Happiness

I was thinking about things that make me happy or make me excited to live another day, and the list seemed super long.  It made me realize that I am a truly blessed person, so I want to share my list because I can find happiness in the smallest of things and I think it is pretty amazing. These aren't in an specific order, except for the first one.

• My family. I have the best possible time with my parents and my sister. The bond that we have is beautiful. I can tell my parents anything, and no one on this planet gives me better advice than they do.My dogs. Cuddling, running them in the backyard, taking them on walks, talking to them, playing with them... Everything about them. They make me feel so comfortable, nothing makes me feel more at home than being with my dogs.
• Quotes. It may seem silly, but Pinterest is a safe haven for me. I have pinned over 680 quotes, and I try as hard as I can to live by all of them. Just by looking them up, they always give me a new perspective on life. Whenever I am feeling down, I always go on Pinterest and scroll through some, and I soon feel better.
• Music. Whether it is country music or One Direction... It always puts me in a feel good mood.  After I post this post, I am going to post a link on the side showing my favorite playlists and songs in them. One of the ways you can always tell if I am out of it or upset, is if I am not singing along to a song that I know or like. I am always singing... even if it does hurt to hear ;)
• My boyfriend. Obviously if you have a boyfriend, they should by on your list of the things that make you happy. But my boyfriend is different. Out of all the stories that I have heard from other girls about their boyfriends, none of the stories amount to anything that this guy has done for me/still does for me. To me- it is always the little things... opening the door for me no matter what (car door, restaurant, my house), gets me little presents 'just because', leaves surprise notes for me everywhere (my school books, my car, my room), cleans my car for me inside and out, cleans my parents cars, plows the snow off my driveway for my family, tells me everyday how inspirational and beautiful I am, takes pictures of me doing the most random things, takes me on dates ALL the time, loves being around my family.... I could go on FOREVER. He also remembers every little detail about me.  It truly amazes me how I lucked out with such an amazing guy.
  
• My routines. I am the type of person that likes routine. Whether it is my morning routine, or my nightly routine, I do not like to mess with it. I like plans and I like having SET plans. I like waking up in the morning with my pug by my side, and I like going to sleep at night with my lab by my side. I like going to sleep at a certain time and waking up before a certain time.
• Warm, sunny weather. This is a given. Because of my depression, the winter time is very hard for me. It is hard to have energy with the cold and dark weather- especially the snow. It makes me not want to do anything. But I always stick it out, because I know that beautiful things are coming my way!
• My job. Even throughout all the drama, I couldn't ask for anything better. It makes me feel good that I can do my absolute best, and at the end of the day that is all that I care about. I can try as hard as I can to push others- but at the end of the day, what they do, is what they do.  All I can do is pick up their slack, and I definitely do because when I am there I give it my all. My boss does not deserve anything less.

• My boss. I can literally tell that man ANYTHING. He has been there for me through everything, and it makes me feel so good that he trusts me so much. The reason that I am one of the 'favorites' is because like I explained earlier, I give it my ALL while I am there. No excuses, I ALWAYS do what I can and more, and he definitely notices it because he thanks me for it very often. I don't know what I would do without that man in my life, he has always been there for me through even my toughest times and I could never thank him more.
• My friends. For once in my life I have finally chosen friends that I can be proud of. They are not trashy, ungrateful people. I am so blessed that I finally have the knowledge to pick friends that make me succeed.  And honestly I am to the point in my life where... If I am not 100% happy in a relationship, I will start distancing myself and dropping people because I have FINALLY learned that if you are not happy in a relationship- you have the choice to drop it. Your happiness is truly in your hands, and if you are continuing a relationship that does not make you feel 100%.... why are you in it? This is a valuable lesson that I have learned! I am so proud of how far I have come with judgement. But right now in my life- my friends are amazing, and I could not ask for better ones.
  
• Giving advice. I love love love giving advice to people. I love watching people get a new look on a situation, because it usually means that they finally see a different way to handle it and they can come to a conclusion quicker. So many people come to me for help and it makes me so happy. I would do ANYTHING to make someone happy. Whether it is after a break up, needing motivation, needing a push, or simply just needing someone there, I will always be there for them. No matter what. I will drop anything to help someone because that is the kind of person I am, and I don't care what anyone thinks about that... I was put on this earth to help people, therefore I will do just that.
• Cleaning. I love cleaning. Being uncluttered is a proven fact to help with happiness! It makes me feel so good when everything is cleaned. I have fun cleaning though, because at the end, when everything is finished I feel so good about everything and i can take a chill pill and rest in peace!
• Giving compliments to people. It makes me feel so good with I have made someone else's day. Whether it is a friend, family, customer, or a random person on the street, a small smile or a small word can change someone's entire day. It makes me feel so good inside to know that I have impacted someone's day.
  
