MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY- Welcome to Living by the Sunshine | Overcoming Fear & Living Your Best Life

☀️ WELCOME TO LIVING BY THE SUNSHINE!!!

Hi, sunshine! ☀️

My name is Beatriz D. Rivero, and I’m 30 years old.

And somehow, I have had this blog for over a decade.

Yes… you read that correctly.

A decade.

I honestly couldn't remember exactly when I started it, so naturally, I did what any responsible adult would do…

I went digging through my own blog archives. 😂

And guess what I found?

March 31, 2014.

I conquered my laziness, y’all! 😂

Which means I started this blog when I was still in high school because, fun fact, I graduated high school in June of 2014.

And now here I am, all these years later, still writing.

Except…

I’m not the same girl who started this blog.

Not even close.

And that's actually what Living by the Sunshine is all about.

---

🌻 BEFORE THE ACCIDENT

Before my accident, I had a lot on my mind.

I had dreams.

Opinions.

Things I wanted to say.

Things I wanted to do.

But there was one little problem…

I was shy.

Like, really shy.

I often worried about what people thought of me.

Would people judge me?

Would they think I was weird?

Would they disagree with me?

Would they laugh?

So sometimes, instead of doing what I wanted to do, I stayed quiet.

I played it safe.

I kept certain thoughts to myself.

And honestly?

I let fear make decisions for me.

Then life changed.

---

🚗 THE ACCIDENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

On May 22, 2015, when I was 19 years old, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.

And no…

I'm not going to pretend that everything magically became perfect afterward.

It didn't.

Recovery came with challenges I never expected.

There were things I had to relearn.

Things that became harder.

Things I had to adapt to.

And there were days when I wondered what my life was going to look like now.

But something else happened too.

The shy girl started disappearing.

I don't even know exactly when it happened.

Maybe surviving something that completely changed my life gave me a different perspective.

Maybe I realized that life is way too short to spend it constantly worrying about other people's opinions.

Maybe I simply stopped caring as much.

Whatever it was…

Something changed.

I started speaking up.

I started putting myself out there.

I started sharing my story.

I started trying things I never thought I would.

And most importantly…

I started living.

---

🌞 WHAT DOES “LIVING BY THE SUNSHINE” EVEN MEAN?

It doesn't mean my life is always sunshine and rainbows.

Because let's be honest…

Sometimes life is messy.

Sometimes you cry.

Sometimes you get frustrated.

Sometimes your plans fall apart.

Sometimes you take three steps forward and somehow end up taking five steps backward.

Sometimes you have absolutely no idea what you're doing.

And sometimes you just need to eat something, take a nap, and try again tomorrow. 😂

Living by the Sunshine isn't about pretending the darkness doesn't exist.

It's about remembering that the sun is still there.

Even when you can't see it.

For me, sunshine represents hope, growth, resilience, courage, and new beginnings.

It represents choosing to find something good even when life doesn't go according to plan.

It means learning how to live your life instead of constantly waiting for your life to become perfect.

---

💛 THIS IS YOUR REMINDER TO STOP PLAYING SMALL

If you're reading this because you're afraid to start something…

Start.

If you're afraid people will judge you…

Let them.

If you're waiting until you're confident enough…

You might be waiting forever.

Confidence doesn't always come before you do something.

Sometimes confidence comes because you did it scared.

I know that now.

I've learned that overcoming fear doesn't necessarily mean that you stop being afraid.

It means you decide that your fear doesn't get to control your life anymore.

And trust me…

I'm still learning this lesson myself.

I'm still becoming the woman I want to be.

I'm still figuring things out.

I'm still making mistakes.

I'm still growing.

And that's okay.

Because life isn't about becoming a perfect version of yourself.

It's about becoming a more authentic version of yourself.

---

🌻 WHY I CREATED LIVING BY THE SUNSHINE

This blog is my little corner of the internet where I can talk about life, growth, recovery, confidence, relationships, adulthood, travel, self-discovery, surviving difficult seasons, and everything in between.

Sometimes we'll talk about serious things.

Sometimes we'll talk about completely random things.

Sometimes I'll share lessons I've learned from surviving a traumatic brain injury.

Sometimes I'll talk about things I'm currently struggling with.

And sometimes…

I'll probably just tell you about something ridiculous that happened to me. 😂

Because that's real life.

I don't want Living by the Sunshine to be a place where I pretend I have everything figured out.

I want it to be a place where we can say:

“I'm still figuring it out too.”

