If you added all the time I spend Staring at a screen wondering what to write You’d be rich with infinite hours If you added all the time I spend shuffling through thoughts and organizing lyrics You’d be timelessly immortal
If you subtracted all the times I spent doubting myself and my capability I’d forget all the different versions of me If you subtracted all the times I spent hesitating to breathe and to smile I’d forget my adventurous journey
If you multiplied all the time I spend reflecting on who I am and how far I’ve come You’d lose all track of the clock If you multiplied all the time I spend exploring what ifs and dancing in unknowns You’d win a countless supply of heartbeats
If I divided all the times I spent learning to live and learning to love I’d have a montage of what it means to be me If I divided all the times I spent tying moments of my life together and connecting the dots in all my stars I’d see when I discovered to trust the mystery
One year ago today, I embarked on this journey of blogging. I still remember that day vividly. Something inside of me was yearning to express and to share, and I had to follow the call; the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. If you would’ve told me then where I would be in my blogging experience in one year, I wouldn’t have believed you.
Writing and creating has truly changed me in so many beautiful ways. Blogging has been such an amazing space where I’ve learned how to grow, balance, be vulnerable, freely share and fearlessly shine. I’ve met so many different versions of me, and I am eternally grateful for all those meetings.
But most of all, this community has truly blessed me in countless ways. Words really can’t describe my deep gratitude for my WordPress family. I feel lucky to be able to say I’ve made true friends here and connections I’ll cherish forever.
A huge shout out and thank you to my family, who have supported me in every way possible. This blog, this me, would not be alive without them. Gratitude seems like a big word most of the time, but, in regards to my family, it feels very small – so family, thank you for always being there and for teaching me to be fearless and free!
In honor of my first blogging anniversary, I figured we could do something fun and different! I love Q&A’s and taking you all behind the scenes and into my mind! So, welcome to The Ultimate Blogging Q&A!
Where to begin!!! Alright, what are some of your earliest memories of blogging?
Well, my first memory is in creating the website. I remember feeling so deeply engaged in the process and trying to figure out WordPress. I was so intrigued, there was no way I was going to bed that night without having a completed site! And then the next day, I released my first post, Journey of the Free Soul. And I got my first comment, that was pretty special. I still remember all my feelings and thoughts about it in those early days…a mix of excitement, freedom (as I’d come from a platform that was censoring me) but still a lot of unknowns. It was probably the first time I’d truly been excited for unknowns.
How did you come up with the name Fearless Free Soul?
The night before I made the website, I was exploring some ideas. ‘Thriving’ was my first idea, but I wanted a website with .com. I know, that’s so specific 🤪. And then Fearless Soul came in my head. And I loved that as it described so much of my journey in two words. But, the perfectionist in me hated the three s’s in a row 😆. Free popped in my mind and I just knew in that moment, Fearless Free Soul was the one…it was like an instant connection.
I never dreamed I’d have done all these projects! Video-making never ever occurred to me until October. Creating food videos in a virtual cookbook was so neat because for years I’ve watched food videos and been inspired by them. So, to do it was pretty surreal. Writing a book seemed like a far-away dream, let alone 3. Publishing a book, my goodness I still have no words for that! I’ve just been following my intuition and going with the flow along the way — miracles truly are born when we listen to our inner flow!
Where do you get your creative inspiration?
Life! Wherever the journey takes me, truly. Even my prose or seemingly “fictional” pieces are truly based on my current emotions, feelings, thoughts or experiences. I just follow my soul and create for my fulfillment within. I always know deep down inside what I want to get out into the world, and I trust that call. That’s another amazing part about blogging, you’ll be going through something or thinking about specific things and that moment when you decide, “I’m going to write or create something about this,” is pretty awesome. It makes you realize life is really your creation.
What’s your favorite part about blogging?
I love the connection. Not just the connection with all my lovely friends here, but the connection between my fingers and the keys, the connection with my soul and the connection to my life. Blogging experiences always match perfectly with my life experiences, it’s like the neatest of synchronicities.
Any advice for new bloggers?
