Quote of the Week - Wounds

Is it just me or did you ever have something happen in your life that changed you in some way? Some event, or series of events, that wounded you, scarred you, changed some part of you?

Today's quote really spoke to my heart:

"Don't allow your wounds to transform you into someone you are not."

                                                                                                                -Paulo Coelho

You may have been hurt. You may have been treated unfairly. You may have seen someone that you love suffer unfairly, and you may not have been able to do anything about it. 

Do not let your wounds change you so much that you turn into someone you are not. Do not let these wounds make you so bitter that you cannot find joy in things that you used to love before. Just because you were deeply hurt or treated unfairly does not mean that you have the right to do the same to others. Just because you have seen things that you wish you never had to see does not mean that you should harden your heart to things that are actually worth seeing.

Things happen in life that wound us, and sometimes these wounds leave scars. And while these scars may remain a part of you, they do not have to define who you are.  

With each new day comes distance from the things that hurt us. Will you let your wounds change you into a person that you are not? I know for me, I will do everything I can to ensure that this does not happen to me. Will you do the same?

I Am Thankful For...

Is it just me or does Thanksgiving really make you think about all that you are thankful for? For so many people, Thanksgiving is all about the food and the time you get to spend with your family. 

While I am grateful for both of those things, there are SO many other things that I am thankful for as well. Seeing as Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I thought I would change up my typical Wednesday post for this week and simply list some of the things that I am truly thankful for. 

I am thankful for...

• My Savior Jesus Christ who died so that I might live, and who provides me with everything that I need.

• My loving, supportive parents who both set such an amazing example for me every single day of what it means to serve God in this crazy world.

• My siblings, who I am so close with and whom I love so much. I would not trade the relationships that I have with them for anything.

• My wonderful boyfriend, who is not only healthy but is almost 2 years cancer free, and who treats me like a princess every day.

• My closest friends who have stuck by me through everything, and who are always there to laugh with, cry with, or vent to.

• My job that I am so blessed to have, and that I really love so much.

• My house that keeps me warm and safe.

• Laughter.

• Music (listening to it, creating it, etc.)

• My life! I am so beyond blessed and I need to remember to be thankful each day that I am alive and well!

These are just some of the things that I am thankful for. If I shared everything I am thankful for, I could be here writing this post all day! Remember to be thankful not only tomorrow, but every single day for all that you have.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?

Keep Doing What is Good

Is it just me or do you ever feel like quitting something because you feel like you aren't getting the results you want? I know that I have definitely felt like this in the past (and still feel like it sometimes now).

For example, sometimes I think to myself, "Why am I keeping up with this blog, putting so much work into it and spending lots of time working on posts, when not very many people even read it anyway?" 

I also have a youtube channel, where I put hours and hours of work into creating/editing music and videos (you can check it out HERE if you're interested). I have worked really hard to build up my channel to where it is now, but I still am constantly wishing that I had more subscribers and such. Sometimes I wonder, "Why am I even doing this? Not that many people see it..." etc.  

Maybe for you, it's not a blog or a youtube channel. Maybe you put in really long, hard hours at work and seem to get no recognition or thanks for what you do. Maybe you continually go to the gym and feel like you still aren't seeing results. Whatever the case, we have all been there, and the "Why am I still doing this?" question never really seems to go away.

While I still do ask myself that question from time to time, I have learned over the years that what I do is not all about me. Maybe the one or two or three people that do read my blog really enjoy it and look forward to reading it every day. Maybe my new song or video will touch even one person and change their life for the better. 

Just because you are not getting the results that you want right now does not mean that you should stop doing something. You should not work any less hard at your job because you feel you aren't getting the recognition you deserve. You should not stop going to the gym because you aren't as thin or fit as you'd like to be. You should not being kind to someone just because you aren't getting that same kindness in return. 

Keep doing what is good simply because it is good. 

Never give up, because you really do not know the effect that you may be having on someone's life. You really do not know how many people you are potentially encouraging. So whatever it is that you're doing, keep at it.

Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel and giving up? I hope that this post leaves you inspired and encouraged to keep doing what is good.

Quote of the Week - Wrong vs. Right

Is it just me or is it difficult to do the right thing sometimes when everyone around you is doing the wrong thing? Today's quote is perfect for this issue, so let's just get straight to it:

"Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. 

