How To Be Okay With Where You Are Right Now

et's be honest for a second, okay? Being content or staying present (whatever you want to call it) has never been my strong point. I enjoy the process of daydreaming and then immediately tackling them to produce productivity. Thinking about the future is what is constantly on my mind. I always push myself to achieve new goals. But, sometimes fear or a particular funk can slow me down, which brings me to writing this post.

Wherever you may find yourself, whether it is transitioning into a new career, a break-up, moving cities, or dealing with post-grad life (like me) all of these spaces create some weird feelings that typically get pushed aside or consume our every thought and action. Personally, my two-month-long summer needs to fade and be replaced with the somber realities that grace periods on my student loans are soon to lift, tests have to be passed, observation hours in a classroom is a must, and the process of applying for a credential program will be due in the fall.

This season comes with a lot of emotions on my end to make things happen, but in the same breath, it doesn't seem like a big change. It is the in-between-phase that seems to be the hardest, doesn't it? So, how can I be okay with where I am, when I desperately desire a change, or to enter into a different season? Here are a few things I'm doing to practice contentment with a subtle reminder to get moving!

 1. realize it is temporary // Everything we go through has a season. Some we wish would pass faster than others, but time is really the only factor in some spaces we grow through. In my transition of change, I constantly have to remind myself it is temporary. It won't always be like this, as long as I work towards my goals. A phrase that I have held onto this summer is "just keep swimming." 2. feel grateful // This may be the most difficult to practice. Honestly, it can be so simple to achieve, we just have to want to feel this way. In a season of change or a lack of it may produce low moods. It is easier to sulk and feel sad than to keep a positive attitude (at least for me). Keep a journal, surround yourself with positive people, or spend a few minutes in a place that warms your soul every day. I love it when I can bring myself out of a funk when I realize that my situation is far less important than someone else's battles. 3. stay present // As you can tell from this post, being present is a challenge for me. I have always believed that I must keep going and doing in order to perform, to look busy or successful. But, during this time it is okay to say that life is slow. I do not have to have a life announcement every week. I can enjoy each day, no matter how boring they may be. Besides, I will wish one day that I would have relaxed in my determination once I am in the thick of school.

Solo Trip To Carlsbad

few weeks ago, I spent the day down in Carlsbad for some much-needed vitamin D. It was right before our heat wave came, so it was a beautiful 75 degrees out. My version of the beach includes a light sweater to pair with my jeans, sunglasses to block out the glimpse of sunshine shining through the fog, and ice cold ocean water to wash off my sandy feet. Well, it was a little warmer than my ideal, but it was lovely just the same. I don't know about you...but I honestly hate going places alone. I have never really opened up about it before, but part of my anxiety revolves around this concept. Running certain errands are easy, but I am not the type to go shopping without a friend. You'll never find me at a restaurant or movie theatre by myself. This day was different though.

Something inside of me was longing for isolation. A time to just sit with my thoughts and write them down. Trying to escape certain emotions for too long is just not healthy and it was catching up with me. Ironically, I traveled to the ocean for some inspiration and clarity.

The whole day went along so smoothly. I am still on my no-sugar challenge, so for lunch, I treated myself to an acai bowl at my favorite place, Nekter. It became my obsession in college, and I suddenly was reminded why. Rich whole foods help my body (and mind) so much! Afterward, I hooked up my GPS to the nearest Pressed Juicery Freeze, which ended up being apart of the coolest outlet mall. So, I had to stop in Anthropologie, my favorite store ever. I always thought that the closest one was in La Jolla, so I was excited to discover one in Carlsbad. Anyways, Pressed is known for their cleansing juices, but I love them for their vegan ice cream. It was incredible. Plus, because it is all natural sugar, I was able to enjoy it on my no-sugar challenge. Just another reason to thank Orange County during my college days!

1. // You are much braver than you realize.

2. // Never allow your productivity to measure your sense of worth.

3. // Being messy is a form of beauty.

4. // Despite the past, the ocean is a place that makes you feel free.

5. // Always write, even when it's hard.

June: 12 Things

appy June everyone! I hope you are excited for summer just as much as I am. I have a few fun events that are already in the works and I'm on count down. I am slowly getting back into blogging since I graduated from college. So, bare with me, because I feel like I'm all over the place. Anyways, I thought I'd share a few things on my mind.

1. The other day while shopping at Hobby Lobby, I came across an aisle that had a craft I use to love, cross-stitch. I decided to buy a tiny kit for like $2 to see if I could still do it. I haven't done one since Jr. High, but I'm obsessed. It all came back to me so quickly. Spending time on my phone while watching a movie or something just gets old. Now, I can do something productive.

2. As you saw from my last post, I have been Bible journaling a lot lately. Being creative this summer is my goal.

3. The other day I went on a solo trip to the beach and it was the first time I had ever done something like that. I have a post coming on my experience, so stay tuned.

4. I am just starting to watch Downton Abby! I know I am super late to hop on this trendy series, but I just discovered it on Amazon Prime. I am on episode 3, so no spoilers!

5. Right now, I am doing another 30-day challenge of eating no sugar. I am on day 12 and feeling so good. I have had a few cravings, but they seem to only pop-up on the weekends.

6. I was a bridesmaid in my best friends wedding this memorial weekend. The whole week leading up to the wedding was the best, because of the bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner. I love weddings so much. I can't believe I have been a bridesmaid twice now!

7. See that corkboard in the photo above? I just created that little summer mood board, and I'm loving how it turned out!!

