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?

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.

Where to Start When You Don't Even Know Where to Start

Is it just me or do you ever have those moments when you are SO overwhelmed that you honestly don't even know where to begin? You have so much that needs to get done that even just thinking about all you have to do stresses you out?

I've felt like this a few times over these past few days, and it is not a very fun feeling. So where should you start when you don't even know where to start? Here are a few of my tips to (hopefully) help you feel less overwhelmed, and more motivated to get. stuff. done.

1. Breathe. Yes, this needs to be included as a tip. Not only is breathing vital for living, it also helps you calm down a bit. Everything will get done. It will all be ok in the end. Just take a deep breath.

2. Make a list. We all know how I feel about this one--I am all about lists. But seriously, taking some time to physically write down everything that you need helps in a number of ways. Making a list allows you to actually see what needs to get done so that you can begin formulating a plan of attack. Making a list also allows you to get all of your stressed out, jumbled up thoughts out of your brain and onto a piece of paper. 

3. Go someplace where you know that you can get work done. I've written about this before. Find somewhere that you are the least distracted and the most productive--be it your desk, the library, Starbucks, etc--and go there. This will help you minimize distractions and focus on the tasks before you a whole lot easier.

4. Pick one thing to work on first, and work on it until it is finished. So many times, we see this big list ahead of us and feel like our time would be better spent trying to accomplish as many things as we can at the same time. Stop doing that. Choose one task from your list, and put all of the other undone tasks out of your mind until you finish that first one. What do you do when you are done with that first task? Pick a second...and then a third...

5. Realize that it's ok if you don't finish everything right now. Sometimes, I stress myself out even more by thinking that I have to do every single thing on my to-do list in one sitting. Break down your tasks into the most urgent, most difficult, and so on. Get done whatever you can get done in the moment, and then realize that tomorrow is another day. 

Do you have any tips on where to start when you don't even know where to start? I'd love to hear them!

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?

Quote of the Week - Preach With Your Life

Is it just me or do people do a whole lot of talking and not a whole lot of doing? Everyone is so focused on saying the right things that they forget that actually doing those things can have a greater impact than their words ever will.

Today's quote is one that I think is perfect to kick-start this new year:

"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."

                                                                                       -William Ellery Channing

I'm sure you have all heard the saying "Practice what you preach." While this is a great saying, it is not exactly what today's quote is all about. Words are never enough. It is so much more important to let your life do the talking for you.

It is amazing how much more impact one action can have than a hundred words. As we head into this new year, I challenge you to let your life speak for you. Let your life be a testament to what you believe, and let others see, rather than hear, what you are all about.

Will you let your life preach more loudly than your lips?

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. 

What To Do When Your 'Human' Shows

Is it just me or do you ever find yourself acting in a way that is particularly "human?" You say or do something that you aren't exactly proud of, and you feel ashamed of how human you actually are?

I know for me, I have many of these humbling moments in my life. I think it's safe to say that we all do. With that being said, I thought I would write down some advice for what to do when your "human" shows.

1. Accept the fact that we are all human, and humans make mistakes sometimes. Sure, you will mess up in your life, but you are not alone. We all have our faults and we are all so less than perfect. It's okay. 

2. Apologize when necessary. There will be times when you snap at someone in frustration and say things that you'll probably regret. You will most likely have a few moments where you do something that you wish you didn't do. Never be too prideful to accept responsibility for your actions and say you are sorry.

3. Don't be so hard on yourself. This goes right back to point #1. You're not perfect (no one is), and neither is anyone else. Apologize, learn from your mistake, and move on.

Is your 'human' showing? Don't panic. It happens to the best of us, and it's okay. Next time you have one of these "all-too-human" moments, learn from it, and use it as an opportunity to maybe be a little more understanding of others. 

Do you have any other advice for what to do when your "human" shows? Let me know in the comments!

Forgive and Forget

Is it just me or do you ever hold a grudge against someone for longer than is probably necessary? Someone apologizes, and you say that you forgive them, but deep down you still can't quite let it go?

I was a bit humbled this morning as I picked up the little boy I babysit from school. We got into an argument because he started running in the parking lot as a car was pulling out, so I quickly grabbed his arm (lightly) to hold him back. As a true man's man, this 4-year-old boy got angry with me, saying that "he could take care of himself" and "cars can't hurt him."

I know what you're thinking--*You got into an actual argument with a 4-year-old???* Well...yes I did. You try keeping your cool while a little kid uses their frustrating childish argument skills against you! I tried to reason with him, but to no avail. I ended up just getting upset and feeling mad at him. 

As ridiculous as it might sound, I remained mad for the next half of the car ride back to his house. But then, as most little kids do, he started talking to me as though nothing had ever happened. The thing that I had held on to as my reason for being mad was not even a thought in this little boy's mind anymore. He had completely forgotten about it and moved on.

So why can't I, why can't we, do the same thing? Why do we feel the need to hold on to things that make us mad? Is it for the pure fact of holding a grudge against someone? Is it a pride thing? Whatever the reason, I think we can all learn a lesson from this little boy. 

Holding a grudge is really not worth is in the end, and you truly only spite yourself in doing so. Forgive, forget, and move on. Once we learn to do that, we will all be better off.

Are you holding a grudge against someone that you can't quite seem to let go of? As difficult as it might be, try your very hardest to not only forgive that person, but also to put the memory out of your mind. In this case, it's okay to be forgetful.

Make Memories in Everything

Is it just me or do we sometimes think that we only make the best memories when we are somewhere special, like at a sleepover with friends or on a vacation? A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about how you can really have fun anywhere, and today I'd like to kind of expand upon that.

Over the weekend, I went shopping for a Christmas tree with my family. We drove to the store, picked out the perfect tree, and went home. It could have easily been quite the mundane task, but instead, we made some fun memories during that time. 

Also this past weekend, my sister came home from college to visit for Thanksgiving. She had a huge project to work on, and spent most of the short break working on it. I must admit that I am very proud of her because, though she could have locked herself in her room the whole time, sulking about how she wished that she didn't have to do the project, she chose to act differently. She chose to bring the project wherever we were, and we were all still able to have a fun time with her even while she worked on her assignment. (P.S. She finished it a few minutes before she had to leave! YAY!)

There are many instances in my life when things do not go how I want them to, and so I sulk and complain and remain in a bad mood for the rest of the day. But I am really trying to work on changing that about myself. Instead of being in a bad mood and keeping myself from having a good time when I am somewhere that I don't exactly want to be, I am trying to choose to make memories in that situation and have fun. 

Don't let a less-than-ideal circumstance stop you from making memories wherever you are. If you let yourself, you might just find that you are amazed by how many wonderful memories you can make out of situations that you had previously wished you were not in.

Will you choose to make memories in everything?

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?

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?

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?

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. 

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? 

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?