What I Learned: June - August
This summer has honestly been of the absolute best of my life. I traveled, I spent time with friends and family, I took time to reflect and I looked at the next half of the year. What is there that I still want to do this year? In my life? In my career? I looked at my friendships. I looked at myself. Visiting new places gave me perspective on so much - things I need to work, things I need to try, let go of and so on. It sparked creativity in me. It reignited a light and a fuel and a passion for life again. I laughed a lot. I cried a lot. I dreamed a lot and I gave myself time to create.
Lessons Learned
1. Take trips. Lots of them...And it's okay to not have everything on an itinerary. Sometimes it's okay to just be and wander.
2. Normally I'm a big advocate for no regrets. I like to let people know how I feel about them and say what I need to say. But, there have been a few instances lately where I'm glad I held back. There are some cases where things actually ARE better left unsaid.
3. It's good to let others in on your dreams for the future. Not only does it bring them alongside for your journey, but it also helps to hold you accountable. I got more honest about the things I'd like to do and telling others closest to me helped me brainstorm some of the next actions steps to take.
4. It's easy to get stuck in a rut during your work week. I've found that it's good to break up the routine a bit by making dinner plans or coffee dates with a friend or two.
5. Be specific in your prayers. Don't be afraid to ask or tell God what you really want. I've seen Him come through in BIG ways over the things I've prayed about.
6. Don't be afraid to promote yourself or soak up the spotlight occasionally. If you've done a good job and are proud of the work you've done, let people know it. I tend to shy away from compliments or feel like I have to explain myself. You don't. Just smile and say 'thank you.'
7. You really can't be afraid to speak your mind or others will just feel like they can walk all over you. Sometimes you do have to snap back and defend yourself.
8. It's important to celebrate the small victories. We tend to get disappointed in ourselves when we haven't met a goal, but it's important to look at how far you've come. The progress you've made from beginning to now. You have to start somewhere, right?
9. Buy yourself flowers. I've found there's something so empowering about picking out some of your favorite flowers and buying them just because you can.
10. Trust yourself. As I've started this workout/fitness journey, my trainer has affirmed that I am an athlete and wants to give me more challenges to see what I can do. It can be a mind game and I tend to psych myself out, but it comes down to trusting your body and trusting what you can do. You've trained for it and you are capable. Go with that and see where it gets you.
11. Find beauty everywhere. Appreciate those small moments around you. As much as I'm on my phone and technology, it's so nice to be able to just put it away and take a walk or have a conversation so rich and captivating that you forget to check your notifications or text messages.
Accomplishments
Making the most of my summer - traveling with friends and my parents; visiting places I've never been before or seeing places from a new perspective. It also made me feel more adult with having to plan out my own trips and activities.
Letting go of people who aren't worth my time and understanding that I deserve more than that.
Getting a hair cut.
Really looking at my own career goals and looking to the future of what I'd still like to do.
Starting a Tumblr/Instagram completely devoted to my writing.
Booking a trip to Nashville to see Taylor Swift at Nissan Stadium, which I have always wanted to do. It was also my first trip to the city without my parents.
I tried a juice cleanse for the first time and I felt much better after that. It helped get me in the habit of some healthier eating.
I continued to go to my training/workouts twice a week and got stronger than I've ever imagined. I lifted a tire...A TIRE! What even??
Participated in the 21 Days of Prayer with my church, and boy did it bring a lot of clarity and healing to situations.
I went on a work trip to a conference to San Jose and was able to network with others within our university system and learned a lot about social media/video/photography.
Taking more time for myself and my loved ones, while it was slower at work.
I was reminded of my roots and the dreams that I have. I fell in love with Nashville and country music all over again. I was reminded of the 16-year-old me who didn't see any barriers and believed that anything could happen.
Things I'm Loving
"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" movie on Netflix - It's the perfect little rom com, which we don't have enough of. I am also currently re-reading the books.
"Grey's Anatomy" - I've made it to the end of season 9. SUCH progress. I guess Seattle really pushed me to get in the spirit of the show.
Colin Firth - After seeing him in the second Mamma Mia again, I realized he's a very handsome, talented man. I've been watching all of his movies (well, falling asleep during some).
Seattle (especially Pike Place Market) - It's such an artsy city. I could have spent more time there, but I got to see so much while I was there. I'd go back again in a heartbeat.
ABBA (thanks to one of my best friends who always plays it at least once) - They really do have so many great hits that make you dance and feel all at the same time.
My Canon EOS 80D camera - I got it just before I went to Seattle and had a blast playing with it for better photos of such famous landmarks, especially Pike Place Market with all of the fruits and veggies. They were much crisper than they would've been if I'd just taken them on my phone.
Huji camera app - I saw that just about everyone was posting their photos with this app on social media. Finally, one of my best friends told me what it was. It gives every photo that fun, edgy, retro look, which is perfect for road trips and summertime feelings.
Road trips with best friends - There's nothing better than a good trip with friends, whether it's for the day or something longer. I feel like it gives you a chance to talk and get to know each other better. You find out so much about yourself, too!
Nashville/country music - I fell in love with country music and Music City all over again. I've been putting together more country music playlists again. It has my heart, what can I say?
Scrapbooking/printing out polaroids on my Instax printer - After more trips this summer, I decided I needed to document it better by printing out pictures and polaroids, and putting them in a small scrapbook with short notes about the moments shared and the trips.
My new haircut - I've been talking about getting my haircut for the longest time, but with a new season upon us and changes at work, it felt like the right time. It's so easy to manage and makes me feel so much better.
Poetry - I really love reading others' words on Instagram, blogs or books. My friend gave me a couple to borrow from Lang Leav, and she always hits me in my feels about time, relationships and so much more.
That's all for now,
Shelby