!</b><br />
Not my Writing Buddy yet?<br />
Hop to it! <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/christina-bracco">http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/christina-bracco</a><br />
I'm about to get writing!<br />
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Much love, many, MANY hugs,<br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<br />
<b>Personal Twitter:</b> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a><br />
<b>Poetry Blog:</b> <a href="http://christinabracco.tumblr.com/">http://christinabracco.tumblr.com/</a>Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-12819778901323037532012-10-26T09:40:00.001-07:002012-10-26T09:40:35.338-07:00Inspiration Is All AroundGood afternoon, Lovely people!<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but this week FLEW for me. Whoa!<br />
<br />
Two things that are constantly on my mind, 24/7, are creativity and inspiration.<br />
This week, I've been working on keeping my creative juices flowing and summoning inspiration from all around me.<br />
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You can find inspiration ANYWHERE. You just need to keep your eyes open and let it come to you. Last night I was inspired by headlights on a car. I then went on to write a poem based off of those headlights. Crazy, huh?<br />
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I've been working on summoning inspiration from different things lately because I've been working on taking my poetry to a new depth. In the majority of the work I've written thus far, I make the point I'm trying to make very clear. Since exploring the world around me I've been starting to use a lot more symbolism and imagery in my recent poems and I've been LOVING it.<br />
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I feel as though I'm stepping up my game and getting better! Like those headlights, for instance. I was inspired to write a poem about an event opening our eyes to something we didn't see before because we were in the dark. Cool, huh?<br />
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As you all know, I've been working on figuring out what I want and who I want to be. I want to be a creative spirit. I've been working a lot on meditation. I've been going on hour long walks every morning/afternoon. Listening to music, walking, and taking in new inspiration has been quite lovely. I suggest meditation to you all! Find something you enjoy, something peaceful, and spend a little time a day doing it. It does wonders on your soul.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>A few little announcements:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>I am extremely pleased to announce that I will be participating in this years National Novel Writing Month! This is my first year participating and I'm ecstatic. Even though I've begun working on my book already, this is a great motivational tool! If anyone else is participating this year, feel free to add me as a Writing Buddy <b>HERE</b>: <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/christina-bracco">http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/christina-bracco</a></li>
<li>Next week I will OFFICIALLY be launching <b>The Happy Place Campaign!</b> I will be making a special Blogspot post on <b>Wednesday</b> to announce once it's up and running so check back on Wednesday for that!! I'll link you to it's Twitter and Tumblr! Those can also be found in my Blogspot post from two weeks ago if you'd like to follow those now! :)</li>
<li>Due to my crazy schedule, I forgot to post a <b>Thursday Poem</b>. So, today I'm giving everyone a present to apologize. To say I'm sorry, today I will be posting the poem I was going to post yesterday, PLUS A<b> SONG. </b>Are you excited? I am! I'm even MORE excited because this is the first piece I've ever written. This is what started me with writing. This piece is extremely sacred and personal to me. I'm incredibly pleased to share it with you all. The song and poem will be <b>posted at 3pm est!</b> Don't forget to check that out!</li>
<li>Finally, I've decided to open myself up more to my amazing readers and start to share with you all. With that being said, I'm now leaving areas open for my readers to <b>ask me any questions about my writing</b>, what certain pieces are about, and all that jazz! Want to know why I wrote a certain poem? You can ask me in the <b>ASK</b> box of my poetry Tumblr OR The <b>ASK </b>box of my personal Tumblr. Lets connect! </li>
</ol>
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I'm excited for all of this and I hope you are too!<br />
<br />
Personal Tumblr: www.faithtrustandpixiedustx3.Tumblr.com<br />
Poetry Tumblr: www.christinabracco.Tumblr.com<br />
<b>(Unfortunately Tumblr is down write now, so this will also start at 3pm est!)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
You're all so amazing and I thank, thank, THANK you for the support!<br />
<b>Have a Happy and SAFE Halloween</b><br />
<b>Much love, many hugs,</b><br />
<b>Christina Bracco</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Personal Twitter: </b><a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a><br />
<br />Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035097850498339489.post-9369722471955564462012-10-19T09:51:00.002-07:002012-10-19T09:51:54.802-07:00Chill Out!Man, oh, man. I was about to make a sandwich because I'm incredibly hungry, but I figured I should write this first before I get distracted again!<br />
<br />
So hello, all!<br />
<br />
What a lovely Friday, huh? If you're near me then you are also experiencing an incredibly rainy and cold October day. I love days like this! Except when I have to go out in them. Which I've had to/will have to do.<br />
<br />
Shall we talk a little about stress? Let's do that!<br />
<br />
So... I am a self-accepting worrier. I worry about almost anything that I'm unsure about. I can't help it! People laugh at me all the time because of how bent out of shape I get over things, but it's just my nature. How many of you are the same way?<br />
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I've tried many times to control my anxiety and talk myself out of it, but I can never seem to follow through. BUT, in the end, whatever it is that I was worrying about turns out fine! Almost every time.<br />
<br />
Here's an example. I was incredibly sick yesterday and could barely do anything. I was incredibly worried because I had a History midterm this morning. I had the intention of studying for it last night, but with the state I was in, I barely retained anything. I woke up this morning feeling incredibly unprepared and anxious about taking the test. I did my best to spend what little time I had before the test studying. When I got the test... everything that I studied was there. I kicked ASS.<br />
<br />
So there I was. In a PANIC. And I ended up doing incredibly well on the test.<br />
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Try not to sweat the small stuff! I'll try to do the same.<br />
I've been thinking a lot about being a more positive person. Less complaining, more smiling. Less worrying, more laughing.<br />
<br />
Let's focus on things that make us happy! Think of how AMAZING you'll feel once the scary task is finished. You'll do great!<br />
<br />
Like, tonight. I have a Sign Language Presentation that I'm nervous about. But here, in front of you all, I'm vowing to do my best to be positive and chill out!<br />
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So do the same! Let's make this vow together!<br />
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I wish you all peace and calmness for the week.<br />
<br />
Thank you to all who continue to read my thoughts and work. It means so much and I will never stop telling you all how gracious I am.<br />
<br />
Happy Friday! (Make sure you watch the Halloween Marathon on ABC Family this weekend! I'm pumped!)<br />
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<b>Much love, many hugs,</b><br />
Christina Bracco<br />
<br />
<b>Twitter</b>: <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0">https://twitter.com/ChristinaBracc0</a><br />
<br />
<b>Poetry:</b> <a href="http://christinabracco.tumblr.com/">http://christinabracco.tumblr.com/</a><br />
<br />Christina Bracco, Beauty by Braccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05169951291747598234noreply@blogger.com0