Hello again, everyone!
I hope your Saturday is off to a spectacular start.
Can we all agree that choosing to be joyful and content is so much better than only focusing on what is going wrong, what you wish you could change, or what you want next?
My nature is to be forward-looking and it is often easy for me to forget to live in the moment and to enjoy every second as it comes to me. It's so tempting to ignore the wonderful people and things I am currently surrounded by and to instead worry about what I want to do later today, or how to organized my calendar. I know I am not the only one who finds it hard to enjoy the present moment.
And while there is nothing fundamentally wrong with wanting to be organized and futuristic, it can easily rob us of all our joy and contentment. Every minute of our day, we have the opportunity to acknowledge something positive and wonderful. Maybe a colleague is being especially helpful and encouraging to you. Maybe the coffee you are drinking tastes incredible. Maybe you see something really pretty or cool while you are driving and your favorite song is on the radio. These great moments call for a spirit of celebration and appreciation.
How many times do you hear someone complain about how awful their day was or how they are just really unhappy? How many times do you catch yourself concentrating only on what went bad? How does that make you feel when you are complaining? If you are like me and thinks complaining makes you feel miserable, take heart! There's a solution and it's called appreciating every moment of your day and choosing to look for the good instead of the bad. Positivity is the best remedy for feeling stressed or tired.
XOXO
Chloe
11 August, 2018
27 July, 2018
Friday Encouragement
Woah! It has been a lifetime since I'v hopped on.
I hope you have all been doing well and are enjoying summer. I thought I'd share some Friday motivation and encouragement with you. Fridays are great but it doesn't mean we can slack off just because we're pumped for the weekend. I am a firm advocate for finishing strong and keeping your standards high. If you expect great things from yourself, you will not be disappointed. A solid work ethic is one of the most attractive traits an individual can have and when you work hard, it can inspire others around you to also work hard and get even more stuff done. I often say that positivity is contagious and I believe it also applies to working diligently. Be a good role model, even if it is tough.
You made it to Friday.
You've worked hard, accomplished goals, and made things happen.
Congratulations on a fantastic week just keep it up.
Your work is important.
You effort is valued.
Thank you so much for giving it your all.
You are strong.
You are kind.
You are smart.
You are capable.
You are talented.
You are loving.
You are special.
When you finish your work, don't forget to celebrate your accomplishments. You've earned some time to rest and unwind. And for some people it can be tough to leave work at work. The temptation to keep on working and stressing yourself out is strong I get it, but remember that having time to chill out, take care of yourself, and spend time with loved ones is more important than getting a promotion, burning out, and being obsessed with your job and title. So when you are with your family and/or friends, enjoy it and soak up every second. Play with your kids, stop checking emails, just enjoy your weekend without any guilt or stress. You earned a good rest.
XOXO,
Chloe
I hope you have all been doing well and are enjoying summer. I thought I'd share some Friday motivation and encouragement with you. Fridays are great but it doesn't mean we can slack off just because we're pumped for the weekend. I am a firm advocate for finishing strong and keeping your standards high. If you expect great things from yourself, you will not be disappointed. A solid work ethic is one of the most attractive traits an individual can have and when you work hard, it can inspire others around you to also work hard and get even more stuff done. I often say that positivity is contagious and I believe it also applies to working diligently. Be a good role model, even if it is tough.
You made it to Friday.
You've worked hard, accomplished goals, and made things happen.
Congratulations on a fantastic week just keep it up.
Your work is important.
You effort is valued.
Thank you so much for giving it your all.
You are strong.
You are kind.
You are smart.
You are capable.
You are talented.
You are loving.
You are special.
When you finish your work, don't forget to celebrate your accomplishments. You've earned some time to rest and unwind. And for some people it can be tough to leave work at work. The temptation to keep on working and stressing yourself out is strong I get it, but remember that having time to chill out, take care of yourself, and spend time with loved ones is more important than getting a promotion, burning out, and being obsessed with your job and title. So when you are with your family and/or friends, enjoy it and soak up every second. Play with your kids, stop checking emails, just enjoy your weekend without any guilt or stress. You earned a good rest.
