Wise Words Wednesday: Birthday Edition

 With today being my birthday, I figured I'd share some words of advice that have struck a chord with me lately. As I enter the next year, I hope to keep these words close...

I also figured it was a good time to follow up on my aspirations list from last year and see how I did:

1. Surfing getaway weekend

2. Simply my life and get rid of unnecessary material items

3. Send more handwritten letters and care packages to my favorites

4. Ride my bicycle more often - I just got a new bike so this one should be easy...

5. More random acts of kindness (at least once a month)

6. Volunteer my time more for others - I did volunteer with a new organization all year and I'm signed up for a new orientation so I'm going to check this off EVEN though there could always be "more time" for this.

7. Spend the day in the park (picnic and kite flying included)

8. Swim as much as possible - in rivers, lakes, beaches, cliff jump, etc.

9. Host a summer BBQ for friends - does brunch count?

10. Learn to do a handstand or the split

11. Dates with my parents (together and solo)

12. Travel to Europe (!)

13. Dance in the rain (or preferably go skinny dipping)

14. Add more color to my life (inside and outside the home)

15. Bake a cake (or cupcakes) for the folks at work who make my job brighter and easier

16. Learn the Charleston and go to at least 1 swing night event

17. Travel to Washington, D.C. to see the cherry blossom trees

18. Learn Spanish and practice/ improve my French

19. Weekend camping trips (at least 2)

20. Grow my Etsy site (i.e., make more handmade stuff)

21. Get out during the week at least 2x a month (more concerts, dates, art shows, and baseball games)

22. Sponsor a child abroad

23. Plan a girls' brunch

24. Take a kickboxing class

25. Take more photos (one per day at minimum)

26. Practice and play the ukelele more often (in order to record and post a video on the blog)

27. Go out dancing with my ladies

28. Run a 10K race

29. Do a boudoir photo shoot (because why not?)

30. Do something that scares me...and have fun figuring out what that thing is! 

Yikes! I need to get moving on this list...I'll make #31 to be more forgiving so then that makes it okay to have this list roll over to 31, right? :)

And some good birthday reminders...

xo

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! 

This quote is making me happy this morning. Reminders like this nice to read, and often. :)

Really interesting article about back pain and how some cultures have zero back pain issues. Must be nice (especially with age, am I right?)!

This pin is speaking my language!

Check out the world's most remarkable trees. Pure magic.

Life lessons from Nick Miller. He's my favorite character on "New Girl."

I need this mug. Perfect for back porch coffee time. :)

Advice for those in their 30's. 

My truths: #1, #5, #6, #14, #18, and #35. I need to get better at #2, #16, #21, #23, and #24.

Liz Lemon is the best. #myhero

Lover's Point in California. Bucket list addition. 

Incredible letter to all men from one of my favorites. I totally agree on her stance on what makes a man sexy...and guess what? It's not apathy.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

I'm in LA next week for E3 and looking forward to seeing my friend, Lily!

xo

Wise Words Wednesday

Some days I feel like I was meant to be a 1960's flower child or live in a small home in the mountains or woods or along the beach. Now that it's Spring (well, almost), I plan on being outside in nature as much as possible. Even when I'm just in my own backyard in the hammock or sitting on the stairs watching Townes play in the yard, there is such a great feeling of serenity. Like the saying goes, get lost in nature to find yourself. :)

Go here for more inspiration!

xo

Wise Words Wednesday

Amen.

I wish I could say I was immune from judgement (judging others and myself, alike), but I can proudly say that I feel like I've made huge personal leaps in this arena. I should say that I've made more progress in my hesitancy to judge others (more so than self-judgement). Judging others creates such toxic environments. 

The less that I worry about others' lives and their actions, the more peaceful I feel inside. A more altruistic way of life benefits everyone. As I've said before (while quoting the Dalai Lama), we are all seeking happiness and trying to avoid suffering, therefore, we should all be able to empathize with one another at that basic level. This goes for all living things: humans, animals, and even insects.

Despite my personal growth in this area, it's still a nice reminder that there is so much hurt and misunderstanding in the world, so try to use your good energy to restore this balance. We are all fighting hard battles and could all use a little compassion while we try to navigate this crazy thing called life. It's easy to think you know someone else's story, but it's too complicated to ever truly see life through someone else's eyes. I believe we all just have to try our best. Be the change...

I know I always use some lifting up. I hope I can do this for others, too.

What about you? Could you use some kind words or open ears?

If so, I'd be obliged. :)

xo

Wise Words Wednesday

My favorite part about words is that each interpretation can be completely different respective to the reader.

I've always loved reading quotes and that moment when you stumble across an idea or grouping of words that stops you in your breath. No matter how simple or complex, each quote can stir different emotions for different people. 

With that being said, these prints from Etsy seller, White Cellar Door, are giving me that sense of pause today. I love the simple typewriter text and blank background...the words steal the spotlight anyways.