---

☀️ YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT

If you've been waiting for the “right time” to start living your life…

This is your sign.

Start the blog. Apply for the job. Take the trip. Make the video. Start the business. Wear the outfit. Say what you mean. Try the hobby. Make the first move. Set the boundary. Chase the dream. Take the picture. Post the thing. Do the thing you've been talking yourself out of.

And if you're scared?

Do it scared.

Because one day, you might look back and realize that the thing you were so afraid of was actually the beginning of something beautiful.

---

🌞 WELCOME TO YOUR NEW FAVORITE CORNER OF THE INTERNET

So…

Welcome to Living by the Sunshine. 🌻

Welcome to my little corner of the internet.

Welcome to the lessons, the laughs, the setbacks, the glow-ups, the questionable decisions, the adventures, and all the moments in between.

I'm Beatriz.

I'm 30.

I'm a writer, a social worker, a creator, a survivor, a dreamer, and a woman who is still becoming.

And after everything I've been through, I've learned one thing:

You don't have to wait for life to become perfect before you start enjoying it.

You just have to learn how to find your sunshine.

And sometimes…

you have to become your own sunshine. ☀️

So if you've been waiting for permission to live YOUR best life…

Consider this your permission slip.

Welcome to Living by the Sunshine.

I'm so glad you're here. 💛

Now let's see where this journey takes us. 🌻

---

     💬 YOUR TURN

What's something you've been afraid to do that you've always wanted to try?

Tell me in the comments.

And remember:

Slowed doesn't mean stopped.

Setbacks don't mean the story is over.

And your best days don't have to be behind you.

☀️ Keep finding your sunshine.

What Surviving a Car Accident Taught Me About Life ☀️

 GOOD MORNING, AFTERNOON OR EVENING!!!  

I hope this blog finds you all well!!! Living your best life of course.. 😉😉

As many of you may know... Eleven years ago, my life changed in a matter of seconds.

I was in a car accident.

At the time, I was 19 years old. I don't think you can ever truly understand how fragile life is until you're suddenly faced with the possibility of losing it.

I survived.

But surviving wasn't the end of the story.

In many ways, it was the beginning of a completely different one.

For years, I've thought about what that accident taught me about life. And if there's one thing I understand more than anything now, it's this:

Life is short.

We spend so much time saying, "I'll do it later."

I'll go after that dream later.

I'll take that trip later.

I'll tell that person how I feel later.

I'll start that business later.

I'll go back to school later.

I'll become the person I've always wanted to be later.

But what happens when later isn't guaranteed?

That's something surviving a car accident has made impossible for me to ignore.

If you don't go for what you want, you might lose the opportunity to have it.

And I'm not saying that because I think everything needs to happen immediately. I'm saying it because I've learned that we shouldn't take time for granted.

Sometimes we're waiting for the "perfect" moment.

We're waiting until we're more confident.

Until we have more money.

Until we're less afraid.

Until life gets easier.

Until we feel ready.

But the truth is, we may never feel completely ready.

Sometimes you just have to take the first step.

I have dreams now, that I didn't have at 19.

I have things I want to accomplish.

Places I want to see.

People I want to love.

Things I want to create.

And a life I still want to experience.

My accident changed my life, but it didn't take away my ability to live it.

If anything, it taught me to appreciate it more.

Because life isn't promised.

Life is beautiful.

It's the sunshine coming through your window in the morning.

It's laughing until your stomach hurts.

It's your favorite song playing at exactly the right moment.

It's watching the sunset.

It's trying something new.

It's falling in love.

It's making mistakes and getting another chance to try again.

It's meeting people who change your life.

It's discovering parts of yourself you didn't know existed.

It's waking up and realizing that you still have another day.

And sometimes, another day is the greatest gift you could ever receive.

Eleven years later, I don't want to spend my life asking, "What if?"

I want to ask, "Why not?"

Why not go after the dream?

Why not start the business?

Why not write the book?

Why not take the trip?

Why not say yes?

Why not try again?

Why not become the person you've always wanted to be?

My life didn't turn out the way I thought it would when I was 19.

Honestly, it turned out completely differently.

But maybe that's okay.

Because I'm still here.

I'm still growing.

I'm still dreaming.

I'm still becoming.

And I still have sunshine to find.

Surviving that accident taught me that life can change in an instant.

So I'm trying not to waste the moments I have.

I'm trying to stop waiting for permission.

I'm trying to stop being afraid of failing.

I'm trying to appreciate the life in front of me instead of constantly wishing it looked different.

