2k14 Thats a Wrap

   So I was debating whether I wanted to make this blog post that cliché super nostalgic post about all of the amazing experiences I was blessed with in 2014 and the resolutions that I had going into 2015 or not. I chose not. To be completely frank I’m really not into the idea of New Year’s resolutions, I think that they’re a nice idea but that we become so enamored with the idea of a new beginning we make lists of things we’re “going to definitely do” and then when it actually comes time to doing them, we just don’t…because “there’s always next year.” So this year I’m doing something different. No Resolutions, just goals. Goals that I’m making my personal mission to see done before New Year’s Eve 2016. And to keep me honest I’m making it a public blog so you guys can call me out on it if you see me slacking. Without further ado here are the goals I plan on getting done before January 1^st, 2016.

1.   Get the tattoo I’ve had picked for the past 6 months yet have not had the courage to get.

2.   Go away for a semester (preferably abroad)

3.   Decide what I’m going to do with my life after I graduate Temple next May.

4.   SKY DIVING

5.   Say yes to new experiences (whether that means trying new foods, going to unknown new places, or getting involved in new activities.)

6.   Actually writing at least one blog post a week, so altogether 52 for this year.

And finally

7.   Letting go of all the troubles, grudges, pain, and conflict that 2014 brought with it.

I know I say this every year but 2014, by far has been one of the greatest years of my life. It has been a year of lessons and realizations for me; between figuring out who I am as a person, woman, friend, and figuring out what makes me happy, and where I fit in. I have realized the value of true friendship, of just how important family is, and I have come to terms with my own mortality, and how because of this every single moment you have with the people that you love is both invaluable and extremely precious, for that moment will never exist again. I have learned that remaining angry with people is a waste of energy and time, something which we already do not have much of and ultimately only harms you. And finally I have learned that I can’t do it all on my own despite how badly I may want to, and you know what? That’s okay because I don’t have to. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for the amazing people I have in my life from my parents, to my family, to the incredible friends I have been blessed with who have not only stuck by my side through this roller coaster ride of a year, but have made it the unforgettably amazing year that it was. I hope that each and every one of you has an incredible New Years Eve and that 2015 brings you health, happiness, and many blessings! 

Life Doesn't Wait

        So basically I failed at writing for a few weeks. To be honest emotionally I wasn't in the mood to write, you know when life hits you hard with something (a situation, moment, problem etc). Well it's been a rough couple of weeks man, (not that that's any excuse for not keeping up with my blog of course.) However, I am back and my post today is gonna actually be about one of my biggest fears in life. 

         Recently, I saw this video called Life Doesn't Wait by one of my absolute favorite YouTubers Connor Franta, (link below) in which he goes into detail about how we should be doing what makes us happy in life because we never know how long we have, and that really resonated with me. One of my biggest fears in life has to be that I choose a career or path that won't make me happy, or that I won't love doing, and I'll be stuck doing it for the next 50+ years, or until I die, and that scares me to no end. 

           Given some circumstances outside of my control recently, I've really come to terms with just how short life is, and how in the blink of an eye, we ourselves or someone we care about could be gone...and that's it. There's no remedy for that and it's freaking scary. With that being said, I refuse to spend any more of time doing anything except what makes me happy, or passionate. I refuse to let my worries about the future, or fear of the unknown stop me from pursuing what I love or doing what I know will ultimately make me happy in the long run. I will also stop trying to maintain relationships with people who honestly don't seem to really care or have an interest in being/ spending time with me.

           These last few weeks have really given me time to think through my life choices, and have helped me get to a much better place than I've ever been in before. I refuse to settle for less effort from others than I'm putting forth, and I refuse to waste any more time on things/ people that have no benefit for me and are only bringing me down. And you shouldn't either! 

             Pick a career, friends, schools, clubs etc. based on more than just how they can benefit you in the long run. Pick friends/partners based on the love and support they show you when you're down, and how much higher they can lift you when you're up. Never give someone the power to tear you down, and if you feel a person doesn't value you, then extract them from your life, you're worth so much more than that. Pursue the hobbies and career that make you want to wake up every day to do them and that leave you feeling passionate and satisfied, and take chances...lots of them! Because at the end of the day the worst mistake you can make is leaving yourself wondering what could have been, would have been, or should have been had you taken that one chance. Do it before it's too late.