Alofa Journal

Pacific Islander Heritage Month Tribute

This journal was created in honor of our Samoan family and is being released during the month of May, which is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

This recognition is observed annually within the United States as the acknowledgment of the many contributions from Asians and Pacific Islanders.

Fa’a Samoa…or the Samoan Way.

At the center of fa’a Samoa is ‘aiga, the Samoan word for family. The definition of ‘aiga includes extended family and the community. Witnessed throughout Samoan culture is the sincere value placed on maintaining respect and love for close family and the surrounding community.


Alofa
 means LOVE in the Samoan language.

  • 70 lined notebook pages
  • Floral Tropical design, with laumei (sea turtle) on the back cover.
  • Fa’a Samoa explanation

Share and spread ALOFA

JOURNAL AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON: 7$

Grab your ALOFA journal here!

Calm. Listen. Ascend: Mindfulness Journal Series

+ Over 30 Mindfulness Writing Prompts for self reflection in each journal.

+ Meditative Art and Daily Affirmations for personal growth.

+ Many lined pages for self expression when responding to a prompt.

+ Each journal has a unique color theme: Dark, light green, and neutral.

+ Tranquil and aesthetically pleasing +

+ Asking the tough questions +

Self reflection can lead to personal growth and healing.

Will you make time for yourself?

Mindfulness Journal Series

https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Mindfulness-Affirmations-Meditative-reframing/dp/0997873884/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1625006724&refinements=p_27%3ABardi&s=books&sr=1-1

A Message To My Sons

TaiGreenwayTN

           I hope you never seek validation from others in any aspect of your life

I hope you are confident in your desires and remain true to your personal passions

I hope you cling to wonder and curiosity

I hope you recognize your power to manifest an intentional and tranquil life

I hope you are capable of being happy for others

I hope you understand that gratification is fleeting, as is every emotion and moment

I hope you find peace in simplicity

I hope you transform this world, but do not become lost in the trend

I hope you stand in the rain and still enjoy getting wet

I hope you gain insight from those you encounter and embody lifelong learning

I hope you cry when you are sad

I hope you cry when you are joyous

I hope you speak with eloquence and love

I hope you gaze at the moon in admiration

I hope you accept the journey of LIFE with ease and calm

I hope you choose tolerance

I hope you travel to seek, not travel to tourist

I hope you help people without expectations or applause

I hope you demonstrate patience

I hope when you experience deep sadness you have the courage to redirect your life

I hope you appreciate the value of time and never allow money to consume you

I hope you can sleep without melatonin, and survive a day without caffeine

I hope you rest when you are tired

I hope you strive when you are capable

 I hope you smile when you think of me

My wish for you…I am hopeful

You’ve Already Failed at Keeping Your New Years Resolution & Here’s Why

We’re two months into the New Year and let’s be honest, the majority of us have predictably failed at keeping our resolutions. In my early twenties I was much more optimistic about making simple lifestyle changes, becoming outrageously successful and of course, losing weight. 

Topanga

Topanga, Malibu, CA

We cling to this idea that right after Christmas the New Year will bring about dramatic changes in our lives. We chant positive affirmations, and the festive spirit of the holiday season allows us to live in this delusional happy state for a few weeks. Naturally, this optimism fades as the decorations come down and our mundane schedules pick back up. We quickly abandon the promises we’ve made to ourselves and here’s why.

 Most resolutions are impulsive

                Many of us make last minute resolutions on the first day of the year but they don’t come from a place of genuine concern or interest. They are impulsive or spontaneous decisions, and I’m sure you’re well aware of how hasty actions can quickly turn into awkward disasters. Yep, you’re right, it’s nearly impossible to stop smoking cold turkey, and it’s physically draining to work out every day when you’ve never exercised. So instead of reacting to this momentary impulse how about keeping it real with yourself in regard to your goals.Take it slow, layout a practical plan, and be kind to yourself for once. Accept this universal truth; we all fall off the wagon sometimes. 

 Resolutions or Abandonments? You decide.

At this point perhaps we should just change the word resolutions to abandonments, because that’s what most humans do. We inevitably abandon the promises we’ve made to ourselves.

You declare a newly found love for animals along with a hatred for factory farming. So the next step you take is a resolution to become a vegetarian in the new year. Two days later you’re chowing down on a juicy double cheeseburger at your favorite fast food joint. Swift abandonment. Indeed, we are the sum of our routines and these habits are hard to break. Is it negative to assume before you begin that you will fail? Perhaps, but it’s even more depressing and unhealthy to pretend we’re able to immediately stop or begin a new behavior effortlessly.

