Monday, September 23, 2013

Put Me In Coach

Do you ever feel like you're sitting on the sidelines of your own? You realize things need to change, but you continue to reluctantly wait for someone to "put you in the game?" The past two months of my life have been filled with change, God's blessings, success, failures and so much more.

Despite the chaos of the game, I'm choosing to take control. The Lord has given us freedom to make choices and starting today I'm going to:

1. Drink less coffee: I was slamming down about 8 cups a day!
2. Get more sleep: I was sliding by about about 4-5 hours per night.
3. Accomplish more at work: Put the phone down, social media aside & put on some motivating music.
4. Sit and stand taller: I really don't want a hunch back by the time I'm 50.
5. Make healthier choices all the time: Even on cheat days!
6. Listen to your body: Achy muscles, tired brain and hungry (or full) belly.
7. Make time for the important things: Journaling, prayer, naps, friends & relaxing!
8. Vitamins: I finally went to Costco, after putting it off for months, so I'm fully stocked!

It's time for me to realize that even when things seem so out of control, God has got everything in his hands. I'm excited to see what this week brings!


HAPPY MONDAY!

Friday, May 3, 2013

You Are a Force of Change

Last night I received the news that one of my dear friends and gone to be Jesus. He had been in a coma for almost a week and as his sister said, he had "an army of prayers" behind him. I won't lie and pretend we were best friends. Truly, that was not the case at all. I hadn't seen him in years. As we got older, we lost fell out of touch, but somehow I always managed to hear updates about his life. I mean really, it's hard to completely forget about your first crush that bought you flowers... :)

Most recently, M had become a father to a sweet baby boy whose life will never be the same. And while my world isn't thrown upside down, it surely has been shaken.

With age, I've realized that regardless of the interaction, be it big or small, you have the chance to shape someone's life. One decision you make may take away or add to someone else's puzzle. Be it direct or indirect, you are a force of change.

So with that, be thoughtful. It's time each of us understands our ability to impact the lives of others. Your smile, kind words, anger, brashness or sweet glance might cause some sort of alteration or affirmation.

M, you always hold a very special place in my heart. Thank you for teaching me to smile a little bigger and love even harder...

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Jealousy

What a great reminder.... Thanks, Pinterest!


HAPPY THURSDAY - I am so glad the weekend is almost here! 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

What's Your Sign?

I've never been into horoscopes. In fact, the last time I looked at mine I was probably in 8th grade reading 17 Magazine, pretending I understood what it all meant. While I'm nearly 10 years older and wiser [haha], I still can't wrap my head around where they come up with stuff. Side note: Whose job is it? I wonder what they do all day long! 

One of my best friends and I like to gchat on and off throughout the day. While complaints may stream across that tiny little box now and again, I must admit we're a pretty upbeat and positive duo. Yesterday I shared with her a blog I'd come across that had things to stop doing in your 20s and she told me I should check my horoscope. After browsing Elle's zodiac section, I may or may not have been dumbfounded and captivated. Is someone following me with a hidden camera to write the daily and profile Pisces sections? But really...


Source: elle.com via Shannon on Pinterest

What's your sign? Is your horoscope spot-on today?

I have a feeling checking this is going to become one of my repetitious daily tasks! #addictivepersonality

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Inspire

Foreword: I have a little problem with blogging. Sometimes stringing letters and words together on the keyboard is just too easy. Not easy because I have so many wonderful ideas, but sometimes I feel like it's too simple to repeat a post I may have created days, weeks or months ago. But really, when ideas resurface, we should acknowledge that the occurrence reveals importance... So today, regardless of whether or not if I've posted about it 30 times or none, my focus is on inspiring others... 

Life can seem monotonous, right? Maybe you pack the same lunch each day [I do] or hit the gym/workout facility at the same time Monday-Friday [guilty] or maybe you even do the same tasks over and over again at work all day long. Regardless of what may seem mundane, you are given the chance to inspire others each day, both near and far. Some may feel encouraged by a deep blog post and others might be spurred my their coworker at the cubicle next to them. Wherever and whenever it may be, YOU have the chance to influence others each day.


