THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

Be Impeccable with Your Word
Speak with integrity.  Say only what you mean.  Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others.  Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you.  What others say and do is a projection of their own dream.  When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want.  Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.  With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick.  Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Sexual urges of men and women (Story)

I never have quite figured out why the sexual urges of men and women differ so much. And I never have figured out the whole Venus and Mars thing. And I never figured out why men think with their head and women think with their heart. And I never yet have figured out how the sexual desire gene gets thrown into a state of turmoil when it hears the words "I do."
One evening last week, my wife and I were getting into bed. Well, the passion starts to heat up, and she eventually says, "I don't feel like it. I just want you to hold me." I said, "WHAT???"
So she says the words that I and every husband on the planet dread. She explains that I must not be in tune with her emotional needs as a woman. I'm thinking, "What was her first clue?" I finally realize that nothing was going to happen that night, so I went to sleep.
The very next day, we went shopping at a big, unnamed department store. I walked around with her while she tried on three different, very expensive outfits. She could not decide which one to take, so I told her to take all three of them. She then tells me that she wants matching shoes worth $200.00 a pair to which I say OK. And then we go to the jewellery department where she gets a pair of diamond earrings.
Let me tell you. She was so excited. She must have thought that I was one wave short of a shipwreck, but I don't think she cared. I think she was testing me when she asked for a tennis bracelet because she does not even play tennis. I think I threw her for a loop when I told her that it was OK. She was almost sexually excited from all of this, and you should have seen her face when she said, "I'm ready to go to the cash register."
I could hardly contain myself when I blurted out, "No, honey, I don't feel like buying all this stuff now." You should have seen her face. It went completely blank. I then said, "Really, honey, I just want you to HOLD this stuff for a while."
And just when she had this look like she was going to kill me, I added, "You must not be in tune with my financial needs as a man."
I figure that I won't be having sex again until some time after the Spring of 2011 but goddammit it was worth it.

HAPPINESS

Happiness comes in many forms: contentment, joy, pleasure, delight, and satisfaction. It can bring belly-aching laughter and tears of joy. Or it can be experienced in moments of peace while alone. Either way, it is our natural and entitled state.

Why then does happiness take so much courage sometimes? Why must something that we are born with slip away?

Life will never be short of learning and growth. This is what we are here for, to come to know ourselves, our true authentic selves, and we do this through growth. And while some of this will stretch our spirits, minds, and hearts, causing pain and challenges, growth can also bring joy and beautiful rewards of contentment and satisfaction.

The thing that hinders happiness the most is expectations. Without always being conscious of it or intending to, families place expectations on us from the moment we are born. They dream our lives for us, based on their past experiences, their own joys and pain. They bring us into the world with hope of providing a better life for us than they had for themselves, to try and improve with each generation.

We in turn, develop expectations of them; expecting them to understand us, expecting them to allow us to be ourselves, based on our own life experiences. Yet we have all walked in our own shoes, not each other's. So while we can try to understand each other, our assumptions will never be wholly correct without honest communication.

On top of our expectations of each other, we also develop expectations of ourselves. Our dreams and yearnings drive us forward. But in the fast-paced world we live in, we put an unnatural amount of pressure on ourselves. It can be a tough enough world to survive in, without adding our own criticism.

With so much pressure and expectation, both from external and internal forces, happiness can slip away quietly until it is so rare in our lives, that we almost forget what it feels like to be happy. But it is our inherent right to feel good and full of joy. It is what we are here to experience the most. There will be ups and downs through life, certainly. But happiness should still be a large part of that.

So how do we bring happiness back in, or ensure we don't let it slip away? The best habit to create in one's self is to learn how to stay present, living in the moment you are in. It may feel at first that you are denying existing problems, that you are avoiding dealing with life. But it isn't so.

By learning to bring yourself back to the present moment whenever you can, it settles the mind. And in doing so, it allows the answers and solutions to come through at the right time, instead of being blocked by busy, negative, and troubled thinking. It also allows the beauty of the moment you are in to be appreciated, and gratitude is a powerful force in turning life around.

So, wherever you are, just be there. Note the layers of sounds around you. Listen to how many things can be heard. Look at the colours, or the people, or nature. Feel your breath slow down. And simply allow yourself to be; observing, listening, breathing. This is never a waste of time. It is one of the most important and beneficial habits you can create in your life. Your problems will wait, and you will be calmer for having had such time out from them. This in turn leaves you more capable to then deal with the challenge.

Communication is another habit to develop. This involves both the courage to speak honestly, as well as allowing others to be heard without interruption or judgement. It shouldn't take so much courage to be able to be yourself, but unfortunately it can at times, due to other's expectations of you.

Remember though, that such expectations are really about them. And you have the right to be who you are here to be, who you dream to be. Learn to express yourself, ask to be heard without interruption. Try not to accuse or attack others. Instead, speak your own truth and of the life that makes sense to you. Even if it is not received how you would like, you will know in yourself that you are now living a life true to yourself. And the more you communicate your feelings honestly, the easier it becomes, and the happier you feel. It takes time and practice. But it is a habit well worth sticking with.

