Hey guys, it’s me again. Yeah, two posts in one day, kinda crazy, but at this point I’ve ran out of things to do this morning. Quarantine check.
First of all, I love you guys, and I hope that you’re all staying safe and as sane as possible right now. I wish it was safe to send mail right now because I would mail all of you a care package and lots of love! If ya’ll ever need anyone to chat with, let me know, I’m here for ya and would love to talk!!Read More »
I’m getting around to this a little (a lot) late, but I was nominated for The Mystery Blogger Award by the wonderful Rachel, from Joyful Creations! Thanks, lovely! You rock. This tag was created by Okoto Enigmas.
Hello, everyone!! I am so super excited to be over here today. Thank you, Gayle, for giving me this amazing opportunity!!! For the rest of you, don’t forget to check out her guest post on my blog about how to be a good friend.
I’ll begin by introducing myself. My name is Rachel, and I blog over at Joyful Creations. My aim is to inspire teen girls like me to live for God and make a difference in the world. I love to write, run and swim, and I have a giant sweet tooth. Anyhow, Gayle sent me some great questions to help you get to know me (and to be fair, please comment below so I can get to know you!)Read More »
Disclaimer: I’m aware that the time for New Years posts is over, it’s literally February now, but let’s be real, being late to the game is basically my personal brand. Don’t @ me.
I didn’t write a big ‘new year, new me’ post at the start of the year because I’m still me and I don’t have any plans that I didn’t have last year, and that’s okay. Just kidding, cue peace sign selfie in the mirror. I’m joking, ignore me, if you didn’t accomplish everything you thought you would, or wanted to, it is okay. You made it through another year, you’re amazing, I love you.
But, I’m writing this post now because I’ve been through a lot of uncomfortable growth, change, and unknowns. In the midst of everything that felt from peace, I was completely wrecked by God’s grace. And dang, what a beautiful time to be shaken, His timing is perfect. By His graceRead More »
Beautiful, in my opinion, has nothing to do with how you look. It’s how you are as a person, and how you make others feel about themselves. After you leave someone, they should feel inspired, loved and capable. Too many times have I let myself slip into toxic friendships, and what I’m trying to say here – is don’t be the toxic person. We need to treat others exactly how we want to be treated. Love your neighbor as yourself.
We all know how it feels to be depressed, unworthy and unwanted. Right? And at some point, or multiple, we just wished someone would notice and help out a little. Our job as human beings, is to love every other human! We need to make our impact on the world. There’s already enough hate and violence. Help me throw a little sparkle in that bunch.
Hey savvy gals!
It’s a new day and a new opportunity to chase after your dreams! What are you waiting for? Oh, this amazing post? Okay, understandable.
I was really planning on making a long, dramatic intro for the first guest post of 2019, but that’s not what you beautiful people are here to read about, so let’s get into it, shall we?
Meet Chips, the sweetest blogger you’ll ever run into to and a very dear friend of mine.
Hey savvy gals!
Morning’s have always been my favorite time of the day, I got lucky and was born a morning person, I guess. Don’t get me wrong, I love my sleep just as much as anyone, but I don’t like sleeping in. It throws off my entire day and I won’t be productive. I’ve gotta have my early mornings, my chill time, my plan time, and then I’m good to go! Your mornings set the mood for your entire day, so we want it to be positive right? Right.
Take time to make your soul happy.
Something I like to keep in mind is that every day is a chance for a fresh start, that means every morning, you need to have a routine that is going to prompt you to make the rest of your day kick-butt amazing. So, let’s get started.
Hey savvy gals!
Are you ready to jump into today’s read? (Pun intended) I don’t know about you, but I am so, let’s get started!
Humans are creatures of habit, and our habit is waiting. Waiting for the timing to be just right – perfect, waiting until we know exactly what we want and until we have everything to go after it. But once we reach for it, it’s always just out of our grasp. We tend to let fear bud in and say “hey, maybe you’re not ready yet”. Sound familiar? Probably.
But sister, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Read More »
I love to journal. Do I do it as much as I’d like? No, but I hope to change that this year because journaling has always had a positive effect on me. Being able to pull out a notebook and pour your heart into it is something special to me. These simple sheets of paper can soak up your stress, anxiety and every little thing you imagine. And you can express yourself in any form you want.Read More »
Hey savvy gals!
I really missed blogging in January *silently sobs* but, I was working really hard to make February the best month on my blog so far! I obviously really needed to get my stuff together. Wait, that’s never happened in my entire life, I’m asking too much of myself.
Hi, I’m Gayle, I’m a lazy lazy girl in a busy busy world, and that is me in a nutshell. Nice to meet you!
As good as I am at being lazy, and procrastinating (which I’m bomb at btw, hence the reason I’m not a regular or popular blogger), I’m also really good at comparing myself to other girls and becoming jealous of their beauty, their personality, their social skills, etc.Read More »
Always procrastinating. Always imagining and planning ways to improve your life but self-doubt, fear and laziness get in the way. You’re scared you can’t live up to your high expectations and maybe tell yourself I’ll just try later.
Longing for a life that is fulfilling. Your life is probably already great, but you know you can achieve more and make it better. Your friend group encourages you, but you just can’t seem to move forward.
Lacking in self-confidence. You’re ambitious and smart, but no matter you can’t seem to believe the good things people say about you. No matter what you achieve, you don’t feel good enough.
