Dear Mental Getaway,

So I think most people would agree that it is important to take care of your physical health. We know the importance of eating nutritious meals and getting enough physical activity. What many people tend to neglect, is that mental health is just as important.  Worrying about mental health is only for people dealing with mental illnesses though, right? WRONG. Everyone should continuously be working on their mental health.  Your quality of life depends on it.

My mind has been very cluttered lately.  If you read my recent post on overthinking, you know all about what it can do to a person.  So I thought I'd share one way to increase your mental health, not only for over-thinkers, but in general.  I am not a doctor, or an expert in any way, this is simply something that I have found to be helpful. Sometimes, you just need a break.

I am at my dad's house this weekend for Father's Day.  While it is nice to be in one of my favorite towns (Woo Pig!) it is really difficult for me to come down here sometimes.  Everything flows so smoothly at home; I have a routine, all of my friends, my clothes, my schedule, etc.  It is home for a reason.  And I have always felt like I have to put my whole world on pause to come down here, which stresses me out like no other.  Until I actually get here.  Then everything stops.  Seriously.  The life I'm living at home really does pause for a few days.  In a weird way, it can be kind of nice.  All of my problems are 250 miles away, and even if I wanted to, I can't do anything about them from here.  I get a nice break from my job, my daily routines, some people that drive me crazy, etc.  It's almost like a mini vacation.

Now I am not saying you need to pack up and drive for hours to achieve this.  Find your own "getaway." Put down your phone for a few days.  While I'm here, I spend a lot less time on my phone. I check it in the morning and before bed, sometimes periodically throughout the day, but it mostly stays comfortable in my room.  I try not to worry about what my friends are doing, or what I am missing out on at home.  Instead, I have become pretty good at being present here, catching up with people I do not see very often.  Putting your phone down for a bit can really do wonders.

Once your phone is down, take time for yourself.  Do not stress about the world around you, your job, your friend/family drama, or anything else. This time is about you.  Catch up with people you don't see often, or soak in the bath, or read your favorite book.  Whatever it is your heart desires, do that.  It could be for a week, or thirty minutes.  You  can be hours away from home, or perched on your couch. You decide all the parameters for this one.  If you do it right, you'll thank me I promise ;)

What are you waiting for?? Pick a time within the next few weeks, you deserve it!

Happy vacationing

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's    

Dear Over-thinker,

BREAKING NEWS!!! I am admitting it.  I am a huge  over-thinker.  It's terrible.  So I'll begin by
saying that I cannot exactly offer advice on this topic without being hypocritical, but it is something that I have made the decision to work on this summer.  I thought I could share my two cents.

So what exactly is overthinking? It is the scenarios you create in your head that don't actually exist. I'll give you some examples.  Overthinking is when the text I sent five hours ago is still haunting me. Did I word it right? Why haven't they responded yet? Are they mad at me? Or when I have too many things going on and I have to tell people "no." They're going to hate me.  I'm going to miss out.  I'll never get invited again.  Or when I compare myself to others.  I'm not as pretty as her.  I'm not as kind, or as smart.  I'm not as successful.  Or when people ask me what I'm majoring in and they don't quite understand Interior Design. They probably think I'm not very bright.  I'm a "pillow-fluffer."  I''m going to pick paint colors for the rest of my life.  Or when I tell someone that my parents are divorced. Now they don't know what to say.  They feel bad for me.  They think less of me. Overthinking is the voices in your head that never shut up. 

Pretty ridiculous right? Surely no one actually thinks this way.  But I do. I can't help it.  And I know I am not alone.

It is something that I have struggled with for as long as I can remember, and I think it is one of the primary causes of my anxiety (which we can talk about another day).  It takes a toll on the way I live my life. I avoid situations like the ones I listed above.  I do not promote this blog like I should, I don't post certain pictures, I'm very careful about the decisions I make, and what I tell people, etc. all because I fear how I may appear to others. I am far from an open book, and I prefer to keep to myself (especially around new people) because of it.

I have definitely had my fair share of high and low points.  Towards the end of high school I had a pretty high self-esteem. I was confident in the woman I was becoming, and I tried my hardest not to let others get to me.  At least that is what I told myself. The past few months, however, I have found myself really struggling.  And I'm not sure exactly why. I think that is one of the hardest things to accept; there is often no single cause. My mom always used to tell me that I was "wired" a little differently, which I agree with. I would keep myself up at night, my mind running non-stop. It is a trap that is really difficult to get out of once you start.

But difficult does not mean impossible. And that is why I am choosing to focus on changing my habits over the next few months, and hopefully I can share some tips and advice by then.

"Overthinking is the cause of our unhappiness.  Keep yourself occupied.  Keep your mind off things that don't help you.  Think Positive."  

Know that you are not alone, and you can get through anything.

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's  

Dear Summer,

Get out your shorts and tank tops, because its finally here! One of my favorite seasons.  I am in love with hot sunny days and long summer nights, blasting the best music with the windows down, taking adventures, longer days, laying by the pool with a lemonade and a good book, fireworks, bbq's,.. whats not to love?   Something about the warm air does wonders for my mood.  Does anyone else feel that way?

