Red, Blonde, Bronde??

39. Redheads have more fun...

This really is subjective
I had fun as a blonde

I even had fun as a bronde... (Brown/blonde)

But I have really enjoyed life as a redhead... and I just think we have a lot more fun!

Can't wait for more memory making this year!

Snapshot of life

40. The bigger picture is a lot better than you can imagine

Sometimes it is hard to remember the bigger picture
Life is a series of snapshots
It doesn't all come together at the same time
A situation which is really awful, hard, disappointing during one snapshot
Adds to the beauty that is life.

God has a plan
And I am realizing, it is not always easy
It is not going to be perfect
But I want to give him thanks, even for the hard times of life
Because, they are going to make me better, and stronger.

I have learned so much about myself this last year.
I have made bad decisions, I left my heart unguarded, I got fooled at times.
But I am better for all of the snapshots which are adding up to be my beautiful story!

It is hard to remember sometimes
but I hope I always can look at my current snapshot
and know its going to be part of my unique created story

The bigger pictures is better than we can imagine...

41. There isn't a redo button in life

credit

41. You only get one chance to live this life, it's too long to be stuck or do things you don't want too...

This lesson is one I am continually learning and realizing.
As simple as it is, I think sometimes we forget we only get this one chance
Why do we put ourselves through misery, thinking this is the best it will get?

Are you stuck in a job you hate? It makes you less than excited to wake up every morning?
Quit! Yes, its risky! Yes it is hard, but you only live this life once!
Stop living a life you don't want.

Have you lived in the same place all your life? Do you want to challenge yourself or make a change?
Move! Yes, its scary. Yes, it is hard but you only live this life once!
Start living a life you want.

Are you in a relationship that doesn't make you happy? Do you know its wrong, but it's easier to stay?
Leave! Yes, it hurts, really really bad, even when you know its the right decisions! Yes, its hard but you only live this life once!
Trust the Lord's plans for your life.

Are you unhappy with your body? Do you feel uncomfortable in your skin?
Change! Yes its easier to complain. Yes its hard to take those steps but you only live this life once!
Start exercising, eating right and take some control of your life.

Do you lack inspiration, motivation, zeal? Do you wonder why everyone else's life is more glamorous, adventurous, wonderful?
Explore! Yes it takes time! Yes, its hard but you only live this life once!
Get out there, and discover your passion and dreams to inspire others to live their life, fully.

Its a cycle.
Feeling.
Awareness.
Action.
Change.
Repeat (but hopefully, in another area of your life you'd like to perk up, don't repeat the same area or you need to go back to the Action step and see how it can evoke the change you need!)

You just have to become aware of the things that are causing you not to fully enjoy this life we have here and now. It is not always an easy decision. Even when you are aware, its hard to change some things. But for me, its really important to follow this cycle, so I can get out of the funk I am in. It takes time, it doesn't always come over night.

But I know for me, it was really important for me to remember, I only live this life once. Its too long to settle, Its too important to not be happy.

And that easy button doesn't always work. But there is not redo button in this game of life.

What changes do you want to make, and how are you going to start living life now?

want to get on my friend...ship

42. Friendships change... and that's ok! 


This could be one of the most important lessons I have learned as an adult. 
Its hard when things change, but especially when friendships change. 


I am a fixer. 
Always have been. 
I would rather work on something, than give up
Especially when its a friend I have had for years 


This kind of goes with my last lesson, 
God places people in our lives when we need them most 
That best friend you had in high school might not play the same role in your twenties 
The childhood friend you didn't talk to through high school and college may come back and be even more important than they were the first time 


Some of the best and easiest friendships are ones that don't have expectations 
The one's that create their own rules as they go 


I have learned that friendships are always changing 
just like most other relationships 
and sometimes its hard to let them go, but you don't have too 
You just have to accept that they are different now than they were before 


Don't put unrealistic expectations on someone or yourself
Don't try to recreate what was already there 
Just be who you are, and see how that person now fits into your life 


Change is hard, but its ok

43. Where'd you come from?

43. God places people in your life when you need them most

Some people it is more obvious than others
Some I am still trying to understand why they were brought into my life

or why they chose to leave...