All-or-nothing. You’re either doing everything on your to-do list perfectly…or doing nothing at all. No matter how motivated and successful you are at the start, you struggle to stick with it. Life always seems to get in the way, or you’re simply just too exhausted to follow through with your plans.
Scared to start something you won’t stick to. You’re a chronic procrastinator and don’t want to start anything until you’re ready ready. You don’t think you can handle disappointment.
This is a question I used to ask myself a lot. Everyone around me always seemed like they were happy with what they did for a living, were always hanging out with friends and basically, were a whole lot happier with life than I was. And it bugged me a lot, I’m not gonna lie. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m still not happy 24/7, but that’s okay.Read More »
Hey savvy gals!
I hope you’re all doing great today, you deserve it! January came and went and we only have eleven months of 2019 left. Yikes. I heard lots of you guys had a wonderful start to your year and that’s what I like to hear. I’m so happy for you!
My start to the year on the other hand…not so great. My new years went down in a blazing ball of flames with no survivors and if you wondered why I’ve been absent all of January (other than being on twitter), my boyfriend of two and a half years broke up with me on New Year’s Day. I’ve been struggling with a swarm of negative emotions all month and I’m not going to start feeling better anytime soon, that’s for sure. But I’m not going to allow myself to get swallowed up by those feelings either.
After my boyfriend broke up with me, that was my wake-up call. You need to get your life together, I told myself – and not very nicely. I realized that I had been letting my happiness depend on being with him, because of how happy he makes me. But I let myself forget that nothing is permanent or promised other than God and the work you do yourself, for yourself. I’ve been absent this past month, but I’ve also been working my hardest.
And I’m glad I can say I’m proud of myself. That’s saying a lot coming from someone who never says anything good about themselves. I’m changing for the better, and it’s about time! I could have made this decision for myself years ago, but honestly, I was just too lazy. It was easier for me to sink into my depressing feelings and complain about not being happy than it was to put forth the work it takes to care for myself.
It was easier to compare myself to prettier girls than to look in the mirror and say “wow, God took the time to sit down and mold every part of me with His own hands and said ‘yes, she’s just right’”
I let myself be blind to every single miracle in this beautiful world we live in, there are so many reasons to be happy. We’re too busy worrying about the big things, what the world wants. When really, all the joy and happiness you need is right in front of you. It always has been.
These last few weeks I have took time for myself, but not to sulk that I’m single (though I really don’t like being single and am having a hard time adjusting), I’ve taken this time to work. I have goals I want to achieve, I have dreams for my future. But those dreams aren’t going to work towards themselves! I’m done wishing, and I’ve begun working. It’s finally time I flip my switch and become a Boss Babe. Anyone wanna join me? You’re welcome with open arms, hop right in!
My journey in the blogosphere, and outside of, has always been to empower and encourage others. To let them know they’re loved. Now, I feel I can fully serve that purpose because I’ve finally found peace with myself. This is a growing journey, and growing journey’s never stop or have a finish line. Because the one thing that you can always improve, is yourself.
We’ve made it thirty-one days into 2019, so give yourself a clap on the back! It wasn’t easy for all of us. In those thirty-one days, I have learned a few very important things.
Related: How to Actually Achieve Your Goals.
This entire year will go by regardless of you working toward your goals or not. You can either be in the same place you are now or be proud of yourself for achieving your goals!!
I have always had a passion for blogging, but I usually come and go as I please and get upset when I don’t see my follower count growing. Ahem, silly, I know. I’ve never worked for the results I want. So, obviously, I didn’t get them. I aspire to become an entrepreneur someday. That will take a lot of work, it’s not easy to grow a blog and traffic is always fluctuating no matter how popular you are. But it is one of my goals and I intend to work toward it this year, because otherwise I will never know if I could succeed or not, I would always be wondering what if…
I’ve put my foot down on being sad for no reason and only fantasizing about my dreams. It’s time to make them come true! I hope this encouraged you to achieve your goals and make the most out of your life. We need to learn to love ourselves so that we can fully love others in return.
With love, always
Life is Too Short to be Anything But Happy (and that’s the tea)
25+ Ways to Practice self-care
Originally written on Pointe to Christ (go follow!) thank you so much for giving me permission to reblog this Eleanor!
A person is a person no matter how small.
Dr. Suess
Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.
Proverbs 31:8
If we honored each baby aborted since 1973 with a moment of silence, we would be silent for over 100 years.
Unknown
Have you ever stopped for a moment and thought about what a miracle it is that you’re alive? Stop and take a moment. Right now, billions upon billions of complex biochemical reactions are happening inside your tiny, but intricate cells. At the moment you became a person, you were the size of the period at the end of this sentence. Can you believe that? When you think about it, life is filled with miracles that you can’t see. Every breath that you breathe is a miracle. Every moment on this earth is a miracle. Some people don’t live like that, but I’m inviting you to.
“To some life is just a dance of electrons, and humans are just 46 chromosomes tangled around. That’s not true, you and I are living miracles. The fact that 46 chromosomes and some water can make a living person with a unique personality, that’s pretty special. You and I are not just a tangle of cells and some DNA, you are the fingerprint of God. You are covered with the fingerprints of God.” -A Previous Blog Post Of Mine 🙂
Have you ever thought that some people don’t have the privilege to be alive like you? They never get a chance to step foot into this world or live the life God had planned for them. Did you know that every 30 seconds, an innocent child dies because of abortion? That’s 120 people. Every hour. They don’t have a choice, they don’t have a chance. They are killed. A precious child of God who never made it. These tiny babies who feel pain and are murdered. Somehow, society calls this okay. For some reason, it’s okay to kill these innocent children.