• Getting dressed up. I love wearing cute outfits, doing my hair, and putting on make up and going out somewhere nice with my friends, or a date with my boyfriend. I also love getting dolled up and going out to take pictures with my cousin. It is little things that make you realize how beautiful you truly are.
• EXERCISE. EXERCISE. EXERCISE. First off- I don't work out to look good. I work out to FEEL good. The way that I feel after an amazing workout is priceless, nothing can amount to it. I love pushing myself past barriers that I thought I had. Although looking good is an amazing bonus ;)
• Eating healthy. By eating healthy it has changed my entire life. It makes my sleep schedule normal, it gives me incredible amount of energy, and it helps me stay awake during my lectures. I gave up sweets/desserts this year for lent, and it has been the best decision that I have ever made. I am also giving up dairy because I think that I am developing an allergy to dairy. So, I might as well stop it in its tracks!
• Getting good grades. This one is a given- who doesn't like getting good grades? But it is better when you know you EARNED said grade. I just recently got an A and a B on my two biology tests and I was ecstatic... I still am! That is HUGE for me!
  
• Making payments. Okay as weird as this may seem- yes, I enjoy making my payments on my car as well as on my phone bill, gym membership, and insurance. It makes me feel good about myself because I am starting to become more independent. Not many teens my age can cough up $500 per month and STILL live comfortably. It is a sense of independence.
• Watching my favorite TV shows. Degrassi, Bates Motel, LMN, Jerry Springer, Spongebob.... I love watching my favorite TV shows. I call them my feel good shows, because they always make me happy when I turn them on.
• Disney movies. 'Nuff said.
• Playing with my niece Kimmy. This little girl is PRECIOUS. She is absolutely beautiful inside and out and seeing her every week always puts a smile on my face.
• Taking pictures. I love taking pictures of EVERYTHING because I love memories, and one day in the future I am going to look back and be so happy that I captured all these moments.
• Going on long drives. With the top down, doors off, and country music blasting? Seriously is there even a better day?
  
• Diet coke. Oh lordyyyyy.
• Random acts of kindness. About a week ago I was at Chickfila, and there was a lady behind me in the drive-thru, and I bought her lunch for me. I didn't know her from atom, but if it made her smile, I am happy with myself.

Well with saying all that, right now I am very happy with my life right now. I have finally gotten to a point where I am happy with my life, and I feel in complete control. I am not letting people control my emotions, thoughts, or actions. Every decision made in my life is my OWN choice, no one else's. No more being influenced by others... Why you ask? Because being independent and being my own person makes me feel good about myself. It shows me how hard I have worked in my life to get where I am, and I am not taking ANY steps backwards!

Coming to a realization of TRUE happiness is an amazing feeling, and I am so young to come to such a realization... But ya know, I worked my ASS off to get where I am. I practice happiness, positivity, and kindness every single day of my life, and it has gotten me where I am today.

Quotes of the day:

Gotta take the good with the bad

I had a very good day today. A very happy day. A very normal day.

Now yesterday- my mom asked me "why aren't you eating dinner?" Her & my dad knew everything during my depression... So even until this day, they make sure I'm still taking care of myself. Eating, taking my pills, getting time to myself, getting enough sleep. All of these have an impact on my anxiety state & I honestly could not be more grateful that they care the way they do.

Although I didn't eat dinner because I had eaten about an hour or so before my parents got home. So it was not because of anxiety... Although I was feeling it bad yesterday.

Yesterday was a very low day for me. I don't know why, it just was. I am so glad that Michael is patient with my anxiety & I. He doesn't realize how much it means to me. We were supposed to hang out last night, but instead of just bailing & making up an excuse- I told him the truth. I told him I didn't think that it was fair to hang out when I knew I was going to be in a crappy mood. Why would we hang out just so I can ruin his night? I ended up watching Kansas play at Grandpas house with my sissy.. It was the right choice. I needed some time to myself.

So last night I went to sleep thinking I was going to wake up happier. & What happened? Just that. I woke up in a fabulous mood this morning!

See what happens when you actually believe you can do something? If you push yourself to feel a certain way, in the end you will be able to feel it. I truly believe that.