But I truly believe God places people in our life when we need them most
and here is one specific reason why...

You know when you meet someone, and you just click
and you feel like you have been sisters all your life
That's how I felt with my best friend

We met at the gym, in line for yoga
Actually, someone asked me to introduce them to my sister
This girl I had just met was not my sister, then.
Little did we know, we were going through a similar life situation

Had God not placed her in my life when he did
My perspective and life would be much different
I didn't know it at the time, but God blessed me that day!

There have been a lot of people in my life
Whom I know were placed in my life for a reason
But this one is the best and most obvious example!

It reminds me that God is constantly blessing our lives
In little ways, throughout our days, hard times, and good times
Special times and special people.

44. If you're Happy and you know it.

44. You don't always have to be happy, but alway be thankful

We don't always have good days
Somedays are worst than others
Some are better than we could imagine

I just think sometimes, its too hard to pretend to be happy when you aren't
and why pretend to be something you aren't!?
even if its a positive thing.

be what you are.
be you.
if you are sad, be sad.
but always be thankful.

even for the things that make you sad
because things could be worse
and then you can look back at this time, and see the wonderful thing God had in store for you.
you don't always have to be happy.
but always choose to be thankful.

45. Cheesy Motivational Quotes

45. Those cheesy motivational, encouraging quotes- really do help

As silly, common sense, mundane, obvious some quotes can be
Sometimes they are just what you need to hear

They can provide some laughter, perspective, courage, support
during anytime in someone's life.

A few of my favorite quotes are (as repeated on this blog often):

You are unrepeatable. There is a magic about you that is all your own. - d.m. dellinger

Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. - Christopher Robin

Always Remember Your Brilliance.

46. Get mad, real mad

Lesson 46. Its ok to be mad at God, let him know when you are- He already knows anyways...

Sometimes we want to live in a bunnies and rainbows kind of world
Where nothing goes wrong,
Everything works out always.
I mean, shoot, we always want to live in that kind of world

but, that doesn't exist.
Life happens
It happens everyday
Somedays it goes in a manner which we can be really excited and want this day continue
Somedays, you want to spend the whole day in fetal position under the covers

You don't have to pretend with God
You don't have to act like everything is going fabulously, when its not
You don't have to smile at Him, when all you want to do is cry

He wants you to be real with Him
He wants you to be honest with Him
He wants you to know that it won't always go your way
He has a bigger plan than you can even imagine waiting for you.

So get mad when you need to get mad
Let it out
because He is listening
He is there with open arms
So once you stop kicking and hitting, He can embrace you.

47. Travel Pants

Rule #47... Travel!! It doesn't have to be extravagent, just get away
I am not the world traveler like my friend is
I don't have advice like some well seasoned travelers do
But I sure love to jump on a plane and just go

It clears your mind
You get to escape
Doesn't mean you are running away
But you get to live somewhere that is not your home
There are new restaurants, shopping, outdoor activities, people, daily routine

Last summer I spent a lot of my time traveling
You can read about it here and here and here, just to name a few..
I was in San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Oklahoma City, Las Vegas and Arizona in between
It was truly a great time for me to get away
Life had changed a lot, and the constant busy-ness made it easier
And traveling was a great way to see friends and go new places

I really hope to do more international traveling eventually
But there are a lot of places I have not been or want to spend more time in that I want to check off my list...

Boston
Chicago
Reno  (I took a road trip already this summer and hit a few places I hadn't been, so I can check them off the list!)
Seattle
Portland
Yosemite
Boise  (Ok,  I had never thought about going to Boise, but I was actually there two weeks ago so its fun to check it off my list!)
Baker City, OR (Seriously, the most beautiful mountains and sceneary I have ever seen are in Eastern Oregon!)
New Orleans
Washington D.C.
Dallas

I especially love going to places that I can see old friends, meet new friends and make new memories
Here is to another summer of lovely travels
No matter how close or far

Friends, have your couches or extra rooms ready
I am looking for some places to stay
Seriously though, I'm coming to see you!