It’s not okay. This isn’t right. 1/3 of my generation has been lost to abortion. Through the eyes of culture, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with killing a 9-month-old baby. Let’s start standing up for those who can’t, and choose life.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
Choose life. You are probably not considering an abortion, but I’m going to ask you to choose life. Choose life in the words you speak, there are too many negative words already. Choose life in the way you live. Too many people just exist. Live. Choose life in the mundane and the ordinary, chose life in the times you don’t want to. Choose life and care for those that nobody else cares about. Choose life and forgive. Choose life and smile to the stranger. Choose life and be kind to those who don’t deserve it. Be that person who is contagiously joyful, peaceful, and Christ-filled. You and I are living miracles. We are here for a reason. Every day we have a decision that is on the brink of life and death. The thoughts we think, the words that pass our tongue, the walk we walk, are you choosing life? In a world filled with death, are you alive? Are you reflecting the life and joy and peace found in Christ alone? Let’s be truly alive in a world full of those who simply exist.
I’m writing this post in honor of all the innocent people who never had a chance or choice to live. I’m writing this as the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves. I’m pro-life because abortion is wrong. I’m pro-life because I know in my heart that this shouldn’t be happening. Today in NYC, on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a law got passed that made it legal for a child to be aborted at 9 months in the womb. The news exploded with people who celebrated this. I’m writing this because it’s wrong to celebrate death. Life is a gift. We should be celebrating life, not death. It makes my heart heavy to hear this news.
Friends, life is precious. We have the privilege, the joy, and the miracle to be alive. Now is our time to stand up and speak for those who cannot. Thank you to all who marched for life in DC, you stood up for those who cannot. It is a joy to live, and as living miracles, you and I have a chance to make a difference. In a world full of death and sadness, let my words echo through the darkness- choose life. Your parents chose life, and so did God. You have the choice every day. Choose Life.
Shine On!
Okay, it’s literally 2019 tomorrow. Happy New Year’s Eve! This is the very first wrap up post I’ve ever done, soo it might very well be the only one that’s on time… *avoids eye contact*
I feel like a real not good blogger for never writing wrap up posts, they’re freaking awesome. They’re the most random thing, but I’ve always loved reading them, I don’t really know why. I tried to do a little bit of research and get some small ideas, but not too many because I also want my wrap up posts to be just that, mine. Of course all wrap up posts are very similar but you know what I meaann. Okay, so yeah, let’s try this out.
Pretty sure I love you guys with all my being. You’re the sweetest and your blogs are amazinggg. I could read them all day! I’m like a little mini fan girl even though Autumn, I just discovered your blog not very long ago, and Gracie and I have only recently been interacting more. And Jirah is just all around amazing, the best, the sweetest 24/7 I love her to death. Okay guys, it’s been my dream for years (sense I was 13 to be exact because that’s when I originally came into the blogosphere, so the last three years) to meet my blogging friends someday! And I constantly wonder if this might be possible because traveling is something I want to do anyways. Ahh, okay sorry about that moment I just love my blogging friends so much.
I think My favorite post that I’ve written this month was Life is Too Short to Be Anything But Happy (and that’s the tea)
I loved writing this and simply felt empowered and felt like I was empowering others so, win-win, guys!
The other post I chose was from Words by Wildflower, go check it out it’s linked there so I wouldn’t have to link it twice (I’m not lazy, you are fight me)
I’m proud of a couple things this month. I found more courage than I ever have to fight against my mental health and empower others. Yeah, ya gurl can kick some anxiety hiney. And even though I haven’t posted a lot on here, or as often as I’d like, I’ve been the most active this month sense I started this blog and it’s been really rewarding. Hard work pays off and if everything goes to plan, I’ll work even harder in the new year. We’ll see how that goes, you know, miss procrastination queen here. But I’ve got my fingers crossed. I’ve been spending more time reading my Bible and talking to God, I can see a difference. ❤
Seriously, was only gonna be one, until I devoured the others the last week of December. It was a very slow reading month for me. I’m not sure why, as I love love loved the book I read! It just took me a long time to finish it. If you’d like to check it out (Tower of Dawn) click here.
But then I got books for Christmas too and read a couple in a hurry because I was so excited and, also, they were really good.
The other books below are all in my TBR Book Haul post, with links, and descriptions. Click the link above if you want to see them!
I loved this book, with a passion. Probably because I’d been wanting it for years and finally got it.
My blog is very small, but I am still grateful for the interaction I get and will be patient with its growth. It takes work and improvement constantly! My only goal is inspire my readers to live life to its fullest.
That’s it for my very first wrap up ever! These posts will grow as my blog does and I can’t wait! I loved writing this, honestly, even though it’s not that in depth of a post it’s just so fun to review your blog and see its progress on a month by month basis.
Do you guys enjoy wrap-up posts? Let me know! ❤️
Xo
Gayle
Good morning, readers!
For those of you who don’t know, or just joined the blog, I used to be a book blogger. I absolutely loved it, but shied away from it after a year and a half because I wanted to write about more than just books. I wasn’t sure in writing this post because I don’t want books to become my main focus, even though I love them. But I have quite a few books I need to read, and I know some of you guys are book dragons too (rawr, my friends). So, here’s my TBR Book Haul!
