30 Reasons To Be Grateful This November

Creating a gratitude list is something I've implemented more regularly into my life this year. I've truly seen the benefits of taking the time to focus on the good that surrounds me. Whenever I suffer from anxiety or a certain funk it can be hard to feel grateful sometimes. But, I find it's the only thing that pulls me out of my situation and provides a different perspective. Honestly, 2019 has turned out to be completely different than ever planned. Yet, every day my gratitude list grows because I chose to focus on the small things. Here are 30 reasons I can be full of gratitude this month.

1. // Being exposed to poetry during my last semester of college. And enjoying the process of writing my own pieces.
 2. // The well-being of my family.
3. // Going to Disneyland with my sister.
4. //  Changing of leaves so soon in Cali compared to last season.
5. // My pup, Lily, turned 10 years old this month.
6. // Gilmore Girls is still on netflix.
7. // My comfy space around me that makes me feel at peace.
8. // Everyday conversations I get to have with my mom.
9. // Chai tea with vanilla almond milk.
 10. // I'm glad that I was able to not only recognize my need to be off social media during this time but listening to my well-being, despite how hard it can be to not be apart of the daily happenings on Instagram.
11. // Twinkle lights.
12. // To be learning the concept of grace.
13. // Talk solely in movie references with my sister, Hannah.
14. // I gratuated with my Bachelor's degree.
15. // Christmas music by Frank Sinatra.

16. // For creativity in all mediums (paint, photography, and cross-stitching).
17. // Chocolate. Always.
18. // My new job in order entry.
19. // Leopard print is back in style.
21. // Found a new hobby, cross-stitching, that allows me to be creative and work with my hands.
22. // Being able to pray for anything.
23. // Homemade cooking.
24. // Laughter, because it makes me feel free.
25. // California beaches.
26. // My gold jewelry.
27. // Early cold mornings.
28. // I was able to be a bridesmaid for the second time for my best friend, Emily!
29. // My short haircut.
30. // This blog of mine. Throughout these seven years, it has served so many purposes for me. I love being able to express myself fully, along with meeting so many sweet readers in this blogosphere.

Three New Things | October

Long-time no talk, eh? Well, I am coming at you with a few reasons as to why that has been such a hard habit to break lately. I absolutely love reading blogs, but when it comes to creating my own posts, man is it hard. But, I have been trying to create something different here that I can actually obtain realistically. Those outfit styled photoshoots or how-to posts are probably long gone. So, hopefully, you are down for less styled content and more journal-type entries that speak solely on matters of the heart. Okay, my rant is over. Onto some updates for the month of October...

I cut my hair short. Okay, so back in March I had my routinely scheduled haircut appointment, but barely had a trim so in my graduation photos I would have long hair. Well, I never followed up in the summer-time, so here I am with super long hair (probably the longest I've ever had) and very unhealthy. It was so thin and damaged. I knew it needed at least 3 inches cut off. Well, it was more like 5 inches once I sat in that chair. It hasn't been this short since senior year of high school (any OG readers remember that?) I have to say I love it so much! Now I just need to learn new ways to style it, haha.

Already 26 days into my social media break. That's right, your girl deleted her Instagram and Facebook apps on her iPhone. I honestly was so tired of being bogged down by the weight of it all. My mental health has been a lot this summer, and social media was not helping at all. You know it's time to say goodbye for a while when it leaves you feeling tainted. I don't know when I'll pop back on, but for now, I'm just enjoying the silence.

Goodbye retail, hello order entry! Ahhh, you guys this is such exciting news for me. I quit my job in retail and took a full-time position as an order entry specialist. Working retail taught me so much (like can we just put those jeans back on the correct shelf, or say hello back to your cashier?) but I began feeling so irritated by every little thing. You know it is time to leave your job when it no longer challenges you to become a better version of yourself. Bottom line, it is not where my passion lies. So, it has been one week since I started my new position, and I love it so much already. A professional environment is just completely my vibe. I enjoy wearing blazers and high heels to work. Working at a desk just makes me so happy. I think I am really going to love this change.

5 Things University Taught Me

oday, your University graduate is finally taking some time to go down memory lane and reflect on some of the hardest and most exciting times from these past four years. My college experience felt like a long road, compared to high school. I chose the community college path before fulfilling my dream of university life, which didn't meet the hype of my expectations as I envisioned. And that brought me to finish my Bachelor's degree online at California Baptist University. Every step has strengthened me in so many ways, I'll never regret the decisions that were made along the way.

I have talked a lot about my college experience on the blog, but they only reflect the mindset and lifestyle of my freshman and sophomore years. So, below are the most significant life lessons university taught me, which just happens to have taken place during my upperclassman years.

1. Criticism is the foundation of growth // Typing out that sentence gives me the chills. Mostly, because criticism is what I fear most. It was a lesson that tested me in my journalism course at Vanguard. The class size was no more than eight, but every few weeks when our articles were due, we would gather around in a large circle and share our documents with everyone on google docs to make comments in one space. These comments were given verbally, face-to-face, so hiding behind our laptop screens weren't an option. Whenever it became my turn for my article to be edited, I just wanted to crawl under the table. Talk about an immediate way to make my stomach drop, especially around writers that I admired and wish I could imitate in my own writing.

I believe, that in high school we are so encouraged to just tackle assignments that we walk away receiving too many 'gold stars' just for the sake of completion. Please, do not let me fool you into believing that I would enjoy less 'gold stars' but at times I entered certain courses with the mindset of "I've always been an A student for my essays." This, in turn, would completely shatter my spirit and enthusiasm if I ever received anything less.

So, it was during these moments, hearing from my classmates about how my article needed to be improved or even praised, I gained an appreciation for criticism. It has made me a stronger writer. After all, I am not choosing to pay such a high tuition rate to hear how amazing my writing is by my professors.

2. You are more capable than you realize // I absolutely loved being in college, because it brought out my extremely motivated side. I enjoyed the hustle of assignments, proving myself to new professors, brainstorming with classmates, and ultimately staying on track with my goals to graduate. But, at times, it wasn't always that simple. I had so many highs and lows, mentally and physically. I worked so hard to succeed, that I faced so much conflict like never before, but I stood my ground. My list could go on and on with moments that I spent too much time worrying about, but at the end of the day, I did it. Through the mess and through the joys, I did it. Girl, give yourself more credit next time.

3. Self-care for me does not involve Netflix // Most valuable piece of information I discovered about myself in college, is that Netflix is not self-care. Rather, it is an escape mechanism that leads to more problems than needed. Self-care is not about giving in to guilty pleasures. It is replenishing parts of myself that become drained at the end of the week. Here is what I do now; practice inward gratitude by keeping a journal, write poetry, treat myself to a mani/pedi, stay on top of my skincare routine, honor the boundaries that I put in place for those around me, say yes to more experiences, and take a bath. 

4. Dorm life wasn't everything, and that is okay // My first and only year living in the dorms taught me that I didn't need my own space to learn true independence. Deep down, I knew this all along. I let the ideals of a college experience could my ability to know who I truly am. Despite all the ups and downs of living in the dorms, it was needed to show me that, perhaps, true independence is realizing that it will only blossom when we are staying true to ourselves. Even though all the pressure, I had to overcome, I've finally accepted that the dorm life didn't have to be my holy grail when it came to my overall college experience.

5. Writing or analyzing poetry inspires me // Thanks to my British Poetry course, I now find so much joy in not only understanding the realm of poetry but actually writing it myself. I love it so much that I just decided to share a few on the blog now, so be sure to look out for future little poems that represent my heart at all times.

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.