Sunday, November 29, 2015

Dear Worrier

Dear Worrier,

It will all be okay.  Maybe not now, but eventually.


I myself am very much a worrier.  I worry about every little thing possible.  Literally.  I worry about not waking up in time for class, what I'm going to eat for dinner, who I am going to hangout with for the evening, what outfit I'm going to wear, what other people think of me, and the list goes on.  Heck, I'm already worried about having to stand up and present my final design project in May (hello, that's 6 months away).  My worries are endless.  It's just ridiculous!

I am the type of person who thinks up the absolute worst outcome of every situation.  Growing up, it was always important to me to not have high expectations, because in my head, I was only setting myself up for disappointment.  So how do I achieve this? Simple.  Rather than thinking of good outcomes, I think of the complete opposite.  I think of every possible thing that could go wrong. Every single way in which a situation could bring pain, failure, just anything terrible.  Isn't this awful? I mean on one end, I was never disappointed! I was often very pleasantly surprised with how not-awful things turned out.  But while doing this, I caused myself so much stress and anxiety for weeks moving into any upcoming event in my life, because in my head it was about to be the end of the world.

So I'm not going to sit here and tell you to stop being ridiculous, because I am a prime example of not letting go of things.  I am going to tell you, however, to try your best.  This is something that I have been working on, and will continue to work on for a very long time.  It takes lots of time to master. No one will ever simply wake up one morning completely worry free (I wish that was the case), it takes a ton of work, as well as dedication.  You have to train your way of thinking.  So start with this, when worry begins to take over, you really have two options.  You can either change it, or let it go.  If you are unhappy with something, change it! That drawer in the bottom of your dresser has you 50 shades of stressed every time you go to open it? Set aside 10 extra minutes to reorganize.  You will feel so much better. Most of the time, however, we worry about things we have absolutely zero control over.  How in the world is my best friend's neighbors cat's brother going to get to school a week from Tuesday? I don't know.  But that is not my job to know.  And I guarantee right now somebody reading this is worried about how that example does not at all apply to their life, but you know what? You can't change it, so let it go.  Life would be 1,000 times better if we could cut down our worries even by just 50%.  So it is something that I am going to continue to work on, and it is something we should all strive for. Because I promise you, all of those awful situations I put in my head when I was younger, ZERO of them were actually ever that bad.  I'm serious.  100% of the situations that fail in my head work out so much better in the end.  So there goes a hundred hours that I will never get back because I was worrying about things that didn't exist.  Just don't do that to yourself! That is no way to live!

If you have any suggestions about worrying less, leave a comment! I would love to hear other opinions on this! It is definitely something I will write more about in the future.

So this week I challenge everyone to put their worries aside, at least for a little bit.  Try going for a walk, or do some yoga, whatever it is you need to do to clear your mind for a while.

And I will end by telling you to check out one of my favorite songs, "Why Worry" by a band called Set It Off.  Really listen to the lyrics.  "Why do we insist, on crossing bridges that do not exist... When worry is never helping then tell me why? Why worry at all?" It's really true, and it helps.  So have a great week everyone! Remember, you have two options: change it, or let it go.    

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's                                

Thursday, November 26, 2015

A List of Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving y'all! I hope everyone had a fantastic day.  I know I did! I realized today that I have SO many blessings, way too many to list them all. I condensed my list to only 25 of my favorites to share with you guys! I hope when you read this you can think of all the wonderful things that you have in your life, and take some time to remember how blessed you are!

So here we go.  Today I am SO thankful for:

  • My puppies and their unconditional love
  • My parents and grandparents for being my biggest supporters
  • Music for so many reasons
  • Dance for being my escape 
  • My wonderful roomie, and (not)roomie, for being such a joy to live with
  • My sister for never leaving my side
  • My faith for getting me through tough times
  • My best friends for making life a million times more enjoyable
  • My education particularly design school at the U of A :)
  • My soulmate wherever you may be, you will one day be very important
  • My many talents that I use everyday
  • Long hair although a pain to maintain, it makes me happy
  • Fuzzy socks because they are perfect and you can never have too many
  • Earth and all of its hidden beauties
  • Peanut butter for being enjoyable on a spoon at all hours of the day (or night)
  • All 5 senses for allowing me to fully enjoy my surroundings  
  • Sunshine and blue skies no reason needed
  • Green tea preferably hot with a tbs of honey! (but iced is amazing too)
  • My health physical and mental
  • Emotions because they remind me of all that I have (even the bad ones)
  • Cute Boys I mean they're fun to look at right?
  • Cell Phones because I would probably actually really die without it
  • Everyone reading this blog although its not many, I very truly appreciate it
  • My ambitions in life and my strong determination to achieve the unthinkable
  • My bed for being one of the greatest places on earth
What are you most thankful for?

