Lately, I am completely in awe and filled with love for all of the good people that surround me. They work regular jobs, eat regular food, and have regular families. They appear to be just "average joes" by the standards of the world. Want to know a secret? They are anything BUT regular. How, then, do we recognize these individuals who are secretly going about DOING good and serving without the expectation of anything in return? Just take a minute and look upon their hearts. Do they have challenges like everyone else? Most likely. It seems to be a common factor that isn't preferential to race, religion, gender, or ... Read More
A New Dream – Redesigning the Life You Want
It is funny to me how much of an impact a single comment can have on your thoughts. What a perfect reminder to be aware of what words I speak to others in a simple interaction. It may stick with them for days, weeks, or even years. What is this conversation that grabbed my attention and made it impossible to think of anything else? And even made me consider changing my whole life plan and following a new dream? I went to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription on Monday. Here is the conversation that ensued between me and one of the pharmacy technicians: P: What are you doing these days? Are you still in school? Me: I am working ... Read More
8 must-haves for long international flights
Let's be real for a minute. Not all of us can afford luxury travel on an international flight (or even domestic!). I could save up and pay the extra money for a nice seat, but I have decided that it is more worth it on a budget to pay for economy and use the extra money for another trip. So for all my budget fliers who are braving international flights in economy with me, here are 8 must-haves to make your long flight less painful. Note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I trust! You can read my full disclosure by ... Read More
The ultimate college shopping list
After high school graduation, I was feeling super ambitious and decided to jump right into college. Seriously - not sure what I was thinking!!? I graduated in May and left for college my freshman year in June. After pinning a bunch of shopping lists and ideas for my perfect dorm room, I felt pretty clueless about what I would really need. All the lists were WAY different. I lived in dorms at the University of Utah, and got a pretty good setup with my own bedroom (and a shared bathroom). My dorm space was shared with two other girls for the summer semester. Since I felt like I was constantly needing certain things that I didn't pack, I ... Read More
Planning for Success in 2018
Note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I trust! You can read my full disclosure by clicking here. There is something exciting about a new year. It is the promise of the unknown, a chance to start fresh and do something different. For some reason, this triggers us humans to get BIG IDEAS. We might not have a ton of faith in ourselves throughout the year, but when we have a new beginning, all of a sudden everything is back on the table. PLAN AHEADThe new year is a perfect time to start something new - whether that is a goal, a ... Read More
Climbing Fences
The past week has reminded me lately of an experience I had as a kid. In one word: PAINFUL. I had asked my mom many times that day if I could go play with my friend Brianna. Her backyard was close to mine so I planned to just run over and ask if she could come outside. My mom said NO. I know right?! WHAT?? How could anyone say no to me? Although this was not my first time disagreeing with a decision made by my parents, it is one of the most special because it was documented. I have never been good at taking "no" at face value, and tend to be extremely determined at going after things. I enjoy fighting against the obstacles and ... Read More
Change is hard
I have been writing and re-writing this post almost daily in my head for the last week, so I figured it was time to get it out so I could go back to focusing on other things. It doesn’t want to come out so I am going to have to drag it, kicking and screaming. It has been said by many that change is the only constant. So why are most of us so reluctant to face it head on? Change = Risk. It is putting yourself on the line and throwing caution to the wind. It is taking a leap of faith, while fully acknowledging that you left the parachute on the rim of the cliff before stepping off. It's fetching scary, ... Read More
The darkest night
At some times during this mortal journey, we feel as if the darkness surrounding us is suffocating. It seems as if you are wading through a fog so thick and consuming, that you can not see the path even one step ahead. When times like these come, it can be so debilitating that it would be easier to surrender and let the darkness overtake us. Even now in this present moment, I feel like I am drowning in the disappointment and failures that are consuming me. Life is hard, but we agreed to go through all of these struggles for the opportunity to gain a physical body and choose the Father's plan. Although I want to give up, I know even now ... Read More