Here's To: My Year In Review

Hi friends! So, I figured for my last post of the year, I would send out a little dedication to just a few of the many, many people who continue to make my life bright! So without further ado: Out with the old & In with the new: Here's to the highlights of my year in review!



Easter with my sister! I don't always get to see her much anymore so when we're all back together again.. it's always a wonderful & blessed time.

Volunteering at a local animal shelter for the first time! This little guy, Gizmo, is blind in one eye and only has 3 legs. Regardless, I instantly fell in love with him. It was such a rewarding day that I hope to rescue a shelter dog myself someday.

Spring Cotillion with these lovely ladies from the "block" I live in at my college. If you can believe it; we're probably about 18 in number & that's only counting the girls! Also, we have this knack for staying in touch with each other at literally almost all times. You could say we're pretty impressive. 

Meet Lisa! No, no.. not me.. the other Lisa! She's basically my other half and together we make Lisa^2. Fun fact: She's actually a twin! 

As I've mentioned in earlier posts... Life is basically not complete without Chipotle runs.

Or stops at Starbucks.. especially with one of your best friends!

Poll: Doesn't everyone get this excited when they arrive at Starbucks?
Correction: SHOULDN'T everyone be this excited when they arrive at Starbucks?

Me with some of my gals on the first day of our Junior Year!

Meet Ms. Stewart! I say Ms. Stewart because she's going to be the teacher of my future children! I know we're holding balloon animals here.. but, in all actuality I should be holding an apple and she a ruler. What, I get out of line sometimes? Someone has to keep me in check, haha.

Ya know how I mentioned that me & my friends, family.. always have a way of staying in touch. Here's a picture of us having a Sunday brunch just like if we were at school during the summertime! Note: Some of us pictured here even live in a different state. If that's not love.. I don't know what is?!

Now, the lovely lady pictured to the left of me is named Julie! She's been my best friend since we were in second grade and I'm blessed that I get to say that she'll be friends with me for the rest of forever. On the right side of me, is a beautifully strong and talented girl named Bethany with pipes that won't wait! I just know that she's going to make it big one day and I can't wait to come to all of her shows on the big stage. I'll never forget musical try-outs and hearing this freshman come along and school every last single one of us. I remember I needed to just know who this wonderful voice belonged to.. & thus our friendship was born! 

Fun fact: Bethany was Cosette in the Geyer Performing Arts production of Les Miserables!

So, our best-friendship lies somewhere between the "What Do You Mean" - Justin Bieber song.. and a "Best Friend "by Jason Mraz song. So I guess that means our fire new mixtape would be called What Do You Mean Best Friend?? Haha... Meet Brenna! She's one of the dearest people to my heart and we're two peas in a pod..or just one pea, due to the fact that we're literally the same person. Whether it's losing track of time and staying up until the next morning talking, needing someone else to help me make that $15 minimum when ordering out, or when it comes down to just having a spontaneous all-out dance party. Trust me, if you have a  Brenna, you most certainly have all you'll ever need to make your day just a bit brighter for the rest of forever!

Fun Fact: Brenna was the first person I ever met at my campus by happenstance & the rest is history! 

(P.S.: The universe is on our side again Brenster.. Best Friend came on as soon as I got to you!)

This was taken as part of Brenna and I's nature walk.. that just so happens to double as a short-cut to DQ!

Now, I'll be the first to tell you that I suck at bowling. Always have.. but I definitely never pass up a chance to have fun even if it means making a fool of myself. Or in this case; bowling a fool of myself.

Here's a picture of me the first time I went to the pumpkin patch!

Never met a pumpkin I didn't like

Remember the mysterious girl in that picture above of us at our second home.. also called Starbucks. That was Sarah! Check out her fashion & lifestyle blog here!

What do you get when you combine Waldo, a robber, a housewife, and 1/3 of snap, crackle, and pop? I actually don't know..please, feel free to leave a comment below if you think of an answer.

Just a bunch of us halloweenies!

Meet Samantha! I've know her since middle school and don't ya know she followed me to college. Here are a few pics of our exploration around our beautiful campus!  

Here's a pic of me & some of my best friends since the beginning: Alexandra, Brenna, and Sarah at our school's Light Up Night!

Last but not least, this picture is from our blocks "Secret Santa" night! 

So there ya have it.. this has been my year in review! I want to say to those pictured and even those not pictured.. that you bless my life everyday in ways I can't explain. I can't thank you all enough for all you do & just know that I wouldn't want to spend my time with anyone else!