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Dear Thanksgiving

Dear Thanksgiving,

It's finally here!!! Well, almost.  Two more classes until I am homeward bound for Thanksgiving break and boy is it time.  "Stressful"
is an understatement for how the past week has gone for me, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! Thanksgiving was never my favorite holiday growing up, mostly because I am a picky eater and I dreaded the food haha.  The past few years, however, I have learned to really appreciate it, and I am really looking forward to it this year.  The true meaning of the holiday has absolutely nothing to do with the meal, that is simply a bonus (for those that enjoy it).  Thanksgiving is a time when we get to sit down and enjoy a day with the most important people in our lives.  Whether its family, friends, people from work, school, whomever it may be, we spend time with loved ones.  It is a time to relax, take a nice day off, and be fully present in our lives. It is good catching up time, you never know how much you miss out on.  It was actually at the dinner table last year on Thanksgiving when I announced my decision to attend the University of Arkansas (best decision of my life by the way), and it will forever be a memorable time. It is really nice to have everyone in one place, ya know? It doesn't happen often enough.  So this post is short and  sweet (ha, like me) but check back later in the week for my Gratitude List!!


This week I challenge you to spend some extra time everyday thinking about what all you are grateful for.  We are all blessed in so many ways, and we tend to take advantage of these things. From the clothes on our backs to the roof over our heads, think about every single thing you have. I like to do this in the mornings, it puts my mind in a good place to take on the rest of the day.

Bonus Challenge: Because this is a special week I added a second challenge! On Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, put down your phone.  Turn it off, put it away.  Spend at least one full hour without checking it once.  Be grateful for those around you and spend time with them.

Have a wonderful week! Eat your little hearts out :)


Wednesday, November 18, 2015

8 Ways to Bounce Back!

This past weekend, my wonderful mother and sister came down to celebrate my birthday with me. We had a great time! When it came time to say goodbye Sunday morning, even though I have said it many times before, I still struggled a little bit.  They just never get any easier.  So they left, and I was alone, and it was Sunday, and I was sad.  I know we all have those days when we're feeling a little down, so I have compiled 8 of my favorite tips to being your most resilient self!

1. Get it out
As quickly as possible, get it all out.  Any anger, sadness, stress, etc. However you deal, do it.  For me this is usually crying.  Set a timer, only allow yourself a brief period, an hour at max.  Lay in bed, play on your phone, cry, do whatever you need to do.  Just get it all out. And then move on.

2. Take a shower
Or bubble bath! Just get clean! I always feel so  much more refreshed and ready to start anew once I have bathed.  So take a shower (or bath), and spend a few extra minutes just enjoying the hot water.  Take some deep breaths.  Do not get out until you're good and ready.  (okay but do not stay in there all day, lets be reasonable people)

3. Turn on some music
Music is magical! Turn on some happy songs (I'll be posting some ideas in a few days).  Have a solo dance party, it helps.  It doesn't matter how silly you feel, always dance it out.  Or, if music isn't your thing, turn on the TV.  Just have some noise in the background to lighten your mood.  Silence can be deadly when you're sad.

4. Do a little extra pampering
Just one little extra thing to make yourself feel good.  Whether it be exfoliating, moisturizing, painting your nails, curling your hair, I don't care.  Do one thing to beautify yourself.  Look good, feel good!

5. BE PRODUCTIVE
This step is crucial.  You need to find something to do, do NOT crawl back into that bed! Do some homework, clean up a little, check some things off your To-Do list, just DO SOMETHING! Being productive will keep your mind off of whatever has you feeling down, and will make you feel better in the long run, because look at all the stuff you got done!