So it made me feel good that I bounced back so quickly. Yesterday I felt like the depressed feeling I had was going to last. But what did I do? I kicked it in the ass & said not today. I am not ruining 2 perfectly good days out of my life over nothing. 

So today marks 2 days in a row that I have kept my room clean! Most importantly right before I go to sleep I have been cleaning up! This is a huge step for me. I used to ALWAYS keep my room clean. Like no matter what. I was so anal about my room & for some reason that stopped for a while. But not anymore.

I feel decluttered. It gives me a sense of drive. A drive that I have really really missed. This is a step toward becoming a better me.

My sister told me yesterday I feel like I have to meet society's standards.. & that has a big impact on why I was feel anxious. Old Kylie? Yes. That was the case. But no. I thought about it for a second, and what to know what I replied? "I just have high of standards for myself."

I have the potential to go ANYWHERE in life. To do ANYTHING that I want! I see that. So clearly.

Tomorrow I will start the day off strong. Happy & with my head held high. Nothing can stop me from going where I want to go.

You gotta take the good with the bad. I made the lost out of my bad day yesterday. I used it to push me forward.

How will you use yours?

This is honestly one of the best pictures I have ever come across. Think about what you want. If you aren't happy... Change it. Nothing will change if you don't.

Work towards being a better you. Everyday try to practice happiness, positivity, and random acts of kindness. You will see a difference in your all around complexion. You will glow. Others will gravitate towards you.

Be the good you want to see in others.

Would you like you, if you met you?

I feel like;

Currently taking a hot bath & sweating away all the stress.

I'm stressing again. A lot. I can always feel it takes a toll on me.. Yet I always carry it the same way.....all at once.

I've never been good at making time for stuff, I've always had this problem where I try to do more than I can handle. It usually bites me in the butt.. But 19 years later & I still haven't learned a lesson. It's a bit ridiculous the things I stress about though.. I swear sometimes I stress over things, because I don't have enough to stress over. I don't know if that makes any sense though. It might just be me. Who knows.

So right now I have typical teenager stresses.. Good grades, make money, family, love, friends, health.

So get this... If you have read my bio. You know that I am currently going to school for Kinesiology. I want to do something with personal training & occupational therapy. So.. With saying that if you took a guess- which 'stress' would you think I'm putting first? Health? Wrong.

I have completely put my health on the back-burner of my life. "Eating habits? Who needs 'em. Gym? Meh." That is literally my mentality right now, and you know what? I hate it. I hate everything about it. My insecurities are back... Bigger than ever. My positive attitude is hanging in there... But how long until it is gone? I am the bomb.com when it comes to being a positive impact in someone else's life... But unfortunately I've started to pick on myself more. When I realize I am doing it, I can stop myself.. But I can't stop myself before it happens.

Did you know it has been 11 months since grandmas passing?

It's almost been a full year.

The most unhealthy year of my life.

What I would do to be able to take control back over my life right now.

I've tried. And tried. And tried. And tried.

Now this is all positive because I have not failed yet, because failing means that I quit & I have not & will not quit.

My mom always tells me life is not that hard for the amount that I stress. & you know she is probably right. One day I will see that. But it seems like for now I am going to have to keep learning the hard way.

But my mama didn't raise a quitter. I never have been & I never will be. Tough times never last- tough people always do. And I for one am a tough girl. I can & tackle anything thrown at me.

The reward I will get when I tackle these obstacles is far better than receiving it without a struggle. The struggle makes you who you are.

And incase you were wondering- I am making this struggle my BITCH.

Btw- today is the first day of lent. So- in honor of Grandma, I am giving up all sweets/desserts. That was always grandmas go-to. So I am keeping up her tradition. Plus it is also a step in the direction I want to go.

Never give up on your goals. You can take breaks on the way to your destination... Just make sure you don't overstay your welcome.

Quote of the day:

This could not be more true. It speaks for itself. For every negative thought that I have, I replace it with a positive thought & I also throw out one happy thought for shits & giggles.

So beware when you say something negative- cuz you have to come back & double that with positivity!

ALSO- I followed through with a random act of kindness. I was in the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru (getting the salad I am addicted to!) & I paid for the lady behind me as well :) made me feel good to impact someone else's day.

Have a fabulous night everyone!

Have you ever?

Have you ever just looked at someone & thought to yourself something negative about them? Okay come on... Let's be honest, every single one of us has. The homeless person that is always at McDonalds asking for change... The lady working at Hooters... The old man working at the gas station... We have all made assumptions of these people... But have we ever given them the chance?

