Embrace the 'Messiness' : LIFE

I was recently asked what my five year plan was.

My answer? A laugh.

Five years? Hmm.. I guess I just know two things.. I'll be 28 and happy.

Seriously people, slow down. There's actually not a rush! I know that life is exciting and we live in a 'right now' society where we've all got about a million questions and only five answers. So what, embrace the messiness. And one way you can do that brings me to the point of this blog post. I want you to go buy a book...

No, I'm not talking about Post Secret where you can be rest assured that everyone else in this world has problems and issues just like you. This book is different-- it's a book that will literally pop you up out of bed in the morning and can transform a gray day into a beautiful one. The book is called Scriptures and Meditations for Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. Sure, mornings are rushed but set your alarm three minutes early and read a page. I recently came across the one below and I thought it needed sharing, so here we go:

Trust God's Timing:

"Human nature tends to want everything right now. When we pray for our dreams to come to pass, we want them to be fulfilled immediately. But we have to understand, God has an appointed time to answer our prayers and bring our dreams to pass. And the truth is, no matter how badly we want it sooner, it's not going to change His appointed time.

When we misunderstand God's timing, we live upset and frustrated, wondering when God is going to do something. But when you understand God's timing, you won't live stressed out. You can relax knowing that God is in control, and at the "appointed time" He is going to make it happen. It may be next week, next year, or ten years from now. But whatever it is, you can rest assured it will be in God's timing.

God is not like an ATM machine, where you punch in right codes and receive what you requested. Prayers are not always answered within twenty-four hours. No, we will all have to wait and learn to trust God. The key is, are we going to wait with a good attitude and expectancy knowing God is at work whether we can see anything happening or not? We need to know that behind the scenes, God is putting all the pieces together. And one day, at the appointed time, you will see the culmination of everything that God has been doing.

God often works the most when we see it and feel it the least."

--Joel Osteen

My Motto: BE BRAVE

Before I moved to Chicago in May, I had some reservations. I think it's normal for a woman who moves to a city of three million... who grew up in a city of 57,000. I was finally leaving my comfort zone, the "Indiana bubble". Yes I know I just moved a state over, but leaving my family, friends and my beloved Hoosier state wasn't exactly a peach. Although, I knew in my heart that Chicago was where I had wanted to be for so long. When I told my family about my career opportunity they were thrilled, supportive and couldn't wait for me to begin my next chapter in life. While others clouded my mind with thoughts like, "O' Chicago? But it's so big, it's so unsafe, it's full of city slickers". My response, "Yup, Bring it on!"

Sure they daily news scares me on a day to day basis, ya there are HUGE creeps on the El but it's nothing a full can of pepper spray can't handle. Bottom line-- suck it up people, grow a pair-- BE BRAVE. Go where you want to want to go, do what you want to do even if 10 chirping birds are telling you something different. Along with my new motto in life, I just purchased a necklace by a Chicago jewelry designer I have become obsessed with, Jess LC. Her collections are beautiful, simple and inexpensive. Check out my latest purchase to accompany my new life's motto.

"Be Brave" 

in braille

Braille is near and dear to my heart. As a proud Delta Gamma Alum our philanthropy was Service for Sight Aid to the Blind. During my time at Butler University I had the privilege of volunteering and getting to know many wonderful people at the Indiana School for the Blind. It was there where I really became to value something that many take for granted everyday, sight. When I wear this necklace it will just be a daily reminder of my new life's motto and to not take for granted life's blessings.

Happy Day

Dear family, lover face and Hoosier souls

I miss you...

Work, work, work it out!

I never thought I would actually care about the quality of what I worked out in. Normally at the gym you could find me a cut off t-shirt and old grungey shorts. But after my move to Chicago, I fell in love with lululemon. Everything is great about the store; the energy when you walk in, the comfort of the clothes (I literally feel naked with this stuff on) and the cute carry all bags-->

coined with inspirational quotes. Needless to say, I'm already hooked. I was lucky to find some stuff on sale,which is a rarity for this brand, but did splurge on a few must-have pieces. Here's a few items that made it into my closet.

I'll take the window route...

"And the people who have changed the world have always been the risk-takers who climb through windows while the rest of the world just walks in and out of doors." -Shane Claiborne

"I’ve seen dreams that

move the mountains.

Hope that doesn’t ever end.

(Even when the sky is falling),

I’ve seen miracles just happen.

Silent prayers get answered. Broken hearts become brand new.

Ya, that’s what faith can do"

I don't claim to know all the answers, but I do know this...

really, really soon.