XOXO,
Chloe
16 January, 2018
Lessons From A #BossLady In Training
Wow! It has been forever since I've tended to this blog. Happy 2018!
Part of the reason why I've been so busy is that I started a full-time job in December and have been so pre-occupied during the holidays. (Haven't we all?)
Life post-college has taught me many things. I have enjoyed my new "adult" job and love being at work. There's something special about the first job after college. All of the sudden, you don't feel like a little kid anymore and independence is a lovely thing. Since entering the workforce, here are my top 5 tips for being a #Bosslady. (Or #BossMan? BossGentleman? BossDude? Ok, I'll have to work on that!)
1.) Always take a seat at the table.
I learned this from company's CEO/President. At my work, meetings often include many people from many different departments, industries, companies, etc. Lower ranking attendees usually sit in the very back row against the wall, while executives and other high rank members sit at tables. My CEO looked at me the other day during lunch and told me, "At the next meeting, you take a place at the table. Take that seat and claim it. Show people you are important and what you have to say is important. People will see you sitting there and treat you differently." He smiled at me as if to reassure me that it's not wrong to demand a little bit of respect instead of waiting for others to acknowledge you. Be bold. Take that seat. Set the stage for how you want to be treated.
2.) Work harder than your colleagues, but stay humble.
Go the extra mile in a culture that tends to promote "bare minimum work ethic". Show people around you that hard work is not something to be scared of. You can help set the tone of the office's culture. A strong work ethic is always attractive and it leads to rewards. However, don't feel the need to outshine people just to make them look bad. It can be perceived as threatening and cocky. Never underestimate the power of asking for help or advice from experienced colleagues and being a source of encouragement. It will go a long way.
3.) Keep learning and growing.
Success and the desire to learn go hand-in-hand. Successful people are constantly learning and expanding their minds. Read books/articles, engage in discussions with people outside your industry or expertise, take notes, watch documentaries, keep asking questions. If you approach life with a teachable attitude, you won't be disappointed. Teachability shows you are humble and willing to acknowledge the fact you don't know everything. No one likes a cocky or arrogant jerk.
4.) Find an accountability partner(s).
I love setting goals. It's a great way for me to be reminded of what really matters to me. I also know I need accountability partners in order for me to stay on track of reaching those goals. I can easily become side-tracked or lazy, and my accountability partners are there to remind me to focus and keep working hard. It can be uncomfortable to share your goals with other people, but it's one of the best ways to make sure you are on the right path to reaching those goals. And when you accomplish a goal, celebrate with them and thank them for their help. Community is essential. Together is better!
5.) Schedule "Me Time".
Work can be exhausting. It's so easy to only focus on to-do lists, deadlines, and making everyone else happy. Working hard is important, but it's equally important to take care of yourself. If you neglect to check-in with yourself, you become drained and there's nothing left to give back to others. It's almost impossible to contribute in positive and meaningful ways at work if you are tired, cranky, or sad. I enjoy a weekly hot bath, time to read, or even a simple face mask. Maybe for you, it's going to the gym, or journaling, or just taking a nap without feeling guilty. Your health and well-being should be a priority.
I hope these tips help you unleash your #BossLady attitude. Work hard, stay humble, and own it. You are awesome.
XOXO
Chloe
02 October, 2017
For The Girl Who Prefers Simpler Things
Happy October! I hope you are enjoying the new month so far. I am certainly loving this slightly cooler weather and all things pumpkin spice and seeing leaves just starting to turn colors. Autumn never ceases to give me a sense of wonder and amazement. Why do pumpkin spice things taste so yummy and how leaves know exactly when to change and how to change colors? Why is the sound of crunching leaves so satisfying? Yes, I certainly adore the simplest things in life.
