Hi friends meet @c_xavier. Cierra is a skateboarder, surfer, yogi and amateur bread maker. Follow along this week to find out what she is a grateful for and whether not she would rather be stranded in to ocean or desert.
What are you most grateful for?
My family and the close friends that have become my extended family. I’m lucky to have been raised and surrounded by such great people. My family has always been my number one support system.
If you could wake up tomorrow and have one new ability or talent, what would it be?
I would love to have the ability to sing! Or any musical talent for that matter. But to sing, that’d be a dream! It’s a talent that you don’t need equipment for, you can travel with, and use at any age. And it’s something that other people also get to benefit from too. Singing would be amazing!
Which of your personality traits has been the most useful?
Empathy. Everybody is going through something, so I try to give compassion and understanding to those around me. Even strangers. A small smile or a quick hello can go a long way.
If you were given one thousand acres of land, what would you do with it?
I’d love to build a small cabin with a craft studio, a yoga room, and a big garden. It’d be a dream to partner with my friends at @skatewildfoundation and build a skate camp on the land too. Our goal would be to connect people to nature through skateboarding, yoga, and other awesome activities. For the most part, though, I’d try to preserve a majority of the land for the wildlife and for the next generation to enjoy.
Do you have any ridiculous goals in life?
I would love to teach yoga. My practice has changed my life for the better, and to share that with others would be really fulfilling. What makes this goal a challenge is that I’m currently kick-starting my career, I have 100 other hobbies, a nerve for public speaking, and am now spending time refurbishing our new home. Definitely attainable, but a yoga teacher training course seems like a ridiculous goal at the moment!
What personality trait do you wish you had?
Sureness. I often lack the confidence to go for something and can have a hard time committing. From surfing to presentations at work, I could use a tad more confidence to commit!
What makes a person beautiful to you?
Authenticity. Being true to oneself and to those around you creates this aura of confidence and sincerity. I think that being honest with yourself and other people makes you a truly beautiful person. Reminds me of one of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
What makes you feel young?
Being active keeps me feeling young! The days that I don’t get my blood moving are when I begin to feel all the aches and pains. Boogie boarding or riding a surf mat also makes me feel like a kid again. The waves are always overhead!
If you could do so, how would you change the world?
I’m not sure how I would do this, or where I would start, but if I could wave my wand and change the world, I’d magically reverse climate change. Maybe a good start is food waste management, rainforest restoration, fighting the greedy politicians, or changing the strategy of fossil fuel companies…I don’t know. What I do know is that I really want to see climate change be stopped so future generations can enjoy this planet too.
If you could dedicate your life to solving one problem, what problem would you choose?
I would work to focus on sustainability and preserving global health. If we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy the planet and all its beauty, working to solve this problem is a must.
Where do you find meaning in your life?
I find meaning in my life when I can be creative, use my hands, and make functional art pieces. I also find most meaning in life when I’m outdoors, being active, and connecting to nature.
What have you learned from skateboarding?
Skateboarding is torture, it’s so damn hard! And it hurts! That aside, skateboarding is so much more than just a four-wheeled wooden toy. Skateboarding is a creative outlet, an activity that you can do with friends or alone, a mode of transportation, and a way to make friends all over the world. Skateboarding has paved a path for my career today, and I’ve made some of my closest friends through it. I guess I could say that skateboarding introduced me to my boyfriend Dylan too. Snowboarding is definitely my foundation, but I don’t know where I’d be without skateboarding today.
What was the biggest realization you had about yourself?
That I am capable of a lot more than I ever thought possible! Whether it be bike touring 500+ miles, presenting in front of a group of people, or leading a van full of skateboarders in an unfamiliar place. I’m a capable woman and a lot stronger than I think sometimes.
What’s your secret talent?
[Answer missing in the original text]
What’s the most anxiety-inducing thing you do on a regular basis?
Two things: Surfing and flying! I grew up in the mountains and I’m not very comfortable in the ocean yet. My surfer dad says I just have to “pay my dues” and spend more time in the water, which is very true. Also, I really dislike flying. It’s the most unnatural feeling and it makes me feel lousy and anxious every time.
When you look in the mirror what do you see?
Gray hair, adult acne, and a beautiful healthy body that I’m very thankful to call home!
How do you keep yourself psychologically healthy?
I practice yoga on a regular basis. Yoga has saved my life, both mentally and physically. It helps me come back to the present moment after a long day and heals my body after a long trip. I also believe that maintaining a healthy diet and cooking meals full of wholesome foods, herbs, and veggies helps keep my brain on track! A glass of wine at the end of the day does me pretty good too.
What life skills are rarely taught but extremely useful?
How to maintain positive mental health! Learning to cope with anxiety or keeping yourself mentally healthy is a struggle if you don’t have the tools or guidance to help. Everyone can use a little more self-love, but it’s not always clear how to make that happen. Plus, outlets like yoga and therapy can be crazy expensive and inaccessible.
What is God?
God is a spiritual being that is higher than ourselves that we can look to for comfort and support. For me, Mother Nature is my goddess.
Would you rather be lost in a desert or at sea?
If I had a boat, I’d rather be lost at sea. You could fish and try to filter water, and maybe find some shelter in the boat. The desert sees some of the harshest conditions known to man. I don’t know if I could last being lost in the desert.
Would you rather make more money or get more vacation time?
Easy choice. I would choose more vacation time! Treating yourself to good food, rest, and cultural experiences will make you feel richer in the end than money ever could.
Would you rather meet your ancestors or your great-grandchildren?
I would love to meet my ancestors. I’ve got roots in Portugal and throughout Europe. I take pride in where my family has come from and what they’ve accomplished. I would love to learn more about my family history and what’s in my bloodline that has made me who I am today.
Would you rather take a vacation to a city or the beach?
Take me to the beach! And hopefully I will be accompanied by some small, warm waves too.
Would you rather be an amazing cook or an amazing dancer?
Tough choice! I think being an amazing cook would be more useful on a daily basis. Other people get to benefit from this talent too! Sharing a delicious home-cooked meal is one of my favorite things on the planet.
Would you rather camp or stay in a hotel?
I would way rather camp. Every time. Always nice to get a little recharge from the stars and moon. No hotels!
Would you rather always be a little too hot or a little too cold?
I would rather be a little too hot. I usually have an easier time cooling down than warming up. It takes more energy and focus to warm these bones.