Enjoy the journey! In the beginning, it seems all new and overwhelming, but it’s really just YOU. You create your experience. Have fun, it’s your blog — write for you! Post when you feel like it, always keep creating no matter the posting and trust your intuition! This blogging journey teaches you so so much, follow your soul and you will grow with each and every lesson.
And finally, what are some of your favorite posts of yours?
Omg, that’s too hard!!!!! In the spirit of creative variety, I’ll give you one of everything. Dare To Be Silent – my favorite video. reality is dreaming + the bitter series – my favorite poems…reality is dreaming, only available in my published book, The Waking Dream! The Life Of Her Journal – my favorite prose. The Pyramid Of Success – my favorite article. There are many more favorites, but this is what came to me immediately!
Thank you so much for reading and celebrating with me today! I am so grateful to have all of you on my blogging journey! Be fearless and free in this waking dream we call life! Sending lots of love, always!
This is the kid version I was raised on, there is an adult version but this has one has always been special to me. The memories my family and I have created through this pyramid will live on in my heart and soul forever! John Wooden later added Love as the cement just to the kid version and I think that’s why this pyramid has always resonated with me. Plus the childhood nostalgia!
The Pyramid of Success by Coach John Wooden is a sacred piece in my journey. My parents raised my brother and I through this pyramid of success. These lessons and fundamentals of character were engrained in us at a very very young age and I am so eternally grateful. These blocks and this pyramid is my foundation and one of the most pivotal parts of my journey. I was always taught to do my personal best in everything I do and my parents are the best role models I could ever ask for. Big shout out to my parents, thank you for everything, Mom and Dad!!!!
In all that I do, in every moment on my journey and and through all endeavors, I always find myself leaning back on this pyramid of success. It connects to every aspect of life and to the Universe; I feel so lucky to have been blessed by it at such a young age. Again, thank you Mom and Dad!!
Let’s Go Block By Block!!!
1 – Hard Work and Enthusiasm
These are the cornerstones of this pyramid of success, they are the cornerstones to character. I’m combining them now, because that’s how it was always taught to me. Hard Work and Enthusiasm go together; you can’t work hard well without being enthusiastic and enthusiasm is always more real with hard work behind it. You’ll notice under the Hard Work block on the pyramid that it says “Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.” This quote has always been a big part in my life. It is so powerfully true but deeply simple. For me, hard work has always been so rewarding and through it, I gained fierce discipline. Discipline and hard work is my comfort zone, but learning to be enthusiastic in all moments of life was my challenge. True enthusiasm is such an electric feeling, it’s the zone we all know so well and it’s the adrenaline I thrive on. So, together, hard work and enthusiasm make an immortal team.
2 – Friendship and Loyalty
When I was learning this pyramid of success, my parents always put big emphasis on the blocks on the first row because they are the foundation to true character, to personal best and to success. So, when I think back on those intrinsic memories of how they were taught to me, I realize a few of them were taught to me as a team. My parents are geniuses for doing it that way because I now see how much more powerful they became. I realized the importance of hard work and enthusiasm only when they were put together, and same thing with friendship and loyalty. Loyalty was one of the trickiest blocks for me to learn, but, with friendship added to it, loyalty’s meaning became easier for me to define. And friendship, boy have I learned a lot with that one over the years. I remember as a kid thinking it was the “easiest” one; I see how wrong I was now! Loyalty has grown into loyalty to my soul over the years and that is such a special and powerful thing, it’s freedom! And friendship has become more and more about being friends with my soul and my being, because you can’t be a loyal friend to others without being a loyal friend to yourself first.
3 – Cooperation
In my family, we’ve always been a team. So, cooperation was taught to me within the family first, Always. And through tennis experiences, I learned it in bigger areas, but, cooperation always has meant within my family, my team. Learning to balance speaking up for myself, but, being a cooperative teammate was a huge lesson. It’s such a divine and intuitive choice, and that journey really teaches you to get in touch with the depths of your soul. I think through diving into cooperation at a young age, I see everything as a team. Family is a team, friendship is a team, siblings are a team, my relationship with the Universe (me) is a team, my relationship with my heart/intuition are two separate teams, my relationship with writing is a team and so on. We’re all micro teams becoming a big Universal team.
