Look for happiness in the simplest of things
Honestly, things like walking around the Manassas Battlefield with my best friend by my side; taking pictures and laughing uncontrollably are what I live for. Going on long drives to nowhere, cuddling watching Netflix all day, spending hours upon hours at the gym, scavenger hunts, study dates turning into memorable hangouts.. These are some of the things that end up having the potential to be some of the best memories. I had a horrible day the other day and Rachel and I went out for ice cream. We went on a 30-minute drive, listening to music, telling funny stories, and just joking around. We ended up finding some random back road with cool farm animals down it… so we went on an adventure. I had not laughed that hard in so long. It is amazing how small things like that can turn into unforgettable memories.
“Give out what you want most to come back.”
Lift your words, not your voice
It is that rain grows flowers, not thunder. When trying to get a point across to someone remember to use your words not the power of your voice. We as humans should be trying to build each other up, not bring each other down. We are all on the same team here, try your best to bring others up rather than put them down. Remember that the way you treat people is a direct reflection of how you feel about yourself. Although, just because you might not have a harsh tone, your words still matter. Choose wisely. What if every word you have ever said was written on your body, would you still say them?
"What you tell yourself everyday will either build you up or tear you down."
Remember that every day is a new beginning
Bad day yesterday? That’s OK. A bad day does not mean that you have a bad life. Sometimes we have streaks of bad days… once again, that is okay. Sometimes we just need to breathe, relax, and remember that tomorrow is a new day. We can always start fresh.
“One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
Seek POSITIVITY
You cannot control the things that happen to you, but you can control how you handle them. When Grandma passed away, I was a MESS that night. I went to sleep with puffy eyes, a headache, and a broken heart. But, the next couple days after, when everyone was still sobbing, I couldn’t seem to. Not in a bad way, it’s just; I think I got out all of the sad, negative emotions out that night. I was ready to remember grandma for her presence, not cry because I missed her. Now with saying that, yes sometimes I still break down, and even for months after I would break down, but they were not as mentally draining. I try to focus on the positives that grandma left behind for my family and I. To me, that is the best way to cope.
“Every bad situation will have something positive. Even a dead clock shows the correct time twice a day.”
Pray
I wish I did this more. It brings me comfort. Rachel and I have said for a while now that we are going to make it to church, well this week we are. And I am very excited for it. I find comfort in knowing that I will find Grandma again one day. And although I have a science major, and science is what my life revolves around, I have to admit that miracles happen every single day. But just keep in mind—your beliefs don’t make you a better person, your behavior does.
"Have you prayed about it as much as you've talked about it?"
What others have to say about you, is none of your business
Hahaha… Yes, this is like the pot calling the kettle black. I am the absolute worst at worrying what people think about me. I have gotten so much better over the years and I honestly have to thank Rachel for most of that. I have no idea how she does it, but she can honestly not care what anyone says about her. I think it is one of the most beautiful qualities to have. I am working everyday to get to that point in my life, and I have shown a great amount of improvement thus far.
“You live off a man’s compliment, you die from his criticism.”
It is always, always, always the little things
Oh man. I love doing little things for people. Leaving notes on cars, funny Snapchats, little text messages throughout the day, your favorite drink, bake some cookies… just random little gestures. I love when I randomly tell Rachel how much she means to me, and she cries… that is probably one of the best feelings. You never know who is in need of a little gesture of kindness! I know what it feels like to have someone make me feel special, therefore I try to make at least one person feel special every single day.
“You never know who needs you. Good energy is contagious.”
Follow your instincts
Even if it is the harder choice, follow your instincts. You always know best. Normally we go wrong when we second-guess our instincts. That is the case with me on most multiple-choice tests… and I am sure that many of you can agree with me on that. The more you follow your instincts the most you will find that you are on the right path.
“Deep down you already know the truth.”
Make today count
Why do you need to wait for Valentine’s Day to show someone special that you care about him or her? Or wait for someone’s birthday for a gift? I find by celebrating every day like a holiday, it makes life more enjoyable. I like making people smile and I like showing people that I care, so it brings me happiness when I surprise my best friend with a small gift or plan a really nice date to go on with someone. You don’t need a special occasion to get dressed up or dressed down. Today is your day.
"She's mad but she's magic, there is no lie in her fire."
Never let the things you WANT make you forget the things you HAVE
Family, friends, healthy, and happiness are my top 4. These are the things that I have and to be completely honest, these are the only things I need. Do I want for things? Of course I do. I love going shopping and I love driving around looking at mansions that I will never live in. But none of these things make me near as happy as my top 4. The number one thing that I have always wanted in life is to have a family of my own… that is my TOP goal. Do I want a good paying job and a nice house? Sure! Who doesn’t? But honestly, nothing would make me feel more accomplished than raising my own children. I find beauty in motherhood. If I turn out to be like my mother, I will live a DAMN good life.
"Some people are so poor, all they have is money."
LET. IT. GOOOO….
Let go of the small stuff. My dad always tells me not to sweat the small stuff and he is right. All of the annoying little things that people do are not worth the aggravation. I read a quote once that has always stuck with me, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” You can’t live a positive life with a negative attitude, so don’t let too much of yesterday take up today.
“Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.”
Live like there is no tomorrow
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you left this world in an hour? What would you do? Would you go around telling people you love them, trying to make up for lost time? Would you be apologizing to someone because you did not see his or her true worth? Start treating every moment like it may be your last moment. You need to live your life while you can. If I were to leave this earth in an hour, I would tell my grandpa I am sorry for not visiting him to often, I would tell Zeus I’m sorry for not petting him more, I would tell Rachel thank you for being such a beautiful girl inside and out, and I would go on a super crazy date with someone. But the thing is-- why do I have to wait to do those things? My life is now. As mama says ‘live with no regrets’.
“If you’re not willing to look stupid, nothing great will ever happen to you.”
Do something everyday that scares you
Everyone has baggage and everyone has fears. What makes us grow as humans, is overcoming these things. We cannot move forward if we keep looking back behind us. The past is a past for a reason. When you are given an opportunity to overcome one of your fears, you need to take it. Well, I am horrible at this. When it comes to spiders, I am still working on that one… But other fears, I have definitely overcome. Do I like presenting projects in front of others? Not exactly… but am I good at it? Yes. Therefore I have the confidence to do them. Concentrate on the things that make you happy and just DO THEM. Who cares if it scares you? Taking risks and overcoming fears are how we leave our comfort zones. Push yourself to let yourself go, stop being so reserved and just do it. The feeling after accomplishing a fear is unforgettable. You never know how amazing something will be if you never try.
“How will you know if it’s the right choice if you never make it?”
Remember: The best project you will ever work on is YOU
The only thing that you have complete control over in your life is YOURSELF. You can control everything about yourself. One thing that I have found to be true is that I find happiness in the service of others. I know that I have said this before, but I was put on this earth to help people. I want to help people physically as well as mentally. I love the holistic, healthy, happy lifestyle that I live and I want others to be able to live this lifestyle as well. Keep pushing yourself to stay on the right track. Nothing worth having comes easy, everything takes effort. You are your best creation.
“Waiting for someone else to make you happy is the best way to be sad.”
At the end of the day, you are all you have. You need to learn to be able to love yourself and make yourself happy. Be your own best friend before anything else.
So tell me, what can you change today that will make you a better YOU?