I got books for Christmas, books from trips to BAM! (books a million) and I need to read them, soon, so I can buy the new releases coming in January. But I have a lot I haven’t read yet. (okay, not a lot. But a few) I’ve been really slow on reading these past few months and when I have been reading, it was the Throne of Glass series. (Which I recommend, by the way)
Um…as you guys will see, I’m way, way behind on the reading game. Like dramatically behind. I’m going to put the release year beside the book, so you can see how sad it is. (I’ll also leave amazon links so you can read about them! I only left half of the descriptions below) Another reason I want to buy new releases for once, while they’re still new. Let’s begin!
Black Ice – Becca Fitzpatrick – Released 2014
I’ve wanted this book for years and for some reason, I never got around to buying it. I’d find other books I wanted more and would push this one to the back burner. But, I finally got it this year as a Christmas gift and I’m soo excited to read it! I love mystery/thriller books, and I hope this one turns out good!
Britt Pheiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn’t prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.
Britt is forced to guide the men off the mountain, and knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there…and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target…(click on picture or HERE for link)
Tell Me Three Things – Julie Buxbaum – Released 2016
With the perfect mix of comedy and tragedy, love and loss, and pain and elation, the characters in Julie Buxbaum’s Tell Me Three Things come to feel like old friends who make any day better. This YA novel is sure to appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell, Jennifer Niven, and E. Lockhart.
Everything about Jessie is wrong. At least, that’s what it feels like during her first week of junior year at her new ultra-intimidating prep school in Los Angeles. It’s been barely two years since her mother’s death, and because her father eloped with a woman he met online, Jessie has been forced to move across the country to live with her stepmonster and her pretentious teenage son, and to start at a new school where she knows no one…(click on picture or here)
Mad Miss Mimic – Sarah Henstra – Released 2015
This is another book I’ve wanted for a really long time and just now am finally holding in my possession (did that sound weird?) I’m actually really excited to read this one as well. Ahg! I’m excited to read them all!!
Born into an affluent family, Leo outwardly seems like a typical daughter of English privilege in the 1870s: she lives with her wealthy married sister Christabel, and lacks for neither dresses nor trinkets. But Leo has a crippling speech impediment that makes it difficult for her to speak but curiously allows her to mimic other people’s voices flawlessly. Servants and ladies alike call her “Mad Miss Mimic” behind her back… and watch as she unintentionally scares off every potential suitor. Only the impossibly handsome Mr. Thornfax seems interested in Leo…but why? And does he have a connection to the mysterious Black Glove group that has London in its terrifying grasp? (click on picture or here)
All The Little Lights – Jamie McGuire – Released 2018
Wait what?! I book I actually got within the year its been released?? Ahh. All The Little Lights is a love story/mystery and if that’s not the perfect combo, um, what is?
Just when Catherine is ready to fully trust Elliott, he becomes the prime suspect in a local tragedy. Despite the town’s growing suspicions, Catherine clings to her love for Elliott. But a devastating secret that Catherine has buried could destroy whatever chance of happiness they have left…(click on picture or here)
The Queen of Attolia – Released 2000 – The King of Attolia – Released 2006 – Megan Whalen Turner
Okay, this one’s just sad. Not just because of how old they are and I’m just now getting them, but because I can’t even read them because I didn’t realize there is a book before The Queen of Attolia! Ugh *face palm* don’t ask me how, I honestly don’t know, but I’m upset with myself!
The brilliant thief Eugenides has visited the Queen of Attolia’s palace one too many times, leaving small tokens and then departing unseen. When his final excursion does not go as planned, he is captured by the ruthless queen…(click on picture or here)
The Traitors Game – Jennifer A. Nielsen – Released 2018
The only other book I have that was released this year, haha!
Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won’t stop her from being drawn back into her father’s palace politics. He’s second-in-command to the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels knows this — and they snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels…(click on picture or here)
I’m very excited to read all these books, whether they’re new or old a good book is a good book! As I’m sure you could tell, I love reading a variety of genres. If I had to pick a favorite genre, I’m not sure I could. If it’s good, I’ll read it. I’m so happy for the books I got for Christmas this year and basically, I have a lot of reading to do. That being said, I should probably go get started!
I would love to know what you’re reading at the moment! (I’m going to start with Black Ice, if you were wondering). Also, let me know if you’ve read any of these books and your thoughts on them! I would love that!
Do you enjoy reading? Would you be interested in reading my book reviews? Let me know! I’m always up to chat! ❤
xo
Gayle
Good morning, readers! (and Merry, Merry Christmas ❤ )
When I started this blog, I wrote a post explaining that I will hold no expectations or goals to myself for this blog. I will post when I have time to post and yes, not being a consistent blogger will be a fall back on views. But I’m not blogging for views. I’m blogging because I enjoy doing it, I enjoy having a place to go to talk about whatever I want and going to a place with such kind people. I also mentioned in that post (you can read it here) that I won’t have a “theme”, but I think I’m ready for one. I’ve been here, I’ve kind of settled and am ready to advance my blog a little. This’ll be a short post, but it’ll have lot’s of pretty pictures so, um, you should read it..
