Waiting in the Midst of Discomfort

Hello again! (I know TWO posts in 1 week is CRAZINESS!)
This post is sort of related to my previous post. As I was re-reading that post, I was reminded of the word Advent and what it really means.

I'm currently doing an Advent devotional called Waiting Here for You, An Advent Journey of Hope by Louie Giglio. I'm only two days in, but so far I am really enjoying it. The word "Advent" means expectation. In the Christian tradition, Advent is the time to reflect on the beautiful event of Christ's birth. It's a time to be calm instead of letting the chaos of everyday life and the holiday season distract us from showing kindness, love, and joy to people around us.

So how does this concept of "Advent" relate to real, everyday life? For many of us, (myself definitely included) we are in a season of transitions and "in-betweeness" (Is that even a word?) For me, I am a senior in college. For my fellow college students and/or recent grads, I'm sure you know how much weight that last sentence carries. People who know me know that I love agendas and plans. I love predictability and order. The realization that I don't know how the next few months/year drives me crazy. Therefore, I just want this part of my life to be over already. Another thing about me is I also hate waiting. Lately, I've been reflecting on how I can make the most out of waiting. How can I see the positive/bright side to this?

The thing about waiting is it isn't always going to be super easy and comfortable. It's often scary and frustrating. As difficult as this process can be, we can all have hope that this too shall pass and we are not alone in our struggles. Everyone has gone through this phase before. It can painful at times but in the end, it makes us stronger and more resilient. For me, it's like when I work out. It's uncomfortable to push beyond pain and fatigue. It feels like everything would be better if I just quit. But does quitting make me stronger? No! I feel much better once I complete a workout and know I did my very best and finished despite the pain. It's no different in other aspects of life. Just keep telling yourself "This too shall pass." Just because you feel overwhelmed, it doesn't mean the world is ending. Have faith and hope that you will become a better person with more wisdom after this awkward period of transition and waiting is over.  You are strong. You are brave. You can and you will get through this.

XOXO
Chloe

You WILL Make It!

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a great holiday so far. Whether you celebrated with a large family, or had a small "friendsgiving", I hope you experienced love, joy, and community.

I am so excited for the holidays and all the festivities that go along with it. I love spending time with my loved ones, relaxing after a busy semester at college, and experiencing the joy and magic of the holidays. There's something beautiful about people gathering together to share joy and love. However, I realize this time of year can be stressful for many. There are events to organize/host, to-do lists, and trying to cram in all those unresolved but soon-to-be-resolved resolutions from this past January. (Please tell me I'm not the only one 😂)

I get it. Real life doesn't just stop because of the holidays. I still have deadlines and many things to do in the next few weeks, but today I am making a decision. I will NOT allow reality to ruin my joy and excitement. I WILL make it through this busy time AND you WILL too! We can all take a few deep breaths and find time to relax. Here are some of my tips:

1.) Compliment and encourage your co-workers, friends, neighbors, anyone
We can all use some daily motivation and encouragement. Sometimes when we have a huge list of things to accomplish, we can often forget that others around us also need kind words to get through a busy schedule. Try sticking a post-it note with a little encouragement such as "You're awesome!" "Have a wonderful day!" "I'm proud of you" It will definitely make someone smile.

2.) Do something silly
We can't be serious 100% of the time. Let loose and have some fun with those around you. Have a mini dance party or create fun competitions/games. It doesn't have to be a big production or last a long time. Just think of something fun to break up the workload. Laughter is a great tool for stress management.

3.) Do something you enjoy
This may sound obvious to some. However, during busy times, we often overlook ourselves. We can be so concerned about everything else. Dedicate a couple of minutes for you. Maybe spend some time journaling, taking a nice hot shower or bath, stretching/yoga, breathing/meditation exercises, or coloring a coloring book. I know for me, coloring has been really helpful for unwinding after a long day. It helps me forget about all I have to do for just a little bit. I feel so much better after coloring it actually helps me focus more clearly.

I know this season is tough on a lot of people but we can and we will all make it. It's about finding a good balance of being productive but also finding moments to let go of our agendas. We all need time to laugh and be silly with our friends. We can all use "me time", and serving other people and showing kindness will dissolve your worries and stress. The old saying is so true: "It is much more rewarding to give than to receive."

XOXO
Chloe

"Black Friday"=BOO!!!!!

Hello lovelies,
I am back for a new post! Let me just start by saying this week was absolutely CRAZY for me, and I could not be more ready for the much needed weekend. I'm sure I am not the only one feeling this way. We all need to celebrate making it this far without exploding.

Well, the holiday season is quickly approaching! It doesn't feel like it's time that time of year, but it indeed is. I really love November. It's a month that id dedicated to reflecting on all the good and beautiful blessings we have in our lives. I could not be more thankful for my incredible family, friends, school, home, and opportunities I've been exposed to. The only thing I hate about November is this thing called "Black Friday". For those of you who are not from the United States, "Black Friday" occurs the Friday after our Thanksgiving Day. It's when stores have sales and big discounts, and people wait in lines at midnight in order to fight each other for sales. There have been many injuries from Black Friday shopping and the length of lines at stores is ridiculous. The thing I find most ironic is that this happens immediately after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving and November is about being grateful for what we already have. We all have something to be thankful for , yet we fight with other people just to buy more stuff for us. (and most of the stuff we buy on Black Friday, we really do NOT need!)

We have an epidemic of greed in our culture. We obsess over what we need and want instead of looking a what we already have. I know I am very guilty of thinking I need all this stuff, but telling myself "I need!" and "I want!" has made me very sad and unhappy. The more I buy for myself, the more more I need in order to stay happy. Guess what? There will always be that new phone, new clothes, new toy, etc. Materials such as toys, clothes, and gadgets will only keep you happy for so long until you see the next big, new, shiny thing in the stores. However, if you and I focus on the amazing gifts we have such as family, friends, homes, schools, churches, our resources, then we will be able to feel joy and peace. Black Friday ultimately steals our joy and love. I think you and I can all agree we want peace, joy, and kindness to reign over our lives.

I am not saying we can't shop and have fun. I'm not saying buying stuff is bad. I'm not saying we must throw away all our possessions and feel guilty for buying stuff. I am just saying, our mindset should be full of gratitude and joy over what we already have. Gratitude needs to be first on our minds. We can still buy new things, but don't buy things just because you think it'll make you happy. The truth is no material and earthly thing can ever keep you happy forever. However, things like gratitude,  joy, peace, and compassion will make you feel a lot better.

I apologize for the length of this post. I just had to vent about how I've seen greed ruin lives. It's the holiday season and we should be full of joy and cheer, not sadness and stress.

XOXO
Chloe

Aftermath of the 2016 Presidential Election

Hello, everyone! This is a very difficult topic to write on today. 

I know many of us have different sentiments regarding the outcome. I just want to encourage all of us to be kind towards others, especially towards those who have different opinions than us. Everyone is entitled to have their own thoughts and opinions, so no one has any right to unleash personal attacks and bitterness. 

If you are unhappy with the outcome, try your best to have hope and faith. It may feel like the world is falling apart, but this too shall pass. Hope is a beautiful thing, and if you can't lose heart.

If you are pleased about the outcome, then be gracious about it. There are many people who are confused, scared, and upset. Please do not to rub salt in their wounds. 

I'll just keep this short and sweet: I just want to encourage all of us to try to be kind and respectful. 

XOXO

Chloe