Welcome to 2015

How do you want to feel this year?

You know what you want to do. You want to lose 15 pounds. You want to travel. You want to read 100 books or start exercising more or get married.

But those things aren't important.

This year, don't focus on what you want to do. Focus on how you want to feel.

Instead of trying to lose ten pounds, focus on doing things that make you feel healthy. Maybe that's drinking more water or cutting fast food out of your diet.

Instead of telling yourself you're going to write a book, focus on doing things that make you feel creative. That could entail writing every day, reading more or taking a writing class.

Instead of telling yourself you want to get married, focus on doing things that make you feel love. Maybe that doesn't mean getting married just yet. Maybe it just means spending more time with your partner.

The problem with setting New Year's Resolutions is that by the end of January they usually fade and we give them up. You miss a day of running and you immediately feel guilty. Guilt has no place in your goals.

So instead of goals, focus on feelings. How do you want to feel? If you're having trouble picking out how you want to feel this year, I recommend picking up The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte. It's an excellent resource for figuring out your desired feelings.

This year I want to feel creative, connected, centered and electric.

What about you?

Dealing with Jealousy

When is the last time you were jealous of someone? Was it someone on television or was it someone you knew personally? Has jealousy ever ruined a friendship in your life or caused you to hurt someone's feelings?

Jealousy can be a horrible thing. A touch of envy can turn into a storm that you can't control. Try some of these tips below to stop the flow of jealousy. Don't let it run your life.

Practice Gratitude

One of the best ways to combat jealousy is to start appreciating what you already have. Every day write down 10 things you are grateful for. They can be as simple as getting to pet your cat or having a good commute to work. Start becoming aware of all the good things in your life instead of focusing on the things you don't have.

Work for What you Want

The majority of people who have nice things worked hard to get them. If you want that new purse or want to travel the world, start working for it. That friend you have that got to go to Greece over the summer? Stop staring at her Facebook photos and take action. Take measurable, conscious steps toward your goal. When you work hard for the things that you want, it feels so much better when you finally get it.

You Will Never Be _______ (and that's okay)

Kate Winslet is my favorite actress. I think she is insanely talented and gorgeous. Unfortunately, no matter how much I try, I will never be Kate Winslet, and neither will you. No matter how much you idolize someone, you will never be them. You will, however, always be you. Embrace who you are. Embrace your flaws and talents and realize that it is okay to be you.

People are just People

Let's get real for a minute here: everybody poops. Sorry, but it's true. The actors, models and musicians that you love and idolize. The girl in your class who seems to always get the guy. The guy who just got that brand new sports car. At the end of the day, we really aren't that different.

Things are just Things

A few years ago there was this big trend of wearing these small, multi-colored bracelets that came in all different color combinations and styles. I remember going with a friend of mine and picking up two or three, each of them about $12 each, and sporting them proudly on my arm. Do I still have those bracelets? Yes. Do I still wear them? Not really. The trend is over, and my taste has changed. Things go out of style and things break. Before you shell out $400 on a purse you saw an actress wear on the red carpet, maybe you need to take a few days to assess if you really need another 'thing' in your life.


How do you deal with jealousy? Let me know in the comments below!

When Inspiration Doesn't Strike

This past week I have learned that you can't force inspiration.

No matter how many times I turned on an inspiring playlist or got comfortable with a pen and paper, I always found myself staring at a blank page or an empty screen.

I had no idea how to continue.

I didn't even know how to start.

When inspiration is lacking, I have learned that change is often the answer. Go out of your element. Seek out a new environment. Try a bustling coffee shop or a picnic table at your nearby park. Listen to the sounds around you and observe your surroundings. Don't worry about writing or checking another item off of your to-do list.

Spend some time with yourself. Turn off your phone and spend at least a half hour sitting, standing or walking in a peaceful place.

Take a break from the familiar.

Inspiration will come. It may come slowly or it may come all at once, but it will eventually come. And when inspiration does strike? When you get a new idea or figure out exactly what you've been trying to say? You'll know. You'll feel it in your soul and in your bones.