Right is right even if no one is doing it."

This seems like such an obvious thing, but sometimes it helps to have it written out in front of you. Just because everyone is doing something does not make it right, and it does not mean that it is OK. And just because you may be the only one doing something does not make it any less right, and you should not stop doing it because you feel like you're the only one. 

Feeling like you are alone in something can be extremely difficult. It is so much easier to just give in to doing what everyone else is doing. But you can't do that. Why? Because wrong is wrong and right is right. If you know that something is wrong, you need to steer clear of that, even if everyone else seems to be flocking to it. And if you know that something is right, you need to keep doing that and hope that you can lead others to do it too.

Figure out what your morals are, and stick to them. Don't go back on what you believe just because everyone is doing something and you don't want to feel left out. Stand strong, no matter what.

Will you join me in doing the right thing?

Keep Your Childlike Heart

Is it just me or can we learn a lot from kids? I know that we are supposed to become "wiser" as we get older, and I do believe that to be true, but I also think that we need to keep some of our childlike traits as we age. 

As a teacher, I am constantly touched and amazed by how awesome kids can be. Yes, sometimes I want to pull my hair out in frustration, but there are also many times when I just want to sit back and admire my kiddies for their caring, loving hearts. And these good times far outweigh the bad.

This morning when I walked into my classroom, I found this written on my chalkboard:

(Nativity Grace is one of the characters in the Christmas play that we are putting on this year)

Since I don't teach on Thursdays, I had no idea that one of my students left me this little surprise. But let me tell you, the smile on my face when I walked in today and saw this was huge. Just the fact that one of my students thought to leave me this little note is so touching. It didn't cost anything. It probably didn't even take up much time. Yet it totally made my day! So why don't we do things like this for others more often??  

And as if the note wasn't enough, I went on to teach my next class and was overwhelmed by the kindness that I saw going on between the students. I had asked the students to work together in small groups, and reminded them that I wanted them to be kind and try not to argue. I was so proud of them, because, not only did they work together so nicely, they also surrounded each other with love and respect that I don't see amongst most adults.

I learned a lot today in a short amount of time, and I am constantly amazed by the new things that my students are teaching me. 

So grow up. Get older and wiser. But never lose your childlike heart. Never lose that ability to care for others more than you care for yourself. Never lose that desire to put a smile on another person's face with the smallest act of random kindness. Doing these things does not make you any less of an "adult." 

What have you learned from kids recently?

How to Get Through the "Tough-to-Get-Through" Days

Is it just me or are some days really hard to get through? You wake up knowing that you have a long day ahead of you, and you wonder how you are going to get through?

For me, those tough-to-get-through days are Wednesdays. I go non-stop on Wednesdays from morning until night, and I usually dread them. But this week, I tried something a little different. When yesterday morning came around, I thought to myself, "You know, today doesn't have to be a bad day. I'm going to try and make it a good one." 

And so I did.

I went into the day with a happy mentality, and instead of trying to take on the whole day at once, I focused on getting through one task at a time. This is something that I highly recommend--get through those tough days one task at a time, no matter how small the task. 

If you have to, mentally walk yourself through your day, step by step (ex: I'm going to get ready for work now. OK, now I am going to drive to work. Alright, let's get through my first class! Now the second...etc.). Doing this helps me break down my day into something more manageable, and I feel accomplished every time I complete one little "task." Doing this also helps me feel a lot less overwhelmed. 

Have those tough-to-get-through days? Try taking things one step at a time. I promise you that you'll make it through! 

Do you have any other tips for getting through the rough days? Let me know down in the comments!

It's Much More Than That - Compassion

Is it just me or do we sometimes get a little calloused and hard-hearted when it comes to dealing with other people? We see so much on television, in movies, in real life, that we get desensitized and forget that there are real people with real problems all around us. 

Today's word is: compassion. According to the dictionary, 'compassion' means "sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others."

To me, compassion is so much more than "sympathetic pity and concern" for another. To me, compassion is lending a helping hand to someone that you don't know. Compassion is taking into account that a person might be having a really terrible day before you decide to give them an attitude at the check out counter. Compassion is putting yourself on hold to help someone else in need.