I always get a burst of motivation at the beginning of summer. I want it to be the best and most memorable one yet.  I make lists of all the things I want to do.  And what a wonderful start I've had! It started with an Ellie Goulding concert, which made me realize I actually really, really, like her.  I have read my favorite start-the-summer book, which I will review soon. My cousin was married yesterday, it was such a beautiful wedding (I only cried 3 times don't worry), and I am so excited to see where life takes the two of them next.  I have started nannying again, which is always a joy. Our "Bachelorette parties" have started again. Last summer a group of us always got together on Monday's to watch The Bachelorette together, so of course we have to do that again! There are lots of other things that I am looking forward to this summer as well, and I cannot wait to share my experiences!

I am looking to do a lot with my blog this summer as well, so stay tuned!

Have a fantastic week, and get your summer on!!

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

Dear Writer's Block,

This week has been a little rough for me in deciding what it is I want to write about.  I have a long list of topics I want to cover at some point, but none of them were interesting to me this week.  At first I thought it was just a mild case of writer's block, but then I realized really its life block. So this is for anyone suffering from a lack of motivation.  Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a rut, and its really difficult to escape.  I would say that's a pretty fair way to describe my week.  My bedroom, still drowning in half-unpacked boxes, would agree.  I just can't get myself to do anything about it, so I have located myself on the couch instead.  And I am finding it very hard to leave.

So how should we start? I think the most important effective way to find motivation to do life is to just do something.  Anything.  Tuesday night, for example, I went to a concert with one of  my best friends.  I finally felt summer starting to kick in.  It gave me a little spark to do something productive. Another night, I went to a friends house just to catch up (mostly with his mom lol), but it made me feel a little better. Sometimes you just need to get out of the house.  Go run an errand, go for a walk, catch up with an old friend, do something. 

Kind of along the same line, I think it is important to be around people.  Trust me, I can be the anti-social queen when I want to be.  Socializing is a lot of work for me, but I think it can be really beneficial at times. When I'm cooped up on the couch in an empty house and have no reason to do anything, I don't leave the couch.  But if I know I'm going to see people, it gives me the motivation to actually get up and shower and make myself presentable.  I also find that getting up off the couch and showering gives me motivation to knock out another extra task before I leave the house.  Bonus!

Finally, remember to take things one step at a time.  Sometimes we shut down because the task at hand (my bedroom for example) is seemingly endless.  It is too much to accomplish, so we avoid it altogether.  Just take it one step at a time, and eventually you will get it done.  It is okay to spend a day on the couch, but maybe not an entire week.  Laziness has to come in moderation.    

Always remember, whether its a writer's block or in my case a "life block," you will get through this. You can do anything you put your mind to.  Get up, get out, and take things one step at a time.  For more tips to getting out of a slump check out 8 Ways to Bounce Back!

"What you do today can improve all your tomorrows" -Anonymous

Have a fantastic week, and to all you slackers... just get off the couch :)

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

Dear Yocum 217,

I'm sitting in a room full of boxes, wondering where the time has gone.  I am one final exam away from loading up the car and heading home for the summer.  Has it really been nine months already? I vividly remember move-in day last August; the chaos, the people, the tears, the excitement.  And now here I am.  Everything in between is a blur.

Freshman year has been by far one of the most influential of my life.  I have learned so much about myself and about the world.  It has definitely been a journey.  One that has beaten me down at times, but one that I will cherish forever.  So I dedicate this post to the one thing that has remained constant throughout this roller coaster of a year, and that is my home away from home.

My roomie and I originally wanted to live in the building right next to ours, but the only floor available was the ninth (that would have been tragic), so we settled for the next best, Yocum 217. Little did we know at that time it was exactly where we were meant to be.

So thank you, Yocum 217, for letting me decorate your walls with pictures, curtains, and lights to liven you up a bit.

Thank you for being close enough to the bathroom that I can walk to and from comfortably in my towel.

Thank you for introducing me to, and only being 5 doors down from my college BFF.  Experiencing my first year here with her has been a blessing.

Thank you for hosting sleepovers, and for allowing room for your beds to be shared, and your floors to be slept on.

Thank you for Rachel, the world's best RA.

Thank you for the many nights of Grey's Anatomy, Friday Night Lights, and Gilmore Girls.

Thank you for your perfect location.  The dining hall, gym, and all my classes are within a bearable distance.

Thank you for only making me walk up one flight of stairs, because I really hate elevators.

Thank you for putting me in a bed less than 5 feet away from my bestie, so I can talk to her whenever I want.  (Unless she has her headphones in)

Thank you for being a place to cry on my bad days, although I prefer the shower, you are the next best.

Thank you for your incredible view.  From rolling hills, to the perfect sunsets, to the red stadium sky, there's never a dull moment outside that window.

And thank you for being my perfect home away from home.

A dorm room tends to be one of the most dreaded things of freshman year, but I would disagree.  It may appear to be the smallest, white-walled, prison-looking space in the entire world, but for the past nine months it has been home.  And a great one at that.  So here's to Yocum 217, even though your wifi sucked, thank you for the memories.

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

(This is Abby and I on our first and last day in our room) 

Dear Mom,

According to the dictionary, a mother is "a woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth," but to me, she is so much more.  A mother is a teacher, supporter, role model, and best friend, just to name a few.  My mother is so much more to me than she will ever realize.  She is my everything.

