It has been raining like crazy on the West Coast this weekend. Hope everyone affected by the storm has stayed safe and dry. I thought I would share 5 of my favourite quotes to brighten up a grey day. As you may know, I love combining my 5 favourite  motivational quotes with beautiful photographs I take throughout the world. Happy Monday Everyone! Enjoy!

As you know, I love sharing stories of people who have impacted my journey.  I was saddened to find out that a beautiful soul, Zach Sobiech, lost his battle to cancer yesterday.  Zach was only 18 years old when he died but in his short time he embraced life to the fullest.  His passion for life, love of others, and contagious joy touched my heart as well as those of many others. His legacy will live on.  As Zach said in his documentary, "It's really simple, actually, just try to make people happy."

I'm so excited to share with you a new web show that Jacqueline Boone (from 6 Months to Live) and I are starting. I met Jacqueline through WordPress and an awesome friendship was born. We did our first episode yesterday of our new monthly web show called:

Aloha! I’m back. Hope you all had a great couple of weeks. I had a refreshing vacation in Maui.

If you want to get inspired, you should visit the Hawaiian Islands. They have changed my life; they may change yours. We all have places that empower us. The Hawaiian Islands do this for me.  Maui has a special place in my heart; it is where I originally came up with the idea for my blog. So, I thought I should use my holiday as a chance to reflect on my blog, past and present.

Mara Glatzel is a self-love coach + author of the Body Loving Homework e-course. She works with women who are ready to create the lives they want — and deserve. Her blog — Medicinal Marzipan — has inspired thousands of women to heal their relationships with their bodies, and treat themselves with relentless compassion. Catch up with her on facebook, twitter, or join her body-loving mailing list for secret swapping and insider news.

I'm excited to share this personal post with you about how I learned to embrace my body.  I hope you enjoy it! Also, check out my interview with The Gold Zebra as I'm featured as blogger of the week starting today.

The journey to stand taller ( i.e., stand/walk tall means to be proud of yourself and confident of your abilities) started with a purchase. A few years ago, I bought the prettiest pair of high heels. The best part about them is they are four-inch heels. Now I know, you are probably thinking, “Arianna, WHY are you sharing your purchase with us?!”

Here are some inspiring words to start your week! My youngest sister got me this poster as a birthday present and I absolutely love it! I am so thankful for this beautiful present that I have it hanging in a position to see it while I am writing.

This poster's words help. Proof: I finished my very rough draft for my NaNoWriMo book. Wohoo!! 50,000+ words in a month = DONE.  I got my badge for finishing too ( see it in the sidebar).

Jessica Larsen is a word-wrangler, story-seeker and general lover of wonder + whimsy. She loves green smoothies, summer evenings, and motivational movie montages. She is actively pursuing a life of inspiration, adventure and truth. By day, you can find her giving legal and policy advice to the Government. By night, she is a cape-wearing online superhero who writes, pontificates and inspires over at www.sparrowandsea.com and Hello Wordsmith. Thanks, Jess, for sharing with us the lessons you have learned throughout your life! Keep writing, smiling, and sharing your story! 

My birthday is coming up this week.  In the past couple of years, I felt like a failure around this time of year because I was reminded of milestones of adulthood that I hadn’t yet achieved. However, this year my outlook has changed and I am embracing the day!

I know many people who have said they want to write a book but don't know how to start or what to write about.

My advice: JUST START WRITING!  If you need help, you should read "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron.  She encourages people to get up every morning and write three pages by hand.  Even if you have nothing to say, just write out "I have nothing to say" for the three pages.

I know this challenge may be hard, and there will be days when you want to quit; but, keep writing! I would appreciate your comments and participation, as it is always easier to keep going when people are on the journey with you.   But this challenge is one with myself; I have a lot to say and want to get it down.

I have to share this short film, called "Validation," that my uncle showed to me a couple days ago.  You have to watch, as it is such a beautiful and touching film!  I will be sharing my thoughts on this film in an upcoming post; until then, please enjoy and reflect on "Validation."

One of the best mantras that I have incorporated into my life over the past several years is what I call “Coffee, Talk, and a Walk.” (c)

If you are stressed, need to sort out an issue, or just want to feel even better overall, I suggest you take part in this mantra as well.

Some of my happiest and most favourite times involve these three things. You can do this process alone or with others. 

Let me break the mantra down for you, “Coffee, talk, and a walk.”