I am a firm believer in that everything happens for a reason. That we were meant to go through certain trials to lead us to where we are supposed to go, and that the people who come into our lives were meant to. Sometimes I come across a song, story or even person who impacts my life in the most random moments, and I think to myself, "Wow.. I really needed to hear that at this exact moment in my life." Recently, I heard a person share their story through a powerful song that they wrote. I instantly had the goosebumps feeling, the overwhelming realization that in that exact second, I was supposed to be there. With that said, I've decided to share exactly just that- information that could in this very moment be what you really needed to hear. If it can help change just one persons life for the better, even for just a small moment, than this will be well worth the five minutes out of a twenty-four hour day. Just trust me. Here are five ways my life has dramatically changed.
Its O.K. to be alone
This is one that has always been hard for me. I have always been someone who is rarely single and always surrounded by family and friends. I didn't like having time to myself because I was legitimately scared of all the time I had by myself. It would be too quiet, too lonely and too boring. The issue I had was being confined to my room or house. Now, I value the hours I get by myself, making sure to keep a balance of socializing and time with myself. I spend afternoons outside, making sure to run, walk, do yoga or whatever it is I feel like. In the evenings I allot quiet time so that I can pray, meditate and read God's word and actually focus on it. When I am alone and feel as though I am unsure what to do, I can then take the moment to reflect on what He is asking from me at that moment. I also spend time listening to music, catching up on things I have to do, etc. Being alone really isn't anything to be scared of. Sometimes it is when you find yourself.
This is one that has always been hard for me. I have always been someone who is rarely single and always surrounded by family and friends. I didn't like having time to myself because I was legitimately scared of all the time I had by myself. It would be too quiet, too lonely and too boring. The issue I had was being confined to my room or house. Now, I value the hours I get by myself, making sure to keep a balance of socializing and time with myself. I spend afternoons outside, making sure to run, walk, do yoga or whatever it is I feel like. In the evenings I allot quiet time so that I can pray, meditate and read God's word and actually focus on it. When I am alone and feel as though I am unsure what to do, I can then take the moment to reflect on what He is asking from me at that moment. I also spend time listening to music, catching up on things I have to do, etc. Being alone really isn't anything to be scared of. Sometimes it is when you find yourself.
Don't say no to something just because of fear
Anyone who knows me can tell you that up until pretty recently, I loved my routine and would rarely let anything get in that way. Eight hours of sleep, cereal for breakfast and evening runs are still things that I value, but if I am not able to do these everyday I accept that. I decided to spend my last semester of college not worrying so much about time and what I was doing, and decided to spend my time getting out and going on adventures with friends. Thursdays-Sundays were spent with very little dedication to sleep, and very much dedication to exploring. I went on trips to the beach, surrounding cities, bar hopped and late night pizza runs. I hung out with completely different people who turned out to be the best kind. I absolutely cherish the time I spent and would absolutely regret if I hadn't taken full advantage of my last semester. I realized that sleep is important, but living in the moment is the kind of stuff that I look back on now and am grateful for those amazing memories.
Anyone who knows me can tell you that up until pretty recently, I loved my routine and would rarely let anything get in that way. Eight hours of sleep, cereal for breakfast and evening runs are still things that I value, but if I am not able to do these everyday I accept that. I decided to spend my last semester of college not worrying so much about time and what I was doing, and decided to spend my time getting out and going on adventures with friends. Thursdays-Sundays were spent with very little dedication to sleep, and very much dedication to exploring. I went on trips to the beach, surrounding cities, bar hopped and late night pizza runs. I hung out with completely different people who turned out to be the best kind. I absolutely cherish the time I spent and would absolutely regret if I hadn't taken full advantage of my last semester. I realized that sleep is important, but living in the moment is the kind of stuff that I look back on now and am grateful for those amazing memories.
You're going to make mistakes and it will all turn out fine
Sure, you'll forget to do something at work, accidentally burn your chicken for the millionth time, or completely bomb your midterm. In the moment, these things seem like the complete end of the world (maybe not the chicken part). But in reality, they are so incredibly small in the grand scheme of things. Now that I have graduated college, I can't even remember what grades I got on exams. They don't matter anymore now that I have my degree and I know overall I worked really hard for it. Keep your chin up, things are going to happen and you will make it through.
Sure, you'll forget to do something at work, accidentally burn your chicken for the millionth time, or completely bomb your midterm. In the moment, these things seem like the complete end of the world (maybe not the chicken part). But in reality, they are so incredibly small in the grand scheme of things. Now that I have graduated college, I can't even remember what grades I got on exams. They don't matter anymore now that I have my degree and I know overall I worked really hard for it. Keep your chin up, things are going to happen and you will make it through.
Always say how you feel
I've grown up having countless people say I needed tougher skin, to express less, and the list goes on. For a good amount of it, I actually believed them. I would get upset with myself for getting upset. The problem with trying to act as if nothing bothers you is that you are allowing people to treat you poorly. If someone does wrong by you and you don't like how it impacted you, tell them. They should know that what they did was not okay.
I've grown up having countless people say I needed tougher skin, to express less, and the list goes on. For a good amount of it, I actually believed them. I would get upset with myself for getting upset. The problem with trying to act as if nothing bothers you is that you are allowing people to treat you poorly. If someone does wrong by you and you don't like how it impacted you, tell them. They should know that what they did was not okay.
There is always someone out there who could use you're help
Whether it is traveling the world to do missionary work, or just going through your daily routine, you can help someone dramatically. Try looking at the comments on Facebook or YouTube for instance. I was listening to Hillsong's "Oceans" recently, and started scrolling through the comments for the first time. It amazed me how many people as for prayers in those comments. People struggle everyday and are willing to ask for help from a variety of ways- even social media. Those posts and comments are filled with sadness, joy and even regrets as they ask for some sort of guidance. What if when you asked someone how they were, they didn't respond by saying "good" but rather "I'm having a hard day." You would probably be caught off guard. Just imagine what the world would be like if we actually answered these questions honestly. If you're not sure what to do just know a hug will go a long way.
Whether it is traveling the world to do missionary work, or just going through your daily routine, you can help someone dramatically. Try looking at the comments on Facebook or YouTube for instance. I was listening to Hillsong's "Oceans" recently, and started scrolling through the comments for the first time. It amazed me how many people as for prayers in those comments. People struggle everyday and are willing to ask for help from a variety of ways- even social media. Those posts and comments are filled with sadness, joy and even regrets as they ask for some sort of guidance. What if when you asked someone how they were, they didn't respond by saying "good" but rather "I'm having a hard day." You would probably be caught off guard. Just imagine what the world would be like if we actually answered these questions honestly. If you're not sure what to do just know a hug will go a long way.