A mother is a teacher. From first steps, to potty training, first words, riding a bike, driving a car, etc. You name it, momma's there.  My mom taught me how to do laundry, and how to cook. She taught me how to shave my legs, and what kind of products to use on my face. She taught me everything. Even after I moved out, she hasn't stopped teaching. A few weeks ago, my sister asked my mom how she ever survived before google.  My mom responded, "I called my mom."  And I think, even after google haha, those four words could not be more true. I call my mom for everything.  How do I wash these grapes? How much medicine can I take at a time? Can I dry this shirt with the elephants on it? How long is my almond milk really good for? Let's face it.  Mom's know everything.  On top of all these practical skills, my mom taught me about friendship.  She taught me to put others before myself.  She taught me how to love, and how to find joy in life.  I have now been through fourteen years of school, and no one has taught me anything near what my mother has.  She is the ultimate teacher.

A mother is a supporter.  I am a timid girl. I always have been.  But my mother has been so patient with me, and so supportive of my every move.  When I was in 4th grade, I hosted a dance camp for the girls in my neighborhood for the entire summer in my garage.  Never once did my mom tell me not to do this, in fact, she helped me put on the "recital" at the end.  I did this for three years.  Mom always pushes me to try new things, to step outside my comfort zone, and to be my best self.  I am a dancer, and my mom has been putting up with that since I was 3 years old.  Every recital, every competition, every convention, every bill. Mom was there gluing on eyelashes, safety pinning costumes, keeping me hydrated, calming the nerves, etc.  When I got into high school, nothing changed.  Mom has always been supportive of my new friendships and the new people in my life. She has supported my choice of major, and spent many college visits helping me choose the perfect school to pursue it.  And when I wanted to start this blog? She supported that too.  My mom always reminds me to dream big.  She is my number one fan, and supports me with her whole heart.

A mother is a role model.  My mom is such an inspiration.  I cannot imagine giving anyone the incredible life that she has given to my sister and I on her own.  My mom works so hard to make sure that my sister and I get nothing but the best.  She has sacrificed so much for us.  And what gets me the most? She does it with a smile on her face.  Sure, not everyday is rainbows and sunshine, but it isn't for anyone.  Mom always walks through the door and greets the puppies with her silly little puppy voice, and then takes time to ask us each about our days.  She is genuinely interested in our lives, and she likes to hear our stories.  About a week ago I was having a lot of doubts thinking about the future, and I asked my mom if she was really happy, and of course she said yes.  Even through everything she puts up with, my mom is genuinely happy.  She has such a big heart, and is so caring.  It is really motivating to have such a hard-working, optimistic momma.  I hope to one day be half the mother she is to me.  She is my role model.

A mother is a Best Friend.  Even through everything else, my mom is my best friend.  We talk every Sunday so I can fill her in on my week.  I tell her everything.  She knows all about the party I went to last night, who my friends are dating, which professors are the worst, etc.  I call her when I walk home from studio if I'm feeling lonely and need someone to talk to.  We go to movies together, or dinner, or shopping.  She listens really well, and she enjoys it (or at least she'd good at pretending). Mom is full of wisdom.  She doesn't judge my mistakes, and she always has advice to get me through. I would not be the young woman I am today without her by my side.  

"The more I grow, the more I realize that my mom is the best friend that I ever had."

Happy Mother's Day, words can not begin to express how thankful we are for our loving momma's. I love mine sooooooooooooooooooooooo much :)  You make life so much more enjoyable.

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's    

Dear Big Accomplishment,

Life is full of accomplishments.  Big and small. Every morning you get out of bed and you've accomplished the task of getting out of bed. Good job, you go!! This week, though, I accomplished something a little bigger than that, and I have decided to share my story with you today.

As many of you know, I am an interior design major.  This past Wednesday was our final review. Long story short, this is a very big deal. This is the day when 9 months of incredibly hard work either super pays off, or super does not. This is the day where one by one we stand up and present our final project to a panel of critics that know absolutely nothing about us or our previous work.  If that doesn't sound terrifying, you probably aren't picturing it right ;) On top of that, I am HORRIBLE at public speaking.  I absolutely hate everything about it.  I get so nervous, my voice shakes, I stumble over my words, its just the worst! Anyways, after two months of designing, redesigning, modeling, drawing, and repeating the whole process, the day I'd been dreading finally arrived.

I set my alarm that morning only giving me enough time to get ready and get out the door, because I did not want to have to sit around and think about it.  Luckily, I got an early time to present.  I got ready, went to studio, watched the first review, and began to pin up my work.  Next thing I knew they were turning panels and I was in front of everyone presenting my project as if I had done it a thousand times.  Confidence came from nowhere and was pouring out of me.  Not only did one of my best friends sitting in the back row drop her jaw, one of the critics actually spent time complementing my words, telling me I had a skill that I needed to hang onto.  I was so incredibly happy.  They liked my project and they liked the way I presented it.  I did not see that one coming.

The feeling afterwards was incredible.  The high stayed with me the rest of the day and through the night, and it is just indescribable.  Now, I'm sure not every review will go quite as smoothly, and that is absolutely okay.  I will always have this one under my belt and know that I can do it.  That I did do it.  This is a day that I absolutely dreaded since August, I had even contemplated my choice of major at one point purely because I hate public speaking.  So I am telling you today, that it really does take just a few seconds of insane courage.  This is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments, something I never imagined in a thousand years going in the direction that it did.  Always face your fears head on, because you might just kick them in the ass.