I have always preferred savoring the tiny things in life rather than splurging tons of money, time, and effort into creating a spectacular event to enjoy. For me, I much rather cook a meal at home and get to eat it in my pajamas than go out to a fancy five-star restaurant. I love evening walks around my neighborhood just a bit more than going to concerts or the big events. I feel most comfortable in a plain t-shirt, an old pair of jeans, and my cowboy boots. I joke that I pretty much wear the same thing everyday just in a different color or pattern. I am fine with absolutely no makeup on and my hair is usually pulled into a very messy bun. I tried to learn how to do adorable hairstyles on Youtube, but it turns out hair is not one of my talents. How did I manage to create huge knots in my hair and the lady in the video ended up with gorgeous and intricate hair? :)
If you're like me, don't think there's anything wrong with you or that you are alone. I promise you that you are not as weird or odd as you think you are. It's okay to be a simpler girl. Don't try to force yourself to do things differently just because you see other people doing so. We cannot all act or look like each other. That is so boring and unoriginal and we need to start celebrating individuality more. You are so special and awesome just the way you are. The best thing you can do is to be true to yourself and always make sure you are completely comfortable in your own skin. By doing so, you'll build so much self-confidence, and others will take notice. Maybe you will start your own trend. You never know!
Take care of yourselves and enjoy celebrating your own uniqueness.
XOXO
Chloe
I have always preferred savoring the tiny things in life rather than splurging tons of money, time, and effort into creating a spectacular event to enjoy. For me, I much rather cook a meal at home and get to eat it in my pajamas than go out to a fancy five-star restaurant. I love evening walks around my neighborhood just a bit more than going to concerts or the big events. I feel most comfortable in a plain t-shirt, an old pair of jeans, and my cowboy boots. I joke that I pretty much wear the same thing everyday just in a different color or pattern. I am fine with absolutely no makeup on and my hair is usually pulled into a very messy bun. I tried to learn how to do adorable hairstyles on Youtube, but it turns out hair is not one of my talents. How did I manage to create huge knots in my hair and the lady in the video ended up with gorgeous and intricate hair? :)
If you're like me, don't think there's anything wrong with you or that you are alone. I promise you that you are not as weird or odd as you think you are. It's okay to be a simpler girl. Don't try to force yourself to do things differently just because you see other people doing so. We cannot all act or look like each other. That is so boring and unoriginal and we need to start celebrating individuality more. You are so special and awesome just the way you are. The best thing you can do is to be true to yourself and always make sure you are completely comfortable in your own skin. By doing so, you'll build so much self-confidence, and others will take notice. Maybe you will start your own trend. You never know!
Take care of yourselves and enjoy celebrating your own uniqueness.
XOXO
Chloe
27 September, 2017
For The Girl Who Feels Like Other Girls Don't "Get" You
Hello again, everyone!
I hope your week has been great so far.
This is a very vulnerable post for me to write, but it's been weighing quite heavy on my heart, and I just feel like I am supposed to write about this. I have always struggled with believing other girls like me and can relate to me. I love getting to know people and hearing about their stories, but it's so hard to believe other girls actually want to be my friend. I know I am not the only person who feels insecure about herself and I just want to encourage you.
I've always joked that I am a bit of a lone wolf. I don't need a big group of people to feel good about myself. I like being independent and am completely comfortable by myself. However, as human beings, we were created for community and fellowship. We need strong relationships in order to grow to become the best versions of ourselves possible. My small group of close friends have taught me so many life lessons. We have eaten together, laughed together, cried together, and celebrated milestones together. I just could not imagine life without them. While I do enjoy being alone too, I need my friends just as much. Don't believe the lie that no one will ever understand you and that it's better to be a lone wolf. Sometimes it just takes time to find the right people. Not every single person will be your best friend and that's okay too.
Part of finding a great group of friends is to be a good friend. Who wants to be friends with someone who is selfish, negative, and/or unreliable? Honesty, loyalty, and generosity go a very long way. All of us (myself definitely included) need to be mindful of the energy we put out. Are we always complaining about something? Do we call/text back on time? Do we ask about how our friends' days/lives are going before sharing anything about ourselves? Being a good friend matters. No one wants to hang out with someone they feel they can't trust.
