Random Acts of Kindness

Is it just me or do you ever see or hear about someone doing a random act of kindness for someone else and wish that you had thought to do something like that? You watch someone do something kind for someone and it actually makes you want to be kind as well?

Since this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, I thought that it would be appropriate to discuss how you can take part not only this week, but every day. So many times, we hear about these grand and significant random acts of kindness. I don't know about you, but these intimidate me a little bit. 

Sometimes I witness or hear about some great thing that someone did for another person, and I think, "Woah, that was really nice. I would never even think to do something like that!" or "Wow, I wish I could make an impact like that on someone's day." But you know what, I can. And so can you!

Many times, even the smallest act done in pure kindness for someone else can make the biggest impact on their life. You do not have to do some extravagant thing in order to bless someone. I know in my life, some of the things that have meant the most to me have been the smallest of deeds. 

Speaking of deeds, I think that many people think they need to do something kind for another person in order for it to qualify as a "random act of kindness." I think that these random acts do not always have to be acts. You can make someone's day simply by giving them an unexpected compliment or word of encouragement. I can't even tell you how many times I've witnessed the cashier behind the counter's face light up as I told her that I loved her nails, or her lipstick, or the way her hair looked. 

I think my greatest advice to you as you embark on this journey to do as many random acts of kindness as you can would be to actively seek out opportunities to bless someone. Sure, a moment or two may spontaneously fall right into your lap, providing you the perfect moment to perform a random act of kindness. But most times, you need to be on the lookout for ways that you can impact someone's day for the better. 

Anticipate that someone who is walking to the door with their hands full might appreciate you going over to hold the door open for them. Keep your eyes peeled for moments when you see someone that is completely overwhelmed, and instead of asking what you can do to help, just do something nice for them of your own free will. Take the time to write a note or a letter to a friend or loved one, just because you know it will make them happy.

Starting right now, I challenge you to seek out opportunities to bless someone with a random act of kindness. And don't stop after this week. Continue the movement, and you just might find that you are overwhelmingly blessed in return.

What random acts of kindness have you done?

Quote of the Week - Thorns

Is it just me or do we complain a lot? Things don't go our way, or don't work out the way we wanted them to, and so we get angry about it?

I like today's quote so much because it really teaches about the value of perspective. You can choose how you wish to view things, and that choice can dictate your entire mindset on a situation.

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."

                                                         -Abraham Lincoln

Talk about perspective! We are talking about the same bush here. Do we choose to resent the thorns, or rejoice in the beauty of the roses? 

Situations in life can be viewed in a similar way. When something goes wrong, we can choose to complain about everything that is not the way it should be. OR we can choose to seek out the good amidst the bad. 

You can choose to complain about your job, or you can rejoice in the fact that you have one. You can choose to sulk because someone you love is sick, or you can rejoice because you are healthy enough to take care of them, and God can heal. The situations are endless, but the idea is the same.

Life is all about perspective. Will you choose to see the thorns or the roses?

You Can't Cry Forever

Is it just me or do you ever have those days where you just feel like crying nonstop? You are overwhelmed, or hurt, or angry, and you just can't seem to pull yourself out of that awful state?

This was me last night. I had just gotten home from an extremely long day, and I felt completely, utterly, totally overwhelmed. I cried on the way home, I cried when I got home, I cried in the shower. And then it hit me.

I already know that crying doesn't help solve anything. I think we all know that. But when we are in the moment of sadness, anger, stress, etc., it can be hard to see past the current state that you are in. But once I was able to calm myself down, I had a realization that struck a chord.

You can't cry forever. You can't be angry forever. You can't be afraid forever. Yes, things happen in our lives that we can't control. You get overwhelmed by work, and school, and life, and you feel like you are drowning in the midst of it all. Someone hurts you in a bad way, and you just can't seem to forgive and forget. Something happened in your past that is stopping you from enjoying life in the present.

Whatever the case may be, you have to come to a point where you realize that you can't stay in that mindset forever. Sure, you technically can sulk and whine for days, weeks, months, even years. But what good does that do you? There comes a time when you have to pick yourself up and move on.

Feel overwhelmed for an hour. Cry for an hour. But don't cry for a whole night. Stop the tears and realize that you have to start somewhere (see this post for more on that) in order to get anywhere.

You are allowed to feel angry and upset over a wrong that someone did to you. And you can be angry for a time. But don't stretch that time for too long, allowing that anger and bitterness to take over your life. Eventually, you have to reach that point where you realize that the hurt you've been carrying around with you is simply not worth it. Put away your pride, forgive, and move on.

