Getting back into a routine...

Over the course of these past couple weeks, I have realized that a consistent routine is very healthy. Of course there is absolutely nothing wrong with a lazy day every now and then when all you want to do is lay in bed, watch several hours of Netflix, and eat junk food. I am just saying in the long run a pretty consistent routine keeps you moving and motivated and it also shows yourself that you can take on anything that comes your way. Im in college and recently I was on christmas break, which lasts a whole month. Don't get me wrong christmas break is exactly what I needed, I was stressed over school and exams and just wanted time to relax. Going from being so busy to having absolutely no responsibilities for a month really messed with my routine and my motivation. While I was home over break I stayed up really late and slept almost the whole day away. When I came back to school I was so lazy and didn't feel like doing anything at all. I couldn't sleep very well because I was so used to staying up so late and I barely could get myself up in the mornings for class. At one point I was so turned around, that I thought I could be depressed. This was one of the major factors that led to me making positive changes for a happier and healthier life. I have started getting in bed earlier and taking showers in the morning so I feel awake and ready to take on the day. I make sure I am alert throughout my classes and I have noticed myself doing better on tests and quizzes because of that extra effort. I have been making sure that I stay on top of all my responsibilities at school and work and I find myself to be ten times less stressed out. I'm not getting things together at the last minute or having to rush to get assignments done, it's so relieving and I wish I would have been this motivated earlier on in the year. Being active is one of the major positive factors in my current routine. I make sure I can fit AT LEAST an hour of exercise in my schedule everyday. This not only makes me feel wonderful about my own body, but it clears my mind and is another amazing stress reliever. I feel confident and I try to work out right before bed so I am nice and tired and ready for a good nights rest. I hope to keep this routine going and become the best possible version of myself in the process. I'm working on loving myself so I can give that love and more right back to everyone in my life!

My Day

Today has been a really good day. I woke up this morning, with a positive mind-set to take on the day. I put on a cute outfit of my choice and felt very confident in my own skin. I have found being confident and smiling throughout the day, not only effects me positively, but others as well. I can't tell you how many people came up to me today and complimented me on my outfit and even my smile. It feels good to enjoy being me for a change. This new self-confidence, helps me to be more social and I talked to interesting people, that I have never met before. I also got a lot of schoolwork accomplished today and a very productive day just makes you feel so good inside. I'm starting to realize that I have a lot to be thankful for and the time I spend critiquing myself, takes away from the amount of appreciation I can give to those special people in my life. I have an amazing family, who supports me in every which way possible; they encourage me to do what makes me happy. My older sister is my absolute best friend and though I don't see her a lot right now because I am away at college, we talk every day and she is the one person in this world that I can tell anything to. She is a ray of sunshine in my life and I want to be able to give her that back. I am the young age of nineteen years old and I have so much to look forward to in my life. Life is what you make out of it and I intend to make mine a very happy one. No one can change your negative views, you personally have to make that change permanent. Of course, I know that I will have my good days and bad days, that's just life. I am determined to one-day feel like this every day and I know it is possible. This post was just an update of how I am making mental changes that will benefit me in the long run. I know I am not the only one that has ever felt like this and needed to change things up a bit. For those who are still struggling with their identity, I strongly encourage you to keep reading my blog and to take this journey of self-realization with me. If you don't take the steps to fix something you are not happy with, it will never get fixed. We are able to feel so much joy and love from this life and everyone should get a chance to taste true happiness.

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
 -Steve Kloves

Baby Steps

I have always had a problem with loving myself and that's why I have found it hard to just be happy. I have the horrible habit of comparing myself to others, whether that is people around me or celebrities that I can't help but envy. The key is to just be content with who you are and what you look like. I know easier said than done right? It is possible though. I've been taking baby steps to a happier and healthier life and I already feel the beautiful side effects. I wake up every morning and tell myself what I like. Complimenting yourself sounds ridiculous, but it's very helpful. One of the most important ingredients to a happier life is a positive mindset. If you are a negative person, you choose to be that way, which spills over onto other aspects of your life. I find myself being negative and I realize that it's no one's fault but my own. Instead, I should wake up everyday with a smile on my face because I am healthy and living in a world where anything can happen. Before you can love anyone else or have healthy relationships, you have to love yourself. Love your imperfections and it will change your whole perspective on life. Growing up, I was way too hard on myself. I'm not tall enough, my hair isn't long enough, my grades aren't good enough, I'm not skinny enough.. etc. The list could go on and on, but what I have realized over the years is that I am good enough. Tell yourself every day, YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! It feels like such a relief to just say it and believe it. Do you know what the most exhausting thing is? Constantly wanting to be better. Yes, of course wanting to better yourself is always healthy, but always putting yourself down and never being happy with who you are, literally takes every bit of energy you have. So take baby steps with me. Step one: Stop comparing yourself to others, you are an individual. Step two: Start training your mind to be more positive. Compliment yourself every day and appreciate your healthy functioning self. Step three: Treat your body right. Eat healthy and exercise. This will clear your mind and help you to be more positive. I'm not saying you have to be on a strict diet, but take care of your body and it will benefit you in more ways than one. Step four: Enjoy life! For goodness sakes, you are living and able to do whatever you want. Finding the motivation is the hard part and after you find it, it sticks with you forever. I'm starting this new positive journey as well and I know it will take time and it won't be easy, but I'm so excited and ready to be no one other than myself.