This weekend, take a few hours to slow down and listen to what life is telling you. 

You have what you need. 

Now go be awesome.

10 Movies to Watch this Halloween Weekend

I'm not a huge fan of Halloween. In fact, my plan for this weekend consists of me cuddling up in bed with some candy and a scary movie instead of dressing up and going out. Watching a good movie always puts me in the mood for Halloween, so I decided to share a list of some of my favorites. Check out the list, and share some of your own favorites in the comments below!

The Silence of the Lambs

This movie is definitely creepy enough to give you goosebumps on a dark Halloween night. No matter how many times I watch this, Anthony Hopkins and Ted Levine's characters always make me want to hide under my bed. A classic.

Pan's Labyrinth

An absolutely beautiful movie by Guillermo del Toro. One of my favorites. If you don't think this movie is worthy of your Halloween night, you are definitely mistaken. The Pale Man scene alone is enough to fuel your nightmares for the next week.

Donnie Darko

I have a love-hate relationship with this movie, but I think it's perfect for Halloween. It's just weird enough to be a great movie to watch this weekend. The only downside to this movie is that it doesn't leave you with a 'happy ever after' feeling, so if that's what you're looking for, this movie may not be for you. (Plus, Frank is horrifying. No thanks.)

Saw

You can't go through Halloween without watching at least one Saw movie. Incredibly violent and a little crazy, the Saw movies are fun to watch on their own or in one long Saw marathon. There are seven movies, though, so if you do marathon them...godspeed.

Paranormal Activity

In my experience, people either hate this movie and don't think it's scary at all or they can't watch it because they think it's horrifying. I belong to the second group. I still can't watch this movie by myself because it freaks me out. I mean, getting dragged out of bed by a demon? No thanks, I'll keep my feet under the covers from now on.

The Possession

One of my favorite horror movies. It's a lesser known movie that is based on the story of the dybbuk box. The acting, especially from the possessed girl, is amazing and it has just enough jump scares to keep you entertained.

The Conjuring

This may be my all time favorite horror movie. This movie has the right combination of a good plot, jump scares, and 'slow burn' scares to make it incredible. I highly recommend picking this one up this weekend. Pick up some popcorn too, because you will be stress-eating the whole time.

Insidious

Another movie I watched in the dark with friends. I later had to leave the room because I was terrified. Insidious isn't your typical horror movie. It dips its toes into science fiction a little bit, but it works. The scene where you hear a voice coming from the baby monitor? Crazy. Scary.

Cabin in the Woods

A crazy weird movie by Joss Whedon. It plays off of the typical horror movie tropes, and although a lot of the movie is supposed to be ironic, some of the scenes come off as just plain scary. Another amazing movie by Whedon. Plus, it has Chris Hemsworth in it. Not the scariest movie on the list, but it's so good that I just had to add it.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Robert Englund's Freddy Krueger is classic, but I always found him to be more funny than scary. Jackie Earle Haley plays a Krueger that definitely doesn't bring any laughs. The 2010 remake is one of my absolute favorite horror movies, and will probably be my go-to this Halloween weekend.








What are some of your favorite horror movies? Recommend some below in the comments! 

The Benefits of Taking a Break

For those of you who follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you are used to seeing a minimum of ten posts a week advertising my blog. I post every story on social media and usually a reminder or two throughout the week/weekend. My schedule is to post three times a week, and I love it. It works with my work schedule and gives me time to plan and write.

The last week or two have been strangely quiet around the blog.

Why?

Because life happens.

I did not have the energy - physically or emotionally - to keep up with my posts. I had a lot of other things going on with my family, friends, and work. So I decided to take some time off.

And I don't feel guilty.

I have learned the importance of giving yourself time off when you really need it. The importance of taking a breath and listening to your mind and body. What is it telling you? Last week it was telling me to throw myself into my work instead of my blog. The other week it was telling me to focus on my mental health. I even took a half day off of work to recuperate.

