taking time to enjoy.

Now this post might be a bit corny, something a girl would write while eating lots of chocolate and watching the "Notebook", etc....however I feel like today it is needed.

As I was walking to my car after seeing my final client of the day it started to rain.  Now usually I would run to my car so that I did not ruin my hair; but today it was different.  I stood on the sidewalk and looked up to the sky and let the rain hit my face.  As the water covered me I could not help but smile and be reminded of all the little pieces of beauty that surround me that I tend to not notice on a daily basis.  

I get so caught up in the hustle and bustle and the small wonders of the world get brushed under the rug. God has provided so many wonderful things for us to smell, touch, feel, see, cherish, and has given us the gift of time to enjoy each of them.  I want to take the time to enjoy each moment that has been given to me.  Some things that I look forward to take the time to enjoy and experience in the future include:

• laughing until I cry 
• the smell of banana bread coming from the oven
• the warm embrace of someone I love
•  smelling the flowers that are growing in my yard
• butterflies in my stomach after I meet the man of my dreams
• my next "first kiss"
• the smell of cement after a rain shower 

Here's to slowing down to feel the rain, taking in the beauty of the world, and continuing to be excited for life's little moments.

-s.

look where researching gets you!

I stumbled across this proverb while I was looking up idea's for self-esteem activities to do for my internship and just loved what the words were saying.  Here is the proverb:

"She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." -proverbs 31:25.

The idea behind this sentence fills me heart with so much happiness and hope. I think of myself as a very independent 25 year old woman who is continuing to understand and recognize the strength that I have inside myself each day. 

Now don't get me wrong there are times where what I just said goes out the window and all I want is for someone to come save me from what I am going through.  Like when I have a flat tire and can't get the spare on.  Or when I am watching a movie alone and would enjoy someones company.

  The feelings of loneliness still lingers and I can't deny when they overcome me and I feel both helpless and hopeless.  I am learning it is better to acknowledge these feelings instead of trying to hide them from the world.  This allows me to be true to myself and the moment that I am experiencing.  This helps remind me that I am strong, I am independent, and that I can continue to move ahead.  I wouldn't say that I "laugh without out fear of the future" but I have noticed that I am more willing to continue on and see what life has in store for me instead of always questioning and trying to plan out what I think is best.  Life isn't meant to be controlled by me all the time...where would the fun in that be?!?

Well here's to stumbling across a proverb, continuing to understand myself, and letting go of control in order to continue down the path life has chosen for me.

-s.

I'm a survivor.

So I am SO SO SO SO happy to say that I made it through the 1 1/2 months of 2 classes, working, and being at my internship 5 days a week.  

There were moments where all I wanted to do was throw in the towel and be done; but that just isn't my style. 

 I am now finished with my 4th semester of grad school and only have 2 more to go :)  Now since school is done for a bit I am just doing work and internship for the rest of the summer and could not be more excited about it.   I am getting great experiences and hours at my internship and am leading groups, seeing individual clients, and learning the ropes of working in a community setting.  

All I can say is I am truly blessed for all that God has granted me.

Here's to surviving 45 days of non-stop things to do , being 2/3 done with my grad program (EEKKK!!!), and finally having time to sit back and relax for the rest of the summer.

-s.

all you need is...

I know that I posted this as my FB status but I really just love the meaning behind it:

"Love without action is like a car parked in the garage. It's there but not doing much for anyone."

Love is a gift that we can give that is not only free but provides hope, security, and warmth to whomever we provide it to.  I hope I remember this and take the time to show the ones I love just that.

Here's to finding random quotes and hoping to put those quotes into action.

-s.