Your life is your own. Others are here to guide you and have done the best they could, as who they were at the time. But to create ongoing happiness and true contentment within, you must also learn to be kind to your own self. You are incredibly deserving of love, including your own love.

See yourself as the amazing, unique, beautiful, and capable individual that you truly are. This is who you are, when all of the pain and expectations are removed. It is your right to be happy. It is also your choice.

Become as present as you can. Communicate honestly. Keep doing it until it becomes easier and a more natural part of you. Release expectations of yourself and others. Love who you truly are. You are a beautiful person, with a beautiful heart: a heart that wants to be happy.

The choice is yours. It is simply about developing new habits and learning to allow happiness in. And remember, happiness wants you as much as you want it. It is time to be happy.

MY FIRST ART EXHIBIT!!

SAVE THE DATE FOR MY FIRST ART EXHIBIT!!

MIAC III (Miami International Art Cocktail) Away From the Horde
April 29 - May 29

11 countries, 23 artists - 46 art pieces

An exhibition presented by the Miami International Cultural Alliance (MICA) and directed by Sophie Videment (www.videment.com) with the presence of Florida's Governor and the collaboration of Consulates General and International Cultural Institutions of the following countries: Argentina CCA, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Haiti, Italy, Israel, Poland, Uruguay.

The MIAC III, Away From the Horde features a selection of paintings, videos, photographs, and sculptural installations by artists: Daniel Azulay, Daniele Ballerini, Michèle Beaudin, Alice Betancourt, Perez Celis, Ofra Ben David, Ira Eduardovna, Rodrigo Fló, Horst Kohlem, Friedrich Kunath, Paulo Laborne, Wanderson Marccio, Marithou, Jill Mulleady, Philip Ross Munro, Nelson Neirner, Rafal Olbinski, Tomasz Rut, Analía Sandleris, Serge Strosberg, Guy Syllien, Alicia H.Torres.

Opening reception:
Friday April 29
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Miami-Dade Public Library System's Main Library
101 W Flagler St, Miami FL 33130

Serendipity & The Next Gig - My Latest Interview

 

 

Being at the right place at the right time appears to come naturally for ambitious model, and Brazilian native, Wanderson Marccio. From one burgeoning city to another everyone knows that networking is a key attribute to possess, especially if you want to break out in the “biz,” or social fashion scene. Therefore, attending local soirees, shows, and other gatherings should probably be on your radar.

For Marccio, the origin of that perfect networking moment was being present at a party that a friend invited him to attend. The fortunate moment of meeting the host himself (and arriving at a professional photographer’s home) seemed almost too comfortable for a big break.  Well, after a mere glance, the photographer asked Marccio if he was interested in doing a photo shoot. “When," Marccio eagerly said.  “Now,” the photographer said. Of course, the rest is history! However, that memorable night would lead Marccio to numerous opened doors of style, opportunity, and the beginning of a new portfolio. 

Although Marccio regularly models, don’t let his smooth countenance fool you ladies! By day he’s an acute IT professional working as a software engineer, and has an inspiring list of goals set in his thinking cap. Marccio plans to pursue his acting career in the future, but for now he’s constant in absorbing as much industry knowledge as possible while refining his lookbook.

“In 2 years I want to be mainly acting in movies, and TV series," Marccio said.  It’s clear that Marccio is quite a multitasking individual when it comes to managing his lifestyles.  Whether in a commercial, ad campaign, music set, or in editorials, he doesn't limit himself when choosing diverse work.  

Who knows? If you look closely you just may see his next gig showcased as you pass a familiar billboard, or train station! 

 

Getting Intimate with Wanderson:

Location: Miami, FL 

Originally from:  São, Paulo, Brazil 

Favourite foods: 

Brazilian (of course!), Japanese, Vietnamese, and Italian.

Favoutie gig that you've done...

When I was featured with Legend Vega in her music video.

Best (childhood) memories: 

I used to be a part of a street dance group when I was a kid, and have great memories from that time.

Who is one of your favourite designers?

Dolce & Gabbana

When I'm not computing, or on a photo shoot you might find me doing... 

Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, capoeira, some yoga... spinning, swimming, and Soccer (Football)!

Loving 2011

Our deepest fear is not that we're not good enough. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that we fear the most. So we ask: Who are we to consider ourselves brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
We are children of God. Our false humility will not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened in shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around us. We are all here to shine as children do and the extent to which we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to shine too. As we liberate ourselves from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others to do the same.


Nosso medo mais profundo não é o de não sermos bons o suficiente. O nosso medo mais profundo é o de sermos poderosos além das medidas. É a nossa luz, e não a nossa escuridão, o que mais tememos. Por isso nos perguntamos: Quem somos para nos considerarmos brilhantes, maravilhosos, talentosos, fabulosos? Nós somos crianças de Deus. A nossa falsa humildade não vai servir o mundo. Não há nada de iluminado nesse encolher-se para que outros não se sintam inseguros à nossa volta. Estamos todos aqui para irradiar como fazem as crianças e a medida em que deixamos a nossa luz brilhar, inconscientemente damos aos outros permissão para que brilhem também. A medida que nos liberamos do nosso próprio medo, a nossa presença, automaticamente libera outros para que façam o mesmo.