"Every Great Achievement was once considered impossible" 

Have a wonderful week you confident human.

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

Dear Fast Paced World,

It seems that ever since I've returned from spring break my mind has been going non-stop.  There's always something to think about, worry about, somewhere to be, something to do, it's hard to catch a break!  That's the thing about college most of the time.  The workload is never ending.  Even when you do sit down to take time for yourself, there is something in the back of your mind pestering you. It's frustrating! This week has been rather productive for me, which means one of two things: it's the calm before the storm, or I am finally somewhat getting my life together.  I'm hoping for the latter.

Last weekend my roommate and I walked to the public library in Fayetteville.  It was a beautiful day and a much needed get away from my hectic weekend at studio.  I got a couple books, and believe it or not, I'm actually already on the second one.  I haven't made it through a single book all semester, all year even, and now I can finish one in a week? The reason for this is not because I finally found time to sit down and read it, but because I made time.  There is a huge difference between the two, and once you find it, everything changes.  

I was sitting in class one day early in the semester when 5 o'clock hit, and our bell tower started playing the alma mater.  I later learned that every single day at this time (Every Single Day), the same thing occurs.  I lived on this campus for 6 months before I noticed it.  Yes, maybe it's because I was never near the building at this time, or I was in a busy place and couldn't hear it. There are tons of explanations as to why.  But maybe, it's simply because I never took the time to notice.  I sat there on this day and listened to it, focused solely on the song.  Everything else disappeared for  a moment: The class I was in, my professor's New York accent, all of it gone. Just for a minute.  And it was incredible.  

Twice this week I spent my hour break between classes at the Greek Theater (a small outdoor theater on campus) with friends.  I tried to get some studying done, but I mostly just laid there and enjoyed the sun.  Did I have things I could have been doing? Absolutely.  But I enjoyed myself, even just for an hour.  The more productive you are when you do sit down to work on things, the more time you will have later on to just enjoy.  

Tuesday night of this week I sat in my friends dorm and played Settlers of Catan (one of my new favorite board games, you should check it out), and I caught myself looking around.  We were just hanging out, playing a board game, yelling at each other for ruining our precious schemes.  What we didn't notice is how precious the moments were.  Walking home at 11 o'clock on a Tuesday night I realized how blessed I was.  I had just spent hours surrounded by some of my very best friends, every one of us living very fast-paced lives, and we all took time out of it to sit down and play a game together.  Yes, I agree that this may be a silly little thing to make such a big deal about.  But is it not the silly little things that make life so great? Why am I stressing out about the project due in three weeks when I should be sitting here just enjoying good company? I'm obviously not doing anything about it right now anyways!

I know.  Its's hard to slow down when many of the things going on around us seem to be so out of our control.  I am the queen of go, go, go! But when you learn to appreciate the silly little things, like a walk to the library, or an hour in the sun, or even a board game with friends (and I don't mean appreciate it as in "oh that was nice," but really truly appreciate them), your life will free up a little.  It really is in your head, you have to allow yourself to slow down.  So if there are things you are wanting to do, do not simply find time for them, make time for them.  It will workout, it always does. 

"Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it."  -William Feather

So here's to slowing down, and to the silly little things.  

Yours Truly,

Pantless Sunday's            

Dear Semester Finale

Spring is one of my favorite seasons.  While my allergies may hate it, I just love seeing everything bloom, and life return to the world after a cold winter.  The air always seems fresher, the sun brighter, and Abbi happier ;) Spring break, however, is always such a tease.  A relaxing week off is just what I needed, and while it has been mostly that, my mind is a little cluttered.  I am on the downhill slope of finishing my first year of college, and boy has time flown by. It seems like yesterday we were moving in, settling into our new ways, and starting our new journey. I am now six weeks away from moving back home for the summer, with still so much stuff that needs to be done with school before then. I feel like I am running out of time! I need to finish the semester strong, but I can't stop dreaming of those summer days! If you're like me, you may be struggling to find that little burst of motivation to get you through, because I am definitely lacking this. So here are a few of my tips to productivity. Let's get motivated together!

1) Take advantage of those sunny days! I always find myself more productive on nicer days (as opposed to rainy ones when I never want to leave my bed).  It is easier for me to get up and moving when the sun is shining, and I tend to get a lot done in a shorter amount of time so that I get a chance to get outside and enjoy the weather! I also like to sit outside and do homework, because its just much more pleasant :)

2) Sleep. Rest is important people.  You may feel like you are running out of time, I feel it too, but you will be so much more productive after a full night of sleep than you will after trying to pull all nighters. Trust me, it is not worth it.  Get your Z's.

3) Make lists. I am a list girl. I make To-Do lists every single day.  I like to take things one-step at a time, so I make a list for today and I do not think about tomorrow until I get through my list for today. I sometimes even have several sets of lists: I'll have my over-all list, and then I will have sub-lists (a list for what needs to be done in studio, a list for my other classes, a list for the gym, etc.) Don't get overwhelmed! You do not have to go list-crazy like I do! But writing down what you need to do each day and then checking them off as you go can be super helpful!

4) Take care of yourself. This falls in with getting plenty of rest.  Lots of us have tendencies to sacrifice our health when it comes to school.  It really is a simple fix though.  Take time to exercise. Fuel your body with good foods.  Take breaks.  Only you know your body's needs, so make time to take care of it. You will feel so much better if you do.