6. Call a friend
If you are finding that being alone is the problem, call a friend.  Sometimes you just need to talk.  Be careful choosing who you talk to though, some people (although they don't mean to) will only add to your stress.  So find someone loving, call them, sometimes just talking can help you realize that everything is really okay.

7. Get some sun
As little as it may seem, sunshine has a serious effect on your mood.  So open the curtains, let all the light in that you can.  Even better, get outside! Some fresh air can really do you good as well! Just get some sunshine.  As much as you can!

8. SMILE :D
Yes, just smile.  I don't care if you don't want to.  Fake it 'til you make it, right? The more you smile, the more you can convince yourself that you really are happy.  So, I know you don't want to, but try to smile.

Always remember, tomorrow is a new day.  This (whatever it is) hurts right now, but it will not hurt forever. You are strong, and you are capable.  Just keep that in mind :)

What are some of the things you do to better a bad day?  

Monday, November 16, 2015

Dear Bad Day

Dear Bad Day,

I don't like you.

We all have them! Seriously, everyone.  Think of the happiest, most enthusiastic, optimistic person you know.  Got it? Even they have bad days.  I know, shocker! Its inevitable though, they can't be avoided completely.  I don't have them often, but every few weeks or so I will have a day that totally sucks.  Absolutely nothing can go my way, no matter how hard I try,  I had one this past week.

It was Thursday, the day of my dreadful 8 a.m.  I woke up at 7:37 (I usually leave at 7:40), so I scrambled out of bed, brushed my teeth, threw on some clothes, and was out the door.  I don't know about you, but I am the type of girl that needs a little bit of time in the morning.  I need to mentally prepare for the day ahead, I can' t just wake up and go.  So right from the start I was frazzled. Immediately after that class I headed to my next one.  Oh did I mention I had two tests that day? Both of them I felt decently prepared for, but the minute I looked at this first one I knew that life was over. An open note test should not be this difficult! But it was.  It was so awful.  So now I have two really bad moments under my belt.  After somehow making it through that exam, I headed up to the design studio to work on a project, and of course, because aparently its my designated bad day, I can't get the printer to work.  So I decided to walk away from that and head to my next exam.  This one was much easier, and I feel okay about it, so that helped.  The worst of it was over, the day got progressively easier.  It was just one of those days that too much happened early on to set my mood.  A bad one at that.  And sometimes you get in those moods and you just can't shake them for the rest of the day! It sucks right?

So how do I deal with it? Honestly, sometimes I don't.  Thursday was a bad day.  That's all there is to it.  I rode it out, counted down the hours until I could go to sleep and try again Friday.  And you know what? Friday was a fantastic day! One of the most IMPORTANT things I can say about bad days, is that's all they are, bad days. Not bad weeks, or months, or years.  Bad days.  And they suck, but that's life.  You have to have them in order to truly enjoy the good ones right? So have your bad day, do what you can to get through it, and wake up the next morning with a new mindset, make it better! Do not let your bad days drag on! And that way, you will appreciate your good days that much more :)

How do you guys deal with bad days? Keep watch for a post later in the week on tips to improve bad days!

Weekly Challenge - Complete acts of kindness, as small or as great as you please, just do something for someone else.  You never know when others are having a bad day, and maybe you can do something to improve it!

So have a great week, and always remember,
It is just a bad day, not a bad life

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

Monday, November 9, 2015

19 for Nineteen

Hello! Today is my 19th birthday, and it has been an amazing day! To add to yesterday's post, I have made a list of new goals, 19 things I want to achieve in my nineteenth year! Some are long term, others are rather simple, and some are just bucket list items that I hope to check off before my twenties.  By the way, have you tried something new yet this week?

1. Adjust the attitude
I definitely do not think I have an attitude problem, but I have my pessimistic days (don't we all).  So I just want to have these days less often.  Attitude is everything, and the better the attitude, the better the day!

2. Do more reading
I love to read, getting lost in a book is one of my favorite things.  I just do not have time for it anymore.  I'm going to make time, even if its just a few minutes a day, or a few days a week. Reading is good for the mind.  We should all do it more.

