Author: Dagny Zenovia

What is Behind the Power of Kindness
There are times when I am sure you wonder how kindness can survive in a world full of suffering. After all of the scars we pick up from life, how could there be any room for kindness to breath. To be honest, kindness takes an effort to maintain. It is easy to give in to the feelings of betrayal and sadness. We then shield ourselves to prevent us from getting hurt. It is that shield that we need to pay attention to. Even though it helps to protect our heart, it can also block it. Here are some tips to balance that shield.

There is a quote about crossing oceans only for people who care about you. I feel that method limits your heart. It is not about being a door mat, but you cannot allow an unknown response determine your behavior. Being generous with your effort and kindness will always bring good karma back to you, regardless of how the other person reacts to you. We hesitate to do this because we get attached to what we are giving. Have you noticed how you might not think twice about sending a donation, but will talk yourself out of personally caring for someone else when there is no guarantee the kind gesture will be reciprocated? You need to re-focus that attachment. Understand that your kindness is not shared for others to like you, but to help make the world feel less cold.

Life can freeze your heart without you realizing it. I sometimes joke that I have the heart of a 5-year-old and the memory of an elephant. Thus, I care too much, I feel everything very deeply, and I get hurt more often than people realize. Subconsciously, I found myself building a bigger shield and then wondering why I felt haunted by dark clouds. My shielded comfort zone was suffocating and consistently blocked me from opportunities. It might sound selfish, but being open with your kindness is not only about what you do for other people. It is about being a better you. I feel we were all given gifts to share through kindness. My heart has not grown a day older and my memory has not faded, but I am learning how to embrace my gift and share it in a way that protects me without holding me hostage.

How have I done this, you ask? For 2016, I feel like I have pushed outside of my comfort zone further than I have ever done in my life. By initiating conversations, extending invitations, and just showing up, I created opportunities to share my kindness. It can be a subtle thing, like giving a compliment, or a bigger thing, like volunteering your time. None of it is based on how others respond, but just a simple gesture to show you care.

Once you master this gesture of open kindness, you will definitely want to broaden your horizons. Here are some initiatives to check out:
- The Compliment Project: canvas your community in compliments to share kindness.
- Do Something: join a campaign to impact social change.
- TakePart: Learn about news and lifestyle to take action.
The shield you build for your heart should protect it to live longer, not block it from its purpose. The power behind kindness connects us to be a better person individually and make the world a more loving place collectively. How are you sharing kindness? Do you know of any other initiatives to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: H&M blazer; New York & Company vest; The Limited blouse; The Limited pants; DSW shoes; Vintage scarf; Aldo earrings; DSW purse
November 20, 2016
How To Have An Innovative Life + JORD Wood Watch Giveaway

Being innovative and thinking outside of the box are not only for inventors and historical figures. It is actually important to incorporate this type of thinking in your everyday life. It is easy to slip into a monotone lifestyle with responsibilities and challenges, which leads to feeling unsatisfied or disappointed. To avoid this, I make a point to surround myself with people and things that enlighten and inspire me. Recently, I was introduced to JORD Wood Watches, who are innovative with the business and design of their lovely watches for men and women. As a great and stylish example, I want to share with you the importance of surrounding yourself with innovation and how JORD Wood Watches is part of that. Make sure you scroll to the end to enter a JORD Wood Watches giveaway.

In a time where we have access to so many resources to implement any idea, it takes more effort to not become overwhelmed or just settle. This is why I feel it is important to surround yourself with inspiration: examples of others who made it happen and things that represent what you value. Understand that feeling uncomfortable is what will push you beyond feeling overwhelmed, if you accept it. Ideas that are easily accepted by others are not big enough. It might work, but it will not satisfy your desire and purpose as would an idea that others think is crazy. It is that challenge that will create something incredible rather than something convenient.

This is why I am so excited to share with you JORD Wood Watches. Each of their hand-crafted wood watches tell a story. I am wearing their Frankie Zebrawood & Navy watch. JORD only uses whole wood stock to create these watches. I love the pattern of this wood because it has so much character. It is like the imprint of a fascinating life. The large blue face is made with sapphire glass and feels modern and sleek. I love how this unique watch combines bohemian and polished style.