Now, because this is the first official theme on my blog, it may change quickly. I haven’t fully decided if it’s “me” enough, but I’m willing to try it out for a while. It’s a start. I think themes are special and unique and help express your personality. So it can be hard to find one that does express you well. I’m experimenting, so bare with me here!
I forgot to mention, I changed the name of my blog. Like I said I just felt the need to experiment and advance my graphics! If you want to look around the blog yourself, click here to check it out. If not, continue on!
Okay, I’m calling this a space bar because I don’t know what they’re actually called and I also don’t know how to explain what it is, I just hope you guys know what I mean…And if not you’ll see in future posts!!
Let’s move on to my about page. When you first open it up, you’ll see this:
if you guys haven’t noticed yet, I’m very neutral, not really into a lot of colors, hehe. And I’m going for a tumblr vibe, kinda. If that isn’t obvious. After you scroll dowwwnn reading everything about me (you totally should if you haven’t already, I’m kinda cool..when I’m not boring) You’ll come to the end of the page, and see this:
And you should definitely link your blogs because I’m always, always looking for new blogs to explore!
Is it too tumblr-ey?? Hmm….thoughts please. Honest opinions, as of now I like it! I think it fits me pretty well. I’ll give it a trial run and see how it goes from there. Go check it out on the blog!
And drop your thoughts down below, because I want to know!
xo
gayle
Hello, my lovely, amazing readers (yes you, you’re looking cute right now). Today I’m taking a bit of a spin on things. I’m pretty open on my blog, but I’ve felt like I need something a little different and a little more fun. Just a kind of post I normally don’t do. And this is an awfully good one seeing as I’ve never done a Q and A, ever on this blog.
It’s almost 2019, that’s so crazy. This year has gone by faster than any before and I’m not really loving it. Just because 2019 is a year that might be stressful for me. I’m turning 17, I’m graduating, I’m getting my license – and that means I’m also getting a real job (not just little, easy, part time anymore. Yay). I’m also doing more long distance with my boyfriend, I’m so not ready for him to leave again. *cries* But okay, y’all aren’t here to read about me complaining. Let’s jump into a little reflection on 2018!
What is something I’ve accomplished this year that I’m proud of? It’s not normally easy for me to say I’m proud of myself. But I should be, so I’m going to be. I’ve “come out of my shell” a lot more this year and there’s people who can vouch for me. I’m still very insecure and I still don’t talk or feel comfortable around just anyone. But I have gained a smidge more confidence this year and I’m so happy I have. It’s been such a relief to not constantly be closing in on myself because of my insecurities. And I hope so much that next year, I can make even more progress.
What was the most challenging part of this year for me? I had several challenges this year, I feel like. And as much as it sucked going through it all we know those challenges make us grow and we should be thankful for them. I struggled with mental health very roughly the beginning of this year, like normal. I had some ups and downs with my boyfriend this year, and I’ve struggled with my faith. Though the farther into the year it got I seemed to do better and find motivation even in the darkness and, some days, I’m still not so lucky. But I pray I continue to have the drive to make the best life for myself and the strength to fight, always.
If I could change one thing that happened this year what would it be? Ever giving into self-doubt. Doubt is a killer. And it doesn’t only make you feel uncertain about yourself, but everything around you, it scares you, stresses you out, and its all for nothing. It takes the happy out of your days, and it’s got to go.
What are the three most important things I learned this year? 1) don’t put up with fake people. Pay attention if people put in the same amount of effort as you. 2) serious relationships (friend or S/O) aren’t as easy as they’re cut out to be. They take real love, real work and sincere dedication from both sides. 3) you have total control over your happiness. No one else can make you happy, but you. Work toward improving yourself constantly.
What was my favorite book to read this year? I don’t know who thinks it’s okay to make you pick one favorite book, so I’m just going to list more than one. I’m such a rebel.
I read the entire throne of glass series – almost – I’m reading Tower of Dawn nowww. And Kingdom of Ash JUST CAME OUT!! I loved all these books. I love reading a very wide variety, obviously. I’d love to do book reviews, so please comment and let me know if that’s something you would like to see!
What was the best piece of writing I did this year?
I give her one last look over my shoulder as I turn to run away from what our world had become.
My booted feet pound against the dead leaves as I weave my way through the twisted branches of trees and bushes, my leather pouch bouncing against my hip. The darkened Forest makes me shiver and I pull the hood of my cloak up, knowing it can’t make a difference, but somehow it gives me a sense of security. I jump mud holes and wet, slick leaves, coming to a dead field. I turn to stay hidden in the woods to the edge of the open terrain.
A howl.
My foot catches on a tree root and I stumble. I get my balance and keep running, pushing harder now, ignoring the thoughts of what they might do to momma if she didn’t get away in time.
Another howl, this time followed by company. Fear spikes in my chest and I dart my eyes around for a hiding place, anywhere.
I haven’t wrote much this year, and it kind of makes me sad. I’ve always loved writing and digging up stories in my head. But this is something I worked on early this year. I have more to this story, it’s a twist on fairytales, but I’m only sharing a snippet. Don’t come for me, haha. This is definitely not my best work and it hasn’t been worked on, but it’s only thing I’ve really written this year.
What was a goal I had for this year that I actually followed through on – or at least partially did? I think overcoming my depression. Of course I haven’t completely and probably never will completely overcome it. But I have most definitely made progress to knock it down, and it feels so good, honestly.