As hard as I know that it is, try and see past whatever emotion you are feeling. See past all the piles of unfinished homework, past the anger against the person that wronged you, past the memory that has been keeping you from enjoying life. Look beyond all of those things and see that there is so much life and happiness waiting for you on the other side. All you have to do is pick yourself up, and begin moving forward.

I will leave you with one of my favorite Bible verses:
                 Psalm 30:5 - "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning"

Try and see past the sorrow of the night to the joyful morning that lies ahead.

Quote of the Week - Thoughts

Is it just me or do you ever let your thoughts dictate your life? You lie awake at night, countless thoughts running through your head, telling yourself that you aren't good enough, or that you didn't deserve that promotion, or that you made the wrong decision.

As soon as I read the following quote, I just knew that I had to write a post about it. 

"Don't believe everything you think."

This quote is so powerful. So often, we let our thoughts wander and lead us into thinking things that are simply not true. We convince ourselves that just because we think something, it must be the truth, and we must believe it.

But this is just not the case. Thoughts can be very powerful, wonderful things. Thoughts can also be very powerful, destructive things. And sometimes, we feel like we have no other choice than to believe our thoughts. The reality, though, is that we do have another choice. We can choose to reign over our thoughts, and to discern what is true and what is not.

Just because you might look in the mirror that think that you are not pretty for whatever reason does not make it a truth that you should believe. Just because you made a mistake, and therefore may think that you are the worst person on the planet, does not mean that this is the case at all. 

So try, please try, to have control over your thoughts, and not let yourself get sucked into believing everything that your mind may be telling you. I think you will find that it does a world of good.

Stop Watching & Waiting - Just DO!

Is it just me or do you ever watch other people do things and wish that you could do them? You waste precious time "living vicariously" through other people, never actually living for yourself?

I know the feeling. Oh, I know it well. And here is my advice to you:

Stop watching. Stop waiting. Just DO.

Watching and learning from others is good, but there comes a point when you need to realize your dreams and actually go for them yourself. Eventually, living vicariously through others is just not enough, and you have to take some action of your own. 

Stop watching others and wishing that your life could be like theirs, or that you could be doing what they are doing. Wishing doesn't get you anywhere. Bite the bullet and at least try to do whatever it is that you really want to do. If it doesn't work out, then so be it, but at least you gave it a shot.

Do you watch your co-workers going out and getting promotions or other job interviews and wish that you could be doing the same? Do you spend time reading other people's blogs and wish that you were the one writing the posts? Do you watch a ton of youtube videos and wish that you could be the one making them? (I was guilty of this for a loooong time!) Stop wishing and do it. Nothing is stopping you except you.

You will always be able to find an excuse for why you didn't do this, or why you can't do that. But now is not the time to be making excuses. Now is the time to go after your dreams, no matter what.

What have you been wishing that you could do? Tell me in the comments, and then go out and DO IT!

Quote of the Week - Intentions

Is it just me or do you ever truly plan on doing something for someone, but then it just doesn't happen? 

This happens for me quite often--I plan to help clean the house, or send a letter to my sister away at school, or help my friend tidy her room. But then life gets in the way (or I just get distracted by other things) and it never happens. 

Today's quote hits home:

"The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention."

                                                                                       -John Burroughs

You can have the greatest of intentions, but if you don't actually carry them through, they are meaningless. You may intend to help clean the house, or write a letter, or help a friend do something, but if you don't actually do it, it means nothing.

That is why, in keeping with the quote, even "the smallest deed is better than the greatest intention." Intending to do things is good, but actually doing things is better. 

I think this is a great quote to keep in mind the next time you intend on doing something. Make sure you carry that plan through with an action--it will mean so much more.

What are some of your favorite quotes?

It's Much More Than That - Resolutions

Is it just me or have you ever made a list of New Year's Resolutions that you then gave up on within just a few weeks? With a new year just beginning, I thought it would be the perfect time to discuss resolutions.

According to the dictionary, a 'resolution' is "a firm decision to do or not to do something." 

For once, I actually agree with this definition in regards to the meaning of this word. When you resolve to do something, you make up your mind to do it, no excuses. When you resolve to achieve a certain goal, or to make a certain change in your life, you are making a "firm decision" to do it, no matter what. 

Many times, people take resolutions as an opportunity to change everything they want to change about themselves, their lives, etc. However, just making a resolution is not enough. You cannot simply make a list of everything that you want to change and expect that it will change. Making resolutions are great; Keeping resolutions take work and dedication.

A resolution is more than making "a firm decision to do or not to do something." Making this decision is a good starting point, but making the necessary changes and working towards achieving your goals is the next step.