If you look around wherever you are on any given day, there are bound to be lots of people in need of compassion. Be it a friend or a stranger, odds are that someone is in need of some love, attention, acceptance, forgiveness, compassion. The need is always there; we just need to be ready and available to see it. 

We need to realize that life is very real, and everyone is going through something difficult at one point or another. Unfortunately, there is not one magical "cure" for all of life's troubles. Every person, every situation is different, and deserves to be treated as such. Compassion can take many forms, and may look different depending on the person and situation it is being used in. 

Having compassion for someone may mean buying them a hot cup of coffee on a freezing cold day. It may mean giving someone a second chance that they don't really deserve, because in reality, we all make mistakes. It may also mean being sensitive to another person's needs and meeting them where they are at.

As you go through your day, I challenge you to open your heart and look for others who are in need of some compassion. It just might make all the difference in their life.

What does compassion mean to you?

Let's Talk About Stress

Is it just me or do you get stressed sometimes? You know, that feeling when you have a million and one things to do but no time to do them, and you feel like you can't breathe and your chest is about to explode???

Stress is a very real thing, and I think it's safe to say that it is something most people deal with on a pretty regular basis. I am no expert, but I do have a few ideas for how you can reduce and possibly even eliminate stress:

1. Make a list of everything you have to do. You already know how I feel about lists, so I won't go on any longer than this.

2. Utilize your time wisely.  This is crucial when you are feeling stressed. Sometimes this means sacrificing that extra hour of sleep in the morning so that you can wake up and get something done. Sometimes it means turning down a night out with your friends so you can get things done. Either way, you need to make the most of your time so that you can get as many things done as possible!

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help. So many times, we are too wrapped up in our own world or even too prideful to ask for help. If you are completely overwhelmed and in need of a helping hand, ask for one. Don't let that "I must do it all by myself" mentality get in your way.

4. Put things in perspective. This one is huge. When you are super stressed out about that paper due tomorrow or that approaching deadline at work, think about this: Will this have been worth the stress a year from now? Odds are, it won't even matter a year from now, so quit stressing so much!

5. Remember that stress is your choice, and there is really no point to it. Yes, you have a lot of things to do. Yes, your life is so crazy that it leaves you virtually no time to do any of it. But it will get done, and everything will work out in the end.  

Do you have any other tips for how to deal with or avoid stress?

The "Right" Time

Is it just me or do you ever hold off from doing something because you are waiting for the right time? You know, that perfect moment when everything is exactly how you want it to be, and the time is just "right"?

Well, let me tell you something. If you are waiting for the "right" time, you will probably be waiting forever. It is never the "right" time for something. Everything will never be perfectly in place how you want it to be, and the situation will never be "just right."

This is not meant to discourage you, but actually to encourage you. To encourage you to go for whatever it is you are holding off on. Stop waiting for everything to be perfect; the "right" time is now.

The time to try something new. The time to go back to school. The time to start looking for that job you really want. The time is now.

I'll admit that it can sometimes feel scary and even risky to go for what you have been waiting for. But I bet that you will feel so happy when you do. Sometimes, you just have to go for things and trust that it will all work out in the end.

The choice is yours: Keep waiting for that "right" time that will never come, or just go for what you really want. What will you do?

Quote of the Week - Comparison

Is it just me or do you ever find that you are comparing yourself to others? One minute, you are perfectly fine being your own person doing your own thing, and the next, you are envying someone for what you don’t have or didn’t do.

As soon as I read this quote, I knew that I had to use it for my Quote of the Week. It is too good to pass up:

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

                                                                                       -Theodore Roosevelt

Do you remember when you were little and you got a cool new doll or toy that you really wanted? Do you remember how happy you were? And then do you remember how you weren’t so happy anymore when you went to your friend’s house and they had a cooler, newer toy? This comparing doesn’t end when you grow up—in my opinion, it gets worse. 

Picture this: you get a brand new car and you are so excited about it. You love it and you are so happy with your decision. But then you look over at your neighbors driveway and start to compare their car to yours. Their's is nicer, their's is shinier, their's is better. And suddenly, you are robbed of the joy you had only seconds before.  

