Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Flores.
Karina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Actually, a friend helped me get started in the world of self-growth. He suggested listening to The Secret one day. Instantly I was hungry for more! As I started reading more books I began to learn so much about myself. Then I started practicing gratitude daily and working towards a healthier new me. In my books, I read about the power of manifestation and of course, I had to put it to the test!
I was living in SoCal at the time and I wanted nothing more than to move to Arizona. I visited my sister for one year and completely fell in love with this state. So, I put it out into the universe! I was going to move to AZ and have a beautiful home and I was going to be happy. A year later I was moving into my new home here in Arizona! I’m grateful for having the courage to do something that I would have not done without having started my self-growth journey. I’ve continued reading, learning and growing. At first, Good Morning Vibes was just a way for me to practice gratitude daily and be creative with Adobe Illustrator. Every day I would post a positive quote as my daily affirmation. I used a regular daily planner that I would “customize” to help me with my goals. Recently, I decided I wanted to create a journal with my specific needs to help me as I continued my journey.
I also started my health journey last year. I decided to become a vegetarian. The more I learn and grow through my journey, I realized I wanted to make bigger changes. I wanted to feel good inside and outside. I changed my diet and started working out. I’ve lost over 25 lbs since July 2018. I feel younger than I ever have!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. People see change differently, some are excited about change and others don’t understand your choices. Learning to ignore the noise was challenging. Staying consistent can be challenging as well, in fitness or self-care. I’m a wife, a mother of two, I hold a full time job, manage my home, workout and I run an online business all at the same time. Finding the right balance is still something I struggle with from time to time. My days feel a little longer but my life is full and rewarding. I work hard to find that balance whether it be with meditating, guidance through books or practicing gratitude. Feeling overwhelmed and recognizing it is something that I learned and has helped me get through some tough days. Learn to rest NOT quit.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is about helping others who are on the same journey as I am. Helping those who are in the process of becoming the best version of themselves. I promote self-care and self-growth. I love being able to make a difference in others. I was once lost and felt like I didn’t know what my purpose was. Being on this journey has brought so much happiness into my life. Having a platform to express and show my journey is rewarding. Even more so, I get to help others find their purpose.
I created a 90-day gratitude journal to help set goals and improve productivity. It includes a goal-setting guide, habit trackers, daily gratitude practice and helps promote accountability every week. As I was on my journey and reading different books, I noticed most books mentioned the daily practice of gratitude, mindfulness and goal-setting. I wanted to make sure I incorporated all three into my journals. Practicing gratitude first thing in the morning helps with feeling positive, better sleep and helps towards feeling compassionate and kind towards others.
My social media platform not only promotes my journal but also my journey. It allows me to show my progress on health and fitness as well. I love the new person that I’ve grown into. But it doesn’t just end there, consistency is the key to happiness. You can’t just be grateful once in a week or once a month, its a daily practice. Start each day with a grateful heart.
What were you like growing up?
I played softball from 2nd grade through middle school. My family and I moved about 45 min away right before I started high school. I was way too shy to try out for softball so I decided I was done with sports. I remember seeing the softball team during school and feeling like I made a mistake. It’s now a small event that led me to new beginnings.
I never knew what it was like to be “the new girl” until high school. During high school, I got into photography, photoshop, and 3D animation. Growing up I always wanted to help others. I loved helping my teachers during school. I even wanted to be a teacher or school counselor up until I started high school. Then my love for all things photography, editing, and animation took over my heart. After high school, I decided I wanted to go to design school. I wanted to design graphics for companies or work in advertising. I got to attend FDIM, the only school I wanted to attend!
Then about 1 and a half later I found out I was expecting. I was 19 years old and pregnant. I didn’t get to finish my time at FDIM. Instead, I took care of my kids and worked full time for the next several years just living to make sure my family was fed and healthy. It wasn’t until my late 20’s, that I found my calling, my passion, my purpose, I found the world of self-help.
Pricing:
- Good Morning Vibes Journal 19.99
Contact Info:
- Website: goodmorningvibes.com (launching soon)
- Email: hello@goodmorningvibes.com
- Instagram: @goodmorningvibesus
- Other: http://www.lulu.com/shop/karina-flores/good-morning-vibes-journal/paperback/product-24143801.html
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Hanson – photographer
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