To all my readers out there, I hope your year was as wonderful as mine and that the new year brings you many blessings. 

~Here's to 2016~

How To: Throw the Perfect NYE Party!

It's that time of year again! Ya know, the time for New Year's Resolutions, gatherings with friends, sparkling everything, and of course the much anticipated NYE Party!

So, how do you go about planning the perfect NYE Party.. you ask? That's where I come in! Let's get to it & have some fun! 

So first, you need a rocking outfit for the night. Getting ready is one of the best parts! Let your personality shine using this NYE inspired inspo look-book I created using Polyvore!

Next, you need a killer playlist: Crunched for time? No problem! Here's a playlist featuring some of the hottest hits of the year!

                                                                   

Now, decorations are essential to any party.. check out some DIY decor from SohoSonnet!

 

Next up on the list are snacks! Keep your guests entertained with these fun and festive treats from HowtoThisandThat.com! 

Of course.. you can't forget drinks! Click the link below & try out this Champagne Punch.. perfect for larger crowds that is simple to make and sure to please! *Note: be sure to include a non-alcoholic option for guests as well! 

ASpicyPerspective.com

Last but not least be sure to include games! Check out the link below to find something that suits the personality of your party! 

PlayPartyPin.com

So here's an all-inclusive list of what you're going to need in order to throw a Rockin' New Years Eve Party! Be sure to comment below and let me know how your party went!

One last tip: Be sure to bring your camera ... I'm positive this will be a night you will want to go down in history!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 

How To: Kick Old Habits in 2016

If you're anything like me, you have those few things that you know you shouldn't do, but do anyways. Some habits may be a bit worse than others (Quote Tove Lo's: Habits ... here) but regardless, they're still taking up space in your life that could be used for so many other things that will set you free to be the person you want to be! Here's just a few of my bad habits along with my tips on how to break them! 

1.) Staying Up All Night: Does staying up late due to binge watching episodes of my favorite series at moment on Netflix or staying up all hours of the night to finish just one more assignment ring a bell for you? If so, going to bed early is basically a foreign concept to you, I'm sure. I mean hey, I'll be the first to say that I never know when to quit. Truly, what good does staying up those 2 extra hours slaving over an assignment really do you besides waking up on the wrong side of the bed in the morning?

The Fix: Schedule. Schedule. And Schedule some more! Go out and buy yourself a planner and start prioritizing! What I did was go out and buy myself a pack of colorful pens so that I could begin organizing my planner (plus the pop of color will brighten anyone's day). Then, before the start of each week, I planned out upcoming events and assigned different categories of events in a color-coded key! P.S. - keep a cheat key in the front of your planner..if you're like me, you tend to get a tad bit forgetful with all the hustle and bustle that you forget what the key even means. Next, I went out and bought myself a stationary set, but sticky notes will do the trick! Before the start of each morning, I plan out my day by prioritizing the list from most important to least important and try to set an approximate time limit to get each of these things done. Be sure to schedule some time for yourself in there too! Let that Inner-Netflix junkie in all of us come out and thrive! 

2.) Overthinking EVERYTHING: Ever feel like you're on the verge of a meltdown every time Taylor sings gotta long list of ex lovers but really it only sounds like STARBUCKS LOVERS. Yeah, sames. Okay, okay.. so maybe I'm not that bad.. but, seriously though don't act like it doesn't bother you, lol. Anyways, I overthink everything.. because I mean really does anybody truly know exactly what they want for longer than 72 hours at a time, if that. Being a naturally anxious person, I've come to learn how to calm myself down and get out of my head for awhile. Bid you mind, this is always a work in progress for me!

The Fix: Take a breath and literally picture yourself writing down the situation on a piece of paper and crumpling it up. This always helps me to realize I'm in control of the situation and I'll always come out with the right answer if I just learn to listen to my gut. Once I do that, I continue to make sure I'm breathing in a calm manner and try to actually get closer with what's going on internally so I can properly let go of it! Then I get into storyteller mode.. if any of you are close to me .. you'll know that I call these nice little diddy's, telanovelas. Nothing is better than getting everything off your chest; so get talking.. odd's are your friends can see things from a lot better of a perspective than you can at the current juncture. After coming to a conclusion.. I usually try to sleep and pray on it. Then I go for it. 