Listen to yourself and know that taking a break is not a bad thing. You come first.

When is the last time you listened to yourself and decided to take day off? Let me know in the comments below.

Start with Reflection

After you finish an assignment or project, it is always good to look back on the work you've done and ask yourself what you've done right and what you could have done better. This can help you move on to your next project with a clearer vision of what you want your outcome to be.

Over the past few years, however, I have realized how important it is to start and end with reflection. Although it is usually saved for the end of a project, starting with reflection can help you to get an idea of where you are and where you want to be.

Before you start a new project, ask yourself:

Why am I doing this?

How does this reflect my brand?

What do I hope to get out of this project?

What do I want my audience to get out of this project?

Asking yourself these questions can help you to lay the foundation of what you're working on, whether it be a project, product, organization or website.

Observing your own intentions is something you need to do before starting something new.

Reflecting on what you want out of your life is crucial to getting what you want and being the person you were meant to be.

Are you starting a new project soon? Let me know about it in the comments below. I would love to learn more about what you're working on.

Revitalize your Morning Routine

What does your typical morning look like? Do you wake up to the screech of your alarm clock, hit the snooze button and end up late to work? Maybe you like your morning routine but you wish it had a little more 'oomph' to it.

I firmly believe that a good morning routine sets the tone for the rest of your day. When I lay around in bed and don't leave time for myself in the morning, it can throw off my whole day.

A few months ago, before I had a set morning routine, I sat down and wondered what I wanted my mornings to look like. I knew that I wanted to wake up early enough to relax a little bit, put on makeup, pick out my clothes and maybe listen to some fun music or watch a show while I got ready. I wanted something quick and easy that didn't require a lot of thought but that still left me ready to face the day.

Taking care of yourself can be hard. Some of us just don't have that voice inside our heads that reminds us to do all of the things we should be doing like washing our face or brushing our teeth. I promise that once you get in the habit of doing these things day after day, they become second nature.

So sit down and think about what you want your morning routine to look like. Do you want to workout every morning? If so, that might require you to get up a little earlier. Or maybe you want to have more time to sleep. Try setting out your clothes the night before or packing your food for the week ahead of time.

Your morning routine is for you. Don't let anyone else tell you how you should prepare for your day. Some people get up at 4 A.M. and are good to go while others are good with waking up at 10.

Find what works for you. Find your process, write down what you want, and go for it. Write down a reminder and practice it every morning until it feels like second nature.

Before you know it you'll be waking up feeling happy, excited and revitalized.

What does your morning routine look like? Tell me in the comments below!

Stop Making These 5 Social Media Mistakes

Whether you're unemployed and searching for a job or currently employed with an awesome company, social media is important. It can connect you with the best parts of the internet...and it can also keep you from getting that job you love (or even get you fired!)

If you're making any of the five social media mistakes below, it may be time to reconstruct your online presence before it gets you into trouble.

Do you post about drinking, drugs or other activities?

Everyone likes to have fun. However, there's a huge difference between posting about mimosas with your girlfriends and posting about that party you went to last weekend where you blacked out. Some things just don't need to be shared, and if a potential employer sees that post on your page, it could stop you from getting the job. It's also something to avoid if you're currently employed with a company. Whether you like it or not, you represent that company through your social media pages.

NOTE: If you are underage, don't even think about it. Posting about the illegal things you did last weekend will come back to bite you.

Are you posting inappropriate photos?

You would be amazed at the amount of people I knew in college who would post dozens of pictures from their wild night out. Am I telling you to stop having fun? No, but posting a picture of you drinking or doing something illegal (you'd be surprised what I've seen) is not something you want your boss stumbling upon while he/she is checking out your Facebook Photo Albums.

Are you posting hateful things on the internet?