5) Kiss your technology goodbye. Don't worry, not forever.  I am the queen of checking my phone while I'm supposed to be studying (ask my roommate), and then spending the next hour and a half reading articles about who even knows what.  Put it on airplane mode, leave it in your room, whatever it is you need to do. Remember my post about being fully present in whatever you're doing? Try being fully present during your study time.  I bet you'll retain a lot more.

6) Reward yourself.  You know as well as I do that we cannot be productive all the time. It's just not possible.  So reward yourself! Maybe you can watch one episode of whatever your heart desires after each hour of studying. Personally, I try to get as much done in studio each week so that I can take Saturday's off to be with friends.  Whatever it is you need to do, just be sure you get right back to work afterwards!

8) Use a planner.  I loooooove my planner! Similar to making lists, use your planner to keep track of what you need to do this day, this week, this month, etc.  Write down everything in your planner. It will keep you organized and on track.  If you don't have one, get one, and once you do, USE IT!

Just remember, you are in control of your future.  Work hard, strive for success, but remember to breathe.  Do not sacrifice your health and well-being, and do not sacrifice your happiness.  Just six short weeks until summer, finish strong. You got this!

Here's to a productive end to the semester!

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's



 

Dear Tomorrow,

The future can be a very scary thing sometimes. Do not fret.  It is natural to fear the unknown.  I always worry about what I will be doing in ten years, but like I discussed in last weeks post, worrying now about something so far away will not change things. In reality, the future is nothing that anyone should be scared of!  Because ultimately, your future is in your hands.  I really do believe this. It is what you make it.  If you want it to be great, and you work towards making it that way, then it will be! As silly as it sounds, it really is that simple.

Yes, I know there are always those unexpected curve balls that life can throw at you, and sometimes it really is impossible to prepare for these.  However, it is not what life throws at us that creates our future, but it is how we handle these situations.  As long as you keep your head high and your outlook optimistic, you will find your way.  The future may seem unclear for some, while others may have step by step plans for how the next few years will unfold; either way, nothing is set in stone.  Take a deep breath, take it one day at a time.  If you have big dreams, do something each day that moves you towards reaching it.  If you don't, spend a little time each day working towards finding one.  It is absolutely okay to not have your life together right now.  There is so much time ahead of you.  Just take it one step at a time.  Try not to fear your future, but rather look to it with hope (and also patience), because in the end, everything will workout exactly how it is supposed to.

Everything will be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end.

Have a great week! And remember - accept your past, live for today, and do not fear what is to come.

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

Dear Today,

Take a minute to look around you and take in everything that is going on.  I am sitting on my bed, one of my best friends to my left, another one on the floor by my feet putting away snacks. The Bachelor is on.  This dorm room, though very small, is full of many fond memories.  I have several tabs open on my laptop: study guides, quizlets, emails, etc.  And surprisingly, I don't feel an ounce of stress.  I am very much at peace with my surroundings.  I am not regretting yesterday, and I am not in fear of tomorrow. I am simply living right now.

Living in the "now" is something that I struggle with quite often.  I am always stressed about what's coming next, even if its still weeks ahead. I often get anxiety about my final review that isn't until the end of April.  I also worry about where I'll be in 4 years, if I'll be happy with my degree, etc.  Not only do I fear the future, but I tend to dwell on the past as well.  I overthink the text I just sent, I reminisce on what seem to be "happier" days when I'm stressed out, its just always something! The grass is always greener.

Obviously, worrying gets you nowhere.  I find myself most at peace when I live fully in the present. This is something that can be difficult to do, it takes lots of practice.  You have to train yourself. But once you're able to, I promise you will find yourself so much happier. I cannot do anything about what my professors will assign at 4 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, so why should I spend the next nineteen hours worrying about it? That won't change anything! Instead, I should put all my focus on writing this blog, my thoughts should be nowhere else.  And when I'm finished, I will move on to the next thing and put all my focus there.  Even if you're just lounging on the couch all day, for example, be fully present on that couch! I know it sounds silly, but think about it: if you spend your day stressing about all the things you should be doing, you have wasted a perfectly good lazy day. And we all need those sometimes. :)

At the beginning of this semester, my materials professor (one crazy lady) told us that in order to get the most out of her class all she asked of us was to be fully present in mind, body, and spirit for the hour and fifteen minutes we were with her. So maybe to get the most out of life, you have to apply the same idea to other aspects of it!

This week I challenge you to make every effort to live in the moment.  No matter how much you worry about the past or the future, you cannot change it.  Whenever you find your thoughts cluttered and you are overwhelmed, take a deep breath and focus on this single moment, because that is really all that matters right now.

"Live quietly in the moment and the future will take care of itself"

Have a wonderful week!

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

Dear Yesterday,

What's in the past is in the past.  It cannot be changed, and it should not be regretted.  Each and every one of us has a past; a story that is uniquely ours; one that has shaped us into the individuals that we are today.  Many people, however, have a hard time letting go of the past. I was one of those people for a very long time. We often hold grudges, or allow a mistake to eat us alive.  And this should never be the case.  No matter how horrible or how incredibly wonderful your past may be, I ask you to be thankful for it.

