lost tribes

Photo Credits: Christopher Canon

CHRISFOTOG

Studies show that people change every seven years at the least. With that being so, "forever" isn't really forever, which can be applied to relationships and friendships. As we age, we find ourselves branching out more toward others with more familiar interests, personalities, lifestyles... similarities. It's only inevitable. Don't be upset by lost friendships that naturally unfold with gradual changes. Those are the best kind of losses, the most soothing as they give time for understanding, time for clarifications. Grasping these factors should also elevate more acceptance and ultimately happiness in realizing who you are today has a lot to do with who you used to surround yourself with and who you go on to pursue. We are all victims of surrounding influences, if not social influences. Everyday surroundings, including individuals who simply walk pass you unexpectedly, have an underlying impact on your soul if you paid them any attention. Hence, every single day should be spent with unlimited awareness and appreciation of the little things in life. You should live your life with genuine kindness even toward certain strangers, like offering a helping hand to someone you don't know, without any expectations of returns. A lot of real heroic stories involve some recollection of an act of kindness from strangers when they least expected it. With that being said, you just never know who you might influence and how your contribution can eventually make the world a better place, literally. 

When someone gifts your life with thoughtfully kind gestures, remember them. 

Never forget the people who helped you get where you are. 

Never forget your roots. 

Let positive vibes flow forward. 

building bridges

Photo Credits: Christopher Canon

CHRISFOTOG

Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day and took the opportunity to spend it with the people they love whether it was a significant other, best friends, or family. Valentine's Day shouldn't be shunned as Singles' Awareness Day because that's too pessimistic of a mindset in my books. Nonsense. Instead, it should be perceived in a genuine light of love, and, when it comes to real love, you can love anyone... or anything! Hobbies should also be given the chance at your love for the day. I mean, why not? 

Explore your loves in life for the sake of seeking passion. 

Regardless of how you spent your holiday, I wish all the epiphany that everyday forth should be spent doing the things you love most and surrounding yourself with only people that uplift and inspire you is of a necessity. People that show any effort contributing toward your happiness, whether it's a simple "how are you" text or a cute well-planned surprise. Those are the people worth your time and thought. Those are the people that will help you build better, bigger bridges in your future. Why waste energy and brain space burning bridges when you can dwell in the possibilities ahead? It's this type of positivism that'll leave you with utmost happiness in the end wherever you stand in life. Try it. 

You'll thank me later.  

essence of curiosity

Photo Credits: Christopher Canon

I find infinite beauty in the genuine curiosity that toddlers behold in the earliest stages of life. It's from their curious nature that their minds passionately expand with constant knowledge of lessons learned. It's this essence of curiosity that I wish humans never lose throughout their lifetime regardless of age. Yes, as we mature, it's inevitable that people become more judgmental or at least conscience of others' opinions. But in order to live life to the fullest, you must put all that aside and embrace your curious nature. 

Life is trial and error. 

Don't be afraid to ask others' for advice that gear toward your desires in life. As for those who get asked, don't be so quick to judge the curious seekers as creepy or whatever nonsense. Placing negative viewpoints on these wanderers only makes you ignorant at the least. Be more receptive to such inquiring minds because you might find yourself in the same restless shoes one days. 

If you fail at something, move forward and simply grace that experience as a lesson learned to better your next attempt or even take up a new route. For heavens' sake, take action and do things you never thought of doing before because your life isn't going to just magically fulfill itself. Are you content with living your life admiring others pursue your dreams? If not, do something about it. 

Get into that spotlight and create your own runway.

Not all who wander are lost.

Keep an open mind, and always welcome curiosity. 

holly daze

Photo Credits: Christopher Canon

CHRISFOTOG

Now that the end of the year holiday spirits have surpassed us last December and encroached an entirely new year upon us, I hope everyone snaps out of whatever dazes that have been overpowering them and makes the most of 2k13. T'is the time for new mindsets, new attitudes, new understandings, and everyday new beginnings. With these on your plate, you're bounded for new opportunities that may have never crossed your path otherwise. As I've mentioned first on that list, it all starts with your mindset. The way you think really shapes your habits, and habits mold character. Let 2013 be a year of broadening your horizons. Be open to trying new things for new chapters of your life to unfold. Of course, this entails taking on new risks. Lot's of people may live by the saying of, "Better safe than sorry," but really.... When it comes down to it, you only grow and discover what kind of person you truly are at the brinks of your comfort zone. Move toward that blinding light of discomfort, and viola! You just never know what awaits you...

Inspiration only rewards the courageous. So be daring.

he-ARTFUL texas

Seeing how the new year is right around the corner, I realized I needed to get the rest of these 2012 posts up before it's too late. Hence, here's the plethora of street art that Jim and I stumbled upon in Texas. As I believe I mentioned in my last post, Deep Ellum had a little public exhibit hosted by the crossroads, which was pretty neat to wander around in the midst of the chilly nights as we did. 

Anyways, hope everyone's having a wonderful holiday season and congrats on surviving yet another "End of the World"! It's real amusing to see the extremes that some people will take up in full belief of something. As a bit ridiculous as I found it to all be, personally, the fact that society is willing to die for a belief is a beautiful thing. But like all beautiful things, your belief system needs to be well rested with a backbone of validity and reasoning. Otherwise, your beliefs can leave you astray, falling victim to unknown evils in the world, who wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of you.  Common sense isn't as common as it should be all the time. 

Really though. Can't wait to survive another one...