We already have enough problems when it comes to bullying on the internet. Don't contribute to the problem. While I do speak my mind on the internet, I try to shy away from comment wars or getting into hateful discussions. If you do feel strongly about something and feel you need to speak your mind, it may be better to send that person a polite message. Facebook comments are a prime example. People love to comment on Facebook posts and nine times out of ten they get carried away. Sometimes it can be better to keep it to yourself.

Do you post on social media about how much you hate your job?

Please don't post about how much you hate your job on social media. Don't post about that coworker that annoys you and definitely don't post about your boss. If you don't like your job, text it to a friend or find a new job. You'd be surprised at how fast that kind of stuff gets back to the people you work with.

Are you even on social media?

Despite all of the precautions, social media is important. It can help you network with potential employers and connect with new and old friends. It can help you to share information and can open up a world of opportunities.

It is so important to have a strong social media presence that positively represents you and your brand.

When it comes down to it, your posts, tweets and photos are all online. They are not as private as you think. You'd be amazed at the people I know personally who have gotten fired or have gotten in trouble due to comments made on social media.


Do you use social media like Facebook or Twitter? What are some other things you think people should stop doing on their social media accounts? Discuss in the comments below!

The Benefits of Slowing Down

I'll be the first to admit that I am not a patient person. I have always prided myself on getting things done quickly, whether it be finishing work in class or writing an article for work.

But there is a reason why slow and steady wins the race.

Last week my coworker pulled me aside and pointed out some mistakes I made on a story. I was mortified. Most of the mistakes were spelling or grammar errors. They were things I would have caught...if I hadn't been going so fast.

For the next story, I took my time and made each change deliberately. I thought about each choice before I made it. Did it take me longer? Yes. But did I finish with a much better story? Yes.

Slowing down is also important when it comes to your health.

Once, in college, I decided that I wanted to try to go vegan. I went to the store and bought fake cheese, threw out all of my non-vegan food and went cold turkey.

And guess what?

After a few days I was chowing down on a burger.

Why did that happen?

It's because I went too fast. I was looking at the endgame, but I wasn't taking the time to establish a good foundation before I started my journey.

Now I've been focusing on taking small, deliberate steps to improve my personal and physical health. I have a set morning routine. I drink more water and I'm starting to phase sodas out of my life (Diet Coke, I'll miss you.) A few weeks ago I focused on eating at least one 'good' meal a day and now I'm working my way to two 'good' meals.

Is it working?

Yes!

So the next time you're working on something, whether it be for yourself or for your work, don't be afraid to take your time. Establish a good, strong foundation before starting something new. Good work is always better than rushed work.


What about you? What things in your life deserve a little more of your time? Tell me in the comments below!

The Foolproof Formula for Doing Work you Love

I'm about to share something with you. Something awesome. 

You are about to learn the foolproof formula for doing work you love.

Are you stuck in a dead-end job?
Do you hate going to work everyday?
Are you unemployed and wondering what to do next?
Are looking for work that inspires you?
Do you want to wake up everyday excited about your work?
Do you want to inspire and help other people?

If you relate to any of the above, than this formula is for you.

So here it is. The formula that changed my life. Best of all, it's incredibly simple.

What you love to do + What you are good at + What people need help with = EUREKA

What? That's all?

Yep.

Let's break it down.

What do you love to do? 
Take out a piece of paper and write down everything you love to do. Maybe you love to watch movies or write short stories. You might love to play with dogs. Write it down. There is no wrong answer.

What are you good at? 
Now is not the time to be humble! What are you awesome at? What do you do that makes other people revel at your awesomeness? What have you won prizes for? Now is the time to write down all of the incredible things that you do.

Now compare the two lists. There should be a few things that overlap, or a few things that relate to each other in awesome ways. Circle those! Put stars by them!

What do people need help with? What do they want to learn how to do? 
Tap into what you have heard people say in the past. Maybe you heard someone talk about how they need help with their resume or heard your best friend talk about how badly they want to travel the world but don't know where to begin. Take those conversations and worries and write them down. How can what you love and what you're good at relate to what people need?

