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. ☀️

Experience the FIFA Fan Fest in Miami Through My Eyes ⚽☀️

GOOD TIME OF DAY!!!

    HAPPY PRE-FRIDAY!!! I recently went to the Fifa ⚽⚽⚽ Fan Fest in Bayside and I can honestly say there’s something special about being surrounded by thousands of people who all share the same excitement for the beautiful game. As always, I had to bring you all along for the trip as always 😁😁😁😁 .

    From the moment I arrived, the energy was incredible. Fans from all over the world came together, proudly wearing their country’s colors, singing, cheering, and celebrating soccer. It was a reminder that sports have a unique way of bringing people together, no matter where they’re from.

    I spent the day exploring everything the Fan Fest had to offer—from interactive activities and entertainment to the amazing atmosphere created by passionate fans. Every corner had something worth seeing, and I tried to capture as much of it as possible so you could experience it with me.

    If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to attend a FIFA Fan Fest, I invite you to watch my latest YouTube video. I share my personal experience, show you what I saw throughout the day, and hopefully give you a glimpse of what makes this event so memorable.

    Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or just curious about the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup, I think you’ll enjoy coming along for the journey.

🎥 Watch the video and join the adventure! https://youtu.be/YDea3XBMJag?si=S6EKdKNHp1IzMSJq

    If you enjoy the video, I would truly appreciate your support. Every like, comment, and subscription helps my channel continue to grow and allows me to create more content like this.

When you watch, let me know in the comments:

Would you attend a FIFA Fan Fest?

Which country are you cheering for?

What was your favorite moment from the video?

Your feedback means so much to me, and I love hearing from each of you.

    Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting my content. I have many more FIFA experiences, Miami adventures, and personal stories coming soon, so be sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss what’s next.

See you in the next adventure!

☀️ Beatriz

Finding Sunshine