TBH

To Be Honest

To Be Honest

Hi, I am Mic!

I interact, read, absorb, take pen to paper, and aim to make sense of this so-called life. I am genuinely interested in people and learning their stories. I ask questions. A lot of questions. To the point that it makes some uncomfortable. Most of us wear a mask, a protective shield, pretending, afraid to be seen. I’m not interested in the veiled version; I want to know the real you, so I peel the layers I dig. And then it happens, I discover the most delicious souls.

It’s not always rainbows and unicorns; occasionally, I get triggered by stupidity and shitty human beings. I am learning to pause. This helps, as I discover that layers of complexities exist, and fear is typically the culprit. I am rambling; this is how my headspace operates. Like a dragonfly, I change directions frequently.

I don’t do black or white. I live in the grey; I see a lot of shadows. Obsessed with the human condition, I spend hours listening and learning from some of the best. A handful of these mentors are part of my tribe, my peeps. The rest are in the public domain. I journal, scribble notes, and apply mindset and practices to my way of life. 

My viewpoints are a fusion of firsthand experiences and a thirst to learn and evolve. I make every effort to give credit where credit is due. I use what I discovered as a launchpad to unleash my voice.

I am not a therapist, life coach, counselor, or medical doctor. I am, however, a spiritual junkie, serial listener, community advocate, and well-versed in life’s ebbs and flows.

Also, I write like I speak, which means I curse and make mistakes. Did I mention English is my second language? Finally, my opinions do not make me right; nonetheless, they are part of me, which I share freely — Oh, and I’m open to hearing others’ points of view.

I am a mother, wife, sister, and friend. A believer in the power of prayer, the universe, and my vortex. A recreational tennis player who loves to travel and meet people. I am hopeful, intuitive, optimistic, and inspired by pretty things.

ToGETherJOY is a call to action to pause, reflect, and redirect. I lend my voice to blow up the false narrative of perfection many strive for yet can never achieve. I share the stage happily with other women, sharing stories, illuminating, nudging– do better, be better– holding a mirror for those who need reminding; Do you see? I see you. And you are beautiful, talented, and worthy.

Joyously,

Inspired Action

ToGETherJOY is my playground. I observe, express, and share all my ‘feels.’ But I am equally stoked about my other gig, The Kindling Project, a place to fan and fuel the tiny fire inside all of us.

Mel, my kick-ass partner, and I are dedicated to serving women; we are obsessed and know there is a world of untapped potential in women, so we are building a stage to support ALL passion projects.

Check it out; you won’t be disappointed. Oh, and if you want to be in the know, join our private Facebook group, The Kindling Project Ignite. Basically, it’s a bunch of chics uplifting and inspiring each other to do better and be better…um, yes, please!

Want to be inspired by some amazing firestarters?

The Kindling Project Podcast

Tell Me More

#truth – Small talk isn’t exactly my strong suit. Sure, I can keep up with the latest buzz about celebrities like David Beckham (seriously, have you seen his closet?!), but full disclosure, I suck at small talk.

I crave genuine connections beyond surface-level chatter and delve into a person’s essence—their passions, fears, and dreams. That’s where the true richness lies–that’s the good stuff.

So, I’ve mastered saying three little words: “Tell me more.” They’re like a secret code unlocking the juicy stuff in conversation.

And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. From moments of pure joy to vulnerable admissions, those three words have opened up a world of meaningful dialogue.

So, if you’re fed up with the chit-chat scene and ready for real talk, join me on this journey of curiosity and connection. Swap the superficial for the substantial and watch the magic unfold.

Remember, it’s not about being the most interesting person in the room – it’s about being the most interested.

Xo-

One Love

A note from Mic:

The term “Illuminator” holds a special place in my heart, thanks to my mama’s story. It’s not just a word; it’s a guiding principle, encouraging us to light the path for others.

Enter Linda Schlesinger-Wagner. Yes, admittedly, I have a massive girl crush. She embodies everything I strive to be: a catalyst for change, an impactful agent, a natural connector, and a devoted servant. Linda’s entrepreneurial spirit only adds to her amazingness.

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Farmerette

I absolutely adore my girls; they never fail to impress (well, rarely). And when it comes to supporting me, my tribe is always there. This year has been full of unexpected twists and turns, and I’ve grappled with finding my path. There are so many things I want to pursue (like seriously!), but sometimes, it takes a friend’s perspective to remind us of our true calling. Over drinks recently, my friend turned to me and said something that got me thinking. “You know what you are, Mic? You’re a freaking farmer, planting seeds of possibility.”