Not a car person? No problem. Imagine looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking, “I am really happy with the way I look. I’ve been working really hard at the gym, I love my new haircut, I like my makeup…” But then you go in to work that day and see someone who is thinner, “prettier,” has a cuter outfit, haircut, etc. That confidence and joy that you felt earlier completely vanished the second you began comparing yourself to someone else. 

So why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we compare ourselves with everyone else, even though we know that it will only take away our joy? It is no secret that society places a huge importance on looking a certain way and owning the “best” things. It is almost inevitable that we would eventually begin comparing ourselves to others. But it doesn't have to be that way.

If you focus on you and on the blessings in your life, and if you are content with yourself and what you have, then there is no need to look to others to stack your life up against. There is simply no point. And the odds are that the person you are comparing your life to is comparing their life to yours.

I realize that this is much easier said than done, but I challenge you to give it a try. Next time you make a decision about your life, try to be confident in it enough that, no matter what someone else has, or says, or does, your joy will not waver. 

10 Thoughts that Constantly Go Through a List-Lover's Mind

Is it just me or are you kind of obsessed with making "To Do" lists? I always have to have a list made, or else I feel completely lost! Call me crazy, but I've compiled a list of 10 thoughts that are constantly on my list-loving mind:

1. How can I break this task down into the most amount of steps possible? The more steps, the most opportunities to cross things off!

2. If I don't put it on my list, I don't have to do it, right? Sometimes I intentionally leave things off my list so that I don't have to do them...oops.

3. "Take shower" is not on my list. I'd better put it on there so I can cross it off when I'm done. This even goes as far as me writing something on my list even after I've already done it, just so that I can cross it off. 

4. I cannot sleep until I write my "to do" list for the week ahead. #SundayNightConfessions There's just something about knowing that my list is written before I go to bed that allows me to sleep better.

5. I'm so organized over here with my list that tells me everything I have to do. *clever smirk*

6. I'm so overwhelmed over here by my list that tells me everything I have to do. *cries*

7. Should I draw a single line through my completed tasks, or scribble them out? #thestruggle

8. I just crossed off an item, but I already have another one to add :( It never ends, does it?!

9. Look at all of these notebooks I am finishing with all of these lists! I use one notebook for my lists until I use it up, and then I feel so accomplished! Maybe I should make a list for how many notebooks I need to use up...

10. Why is my list so short? I know there are more things I can put on there... I'm crazy, I know.

This was meant to be a fun little post, and I can't be the only one who thinks these things! Do any of these thoughts ever go through your mind? Let me know that I'm not alone!!

It's Much More Than That - Forgiveness

Is it just me or can it be really hard to forgive people sometimes? Someone hurt you or wronged you in some way, and you just can't seem to get past it?

Today's word is one that I think is extremely important: forgiveness. According to the dictionary, to 'forgive' means to "stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake; to cancel (a debt)."

Now, I do not think that this is a bad definition at all, but I do think that there is so much more to "forgiveness" than what is stated in those two short lines. To forgive someone does mean to stop feeling angry or resentful towards them, but in doing that, you also let go of a weight that you've been carrying around with you. Forgiving someone else not only sets them free; forgiving someone else also sets you free. 

I certainly know that forgiveness is not always an easy thing. We are prideful beings, and I think that many times, our own pride gets in the way of us forgiving another person for their wrongs. We don't want to forgive them because we are angry that they hurt us. We don't want to forgive them because they wronged us and deserve to feel bad about it. We don't want to forgive them because we think that we have a right to be angry and resentful. We don't want to forgive them because, because, because...

But that's the thing about forgiveness: you will always find a reason why you don't want to or "shouldn't" forgive someone. None of us will ever deserve forgiveness. And that's why it is such a powerful thing when granted.

When you forgive someone, you are not only letting them know that you aren't angry with them anymore. You are also showing them that, even though they wronged you and they don't deserve to be forgiven, they get a second chance. And in reality, we all need second (or third, or fourth or fifth) chances. Life is a learning process, and I think that when you extend forgiveness to another, you are letting them know that you know they can do better.