48. Sooo you're telling me, I'm not gonna die from this?

One reason I say that heartbreak is not contagious is because
I thought it was at one point...
When I was heartbroken,
So were three of my other friends.

It was almost like there was a Summertime conspiracy between our then boyfriends
All of us had our hearts broken within three weeks of each other
Ranging from one year- four years of togetherdom.
At the time, I thought maybe it was contagious.

Its not.

Also, contrary to popular belief
It doesn't kill ya... Like that saying, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
Its funny when those types of sayings prove to be true

It gets better.
It doesn't hurt for as long as you thought it would
There are even times that you see the light at the end of the tunnel
Then you find someone worth being better for again
There is a reason for all the pain
So you appreciate Love more than you did before

It all depends what you do with the experience.
Are you going to let it bring you down and defeat you?
Or are you going to tell yourself,
This is an opportunity to be better?
This is a chance to live the life you have always wanted?

It hurts. Its not fun.
But its not contagious. Or a terminal illness.

And then, it doesn't hurt. And life is fun again.

49. Sweet Memories



First picture I took with my new camera!

 Make lots of memories.
Sounds easy enough
But so many times, we just go through our days
normal, ordinary, not thinking about making memores
just hoping to remember them at another time

This last year I have tried to make a point of capturing and making memories
A few things I have done to achieve this are:
-Bought a new camera, a fresh start with something fun
-I write down my days (most days) on my calendar
-Blogging, its helped a lot

Trying something new

Let me explain...
Obviously, you know that a camera captures memories
But I try to not only capture memories of nights out on the town, birthdays, or holidays
I bring my camera out, for just a simple dinner with a best friend
Laying around with my niece
The normal ins and outs of the day, because those memories are the ones that we quickly lose.
I don't want to lose any of the time I spend

On my wall calendar, I just write simple notes to myself
Monday: Kickboxing, Power Sculpt, cooked dinner
Tuesday: BodyPump (ouch!), cooked dinner, skyped with so and so
Wednesday: Dinner with mom and Dad
Etc... (mostly boring stuff)
But I can look back at my calendar from last year
and remember things I wouldn't be able if I hadn't wrote that memory down.




The Original Bug and Lily Bug


Blogging, obviously, is another source to look back on
It seems like with memory, you have to have some kind of record to retain it
Whether it be pictures, notes, or a specific event, situation that sticks out in your mind.
Writing down memories, even small ones helps keep them fresh in your mind.




Vegas during Christmas


There are other things you can do
Make themed nights to go out with friends, for no particular reason
Do something you've never done before
Create a new tradition
Staycations are always a good idea

I want to remember as much of my life as I can
I hope that I can create memories that I can always look back on
Sweet, sweet memories...

Now lets go out and make some memories

Suns Game with Jenna

50. I can write my feelings, does that count?

I grew up in the AIM generation
AOL Instant Messenger- in case you didn't know!
Remember that noise when you'd receive a message...
It was addicting to say the least

I loved staying up late, really really late
Talking to friends- people I went to school with, met at church camp, went to church with etc...
We would get on right after school and stay on late into the evening
Maybe this is where it all began...

I wrote a post not too long ago about communication
It has always been easier for me to write out my feelings
Rather than talk about them

I default to text. My reason- I am a little needy when it comes to communication (Thanks Momma!) I want to know whats going on with friends and family. And texting, keeps me connected to people all day long. Its easier and more convenient.
I love to send&receive cards. My reason- it is so much fun to open the mail and have a card there for you, someone took their time to write out how they feel about you, something they want you to know. and you can go back and look at it when you need a reminder or some encouragement. It fills my cup up..
I prefer email. My reason- you can be as short and sweet, or long and detailed as you need. It is convenient for the sender and receiver. You have something to reference, and look back on.
My journal&blog are an escape. My reason- everyone needs a little me time. When I am stressed, bored, anxious, happy, sad- I spend my time working out, shopping or writing. But I always feel the most relief when I write. I am able to be completely honest. Again, I can refer back to a certain time and see how I was feeling.

