How awesome (and inspiring!) are these affirmation stones from Etsy shop umbrellafant? Such sweet and simple words, but so powerful and meaningful at the same time. If only we all lived by these mantras! They’d be the perfect cure for all those Monday blues, don’t you think, friends? xoxo
P.S. A new Letter To My Future Husband is coming up soon!
P.P.S. Remember my Daily Affirmations series?
The future can be a scary thing — and an exciting thing at the same time. It’s at once unpredictable and limitless in possibilities. It’s daunting and a clean slate all at once. We can’t help but think about our own future — sometimes more than we’d care to admit. Maybe we’re curious. Maybe we’re trying to plan our future and all the things we’d like to accomplish. Maybe we’d just like to daydream for awhile. Whatever the reason, you all had quite the opinion when it came to your own futures this week, specifically, your future five years from now…
For me, five years ago, in 2009, seems like a lifetime in the past. I’ve changed so much since then, and yet, the core of who I am has remained the same. In five years, I’d like to have finally started writing that book I’ve been thinking about forever, but perhaps more importantly, I’d just like to still be as happy as I am right now. It’s the simple things, isn’t it? Anyway, here’s next week’s question…
Visit So About What I Said on Facebook and Twitter to share your smarts — and don’t forget to use hashtag #WiseWordsFromReaders. See you there, friends! :)
[Photos via We Heart It]
Hello to college freshmen everywhere!
First, before we can even get to anything else, I’m going to need you to do something for me. Breathe. Sit down if you need to. I know you’re probably nervous — maybe even terrified. I hear lots of you are stepping into the world of higher education over the next couple weeks (that is, if you haven’t already), and those hallowed ivy halls can be panic-inducing. I get it because I’ve been there. Suddenly, you’re a small fish in a gigantic pond, and you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. And for most of you, this new journey is about so much more than textbooks and midterms — though those things aren’t to be overlooked, either. It’s your first taste of early adulthood, of that elusive freedom that you, until now, had only heard about on TV shows like Friends.
Well, I’m here with some good news: You’ll get through it. I promise. Sure, the entire landscape may seem intimidating (Hello, popular sorority girls and their PINK wardrobe! Hello, broad-shouldered football quarterback! Hello, massive library!), but once you learn the ropes, things will be a piece of cake! A couple months ago, I talked about life after college, but this advice is all about you, you beautiful undergrads! So in the name of college success, keep these 5 life hacks in mind…
1. Hit the books and go to class: I know, this one seems like a no-brainer, and I’m sure your high school teachers drilled this one into your head. But you’d be surprised how many people miss class for a variety of reasons — they overslept, they partied a bit too hard the night before, they didn’t finish a paper, they’d rather hang in the dorms and play video games than listen to a lecture on early American literature. You (or your parents…) spent good money on classes — why not make sure you get your money’s worth?
2. Get to know your professors: No, I don’t advocate stalking them, but don’t be afraid to ask for extra help! Make use of their office hours — they’re there for a reason. When I was a newspaper adviser, I can’t tell you how many days I’d sit in my quiet office! Professors are pumped about what they’re teaching and love to see students get excited too.
3. Get involved: Working on my college’s newspaper was one of the best decisions I ever made in college. Not only was it a great learning experience, but I also met some amazing people who loved journalism and writing as much as I did. What are you passionate about? Chances are, there’s a club that matches your favorite hobby! Get involved and have fun!
4. Know where the library is: Sounds basic, I know, but the library is a pretty happening place if you give it a chance — and not just because people apparently like to make out in the stacks. It’s quiet enough to get lots of work done, and librarians are like walking encyclopedias. I’d say the library rivals any frat party any day.
5. Call home on the weekends: Of course you’ll get homesick. My mom always likes to tell the story of how she called home every day for the first month. Hearing familiar voices will help ease the transition. One no-no: Don’t call just to ask your parents to send more money and clothes. That will get really old really fast.
So sharpen those #2 pencils and go forth! I promise these next four years are going to go by before you know it. And who knows — come 2018, maybe you’ll be the one doling out the college success tips! Knock ’em dead! xoxo
P.S. Don’t forget to enter this year’s BIC Back-To-School giveaway — lots of great office goodies await one lucky winner!
[Photos via We Heart It]
Marie Claire Australia asked six ad agencies to come up with the perfect print ads all in the name of self-acceptance. They wanted to teach women to love their bodies and see how creative the advertisers could get without any sort of restrictions. The results are pretty darn amazing…
Bravo! Aren’t these ads amazing? They really make you think about all the little subconscious things we do every day to sabotage our positive body image. No more! What do you say, friends? What will YOU do today to show yourself some love? xoxo
[Via The Frisky]
Oh, siblings! What an interesting role they play in our lives. No matter your place in your family, what your childhood vacations were like, who’s smarter or more sensitive, there’s no denying the stamp your siblings leave on you. You might fight, say some not-so-nice words or even vow that you’re never, ever going to speak to them ever again, but deep down, you know that vow of silence won’t last long. And it doesn’t. Because even when we don’t want to admit it, we know we need our siblings close by. They’re always primed and ready with a good dose of advice, too, as you all shared this week…
What wonderful advice! Even though Janelle is the younger sister, I’ve always felt like she was the older one in a lot of ways. She’s so much smarter than I could ever hope to be, and she’s taught me so much about being a compassionate person — especially during all my childhood surgeries. It’s most definitely safe to say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for her shining example in my life. I hope she knows what a positive impact she’s had on me. Anyway, here’s next week’s question…
Do you have a pet? What’s your favorite memory with them?
Visit So About What I Said on Facebook and Twitter to share your smarts — and don’t forget to use hashtag #WiseWordsFromReaders. See you there, friends! :)
[Photos via We Heart It]