3.) Drinking Caffeine Anything!: With the hustle and bustle of everyday life being a college student with about a dozen assignments and counting.. it gets pretty hard to not need a little bit of a boost sometimes. I'm guilty of this.. I mean I swear, I went through a time when I could've practically opened up a Starbucks with all the money I spent there. But, you've got to be careful before you get too dependent on these types of caffeinated beverages. It won't be long until you find yourself irritable, nervous, restless, with headaches all while facing those long nights of insomnia. 

The Fix: There are actually a few different fixes for this one. The first being, getting yourself on a regular sleeping schedule that includes at least 7-8 hours a night. Also, you can start changing your diet..including eating more whole grains to give you a boost. Those Mini-Wheat commercials aren't lying! There's always the option of switching to decaf so you still get the taste of what you wanted originally but without all the side effects. Lastly, you can always just limit your caffeine intake! I chose this option and found a healthy alternative in the process. Try Starbucks Refreshers. They can be found at Walmart and are made from a green coffee extract with natural energy instead of all the processed stuff loaded in those other cans! 

4.) Skipping Out on Exercise: I definitely have never been one who was just a lover of voluntary exercise and going to college hasn't changed that! In fact, my exercising habits have probably gotten worse.. much to my shame. I'm sure I'm not the only one who tries to find excuses at the end of the day as to why they skipped out on the gym, yet again. 

The Fix: Get a workout buddy! Getting a buddy to help you achieve your goals always makes the idea of going to the gym hurt a little less. Take small steps and gradually increase your time at the gym as you feel comfortable. Still don't like the idea of the gym? I understand. Try out an intramural sports team, dance classes like Zumba, or even going for a nice walk around the neighborhood/campus. This way you're burning calories without the mental strain of feeling like you're exercising. Also, on days you have less time.. opt to take the stairs and eat healthier. Did you know that you can actually lose weight just by choosing healthier food options?

5.) Eating even when I'm not hungry: Tell me.. if you were offered to go on a spontaneous Chipotle run would you resist? The answer is.. doubtful. Just like Starbucks, I've paid my fair share there in exchange for a large chicken quesadilla with a side of chips and guac. Too many times, I'm offered to go to many, many food joints and too many times I leave broke but full. But, that counts for something right? So, how did I go weeks without Chipotle; keeping more guac in my pockets you ask?

The Fix: Replace junk food with real food; chock full of vitamins and fiber to keep you feeling energized and fuller longer! Also, learn how to say no. Trust me, Chipotle will still be there the next time you say yes. Be sure to drink lots of water; staying hydrated and cutting all that extra sugar out of your diet will save your waist line. Lastly, try not to mindlessly eat. It's so easy to grab that bag of chips while studying to keep you company. Instead, opt for a healthier snack like gummies and water or pretzels and peanut butter. You'll be amazed at the results!

So there they are! My tips on how to kick those bad habits in 2016! Like what you saw here? Comment below and tell me how you're kicking those bad habits?

How To: Heal the Pain of the Past

So I have a rocky relationship with some of the people that are supposed to be considered some of the most important people in my life and I can honestly admit it has affected me greatly in many areas of my life. I know what you're saying, Lisa, who doesn't or maybe even to a greater variety of the phrase. But, nevertheless, it still hurts. To be honest, I am an extremely Type A personality. You know the type; competitive, outgoing, ambitious, but sometimes too impatient and definitely stuck inside of their heads the majority of the time. Perfection is what I thrive upon; so naturally, the imperfection of my seemingly perfect life bothers me more than most. If you're anything like me, you get stuck on what I like to call the "shoulda, coulda, would'ves." Those moments or relationships that should have happened or could have and even would've happened if someone just took the initiative to tell you how they felt or treated you differently. But, the thing is, those things didn't happen and they won't happen... so now here you are left with the pieces trying to figure out how to put the puzzle of your life back together. This has caused me a great deal of stress, anxiety, ... depression even, but what it has also taught me is strength, determination, and fortitude. So now you're thinking.. alright, awesome, that's all well and good but where are the tips to help me? How do I get out of the dark holes in my life? Here are the tips that have helped me conquer my past: 

1. "You can either decide to get bitter or get better." 

This is one of my favorite quotes to live by. I heard it from a motivational speaker in high school and it has resonated with me since. This saying rings true however because honestly, we have the choice to decide how we are going to deal with situations and how we will let them affect our moods throughout the day. 