Maybe you choose to do so by smiling more, complimenting more frequently [with positive intentions, of course], asking questions about others' lives or calling your friend that is a thousand miles away. It might take extra strength, but maybe you do the extra push up or squat during your workout, eat a healthy meal, hold the door for someone... The possibilities are endless. Whatever it may be, I encourage you to think about how you might inspire someone today. With the same token, allow yourself to be edified by others, for I believe no interaction is an accident.

Stay tuned to see how I've been sincerely encouraged by those around me lately!




HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Just Count Them

A few weeks ago it hit me. I am blessed. Although this isn't news to me, I was reminded that at various times in our lives, we are going to count our blessings differently.

I was talking with two of my dear friends that I hadn't seen in a while. In may ways, the three of us are the same. We graduated in May from four-year institutions and have been fortunate enough to put our education to use. A has been working in a competitive internship utilizing her event planning skills, K spent the summer in the Big Apple using her business marketing background, while I've been in a new job for six weeks, putting my journalism and communications strengths to work.

In may ways though, we are very different. I'm secured in a job that I'm capable of doing each day, with room for improvement and expansion of the position. K & A are currently interviewing for new jobs with phenomenal and exciting companies - people who squeal with excitement if they heard the names of the places - I did! Although they might be frustrated when they're forced to take another job interview, as opposed to a accepting a formal offer, I'm overwhelmed with new, daunting tasks from my boss.

You see, each situation will yield varying assurance or stress. Each of us has the chance to spin a negative moment into a positive. For that reason, I believe we should count and acknowledge each blessing, regardless its size, shape or worldly value.

I can't force someone to acknowledge each blessing they have or have had, but I can promise to take a look into what I've overlooked in my own life. My hope is that you too will realize that each gift from above is meant to shape you into the woman or man you've been called to be. When you become overwhelmed, grab a sticky note and pen... Let your mind run wild as you recount the unfortunate moment that changed your day, or may life. Recall the little things like the happy barista that made your coffee, the chance to lay in bed for an extra give minutes, a good hug from a friend, the delicious lunch you mad... we know the list has potential to waste an entire pad of sticky notes!

Regardless of what happens today, remember that YOU are BLESSED.




HAPPY TUESDAY!

Monday, April 15, 2013

May You Be the Prettiest of Them All

I've had a really hard time balancing work, Pure Barre, homework and a social life so that I can find time to blog, but a few words is better than nothing. Something I've realized since starting my new job is that regardless of whether or not I love or dislike my hair, outfit or makeup for the day, the following statement is true...




Happy Monday! May you be the prettiest of them all today!

Friday, March 22, 2013

TGIF!

I'm loving my new mug! This is my second Quoteable Mug and I love the concept! No better way to start the day than with a cup of coffee and inspiration!

Monday, March 11, 2013

New Job Monday

Today I begin a new career adventure. I'm thrilled to say that I now see new possibilities in places I never thought were possible. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me.



Happy Monday!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Magnificent Monday

If anyone saw me right now they'd think I was nuts! For the past 30 minutes, I've been walking around my house with a huge smile on my face - you'd think I'd kissed a boy for the first time or been accepted to my dream school. While neither of those things happened, there's just something about today that has be feeling extra positive.

Maybe I'm coming off a vacation high. My boyfriend and I just got home from a four-day trip, consisting of Disneyland, California Adventure, visiting the Bay, and spending time with family and friends. Although the vacation strayed me away from my healthy eating habits and Pure Barre addiction, I had the BEST time. Mike and I needed a little getaway.

It's been about four months since I've blogged, or spent any time religiously browsing others' pages. The last time I did so, I felt that I was writing for someone else - the comments, the views, etc. - rather than myself. Today, I'm back, not to captivate an audience, but rather to document the happiness of this morning, regardless of whether it inspires anyone else, or just myself.

Today I'm grateful for the little things:

- Pure Barre
- Sweet friends
- The ability spend a little extra money on healthy groceries to fuel my body
- Grad school
- A new, full-time job (I start one week from today!)
- An amazing family
- The kindest boyfriend
                              ... and so many other things!

HAPPY MONDAY!

The first photo from our trip - the Happiest Place on Earth!