With it being the season of giving I thought this would be the perfect post for this time of year. With thanksgiving being this week, I know its hard to think about anything besides mashed potatoes and gravy. Butttttttt what would a mindful blog be without a little food for thought (no pun intended). I challenge you to give thanks this week. Tell your friends and family why you appreciate them. jot down some of the most influential people in your life and write reasons why they are important to you. Once you have your list tell these people. In person. Even if it is just a sentence, the impact you can make on others lives is huge. And once your done vocalizing it to others, think about what you are thankful for in regards to yourself. What are positive traits you carry or some of the best things you love about yourself. Once you have these things in mind say them out loud. Let your body truly hear it. Because like a plant, we need to grow too. Be nice to yourself and take a minute to give thanks. Happy Turkey Day!

Lately, I have found myself in many different situations that have been testing all sorts of emotions. Whether i’m sad, happy, angry, or tired, I am realizing how important it is to stay true to yourself and find the value in it.

I know everyone says ” no one is you” but this is so true. The power of individuality is extremely important. It allows for us to learn from one another, and make society better as a whole. If you are hiding parts of you or not acting like you, realize you are only hurting yourself and others. Being confident in yourself is humbling and powerful. No matter who does you wrong, you always know you have yourself. Your worth is not determined by others and how they treat you.

This can be the hardest thing to understand. Like anything, it takes practice. However once you finally feel yourself taking over and realizing how powerful it is to be independent and self sufficient is when the environment around you will reward you. Genuine people will gravitate to you because you will naturally give off a happy, positive, and whole vibe.

Just remember that we would not know the good without the vibe. Everything happens for a reason even if that is to just teach you a lesson. The hardest thing to grasp is no longer having people in your life you thought you would have for a lifetime. But never forget you will always have one person, yourself. And thats pretty amazing.

The past is what has grown us into the people we are today. So there should be some appreciation there in knowing that all your experiences have made you into your own unique self. However, do not get lost in the past. Although it is comfortable, it will enable no growth. I have found that growth happens in our most uncomfortable moments. And although it can be extremely hard to get through these times, the end result will always be worth it. The definition of growth is, “the ongoing process of understanding and developing oneself in order to achieve one’s fullest potential. Personal development is a vital part in a person’s growth, maturity, success and happiness. It is the foundation of emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual health.” So if you can get through the bad days and ride the waves, just remember that there is so much good ahead that you can’t even comprehend.

Thats the awesome thing about life. We have no idea what it will bring, but thats what makes this whole thing so fun. Take care of yourself today. Click the link below for more information.

For me, traveling has always brought me great peace of mind. It allows me to get my mind off the day to day activities and learn more about different cultures. When I return home from a trip I always feel so refreshed and ready o get back into the daily grind. Even if it isn’t in your budget to take an extravagant European adventure, a little weekend road trip will still do the trick.

Here are some of my tips on the best way to make the most out of a vacation:

1. Grab some friends or venture off on your own
2. Limit your time on social media and take in the scenery that is around you
3. Try new foods
4. Take lots of pictures
5. Journal your days
6. Pack light
7. Let loose and HAVE FUN

I know the idea of a new year coming is still over a month away (Still can’t believe how fast this year went by). But it’s time to start thinking about the goals you want to set for yourself for the new year. By thinking about them early, you can create a plan that best fits your goals and will help assist you in carrying them out.

I have found that it is SUPER important to create both short term and long term goals. This will help you stay on track and still maintain a healthy positive attitude. No matter what goals you fulfill whether big or small, you should be proud of yourself. So start thinking and comment below on some of your thoughts!

In this world, watching the news, social media, and basically everything around can seem extremely negative at times. This can go on to affect our own personal moods and how we think about life in general. It is extremely empowering to understand the blessings within our own life. Whether it is big or small, acknowledging these blessings can work wonders and make you realize how great your life truly is.

For some ideas to get you started blessings in your life could be seeing a sunset, your dog, family, friends, your career, being able to go to school ex. You may find that as you get started it will be hard to stop. Make your list as long as you would like, the more the merrier.

One of the biggest things I have found within m y life is that the place doesn’t make you happy, people do. After researching this idea, I have found that no matter how much money you may make, where you live, or what you drive, those things will never bring you true happiness.

People do. Last year I studied abroad in Spain. I knew no one and was extremely homesick. I always wanted to live in another country and never thought about how hard it would be. Why was I feeling this way? I was in one of the most beautiful places on the world? Yet no matter how amazing the scenery was around me, I was missing my friends and family. and without them, I had nothing. I ended up returning home after a month. I came home a new person with a new appreciation for my loved ones and where I lived. When looking up this topic online I found the idea of soap. What does this mean? SOAP? Well let me explain…

S: Social connection

O: Optimism

A: Appretiation

P: Purpose greater than ones self

These are arguably the 4 things that will enhance happiness within an individual. What do you think?

Friendship is a very powerful thing. I have found that I am happiest around my tight nit group of girls. I am fortunate enough to still be close with my high school friend group. We have known each other through a lot of life changes and they know everything about me. Lately, I have felt closer to them than ever.

I remember feeling scared graduating high school because I thought that meant that since we were going to different schools that we would grow apart. To my surprise it actually brought us closer. We have a group chat that we talk in everyday, and although we have new friends and different lives, we still have a connection that no one can change, the past.

Whether you have a group you have known for years, or someone you have known for two months, realize how special and important they are.