2. Memories are not the problem. 

Memories only have power if we choose to give them power. We may not be able to change what has happened to us, but we can choose to accept the things that we can't change. There is a certain power in this truth. 

3. Letting go is essential. 

If we don't choose to let go of the past, then we can't choose to move forward. There is a saying on my campus by Boniface Wimmer that goes "Forward, always forward, everywhere forward." Essentially, this quote means that "Man's adversity is God's opportunity." So choose to willingly let go and let God, trusting that you will make it through your trial. 

4. Deal with your past. 

I know, this sounds counterproductive. I just told you to let go of your past and now I'm telling you to open back up that can of worms. Hard as this may be, you have to understand the complexity of what's eating at you so that you can fix it and ultimately let it go. For me, relationships are hard, so I put myself in as many situations as possible so that I can learn to break down the four walls I built up around myself and learn to be vulnerable and trusting again. Trust me, I know it's easier to hurt than to deal with any of this. But there is a reason the phrase goes "The grass is always greener on the other side." Open yourself up so you grow and experience that side more fully. 

5. Find out who you are.

Finding out who you are is one of the ultimate feelings of freedom. But you can't do this unless you stop victimizing yourself by keeping yourself in the jail that you call your life. It's easy to compare yourself to another. You begin having thoughts like, "Well if I were someone else or if I was more this or that than this wouldn't have happened to me." Remember that your story is unique.. no one else can live the same life you lived or feel the same way you did. Allow these hardships to add to the vast beauty that is your life. Choose to unlock the cell. 

6. Remember your scars are beautiful. 

I think this last point does a pretty good job of explaining itself. Everyone has a past; secrets they don't want brought to light that maybe they are embarrassed or ashamed about. The important thing to remember here is that it's often these deepest thoughts we keep to ourselves that bonds us to others. Allow yourself to be seen and for your story to be heard. Your scars are the most beautiful thing about you. Remember, you did more than just break.. you survived. 

I began this post with a quote from one of my favorite movies, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." This quote as well as many others from the movie have resonated with me. Remember that you are not crazy for feeling both happy and sad. A lot of times, it's hard for me to take my own advice. But, at the end of the day the most important thing is that you tried. Know that God is always with you and that even in your loneliest and darkest of moments he provides a way of escape for you. Just keep your head up to the sky and your feet planted on the ground; knowing that you will survive this storm. 

Have You Been Lying To Yourself...?

Welcome back, friends!

So, ... If you're anything like myself, you've just had one of "those weekends" ... you know, the kind where life kind of hits you right in the face without warning. Now don't get me wrong, this weekend was awesome; with lots of love, good times, and friends. However, it was also a weekend of uncovering some hidden truths about myself. So how do you know if you've been lying to yourself? Here are some of the signs I've recognized:

YOU ARE LYING TO YOURSELF WHEN:

1.) You are constantly trying to fit into a mold that just doesn't feel right ... and deep down inside you know it never will. 

2.) Your heart keeps pulling you back towards that one special person, but your head keeps telling you that you're just friends.

3.) You deny what your passions are in life and fail to pursue your goals for the mere sake that you may not make as much as someone else or worry about how you will be viewed. 

4.) You think you don't need anyone and can do everything on your own. 

5.) You settle.

6.) You feel anxious all the time.

7.) You consistently seek distraction to run away from yourself or your problems. 

8.) You think you're not enough.
9.) You find yourself making excuses often.  

YOU CAN STOP LYING TO YOURSELF BY:

1.) Accepting who you are and not letting anyone change that. 

2.) Being courageous and not backing away when confronted with fear. 

3.) Telling someone something hard that maybe you've been keeping to yourself for awhile. 

4.) Taking responsibility for your actions and changing your thought process. 

5.) Letting go of the past. 

6.) Forgiving yourself. 

7.) Focusing on the future and bettering yourself for you & you alone. 

8.) Refusing to keep giving all of yourself to people who don't appreciate it and make you feel alienated you're when around them. 
9.) Reflecting and realizing what's important and right for you.

Recently, comedians came to my college and they left the student body with this thought in mind: The worst lie you can tell, is the lie you tell yourself. This resonated with me this week & inspired me to write a post on a similar matter in regard to things going on in my life as of late. So, if there is something I leave with you for this week: it's to edit. erase. & rewrite. because it's never too late to get the future you've always been entitled to. Be the leader of your life.. don't you let your life lead you. Once you do this, trust me, you'll like the view from there better. 