If you make a resolution to "get more fit," but then you never work out or go to the gym, that resolution is only words written down on paper. Making such a resolution is not a bad thing, but then it is up to you to make time for going to the gym, working out, etc.

Moral of the post here? Creating a resolution and deciding to do (or not do) something is wonderful. Actually taking steps toward your resolution goal is even more wonderful. Make your decision and see it through, no matter how difficult it may be at times. You can do it!

What are some of your resolutions for the new year?

Take Time to Enjoy the Season

Is it just me or does the end of the year feel like a whirlwind that sort of sweeps you off your feet? While this is my favorite time of year, preparations for Christmas and New Year's leave me feeling like I am constantly rushing around. I keep finding myself thinking, "How am I supposed to enjoy this season if I am always busy??" 

I think that sometimes we get so caught up in the busy-ness of the season that we forget to slow down, and really take some time to enjoy this wonderful time of the year. We get sucked into the rush of shopping, wrapping, baking, cooking, cleaning, etc, that we fail to allow ourselves to simply breathe in the magic that surrounds this season.

To combat this, I thought I would share some ways that I like to take time and enjoy this season.

One of my favorite things to do during this time of the year is to sit by my Christmas tree late at night when the house is quiet. There is just something about being alone with my thoughts and the glow of the Christmas tree lights that cannot quite be described. If you've never done this before, I highly recommend it.

Another thing I like doing is taking some time to write down some of my favorite memories, accomplishments, and blessings that occurred during the year. Seeing everything written out is a fun way to reflect upon the year, and it can even help you come up with some goals for the following year.

I also love keeping certain holiday traditions because it makes it feel more like Christmas! Some traditions include decorating the tree with my family, baking dozens upon dozens of Christmas cookies, and watching Christmas movies (some of my favorites are White Christmas, The Grinch, all of The Santa Clause movies, and Elf).

Don't let the business of the season keep you from taking time to actually enjoy it. Spend as much time as you can with the ones you love, spread as much joy as possible with everyone around you, and don't let yourself forget what this season is really all about. 

What do you like to do to really enjoy the holiday season?

The Wonders of Being Prepared

http://danieldvork.in/content/uploads/2013/03/procrastination.jpg

Is it just me or do you tend to procrastinate on things? I am probably one of the worst people when it comes to waiting until the last minute, but I have been slowly (and I mean, like, painfully slowly) trying to break myself of this habit.

Granted, some procrastinators may feel that they need the pressure of doing things absolutely last minute in order to get them done and do them well. However, this is not the case for everyone. While I am usually able to work quickly under pressure, the stress that it causes me is just not worth it. As silly and obvious as it sounds, I am learning just how amazing it feels to not only be prepared, but to be prepared ahead of time.

I am the kind of person that will wait until the absolute last minute to do things. I don't know why I am like this, but I always have been. However, I have been trying to stop waiting, and I've realized that the peace that comes with getting things done early cannot be compared to anything else.

Does this mean that I will be doing everything early from now on? Absolutely not. I am sure that my procrastinating streak will show itself every now and again. But especially with the new year right around the corner, I am resolving to try and work towards a "me" that is less of a procrastinator, and more of a doer.

While this post is more for me to kind of jot down some random thoughts on procrastination, I thought I might as well share some of my tips for getting things done ahead of time while I'm at it:

• Make lists, and break down daunting tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. I've talked about this before, but I find that it really does help!

• Set smaller deadlines for yourself. Have an 8-page paper due in two weeks? Set small deadlines for yourself every few days to keep yourself on track. Plan out when you will gather resources, when you'll create an outline, give yourself a "due date" for 2 pages, 4 pages, etc.

• Find/create a work space in which you are most productive. For me, I tend to not be able to get things done when I am home. Because after all, I can't work while my room is a mess...and while I'm at it I might as well just do all of the dishes, laundry, and dusting for the entire house too. Find somewhere that you know you are productive, and schedule some time each week (or each day, if necessary) to go there and get. stuff. done.

These are just a few of my tips on how to stop procrastination before it starts. They may seem silly and obvious to some, but I am hoping that some of you will benefit from one or more of these! 

Do you have any advice for how to beat procrastination? Please let me know!!

Quote of the Week - Capabilities

Is it just me or do you ever feel like treating a rude person in the rude manner that they seemingly "deserve?" The quote for this week (albeit a few days late--sorry!) is one that should be at the front of your mind always:

"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming."