And when I say forgive, I mean forgive completely. I do not mean forgiving the person in the moment, but then secretly still holding their wrong against them in case you need to bring it up again in the future. Forgiveness to me means starting over with a clean slate. When you say that you forgive someone, and when you truly do forgive them in your heart, whatever wrong they did to you should not even be in your mind at all anymore. 

Withholding forgiveness from someone can really take a toll on you. How much more happy and free you would feel if only you would decide to let it go and forgive the person that wronged you. 

My challenge for you? Practice forgiving those who have hurt you. Keep practicing that forgiveness and never stop. What does "forgiveness" mean to you? 

Think Before You Speak

Is it just me or do you ever speak without thinking? I've heard people say it hundreds of times - "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Sometimes, though, this is much easier said than done.

But this blog post is not just about holding your tongue when you want to say some not-so-nice things. It is about really thinking before you say anything. And by 'anything,' I don't only mean things that aren't so kind. I also mean those important words of encouragement that might brighten someone's day. I mean the little compliment or words of reassurance you pass along to someone you see at work or in the supermarket.

Before you speak, think about how the words you are about to say would make you feel. Oftentimes, most people think that this "think before you speak" notion is all about refraining from saying hurtful things to others. But why should it be limited to negative things? You should think before you speak anything, especially when it comes to positive words.

You know those moments when you want to give someone a compliment, but you feel awkward or you don't want to start a conversation? Well, before you hesitate, think about how it would make you feel if someone gave you that same compliment. Odds are that it would make you feel great, and would probably put a smile on your face.

Ever hesitate before congratulating someone on something because you maybe feel a little hint of jealousy, or you don't want to boost their ego too much? Before you decide not to say it, think about how you would feel if you received those words of congratulations. You would probably feel really happy and proud.

So before you say (or don't say) anything, think about how those words would make you feel. Do you think before you speak?

Have FUN today!

Is it just me or do you ever feel like you can only have fun when you're out somewhere or around other people doing something special? 

Today at the gym, I overheard something that made me re-think this mentality. While I was doing some ab exercises, a man passed by and made some small talk with the guy working out next to me. Right before the man walked away, he turned to the other guy and said "Hey, have fun today." It was clear that the guy did not have anything especially "fun" planned for the day, but he smiled and said "You know I always do!"

This got me thinking: why do we need to wait until we are doing something fun in order to actually have fun? Why can't we just have fun every day for the sheer fact that we are enjoying life??

You don't have to wait for some special occasion in order to have fun. You can have fun around the house, at work, at school, in the car, with friends, without friends, etc. if you let yourself. It is all in the way you choose to feel (more in depth blog post on this to come soon). If you choose to, you can have a blast cleaning the house, or driving to school, or working in your office.

Moral of the overheard conversation today? Have FUN today and everyday, no matter what you are doing! How will you have fun today?

Quote of the Week - Reaching Your Goals

Is it just me or do you ever set goals for yourself and then never get any closer to accomplishing them? I know for me, I sometimes wish that things in my life were different, but I never take the steps to make them different.

Today's quote is a great one to (hopefully) motivate you to begin reaching your goals.

"Ask yourself if what you're doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow."

Making and attaining goals can be a bit of a daunting task sometimes. Depending on the goal, you may have no idea how or where to begin, and even the thought of your goals leaves you feeling overwhelmed. 

But when I read this quote, I don't think about how I can reach my goals in the shortest amount of time possible. I think about how I can take even the smallest of steps forward every single day, working towards my goal little by little.

If your goal is to be a kinder person, start out by doing even one kind thing for someone else each day. If your goal is to start your own business, research how you can begin getting there and do one thing off the checklist every day. If your goal is to become a singer, seek out performance opportunities, or record songs for youtube, or write lyrics for an original each day. The results are not going to come overnight. But by asking yourself if you are taking the necessary steps towards that goal every day, and by actually following through with those small steps, you will eventually reach it. 

So I ask you, is what you are doing today getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow?

PAY ATTENTION!

Is it just me or can you tell when someone is not really paying attention to you? You are trying to talk to someone and they are listening, but they are also texting, or constantly looking at their phone, or moving about doing something else? 