If we’re being honest with ourselves and wish to live an authentic life, the best solution would be to release this idea of resolutions and accept a new tradition of abandonments. Focused on leaving things behind, like our awkward obsession with Donald Trump and Kylie Jenner’s lips. Kidding. But, of course there are certain things we all wish to leave in 2015… is your list realistically achievable?

Not to be a negative Nancy, but more than likely you’ve already failed at keeping or completing your resolutions for many years. Am I wrong? However, in the process you’ve probably discovered how pointless resolutions are to proclaim in the first place.

Many self-help gurus may disagree, suggesting that we should focus on the positive progress we make, but there’s nothing wrong with embracing failure and being mindful of the things we’ll realistically abandon.

 I’m in no way suggesting that you won’t conquer your fears this year, or become extremely fit and land a fantastic job. Eventually, your hard work and consistency will be equivalent to your reward. We all have a set of goals we’re working towards, and I commend the passionate pursuit of happiness. I’m simply recommending that we acknowledge our silly unrealistic expectations for what they are and try becoming less impulsive with our goals. 

This year, Don’t make resolutions,  Make sincere commitments.

Take the time that you NEED and commit oneself to something completely. In the words of the great Jedi Master…

  

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” 

                 -Yoda

                                     The Empire Strikes Back

How I Learned to Live With Passion (article: Elite Daily)

How I Learned to Live With Passion (article via Elite Daily)

My grandmother Brenda was born in the mountains of Alabama in 1942. By the age of 19, just months after giving birth to my mother, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Mental illness was not discussed in the 1950s and 60s like it is today. It was a taboo subject in rural areas of the South, which left many people shunned, hidden away and accepting the few treatment options that were often just radical experiments.

My grandmother was one of these hidden individuals. Brenda was institutionalized her entire adult life, bouncing around between mental hospitals and group homes in Alabama and Tennessee, until the day she died in 2012 at 70 years old.

Can you fathom being mentally and physically confined in a way that is completely beyond your control for 51 years?

Read the Rest of Brenda’s story here -> http://elitedaily.com/life/learned-live-passion-grandmothers-struggle-schizophrenia/

Authentic LOVE: Connected: Los Angeles

Rosalie Bardo spent a day reaching out to a few locals in Los Angeles, California. Wandering from Hollywood and Highland to the Valley, asking them all one simple question.

Perspective:
What is Authentic Love?

“Often the simplest things are the most powerful. We are all CONNECTED and I genuinely believe we should never stop absorbing knowledge from those around us. Observe: Gain from another’s experience. We all have something unique to share, so go out and engage the world with compassion, patience and generosity.” -Rosalie Bardo

Connect with Rosalie via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rosaliebardo
Instagram: RosalieBardo

http://www.rosaliebardo.com

Video Produced by Bardo Entertainment (P) 2014
Song: Champion by The Chevin

Connected: The People of Venice Beach, Los Angeles

Rosalie Bardo spent a day authentically embracing the locals of Venice Beach, California.

Perspective: If you could give one piece of advice to the world, what would it be?

“Often the simplest things are the most powerful. We are all CONNECTED and I genuinely believe we should never stop absorbing knowledge from those around us. Observe: Gain from another’s experience. We all have something unique to share, so go out and engage the world with compassion, patience and generosity.” -Rosalie Bardo

Produced by Bardo Entertainment (P) 2014

Passion Portrait #BeSomebody

ROXIE and ROSALIE BARDO are in… #besomebody.

Roxie Bardo and Rosalie Bardo have always shaken their heads at the status quo. “Ordinary” has never been interesting. “Expected” is where Passion went to die. Growing up in a small southern town, they wanted to free themselves from the familiar, and chase their craziest dreams… Now, taking on the Entertainment business and spearheading philanthropic platforms, they are paving a Path and a Purpose that’s growing bigger every day. Rosalie’s four children’s books will be hitting the shelves next year, and Roxie’s debut EP – which earned her a nomination as female vocalist of the year for the 23rd annual LA Music Awards – is now available on iTunes.

Check out their Passion Portrait here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJwWI6K2ySM&feature=c4-overview&list=UUPkRHQHa44tiwnq-Lzm5sVA. #besomebody.

Connect with #BESOMEBODY ! http://www.besomebodyblog.com/

#Besomebody is the fastest growing Motivational Movement in the world. Their Passion Portraits showcase people across the world who embody the #besomebody lifestyle by living their passion, building their dreams, and inspiring others along the way.