Words from the not-so-unwise

Return to innocence

 



This song has helped me through a lot of life's challenges. Not only does it evoke nostalgia, having been played when I was a child, but now that I'm older I realize the amazing message in the lyrics....

 

 

That's not the beginning of the end
That's the return to yourself
The return to innocence.

[Love - Devotion
Feeling - Emotion]

Love - Devotion
Feeling - Emotion

Don't be afraid to be weak
Don't be too proud to be strong
Just look into your heart my friend
That will be the return to yourself
The return to innocence.

If you want, then start to laugh
If you must, then start to cry
Be yourself don't hide
Just believe in destiny.

Don't care what people say
Just follow your own way
Don't give up and use the chance
To return to innocence.

That's not the beginning of the end
That's the return to yourself
The return to innocence. 

"

Bucket list

You are never too young to compose a bucket list.

In fact, I have 3... one for college, one for life and one on Pinterest. Searching "bucket list" on Pinterest, I'm happy to say that I have already done many things that other people desire to do. This made me realize that I have accomplished a lot in life already and that I should be grateful.

What things have you accomplished that you can be grateful for? What things haven't you done yet that can be written down or pinned to your bucket list?

 

Now, I challenge you to fulfill some of the items on your bucket list. If it's something that requires money: start saving. If it's something that requires time: start planning. If it's something that requires motivation: change your attitude and focus your energy.

 

Turn ideas into actions and you are one step closer to achieving your goals!

 

A blessing in disguise

Sometimes what you have planned for yourself isn't what's planned for you.
 

Earlier this week, an interesting turn of events had me thinking that I wasn't going to be able to travel to Africa and fulfill my passion. I feared that all of my time and energy spent on preparing for this trip was put to waste. Then, I received a phone call from my mom suggesting that she come with me on a trip to Africa next summer. As excited as that made me, I was a bit hesitant that my plans to travel in 2 months would change. I considered the suggestion so long as she committed to the idea. I wasn't about to give up this once in a lifetime opportunity for words like "maybe" or "possibly". After careful consideration, she called once more and committed!

Now not only was I to volunteer in Africa but I was going to share the experience with the most important person in my life, my mom. Had what just occurred really happened? One second I thought my plans had completely went up in smoke, and the next second I got even better plans than what I had before!

This additional time to prepare for the trip will allow us to buy everything we need, educate ourselves more on the culture, learn Swahili, see pictures of our living arrangements and meet two of the people that we would be in contact with over in Africa! I would have never imagined for something as amazing as this to happen.

I share this story with you so that it can get you thinking about an unfortunate circumstance in your life and how it could turn into something more than you ever expected.

My mom and I have already had so many adventures together, and now our next one is on its way! I can't wait to see what other adventures are in store for us.

 This surely was a blessing in disguise.

Pin-spirations

Here are a few of my favorite inspirations from Pinterest:

Start with your attitude

Life is full of disappointments, but the question lies in how you handle them.

Yesterday, everything I had planned for myself this summer thus far came crashing down. Trying hard to stay hopeful, this unfortunate turn of events has me extremely upset. Allowing this disappointment to set in, I'm finally beginning to breathe in some fresh air. I could decide to view this as defeat and throw my hands up in the air, or I could see this as a window for other opportunities that I had not originally planned for myself. Sometimes what you have planned isn't what's planned for you.

Telling yourself, "No matter what, I will be ok", is very important in dealing with life's disappointments. Faith and trust in yourself is what will pull you out of the gutter and back on the road.

More advice from another source

Words of encouragement

I thought that I would share with you the affirmations posted throughout my apartment in the form of fortune cookie fortunes, cut-outs from magazines and greeting cards. Maybe they can inspire you as well:

Fortunes posted on my bathroom mirror:

"In great attempts it is glorious even to fail."
"Be tactful: do not overlook your own opportunity."

Cut-outs on the fridge:

"The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."
"First say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do."

Cards in my room:

"Sometimes life takes sudden turns... without using its turn signal. Hang on and hang in there!"
"Success takes... perseverance, ambition, passion, courage, heart, humor and talent. You've proven you've got what it takes to meet challenges, overcome obstacles and pursue excellence to fulfill a dream."

Other cut-outs on my bedroom door:

"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is a nobler art of leaving things undone."
"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength."
"Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is a wonderful moment."
"It's only by starting in a place of peace that we find our purpose and power."
"Be the heroine of your life, not the victim."
"A good time to laugh is anytime you can."
"The best way out is always through." <<< One of my favorites.
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out just how far one can go."
"Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprise."

What affirmations do you live by? (<<< Click for suggestions)