Tuesday, April 23, 2013

An inexperienced 20 something's guide to surviving life

Prioritize
      Know what's truly important, and what isn't. You don't have to make a formal list, although it might be more effective, just think about it, what can truly wait till later, what needs to be done first, what can wait, what isn't important at all. Ask yourself is doing x truly worth not completing y? Can you live with the consequences? Think LONG TERM, I know I tend not to, but in the long run how is it going to affect you.

Know your limits
     Know your stress limits, how much you can handle in terms of relationships, work, partying, everything. Going above and beyond and pretending like you are a superhero and can fit 48 hrs of stuff into a 24 hr day is only taking time of the last couple years of your life.

Get over it
     There are just certain things we stress and obsess over that aren't as terrible as we make them out to be. Stop worrying so much, forgive others, and forgive yourself! It's in the past so move on and try to enjoy the future!

Take mental health breaks.
     Sometimes you can't fit real breaks in, but go to the bathroom or something if you feel yourself being overwhelmed, splash some water on your face, close your eyes, shut your brain off for a minute & recoup.

Learn to say no
     I know personally if I don't say yes to everything I feel like I'm missing out on life or letting people down. I like to take on extra work, help friends whenever they ask, go out when I don't feel like it, etc., but then I get no time for myself and become stressed out.

But sometimes it's ok to say yes
     Do things that take you a little out of your comfort zone. Go to a new place, try new foods, buy an outfit you wouldn't normally wear, drive a different way home, do an activity that might scare you a little, something, because otherwise you really are missing out. There is just so much to see and do and unless you get over those inhibitions you might never experience that thing you didn't know you would enjoy.

Love thyself!
       Set aside a day, a minute, an hour, to just be. I treasure my alone times where I have no agenda. I can just put on a pair of sweats and do whatever makes me happy at that moment. Things range from random dance parties, to catching up on shows, laying there lifeless, reorganizing things, drawing, coloring, whatever I feel like. So whether you do a whole spa day or just sit in your room with your music, do something, alone! You're gonna have to live with yourself for the rest of your life so take care of you. Spend some QT with you, because you deserve it!


These tips are pretty self explanatory, and you've probably heard them before, but sometimes we need reminders. I am by far not an expert on life, but I'd like to think I have a little knowledge on the subject matter. Just keep these in mind tho.....or don't either way enjoy the rest of your wonderful, exciting, terrifying, crazy, beautiful, life & thanks for taking time out of it to read this!

Monday, April 8, 2013

Feeling Irie

        So, The word Irie, is a Jamaican, Rastafarian, term that basically means "to be at total peace with your current state of being"* It's about positive vibes & being happy, letting go of your worries. It's such a strong word, for such a small one. 
       There are so many things that affect my mood throughout the day and I tend to internalize them like most people. I truly believe that happiness is a state of mind. Yes, there are so many things that can affect our state of mind, causing us to think negatively and feel sad or depressed but we have to learn to let that stuff go! I know that's easier said than done, that's why you have to have tools that help you feel better & reinforce your good mood. Whether it's a hobby, talking about, exercise, church, meditation, music, whatever.
         It definitely helps when you have an outlet. I used to draw when I get stressed and I've recently picked up the habit again. I also love yoga! I know people are skeptical about it but, I find it so relaxing stretching all the places you normally don't get to. Music plays a huge role in my life too and the type I listen to usually reflects my mood. I've been trying to play music for the mood I want to be in though rather than the one I'm currently in. Worrying and being depressed literally makes you sick and I want to live forever! I'm trying really hard to just enjoy life & I hope you all try a little harder too. Let people go, get organized, put things into perspective, because they aren't always as bad as we make them out to be! Don't worry, be happy! #Hakuna Matata









*The 1st part of the definition I used for the word Irie came from Urban Dictionary, yes I know that's not a reliable source, but I already knew the definition, I just liked the way it was said here. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=irie

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Hey guys,
     Sorry I haven't posted my video on thrifting yet. I went to two Goodwill stores but didnt find anything that stood out to me. I felt a little weird in the first store, but a little more comfortable in the second. I want to go into actual thrift shops & the flea market but havent had a chance yet. The prices were great, but I felt that I could shop the clearance racks at certain stores and get similar items for $5 and $6. I know the main point of thrifting though is to find unique pieces so I'm definintely going to try to go out hunting for those special items soon!