True friends want to know about how your life is going. Sometimes they ask difficult and/or personal questions. It is so important we learn how to be vulnerable and honest. True friends don't ask those types of questions to offend you or criticize you. They ask those questions because they want to cultivate a deeper relationship with you. I understand some of us are more reserved and private than others, but once you find your close knit group of friends, it is important to trust them by letting them into your life. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the end result of having a group of people who continually encourages you, loves you, and cares about you is always worth it.
And last but certainly not least: Your worth should never ever be defined by the number of likes or followers you have. Those things are nice, but they are not a reliable indicator of friendship. Real friends do a lot more than pushing a "like" button. Real friends are just as active (if not more) in person than social media/screens. It may take time to find those people, but they are definitely out there and getting to know them always leads to a richer and fuller life.
We were created for fellowship. We are called to be good friends to others. We are worthy of love.
XOXO
Chloe
I hope your week has been great so far.
This is a very vulnerable post for me to write, but it's been weighing quite heavy on my heart, and I just feel like I am supposed to write about this. I have always struggled with believing other girls like me and can relate to me. I love getting to know people and hearing about their stories, but it's so hard to believe other girls actually want to be my friend. I know I am not the only person who feels insecure about herself and I just want to encourage you.
I've always joked that I am a bit of a lone wolf. I don't need a big group of people to feel good about myself. I like being independent and am completely comfortable by myself. However, as human beings, we were created for community and fellowship. We need strong relationships in order to grow to become the best versions of ourselves possible. My small group of close friends have taught me so many life lessons. We have eaten together, laughed together, cried together, and celebrated milestones together. I just could not imagine life without them. While I do enjoy being alone too, I need my friends just as much. Don't believe the lie that no one will ever understand you and that it's better to be a lone wolf. Sometimes it just takes time to find the right people. Not every single person will be your best friend and that's okay too.
Part of finding a great group of friends is to be a good friend. Who wants to be friends with someone who is selfish, negative, and/or unreliable? Honesty, loyalty, and generosity go a very long way. All of us (myself definitely included) need to be mindful of the energy we put out. Are we always complaining about something? Do we call/text back on time? Do we ask about how our friends' days/lives are going before sharing anything about ourselves? Being a good friend matters. No one wants to hang out with someone they feel they can't trust.
True friends want to know about how your life is going. Sometimes they ask difficult and/or personal questions. It is so important we learn how to be vulnerable and honest. True friends don't ask those types of questions to offend you or criticize you. They ask those questions because they want to cultivate a deeper relationship with you. I understand some of us are more reserved and private than others, but once you find your close knit group of friends, it is important to trust them by letting them into your life. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the end result of having a group of people who continually encourages you, loves you, and cares about you is always worth it.
And last but certainly not least: Your worth should never ever be defined by the number of likes or followers you have. Those things are nice, but they are not a reliable indicator of friendship. Real friends do a lot more than pushing a "like" button. Real friends are just as active (if not more) in person than social media/screens. It may take time to find those people, but they are definitely out there and getting to know them always leads to a richer and fuller life.
We were created for fellowship. We are called to be good friends to others. We are worthy of love.
XOXO
Chloe
06 September, 2017
Help Hurricane Harvey Victims/My Poshmark Closet
Hello everyone!
I hope your Labor Day weekend was wonderful and fun. I certainly enjoyed mine, but my heart still hurts for all those affected by Hurricane Harvey. I can't help but to think about how blessed I am to have a place to live with my family safe and sound. My heart breaks for all those who have lost family, friends, homes, and the possessions they've worked so hard to get. I send all my love and prayers to those whose lives are turned upside down.
In order to do my best to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, I am selling some things on Poshmark and donating 100% of my earnings to sending relief. My Poshmark closet name is cmpark95. Please feel free to check it out! All my prices are negotiable and I'm always more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Poshmark is great because you get 2-day shipping and you will not pay until you receive your order. It is very safe and easy to use.