Whenever something catches my attention, my body constantly reacts with a signature move – the lean back, tilted head, squinty eyes, and my mouth doing that funky thing it does. It’s my body’s way of saying, ‘I’m picking up what you are putting down.’ And as the words sank in, a big ol’ grin spread across my face, dimples in full display; huh, she’s right, and I’m in the business of sowing dreams. 

My Seed

I’ve spent so much time as a girl with a pen, pouring out my thoughts on my blog and sowing the seeds of potential for myself. It’s hard to pinpoint when I transitioned from nurturing my dreams to nurturing those of others. But here I am, knee-deep in the world of farming, cultivating the aspirations of others. You can address me as Mic the Farmerette!

This is starting to sound like a country song...insert lyric here
    Fancy boots, thriving crops, 
a dreamy girl, tilling soil,
feels so right, can't stop! 

Is being a farmerette easy? Absolutely not! It’s incredibly challenging. Why? Because it demands that I protect my joy, rise above the noise, and dismiss naysayers constantly. Being an effective farmerette requires the right mindset. 

 I’m constantly hustling, burning the midnight oil, pouring my heart and soul into making dreams come true. The paycheck? Ah, not so much, not yet. (Money is overrated, said no one, ever) It’s all good; for now, my reward is witnessing those little seeds blossom into incredible opportunities. So, while it may be challenging, it’s also gratifying. Joy runs deep within my soul, so I rely on my inner compass to guide me and keep planting.

The farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn’t still be a farmer

It turns out it takes time to farm and see the fruits of my labor. Argh, this is a toughie for a gal like me, the practice of patience. Just like avocados, some dreams take time to mature, requiring unwavering commitment and persistence. 

On the flip side, some dreams sprout up fast and furious like cilantro- love these! And being a Latin girl, cilantro is basically the MVP of herbs, right? Quick, zesty, and ready to spice things up! 

So whether you are an avocado or cilantro, I appreciate the beauty that blooms from the wisdom in all dreams’ growth patterns. Learning to trust the timing of everything – it all happens at the right time, so for now, I find solace (joy) in tilling the soil, tending, watering, and supporting all dreams, including my own.

I See You




I know too many beautiful souls (women) who do not see the magic they possess. They have spent an entire lifetime distracted or unwilling to look within.

And while I originally wrote this for myself, I now use these words to encourage women to look deep within and accept all parts of who ‘she’ is. And, of course, to point out the obvious, we have everything we need; it’s always been available to us, but we need to tap into it.

I get it, ‘she’ struggles, so I hold the mirror, nudging. Can you see how amazing you are? Because I do.

-Mic

then you were no more

in the stillness of my memories,
i see your eyes fixed on me, my pigtails twirling
your fingers tracing the creases of my dimples,
oh, my sweet girl, you'd whisper
my heart whispered back, my papi

then you were no more

gazing through tear-stained windows,
please come home, my sole wish,
a desperate cry that goes unheard
felt deeply within my soul

then you were no more

gasping for breath, you slipped away, 
your ashes scattered at sea
carrying the burden of past sorrows
your truths adrift, forever lost


left alone again, with my tears
clutching the fragments of a broken heart
left to reconcile the daddy I never had
and a love that never arrived
the one who left long ago

you were no more

-Mic




Happy Birthday, Papi!

So much of your life remains a mystery. With your last breath, you took your reasons with you, leaving me with more questions. But I also know –no one bore a greater burden for the outcome of your choices than you.

While my heart always longed for more; my yesterdays I do not regret.

So until we meet again, Papi, te amo mucho, even for the person you were no more.

YAS!

Lessons from a trip around the sun: pause, reflect, redirect 

2023 was my year of YAS! and it was seriously amazing! Turning fifty took my experiences to the next level, and I learned some profound stuff. Looking back, I’m feeling proud of myself. I took some giant leaps and stumbled, but I mostly kept going. 

So here it is, the top lessons from 2023…I hope they help pave your path for a smooth 2024.

Lesson 1: Believe them the first time #truth

Maya Angelou said it best: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” This quote resonated with me, but it hit home this year. I’ve learned to pay attention to actions, not just words. Please don’t wait for a flashing neon sign; trust your instincts and believe them the first time.

Lesson 2: No is a gift.

Rejection hurts, but this year, I’ve learned to embrace it. Unanswered prayers can be blessings in disguise. Instead of letting ‘no’ bring me down, I use it to fuel my motivation. Each ‘no’ redirects me towards something better, and I am grateful for the opportunities they bring.