8. Lately, I haven't been super into blogging. I don't know why really. Sometimes I just hate being on my laptop. Perhaps, it's where I feel my anxiety rise more. Do you any of you ever feel the pressure, stress, or lack of interest on any platforms online? Maybe, I'll have to talk more about this sometime.

9. My closet is looking so good. I bought a piece of furniture from Target and put it inside my closet. It feels freeing to have that space all clean.

10. I really need to wash my car, haha.

11. I am getting so excited that June is here! I have a few really special occasions/events that I am going to. One is to attend a graduation, and then a Shakespeare play in the wineries.

12. Maybe later this year I will do it, but I am itching to cut my hair. I was looking back in high school and my short hair was just so fun. I am in need of a drastic change, and other than a haircut, I'm not sure what it's supposed to look like for me.

Life Lately

appy Monday everyone! It's been a hot minute since I began typing for this space. I needed to take a break, though this time it wasn't planned. It just happened. So many emotions have taken root since March (my last post) and the thought of pouring my soul onto a blank canvas was the last thing I felt like doing. Now that I'm here, I didn't realize how much I've missed it.

I honestly don't know what I desire for my blog. The typical how-to posts may not be what I'm after anymore, which is why I haven't created any content recently. I suppose this space is just going to be a place where I share my life happenings + feelings. More raw, real life stuff that isn't always glamorous. While I'm in the process of figuring out what I want that to look like, let's just dive into a few things I've been up to.

Watching: 
I just finished The Hart of Dixie. It was a little cheesy towards the end, but during the first two seasons, I was hooked. Honestly, I was just getting a kick out of the 2012 fashion trends and smokey eye looks, haha. Has anyone else seen it?

Reading: 
Summer reading can finally be a thing! No more college means I can choose a book to read for pleasure. I am planning on reading Masterpiece by Francine Rivers and Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks. These are two of my favorite authors so hopefully, they won't disappoint.

Listening: 
One artist that I found while searching for old music I listened to in high school was Austin Mahone. Many of you may not know who he is, but he reminds me of a blend of Justin Bieber and Ne-Yo. A few favorites include "Way Up, Do It Right, and Except For Us."

Struggling With:
All the feelings that come with being a post-grad. I'm not done by any means but I do have a little window of time before jumping into my next program to become a teacher. I'm still working in retail, but it feels weird not having any homework.

Looking Forward To:
Creating a travel art journal. I have been trying to create my own for years now but they never worked well for me. But, I saw this YouTuber begin one and it was more like a scrapbook/sketchbook for painting. I just ordered a blank sketchbook from Amazon and I can't wait to get started. I have two fun trips coming up this summer and I hope to share them on here soon!

I Graduated With My Bachelor's Degree

graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in English!!! These last four years have been the most challenging and the most rewarding of my entire life. Honestly, I have been trying to think of what to say for this blog post for a whole week now. Where do I start? Earning my Bachelor's degree has been my life long dream that I've been working towards since Jr. High. Over this past March, I seriously didn't even want to graduate. The fear of the unknown or starting something new felt all too much. I was comfortable in college. I knew what was expected of me. I felt safe.

But, if college has taught me anything it is that things never stay the same or end up the way I imagined. And that's okay. Because I've grown in so many ways, I barely recognize the girl I was when I started. Through this time I've gained a love of poetry, public speaking, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gilmore Girls. I've overcome horrible roommate situations, loss of a friendship, living on my own, and trying new endeavors through choir and journalism. I learned that I am so hard on myself.  I learned that my kindness may be taken as a weakness, but it is not. I learned the value of grace.

Here I am a few days post-grad and I feel relieved to be done. I imagined the feeling of being done more bitter-sweet than exciting. But, I am looking forward to this summer and enjoying some time to just breathe. I just have to say that I would not have been able to reach this point without the encouragement and support from my family! So beyond excited to see all the ways the Lord will work in me as I continue on throughout this journey of becoming a teacher!

5 Ways To Get Outside More

n Southern California summer is right around the corner and I am feeling all the feels. I literally become a different person when the sun is out. Over the weekend, I woke up early, made my bed, went on a walk with my dog, and treated myself to a Starbucks drink. It was the best weekend (mentally) I've had in a long time.

So, I just starting thinking about how I can enjoy the sunshine even more, since it's been helping me so much. I came up with a list below of five ways to take advantage of the spring/summer weather. I love exploring new places so hopefully this will also be an incentive for me to take the time to try new things. What do you do to enjoy the outdoors? 

1.Attend local events. 
Farmer's markets, concerts in the park, or festivals are great way to soak up some sun, along with being involved in your community.

2. Eat outside.
This is such a powerful shift in your daily routine when trying to be conscious of enjoying the outdoors a little bit more. I've been trying to implement this whenever I go to a restaurant. I normally refuse sitting out on the patio at eatery places due to the service, but there is nothing like some vitamin D and natural sun light when out and about.

3. Watch a sunset.
This is my favorite of them all! Watching a sunset is just so peaceful, and I love the way it makes me feel so happy. A great thing about a sunset is that everyone can experience this whether at the beach, mountains, or city.

4. Take a walk in your neighborhood.
I've been doing this a lot lately with my dog. She has been full of energy recently so being outside with her has helped in that department, haha!

5. Explore your local park or garden.
For those of you who live in a city this is an easy way to step into nature. I am a tad envious of the parks that surround New York. But, for myself here in Southern California, I'm planning a trip to Balboa Park to see all there gardens.