I'm just doing whatever I can to help send hope and relief. I just want people to know we cannot give up on taking care of each other and being sources of light and encouragement. Texas, you are not alone! You are very loved and cared about and I hope my donations from Poshmark help you realize that you are supported.
Come on and spend some time in my closet. We can all help send relief!
Poshmark username/closet: cmpark95
XOXO
Chloe
I hope your Labor Day weekend was wonderful and fun. I certainly enjoyed mine, but my heart still hurts for all those affected by Hurricane Harvey. I can't help but to think about how blessed I am to have a place to live with my family safe and sound. My heart breaks for all those who have lost family, friends, homes, and the possessions they've worked so hard to get. I send all my love and prayers to those whose lives are turned upside down.
In order to do my best to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, I am selling some things on Poshmark and donating 100% of my earnings to sending relief. My Poshmark closet name is cmpark95. Please feel free to check it out! All my prices are negotiable and I'm always more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Poshmark is great because you get 2-day shipping and you will not pay until you receive your order. It is very safe and easy to use.
I'm just doing whatever I can to help send hope and relief. I just want people to know we cannot give up on taking care of each other and being sources of light and encouragement. Texas, you are not alone! You are very loved and cared about and I hope my donations from Poshmark help you realize that you are supported.
Come on and spend some time in my closet. We can all help send relief!
Poshmark username/closet: cmpark95
XOXO
Chloe
18 July, 2017
Advice for Incoming Freshmen
Hello again, everyone!
I hope you are all enjoying your summer. This is a post specifically for my readers who are incoming college freshmen. It is still surreal to me that I am now done with college and am now living the adult life. I will always have fond memories of my college days and the past four years have been so incredible. If your nervous or scared about starting your new adventure, please don't be, It is an exciting and wonderful time, and I want to encourage you to cherish every second of it, even if you are feeling intimidated. I get it, change is not always easy. We all love comfort and routines. While it can be difficult, it is so worth it. Here is a list of my best advice for you in regards to social life and academic life:
Social/Making new friends:
1.) Get plugged in right away.
Most universities will host an extracurriculars fair during the first couple weeks of school. Attend them and start talking with people. Find a sports team, club or organization that interests you, and go for it! Even if you feel awkward or shy, it is so worth it. I've met so many great people by attending these fairs and they have helped me feel more connected to my school and I've had a ton of fun.
2.) Keep you dorm room door open.
Someone shared this piece of wisdom with me right before I arrived on campus, and I am so thankful they did. I cannot tell you how many people I've became good friends with just by popping in to their open room and saying hello, or vice versa. Sometimes it's easy to want privacy or hide away when feeling nervous, shy, or downright scared, but resist the urge and keep your door open. People will stop by and introduce themselves. And if you see an open door, don't hesitate to stop by and get to know some folks.
3.) Get to know your RA (resident assistant) for your dorm's floor.
RAs are super helpful and no, they don't bite. They can help answer questions about school, living on campus, and they are the first people to go to for any issues regarding housing. My RAs were all very friendly and made a huge effort to know all their residents, create fun get-to-know-you/ice breaker events, and some of them became wonderful friends. They will help you settle in and get acclimated and they might even give you some fun treats and surprises every once in a while.
Academics:
4.) Learn to love your syllabus.
Most professors will not remind you of due dates because they include all the important dates and assignments on their syllabus. It is your job to save that packet in a safe place, and record all the dates in your agenda or planner. I always highlighted the dates in my syllabus, and then made sure to write them down in my agenda ASAP. I never forgot a single assignment or turned anything in late. (Late penalties hurt your grade A LOT)
5.) Find a tutoring/study group.
Group tutoring/studying is a great way to review the info you learned in class, ask questions, and stay motivated. All my tutors were super helpful, patient, and constantly encouraged me to put forth my very best work. They can give you tips for how to become more effective at studying, and share some test-taking strategies that really work. These sessions are wonderful because everyone who attends wants to be there and get better, and in my experiences, we all motivated one another to do well in school.