Here are some examples:

I love to work out and eat healthy + I am good at cooking 
+ People need help learning how to live healthier lives 
= Start a healthy cookbook or blog

I love to travel + I am good at writing + People want to learn how to travel on a budget
= Write a travel book on how to travel on a limited budget

I love to help people + I am good at writing + People need help with their writing
= Work for a Non-Profit in their communications department (This is mine!)

The best thing about this formula is that it is catered to you. The examples above are there to show you the process, but as you can see, getting from one thing to another can be really simple.

If you need help with this process, don't be afraid to ask me questions in the comments below. 

It is also important to remember that this formula can take some time. Maybe you love to take photos but you aren't necessarily good at it yet. That's okay! If it's your dream to start a photography business, take a photography class and keep practicing!

What about you? What does your formula look like? Share yours in the comments below!

10 Ways to Attract More JOY into your Life

Everyone wants to be happy. It's a fundamental desire of everyone on the planet. Finding happiness, however, can be easier said than done. In today's world, how can we embrace happiness and bring a little more joy into our lives?

Be Present

Go out to a restaurant on any given day and what do you see? Cell phones. Instead of appreciating the moment and savoring time with our loved ones, we scroll past Facebook feeds or check out the latest tweets. Here's the thing: it can wait. Put down the phone. Pull out your earphones. You are alive in this moment right now. Becoming present allows you to bring more joy into your life.

Choose Happiness

My mother used to always tell me that happiness is a choice. I never really understood what she meant until I got older and began to understand that we have a choice in how we react in every situation. When you're sitting in traffic, you have the choice to honk your horn and yell at cars or you can turn up your favorite song and dance on your way to your destination. Believe me when I say that the second option definitely makes your day a little brighter. In every situation, stop and take a moment to breathe. Choose your reactions carefully. Choose to be happy.

Be Wary of Negative People

We all have negative people in our lives and in some situations, it can be best to distance yourself from them. I've realized that by distancing myself from the people in my life who make me feel bad about myself, I have become a more happy person. It can be hard to step away, but sometimes it is the necessary option. If you can't get through to your friend and you feel your happiness draining, it may be time to step away.

Know Yourself

Self-reflection is SO important to your overall well-being. Take the time to sit down and think about what you want in life. Where are you right now? Are you where you want to be? If not, how can you get there? Realizing that you're not on the right path is the first step to changing to a new one and embracing a happier life.

Appreciate the Journey

Take a moment to think about how much you've grown in the past year. Maybe you've gotten a new job, started a new relationship, gotten out of a bad relationship, learned something new, started a family...the options are endless! Appreciate how much you've learned about life and yourself in the past year. Put your life and perspective and know that even if things are bad right now, in a year's time you'll look back and think, "Wow, I got through it."

Surround Yourself with Joy

Whether it be the people you hang out with, the television shows you watch or the books that you read, try to surround yourself with happiness. Put up reminders in your room or a note by your computer at work. Set up a reminder on your phone or a cute wallpaper. Take the time out to cuddle with a dog or cat (it brings your heart rate down!) Happiness is all around us. Sometimes all we need is a little reminder.

Do What You Love

This is one of the most simple things to do, but many of us aren't doing it. We stay in jobs we hate or force ourselves to do certain things because we think we 'have to.' Life is too short to do things we hate. If you want to travel the world, travel! If you hate your job, start planning alternative paths and get out of there! When you do what you love, happiness inevitably follows.

Play More

Hide and seek. Frisbee. Swimming. Jump rope. Board games. Running. Jumping. Laughing. All of the things you loved to do as a child. Start incorporating more playtime into your life. Your body and your soul needs it.

Love Yourself

Looking in the mirror and liking what you see can be a long process. Sometimes the little voice in your head tells you that you're not good enough, and a lot of times we listen to it. Start finding ways to appreciate who you are. Maybe that includes spending some time alone and getting to know yourself better. Maybe it's creating a piece of art or taking a new class. Loving yourself is a fundamental step toward happiness. If you need more ideas, check out Gala Darling's 100 Ways You Can Start Loving Yourself Right Now.