Who do I owe a “thank you” to? Everyone. Even the people who are rude to me, you teach me lessons, you show me what not to put up with, you make me stronger. And the friends and family who love me. You make me so, so happy and thankful, and realize how much I am loved. And you guys, my readers, my fellow bloggers, for helping me be able to do this and enjoy it so much. So thank you, all of you!
And Merry Christmas Eve, loves! ❤
I love blogging, with a passion. And I appreciate everyone else who does it, because it’s not easy to write and edit posts, it’s not easy to find the time to get lost in the blogosphere and meet new people like we would all love to do. But it is fun, and that’s something we can all agree on. Thanks for reading you guys, always. You’re amazing and the absolute best! Feel free to ask me more questions or use these questions for your own! ❤ All my love,
xo
Gayle
Thinking ahead at what you want for your future is easy, but actually getting there can be kind of difficult. I think we can all raise our hand if we’ve ever gone two or three days with achieving our goals and then giving up for whatever reason or excuse we could find bouncing around our heads, am I right?
I don’t like the “New Year’s resolution” mumbo jumbo, I think it’s silly to wait and wait to start achieving your goals when you can start right now. So, that’s why this post is coming out before New Year’s, and if you read my last post (Life is Too Short to Be Anything but Happy) it’s in addition to that, as well. Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
So to start achieving your goals, you have to pick goals you want to achieve and goals that are achievable for your time-line.
S.M.A.R.T goals > Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely. You want to pick goals you are passionate about. Pick one or two personal goals and one or two professional goals.
I love having a life map wrote up, they’re the best for encouraging and to see just how easy achieving your goals can be.(You can look these up Pinterest, or anywhere really) Life maps will really help you see the time-frame a lot clearer. For example: I’m graduating in the spring but I’m hoping to get done with school earlier anyways, so, I plan to crash course my work and get it done in a month, roughly. To do this, I just have to calculate the lessons to see how many lessons I will have to do every day to get done in a month. The answer? foouuurrr. Pretty easy right? If I do four lessons of math everyday, I can be done with that four months early. (That’s four months longer math free😍)
Set time-lines. Really, you can do whatever you think will help you achieve your goals, these are just my opinions and what has helped me the most. So, remember that please! Time-lines help me to keep from procrastinating (because I am a procrastination queen). If I only have “this much time” to achieve my goal that means I’ve got to get to work.
Track your progress, this is very helpful if – back to the math – I’ve finished one week, I can go look at my progress tracker and see I only have four weeks left now, instead of five. I recommend a bullet journal!
KEEP LEARNING. Yes, that’s in all caps because italic can’t emphasize it enough. Always find new ways, fun ways, to keep achieving your goals. Read other bloggers posts, please, I beg you. They might have a different tactic that just works for you. And there’s some amazing writers out there that just get you completely pumped to do this!
Now for the serious note…self-discipline. Self-discipline is about controlling your desires and impulses while staying focused on what needs to get done in order to achieve your goal. If your goal is to loose weight, you have to practice self-discipline so you don’t eat that cookie or go out to eat, etc. If your goal is to avoid bad mental health, you have to practice self-discipline in order to push those thoughts away and focus on being happy and all the bright things. Self-discipline begins with your thoughts. If you can’t control what you think, you can’t control what you do.
I went through and found some Bible verses to help be an encouragement for self-discipline.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
When we are weak, Christ is glorified in us. Each time you read your Bible or worship the Lord you are one punch closer to a knock-out. To becoming stronger, more agile, and developing more stamina. Have a “no pain, no gain” mentality.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Sometimes we work and work and don’t see any progress or lack encouragement. But if we do not give up, we will be rewarded by our hard work.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Okay people, there it is, no excuses now!😂
I really hope this encouraged some of you guys and will help you achieve your goals and become successful! We should always wish success upon others and never dislike anyone if they’re more successful than we are. We all have our niche and some have yet to find theirs! (me included, so it’s okay) God bless!
Xo,
Gayle
I have a few questions for you guys, the world, your dog and myself. Stick with me here, it’ll make sense.
Why do we allow ourselves to be unhappy when we know we’re fully in control of our moods and attitudes? Why do we take the time to worry about how everyone else perceives us when we know it doesn’t matter? And why do we find it easier to give up and live submerged in yucky, sticky, depressing feelings than fighting until we’re past that?
Anxiety, depression, blah blah blah. I’m over it, I’m so done with not being happy. I know I can never rid of my mental illnesses, or whatever you want to call them. They’ll always be something I have to deal with. But I can (and will) fight them.
Every day that I give into being sad for absolutely no reason is a day of my life that is wasted. It’s a day I could be looking around and seeing how blessed I am. I have everything I need. I am going to make a very beautiful life for myself, no matter what it takes. This is our one life. And we should want to live it!
Feelings. Feelings are good, feelings are bad. We have been trained to process life based on the way we feel. We think we must feel love for love to exist. We think we must feel wanted to truly be chosen. We think we must feel God’s presence for Him to really be close. But God never meant for us to feel our way to Him.
God wants us to stand on the absolute truth that He is with us no matter how our feelings may betray that reality. When I process life through my feelings, I am left deceived and disillusioned. When I process life through God’s truth, I am divinely comforted by His love and made confident in His calling on my life.
I used to say I didn’t feel close to God, and therefore, God must not be close to me. Now, I say: God is close, and if I choose to be close back, He’ll rearrange my feelings.