3. Say "Yes"
Be more spontaneous! Mom may not love this one, but I do.  I do not want to look back on college and remember nothing but the countless hours I spent laboring over projects and assignments.  I do think school is important, and it should be a top priority... most of the time.  I want to look back and remember the nights I spent laughing with my girlfriends, cheering on my hogs, and shaking my little booty like its my job! So rather than saying "no" to every fun event that comes my way, I'm going to say "yes" and say it often.  More often than not I end up really enjoying the times I decide to go out and live a little.

4. Stay on top of things
While I do want to live my life, it will be easier to do if I'm not stressed out about the pile of work waiting for me when I return home.  I want to get on top of everything: assignments, projects, this blog, etc.  Less TV, more productivity.  It's that simple.

5. Put Down that dang phone
It is taking over, I admit it.  My cell phone is always in my hand.  I am constantly checking social media, texting, snapchatting, yik-yaking, you name it, I'm probably doing it.  Talk about a time-waster! I wrote a research paper my senior year of high school about how cell phones are taking over, and I am a poster-child for how true that statement rings.  So I'm going to put it down more, to not only be more productive, but to enjoy the real world around me a little bit more.

6. Keep Blogging
I am the queen of starting projects and giving up.  Not this time! Blogging is something I have tossed around for awhile, and since I have started, I will continue.  I will not give up!


7. Run a 5k
Woah baby. slightly terrified of putting this on here.  I do not run.  I just don't. But I have always wanted to! So, why not in the next 12 months? Maybe I'll love it and it will lead to more.  or maybe not. But the least I can do is try.

8. Journal daily
I am in the process of establishing an effective morning routine, and one thing I am trying to do is journal.  Even if its just a quick one-minute scribble, it is something.  I want to make a good habit of this, because keeping a journal really has the power to make incredible changes in ones life.

9. Enjoy a Sunrise
I don't remember the last time I saw the sun come up.  It was probably after an all-nighter with some friends that had me way to groggy to enjoy.  It is super easy to take advantage of and neglect the simple beauty of the world around us.  I want to wake up early and truly enjoy a sunrise (or nineteen), drink some tea, and have a freaking good day.  Because why the heck not.

10. Be more generous
I do find myself to be a fairly decent human being.  Having said that, there is always room for improvement.  I can always do more.  So I want to do better, be more generous, a better roommate/friend/sister/daughter/etc.  Just be nicer to everyone around me.

11. Commit to a fitness routine
I have said this SO many times in the past years.  I actually got good at it first semester of my junior year in high school.  I lost like 17 pounds or something.  Ever since then I have fallen off.  I have zero will-power.  Its awful! So no fad diet, nothing extreme, just taking care of myself.  Make healthier choices, cut the snacking, workout when I can (make time so I can), get lots of z's, and drink LOTS of H20!

12. Try new things
Stop being such a baby.  I have always been terrified of venturing out of my comfort zone.  New foods? No thanks.  New activities? Heck no.  Stepping out of my comfort zone in any way? Absolutely not going to happen.  Well, I am pushing that mentality out! That's right! Bye! Escaping your comfort zone is so incredibly good for you.  So when the opportunity arises to try something new, do it.  Please.

13. Be more outgoing
Along with stepping out of my comfort zone, I am going to be more outgoing.  I have always been extremely shy, and it prevents me from reaching my true potential.  Being social is simply not my cup of tea.  But I am going to try.  All I need to do is talk more.  Talk to anyone, everyone, about anything.  Even a simple hello.  You have a voice for a reason.  Use it!

14. Vote
This one is simple.  This is a privilege that you now have.  Take advantage of it.

15. Be more independent
I am the kind of girl that always has a buddy with her.  Eating lunch? With a friend.  Going on a walk? With a friend.  Bathroom run? With a friend.  Now, I have gotten a lot better at this, but I want to continue to improve.  Next time you find yourself begging other people to run your errands with you, just do them by yourself.  My RA once told me doing things by yourself is a "freeing" experience.  So free yourself!

16. Cut the complaints
This one is huge.  There is always something to complain about isn't there? If something is not absolutely perfect, we complain.  It's life.  This goes along with having a better attitude.  There is no reason to complain, especially when the things you are complaining about are out of your control.  So cut it out.  You will be much happier.