Because I survived.

And I don't want to simply survive my life.

I want to LIVE it.

So if there's something you've been putting off, maybe today is the day to take one small step toward it.

Call the person.

Apply for the job.

Book the trip.

Start the project.

Write the first page.

Take the chance.

Go after what you want.

Because life is short.

Life is unpredictable.

And life is incredibly, incredibly beautiful.

Don't wait until you almost lose your life to start living it. ☀️ 

Please make sure to like this post and follow for more!!!

-B.D.R.

Living by the Sunshine

Motivation Isn’t Magic: Sometimes You Just Have to Keep Going ☀️

Good morning, good afternoon, or whatever time of day you happen to be reading this.

Welcome back to Living by the Sunshine 🔆.

Today is Monday, and I don’t know about you, but Mondays can sometimes feel like a little bit of a reset button.

A new week.

A new opportunity.

A new chance to try again.

But I’ve been thinking about something lately:

What happens when you don’t feel motivated?

Because let’s be honest—motivation isn’t always there.

Some mornings you wake up ready to take on the world.

Other mornings, getting out of bed feels like an accomplishment all by itself.

And I think we put way too much pressure on ourselves to always be motivated.

Sometimes, motivation isn’t about feeling excited.

Sometimes, motivation is simply saying:

“I’m going to do what I can today.”

That’s enough.

☀️ Consistency Over Perfection

If you look at my calendar this week, I’ve got quite a bit going on.

Today, I’m writing this motivational post and creating content.

At 5 PM, I’ll be posting my weekly Monopoly Monday video.

Tuesday, I’ll be sharing another TBI Bestie video, on TikTok @beatrizpilarr.tbibestie, along with some behind-the-scenes content.

Wednesday, I’ve got my try with me Dunkin’ Donuts fall menu video going up, plus more content.

Thursday, I’ll be shooting another TBI Bestie video.

And Friday, I’ll be back here with my usual Living by the Sunshine 🔆 blog.

That’s a lot.

But here’s the thing:

I’m not looking at this week as one giant mountain I have to climb.

I’m looking at it one day at a time.

Monday doesn’t have to accomplish Tuesday’s goals.

Tuesday doesn’t have to worry about Friday.

Today only has to be today.

And sometimes that’s how we have to approach life, too.

🌻 You Don’t Have to Feel Ready

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t always feel ready before you begin.

Sometimes you start scared.

Sometimes you start tired.

Sometimes you start questioning whether you’re even capable of doing what you’re trying to do.

And sometimes you start anyway.

That’s where the magic happens.

Not because everything suddenly becomes easy.

But because you prove to yourself that you can take the next step.

And then another.

And another.

Until one day, you look back and realize:

“Wow. I actually made it pretty far.”

🔆 Your Sunshine Reminder for This Week

So here’s my challenge for you this week:

Don’t worry about doing everything.

Don’t worry about being perfect.

Don’t compare your progress to somebody else’s.

Just pick one thing.

One phone call.

One workout.

One page.

One video.

One conversation.

One small step toward something you’ve been putting off.

And then celebrate yourself for taking that step.

Because progress doesn’t always look like a huge transformation.

Sometimes progress looks like getting out of bed.

Sometimes it looks like trying again.

Sometimes it looks like saying no.

Sometimes it looks like saying yes.

And sometimes it simply looks like refusing to give up.

☀️ Keep Going

Whatever you’re working toward right now, I hope you remember this:

You don’t have to have the whole journey figured out.

You just have to take the next step.

And if today isn’t your best day?

That’s okay.

Tomorrow is another opportunity.

So take a deep breath.

Give yourself some grace.

Find whatever little piece of sunshine you can.

And keep going.

Because your story isn’t finished yet.

There’s still sunshine ahead. 🔆

Until Friday,

Bea ☀️

Living by the Sunshine 🔆

WEEK 32 SCHEDULE!!!

 

HIIIII!!!! 

        First of all! I hope and pray you all have a great week!! This is the first weekly schedule of content I will post on here, mainly just to hold myself accountable.... So yea... 

    MONDAY- Weekly Monopoly Monday... 

                         Episode 51- Looney Tunes Partners...

    TUESDAY- TikTok- @Beatrizpilarr.tbibestie 

                        Episode 8-  Why noise and lights bother someone so much after a TBI?

     WEDNESDAY- Finding Sunshine goes to the Ballpark!!