To me, this cool watch is part of an incredible idea. This is the type of innovation that can shake off life’s struggles and inspire an enlightening conversation. As simple as it looks, this mindset can really make an impact in your life. Taking the time to recognize and appreciate the innovation within and around you can help keep positivity a priority in your life. This wood watch is not just about style, it is about making a statement with substance.

Now, JORD is hosting a contest just in time for your Christmas list, because some of us do check off gifts before Thanksgiving or during Black Friday…right? All you have to do is fill out your name and email to enter to win a $75 e-gift code to shop JORD watches. Everyone else will receive a $20 e-gift code. It is a win-win for everyone! With so many unique women’s and men’s watches to choose from, you will definitely find something to treat yourself or a loved one. The contest ends December 1st. Click here to enter. Good luck!

Let me know which JORD watch is your favorite?

As 2016 is coming to an end, we all are reflecting on what we want to add and dismiss in our lives. How are you surrounding yourself with innovation? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: JORD watch; Vinti Couture earrings; DSW shoes; T.J.Maxx purse; H&M blazer; The Limited blouse; Not Your Daughter’s Jeans pants

This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches

Unique Watch

November 7, 2016
Why Nostalgia Will Not Keep You Happy

In entertainment there is a strategic pattern to entice us to show up and support a project by tapping into our nostalgia. Take Disney, for example. First we had sequels for classics, like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Toy Story. Then we had spin-offs for Finding Nemo, Boy Meets World, and now, That’s So Raven. Some stories can be continued forever and still feel fresh, while others are really stretching it. Even though we know the show will not be the same, we still go see it. Hoping to get that same feeling of surprise or laughter, we leave disappointed. Did you know we do this in life too? As nice as it is to reminisce, nostalgia can keep you from being happy.

Why is nostalgia so easy to slip into? It gives us a false sense of security. With hindsight, we can pinpoint mistakes and victories, select pleasant memories, and re-create who we previously were. There is a tendency to feel like the good-old-days are better than anything today could bring. There are two ways to look at this. First, looking back can help see how much progress you have made and learn from any lessons you picked up. Second, looking back can stifle your motivation to try anything different and give into negativity.

I do not think looking back on your own life is completely bad, but you should be careful in how you do it. The time you take repeatedly dwelling on your past choices is not productive. That will only fill you with regret and frustration, which will only cast a shadow over how you view your future. The time you take comparing your past progress with a friend, relative, or stranger is also not helpful. As difficult as it might be, you cannot let your mind play tricks on you.

Instead of slipping further into nostalgia, you should focus on creating more memories you would want to look back to. Push yourself to move forward, in spite of what happened before. I believe life is the result of what we do rather than what we let happen to us. Nostalgia can help or hinder that result depending on how you use it. Happiness is a choice that takes effort and discipline to keep. Be careful with how you let nostalgia be part of that choice.

What are you most nostalgic about? How do you use that to keep you happy? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: New York & Company blouse; Forever21 skirt; Steve Madden shoes

November 3, 2016
How To Make Your Vote Count

In 2008, I was a member of the nation-wide group that was “fired up” to vote for the first time for the presidential election. I skipped class to see the candidates speak and I volunteered as precinct captain for my district. I read all of the plans to bring hope to America. It felt like I was truly a part of something bigger than myself. I was not just casting a ballot, but really contributing to the change we needed. It was really exciting.

Fast forward to the 2016 election. There are probably more memes, SNL skits, and ridiculous quotes for this particular election to last us a lifetime. You know I do not get into politics on my blog and I am not going to tell you who you should vote for or who I am planning to vote for. I want to speak to the disappointing difference between the 2008 election and the 2016 election. We all might joke about it, but the feeling of frustration and despondency is real. We cannot allow this to kill the hope and motivation we had 8 years ago.

We need to remember that this election is not just about voting for the next president. Your energy for change and passion for justice should also be focused on your local community. With the amount of foundations, community-based programs, and young people stepping up to run for office, there is a lot more you can do to improve your neighborhood that goes beyond casting a ballot. As much as social media has helped us to connect and support each other, we still need to show up in person and make a point to attend a town hall or volunteer for a community initiative.

