Take chances and meet new people, you never know the amazing connections you will form.  I truly believe that these connections form not only because you were at the right place at the right time, but because you take ACTION!

I was presented with an opportunity and if I hadn't taken action, look at the inspiring people I would have missed out on connecting with.

Let me share my inspiring story with you.  I consider myself lucky to have connected with these two women! I hope to meet them someday.

One of the perks of  creating a blog and connecting with others around the world is that you meet new friends.  It is such a "RANDOM" story that I have to share it with you all and it started with this necklace.

It started in July 2011, when I wrote the blog postMy “Aha!” Moment: Realizing “I AM ENOUGH”  after seeing Kara Goucher (an athlete) wear this necklace in an interview.   The necklace says "I am not afraid" on the front and on the back says " I was born to do this."For me, when I see this necklace, I think: “ I am not afraid … I was born to be me.” 

I had been struggling with the definition of  ”me," as I was a recent Master's graduate pursuing my next step. I want to be a sport psychologist and a blogger but at the time both were just possibilities as I lacked courage to follow the dream.

I felt that there are two versions of me: the ideal “perfect” me and the real “imperfect” me.  I know that no one is perfect, but it is hard to go against the grain and be okay with who you are in a society where there is a pressure to strive for perfection.  Everyone wants to fit in, which involves “assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted” (Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection, p. 25).    This got me thinking: I do not want to be accepted for this alternate version of me, I want to be accepted and loved for who I really am, goofiness, imperfections, and all.  I AM ENOUGH. I should follow my passion and not give up!

I was drawn to the necklace so I immediately researched the designer, Tina Steinberg, and joined her mailing list.

I also have purchased this necklace and wear it frequently. Thanks Tina!!!!

Then in October 2011, Tina sent out her newsletter and at the bottom it mentioned her friend, Amy Thackery's company Rare Byrd Creative.  The newsletter mentioned how Amy does logo design which is exactly what I was looking for at that time. Plus. Rare Byrd Creative's tagline is "She Believed She Could So She Did"  - I knew after reading this sentence that we would be friends :)

I took a chance and emailed Amy and we have been working together ever since.  She did my logo and I love it!!!! Thanks Amy for your wonderful work.

So glad I took action when presented with an opportunity.  I'm really lucky!!!! Thank you both for encouraging me to pursue my passion. 

I am now in the process of becoming a sport psychologist and I am a blogger :) I thought I would share this story as it sums up what Arianna's "Random" Thoughtsis all about - helping to empower others through connection.

The creation of this blog is a result of me speaking up and sharing my random thoughts with others.  To quote my blog’s mission statement:

“If we are lucky, we will be given the opportunity to overcome setbacks and persevere through tough times; those are the times that build our character and prove our inner strength. We all have a story and random thoughts that swim through our heads; they are what shape us into who & where we are today. Every event has occurred in our lives to teach us valuable lessons; whether we learn from them or not, it’s up to us. Stories are meant to be told and shared with others; so, what are you waiting for?”

If you would like to get involved with my blog or have any ideas, please connect with me.  I'm open to new ideas :) Thanks to those who have inspired me and continually do so on a daily basis.

Thank you for reading and your presence at this beach retreat. You Rock! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below.

See you at the beach!