Back to College Essentials: For the Day

Back to School Essentials by lilm2013 featuring canvas wall art

As the time has come for me to finally move back into my humble abode in which I like to call my college dorm room...I figured I would post a little follow up to my last segment "Back to College Essentials: For the Soul." These are just a few material things I like to use throughout my day-to-day routine in order to help make the time feel less monotonous. Hope you find these things helpful and maybe you might even find something in here that suits your fancy enough that you add it to your routine to help get your day off to a good start! 

1. Starbucks Refreshers: 

These drinks are my go to in the daytime... I love these because they are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up to get you through the heart of the day! They are made with real fruit juice and are lightly caffeinated with Green Coffee extract & they come in a variety of flavors. My personal favorite is the Strawberry Lemonade flavor. You can pick these up at your local Walmart or Starbucks.

2. Planner:

I keep a planner on my person at all times. It's been said that I have been known to have an extremely Type A personality; so to suit my inner organizational nerd, planners are the perfect thing for me to geek out to. Planners are perfect because they are small, quaint and help you to show off your personality all while helping you keep your cool while prioritizing the list of things you need to do for the week. If you like the one I listed above.. check out Kate Spade brand here!

3. Colorful Pens:

Again.. extremely Type A here; so if you're like me...that planner of yours you just bought, that's right, it's color coded. I love the InkJoy brand because they are inexpensive, come in variety packs of different styles, and are just so dang cute! I've found that having a color-coded system helps me keep track of the major events happening in my life. Also, not going to lie; the little pop of color never fails to put a smile on my face.

4. Jason Mraz:

Okay so if you know me.. you'll know that I'm actually really embarrassing & am a HUGE Jason Mraz fan. There's just something so soothing about the sound of his voice and the good vibes he sends out all around. So, if I find that I'm stressed .. he's my go to. While Jason may be my go to; be sure to find a nice playlist that you can jam out to throughout the work week. I promise you it will help you get through it quicker and make it much, much more enjoyable.

5. Red Lipstick:

Now, while red lipstick isn't exactly vital to my day. I've found that if you look good, you feel good. So I always like to keep it in my bag to know that I'm just a swipe away from a huge confidence booster. I mean hey, you never know who you're going to run into...But more importantly, do it because it makes you feel good. Don't just do it to impress. Don't forget you're beautiful the way you are. Dare I say, even without it. 

6. iPhone:

I admit it, I confess..I am addicted to my iPhone. It's literally attached to my hip; can't go anywhere without it. I love it because it's so useful since you can download an app for literally anything you could ever need; typically at a decent price or even for free! My favorite apps right now would probably have to be a tie between Snapchat, Dubsmash, Cartwheel by Target and Starbucks. While you can't beat entertainment with friends, you also can't beat a great deal... Check them out!

7. Inspiration:

If you were to step a foot into my dorm or even take a peek into my bag, you would see nothing but inspirational quotes everywhere. However, inspirational quotes doesn't just have to mean a few nice phrases and shifted commas written by some guy who has been long gone for years... inspiration can take shape in just about any form. Often I am inspired just by the mere company of my friends or even by something or someone in which I may have not even met before; a quick flash of a great memory, perhaps. Realize this and you may just wind up with the life you've always wanted.

8. Headphones:

For me, headphones are about the only way I function in order to get anything productive done. It's just something about grooving to a nice beat that helps you get through the tough work in front of you. My favorite music app to use is Spotify. The great thing about this app is that it comes with literally thousands of pre-made playlists with great songs that are perfect for any mood you're in. But, if you're more of a person who likes to create your own tailor made playlist, that's an option too! There is even a new feature called Discover in which logs the music you listen to & creates a personalized playlist weekly; specialized to your taste. This way you'll always be discovering new music & will never get bored because of those same Top 40 songs they play on the radio again.

9. Sour Patch Kids Gum:

If you're anything like me, you have a lot of nervous energy throughout the day. I've found that gum usually does the trick and keeps me preoccupied so I can ease my nerves, especially during exams! It just so happens that the red berry sour patch kids gum seems to have become my favorite. You can find this at your local Walmart for cheap if it seems to have struck your fancy as well. I highly recommend it though, you won't be sorry... ;)

10. Perfume:

Sooo... it may or may not have been said that I could probably open up a Bath & Body Works straight outta my dorm room.. (for all of those who love the "straight outta" memes). But, in my defense...it is so essential to smell good at all times of day! I know the saying goes look good, feel good. But, like seriously smell good & people won't run away from you. I don't know.. it's just a theory. And at least to me, for what it's worth grant you, that makes me feel pretty darn good. Long story short: perfume is love, perfume is life. 