Don't Give Up

Unfortunately, attracting more joy into your life isn't always easy. Sometimes we can't get away from negative things or people. Other times our lives are surrounded by such chaos that it can be hard to see the silver lining. The most important thing to remember is to never give up. Happiness is worth fighting for. You deserve to be happy and you deserve to have an amazing life. Keep walking your path. I promise it will be worth it.


What are some ways that you bring joy into your life? Tell me in the comments below!

This is Your Life (and that is OK)

This is your life, in all of it's wonderful, chaotic, incredible, stressful, messed-up glory.

When you hold a sleeping newborn, climb a tree, hug an old friend, fall in love, swim in the ocean, finish reading a good book, or smile so hard that your face hurts?

This is your life.

When you lose your job, break up with someone, cry until your chest hurts, fall out of someone's life, break a bone, make a mistake, or feel completely and utterly tired?

This is your life.

During the good times and the bad times. Whether your life is sailing along or you wish it would sail a little faster, this is your life.

This is your life right now, and that is okay.

Your life may not be anything like you planned it. You may be looking around you and wondering how you got here.

And that is okay.

We are humans and we screw up a lot.  Never apologize for living life on your terms. Don't apologize for doing things the best you can or for taking time out for yourself.

This is your life right now, and that is OK.

The Start of Something New

I used to think that I was at a dead-end in my life.  I would imagine walking down a path only to hit a wall of trees, thinking that I had to turn around and try again.

Yesterday I realized that what I had actually been doing was going down the exact same path over and over again.  I was reaching the wall only to turn around and hit that same wall a few weeks later.

It was time to change, and time to get off of this path.  Now I am - slowly but surely - reaching forward through the trees that I thought would be my demise.  I am on a path that feels uncomfortable and hard, but I know in my heart that this is where I need to go.

This isn't a dead-end.  

This is just the beginning.

Give yourself Permission

The only person stopping you from being who you want to be or doing what you want to do is yourself.

So today, right now, allow yourself the freedom to do what you've always dreamed of doing.  Be unabashedly yourself.  Silence the voices inside your head that tell you 'no,' and start telling yourself 'yes.'

The first step is giving yourself permission to live out your dreams.

The Importance of Telling Your Story

Who are you?  What do you do?  What is your story?

We are asked these questions all of the time.  As human beings we are enthralled by the human condition and what makes us ‘us’.  We want to know how other people define themselves so we can, in turn, define ourselves.

When is the last time you told your story?

Telling your story can be difficult.  It can force you to pull up things about yourself that you may not necessarily like.  Perhaps your story doesn’t seem to be headed to a happy ending.  Your story may seem more like a tragedy, or a dark comedy.

However dark your story may seem to be, telling your story in some form is important for not only others, but also for yourself.

Know Where you’re Going

Your story is your journey.  There are multiple paths that you can choose to walk on, and each path leads to a different outcome.  

What path are you on right now?  Where is that path leading you?  

Do you feel good about the path you are walking down right now in your life?  

If you don’t feel good about the path you are on right now, why not?  

What can you do to change your direction?  It may be time to take a detour.

Inspire Others to Act

Telling your story is important not only for you, but also for those around you.  Hearing other people’s stories can inspire you to act, and the same can happen if you tell your story.  

You may think that your story is not inspiring, but you never know what someone else will take from hearing your struggles and accomplishments.  

What struggles have you gone through in your life to get you to where you are now?  

What accomplishments can you brag about?  

What advice can you give to others through telling your story?

Strengthen your Identity

Who are you?  Telling your story can help to answer this question.  Take note of your strengths and your values.  

What do you find to be important?  

How have you utilized your strengths to get you to where you are today?  

By telling your story, whether it be to yourself or to others, you can start to pinpoint what in your life gives you joy and what is merely ‘so-so’.  Focus on what is important in your life and what you love to do in order to start becoming the person you were meant to be.