Writing out my feelings has been a really wonderful way to cope with all the different seasons in my life.
It has allowed me to be honest, to be real, and raw with myself, which is the hardest thing to do
I think writing is a tool that is going to help me continue the process of being the best version of myself
But I am going to work on my verbal communication as well, because I know that is really important too!

When I was younger I loved to write poetry, and songs
I always thought I could be a singer/song writer
Until I realized I am a horrible singer, like shouldn't be allowed into karaoke bars to even watch because I might get the urge (after a few adult beverages) and it would just be bad
So I stuck with dancing, which involved music anyways

I am not one of those, Music is my life, kind of people
But music allows me to be creative
It drives me to focus, and sometimes it says everything I can't

Music seems to have all the answers
Is tonight going to be a good night? Black Eyed Peas say Yes!
Should I go to the gym? Soulja Boy says Work it Out!
Who do you think you are? Sara B says, You ain't the King of Anything!
(You get the point...)
Music is like a magic 8 ball, always has some answer for you

Through the different seasons of life
I have learned that writing and music allow me to express myself, fully
Now wouldn't it be nice to have a soundtrack and memoir to your life...

51. Time to cry...

Have you ever had a moment, when you realize... you are turning into your mom?
The other day I was pulling out bread options for lunch
Pita bread, sandwich thins, wraps, regular bread
Then there had to be options for what you put on your sandwich
And I just thought, "Lord, I am my mother."

In my case, its a wonderful thing.
There is no one I would rather be, than my mother
She is the strongest person I have ever met
She is beautiful, witty, compassionate, generous, intelligent, nuturing, God-fearing, loving beyond belief
She is caring, funny, open hearted and minded, protective, joyful
My list could go on and on

There are a lot of little characteristics I notice (daily) that come from my momma
One of those things, is my crying place
Growing up, when I didn't feel good, mom let me shower
It has always made me feel better
Even now when I don't feel well, I am stressed, I am overwhelmed, or I need a good cry- just to name a few
You can find me in the shower.

I didn't find out until much later,
That my momma did this too.
I never really saw my mom cry when I was younger
She was always the strong one,
Not until she was diagnosed, did she let us be the strong ones for her
Which was still hard for her

But it is the number one place to cry
Because when you get out,
You don't know if you are wiping away tears or just water from the shower
No one has to know that's what you were doing
It gives you alone time with your thoughts

This is why I think the shower is the number one place to cry
Thanks for sharing it with me, Momma<3

52. 'The Right Decision"

Sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday

And other times its a distant memory
Someone else making the "Right" decision, you never had the strength to make

That crushing feeling, you know the one, when you hear those words
You lose all feeling in your legs, your heart starts to race
You try to think back, had you done something wrong?
What did they want to talk about?

You thought everything was going fine.
Yea, there were those little things you both never seemed to get over
And the things you never seemed to make him happy with
But those things wouldn't be worth giving up on everything you had...

Then all the wind is knocked out of you
You can't tell your days apart
You hadn't moved from "crying" position in who knows how long
Everywhere you turn, every place you go there they are
The memories that once brightened your days
Now hang over you like a rain cloud you will never escape

But there are thoughts, every so often, that pull you back to the surface
You have been drowning in your own tears, fears, frustrations, devastations, sadness, confusion
You have been sinking to the bottom with a "How do I go on?" weight,
Pulling you further and further down
Then there is a tiny life saver

A friend calling to check on you
That spot in your bed beckoning you to stay a little longer
Your mom holding you like when you were little
Your dad telling you he would do anything to fix this feeling
The empty journal, you've been neglecting all this time
The thoughts: as much as this hurts
As much as I hate this
There is something that strangely feels right

These feelings are natural, after so much of you had been defined by something else
These emotions, feelings hold on tight
They make you think the wrong decision is right
Because if this is the right decision, why does it hurt so badly?

This year I have learned you will feel this way with heartache
Even when it is Right, it does not mean Easy.
Sometimes it is even harder to stand up for what you want
Than to make the wrong decision to stay comfortable

It all gets better.
There are days where the breaking stops
You can breathe normally, and tears don't fall as often.
Then there are days when you smile, really smile again.
It doesn't always stay that way
It might take time for the Right decision to feel right

There will be sunshine again
Warm memories that you create as you find yourself
It all takes time
And you deserve that time

Don't let the experiences of the past close your opportunities of the future
Don't make someone else pay for the scars of your past
There will be a Right decision that is Easy for you
But deep down inside, your heart knows
Follow your heart, it knows the way...