11. Post-It Notes:

I absolutely love anything that comes remotely close to stationary & Post-It Notes are a great, cheap alternative. If you know me, you know that I love colorful things and the fact that these come in a variety multi-pack gives me that cohesiveness I need in my life to breathe easy. I know by this point, you're like this girl is cray, but bare with me! I particularly like this brand because it helps give your room, planner, etc.. that little pop of color that helps brightens a day. I mean hey, if you have to do it..at least do it in style. Am i right?

12. Netflix:

NETFLIX, yasssss. While I stand behind the theory that this explanation is solid enough to stand on it's own...... Netflix is the perfect companion to end a day or for just relaxing during those quiet hours. There are literally thousands of shows and movies to choose from and I especially love the fact that there is a streaming option for cheap so that you can take these shows everywhere with you at the drop of a hat; especially college.

So, that's it for this week all. Hope you enjoyed your time reading this post as I did writing it. See you all soon & thanks for reading!

Back to College Essentials: For the Soul

"Happiness is not found in things you possess, but in what you have the courage to release." - Nathaniel Hawthorne

As the first day of college continues to creep upon us all & the stresses of the ever-busy year continue to pile on us, I've come to find it very important to be able to take time out of each day for myself. Just to be able to go for a walk followed by some warm tea and a good read or maybe even just some simple heart-to-heart best friend session to help me unwind after a long day... But now the question comes to mind & you may be asking, "Yeah, but Lisa, what happens when I don't have time for all those things & I quickly become lost in my many anxieties and before I know it, I'm stuck in my head feeling far off on some unreachable island somewhere?" So I'm going to let you guys in on a few little secrets of mine that help me to get through the day so maybe (just maybe) they'll help you not just get through yours...

1. To start the morning off on a good foot... be sure to take some time to feed your soul with just the good stuff; journal, pray, meditate or even just sit and have a hot cup of coffee. For me, this is absolutely vital to be at peace in order to get ready for the day ahead of me.  

 2. Exercise! I know, I know..I'm hearing groans from all around.. one of those being myself included. If I'm being honest, I love to exercise (when I finally get motivated enough to do it consistently) but it's a struggle for me. If you didn't know this, exercising actually releases chemicals in your brain that literally can help you beat depression! And let me tell ya, just 30 minutes of exercise is cheaper than any anti- depressant I've ever seen. So instead of allowing college stresses to weigh you down... how about picking up an actual weight instead.

3. Breathe! Learning to breathe properly is absolutely essential in order to stay in the present moment. Let the past go & don't worry about the future, all will fall into place in due time. I'll let you in on a secret ... I actually "suffer" from bouts of anxiety and get symptoms of mild depression from time to time. I put the word suffer in quotations because in a lot of ways it's more of a blessing than a curse. It's forced me to become a lot stronger as a person & you can't grow unless you face your challenges, so for that I encourage all of you with similar issues to view your anxiety as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. 

4. Only dwell on things that make you smile and help you get to where you want to go. I especially love to think on 3 good things that happened to me during the day before I go to bed. This has helped me to develop an attitude of thankfulness. It's also helped me learn how to be on my own team..with all the negativity in the world it's easy to get swept up in it, so do yourself a favor & be your own friend. Check out Philippians 4:8 followed by Isaiah 41:10, and let that be something to think on at night instead of all the things you've yet to do.

5. Embrace change and try new things! College is the time to figure out who you are and who you really want to be. Take this time to really branch out of your comfort zone & you might just surprise yourself.

6. Treat others with love & kindness. Never hesitate to reach out  and embrace opportunities to learn & grow as a person. Showing compassion to others whether they be less fortunate or someone  who is exactly like you can always help you find moments of clarity, peace, and perspective. 

So there ya have it.. these are my tips to having not only a great school year, but my tips to having a better life. Remember that we all struggle..and that it's actually okay to; after all I mean, we're only human. But it's important to get outside your comfort zone.. because that better, amazing you you're looking for... can't happen if you stay right where you are.

So what did you think about these tips...were they helpful? 

Thanks for stopping by...be sure to come back for more posts!