If you are interested in writing your own story, but don’t know where to start, check out revolution.is, a website dedicated to people telling inspiring stories about their lives.

Watch your Words

Actions don't always speak louder than words.  Sometimes it what you say, how you say it, and who you say it to that really matters.  I have seen firsthand the consequences that come with saying things that shouldn't be said, so this holiday season and into the New Year, please remember:

Your words have the potential to build someone up or break them down.  

Your words are yours and no one else's.  Please use them carefully, and think before you speak.  The next time you speak about yourself or others, please be sure that your intentions are pure.  Avoid gossip and slander, and use your words for kindness and love instead.

When Life gives you Lemons...

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  The classic quote that we all hear time and time again. As children we were told to take what life throws at us and spin it into something positive and beautiful.

In this day and age, however, lemonade doesn't seem to be enough.

We are taught from a young age to finish school, go to college, get an 'adult' job and work until we retire.  But this is 2013.  We are no longer confined to a life of school and work.

More people are deciding to travel the world or quit their job to pursue their true passions.  Start-up companies are becoming the new norm, and they are not satisfied by a simple glass of lemonade.  They want you to take your lemons and make something exciting.  They want to see what you can do with what you are given, and normal is not enough.

Companies want you to tell a story with your life; a story that excites them and, more importantly, excites YOU.

Life is about taking chances and challenging the status quo.  If your passion is to travel the world, find a way to do it, even if you are young and broke.  If your passion is to start a blog, start NOW.  Forget about the things that are stopping you.  You will never be more alive or capable than you are now.

So the next time life throws something at you, step out of your comfort zone and see what you can create.  Life is full of possibilities, and it is up to you to discover them.

Stop Second-Guessing Yourself

Back in Middle School, during the always-dreaded Study Skills class, I was taught tricks to taking standardized tests.  Most of the tricks ended up being useless, especially the one about 'always choosing C if you don't know the answer'.

One trick, however, has proved to be true time and time again, both in testing and in life.

Never second-guess yourself.

The first answer you come up with is usually the right one.  

The first path that knocks on the door of your mind is usually the one you should follow.

Stop listening to your own weak excuses.  They are not helping you.

Instead, start listening to yourself.

Start listening to that voice deep within you telling you the things you always knew to be true in the first place.

Stop second guessing yourself.

The voice telling you to stop doing what you love is a voice you need to muffle.

Never apologize for doing what you love and being who you are.

Take the First Step

In the past few weeks I have struggled with procrastination.  You see, I am a habitual procrastinator, and as you may know, procrastination does not yield inspiration nor does it yield motivation. 

‘Procrastination’ is a term thrown around during High School and College when a student waits until the last minute to finish a paper or lays around when he or she should be working on a project.  The term is met with humor, however has anyone stopped to realize how damaging this can be?  Procrastination is a serious thing, and is something that can detrimentally hurt a student’s chances of success.   As students, it is up to us to stop brushing procrastination aside as something ‘everyone does’.  We need to take control of our procrastination and find ways to combat it.

For me, the most successful way to combat procrastination is also the hardest way: Take the first step.  Today, for instance, I had to make some phone calls for my internship.  I kept making excuses as to why I simply ‘couldn’t do it’, when finally I typed in the first number and called, forcing myself not to pick up the phone until I heard the first ring.  This may seem silly, but it helped me to not hang up the phone before it started ringing, or to wander off and do something else.  For me, hitting that call button was the first step, and I had a much easier time continuing the calls from there.

What are you putting off today?  Whatever it is, take that first step.  With that first step comes clarity, focus and drive.  By taking that first step you are letting yourself know that you mean business.

What steps do you take to overcome procrastination? 

5 Ways to Stay Calm in a Crazy World

We live in a crazy, busy world.  We are constantly working, rushing, racking our brains, inventing, and living with our dials turned to high-speed.  The only time that most of us get to sit down and relax is when we get into bed to sleep, but even that can come with the tiring rush of questions and to-do lists that never seem to leave our brains.