                         (MIGHT BE POSTED ON THURSDAY AS MY EDITOR IS OUT OF TOWN)

     THURSDAY- TikTok- @Beatrizpilarr.tbibestie 

                        Episode 9- Healing takes time... 

                        (MIGHT BE POSTED ON WEDNESDAY TO MAKE UP FOR THE SCHEDULE                                       MISHAP 

     FRIDAY- https://livingbythesunshine.blogspot.com/ (HERE... 😂) 

                      Post 136?- Learning to accept yourself after a TBI or any life changing circumstances.

         

 

The Art of the Deal: When Football, Politics, and Power Collide

 

The Art of the Deal: When FIFA, Politics, and Power Collide

    Good time of day, beautiful people! ☀️

    Today, I want to talk about something bigger than soccer. I want to talk about power, influence, negotiations, and what happens when sports and politics enter the same arena.

    The FIFA World Cup has always represented more than a game. It represents unity, culture, and the idea that people from different countries, backgrounds, and beliefs can come together for one shared moment. But behind every major event are negotiations, relationships, and decisions made by people with enormous influence.

    And that brings us to what I call “The Art of the Deal.”

    Throughout history, powerful organizations have understood one important thing: if you want cooperation from someone powerful, you have to understand what motivates them.

    In the case of the upcoming World Cup in the United States, many people have questioned the relationship between FIFA and the Trump administration, especially regarding security, immigration concerns, and the political atmosphere surrounding the tournament.

    One of the biggest conversations has been about how FIFA has interacted with President Donald Trump, including the creation of a FIFA Peace Prize recognizing efforts connected to football and unity. Supporters viewed the recognition as a diplomatic gesture, while critics questioned whether it was more about politics and influence than genuine peace-building.

    To many critics, it appeared that FIFA found a way to appeal to something President Trump has openly valued: recognition, legacy, and the desire to be remembered as a historic figure on the world stage.

    Some people have described the award as a “fake peace prize” because they believe it was less about peace and more about political strategy. Whether someone agrees or disagrees with that viewpoint, it raises an important question:

When powerful organizations recognize political leaders, is it truly about the mission—or is it about creating a relationship that benefits both sides?

    Then came another moment that sparked conversation: an edited image involving President Trump that many people felt was disrespectful because it appeared to remove or minimize his presence.

    To his supporters, moments like this can feel like an intentional attempt to embarrass or diminish him. To critics, it may simply represent the complicated relationship between political figures and public imagery in the modern media age.

    But regardless of political opinions, one thing is clear: images, awards, and public gestures carry meaning. They influence how people perceive respect, power, and status.

    The larger conversation is not just about one person. It is about the way global organizations operate when billions of dollars, international attention, and political interests are involved.

    Hosting the World Cup requires cooperation between governments, corporations, and international organizations. Security, transportation, immigration policies, and public safety all become part of the discussion.

    But the question remains:

How much should organizations compromise their values to maintain access, influence, and success?

    Every deal has something exchanged. Sometimes it is money. Sometimes it is reputation. Sometimes it is political support.

    The true art of the deal is not only knowing what you gain—it is understanding what you give up.

    As we look forward to the World Cup, I hope we remember the heart of the sport. Soccer has the power to unite people who may disagree on almost everything else. The fans, the players, and the cultures represented are what make the tournament special.

    At the end of the day, the biggest victory should not belong to politicians, organizations, or powerful individuals.

    The biggest victory should belong to the people.

    Because that is what living by the sunshine is about: looking beyond the headlines, asking difficult questions, and remembering the humanity behind every story. ☀️

#LivingByTheSunshine
#TheArtOfTheDeal
#WorldCup2026
#SportsAndPolitics
#PowerAndInfluence

Introducing My New TikTok Series: TBI Bestie 💚🧠☀️

Good (time of day loves!!),

   For this week's Living by the Sunshine blog, I wanted to share something I am incredibly excited about... A new chapter in my journey as a traumatic brain injury survivor, advocate, and friend to the brain injury community.

Introducing:

TBI Bestie 💚

   A new TikTok series created for survivors who are navigating life after a traumatic brain injury.

   When I experienced my TBI in 2015, I remember feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what life would look like moving forward. I had so many questions, and I wished I had someone who could say:

"I've been there. I understand. You're not alone."

   Over the years, through my own recovery journey, therapy, education, and connecting with other survivors, I've learned so much about what it means to rebuild your life after brain injury.

   Now, I want to share that knowledge and experience with others.

   TBI Bestie is my way of creating the friend and support system I wish I had when I was first injured.

