Today marks my last day of being just a working girl, and last day of winter break for others. I'll have to admit, it's a bit nerve wracking. The fact that I start a whole new chapter in my life tomorrow morning. The fact that I'll have to take the role of a juggler, balancing everything so that not one task/priority/or interest falls. Running, photography, work, school, homework, time with friends, etc, etc...but I got this.
Yes, first day of school jitters always hit me hard the day before. But I know in my heart that this is all a wonderful plan for me and with full trust in that itself, everything will work out. On behalf of other people's sanity and my own sake, I'm going to try my very best today to focus on making the best of today and keeping a good attitude on whatever tomorrow will bring. I will savor these last moments of not having homework, sleeping in, and relaxing... ...and if I survive my first day of college, I will be sure to let you all know ;) Waking up to sun shining through my window and cold crisp fresh air only signifies one thing and one thing only: it's a new year, and it's going to be a wonderful one. Looking back on 2014 I've come to realize all that God has truly blessed me with. New people, new experiences, new memories, new challenges, new accomplishments. Every which way I've been has lead me to the best path I could possibly be in.
I have learned to open my heart. To face my fears. To better myself as an individual by being more patient, calm, and accepting even in the most tough situations. I have started new chapters in my life from falling in love for the first time, to graduating high school, to landing my first job. Now, it's time to focus on 2015. What will it bring? What can I make of it? Count your blessings of last year and rejoice in the blessings of the new year. Happy New Year! We all need patience. Patience with each other. Patience at school, at work. Patience with family, with friends. Most of all, we need the patience to know that when we come upon downhill situations in our lives or glass half empty kind of days, everything will always work out.
Just give it time. Now trust me; I don't always buy into the fact that things will get better when I'm in an Eeyore instead of Piglet kind of mood. I, at times, can be the prime example of a very impatient person in general. But what helps me out? Prayer. To me, prayer is a way to bring organization into my life. It's a way to realize how blessed I am, and it helps me to know that something I believe to have more impact than anything else in the world can be on my side. Last night, I actually was reading 1 of 3 of my journals in which I write as frequently as possible about all I am blessed with at the time and add a short prayer to the bottom of the page. Reading it just verified everything for me. So much that I prayed about or hoped for was answered at some point later in the journal, and just made me so thankful to know that faith that wasn't very strong before, is very present in my life now. Some days have been up and down, but even when I get upset with the downs, I just await what's to come because I know in my heart everything is bound to work out and serve a purpose. Whether you have faith or not, what I want everyone to get out of this post is to just always await the smile. When you are down, await the joy that's to come, because it always will. You just have to be patient. Think of when you learned how to ride a bike.
When I was learning how to ride, it didn't go so well. Mainly because I hadn't wanted to even step outside to begin learning in the first place. But after a few falls and a few times getting back on, I started to enjoy it. I didn't want to admit it though. Stubbornness at its finest. What helped me? Balance. Learning to balance. More recently, I have felt this way. Yes, I know how to ride a bike. But after landing this new job as a barista for Starbucks, I quickly learned that I needed to teach myself how to find balance in my (suddenly busy) day to day life. I had to quickly switch my brain over from relaxing on long summer days to having only specific time slots of availability. It wasn't easy. I had realized that whenever I was asked how my day was, I'd only talk about work. Not only that, but I was growing distant from friends, and losing excitement for hobbies and other things that contribute to my personality. After realizing that I was losing sight of things that were very important to me, I began to pray about it. I began to pray that with the amount of free time given to me, I could get back into things that excite my spirit. In that, I discovered balance. I restored old friendships, started a new journal, went back to church for the first time in awhile, and even got a chance to focus on photography a bit. Like riding a bike, after awhile, I got in a good routine. A balanced routine. One that I feel good about after adapting to. Balance is essential in life. Seek it, even when it seems impossible. If there is one important lesson I've learned, it's to grow. Everything in our day to day lives contributes to who we are as an individual. Our hobbies, our relationships with others, our goals, the way we spend our free time. The question is, what will happen when you improve them? When you search for new and higher goals? When you surround yourself with more positive people and take part in more positive relationships?
You grow. If you can focus on growing as an individual, creating your own [you], without growing apart from others and the world around you, you will succeed. Who would guess that a 2 1/2 year old has the best advice to offer? Not me. What I quickly learned though in these past two days while I've been babysitting is that yes, in fact, they do.
2 1/2 year old Emerson taught me these "lessons" that I believe we should all ponder on: 1. There are constantly pirates lurking around us who try to take over our ship, but if we ask them politely to stop, they will. In other words, if you take bad situations with a different and unexpected approach, the outcome will be even greater. 2. If you ever feel the need to put on a fancy dress and water shoes in the middle of a Thursday afternoon, go for it. In other words, it's one thing to be spontaneous. It's another to not care how people will react to it. 3. If you want to know who means most to a child, ask them who's names to write on the driveway in chalk. 4. If blowing bubbles isn't working for you, demand to at least hold the wand while someone else tries. In other words, if you can't complete a task and need help, there are still ways to feel personally accomplished. 5. Whenever you run into someone you know, invite them to play. In other words, there is always time to make time for both old and new friends. Yesterday, you can say I went on an "adventure". If adventure involves going on a hike where I ended up with bruises and cuts on my legs, then that's what I did! The end result was amazing, though, and not only did I greatly enjoy this hike, but I took something out of it as well.