We could die tomorrow, the world could end tomorrow. And how would our last days have been spent? Sad, depressed, full of self-pity. That can be changed in the blink of an eye if you just decide you don’t want to live like this every day anymore.
I’ve had a drive to just go places, do things, live. I can’t, because I don’t have a license, my family works, etc. But until I can, I will do everything to help me get there. (stay tuned for a more explanatory post) I’ve always wanted to travel, and I hope and pray that I can someday because it’s one of my biggest dreams. I’ve never worked this hard to stay happy. I’m proud of myself for it, I want to be able to look back on my life and see how hard I worked to get through it.
Life should be beautiful and fun and amazing.
And it’s much too short to be anything but happy.
Hey you guys, this post wasn’t near as long and dedicated to as I wished for. But I just felt the need to get it up as quick as possible and I hope someone who really needed this saw it. Everyone is fighting some sort of battle and no battle is easy to win. I hope this post encouraged you to fight it even harder.
xo,
Gayle
This is the last of the series (for now) of #projectlightshine And If I’m being honest, I’m a little sad. Okay, so I didn’t do a great job with it. But I enjoyed it and there were some of you who have enjoyed it as well and that’s what matters to me. I’m still super happy with the idea of it and I plan to continue with it, a little later on of course.
If you have any suggestions on what you’d like the “theme” of the next series of #projectlightshine to be [mental health, things related to what girls struggle with, poetry, etc.] please drop a comment and let me know I would appreciate it so much!🥰
I’ve loved this whole thing, it’s just screams love to me! And that was my goal. I want to give a huge shout out to Brin, thank you ssoo much for doing the guest post for this series because it was the best by far. You’re amazing. I’m sure you can all agree, and don’t forget what she said….smile.
I want to thank the rest of you for taking the time to read these posts and commenting even, because lots don’t take the time to comment, so thank you. All of you, for every little bit you’ve done! It’s been an encouragement to me.
Alright, I’m done being sappy and gross. Let’s get into the post 🙂 (I know this isn’t well put together, I was in such a rush getting it together because I’m late as usual, but enjoy!)
Getting your life together is a constant process. A constant trial and error, it’s not possible to be perfectly put together 24/7 because things happen. Life happens. And that’s just it, but you can still work toward those happy days because some are better than none and taking care of yourself should always, always be a priority.
I’ve participated in this mental cleanse challenge myself and I was so happy with the results. I felt calmer, more put together and less chaotic. I got the idea from Pinterest so this isn’t originally from me, I just want to put that out there.
This is a thirty day challenge, I did it throughout October this year so actually not that long ago! It was the first topic I entered in my newest self-love journal (highly recommended it keeps me sane)
Day 1: Set two goals you’d like to achieve throughout this challenge, or more.
Day 2: Treat your face to a special pampering.
Day 3: Go for a walk.
Day 4: Journal for 15 minutes. (Keep your journal entries super positive, write about things you love about yourself or things you’re good at, etc.)
Day 5: Go to bed thirty minutes earlier than usual.
Day 6: Make a gratitude list! I absolutely loovvee these.
Day 7: Take a long bubble bath. I love adding essential oils and Epsom salts to mine.
Day 8: Try a new exercise.
Day 9: Keep all of your meals phone free!
Day 10: Do some yoga, always good 🙂
Day 11: Make two of your three meals meatless.
Day 12: Meditate and focus on your breathing for five minutes.
Day 13: Take your exercising outside!
Day 14: Go vegan for a day.
Day 15: Clean out your inbox.
Day 16: No social media before 11:00am
Day 17: Un-follow people who don’t inspire you.
Day 18: Organize your desktop.
Day 19: Organize your phone apps and clean it out.
Day 20: Have a phone free night.
Day 21: Unsubscribe from email marketing.
Day 22: NO complaint day.
Day 23: Write down three great things that happened.
Day 24: Spend 15 minutes in silence thinking positively about yourself.
Day 25: Compliment a stranger.
Day 26: Write a letter to yourself – why you’re unique.
Day 27: Ask your friends to describe you in three words.
Day 28: Treat yourself for completing this! ❤
I literally love you all so much, have the best day ever!🥰
Xo,
Gayle
The most important relationship throughout your life, no matter who you are, is with yourself. You’re the one person that’s always there, when no one else is. You are stuck with you for the rest of your life, if you don’t make peace with yourself, you will never have the happy life you’re always wishing for. Yeah, that’d suck.
Many of us were taught to put ourselves last, and as a consequence we attracted feelings of being unworthy and undeserving. As those feelings lodged within us, we continued to attract more life situations that had us feel more unworthy and not enough. You must change that thinking.
You are worthy, you are capable, you are beautiful, you are loved, you are magical.
I am my own worst critic, sometimes to the point it’s destructive. I know, lots of times we don’t even think we’re deserving of loving ourselves, because we don’t meet the worlds standards or we get embarrassed in front of that person. Maybe we can’t do anything right, or maybe we do it too good.
The world is going to beat us down to our core, but I have a tiny little secret to tell you…we can overcome the worlds standards and prove society wrong. You know how? By loving yourself with such a fierce passion it explodes right in their face, waves of love spreading across the world, from you.
But, shh, don’t tell, it’s a secret. Okay, I’m joking. Tell everyone. Literally. Go out of your way today to encourage someone! The world needs it more than ever.
Lack of love is what’s wrong with our day and age and it’s honestly so sad. That’s why self-love is so important. It’s not selfish to love and take care of yourself, not one bit.
