28 November 2016: What a Time to be Alive...

It's that time of year....to get up and get going...

December's around the corner, announcing the end of yet another year. I've been on an extensive hiatus due to so much that has happened in the last year or so, all of which I would say has been a blessing and much more. I realized that by not blogging and continuing to write more about what has been happening and what is to come, I've lacked in really trying to help others who might have similar aspirations as me along in the same journey. So I'm back to blogging as much as I can...because in reality, this is my space where I can let go and let anyone in on some insight on little things here and there on my life, what I enjoy, and maybe help others out in their journey in life.

I've held back on bloggin due to school, work, and whatnot. Life's been pretty hectic to say the least. Despite the busy-ness of life, I will try to be posting more on what this blog was truly supposed to be about...cosmetology life at Paul Mitchell, health and wellness, and anything beauty. 

I've officially paved the road for myself to get on track to make my health and body a main priority....physically and mentally as everyone should try to do. I've lacked in giving my body what it needs to properly function at its ultimate best....whether it be sleep, great nutrition, and overall mental care. This time of year is notorious for a heightened sense of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. But I say this can only impact you negatively if you truly let it set in. Our minds are the strongest machines, we have to try to rewire our brains in a way that will only help us think positively, happily, and setback all of the negativity.

The reason I speak about this time of year is because not only do I suffer from bouts of anxiety and panic attacks, but I recognize many many people out there do as well. We're not alone. It is one of the hardest disorders to combat, especially when everyone from doctors and even family tell you that nothing is wrong....that is's all in your head. People going through anxiety need support more than ever, but here is where I say that I know that there are tricks and ways to truly help alleviate such anxiety.

With so many things that have happened in the last year, I can honestly now say that every one of those things I've taken as a blessing and as a lesson. Everything till now has taught me where I have to be and why I have to be where I am. Yeah....I've had extreme highs and lows, many of which, at the time, I didn't count as somethings to be happy about at all, but once you start counting every negative thing as a positive, you will start to see your life change around drastically. I've lost people along the road this year that I loved dearly, but losing people along the way is a part of life... and I would say it's even essential to getting to where you REALLY have to be. We can nag, we can cry, we can ignore little things here and there to get what we think we need, but at the end of the day, we all have a destined road we need to be in and we can't change that. We might want to stick with that one person who we  truly believe is our soulmate or our forever person, but if it doesn't work...it really was not meant to be to begin with. I always say what or who doesn't stay in your life leaves only to make way for what's to come. We will ALWAYS have something better coming...when we think we're breaking apart because we thought things would last forever. Nothing lasts forever, which should be taken  as a good things, Nothing bad lasts forever and if a good thing seemingly ends, a door will open to let forth what was meant to be in that spot. 

Because of recent events, I decided to start healing myself from the inside out. I decided to start doing things that I thought I would never do, whether it was because of fear or just to get out of my comfort zone and stop being lazy. I've started exercising and eating right. This is the number one thing that has really helped me in my down moments or when I'm starting to feel the anxiety coming on. Exercising honestly has helped me not only feel better about myself, but help focus my energy and thinking into something good. I learned that through this, you really do let your frustrations out....or whatever it may be, letting it all out in a healthy way. I used to be so lazy to go out and even jog or run, but I've slowly eased my way into going out and making a habit out of it. Exercising in your own is an inexpensive way to get physically active and help your mind as well. It has worked wonders and I've become dedicated to changing my body consistently, making healthier food choices (Thanksgiving didn't count), and overall thinking healthier. It can be extremely hard to become consistent or even become motivated to start working out. I was never the type of person who had any energy to want to get up or go out and do anything, I then began looking up different types of exercises, fitness gurus, and even fitness models...honestly eyeing their physiques and wishing I could have that, but anyone can. We just have to start and have something in mind as our motivation, whether it be to look good or just to feel ten times better for ourselves. All we need is motivation to get us up and running. That's it.

 We are always so gravitated to start thinking negatively, complaining, or talking bad about others and whatnot. None of these things serve no purpose to anyone. I always believed that if we do good...have a good attitude, be kind to others, be kind to ourselves, talk good instead of bad, and appreciate EVERYTHING, only good things will come to us. I really believe that because it always happens. Instead of complaining, being mad or sad that certain things went a different way than expected, or talking bad about others, why not be grateful for all of the good things that have happened and keep happening to us. We find it so much easier to complain, whether about the election or because someone ate that delicious meal you kept away in the corner of the fridge. Instead of being upset or mad about certain things, why not just let it go. Many of us (including myself) we're very disappointed about the results of the election. Instead of constantly beating ourselves up for it or bringing hatred to other, we should find opportunities to just be better. This possibly happened to unite us all as a country and rather than being blindsided by the results, open our eyes and see what we need to fix to really and honestly make this country great again. Take away all the hate and welcome everyone with open arms, be positive about change, cater to the needs of the less fortunate and help each other when in need. We always will have something to be happy for and once we start being grateful for what's happening to us, the good will keep coming to us like a never ending cycle. You will see it happen. I guarantee it.

So whether it be a gloomy November month we're in in Chicago, or a scorching hot July, we should always find ways to better ourselves and others. I've found that not only exercising and eating has helped me, but like I said above...being an overall good person and getting out there and doing good. It may feel like anxiety and depression always wants to get the best of us, but by finding things we love to do and people we love to be around, these negative things will become non-existent. Filling our lives with positive things and positive people will drastically help reduce any feelings or sadness, anger, and loneliness. We never have to feel lonely, even if we are. Being alone can have a multitude of benefits and it's up to us to go out and do things we've always wanted to do. I have a chance now to keep pushing forward and finally be active on the things I've always wanted to. Whether it be finally getting out and strengthen my body inside and out, or pursue the job you've always wanted, or even try out those new restaurants you've been meaning to try out with your friends, it's time to change our way of thinking and be active. If start doing this, we'll be beginning to feel like we've never been alone at all. 

I'll be posting more on my journey to inner and outer well being as I have a goal set to look the best that I can and feel the best I've ever had. As well as posting more on pursuing my dream job as a hairdresser, as the graduation date is slowly creeping up. I'll be posting more on job searching and little tid-bits on the world of Cosmetology, as it is a career with endless possibilities for growth and creativity, hence why I decided to pursue it. 

There is not only of great things coming forth for me, but for all of you reading this as well. Take everything with a sense of positivity.  Things happen for a reason, so take everything that happens as a step for improvement and growth. Where you are right now is exactly where you need to be. Be good as all else that is good will follow...

First image is my own. Rest are Google.