Who isn’t a fan of relaxation products? I love to indulge in all things and lifestyle changes that translate into a healthier, relaxed, and more peaceful version of myself. As an avid relaxation seeker, my sleeping routine is no different. Add a little luxury in the mix and I. AM. IN. SO… when I came across the gorgeous holistic silk mask infused with lavender, I could not hold back. My impulsivity to purchase aesthetically pleasing things that are reminiscent of being in a spa (with the added bonus of being at home) took over. The only difficult choice was which color mask would end up gracing my face during the late hours of the night.
Although I own another silk mask with dried lavender flowers and a few other cotton ones, I have to admit that this one is my new favorite mask. I made the video above to provide detailed information regarding its fit, functionality, and look in case you are interested in purchasing it, but have some questions. In the video, you’ll see the Shhh silk pillow case and scented linen sprays I have been using for years and recommend. I am in no way affiliated with any of the companies or products in the video nor am I being compensated in any way. I just want to share my honest opinion on products I love.
If you’re interested in any of these products, see the links below.
Holistic Lavender Silk Mask:
https://www.holisticsilk.com/anti-ageing-silk-sleeping-cocoon
OR
https://us.amara.com/products/lavender-eye-mask-cream
Lavender and vanilla pillow mist: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/lavender-vanilla-pillow-mist-023531114.html#q=sleep&lang=en_US&start=4
Washed linen cotton bed and sheet spray: (The link is for the original seller’s website, but it may be sometimes found at Pottery Barn where I purchased it a few years ago).
I often ask myself, how can I help others? Sometimes the answer is just as simple as asking a friend who might need a hand and other times the answer is a bit more ambitious, complex, and unclear in nature.
It’s not uncommon for me to try all things that can bring fulfillment into my life and that of others. Those who know me well would describe me as creative and adventurous, hence my delving into all kinds of projects and creative endeavors. One question I never ask after meeting others is what they do for a living. I find that question often times is irrelevant. I’m more interested in people themselves. I think life is too short to think in a narrow-minded way and define ourselves and others based on what we see or what we do for a living. People are multi-dimensional. We have different thoughts, strengths, and gifts which are specific to us and stem from the way we have learned to see the world. Our different experiences give some of us an upper hand, but that’s not to say that we can’t all contribute to a new way of doing or seeing things. Some people have passion for what they do, but many more are passionate about hobbies they partake in on their spare time.
In my case, I love all things that involve a creative aspect. For instance, I have been writing music for pleasure since I was nine years old and have probably written over two hundred songs since then. My natural talents stem from a father who is incredibly adventurous and musically talented as well. One could say, I take after him. For some reason, music came easily and naturally to me despite the lack of any formal training. My parents noticed that I could play the piano and write songs without taking lessons which led to many musical creations from my end. In addition, I somehow could innately read sheet music from the moment I was introduced to it. That’s when it became clear to my parents that I was meant to take piano lessons to improve my craft. That only lasted a year as I became bored with the process.
Once in college, I decided to teach myself how to play the guitar since I couldn’t take the piano with me as it was a bit too cumbersome. The guitar was a bit more mobile and sexier in my opinion. Once I figured out the guitar and composed a few songs, I auditioned for a band in college and became the lead singer which prompted my fifteen minutes of fame around campus. I should mention that this audition was choreographed by my best friend who has always been one of my biggest fans and I love her for it! She has always been so encouraging of my life explorations and adventures which makes her one lucky friend to have in my life.
A few years later, upon entering medical school, I wrote many more songs as a stress relief. I posted YouTube videos of my original songs for my friends to listen to, gave informal concerts in the school lounge, took requests to amuse the other frustrated students, and provided a much needed musical escape. Eventually, due to popular demand, I created an album on iTunes. If you’re interested in checking it out, it’s titled, “Beyond Words,” (and yes, that’s my shameless plug). All songs, melodies, and the guitar parts are original.