My past is somewhat personal to me.  I have shared bits and pieces with close friends, and there is really only one person in my life that knows the full, detailed story. But I will briefly share with you this: the first part of my childhood was wonderful! I lived in a big house with a giant backyard that I practically spent all my time in on any nice day. I had incredibly loving parents, grandparents, and babysitters that played along with anything I asked them to.  My sister was my best friend. And Ms. Melinda, the world's greatest dance teacher, was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me.  And then I turned 8. My parents decided they were not meant for each other, so my mom packed up and moved my sister and I back to KC. The next few years pretty much sucked. But slowly (and I mean really slowly) I began to heal.  I think I was 17 years old by the time I finally made decent peace with the situation, and there are still times today when it will haunt me. The point is, during this time, I learned so much about myself.  Rather than looking at the unfortunate events of my past, I choose to believe that everything happens for a reason. I learned a lot about the world.  I had to move states, switch schools, make new friends, keep up with old friends. I had to grow up at a young age.  I felt responsible for my sister and her happiness, and I later felt the same for my step sister. I believe that my step-sister, who lives in a house of boys, needed some female role models in her life (that's where my sister and I come in).  I think that my sister and I needed a brother (my step-brother).  And I think that my father being in Fayetteville definitely helped me discover the University that I am now in love with.  My past led me to where I am today, and I think I turned out alright!  My past is also full of many blessings, different friendships (some failed), years of dance, school, and lots of other things.  But every aspect, good or bad, has been a learning experience.

One thing that tends to get in the way for me is all the "what-if's."  What if  I had gone out with that boy?  What If  I had stayed friends with her? What if  I hadn't quit dancing?  What if  I had gone to that school instead? How would my life be different? The point is, that didn't happen.  That is not what was meant to happen.  Wherever you are in your life right now is absolutely where you are meant to be, and your past has led you there.  As difficult as it is to believe that sometimes, it is the truth.

We have all dealt with different stresses and hardships, and we all deal with them in different ways. But no matter what you have dealt with, however big or small, everything in your past has created the wonderful you that you are today.  Every single thing, person, event, etc.  They all play a great part.

This week I challenge you to make peace with your past. Say "thank you" to yesterday.  Whether your past was extremely hard or incredibly wonderful, reflect on the things you have experienced. Think about all the things you find troubling or things that you often regret, and let them go.  Accept that the past made you who you are today, and for that, it is a wonderful thing.

Have a wonderfully productive week :)

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's      

Dear March,

Hello wonderful people! It's been a little while! I have missed you dearly.  I hope that everyone is doing well.

So today I finally got a chance to sit down and take a breath.  If you haven't noticed by my lack of blogging, college has really just taken over this semester.  I got settled back in after winter break, and was immediately hit by the school train. I was not prepared for that!

So my last post was about New Years Resolutions.  How is that going? Clearly, not so well for me.  I fell off in almost every way possible actually.  I have not been posting, I do not read every day, or journal, I didn't workout for a while, you get the point.  It's just been a mess! But you know what? It's okay! Everything is really okay :) Even the girl that was 110% motivated to stay on top of things in 2016 failed within the first month.  I'm human! We all are!  So what am I getting at here?

This week begins the month of March, and every month is a good opportunity to take some time to evaluate your goals.  I like to look back at my original list to see what I am doing well and what I still need to work on. You may look at your goals and realize that some of them are irrelevant and you don't need them anymore.  And that is the beauty of it! Edit this list as much or as little as needed, it is entirely up to you!  I am taking this month to get back on track.  I have been getting up and going to the gym first thing every morning and I am loving it.  My days have been very productive this past week, and I am hoping the trend continues. I know schedules are busy, but try to remember how important it is to sit back and re-organize. It will be very beneficial in the long run.  You may have to start over 100 times before you achieve something, and that is wonderful.  Because all that matters is that you made it.

"If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off an try again"

This week I challenge you to take a small amount of time to re-evaluate some goals that you are working towards.  Look up some motivating quotes, read an inspiring book, do whatever it is you do to get back on track! And if you're already there? That's great! But there is no such thing as too much motivation.

I am so glad to be back,
Have a fantastic week!

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

Dear Second Semester

Wow! One semester down and the second one is fast approaching.  I am already settled back into my dorm and it feels like I haven't missed a beat.  I have spent my few days off catching up with friends, running errands, finding classes, and trying to mentally prepare myself for the months ahead. I've been having some mixed feelings.  Part of me is very happy to be back; I have missed my friends, I am ready to get back into a routine after a month of laying around, and I'm excited to see what the semester has in store for me! On the other hand, I am slightly terrified.  School is a lot of work, and I am not quite ready to take on the stress.  I think after the first week or so I will realize that I am definitely not taking on anything that I cannot handle. It will be okay, it always is.  I just have to stay on top of everything, and watch less TV.  Something like that, right?

I don't have much to say today, as I am just trying to get everything ready for this week. I wish everyone the best this spring semester!

This week I challenge you to do something that you have been putting off.  No matter the reason. Just get it done, and you will feel so much better.

Have a wonderful week everyone!
Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

Dear High School Friends

Dear High School Friends,

I am who I am because of you.

This morning I woke up with emotions all over the place.  All of this back and forth and trying to live in two places is proving to be quite hard on me.  Goodbyes never seem to get any easier, and no matter where I am, I always seem to be missing the other.  Man, college is rough! But it's a learning experience right?