I know that I am certainly guilty of this, but recently, I have been really trying to be more mindful and attentive to people when we are talking. I know that it bothers me when I am trying to tell someone something and they are answering texts while giving me one-word responses, so why do I do it too?? It is obvious when someone is only half-listening, or when they are distracted by something else. And on top of that, it can be really annoying and frustrating sometimes. Yet I still do it. I still check my phone while having a conversation with someone. I still run around my room straightening up while a friend is sitting on my bed trying to talk to me. And I don't want to do that anymore.

People want attention. I want attention, you want attention...we all want to know that people care about what we are saying and respect us enough to listen while we speak. Think about how good it makes you feel when you just know that the other person you're talking with is genuinely involved in the conversation, and is interested in what you are saying. I know that it makes me feel really loved and cared for.

While I am not perfect, I have really been trying more and more to pay attention to people when they are speaking with me. I have been more mindful about not touching my phone, I have been trying to make better eye contact, and I have been trying to give genuine responses that show I am listening. I am sure that, just as people notice when you aren't paying attention to them, they also notice when you are. And that difference is huge.

I am taking a stand and really trying to pay more attention to people in my conversations with them. Let me know if you would like to stand with me.

The Importance of "Me Time"

Is it just me or do you sometimes get so busy that you forget to schedule some "me time"? You have a million and one things to get done, and so the time you have for yourself is kind of non-existent?

While being busy can be a good (and sometimes inevitable) thing, it is so important to make sure that you take some time for yourself. You need to balance the craziness of life with some relaxation and enjoyment in order to continue to function as a happy human being. 

As quite the busy bee myself, I know that finding some time for "me" is not always easy. But I have come to learn that even if I just get one hour to myself before bed to relax, or read, or watch my favorite show, it makes all the difference. And it doesn't have to be a big production. If I ever find myself with a little bit of free time, I like to try and make the most of it by doing something that I love to do; something that I know will make me happy.

Reserving some time for yourself is so necessary. If all you do is go, go, go all the time, you start to get overworked and kind of miserable. "Me time" allows you to reflect on your life, be alone with your thoughts, do things that you enjoy doing, relax after a crazy week, etc. 

And you should not feel selfish about having some time for yourself. You work hard. You are so busy all the time. You deserve a little time to sit on the couch and read, or grab a cup of coffee and just enjoy it. You are not being selfish, and you are not "wasting time" on yourself. You are allowed and encouraged to save some time for you.

What do you like to do with your "me time"?

It's Much More Than That - Giving

Is it just me or is giving someone a gift one of the best things ever? There is just nothing like that feeling you get when you give someone a gift that you know they are going to love.

But what many people fail to realize is that giving is about so much more than gifts. According to the dictionary, to 'give' means to "freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone); hand over to." 

This dictionary definition does not specify exactly what is being transferred when you give something to someone. Sure, it can certainly be applied to gifts and other material items, and to give those things is not a bad thing. But giving is so much more than that. 

Thinking about this word, 'giving', got me to come up with a little list of things that a person could give to someone else. Included in this list are things that I think many people forget about all too often. However, I truly believe that all of the things mentioned below are things that should be given freely and generously.

Time - this is one of the best things that you could offer someone. Giving up your time to spend with someone else speaks way louder than any gift ever could.

Words of Encouragement - it could be as simple as "I just wanted to let you know that I am proud of you." Or even, "You will get through this." Giving little words of encouragement can completely turn someone's day around.

Words of Appreciation - similar to words of encouragement, words of appreciation can let someone know that you really care about them and are thankful for them. Example: "Thank you so much for always being there for me. I really value you as a friend."

The Benefit of the Doubt - this sounds a bit strange, but giving someone the benefit of the doubt means believing them when no one else does. It means offering forgiveness when they don't deserve it. And it is one of the best gifts that you could possibly give.

What does 'giving' mean to you?

Go With the Flow

Is it just me or do you ever find that you have a hard time deviating from a set plan? Things were set in stone one minute, but the next minute they get changed and you just can't seem to be happy being flexible?

If I'm being honest, I can have quite a bit of trouble with this sometimes. I was especially humbled this past weekend when I was asked to help my boyfriend's brother with his proposal to his girlfriend. The plans kept changing, and then when we finally settled on one, they changed again! I was so frustrated because the new plans that were decided on were not at all what I wanted to do that day. It was cold and rainy and I just wanted to stay home snuggled up with a book or a puzzle. 

