Mindful Monday: Keep Me In Your Heart

Tonight is my last Chi Omega chapter. It's weird to think that [almost] every monday for the past four years I've put on business casual, my pin and attended chapter dinner and meetings. Tonight my senior letter from my parents will be read, along with a slideshow and I'll have to stand up to say my final words to my 250 sisters. Although I spent half of the date dash on Friday crying over the fact that it was one of the last time we'd all be together, dancing to our chapter's song, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," I truly want to convey more than tears.

College is when you find out who you are. You leave the bubble of "home" and are given new freedoms.

I took chances, made choices and most of all, learned that when people love you for you, that is what's most important.

My Chi Omega sisters are a true testament to this. They embrace my music obsessions, crazy dance moves and desire to always want to do what's right [even if it's the smallest thing]. Each day, they inspire me with their volunteer work, activism and innovation. If I've learned one thing in my four years it's that surrounding yourselves by those who love, support and inspire you, is imperative. For when they do those things, they will also challenge you to be a better YOU.

So as I struggle to write my senior goodbye, I will focus on two of my favorite things...

Source: Uploaded by user via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: chiomega.com via Shannon on Pinterest

So this Monday- and hopefully forevermore, I will remember that even though goodbyes are difficult, it just takes finding a special place in your heart for someone to keep the love and memories alive.

HAPPY MONDAY, XO!

His Grace Is Good

This morning I wrote this on my wrist as a reminder of His grace. It may not be classy to write on yourself, but sometimes you're desperate for remembrance...

Mindful Monday: Four Years of Blessings

People always told me that college would fly by, but it didn't really sink in, until now. Today is my last full week of my undergraduate education - where did the last four years go? Of course finishing college is bittersweet, but I'm truly going to try to celebrate the fun times and memories. 

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take senior photos from three of my sorority sisters. These women have helped me grow into my skin and become who I am. I wanted to share some of my favorite photos with you, and show you one that I took of my roommate a few weeks back! By the way, there were SO many fantastic images... I sort of had to choose these at random, from the 100 that I loved! 

Meet Eleanor- one of my best friends :)

Here's Kelly - Such a California beauty!

Last but not least - Chelsey! She's my "cousin" in Chi Omega!

And here's my lovely roommate, Karissa! I'm obsessed with the flowers in front of our sorority house!

Aren't these ladies beautiful? 

Who knows, maybe I'll start doing photography on the side?! I don't have fancy editing software, but I can make do with iPhoto for now! 

So what's mindful about this post? For the next 19 days - yes I have a countdown on my iPhone - I'm going to reflect and celebrate the beautiful blessings of my college career. Starting tonight, with all of my Chi Omega seniors. 

HAPPY MONDAY, XO! 

Enjoy the Little Things...

Source: data.whicdn.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Could not have said it better myself! :)

HAPPY WEDNESDAY, XO!

Graduation Means...

Yesterday I had a realization. Graduation is less than a month away, which means a few things are about to change. I'm not just talking about the fact that I won't get see my friends all the time - I'll blog about that later - but also I won't be able to get away with a few of my favorite things...

For example, I probably shouldn't leave my house with my hair wet so it can air dry. For those of you who don't know, I hate blowdrying my hair. I feel like it's so much extra damage imposed upon my ends when they'd dry straight anyway.

By the way, I tried getting away with the wet-hari look yesterday at work and was completely embarrassed. Let's just say I'd forgotten we had a staff appreciation breakfast with the college deans and administrative professionals. This was my motivation for this post.

Secondly, I guess I won't be able to wear spandex on any given day. I LOVE spandex so much. I wear them to school, class, the gym...EVERYWHERE at least 3 times a week. Next year I'll be working Monday-Friday during the day, and going to grad classes in the evenings. Something tells me people won't appreciate my love for my favorite shorts as much as I do!

I'm sure there are many more of these things I won't be able to get away with, but these are the two that seem most upsetting, ha!:) I better get them out of my system before I'm faced with the real world in May!

Source: sayingimages.com via Shannon on Pinterest

HAPPY TUESDAY! XO

Mindful Monday: Start Your Day

The weekend went by with the blink of an eye, they always seem to, especially when I have to drive back and forth from Tucson to Phoenix. But I really do love blogging on Mondays because it's this post that sets the tone for my week. So here goes nothing...

As I was getting ready this morning I realized something while listening to "Brighter than the Sun" by Colbie Caillat. As soon as I hear the first few beats, I am instantly filled with joy. I don't know if it's the song itself, or the reminder of a video made for the Fiesta Bowl coronation event, but regardless, it puts me in the BEST mood.

So what will I mindful of this week?!

I now understand that I have the potential to start my day in whatever manner I want to. Unless I am instantly woken up by something unfortunate, I can choose how my morning will begin from the second I open my eyes. For me, when my day starts off calm and collected, I am pretty likely to hold onto that feeling for some time during the day. SO WHY NOT START MY DAYS LIKE THIS EVERYDAY?!

I'm about to download "Brighter than the Sun" so I have the potential do so. I may as well financially support the artist who unknowingly causes me so much happiness, right? :)

What song makes you happy, no matter the circumstance? I'd love to add it to the "Joy" playlist that I'm about to create.

HAPPY MONDAY, XO!

Fun Friday!

FRIDAY IS FINALLY HERE! Although I shouldn't say "finally" because this week seemed to fly by... as are all the days leading up to graduation.

Even though today is going to be busy, I'm promising myself that I'll get to have some fun this evening. I don't get to attend Country Thunder this year, so my roommate and I are going to go dancing at a new country bar that just opened a few months ago near campus. Nothing says "Fun Friday" like line dancing and cowboy boots.

Here are the boots I'll be sporting - the turquoise on the right - they are my favorite!

This photo is from freshman year during Spring Fling which was themed country! So glad I made this purchase.

What do you have planned for "Fun Friday?"

XO