There is a song by Luke Bryan called 'You Don't Know Jack'. My music was on shuffle today & this song came up. I never skip a Luke Bryan song first of all, but for some reason this song hit me hard today. It is one of those days where I just decided to think about it. I like these days because they make me realize new things, open my eyes...

So anyways... The song. Basically it talks about Luke judging someone from the outside... Not realizing how they got to where they are. The title of the song has 2 meanings behind it. One being the phrase 'you don't know jack!' Like you don't know anything. & The other meaning behind it is you don't know Jack...Daniels.

"He asked me for a dollar... I said go get a job. I turned up my collar & started walkin' off. He said I don't blame you... I know what you think. I'll just spend your money to but another drink. But you don't know jack."

First off I want to say thank you to my father. Because without him.. I would not be the caring & giving person I am today. Unless I am in a situation that could be potentially dangerous, I will always help someone in need.

I will never forget the time that my dad decided to give money to a homeless man... Now- remember that I have my dads entire personality. So when we watch that guy go across the street & buy booze with it... I could feel it start to hit a nerve with me. But you know what my dad said?

"So be it... If that is what puts a smile on his face at night & helps him sleep... I am happy for him."

Believe it or not... This wasn't even sarcasm. This was the truth. My dad was genuinely happy that the man could get what keeps him alive. It made me see things totally different. Because honestly I the man did nothing wrong.. He didn't lie. He asked for some cash so my dad handed him some. It was fair.

Anther time that I will never forget- We went to McDonald's for a bathroom break on a vacation or something. My dad was inside. A man asked if my dad could buy him a breakfast sandwich for himself... There was one of those specials going on the 2 for 3 dollars or something & when the man ordered he told the casher he only wanted one sandwich (because that is what he had told my dad). My dad of course said no- it is one more dollar, please get what you would like. So the man did.

My dad is truly the most genuine man I have ever met in my life. He is constantly putting people before him & I could to thank him more for being the role model he has been for me.

All in all- I wanted to write about this because... I want to show myself the other side. I want to show myself that there is more than meets the eye.

Today- Show a random act of kindness. Make someone else's day. Hell, if you can... Make this entire life! What is stopping you?

Today is my tomorrow.

I know we have all heard the whole "tomorrow is the day" phrase a hundred times. And I know each & every one of us has probably said it thousands. I for one, am guilty of this. It's like- I feel so good one day, or at night & I am so ready to put my dreams into action.. Then something always stops me. What is it? Easy. It's my mind. I cannot blame it on anything else. I am battling myself... My mom is right she told me "it all depends on how bad you want it" & boy is that spot on.

So then... I just wonder. How bad do I want it? Is it just something that is always going to be 'just out of reach'? Or could it be a reality... But I am just not believing in myself enough? Well, there is only one way to find out- DO IT.

I am done saying tomorrow is the day...

I start writing in my blog everyday. I start fueling my body with the right nutrients it needs. I start killing my workouts 2x a day again. I start being a better friend, sister, daughter, girlfriend. I start practicing self love. I will read that book I've always wanted to. I will start giving my ALL to my jobs. I will stop texting & driving. I will keep my room clean. I will wake up when the alarm goes off. I will get straight A's.

Today is that tomorrow. Today is the day I become everything I have ever wanted to be.

I have such a huge drive & a desire to help people in life... But first- I need to remember to help myself. I keep forgetting that.

"The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday."

I am done with 'regretting' a meal. 'Regretting' not going to the gym. 'Regretting' not going into work earlier so I could sleep. 'Regretting' not writing in my blog one day.

I have the entire world in the palm of my hands... Nothing can stop me from getting where I want to go.

It's true what they say- your life only gets better when you do. You change your mind, you change your entire world. & Honestly... Is it really worth being at war with yourself for another day? No, it's not. The stress is too much. Being stressed out not only affects you, but it also affects others. You may not notice it, but you can easily take out your anger & self hate out on others... & No one deserves that. Especially you.

I am a big believer in the "fake it till you make it" way. If you pretend you are happy.. At some point.. You will start to realize that you actually are happy. It is a life changing experience & everyone deserves to feel it.

I challenge you to better yourself today.