Beyond Words by Shirley Marcano
Since I’m no stranger to re-inventing myself, I decided to become an interior decorator and start my own business after working part-time for a large company doing just that. Although creative within itself, I felt I wasn’t reaching a large enough audience where I could share my talents. I’m most excited when I’m creating and educating others about things they might want to learn about. Instagram and this blog have given me a much needed outlet where I can share new things including my ideas with those who are interested in learning.
Some other creative projects I’ve partaken in have involved other forms of writing which I truly enjoy. Last year, I wrote a children’s book and created the illustrations, but have not submitted it to be published yet. I wrote another children’s book a few days ago and I’m just waiting on the illustrations which I’m hoping my brother, who is a 3-D animator, will collaborate on with me on his spare time. I plan on sending that book to a publisher to test my luck and skills so if you have it in you, please wish me luck. In addition, there’s a third book in the making which I have so far managed to write seventy pages of, but it will take me a little longer to finish since it’s not a children’s book.
The latest project I’m working on is related to health considering my medical background. I’m happy to share that I have been asked to collaborate with another company to create and provide educational content that will benefit children in hospitals. I’m excited about this project because it will allow me to combine my creativity with my medical knowledge to serve a greater purpose that could potentially impact many. I’m currently exploring ideas to better suit the needs of this endeavor and needless to say, I’m humbled at the opportunity and to be considered for such a great cause.
I hope my story so far has inspired some of you to take a look at your talents and see where you may be able to make an impact. At the very least, explore what drives you and brings you happiness. We are meant to connect in ways that will serve one another and sometimes in the process, you might find that you have discovered a new fulfilling side of life. It’s always about the journey and what’s yet to be discovered ahead or, in some cases, simply lies around the corner.
Take a closer look at your friends. Who are the ones who are supporting you while you pursue your dreams or even have a vision? Who are the ones who genuinely care about what you’re doing and choose to encourage you to help you grow or at least let you know that they believe in you rather than make faces at each other when you speak about yourself or propose an idea? These are important questions one should ask to create meaningful relationships and let go of those that don’t serve us. There are many self-proclaimed experts who will speak without knowing about any given topic even after no understanding or experience regarding the matter at hand. True leaders listen, learn, and provide helpful insight into situations. They never judge, but instead try to gain a different perspective.
I’ve come across a lot of people in my lifetime and have intuitively been able to discern which of the people who come into my life are genuine and which ones are not.This doesn’t mean I don’t give people a chance to prove me wrong, but in my experience, gut instinct has not failed me. As someone who often wears her heart on her sleeve and chooses to be honest, I find it troublesome every time I come across people who are the exact opposite. I, also, find that these people generally have no true friends due to the walls they have created for themselves. Whether it’s based on their own insecurities and lack of life purpose, it’s a real travesty and I feel for them because they will only be able to develop superficial relationships. People like that will always doubt you because they only have doubt in their hearts for themselves. It is important to remember that others can only provide what they have to give and if they have no goals, they will never envision you achieving yours. If you aren’t sure who those friends are, take a quick look at something as simple as your social media and see how many times they have “liked” the great things you have accomplished, experienced, or posted while they approve of anything else that’s only mundane.
Align Yourself With People Who Find Value In What You Do.
Just last night I had a conversation with a fellow friend and entrepreneur. In the few hours we spoke, I learned so much about him and about myself. All very positive things. This person has an ambition and drive that I admire. He not only challenges himself, but he creates an environment where others can do the same. He provides tools, ideas, and resources in exchange for a better life for those who come into his. His cause resonates with mine as I’ve often tried to help and encourage others throughout my life. I believe that selflessness achieves more for all than having a selfish cause. I started this blog because I have many ideas I’d like to share and others I’d like to see come to fruition. On the same note, I believe in the philosophy expressed by the movie, “Field Of Dreams,” when they said, “If you build it, they will come.”
As my friend and I discussed how we could put our minds together and make a difference, he revealed how he saw in me the innate qualities that I often strive to portray and live by for my sake and that of others. This was a very humbling experience as we generally don’t know how others view us in respect to how we wish to be seen. I can only expect great things to come by aligning myself with positive and driven people like him who aim at making this world a better place. I just hope you too can find and get to know people who respect you and will bring out the best in you.