When I was out there, I had kept on looking ahead. All you can see are obstacles. People climbing over huge logs, sliding down rocks, and shivering while swimming through the deepest water section. It's not always the most assuring thing when you hear people saying "ohhhh no" ahead of you and water is rushing below you as everyone makes their way through. You couldn't always pinpoint the destination, but are forced to keep going. Curiosity and motivation pull you further. When we finally made it, the water seemed more refreshing than ever and the view was extraordinary. A large, beautiful and roaring waterfall. This is what life is about. You may not see what the end result will be, but all the obstacles you go through always lead to something amazing. As long as you keep this in mind, you can get through them. Recently, I have been one happy girl. Just graduated high school, getting ready to start planning out my future, it's summertime, and not only am I surrounded by so many people who are blessings to me, but they have given me so many memories that I will cherish forever. My only hope is that I can be that much of a blessing to them in return. To my friends, to my family, and to my wonderful boyfriend who I could go on and on about but might end up boring you with all the positive things I would list about him.
You can say I am one lucky girl to be in such a happy spot in my life with everything, which has given me almost an appreciation for when things weren't to good in the past. Like when I was going through all my physical pain and not believing things would ever get any better, and when I had more of a negative outlook each and every day due to the circumstances I was in. I lacked confidence, and most importantly, pure happiness. And now I can sit here with a real smile on my face and not one where I am hiding pain or anything of that matter. Yes, I may have some days that aren't the best, but with a better perspective and attitude, I am able to deal with these days in a much better way than ever before. I just wanted to take time to acknowledge this "plot twist" in my life...a very good one! Two years ago, I would have never imagined myself in the spot I am now. I think it is truly amazing how much can change in just a couple years..for the better! To look back and accept the struggles I had, knowing they brought me to where I am now, that is something truly special. I do believe that until you can look back at your past and openly talk about it without getting upset, you can move forward from it. I sure have! And as a result, I have become a better person with a far better attitude about everything. So, as readers, here is my advice to you, first hand... If you are going through tough times now, whatever category that may fall in with you, know that there is a reason for all of it and that is to make you stronger and that when you become stronger, you will be so much happier. Things will fall into place, and it's all just part of your story. Enjoy the "plot twists" in your life. No matter if they are good or bad, they will lead you to where you need to be and the wonderful person you will become. It's been a busy summer to say the least. As much as I am filling out job applications and stressing over what my next step in life will be, I am making time to enjoy each day to it's fullest. Whether this consists of spending all day in my pool, enjoying my favorite coffee with my favorite friends, strolling around our local farmer's market, or bungee jumping. Yes...bungee jumping. I said it.
Which brings me to one question I have for all of you. What do you think you can't do? Now, go do that. Maybe it'll take loads of bravery. Maybe it will take planning and time. Maybe it will take courage or guts. One thing I promise you though, is that it's all worth it. It's a mind over matter thing, and we all have it in us. Use up that potential and shock yourself with what you can overcome. I am going to give you an example here. Recently, I spent a day at Mt. Hood Skibowl Adventure Park with my amazing boyfriend. There are tons of activities to take part in! From go carts, to alpine slides, to ziplining, there is something for everyone. Fun central I tell you. Even just the drive up there is awesome due to the incredible views. After thoroughly enjoying the scenery from atop the alpine slides, and knocking over a few cones on the malibu raceway, I was ready to conquer 2 of my biggest items on my, quote-on-quote, "bucket list". Ziplining, and bungee jumping. Now is when the nerves settled in. Where my hands started to slightly shake and palms began to get a teeny bit sweaty. All the while I was standing at the top of the zipline tower awaiting my turn with a big smile on my face, trying to not show a hint of how I was feeling in the inside. Taking off on the zipline was a breeze, though and a good warm up for what was to come. We then proceeded to make our way up the many flights of stairs to the top of the bungee jump tower. I'm sure the view was great on the way up, but all I was focusing on was the steps ahead of me and the fact that I would be flying off this thing in less than a few minutes. We arrrived at the top and were greeted by a very friendly guy who, no doubt, could sense my nervousness. By now, I had taken in the mind over matter and volunteered to go first. I couldn't believe what I was doing and that I was actually up there ready to jump, but I knew I could do it. Now, I can safely say that after 2 jumps and many screams, it was one of the most fun things I have ever done. To think that in the past I told myself I could never do it, and now here I was standing at the bottom with a huge smile on my face and running to Joe at full speed for a huge hug, harness still in tact and hands still shaky. I felt so accomplished with everything. When nothing is negative about your day, besides a bad sunburn, you know it was a good one :) Now go out and surprise yourself with your potential! |