4 – Self Control
And now, we move onto the second row! Self Control always used to be my brother’s hardest block and my easiest, as confidence used to be my hardest and his easiest. My brother and I were and still are opposite in many ways, we teach each other and the opposites bring us closer. As a kid, I was almost too self controlled; I’d push everything down and never speak up. So, learning how to be honest and authentic while still being self-controlled was a really good paradox for me to learn. Again, I think it’s such a powerful and divine choice we make within.
5 – Alertness
Whenever I think of alertness, I immediately think of my younger, shy self. I remember myself in a room just quietly observing everyone and paying close attention to every little thing. People watching is my thing as I have much experience 😂. But alertness is so much more than this; alertness is detail, attention and listening. I remember my mom especially teaching me alert listening. Alert listening is so powerful and one of the kindest things in this Universe. I also learned alertness through tennis; making a hundred decisions in one second takes skilled alertness. Alertness is an art and it’s a beautiful art at that.
6 – Actionand Determination
Action and Determination were always paired together. Determined action is the best action. And action without determination is simply not action. Determination is an attitude, it’s a mindset. My mom has always been such a fierce example of determination. In all she does, she’s determined, driven and fueled by passion. My dad is an incredible example of determination too; he just goes about it in a different way, a calmer way. Action is an intricate and deep lesson. There’s action and then there’s smart action and those are two very different things. Efficient action, specific action and purposeful action are gifts tennis has taught me. Tennis truly brought all these blocks to life, but, for Action, it especially comes to mind.
7 – Fitness
Now, onto the 3rd row!! As a four-year-old, serious fitness was not a big thing in my life 😂. I’d just started tennis and my parents applied this block to tennis. Tennis wasn’t serious at this point in my life, it was just an activity I was barely beginning to love. But, practicing doing my personal best came to life here. I absolutely love fitness and the gym now, it’s a place full of adrenaline for me. And I do love the pain, it’s a time for me to grow and to achieve. I’d kind of forgotten fitness was a block, but, for where I am now in my journey — it’s a full circle moment.
8 – Skill
Skill was a confusingly simple block for me back in the day. This block was also taught to me through tennis. I definitely understand skill a lot more now. With smart action and determination, you can be skilled at anything. As the quote underneath this block says, “Practice makes perfect.” Who knows if perfect actually exists, but, practice and constant improvement creates skill. Towards the top of this pyramid, my parents would often revert back to the foundational blocks to show how they all connect to the ones above it. And it’s so true; I can really see it now.
9 – Team Spirit
Team Spirit like Cooperation was taught to me within my family team. And then it seeped out into bigger teams in the outside world. Whenever I think of Team Spirit, I immediately think of my family. Team Spirit is an energy, a vibration and a frequency — it’s a connection. It is a teammate’s responsibility to raise the spirit, to give 100% and to influence the heart and soul of the team. And I think even in the team of you and your soul, team spirit is huge. You have the choice to look at a tough moment as tough and hard, or as a challenge you and your soul will learn from and overcome together.
10 – Poise and Confidence
These blocks were big big ones for me. Besides Hard Work and Enthusiasm, these two were probably the biggest. I never truly understood Poise until a few years ago. My parents always explained it has being confident and then authentically living that confidence in all experiences. Confidence was really hard for me for many years, I lived with fear in a lot of my youth. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world though, it made me the fearless and free soul I am today! When I started to fully believe in myself, I found confidence. And poise came almost naturally. Being my authentic self no matter what was a journey of its own, but, one of the most rewarding things in my life! It feels so good to be authentically you all the time; there’s this inner knowing of I AM that just oozes out of your soul. I could honestly write a whole post about poise and confidence, but, to keep it short, these two blocks will always have a special place in my being.