                                                                                       -Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

This quote cuts deep. Instead of treating people the way that we think they deserve, we need to treat them as though they are the kind of person that they ought to be. This is no easy task. It is much easier to see people as they are and treat them the way that they treat us. But it is so important that we see others as more than where they are in their lives at any given moment, and treat them as though they are better.

As a teacher, I find that it is easier to "write kids off" as being awful listeners or incapable of certain tasks than it is to see them as the little bundles of great potential that they truly are. But that is not right. I need to see each child, each person I encounter, as the wonderful person that they could be. By doing that, I might even be helping that person see for themselves all that they can become.

So the next time you want to write someone off and accept that they will never change, stop and think. Try to see them in a different light, a better light, and see if the way that you treat them can help them become a better person.

Do you see people as they ought to be instead of just as they are?

                                            

The Best Way Out is Always Through

Is it just me or do you ever have things in your life you wish you could get out of or skip over? Looming events or deadlines that you are just absolutely not looking forward to?

Well, you are not alone. There are times in my life, past and present, when I just want things to be over with. I dread their arrival, worry slowly eating me away day by day. 

But it is not until you actually get through things that you realize your worry was all for naught. It is not until you are on the other side that you see that you got through it, and it actually wasn't all that bad.

Sometimes, instead of trying to avoid things, you need to just tough it out and muddle through. I promise that there will be an end eventually, and with each thing you get through, you will grow stronger. Because you made it through, you will be able to look back on the things you dreaded with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Not only does going through things make you stronger, it also allows you to help encourage others when they are going through a tough time. Sometimes all a person needs is to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that things will get better. Each time you get through something, you can add it to your list of accomplishments so that, not only will you be better able to conquer the same or similar thing in the future, but you will also be better equipped to shower others with words of encouragement and hope.

So the next time you want to avoid something, realize that the best way out is through. You will get through it, and you will be better, stronger than you were before. 

Sick Days: Tips for How to Deal

Is it just me or do you ever feel really crummy? You feel sick and want to just lay on the couch and binge-watch Netflix all day?

I don't feel very well today, and I would love nothing more than to curl up with some hot tea and Christmas movies. But sometimes, I can't always do that. Sometimes, we have responsibilities that we have to tend to, even when we aren't feeling our best. 

I am writing this post in hopes that it will help not only some of you, but also myself! Below are some tips I've come up with to help you get through your sick days. 

1. Take a nice, hot shower. Sometimes, simply taking a shower when I'm sick makes me feel so much better. Give yourself some extra time in the morning to take a long, hot shower and wash away the sick-y feelings!

2. Dress comfy. I know for me, I don't exactly want to dress in my Sunday best when I'm feeling under the weather. Throw on something that is comfy, cozy, and makes you feel good.

3. Drink lots of water. I know I sound like a doctor here, but seriously, drinking tons of water (especially when you are sick) is really good for you. It helps your body to stay hydrated, replaces the water that it is using up, and flushes out toxins. 

4. Give yourself some time to rest. Even if you have to go out and do a few things during your day, take some time in the morning or when you get home to just rest. It is so important for your body to recoup, so take some time to just chill out.

5. Put on a happy face. While it is important to acknowledge the fact that you are sick and need rest, I sometimes find that acting happy actually makes me feel a little bit better. If I mope around the entire day, I usually end up feeling worse. Instead, try smiling a little and acting a bit happy. It just might make you feel a little bit better!

Do you have any tips for how to make yourself feel better on a sick day? Let me know in the comments!

You Do You

Is it just me or do you ever compare yourself to others, and even try to be someone that you are not? I think that especially in today's society, it has become commonplace to compare yourself to anyone and everyone else. 

We see images of "beautiful" girls in magazines, movies, on television...it's no wonder that we sometimes think we need to change ourselves in order to be "beautiful." But let me tell you something: that couldn't be further from the truth.

Since today is a gross, rainy day, I decided that big sweatpants and a sweatshirt were in order.  For some reason, I also decided that a dramatic makeup look involving lots of gold shimmer was in order as well. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I thought "I look ridiculous! I can't believe I'm going out like this!" But then I thought "So what? Who cares?? If this is what I want to wear today, then I'm doing it!"

You don't need to look to others to feel confident in yourself. You do you, and let that be enough. If you feel like wearing a big sweatshirt to school today, do it. If you want to wear super dark lipstick, go for it! If you find super comfy puppy slippers that you really want, get them and wear them proudly! (Yes, this is based off of a real-life situation, and yes, I wear my new puppy slippers proudly just about every night.) Don't worry about whatever the latest trend is, or about what other people might think of you. Just do you, and be comfortable and confident doing it!

I'm going to do me. Will you do you?