Lest we forget...

Fate.

It's something holy, not superficial.
This I know.
Born from the Lord, received by your heart.
Pure and true.
Not on a pedastal or lost in a fairytale-land,
but given to all.
Freely it grows and stronger as it does.
Hold on.
Or it will hold you. In Love. Always.

Sometimes I forget to jump.

I forget that, in life, I have to take risks.

I have to put it out on the line-

and hope, pray, wish for the best.

I must pry myself free

from the tangled web of what-if's and why didn't I's?

I have to break out of the boundaries I set up-

why did I put them in place to begin with?

Sometimes I'll fall short,

but sometimes I'll get more than I ever could have imagined.

And when that happens,

I am reminded of the importance of the jump.

Life is an adventure; make the leap.

To everything there is a season;
and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

God gives,

and He takes away.

And He gives again.

In life,

there are seasons of despair,

and

there are seasons of dancing.

What I know:

When you can't discern-trust Yourself.

There is a distinction to be made between first impressions and gut feelings.

In its truest form,

the latter is invested in hope and faith-rooted in love and deeper understanding.

So when you need to make a decision, think about not thinking.

Throw away your biases, your judgements, your prejudices,

and let your heart lead you.

I admit, it sounds cliche and, granted, way easier said than done.

But it's sound advice; it will not steer you wrong.

A cool word of advice on this sweltering Happy Tuesday.

Everyday, acknowledge the good in yourself as well as others.

Each night, before you go to sleep,

think back upon what you have done that day that you are proud of

-be it grand or small.

But also, think about what others have done

that you are proud of,

and Learn to be a better person.

It takes courage to grow up

and become who you really are.

E.E. Cummings

A little picker-upper to start your week off on the right footing...

I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Eight things you may not know about me...

1. I am a firm believer in the power of manicures. And yes, I am emotionally driven to getting them. Color seems to speak for me in a way that I cannot.

2. Topher Grace holds a piece of my heart. I think it all started with That 70’s show. I know the world is supposed to fall for Kelso’s good looks, but he’s charming and silly and wonderful. He went to USC, and I was significantly let down when I didn’t see him at the Rosebowl during my sophomore year. He will come to his sense one day, and whisk me off my feet to happily ever after.

3. When I was born, my dad wanted to name me Holly. He says this was a joke, but I secretly wish he had gotten his wish. At the risk of being called shallow, who could forget a Holly Woods?

4. Sunny days make me smile. Always.

5. Dave Matthews and Kenny Chesney are my dream team. A match made in musical heaven. I almost died the first time I heard I’m Alive. Ironic. One day my dream of seeing them together will come true.

6. I love the ellipses. Three dots. Simple, yet so linguistically powerful.

7. I have watched every episode of The Office. If he acts like Jim and dresses like Andy, I am his Pam. Thank God for heavily syndicatedl television.

8. My friends mean the world to me. Because, really, at the end of the day, who will stand by you if not your friends? I am proud of the relationships that I have made and held on to.

“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.”

Winne the Pooh