Through this TikTok series, I’ll be sharing:

🧠 Things I wish I knew after my TBI
💚 Tips that helped me through recovery
☀️ Encouragement for the hard days
📚 Navigating school, work, and life after injury
🧩 Understanding brain fatigue, memory challenges, and emotional changes
✨ Celebrating the small victories that are actually big victories

This series is for:

• Survivors who are newly injured and trying to understand their new reality

• Survivors who are years into recovery but still face challenges

• Family members and friends who want to better understand TBI

• Anyone who needs a reminder that recovery is a journey

   One of the biggest lessons my brain injury has taught me is that healing does not happen overnight, and recovery does not follow a straight path.

   Some days are filled with progress. Some days are harder than others. But every day is another opportunity to learn, grow, and find your sunshine.

   Through TBI Bestie, I hope to create a safe space where survivors feel seen, heard, and supported.

   Because even though our injuries may have changed our lives, they do not take away our worth, our dreams, or our ability to create a meaningful future.

   I invite you to follow along with me on TikTok as I begin this new series and continue sharing my journey.

Welcome to TBI Bestie 💚

Your recovery journey matters. Your story matters. And you are never alone.

With sunshine,

Beatriz Del Pilar Rivero ☀️
TBI Survivor | Social Worker | Brain Injury Advocate
Founder of Finding Sunshine 🔆

More Than a Game: What FIFA Taught Me About Peace, Unity, and Humanity

 

                    

Good time of day, beautiful people! ☀️

I hope you're all having a fantastic day.

If you've been following my journey over the last few weeks, you already know I've completely fallen in love with the atmosphere surrounding the FIFA Club World Cup here in Miami. From the Fan Fest to meeting supporters from all over the world, I've had the opportunity to witness something that goes far beyond ninety minutes on a soccer field.

I've heard conversations in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and languages I couldn't even identify. I've seen strangers celebrate together after incredible goals. I've watched people wearing different jerseys laugh, dance, and take pictures together. For a little while, it didn't seem to matter where anyone came from. What mattered was that we were all there because we shared a love for the beautiful game.

That experience made me think.

Recently, FIFA announced that President Donald Trump would receive a FIFA World Peace Award. Regardless of how anyone feels about that recognition, it raises an interesting question:

What does peace actually mean?

Is peace simply the absence of conflict?

Or is it something we actively create by the way we treat one another?

As I attended these events, I couldn't help but notice another conversation taking place alongside the excitement. There has been public discussion about immigration enforcement and the presence of ICE during parts of the tournament. For some people, that represents security. For others—especially families who may already feel vulnerable—it can bring fear or uncertainty.

Those are real emotions, and they deserve compassion.

As the daughter of Cuban immigrants who built a life here in Miami, I understand how deeply immigration can touch a family. Growing up in this city taught me that some of our greatest strengths come from the many cultures that call South Florida home.

After surviving my traumatic brain injury, my perspective on people changed even more.

When you've had your life turned upside down in a matter of seconds, you begin to realize how precious every human connection truly is. You stop focusing so much on what separates us and start appreciating what brings us together.

That's one of the reasons I love soccer.

It reminds me that joy doesn't require everyone to look the same, speak the same language, or come from the same country.

One pass.

One goal.

One celebration.

And suddenly thousands of strangers are hugging each other like lifelong friends.

Imagine if we carried just a little bit of that spirit into our everyday lives.

That doesn't mean we all have to agree on politics or public policy. Those conversations are important, and reasonable people can have different opinions. But I hope we never lose our ability to see the human being standing in front of us before we see a label.

Whether someone is wearing an Argentina jersey, a Real Madrid jersey, an Inter Miami jersey, or simply showing up to experience something new, they're a person with a story worth hearing.

If there's one lesson FIFA has reminded me of, it's that the world's diversity isn't something to fear.

It's something to celebrate.

As always, my goal isn't to tell anyone what they should believe.

My goal is simply to encourage kindness, curiosity, and compassion. I believe we can have difficult conversations without forgetting each other's humanity. I believe we can cheer for different teams, vote differently, come from different backgrounds, and still share the same stadium, the same city, and the same hope for a better tomorrow.

That's the sunshine I'm choosing to live by.

Thank you so much for spending a few minutes with me today. If you've been enjoying my FIFA adventures, don't forget to check out my latest YouTube videos! I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a comment, and let me know what peace means to you.

Until next time…

Keep finding your sunshine. ☀️