 

All of these quotes, for various reasons, seem like magic to me in my current position in life. These words are sweet reminders for personal reflection.

What is your favorite quote these days?

♥

Happy New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's Eve! 

2014 went by so quickly so it feels bizarre to be heading into 2015!

This year was pretty good to me: I turned 30, traveled to Europe, spent many weekends in the mountains, got promoted at work, celebrated 5 years of marriage, stood by my best friend in her wedding, got to meet our best friends' new baby boy, saw the Grand Canyon, got into the best shape of my adult life (and now working on getting back there - it's so hard when it's cold and dark early!), and went surfing!

I have some goals for 2015, but this list is a great inspiration.

Here are some other wishes for the new year:

Don't forget to surprise yourself! So sweet!

I could definitely use more of all of these things! 

I may need to fill this out and hang it at my desk or on my fridge!

What would yours say?

 Here are some other quotes to start off your new year right. 

Finally, to start the year off right at midnight, make sure to have your favorite champagne cocktail!

Cheers to a fabulous 2015! 

See you next year!

xo

Wise Words Wednesday

I am a strong believer that your daily outlook on life directly affects your daily experiences.

With the stress and craziness of life, it can be hard to appreciate the beauty and good fortune that surrounds us. As things get busier this holiday season, I highly suggest that you try to find ways to appreciate the coziness, smell of fresh balsam, drink lots of hot chocolate, and enjoy the vibrant poinsettias!

This quote from Matisse is especially wonderful since I've been to the Matisse museum and gravestone in Nice, France. There was even a beautiful rose garden right by the museum. 

xo

Wise Words

This quote gave me goosebumps the first time I read it.

There are so many issues facing the world today: global warming, overpopulation, mass consumption, and the detriment of natural resources. Sadly I could keep going on and on...

This quote reminds me of the importance to try live with positive intent and give thought around your daily decisions. Some days it is inconvenient to do what's best for the world and yourself, but try to minimize the scars left behind. 

xo

Wise Words

While in the mountains last week, I read the latest October Southern Living magazine. This issue featured amazing cottages, recipes, Asheville road trip ideas, and my favorite: an interview with Dolly Parton! 

I've always loved Dolly's music and her positive outlook on life. Her song "Coat of Many Colors" makes me misty-eyed every time! 

One of my favorite quotes from the article is: "People always say “You seem to always be so happy.” But I’m not always happy. Nobody is happy all the time. I’m a very sensitive person. I’m a songwriter, so I have to live with my feelings on my sleeve. I have to not harden my heart, because I want to stay open to feel things. So when I hurt, I hurt all over. And when I cry, I cry real hard. And when I’m mad, I’m mad all over. I’m just a person; I like to experience whatever the feeling is and whatever I’m going through. But I have a good attitude. And I was born with a happy heart. I’m always looking for things to be better."

Such an inspiration! It's still on my bucket list to see her perform!

xo

Wise Words

Simple, but oh so true.

It's not always easy to keep up with the things you love or the things that drive you...as with most things, it gets increasingly harder with age too. Go figure! I often notice that when times get busy or stressful, I tend to make less time for the things that I love...instead I should be embracing and prioritizing my favorites (activities and people)! Never lose sight of the things that make you feel alive. Always follow your gut and strive to live a life filled with passion. Easier said than done, but a little reminder never hurts, right?

By the way, happy first day of October!
xo

Wise Words

This is such a powerful quote.

After going to volunteer orientation for Stand Up For Kids last weekend, it's got me feeling very fortunate. Fortunate to have had a fair shot for a happy life - a loving family, a great education, a successful career, and supportive friends. Sadly, not everyone is as lucky.

SUFK is a non-profit that provide life-saving and outreach services to homeless, street kids and at-risk youth. They have a few different programs: school mentor-ship, street outreach, and a center available 2 days/ week that provides basic necessities, food, hygiene, showers, medical help, resources, and mentor-ship to homeless kids. They are still very a very grassroots charity and I love that 95% of their donations go straight back to the kids (and is not spent on high salaries). My awesome, inspiring friend Jennifer works at SUFK and I'm so happy that she asked me to get involved! 

I'm going to be paired with an at-risk high school student (we will meet 2x/ month) and I'm also going to try to volunteer at the center on Wednesday nights.

It feels great to give my time to such a worthy cause...it's just a shame that any child has to live on the streets and worry about shelter and survival.

If you'd like more details or want to get involved, I can help point you in the right direction!

Wise Words

Some days, a really good quote serves as a perfect reminder that we are all human. Fighting the good fight together.

I recently started reading The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World by HH the Dalai Lama. One of the focuses in the book is that despite close encounters with hardship, disappointment, and failure, one must maintain a belief in the value of optimism and resiliency.

I've been really focusing on my positivity to help focus more on the good things and less on all the hurt in life.

It's always worth the effort to find strength to keep going and seek out those rare moments of beauty and peace.