17. Release the tears
Most of these goals are centered around finding happiness and positivity.  But lets be real, life is not perfect.  It will never be.  You will break down, and you will cry, its inevitable. Do not hold back your tears, let them go. Its OKAY.  If you need to cry, just do it.  put on a sad song, cry, and cry hard. Get it all out.  And then? Be done. Wipe your face, and get on with life.  Because it will not stop and wait for you.

18. Love
Another simple one.  Just be more loving.  Love more, love lots, love everyone and everything.  You are blessed with so many magical things, so just love it all.  Love life.

19. Actually accomplish these goals
And finally, a goal to achieve my goals.  Like I said earlier, I have a tendency to fall short on the things I start.  But for the next twelve months, the last year of my teenage self, I am going to work everyday at achieving these goals.  And I WILL succeed.

So here's to my personal New Year, and I hope you can apply some of these to your lives as well! What are some of your goals?

Happy Monday :)

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Dear Next Chapter

Dear Next Chapter,

Today is my last day being 18 years old.  The year went by so fast! My grandma told me once that the older you get, the faster the time flies.  I guess she was right! I remember my 18th birthday very well, it was a Sunday actually.  We all know how I feel about those! It was bittersweet.  18 is the entrance into adulthood: exciting, adventurous, hopeful, yet at the same time absolutely terrifying and somewhat saddening.  A lot has happened in the last year: one minute it was my birthday and I was desperate to make it to graduation, then next thing you know I'm packing boxes and leaving the state, learning to live without my mom for the first time in my life.  It has been awful at times, but also incredible and I wouldn't give up a second of it.

19 isn't near as exciting of a birthday.  It's no big leap, nothing happens when you turn 19, no new privileges.  It is simply another year.  But who says it has to be boring?! I have decided to take this opportunity to shove last year aside (especially the not so great moments), and move into the next 12 months with a clear mind and a fresh start.  Its like a personal New Year! I am still new to the whole college thing, and still trying to get this blog started, so there are two beginnings that I can start to really focus on.  I am trying to be open to new adventures.  It is, after all, my last year as a teenager.

All of this "newness" has got me thinking.  New things in our lives can be daunting.  It is not always easy to take the next step, and often times we are unsure.  Sometimes you have to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, maybe this next step is actually a blessing.  Moving into my next year of life gives me an excuse for a fresh start; I can have a good attitude, set new goals, and find new inspiration. Fresh beginnings are good. Which reminds me! I have decided to start adding challenges for the week to try and get everyone, especially you timid ones, to step out of your comfort zone, or just to simply better yourself.  So look for them on my Sunday posts!

This week I challenge you all to try something new.  Whether it be as small as trying a new food, or as big as setting a great new goal and figuring out the steps to achieve it, find some inspiration and do something new!  

So yes, 18 has been a roller coaster but I am happy with where I have landed. And 19, please be good to me :)

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Dear Pantless Sundays

Dear Pantless Sunday's,

There are few things in this world that I truly don't care for: Sunday's and pants are two of them.  Seriously, who wants to wear pants? They are constraining! Unfortunately, however, it is frowned upon to not wear them. Boo society.  But nothing is more freeing than the time of night when you can crawl in bed and take your pants off for the day. I love it.


And when it comes to Sunday's, most people enjoy them right? Sunday is a day of rest.  A nice relaxing day to prepare for the week ahead.  I don't see them that way though. Sunday's and I have never really gotten along.  Growing up they always filled me with a strong sense of something "ending."  The great weekend I just had with my friends is over, I always had lots of homework to do (don't lie we all put off homework until Sunday), and I just tend to feel really lonely on those days.  It has gotten better since I've started college and am constantly surrounded by my best friends, but still, they always have, are, and will forever be my least favorite day of the week.  

So why not change this? Why not make my Sunday's a little bit better by laying around with no pants on and watching Grey's anatomy?  Or, if you must get out, wear a dress! It's still more freeing than pants! And why should I do this alone? We can all be a little more productive throughout the weekend and truly enjoy a nice Sunday off.  I decided I'm gonna give this blogging thing a go, maybe it's something I'll really enjoy.  I've been told I can dish out some good advice, so why not share it? Maybe I'll learn a little bit more about myself along the way.  And what a great day to start on the first day of my favorite month :) 

So here's to many more!

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's