Smile at the mailman

Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru

Don't eat at the drive-thru

Go to work early

Go to the gym

Eat an apple

Visit your grandma & grandpa

Tell your siblings you love them

Pay for someone's tank of gas

Give $20 to a homeless person

Cook dinner

Pet your dog longer than usual

Make time for yourself

Do arts & crafts

Anything. Do something TODAY that you will thank your future self for. Because honestly... A year from now, you will have wish you would have started TODAY.

A Letter To Me

I haven't posted in a while... I have been busy with work, school, and most importantly my thoughts.  Life tends to get in the way sometimes, but I am learning how to start sorting it out and I am also learning how to take a step back and take my time.

If you have never heard the song "A Letter To Me" by Brad Paisley, I suggest you go listen to it.  It is an amazing song about Brad writing a letter to himself back when he was 17.  He goes over things like his first heartbreak, passing classes, learning to let things be... It is really inspirational to me.  Because I am only 19 years old.... it makes me really think, when I am his age, I am going to wish I did more when I was young and able to!

So, I decided to get the lyrics of Brad Paisley's song, and change them up to fit my life.  I think it will be cool.  I will be able to look back on this when I grow older, as well as maybe get something to click now.

So with saying that, these are not the REAL lyrics.  A lot of them will be the same, but I am changing a few things!

A Letter to Kylie

If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at 17
First I'd prove it's me by saying, look inside your drawers
There's a bottle of Smirnoff vodka no one else would know you hid
And then I'd say I know its tough
When you break up after eighteen months
And yeah I know you really liked him and it just don't seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it's rare

And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
He wasn't right for you
And still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back
And you're wondering if you'll survive
You'll make it through this and you'll see
You're still around to write this letter to me

At the stop sign at Hastings and Shannon,
Always stop completely don't just tap your brakes
And when you get a date with Michael, make sure he likes you first...
On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool :)
Each and every time you have a fight
Just assume you're wrong and mom and dad are right
And you should really thank your sister
She spend so much extra time
It's like she sees the diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine

And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 18 it's hard to see past each school day
This weekend everyone wants you to come Tech
But you're staying home instead because if you fail any class
Mom and dad will kill you dead...
Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C
And you're still around to write this letter to me

You've got so much up ahead
You'll make new friends
You should see your kids and husband
And I'd end up saying have no fear
These are nowhere near the best years of your life

I guess I'll see you in the mirror
When you're a grown woman
P.S.- go hug your Grandma every chance you can.. <3

And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 19 it's hard to see past tomorrow night
I wish you'd study Bio
I wish you'd take your time in class
I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be
I'd say have a little faith and you'll see

If I could write a letter to me
To me

Everything in here is so true... my favorite parts of this actual song are:

"I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be.  And I'd say have a little faith & you'll see."

"You got so much up ahead, you'll make new friends."

And my favorite line:

"And I'd end by saying' have no fear, these are nowhere near the best years of your life."

The lines that I added that I need to do more/should have done more:

"And you should really thank your sister, She spend so much extra time. It's like she sees the diamond underneath. And she's polishing you 'til you shine."

"Go hug your grandma, every chance you can."

"Just assume your wrong and mom and dad are right."

I am too young to understand why things happen... but I am old enough to make a change in my life.  I am old enough to say this is not how my story will end.  I am too young, happy, and I have WAY too much going for me to let it all go to waste.  I do not want to look back on life wishing that I would have done something better.  I won't let it happy.

I am so thankful for everyone in my life. I am such a blessed girl.  Thank you everyone who has made it possible for me to realize my worth.  I love you all.

Anyways, on a side note-

My eating habits today have been fantastic! I packed lunch, dinner, and a snack and water for school today! And I ate breakfast at home!  Gotta save my money!  I am possibly moving out at the end of June, so I need to start saving up while I can :)

Things are really looking up for me.  I am very happy.

 

 

 

Today was a turning point

I came across 5 questions today.

How do YOU define happiness?

What makes you happy?

What’s getting in the way of your happiness?

What changes do you need to make to be happier?

When are you happiest?

I was trying to find answers to a question that has been on my mind recently…  But instead I found questions.  These questions spoke more to me than a simple answer would have.  My question was… Why do I find myself struggling so much?  Struggling with what?  Well… everything.  But, these questions quickly brought me to an answer.

When I answered the questions…

What is happiness?