The trick is quickly navigating through the crashing waves of pain and disappointment. Recover and get to the other side of rejection, where the waters calm, and you’ll find yourself floating gently toward something better.

News flash: bad things happen to good people–all the time. Handling your shit is all about speeding up the process (mindset shift) from “Why is this happening to me?” to “This is happening for me.”

When the circus shows up in your life (AKA shit show), handle it! Instead of dwelling on why it’s happening to you, focus on what you can control. Take charge of your response and become the ringmaster of your circus. 

Life is a journey, and sometimes it means saying goodbye to people who no longer serve us. Just like a train arriving at a new destination, sometimes you need to swing the doors open of your life and let people off your train. Not everyone in your life is meant to be a passenger for life. Part ways, with love and peace, make room for new connections. 

Life is a marathon, and we each have our own pace. Don’t slow down for others or expect them to keep up with you. Run your race and find fulfillment without judging or imposing expectations on others. Eventually, you’ll find those who share your vision and run alongside you.

Voila, my top five lessons from 2023!

Here’s to another trip around the sun filled with growth and wisdom!

A Girl With A Pen

With pen in hand,
the girl sets forth
to weave her tale

Unleashing boundless dreams,
her eyes brim with hope
with every stoke of ink
a masterpiece of limitless potential.

No longer bound by others’ stories
she carves her path
word by word, day by day,
unlocking a world yearning to be discovered.

Each day, a vow she makes
to author her happily ever after
where joy overflows, and dreams take flight.

Gypsy Girl

Lis

Enter Lis, my wild and free-spirited gypsy friend. Our worlds collided during a semester abroad, and our bond continued into our late twenties. She was the yin to my yang, balancing my cautious and square nature with spontaneity and fun. Lis is like an enchanting unicorn with untamed hair, sprinkling magic wherever she goes. Her quick wit and infectious laughter are so captivating they turn heads. But it's her curiosity and intelligence that cast a net.

Our paths diverged years ago. While I settled down and planted roots, Lis chose an unconventional path. After all, you can't expect a gypsy soul to stand still long. Instead, Lis fearlessly explored the world and embraced an adventure-filled life. Seriously, the places she's lived and the degrees she's earned - too many to mention.

No Matter What

Lis will always hold a special place in my heart. She's so intertwined in my soul that no matter where life takes me, she will forever be a shining constellation in my universe.

So you can only imagine my absolute delight when I found out that my gypsy girl had found her happily ever after. And last week, surrounded by her favorite peeps, she said, "I Do." 

This is dedicated to Lis, my gypsy girl.

Love you forever, no matter what.

Gypsy Girl

A wandering spirit
Too wild to cage
With a magnetic pull
And laugh that infects

A life in still frames 
Stashed in film capsules
And a beautiful mind
revealed in books

A quick tongue
Lover of cats
Men with bats
And heart of gold
 
Caught in triangles
Entangled in pain
By web of lies
unsure who to trust

Restless and weary
Running a breeze
Scars keep her aback
Safer to seek

A shield to protect 
And keep people at bay
To dance at her will
And remain free

A spiritual junkie
a fiery soul
Fiercely devoted
deeply guarded

Oh, gypsy girl

Tired of the chase
She returns to her roots
To connect and belong
A place to call home

In stillness, she discovers
A shift in her spirit
The act of becoming
A radiance unfolds

A friends embrace
Love's sweet surprise
Effortlessly found
And self-love realized

A spirit untamed
Forever held
In love's warm embrace
Unafraid, no more.

-Mic 

And gypsy girl lived happily ever after…

Joy Container

You’re different, she said

Summit magic, I whispered

Do tell, she nudged

Joy container floating at sea 
Flags of possibilities fluttering in the wind,

E.I., A.I., movement, dance fusion, social enterprise, 
Schmoozing, biohacking, erotic blueprints, 
Sinek, like in Simon…
Bingo, family-style dinners, psychedelics

Are you micro-dosing now, she asked

Nah, not my scene, but D.O.S.E. with Radha is

Read More

You’re different, she said

Summit magic, I whispered

Do tell, she nudged

Joy container floating at sea 
Flags of possibilities fluttering in the wind,

E.I., A.I., movement, dance fusion, social enterprise, 
Schmoozing, biohacking, erotic blueprints, 
Sinek, like in Simon…
Bingo, family-style dinners, psychedelics

Are you micro-dosing now, she asked

Nah, not my scene, but D.O.S.E. with Radha is

Read More