So how do we stop rushing around like we're mad?  How do we stay calm in a world that is so crazy?

• Breathe

No, I am not talking about those quick breaths you habitually take when you are running to your next appointment.  I am talking about some serious, sit down and shut up breathing.  Try it right now.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, take a moment to stop.  First inhale through your nose, letting the air seep down into your lungs.  Hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth.  Try this a few times and I promise you will feel a little bit more relaxed.

This is especially helpful during tests.  Whenever I come across a question that is giving me strife, I take a moment to breathe in and out, the return to the question with a clear, level head.

• Everything Must Go

The environment that you live in is directly connected to how crazy your life is.  Seriously, the next time you are crazy busy, look at your bedroom.  When I have everything under control, my room is usually spotless.  But right now, during finals week?  Well, you can guess what my room looks like!

It is really easy to think that you don't have time to clean up, but it will make you feel so much better.  In a way, you are tricking your brain.  I think of it like this - If my room is dirty, in the back of my mind that is just one more thing to take care of.  It is one more thing for me to get annoyed about or dwell on.  However, when I take the time to pick up my clothes and clear out the trash, I feel like my mind and body has a fresh start to do what I need to do.

Another way you can practice this 'everything must go' mentality is to do exactly what it says!  Take the time to grab 5 or 10 things from your room that you don't use anymore and put it in an 'Everything Must Go' box.  Take it to Goodwill or another donation site.  Not only does it eliminate clutter that you don't need, but it makes you feel good about making a difference.

• Find a Friend

One of the best ways to calm down is to let all of your feelings out.  Most of the time when you are feeling overwhelmed, all you need is a listening ear to get your stress to fall a few notches.  Go find that friend, the one that you know will sit and listen to you without judgement, and let it all out.  It may help to give the friend a disclaimer, such as: "Right now I am about to complain and stress out to you about everything that is going on in my life, so get ready!!"

Once you let it all out, let your friend give it right back to you!  They probably have some things they need to de-stress about too!

Let out all of your emotions!  Once your done talking out what's going on in your life, take a moment to breathe, and don't forget to thank your listening buddy!  Sometimes you just need to sit with a friend and hash out your life and problems so that you can get right back up and keep on trucking!

• Shake it Out

Florence & the Machine commands it!

There are countless ways for you to practice this.  Turn on some music in your room and dance.  Get a workout video and do it in your living room.  One of my favorite things to do is to search dance videos on YouTube and see if I can follow along.  Next time you are out with friends you can bust out some grade-A dance moves!  Speaking of, go out dancing with friends!  If you're not a dancer, take time to go for a walk down the street or around the block.  It's amazing what you can find when you're exploring outside!

Whatever you do, just go out and get moving.  It will help to clear your mind and it might even tire you out!  Not only that, but shaking it out releases endorphins, and who doesn't love those little suckers??

• Stay Positive

I am a huge advocate of keeping a positive attitude.  It can be so easy to look at the world around us and see how crazy and difficult everything is.  Seeing the light through the trees can be a hard thing to do, but it is so important to your well-being.  Sitting in your negative emotions not only makes your life more difficult, but it can also rub off on those around you, which is never a good thing.

The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to appreciate how incredible life is.  Pay attention the beat of your heart and to the intricate way your body works.  Inhale and exhale, and observe your surroundings.  People watch.  This may seem like a way to get back into negative feelings, but think about this: People are interesting.  People are so incredibly interesting and amazing to watch.  I promise that you can find one thing about someone that you find incredibly beautiful, whether it be the way their eyes take in their surroundings, their loud laugh, or the way they seem to fearlessly take on the world.

Life is beautiful, and once you realize that you can (seriously!) bend your own emotions, thoughts and feelings in a way that makes you view the world as an incredible, exhilarating place, your life will be a million times better because of it.

What about you?  What are some ways you stay positive in the midst of craziness?