And with that, we come to Personal Best!!! Personal Best is me, it’s my soul, it’s my forever solid foundation. Thank you to my parents, for doing beyond their personal best in raising me to be the fearless and free soul I am today. And for instilling such powerful and life long values in me at a young age. Thank you to my brother, who’s been on this personal best journey with me since the very beginning! Thank you to my childhood, for blessing me with opportunity after opportunity to practice doing my personal best! Thank you to tennis, for being my vehicle to putting all these blocks together and for allowing me to grow with each one. And thank you to YOU, for reading this for always inspiring me to go beyond my personal best! I hope this helps you on your journey! Be fearless and free – Ace
Tucked under the covers of the night The warmth of our library nook hugs us tight Flipping through pages of poems until the one just right Something connects, and our voice shines the light
With peace running through the air Such love in a memory is so rare The souls of the books weep As dreams endlessly sleep
Poems so delicate and true Some memorized but forever new Phrases we’ve cradled in our hearts From youth to now, becoming a Universal vow
The twinkling constellations Formed spirals over our heads While the character within created stable foundations And the magic eternally spreads
The comfort of our parents loving eyes The purity of their souls never told any lies All could disappear, even the skies Because the love in these poetry nights soothes nostalgia’s cries
It was so fun to collaborate with my little brother on this piece! This poem is based off our family tradition when we were younger of reading poetry each night. Those poetry nights shaped me into the person and poet I am today. It feels very full circle that my brother’s first poetry experience is this, it was such a pleasure writing with him. Do go check him out, he’s full of joy vibes and definitely played a big part in my journey of becoming fearless and free!!!
Hello friends!!! Today’s post is all about joy and smiling! I know a lot of people are struggling with some type of pain right now, whether physical, emotional or mental, I get it. But pain is ultimately just an illusion, labels give it power, but YOU are so strong, I know it!! So, today I’m going to share some past pieces of mine to help you rise, smile and say goodbye to pain.
To Start – Some Videos From My Debut Album, IMAGINE + REALITY
This is video is called Movie Making, it’s all about making your life the best movie by remembering that you’re the director, the Universe is your co-producer and at any time you can rewrite your script. I love the music, it’s very joyful and upbeat! I feel like this video is very relatable and a good reminder to take your life back into your own hands.
This video is called Amaze and it is the last video on my album. It kind of flows perfectly from Movie Making because it is all about happy endings! Happy endings, not just in the end of life, but in every single situation! Pain might be with you right now, but envision your happy ending, it will come to be in your reality because thoughts become reality. Imagine what you want to see in your reality, imagination is reality, hence the purpose of my album.
Above is the link to all the videos from the album, if you need a little more inspiration or motivation, that’s the place to find it!
And of course, there had to be some funny images! This frog cracks me up, his eyes are too weird! 😂 Smiles literally light up your heart, I hope this makes you smile!Your thoughts fuel your body, feed your mind the best food and watch your body release all pain, and fear. Tap into your heart and realize your true power!!!
We’re born
Taught to survive
Forgetting how to thrive
Our childhood spark
Loses its magic
Because we forget
It’s right here
And always near
Don’t fear
It never dissapears
Find that spark
And make your mark
-Ace
Had to end this with a new poem, so I lied, this post isn’t only my past pieces! 😂 I hope these videos, images and this poem brought you laughter, joy, smiles and was a little escape from reality! I believe in you, you’ve truly got this!!
Which piece was your favorite?? Much love to you all. Be fearless and free -Ace
A couple days ago, Wardah from Silent Silvery Tears nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Thank you so so much Wardah, I so appreciate the nomination and it means a lot to me!
Wardah’s blog features inspiring and soul comforting poetry, prose and deep words! Go check out her blog, I know you will get something out of it!!
RULES
Thank the blogger who nominated you
Remember to list the rules and indicate your award nomination by including the logo
Answer the questions that have been given to you
Nominate 11 bloggers who inspire you (or as many as you can)
Make a list of 11 questions for your nominees (please keep them interesting and as interactive as you can think of, so everyone involved can enjoy this process)
Answers
Would you ever go skydiving?
Yes, I think it would be a little scary but overall super fun and freeing! I’ve always wanted to fly and skydiving would be as close as I could get!
Would you rather be a peasant or royalty?
Before 2020 I would’ve said royalty, but today I would for sure say a peasant. I definitely don’t want to be in the spotlight.
What is the most memorable event from your childhood?