You have to keep the bigger picture in perspective. Choosing not to vote or consistently complaining about everything that is wrong with (insert name, city, business, or school here) is not productive. That mindset gives into feeling helpless. Educate yourself on the issues you care about and what is being done in your community to fix it. If you find something, consider volunteering. If there is nothing, explore starting something.

It seems like most people get too caught up with complaining about every headline, trend, and policy. It is ok to admit you are one of those people. Imagine if you used that time to really understand the history, politics, and motive behind any of those issues. Equipped with that knowledge, smoke screens and marketing gimmicks would never phase you.

I feel your duty does not start or stop with wearing that “I voted” sticker. It is constantly in motion with every action and decision you make. Let us promise each other, regardless of elephants, donkeys, or third animals, that we will not let the hope die.

How are you planning to make your vote count? What resources do you use to learn about issues and politics in your community? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: New York & Company blouse; Top Vintage LLC skirt

October 27, 2016
How Sustainability Has Evolved In Lifestyle and Fashion

The discussion behind the future of our lifestyle and the environment has evolved. It is fascinating to look back 5, 10, or 20 years ago and compare what we thought the future would be to what we are planning for today. The two things I notice the most is the shift in who we consider should participate in this future planning and, ironically, what we expect fashion will look like in the future.

I studied international affairs in college and I remember experts and colleagues arguing that so-called 3rd world countries could not be expected to leap-frog over the entitled industrial age to help save the planet. It seemed like only the 1st world power countries had the privilege to create a sustainable future and somehow only those countries would benefit from it. In spite of stories of inventions and innovation across the planet, it was not considered valued or beneficial across the board.

Now, the opinion has shifted to claim all countries can now pay attention to the health of the planet. I am encouraged by this because I do not think you can restrict sustainability to certain regions and expect it to make a substantial impact. To illustrate this, you should check out the recent collaboration Shell did with artists from around the world: Best Day Of My Life. I will admit, the song is a little corny, but the visuals give the message that this initiative should be a global priority. It got me wondering if, as a planet, we could really come together to work towards this goal. Are not wars and poverty a bigger priority for most? or are they more of a distraction? The Shell video also made me think about how we as individuals and citizens of the world can contribute to this initiative. The conversation about climate change and clean energy should not be political. It should not only feature Leonardo DiCaprio as the sole brand ambassador. We can do more. The question is, what really makes a difference? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Regarding the future of style, it seems like it has changed with our impression of what the future holds. My introduction to the future was through the movie Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century. The wardrobe in that movie was bright and colorful. Next, I was exposed to The Jetsons (and here is why The Jetsons still matter according to the Smithsonian). Their wardrobe was bright and colorful. Now, I am not sure if this started with Star Wars, or maybe was emphasized through The Hunger Games and Divergent, but we are anticipating a dreary future. There is no color. In all three of those series, the wardrobe sticks with a black, brown, and grey palette that is always prepared to battle aliens, demons, or evil parents. We also cannot forget the zombies.

The fusion between fashion and technology is really exciting. I am not just talking about jewelry that tracks how many steps you walk. From temperature control to mini computers, we are inventing some pretty neat stuff. If you are interested in this kind of innovation, you should check out FashNerd.com. They post all about it.

Maybe with time, we will bring the color back to the future of style. Once we get all the upgrade glitches fixed, we can add bold patterns and hues to the fabric. Maybe we will not need climate-changing-body-armor or wearable weapons. This could possibly help us to not accept a dreary war-torn future, but instead take initiative in creating a bright united future.

What do you think about how the sustainability narrative is evolving? What are you most hopeful for in how we contribute to a brighter future? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Please note the links I shared in this post are not affiliates. They are articles and websites I think you would enjoy…because sharing is caring.

Wearing: Rahyma via Zuvaa jumpsuit; Michael Kors heels; Rachel Stewart earrings

October 24, 2016
Lamborghini Festival Houston: Photo Recap

The cars were polished and swanky. The weather was perfect and beautiful. I attended my first Lamborghini Festival at CityCentre in Houston and it was quite impressive. I brought my camera with me and really like how the photos came out. So, as my schedule permits, expect more photo recaps from time to time.

I did not get to sit in or drive one, but I might get to next time. Have you attended a luxury car festival? What is your favorite or dream car? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

October 16, 2016