An Open Letter to (the soon-to-be) 21-Year Old Me

So I know it's not Friday but I'm posting this early because this week is going to be crazy with schoolwork and now's the best time to write. My birthday is on Wednesday and yesterday I was reflecting back on the past years, and what I would like myself to know/remember as I embark on my 21st year on earth, so I wrote a letter to myself because letters are simply how I best articulate my feelings. It might seem weird to you, but that's just how I work. Here it goes..

Happy 21st birthday! You can now enjoy being an actual adult. It wasn't too long ago since you were playing with Barbies and singing the wonder pets theme song. I hope this year is a time when you can learn more about the woman God has created you to be. Here is some advice as you embark on the next chapter of life.  

1.) Never ever forget that you are unique and beautiful no matter what anyone says about you. Your worth is never based on a number on a scale or how many calories you ingest, or how many followers on Instagram you have. Always be authentic to yourself and never change just to make others like you more. The person God has created you to be is far more beautiful than anyone you could ever pretend to be. A beautiful heart and spirit is ultimately the most important thing. 

2.) Work hard and don't slack off. If you want something, you have to earn it. Nothing is ever handed to you on a silver platter. Although culture says things should be easy and take minimal effort, go the extra mile in all you do. If you don't have time to do your very best, then why are you even bothering? Doing the bare minimum never works out. Don't give up just because it gets too hard. A woman with a strong work ethic is sexy. 

3.) But don't work too hard without playing hard. While you are young, be carefree. Enjoy laughing with friends and doing silly things. This is the time to kick back and enjoy life before there's too many not-so-fun responsibilities. It's okay to make mistakes. It's how you learn. You are such a perfectionist and a go-getter but sometimes that limits you and is your downfall. You don't have to be so type A. It's okay to let loose.

4.) It's okay to occasionally spoil yourself. Make time for you. You always seem to have a busy schedule and it's important to slow down and unwind. If you don't take care of yourself, who will? And if you really love those shoes, stop obsessing about them and buy them. What the hell, it's a pair of shoes, it's not as serious as a heart transplant. Do something nice for yourself. Eat chocolate, take a hot bath with a glass of wine, or just stay in wearing your favorite pajamas, watching Netflix, and eating nachos. (Netflix and nachos won't fail you)

5.) Embrace all relationships God gives you. Although there will be people who only want to use you and take advantage of you, also know that there are many people you will meet (or already know) who are more than willing to walk beside you as you go through life. They will celebrate your happiest days but also cry with you when your heart feels like it's been shattered in a million pieces. Cherish those friends Be the best friend you possibly can towards them. Be gracious, loving, supportive and loyal. Choose people who inspire you to be a better person and who treat everyone with kindness instead of being catty and cruel. 

This next year has so much potential to be one of the greatest years of your life. Always know that your calling in life is to be a source of joy and love to others. You are smart and have a lot to contribute to this world. You have so much light to share and a sparkly personality that can be so endearing when you aren't taking yourself so seriously. You have such a zest for life and an adventurous and cheerful spirit. Here's to another amazing year with incredible people and many memories to make! 

My Happy List

Hello, I'm back everyone! Happy Friday!

One of the things I believe is super important to create from time to time is a happy list. There's something really uplifting about reflecting on the things that make you smile and the things that remind you to be thankful. We live in a world where there's always an option to add things to our "wish list". It's easy to see what other people have, and wonder "what can't my life look like that?" However, when we take time out of our busy days to write down the things we already DO have, it is so freeing from the oppression of envy and jealousy. Today I thought I'd share part of my happy list.

1.) My friend's parents bought me flowers. Honestly, the easiest way to make me smile is through flowers. I love them so much. I don't know exactly what about them makes me so full of joy, but they just do. I feel so loved because it shows that someone took time out of their hectic schedule to think of me.
2.) I had another friend help me with a paper. I think she's an incredibly strong writer and her input was super insightful. She was so cheerful about helping me work through my concerns and we were able to make my paper stronger than it originally was.
3.) The other day, I woke up earlier than usual and i had extra time to just sit and enjoy my cup of coffee without being in a rush. I was able to embrace the present moment and only focus on the comfort a nice hot cup of coffee can offer.

Honestly, I think this is a practice that is still really hard for me. It's hard to ignore posts on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest and not compare some aspect of my life to what people post. But I've learned that if I just keep trying to recognize the things I do have, then the likelihood of being sad goes down. I still get a bit envious but in the end, but regardless I've chosen to be thankful that I get the privilege to be me and live my own life. I wouldn't trade my life for anybody else's. And that's just something I have to keep saying to myself multiple times a day.

Have an amazing day! Come back next Friday!
XOXO
Chloe

The Organized Morning

In my blog "Chloe's Closet", I touched on the importance of making sure you have ample time to get ready in the morning instead of perpetually being in a rush every single day. Once upon a time, I was extremely cheerful about waking up and getting my day started. Today, I am more inclined to staying in my warm bed and hitting snooze a couple of times. I have a love-hate relationship with waking up so the idea of establishing a morning routine seemed weird. But I haven't been late to any classes (knock on wood)  and I've stayed in a pretty good mood despite wanting to stay in bed. The organization comes from getting stuff started the night before.

The night before:
-Pick out clothes and lay them out
-Program the coffee machine so coffee is awake before I am
-Get any material needed for the next day and have my bag packed and ready (There is nothing worse than already running late and having to find everything needed for work/school)
-Clean the kitchen, do dishes and put them away (If you don't have the kitchen completely clean, you're begging for chaos in the morning)
-Take a shower before bed. It helps you relax and it saves time in the morning.

In the morning:
-Try to resist hitting snooze. This is something I struggle with but it is so important for making sure you have enough time to get ready.
-Make the bed as soon as you get up. It makes you feel more clean and organized and who does't love tidiness?
-Brush teeth, wash face, put on sunscreen and moisture and makeup
-Get dressed in the clothes that have been already laid out
-Eat breakfast. This is a crucial step as it gives you energy and prevents unhealthy eating choices later in the day.
-Tidy up the kitchen and then go on your way. Your bag and coffee are already ready so just grab and go.

Let It Go

I cannot believe how bad I am at blogging and staying on top of my stuff. I'm so sorry everyone! I'm a college student and there's only so much I can physically do. I hope you have been enjoying 2016 so far. I think this year will be a good one for me. I was thinking a little while ago about what my new year's resolutions would be. I don't think they really change that much. I always list things like exercise more, eat healthier, sleep more, be kind, etc. I obviously want to have an amazing year, but I've realized that the only way to guarantee that it's going to happen is by changing my mindset and telling myself no matter what, I'm not going to let negativity enter my life. You cannot have a great year with complaining, whining, and bitching about the people. Bad things are going to happen at certain times. You can't avoid every not-so-great situation, but you can definitely control the way you react to those low points. So here's my challenge for myself and maybe for some of you. 

Let things go. Don't get so hung up on the things that don't go as planned. Try to see the sunshine peeking in through the clouds. It's there. It's always there. You just have to look for it.