That’s a tough one, tennis comes to mind right away. I am an avid tennis athlete, and my dream was to be the best professional tennis player in the world until I woke up to the truth of what that would mean. But, family doubles with my brother and my parents were some really good times, we use to play every weekend together when my brother and I were little, and it was always so fun. I would also say our trip to Chicago was the best, we visited so many cool exhibits and museums, the food was fantastic and I still remember it all so vividly.
Do you write in a journal/diary? Why or why not?
I go on and off. I have this black book that I write in from time to time, sometimes I write my posts in there first. But, the writing on my blog is like my journal; all my thoughts just flow out onto the page I’m typing on. I also have a document in Word that is like my diary, sometimes I just type away in there. It really depends on my mood, writing always helps me clear my head and if something is really bothering me, I’ll write or type away and just express how I feel.
What is your idea of the perfect day?
I’m an early bird so, wake up at 7:30 and get a nice hour workout in. Then check my reader, make breakfast and my protein shake, publish a poem or any piece of writing on my blog, read a good book, train on the tennis court for a couple hours, have a nice healthy lunch, go on an adventure of some sort (like a hike, joyride, walk on the beach or find a peaceful place in the woods), connect with my friends including you through the comments 😁, let my mind daydream and listen to some music, cook a nice dinner, write and create some more, wind down with my favorite tv show (Arrow), set my intention for what I want to dream about and then travel to another world (my sleep). 😁
What’s the top thing on your wish list?
To go to Sedona, Arizona!! There have been so many signs from the Universe telling me to go there and the energy in Sedona seems unlike anywhere else. The timing hasn’t been quite right yet but hopefully someday soon I’ll be posting about the magic of my time in Sedona!! 😁
What does your room look like?
My room is my sanctuary and it is so me! I have a lot of inspirational quotes on the walls, above my daybed I have a heart that lights up and across from that I have a sign that lights up that says, believe. I have a beautiful light colored wood dresser and matching desk; my dresser is filled with my shell collection that seems to grow every day! Above my desk is a bulletin board that I’ve filled with my favorite quotes I’ve seen and written myself and the most meaningful things that have been said to me by my family and friends. But my favorite part of my room is my orbit chair, it’s like an open dome if that makes sense! It is grey, so comfortable and I do all of my writing and video-making in it! My desk is literally right next to it but I always opt to work in my orbit chair!! Behind this chair, is my giant bookshelf/trophy case that matches with the dresser and the desk, it holds a lot of family photos, trophies, books, and fun little souvenirs I’ve found or been given.
Pen or pencil?
Pen. I would like to say pencil, but I don’t even know the last time I’ve used a pencil!
Would you ever try going vegan? (if you aren’t already)
I’ve been vegan for 13 years and I’ve never looked back! I don’t remember what meat or dairy tastes like. These days there are so many amazing options for vegans; although, I try not to eat too much of the meat and dairy replacements because I like to stick to whole foods.
Who is the most inspirational person you know personally?
My mom. She taught me how to be strong because she is the strongest person I’ve ever met, she taught me how to be fearless, she taught me how to love myself which, is the greatest gift I think you can be given, she taught me how to live what I know and she taught me to believe in myself. She inspires me every single day and has been the best role model to me since the day I was born! Thank you Mom!!
What’s the kindest thing you’ve ever heard?
The truth because even though it can hurt, that is a choice. Truth sets you free, awakens the fire within you and strengthens your relationship with your soul. Those special people who show you the truth, are the kindest souls for they truly care about you and they really know who they are!
Nominations
Oh, the hard part has come! 🤪 I nominate these amazing souls who inspire me and whose work I really appreciate!
If you could go back in time, where/when would you go?
What is one moment you will never forget?
If there were no material things in this world, what would you want?
What positive things has 2020 brought you?
What makes you smile?
If any movie could be your current reality, which movie would you choose?
What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?
What color best describes you and why?
What is your vision for the world?
Thank you again to Wardah for the nomination!! And thank you to each and everyone of the beautiful souls who support and read my blog! I sincerely appreciate you and believe in you! Make sure to check out the amazing blogs mentioned in this article! Be fearless and free -Ace
Fearless Free Soul 