Hi again, everyone! Well, I have officially begun my last semester of college! (Ahhh! It's so crazy and hard to believe!) I may be MIA a lot more just because my schedule is super hectic and jammed packed. I'm determined to finish strong and I know I will somehow make it through another tough semester.
As some of you may know, I recently underwent shoulder surgery. Recovery has been going very smoothly thus far and I'm keeping my fingers crossed as healing continues. I'm still very restricted in what I am allowed and not allowed to do. The doctor is very cautious and wants me to stay away from too much movement just in case something not-so-awesome happens.
The other day, I managed to pull my hair into a loose and low ponytail. It took a lot of attempts and in the end it was far from perfect, but I was able to do it. It took me four weeks to be able to lift my arm high enough to do a low ponytail and there was something so neat about finally being able to do what would otherwise seem as a super easy task.
Surgery is tough. However, I realized just how much I take advantage of the days I am feeling well. I would have never ever thought a ponytail would become a huge reason to celebrate. During the recovery/healing process, it's really easy to only focus on what you can't do. The limitations often feel so disheartening and there are points where you can feel so frustrated. I think that ponytail represents so much more than just a hairstyle. It reminded me that it's so important to celebrate the tiny victories that happen along the way. Sure, my shoulder doesn't feel 100% amazing and I still can't do certain tasks, but I can do a low ponytail and I'm still able to get around.
Life is never as terrible as it may seem. I'm not saying ignore your feelings and emotions. They are very crucial elements of who you are and they're worth paying attention to. But I just want to challenge you all (and myself) to find ways to notice those small victories that happen every single day. Even if it's as simple as a ponytail...
XOXO
Chloe
23 January, 2017
10 January, 2017
New Year Challenge
Hello everyone! Happy new year! I hope your holiday celebrations were full of fun memories with your loved ones. I apologize for not posting in a while. If you've recently visited my other blog, Chloe's Closet, then you've heard I've had a very busy semester and also had shoulder surgery. Rest assured, I am completely fine and I'm doing very well now.
While a lot of great things happened in 2016, I could not be more excited to put last year behind me and welcome 2017 with wide open arms. I am ready to make more positive changes in my life and i hope you are too. I want 2017 to be the year I am known by others for being compassionate, enthusiastic, and adventurous. If you also share this same goal with me, here are some ideas for how to accomplish them.
-Listen carefully to others. Sometimes we often listen to others so we can think of how to respond to what they just said. I find that this can often hurt others more than it can help. Sometimes our friends just want to vent to us. They don't always need problem solvers or people to debate with. We all need people who just sit there and let us express their honest feelings and also feel safe doing so. It's not always about what we think or what we want to say. It's often better to be quiet and give other people a chance to share their thoughts and words with us.
-Do a favor for someone and be encouraging. You know that co-worker, classmate, friend who seems frazzled, anxious, or overworked? They're going through a lot. Sometimes they don't always vocalize that they need help, so offer whatever resources you have. Maybe run an errand for them if you have extra time on your hands or buy them a cup of coffee. It doesn't have to be a big thing. You can even just take them aside to give them some encouragement and support. Never underestimate how much "You're doing a really great job" or "I really appreciate you" means to them.
-Create a zone for positive words and thoughts. It's easy to let the stress of work and/or school to drown out good vibes. While others complain, learn how to compliment. Offer something nice to say. Find something good about each situation, and share that with others. If you feel that your surroundings are negative, you can change that. Once you start being positive, you never know how quickly others will join you.
-Get out of your comfort zone. If you have a certain fear or phobia, challenge yourself to overcome it. As of right now, I have a fear of bees. I hate the idea of getting stung. However, I realize that bees are actually pretty cool. (Who doesn't like honey? And they help gardens look pretty.) Open yourself to new opportunities even if you feel unsure. As a kid, I went to summer camp without knowing a single person before signing up. I didn't ask my friends to join me. I just went solo. If I didn't do that, I would have never been as willing to make new friends and share my camp adventures with them. I was a pretty shy and quiet kid, but I learned how to become more outgoing and relaxed about social situations. If you let your fears dictate how you live, you will miss out on a lot of amazing moments. Go on that crazy trip, say yes instead of no, go ask that person on a date even if you think they'll say no. Put yourself out there and be brave. It will be worth it. I promise.
Again, happy new year! I hope this year is filled with lots of joy and peace. You are going to do some amazing things this year!
XOXO
Chloe
While a lot of great things happened in 2016, I could not be more excited to put last year behind me and welcome 2017 with wide open arms. I am ready to make more positive changes in my life and i hope you are too. I want 2017 to be the year I am known by others for being compassionate, enthusiastic, and adventurous. If you also share this same goal with me, here are some ideas for how to accomplish them.
-Listen carefully to others. Sometimes we often listen to others so we can think of how to respond to what they just said. I find that this can often hurt others more than it can help. Sometimes our friends just want to vent to us. They don't always need problem solvers or people to debate with. We all need people who just sit there and let us express their honest feelings and also feel safe doing so. It's not always about what we think or what we want to say. It's often better to be quiet and give other people a chance to share their thoughts and words with us.
-Do a favor for someone and be encouraging. You know that co-worker, classmate, friend who seems frazzled, anxious, or overworked? They're going through a lot. Sometimes they don't always vocalize that they need help, so offer whatever resources you have. Maybe run an errand for them if you have extra time on your hands or buy them a cup of coffee. It doesn't have to be a big thing. You can even just take them aside to give them some encouragement and support. Never underestimate how much "You're doing a really great job" or "I really appreciate you" means to them.
-Create a zone for positive words and thoughts. It's easy to let the stress of work and/or school to drown out good vibes. While others complain, learn how to compliment. Offer something nice to say. Find something good about each situation, and share that with others. If you feel that your surroundings are negative, you can change that. Once you start being positive, you never know how quickly others will join you.
-Get out of your comfort zone. If you have a certain fear or phobia, challenge yourself to overcome it. As of right now, I have a fear of bees. I hate the idea of getting stung. However, I realize that bees are actually pretty cool. (Who doesn't like honey? And they help gardens look pretty.) Open yourself to new opportunities even if you feel unsure. As a kid, I went to summer camp without knowing a single person before signing up. I didn't ask my friends to join me. I just went solo. If I didn't do that, I would have never been as willing to make new friends and share my camp adventures with them. I was a pretty shy and quiet kid, but I learned how to become more outgoing and relaxed about social situations. If you let your fears dictate how you live, you will miss out on a lot of amazing moments. Go on that crazy trip, say yes instead of no, go ask that person on a date even if you think they'll say no. Put yourself out there and be brave. It will be worth it. I promise.
Again, happy new year! I hope this year is filled with lots of joy and peace. You are going to do some amazing things this year!
XOXO
Chloe
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