6.) Create and stick to a study schedule. College is busy and hectic. I was a student-athlete, volunteered as a copyeditor, and played intramural volleyball, and did my best to maintain a social life with friends. The only way I was able to be successful was by creating a study schedule each semester and sticking to it no matter what. I made sure to dedicate time for completing homework, studying for quizzes and exams, and for writing papers each day. Even if I got tired or felt like motivation was slipping away, I found ways to remind myself to sit down and hit the books. Off you fail to do this, it will show in your performance. Don't get lazy. Success relies on self-discipline.
That's all for now. Remember to savor every minute of this fun and exciting time. You are going to do so well and I'm excited for all of you. Feel free to comment with more advice and./or questions. I absolutely love doing posts like this. Enjoy!
XOXO
Chloe
I hope you are all enjoying your summer. This is a post specifically for my readers who are incoming college freshmen. It is still surreal to me that I am now done with college and am now living the adult life. I will always have fond memories of my college days and the past four years have been so incredible. If your nervous or scared about starting your new adventure, please don't be, It is an exciting and wonderful time, and I want to encourage you to cherish every second of it, even if you are feeling intimidated. I get it, change is not always easy. We all love comfort and routines. While it can be difficult, it is so worth it. Here is a list of my best advice for you in regards to social life and academic life:
Social/Making new friends:
1.) Get plugged in right away.
Most universities will host an extracurriculars fair during the first couple weeks of school. Attend them and start talking with people. Find a sports team, club or organization that interests you, and go for it! Even if you feel awkward or shy, it is so worth it. I've met so many great people by attending these fairs and they have helped me feel more connected to my school and I've had a ton of fun.
2.) Keep you dorm room door open.
Someone shared this piece of wisdom with me right before I arrived on campus, and I am so thankful they did. I cannot tell you how many people I've became good friends with just by popping in to their open room and saying hello, or vice versa. Sometimes it's easy to want privacy or hide away when feeling nervous, shy, or downright scared, but resist the urge and keep your door open. People will stop by and introduce themselves. And if you see an open door, don't hesitate to stop by and get to know some folks.
3.) Get to know your RA (resident assistant) for your dorm's floor.
RAs are super helpful and no, they don't bite. They can help answer questions about school, living on campus, and they are the first people to go to for any issues regarding housing. My RAs were all very friendly and made a huge effort to know all their residents, create fun get-to-know-you/ice breaker events, and some of them became wonderful friends. They will help you settle in and get acclimated and they might even give you some fun treats and surprises every once in a while.
Academics:
4.) Learn to love your syllabus.
Most professors will not remind you of due dates because they include all the important dates and assignments on their syllabus. It is your job to save that packet in a safe place, and record all the dates in your agenda or planner. I always highlighted the dates in my syllabus, and then made sure to write them down in my agenda ASAP. I never forgot a single assignment or turned anything in late. (Late penalties hurt your grade A LOT)
5.) Find a tutoring/study group.
Group tutoring/studying is a great way to review the info you learned in class, ask questions, and stay motivated. All my tutors were super helpful, patient, and constantly encouraged me to put forth my very best work. They can give you tips for how to become more effective at studying, and share some test-taking strategies that really work. These sessions are wonderful because everyone who attends wants to be there and get better, and in my experiences, we all motivated one another to do well in school.
6.) Create and stick to a study schedule. College is busy and hectic. I was a student-athlete, volunteered as a copyeditor, and played intramural volleyball, and did my best to maintain a social life with friends. The only way I was able to be successful was by creating a study schedule each semester and sticking to it no matter what. I made sure to dedicate time for completing homework, studying for quizzes and exams, and for writing papers each day. Even if I got tired or felt like motivation was slipping away, I found ways to remind myself to sit down and hit the books. Off you fail to do this, it will show in your performance. Don't get lazy. Success relies on self-discipline.
That's all for now. Remember to savor every minute of this fun and exciting time. You are going to do so well and I'm excited for all of you. Feel free to comment with more advice and./or questions. I absolutely love doing posts like this. Enjoy!
XOXO
Chloe
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