Well to me, before you can answer this question you need to ask yourself another question as well.    To help people?  To be a teacher?  A mechanic?  Engineer?  Mother?  Friend?  Why were you given this beautiful life?  Well, when you can answer that question, you also just found the answer to what happiness it.  Happiness is finding your one true passion in life.  For me, that is helping people.  I get a natural high off making someone’s day.  Whether it is a sweet text message, baking someone cookies, giving advice, helping someone through a tough workout… Anything.  Whatever I can do to make a difference in someone’s day makes me happy.  So to me, happiness is pursuing your dreams, going through heartaches to reach your final destination.  The journey is always the hardest and most rewarding part…  Happiness is always worth it.

Why were you put on this earth?

What makes you happy?

There are so many things that make me happy, just to touch the surface…

My family. My dogs. My friends. Singing. My job. Making money. Spending money. Babysitting. My car. The Kansas Jayhawks. Watching basketball. Running. Exercising. My boyfriend. Music. Dancing. Laughing. Waking up early. Long car rides to nowhere. Helping people. Diet coke. Giving compliments. Receiving compliments. Giving advice. Talking. Meeting new people. Quotes. Building relationships. Coloring. Studying. Shopping. Getting dressed up. Children. Old couples. My grandmothers memory.

What’s getting in the way of your happiness?

Well, I am just going to come out and say it, even though I don’t want to admit it.  Myself.  As I have mentioned before, my grandma passed a little over 7 months ago now, and my life has not been the same.  Before her passing, I was at my prime, I rekindled all the missed relationships, my physical fitness state made me jump for joy, and school was going fantastic… Everything seemed to be great.  The best part?  I loved myself.  I was genuinely happy.  I never second-guessed anything about myself; I strictly followed my heart making conscious decisions on what would help me keep bettering myself.  I loved my life.

What changes do you need to make to be happier?

It is simple; I need to stop doing things that I know I will ‘regret’.  I am VERY hard on myself.  I have very high standards for myself.  I know what it takes to be healthy- mentally and physically, and I hate that I am settling for less nowadays.  My changes:

STOP using negative words (can’t, never, could have, would have, should have).

Eat a healthy diet.  No excuses.  I know what it means to eat a healthy diet, and I will pursue this again.

Exercise every damn day.  I need to make my day revolve around exercising like I used to.  It made me feel amazing, and I want that feeling back.

Have time to yourself more.

Study more.

Spend more time with my family (especially grandpa).

Put myself first again.  My happiness comes first, always.

Don’t settle. PUSH.

No more naps, live everyday to the FULLEST.

Keep my car & room clean… UNCLUTTER.

When are you happiest?

Easy.  Right after a very intense workout.  Waking up the next morning having to crawl out of bed because I am so sore. Choosing all 100% healthy options.  I miss the feeling I would get when people would be so amazed at how healthy my life was, inside and out.  It was one of the best feelings I will ever feel.  I am happiest also when I wake up at 5:30 to start my day, everyday.

A month from now, I am going to re-answer this question, and the answer will be now.

Standing on the glass
ledge at the top of the
Sears Tower (Willis Tower)

Don’t get me wrong, I love my life now, and I am so happy with how far I have come, still to this day.  BUT I am not as good as I used to be.  On the surface, I look like the happiest girl you will ever come across.  But my mind sometimes tells me otherwise.  I picked up an old bad habit, lost my healthy diet, and lost my want to exercise.  I stopped putting my happiness first, and I stopped giving myself time in the day for personal reflection.

Well, to no surprise, I finally came to a breaking point.  I have been struggling for the past 7 months on getting back to where I was, but finally a light bulb went off.  One of my best friends Shelby Ingram told me- “you are going to have to be miserable for a little while if you want to be happy again.”  Out of all the advice I have been getting on what to do, this was by far the best.  It made me realize that I

have to push through; I have come way too far to give up now.  The struggle is what makes the end worth it.  I will never settle for defeat.  Ever.

Highlights of my day:

Getting to spend time with my family

Going for a run, then finishing it out with a walk with my sister & Piper

Getting to see Shelby & cleaning out my car with her

Michael's sign, filled with inside jokes

Spending time with my boyfriend, who makes me laugh more than anything.  It is impossible to be in a bad mood with him.

Having personal reflection on myself, & realizing what I need to do to help myself

And lastly, finishing out my day with cuddles from my dogs

Highlights of my past week:

My sister & I taking a trip to Chicago to see the Kansas Jayhawks BEAT the Duke Blue Devils

Going up the Sears Tower (Willis Tower), conquering a fear

Arriving to Dulles to find my two best friends Rachel & Nathan waiting at the airport for me, then them taking me around the corner to find Michael there with a sign & flowers asking me to be his girlfriend

Daily motivation, short and sweet:

“Be happy.”