This morning also had me thinking about how incredibly lucky I am.  I am lucky enough to have so many hard goodbyes, and people to miss.  It means that I am loved.  Spending a month here in KC was great.  Incredibly boring at times, yes,  but very familiar.  It brought me back to the good 'ole days.  So I wanted to say thanks to you fabulous high school friends of mine.

I have found myself to be very blessed in the friend department.  Our group of friends is unlike any I have ever seen.  You are more than my best friends, we're like a little family.   I started hanging out with this group of people summer before my junior year, and I did not know then that I was forming friendships to last a  lifetime.

From the very first night I spent with you to now, I cannot imagine it any other way.  We have shared laughs, tears, adventures, and so many other wonderful times.  You were there for all of my most important decisions.  From boys to date, outfits to wear,  even someday's what to eat for lunch, I always turned to you when I was stumped.  I value your opinions.  I never had to do anything alone (unless I wanted to), I had one of you in almost every class, I always had someone to sit with at lunch, someone to go to the bathroom with (because that's important), someone to run after school errands with, someone to sit with at church, someone to check my backside when needed, someone to walk to class with, etc. Anytime I needed company, it was there.  If I needed to talk? I had an ear to listen.  Questions on homework? Someone had an answer. Strange idea? You all supported it.  And for all of this, I am so very blessed.  I enjoyed always having a fun date to go to dances with, and a great group of people for the pictures and dinner beforehand. That was very stressful for most dances, but we always got though it together.  I like sitting around fires with you, or staying up late in barns. I like driving around for hours, jumping out of cars, eating french fries and chocolate shakes.  I like swimming, and going to movies, and staying up all night talking about everything and absolutely nothing.  I like taking cliche pictures, and filming every moment because we needed it for our video montage. Sporting events were always fun with you, and so were the hangouts after.  I like playing board games, and pool, and ping-pong (even though I suck).  I like going shopping, and having cookouts, and cuddling on the trampoline. I like our group messages.  I like listening to music, and doing weird dances.  I like being comfortable around you. I truly enjoy your company.

You people can stress me out and drive me nuts like no other, but more importantly, you make me smile, and laugh, and so incredibly happy to be alive.  I have learned so much about myself through our friendships, and I'm the girl I am today because of them.

We may be following different paths now, and that is okay.  I still support each and every one of you, I will always listen when you need to talk, and I know you will do the same for me.  Things may not be the same as they once were, but that is perfectly okay.  I am thankful for our glory days, and I will always hold those memories close.  Things may continue to change in the years to come, but I am confident that I will always have people to grab lunch with when we're in town, or someone to call when I'm missing home.  Here's to you, my forever best friends.  Thank you for everything you have done for me.  I love you all dearly.



Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

(This week I challenge everyone to contact a long distance friend.  Call them up or shoot them a text, whatever it may be.  It's nice to be checked in on every once in awhile.  Have a wonderful week! :) 

Dear Procrastinator

Dear Procrastinator,

Just stop.

Don't lie, we've all been there.  You had three months to write that paper that's due tomorrow and you're just now starting.  It's December 24th and you are still out shopping.  Just one more episode and then you will start your chores (and you tell yourself this again 3 seasons later when you still haven't left the couch).  Sometimes life just takes over!

Seeing as productivity is something I am working towards in the new year, I decided to write a little bit on procrastinating.  And seems how I am a professional at it, I can admit that I truly understand the struggle.  I used to start books the day before the report was due, I would be up way late into the night trying to slop things together just good enough to turn in.  I have gotten better over the years, but I am definitely still a "one more episode" girl.  If there is one thing I have learned from this, it is that procrastinating stresses me out!! And I mean BAD. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

So how do we stop it? I'll let you know when I find out ;) But seriously, it is something everyone should work on.  I think it would relieve so much stress in the long run.  The best way to go about it is to get as much done as early as possible.  For example, when a teacher assigns something that is due at the end of the semester, take action immediately.  Even if you finish the assignment an entire month early, think about how good it will feel when everyone else is scrambling at the last minute.  Also, when you start early, you are more capable of breaking things into smaller portions. When you complete a large task last minute, you have to do all of it at one time.  If you start early, you can break it down into smaller tasks and complete a little bit at a time. This will make the once overwhelming task much more manageable

When you do it once, the feeling will motivate you to do it again, and eventually it will become a habit to get things done ahead of time.  So turn off that TV, you have already watched way too many episodes.  Get off your computer, put the phone away, and do something productive.  You will thank yourself.  Start early, and break it into smaller tasks.  It's easy, it just takes a lot of willpower.

This week I challenge everyone to do one productive task everyday.  I know you all have stuff that needs to get done, it's never ending! So do something about it! You will feel SO much better!

Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's

Dear 2016

Dear 2016,

Watch out! I'm ready for ya.

With Christmas behind us and the final days of this year quickly approaching, it can be assumed that everyone is getting very hyped up about all the wonderful things that will be accomplished in the new one.  Year after year, I tend to find myself a very motivated girl at the end of December.  We always say "This will be my best year yet!" And why shouldn't it be?! The best is always yet to come! Do you have your resolutions yet? I often have a hundred million things that I wish to accomplish. I can usually stick to about one of them (through January), and by December... what was it I said I was going to do this year? I was just thinking about it a few days ago, many of my first readers remember an earlier post, 19 for Nineteen, where I shared 19 goals that I wanted to achieve in my 19th year! Here we are, over a month later, and I haven't looked at that list once since that week.  Shame on me. I have been learning a lot about myself recently, however, and I am pretty convinced that I will finally succeed this time.  I am taking a new approach in setting my goals for 2016, and I will share these tips with you soon!!