Just a thought...

So I wrote my post about the 52 lessons I have learned in the last 52 weeks
It got me thinking...
Maybe I will write a post for every lesson I wrote about
You may learn something new about me
Or the situation I have been through
Even help yourself out with something

I am going to try to be as honest as possible
but know that I am moving forward
and this year has good things in store for me

I will continue to learn new lessons in life
I don't ever want to stop learning, loving or living
But I know that my past does not define me, but it got me where I am at.

I don't know my future,
But I sure know my past
I will use it to be better
and live a better story while it lasts...

Fifty Two...

52 Lessons I have learned in the last 52 weeks...

52. The "Right" decision is not always an easy decision
51. The shower is the number one place to cry
50. Writing is just one way to cope with feelings, music is another
49. Make lots of memories
48. Heartbreak is not contagious- and contrary to popular belief, its not a terminal illness either
47. Travel, doesn't have to be extravagent, just get away
46. Its ok to be mad at God, let Him know when you are- He already knows...
45. Those cheesy motivational, encouraging quotes- really do help
44. You don't have to be happy, but always be thankful
43. God places people in your life when you need them most
42. Friendships change... and that is ok!
41. You only get one chance to live this life, its too long to be stuck or do things you don't want too...
40. The bigger picture is a lot better than you can imagine.
39. Redheads have more fun!
38. Its true when they say "Sometimes you don't know what you have until its gone"
37. The first meal you should cook a man is popcorn :)
36. Too much tequila is always a bad idea...
35. There is always a reason to shop: you're sad, happy, stressed, bored, excited, broke... you get the picture
34. Splurge on yourself, you deserve it!
33. If a guy tells you his name means "storyteller"- that should be your first sign to walk away
32. Being an Aunt is the BEST thing in the world!
31. "Friends are angels who lift us up to our feet when our own wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
30.  Let your guard down and LOVE... the worse that can happen is you miss an opportunity to grow
29. Always schedule Girls Nights in pen on your calendar, you deserve that time!
28. You will smile again, even when you thought you wouldn't
27. What once was the worst thing to happen in your life, might be the best thing- God is working upstream in your life, you don't always see the reason for the pain until much later
26. "I am just a tree in a story about a forest"- Donald Miller, A million miles in a thousand years
25. Shellac manicures are addicting
24. A man should ALWAYS open your doors, and you should always say Thank You
23. When you are heartbroken, common sense is not always common
22. God has a plan, just need to have faith that His works better than mine
21. His plan will ALWAYS work better than mine
20. It truly is better to have loved and lost, than never love
19. Blogging is a great way to look back and see where you've been and write where you are going
18. Dream. Big. 
17. Start living your better story when you decide you need too
16. Graduating college is scarier than you think it would be
15. Hope is Faith on Fire
14. When you walk into a room, see everyone as friends you haven't met yet
13. Mom is always right, Dad can make anything alright
12. Be active. Stay Happy.
11. High Heels do wonders for your self esteem
10. "Every flower that blooms has to go through a whole lot of dirt."
9. Be Patient. There is no time line. and don't freak out when you don't know where you are going, you are heading somewhere even when you think you are standing still
8. Be a friend, when you need a friend. "We all need someone who gives us the courage to be who we're meant to be."
7. "It costs nothing to dream, and everything not too."
6. Tell those you love, you love them as often as possible
5. Try something new as often as you can.
4. Being single isn't half that bad.
3. Don't let fear in, let Love in.
2. "Friendship isn't about whom you've known the longest, its about who came and never left your side." <3
1. That Love you have been looking for, its God...

and one for good luck- Always Love. 



I probably could have put more thought into these, but they were the first things to come to my mind. I have learned a lot, and changed a lot during this last year... A lot of the changes have been documented on this blog, and a lot of them have been internal but overall, I wanted to share with you some of the lessons I have learned this last year...