2016 Resolution

A couple days late, but I think I finally figured out my resolution of 2016. A really good friend helped me decide on it. This friend loves to love. They are always searching to connect with others, wanting to really get to know them. Being able to do that requires vulnerability.

I have realized that I have lost the ability to be vulnerable. 

Society teaches us to be hard. When we are closed off no one can hurt us, we are in control. This past year I was slowly slipping into that mindset. Thankfully through experiences and friends, I have realized that this is not the way to live life. If anything I am hurting myself by being closed off.

The ability to love is a beautiful thing. Love makes you light and full. Being closed can lead to cynicism, depression, and the chance of missing out on life. 

The first step in achieving my goal is realizing that I have been closed off (check). The other ways I plan on learning to be vulnerable is complimenting friends. I find it so easy to give words of encouragement to random strangers but often when it comes to my friends I think they don't need my encouragement. I believe since they haven't said they are feeling down or insecure I don't need to build them up. I've realized it's much easier to see a stranger hurting than a friend because you're viewing the stranger through clear eyes. 

Another way I plan on learning vulnerability is actually striving to get to know my relatives. I think it is important to ask them personal questions. Often we can live with our parents all our lives and never really know them. For me it takes a lot of effort to be personal with them. 

The final way I will learn vulnerability is to be open to rejection. I believe in the power of saying yes, something that I have been doing for a couple years now. I plan on continuing saying yes even if I know it may lead to rejection.

I would like to end my rant with a quote from C.S Lewis that sums everything up perfectly... 

Conquer 2016

I am a goal oriented person. I love to decide to do something and accomplish what I set out to do. With it being a new year, I'm going to share how I stay motivated. 

1. Write down exactly what you want to accomplish. I like to separate mine into three different categories: Week, semester, and life.

2. Do you have a planner? If you don't go buy one right now. Writing down things helps to accomplish them. I usually fill mine out week by week. My 2016 planner I have is from Sugar Paper

3. Journal about your experiences and thoughts. It helps to clear your head and refocus on your goals. Rifle Paper CO has some adorable journals.

4. Along with journaling, meditate! I have always wanted to meditate but didn't really know how and then one day I stumbled upon Headspace. A man with a soothing accent walks you through meditation within the span of 10 minutes. Try it, you won't regret it

5. The last point, which is the most important in my opinion. GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK. You will mess up, you might not reach your goal, or it may take longer than you thought. It's ok, the most important thing is to maintain a positive attitude. 

You got this X

Everyday Charming Collab

Short post, but head on over to Everyday Charming to check out the collaboration I did with Laura and The Lightning Co! 

Miami Lessons

Whenever I get back from a trip I take the time to reflect. One of the reasons I love to travel is because it can teach you so much. Traveling has shaped me into who I am today. So here's what I've learned.

• Don't stay on Miami Beach the entire length of your trip. I enjoyed waking up and being two blocks away from the beach but everything was expensive, a little touristy, and it was a pain to travel to Miami itself.

• Saying no is powerful

• Don't let friendships stay surface level. Often in friendships we forget to ask how the other person is doing, what they're struggling with etc...

• Talk to others and ask questions. People have a lot to say and we can learn so much from others

• Alcohol in slushies is gross 

• I need to learn how to play pool

• Traveling makes you feel like you're coming back home with a big secret. No one will fully know what happened while you were away

• Give yourself more than an hour at the airport...

• Sorry but I am not a fan of Cuban coffee, espresso + too much sugar 

• Focus on the moment 

• Give to others

• Not all guys are bad

Once again, it was a trip I will never forget

Key West

Yesterday Braden and I booked a trip through Xcursions USA to go to Key West. The night before we stayed out late hanging with our two new Kiwi friends.

We got back to our hostel around 3:30A and had to be up by 6A. After about two hours of sleep we woke up dazed and confused. We got ready and made our breakfast (Bread and peanut butter) The bus was coming at 7A and we were told to be outside by 6:50A. Around 6:35 we went to the Starbucks right around the corner. By the time we got our Starbucks it was close to 6:45. I was feeling proud of us for having enough time to get coffee I said "You know no one has ever said I was smart but no one has ever said I wasn't resourceful."

We were across the street from our hostel when we saw the bus blow by. Braden and I looked at each other and wondered what we were going to do. We noticed that the bus stopped three blocks away.

With coffee in hand, we ran.

During the run my water bottle flew out of my bag, I yelled for her to go on without me.

When I caught up to Braden the bus driver was scolding her and saying that we weren't at the right hostel. She yelled back saying he never even stopped. After he was done scolding us he decided to let us on the bus.

And so began the three hour bus ride to Key West. The day was bound to be an interesting one.

Once we got to Key West we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Garbo's Grill. A local eatery that had about four things on the menu. Braden got fish tacos that she enjoyed and I ordered Korean tacos. We had 20 minutes to get our food, eat, and get in line for our snorkeling tour. Of course it took awhile to get our food so we found ourselves rushing again and inhaling tacos in five minutes.

We were barely on time for snorkeling with Fury Adventures. Snorkeling cost around $40, gear, two hour boat ride, one hour snorkeling, and alcohol was included.  Usually they take you out to the coral reef but it was too windy that day. Of course.

Snorkeling was still fun though. I love the thrill of doing something new. 












After snorkeling we went to Key West Key Lime Pie company to eat Key Lime pie of course. It was amazing, so creamy. We walked around the shops, watched the sunset, and got back on the bus.

The day was fun, nothing went as planned, but that's the usual.  

Abby + Sun

Running

I think it's safe to say that most travelers you meet are running from something. First, let me define travelers. I'm not talking about the people who take a week break from their jobs and decided to book a resort in Mexico.

I'm talking about the people who feel the urge to experience, to be pushed, and maybe to never return.

I am one of those people. I am constantly restless, always ready to run. What I am running from depends on the day:

- I'm running from who I've become

- I'm running from who people expect me to be

- I'm running from commitment

- I'm running from the mundane 

I've met people running from the same exact things and things that are completely different.

- They're running from pain and loss

- They're running from their jobs

- They're running because there's nothing left for them

Most often the people who are running find each other. Sometimes they use each other, trying to fix what's forced them to flee. Often they help each other, finding that the other person understands, and doesn't want to judge or use you.

When leaving a place I often find myself leaving with a broken heart for two reasons.

1. Because I am leaving the people that understood it. I was free to be me and there was no judgment. How can the broken and judged, judge each other. 

2. I am often used by others and that breaks my heart. I want them to really tell me what they're running from instead of using me to mask the pain. 

Traveling is a beautiful thing. Yes, in the end one can't run from problems but while attempting to run, you often learn how to fix the problem.

I usually find myself again and remember who I am and who I want to become.

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