For today's post, I have decided to reflect on this past year, because boy has it been eventful.

January: I entered into my final semester of high school. Arkansas was nothing but a tiny thought in the back of my head.  The way, way back of my head.

February: Went to my last Sweetheart dance with my current BFF.  I also competed with my dance team for the very last time. I spent that evening bawling my eyes out.

March: My first month ever without dance.  Spent so much time with amazing friends.  Found myself lingering after school every single day, making lots of QuikTrip runs and playing on random playgrounds.

April: Trampoline cuddle parties became very popular around this time.  I have some crazy cool (and weird) friends.

May: Attended my final high-school dance with a wonderful date and my very best friends.  Helped put together Mr. SPX (a high school "pageant" that the senior boys put on every year)  Took my last final exams.  Graduated high school 6th in my class.  Enjoyed some Royals games and an All Time Low Concert.  Began my job nannying for the summer.

June: Spent LOTS of time with my friends, enjoying our last summer of normal.  Spent lots of time with my little monkeys, going to the pool, and eating lots of ice cream. Attended orientation at the UofA, followed by a relaxing weekend at the lake with my Arkansas pals.

July: Last month living at home! Went to the zoo.  Began thinking about packing my life away. I was also  honored to co-choreograph a routine for dance team tryouts, and finally be apart of the process. I went to Warped Tour for the first time, that was a blast! I stayed up all night on a trampoline when I was dog-sitting with a friend, we ended up laying through over an hour of pouring rain (but it was by far one of my favorite nights).

 

August: Shared my last night with my high school family (my forever friends), packed up my room, and moved my little butt down to a town I now call home. A very emotional month.  I have never been good with goodbyes.  I never will be.  On the bright side, this is the month I started my new journey, and met one of my very best friends :)

September: Classes had begun and were starting to progress.  I had mastered navigating the once terrifying campus, and began to find myself very comfortable.  I attended my first college football game, first college party, and bonded with some awesome people.

October: Got to spend a few days back in Kansas City for fall break and enjoyed some time catching up with old friends.  Those friends then payed us a visit in Fayetteville! I dressed as Meredith Grey for Halloween, and I am still secretly obsessed with her.

November: I celebrated my 19th, and best birthday yet!  I got to spend some time back home with family for Thanksgiving.  I survived my first ever design-school meltdown, which was shortly followed by the survival of my first final review.

December: Took my final exams and found myself a little sad to pack up and head home for a month.  A full semester already under my belt.  Where did all the time go?!

Wow! A LOT more has happened this year than I thought! I was still in high school at the beginning of it.  Now look at me, about to enter my second semester of college! This week I challenge you to reflect on 2015.  I bet you've done a lot more than you think.  Start thinking of goals for 2016, and keep watch for Tips on Successful New Year's Resolutions! Have a great week!

Yours Truly,

Pantless Sunday's

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

The thought of you still brings me joy.

It's that time of year again! The trees are up, fireplaces are lit, stockings are hung, and so on. There is just something about Christmas that gives me warm and fuzzy feelings (despite the awful temperatures outside). As I have grown, the meaning of Christmas has transformed immensely for me. As a child, no different than any other little one, I just could not WAIT to wake up Christmas morning and see that magical Barbie house that was taller than me standing in our living room topped with a bright blue bow.  Knowing that the plate once full of cookies would be left with a few crumbs, and a tall empty glass right beside it.  It brought me joy. Those were the days.

And now? Although not in the same ways, Christmas brings me more joy than ever. I did go through a phase, as I'm sure many people my age do, where Christmas lost its spark. And I'm here to tell you, it hasn't lost its spark, you just have to find it. It may not come as easy as it once did, but it is still there. I was lucky enough to be home to help put up and decorate our Christmas tree. As I sat on the living room floor with my mom, delicately unwrapping each ornament and hanging it in the perfect place, I couldn't help but smile. It brings back so many childhood memories, and it makes me happy to always have those in my heart, and to one day share those with my own children. It also makes me happy that we are continuing to make good memories.

I have also found a spark in giving. As a child, I didn't quite understand. I wanted to take and take and take. Christmas without presents? I don't think so! Now, however, I struggle to form a Christmas list. I would so much rather give. If I'm going to spend my own money, nothing makes me happier than seeing smiles on the faces of my loved ones as they open the most perfect gift!  I have found great joy in giving, and I think I will continue to do so.  It is my new "spark."

Maybe Christmas doesn't bring the same magic that it brought me as a child, but it still brings magic. So my letter to Santa this year is simple. It is not full of 'wants' or material items. It is not about the size of the beautifully wrapped packages under the tree.  All I ask for is a safe and merry holiday season; a time to relax, and enjoy good company. And I wish the same for all of you!

This week I challenge everyone to put some change in a little red bucket. You know, the ones outside the grocery stores? Where they ring the bells? I don't care if it's a dime or a twenty dollar bill. Put something in that bucket, because I promise that someone needs it this Christmas a little more than you do.

Have a wonderful week, and Merry Christmas :)

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's