What I Learned: March - May
Lessons Learned
It really is okay to say “no” sometimes and the world keeps spinning on its axis.
It’s okay to not hold it together all the time. Even if you’re the quiet, sweet one of the group. You don’t have to live up to everyone’s stereotype of you.
“If you’re feeling super emotional, BE super emotional.” – Bobby Bones (to the contestants on “American Idol”)
Just book the trip. Stop waiting and planning or you’ll never do anything about it. Stop thinking of all the reasons you shouldn’t.
We have such precious little time on this earth. My parents’ health scares reminded me of that and letting people know what they mean to you.
Lauren Graham’s “In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It” should be required reading for every 20-something. Heck, I think it would be helpful for everyone in general.
Stay committed, even when you’re tired and don’t feel like it. Most days you won’t feel like working on your novel or going to the gym. Do it anyway and reap the benefits of it months from now.
You have to pour into friendships as much as you would a romantic relationship. Go to a movie, grab a coffee, take a trip. Any relationship takes effort. You have to be willing to spend TIME on it.
There’s so much beauty in the details – hugs, an encouraging word, sunsets, a hot cup of coffee, a letter to a friend – things that get us away from the “norm” and our phones.
You can’t always just wait for creativity to come. You have to commit time to your craft even when the inspiration isn’t striking.
I love running. I puke a lot after I do it, but I love the way it makes me feel in the moment.
Watching one of your good friends get married with your group of friends is a pretty magical experience. There’s something ’bout love.
Sometimes you have to stop and ask yourself the purpose of telling friends about a recent tough conversation you’ve had. While your intention with it might be pure, it can border gossip and that’s just messy. Ask yourself why you want to talk about it.
Days leading up to summer make me want to blast country music playlists and go back to Nashville. The country girl at heart comes out.
We aren’t guaranteed any certain amount of time on this earth. You’re only so young for so long – go out with your friends, stay up a little too late, keep reading that book, go watch the sunrise. Once this time is gone, you can’t get it back.
Traveling really is good for the soul. It clears your mind and make you more vulnerable to experiences, to people.
The thing about waiting is that you can either let fear consume you or you can give it to God and hope for the best. I’ve spent so many moments in my life letting fear and worry get the best of me. And I’m tired of it. It shouldn’t get the final say. I get to choose faith or fear. Every single day. If there’s something I can do about it, great. But most of the time, situations and their outcomes are out of our hands. So, I’m placing my hope and faith in something…Someone, much greater and higher than myself. Jesus. That’s where my assurance comes from. Even when I doubt, even when I’m scared. He still has it all in the palm of His hand. Not mine.
Accomplishments
Making time for more friend dates and asking people to hang out.
Redecorating my room in the southwest vibes, even though it didn’t stay clean and organized for very long.
Staying faithful in my workouts and going to the gym, and trying to be more active on the days that I didn’t workout.
Meeting Maren Morris and Reba McEntire. Two people I really admire in the country music industry. They just reminded me of why I fell in love with Nashville and the whole scene.
Waking up early on Sunday mornings, which has become my “me time.” I’ll spend time praying, reading my Bible and pausing to be thankful and reflect before I get out of bed. Then I’ll make myself a cup of coffee or tea, turn on music or a podcast and journal or read. It’s a time for me to create or be inspired, and it’s amazing how it really affected the rest of my day.
Made it to 5,000 followers on our Instagram account at work! It has been so cool to see the transformation and the growth of our social media and department.
Reading “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert honestly changed the way I thought about writing and creating.
Going to San Francisco with friends. I finally just said yes to a bigger trip and had the time of my life over one weekend. It was perfect! I haven’t really taken a “vacation” since I started working full-time and this was a nice little reminder of “work hard,play hard.”
Getting to see *Nsync as they got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Things I’m Loving
Draper James // Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle brand and site. It’s a mix of sass and class.
“In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It” by Lauren Graham // It’s the perfect easy read for inspiration
“Cry Pretty” // Carrie Underwood’s latest single. Her voice will give you goosebumps!
Palm trees // I go through phases where I like taking pictures of certain things everywhere I go. Sometimes it’s clouds or street signs. Right now, it’s palm trees.
Wall murals in La // There are so many bright and colorful walls while driving around in LA. I finally got my picture with one.
Polaroids // I love printing off pics from my phone on the Fujifilm Instax Share printer. So if I don’t want to bring my Polaroid camera, I can still get great shots on fun polaroids to scrapbook or hang up.
Chris Pratt // Because he loves Jesus, is HILARIOUS and is on my favorite show “Parks and Rec,” he’s one of my favorite actors, and is an inspiration to me as someone who lives his life like he does in the public eye/is so vocal about his faith. Plus, he’s not bad to look at.
Bryce Dallas Howard // She’s beautiful, talented, and just an all-around class act.
Disneyland // I’ve taken MANY trips there lately and it never loses the magic. It really is the happiest place on earth. Plus, I’ve been able to share so many great memories with friends.
That’s all for now,
Shelby