But I had to realize that this was a very special day for my boyfriend's brother and his now fiancé, and I needed to just chill out and go with the flow. I needed to put myself  on the back burner, and be flexible.

It is not always easy to be flexible when it comes to changing plans. When I have something in my head that I'm going to do, or a way of doing something that I am used to, I prefer to stay in that comfortable place. I do not like change very much. 

But sometimes, change is necessary, and even inevitable in some cases. Once you learn to relax and go with the flow of changing plans, routines, or traditions, you will find that you can be a happier, calmer person. 

So I challenge you to practice going along with the flow with me. It will be difficult at first, but it will be worth it in the end.

Do you have any tips to help people like me try and go with the flow? Let me know-I could use all the help I can get!

3 Tips to Beat the Monday Blues

Is it just me or are Mondays really hard sometimes? It's the first day back to the "real world" after the weekend, and it is just plain tough to get back into the swing of things. Mondays don't have to be all bad though. Here are some tips I've come up with to help you beat those Monday blues:

1. Wake up with a joyful, thankful heart. If you wake up on Monday dreading the day ahead, you are sure to have a rough day. But if you wake up feeling thankful to be alive, and maybe even a little joyful to tackle a new week, you may find that your Monday isn't so bad after all.

2. Listen to your favorite playlist while getting ready or driving to work/school. There is just something about good music that gets me going, especially in the mornings. When I am feeling especially tired and unmotivated on a Monday morning, I like to put on some fun, upbeat music. Every time I do this, I find that I am automatically in a better mood, and I usually catch myself dancing and singing along. 

3. Plan something to look forward to on your Monday. This can be something little, such as planning to get your favorite drink from Starbucks, or something a bit bigger, like hanging out with some friends after work/school. Giving yourself something to look forward to helps get you through the day, and even gets you excited about getting through the day!

Above all else, remember that Mondays don't last forever. They only come around once a week, so do whatever you can to get through them and then move on! It is just a day, so fill it with joy and happiness, just like you would any other day.  

Do you have any other tips to help you beat those Monday blues? I would love to hear them!

Quote of the Week - Bad Day vs. Bad Life

Is it just me or do you sometimes let a bad day trick you into thinking that you have a bad life? You have an awful day, which sometimes leads you to believe that your life must be bad.

This week's quote addresses this issue perfectly.

"Breathe. It's just a bad day. Not a bad life."

You know those days where everything just feels like a mess? You were running late all morning, forgetting everything, and then for the rest of the day, you just feel like you can't seem to get it together? 

I have had my fair share of these days, and I am all too familiar with that frazzled feeling you just can't seem to shake for the rest of the day. But we have to remember that just because our lives aren't together for a day does not mean that our lives aren't together. Just because we feel like a mess one day does not mean that our whole lives are a mess.

So the next time you have one of those terrible days, try to take a deep breath and remember that it is just one bad day. You do not have a bad life. Bad days happen, but they don't dictate or define our entire lives.

Have any quotes that are worth sharing? Leave them down below!

Just Because...

Is it just me or do we sometimes get a little selfish? We start to focus a little too much on ourselves and what’s going on in our lives, and we forget that there are other people with important things going on in their lives as well. I get it, we are all busy and we all have our own problems, and we all like to put ourselves first sometimes.

But let’s face it, what a sad, sad world it would be if everyone thought only of themselves all the time and never did anything for anyone else “just because.” Those two words, ‘just because,’ seem so simple, but they really mean so much. Imagine if someone bought you a cup of coffee just because they felt like it or knew it would cheer you up. Think about if someone gave you a compliment without looking for one in return just because they really liked your hair that day. How good would that make you feel?  

You shouldn’t need a reason to do something kind for someone. You shouldn’t do something for someone else just to make yourself look better, or to be able to hold it over their head when you need something in return. You should do kind things for other people just because.

Just because you feel like it. Just because you were thinking of them that day. Just because you miss them. Just because you love them. Just because.

What kind thing has someone done for you recently just because they felt like it? Feel free to let me know in the comments, and make sure to pass on the “just because kindness” to someone else.