What is self-love, exactly?
It’s when you start to focus on yourself, taking time to do things you enjoy, to breathe, to think, to love yourself, to nourish yourself, to prioritize yourself.
Self-love is taking those steps, no matter how small, to protect, nurture and enhance all aspects of your life. Which includes your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
It’s about embracing yourself, for you, and being the best version of you all the time. Self-love is about discovering what you need, what makes you happy, what you enjoy and taking the steps to meet all aspects of your life that makes you unique and happy to be alive. It’s learning to shine a light on yourself and expand all of these things for a better life.
Self-love isn’t about being arrogant, egoistic, or conceited. But it is about accepting, trusting, and taking care of yourself.
After reading that, you shouldn’t have to ask why self-love is so important. Because you are important, so important, lovely.
When you’re made out of affirmations and self-love, you can’t be broken. So go for it, do whats going to make you happy. Book that ticket, create the dream, write the book, celebrate yourself, rule your queendom, babygirl.
Disliking things about yourself is normal, don’t expect them to leave all at once. They leave room for improving, so improve, don’t self loath. Understand that making mistakes is how you grow. If you hadn’t fallen on your bum a couple hundred times you would have never learned to walk. As if a baby after one fall, after one mistake of breaking something, you would’ve just sat in the corner and never tried again, you would still be sitting there with broken pieces. Don’t do that. Learn from your toddler self. Get up. And the only way you can do that, is by forgiving yourself.
One more week of #projectlightshine and ugh, I think I’m going to miss it. Spreading love is always in my goals for life, no matter what. I needed so much love in my darkest, and I didn’t always get it. So that’s why I’m here, to make sure you do. Because you deserve it, and you are loved.
xo,
gayle
Hey, you! Yes, you.Have you remembered to smile today?
If not, give me your biggest brightest smile, before you start reading.
Do it. I’m smiling at you. :-)) Smile back! Pretty please? 😊 Lovely.
Today I’m not writing to an audience. I’m writing this for you. Only you. And I want you listen to me very carefully.
Did you know how pretty and beautiful you looked when you smiled just now? I bet you didn’t. Well do it again and know for yourself. Look at that. Everybody needs to see that sunshine more often.
I bet you never tell yourself you’re pretty, too. You don’t, right? Well, I didn’t too. Didn’t. And I kept thinking I was never pretty. Like you.
Tell yourself you’re breathtakingly pretty. Say “Hello, Beautiful!!” whenever you look at yourself in the mirror. Tell yourself you’re the most delightful, thankful and the happiest person today.
Because, guess what? The world is there to tell you otherwise. There will be hundreds, ready to put you down. Don’t worry. It’s not because of you. It’s because of them. You, feeling low is advantageous to them. People like to throw rocks at those who shine. Don’t join them too.
I know it’s hard sometimes. Honestly. Life isn’t a rainbow land. But it is beautiful, if you actually notice. I may not know what exactly you are going through now, but I can understand. I can see through the veil you have hung between yourself and the world. Covering up all your troubles and miseries. Trying to keep your head up and smiling. Trying to be positive. Trying not to let your fears get the better of you. Trying not to feel so scared.
And that’s why you are awesome. I love you for that. Truly.
I’m so proud of you. I’m so happy you haven’t shut yourself away this time. I’m so happy you are here. Look at you. I’m so proud of you, even if you aren’t.
And I know you love yourself. You just smiled before reading, didn’t you? You smiled and actually felt a teensy little happier, felt slightly better than before. You supported yourself. You did that for YOU. You try hard everyday. And you do it all for you.
Yeah, you’re doing it for you! Hon, you only think you sometimes hate yourself , but? You actually don’t.
Think about the hundreds of little things you have done for yourself. And hundreds of times they’ve paid off. The hundreds of times you have been happy. You do love you.
And now I want you to do it harder.
I want you to fall so deeply in love with yourself that you forget how it feels to be hurt by someone else. Don’t search for reasons. You don’t need excuses to love somebody. I want you to love every inch of you. From the little frizzy bits of hairs sprouting out from your gorgeous head, to your tiny little toes. They don’t have to be perfect. But they’re there for you. Love them. Be grateful. Not everyone is this blessed.
I want you to love every contour of your face, and every crease that you get under your eyes, when you smile. I want you to love your little tummy that you have always felt insecure about. I want you to love the way you walk, talk, breathe and move. You are a magnificent carving.
Yes I’m talking to you. I want you to love yourself the way you love sunsets, galaxies and stars. I want you to love yourself so much so that you don’t need anyone else to be happy.
And then? I swear, even the God of Mars won’t be able to throw you down.
Hugs to you.
Love
Brin. 💕
~a/n: Its all beautiful, isn’t it? How it all hurts, but we never give up.
See, here my theory, is that, we suffer more often from imagination than from reality. Telling yourself “I hate myself” only makes it worse and removes the little bit of affection you actually have for yourself. There’s so much negativity already, and why make things worse for yourselves?
And thanks a TON, Gayle, for letting me conjure up a few words on your blog. You’re the most amazing, for starting this project. The others, please do follow her up, because she’coming up with loads! ❤
Woah I love this so much, a must read for sure! Thank you, Brin, sssoooo so much for doing this because you definitely didn’t have to!
Please go follow her, because she’s absolutely amazing and the sweetest person ever:)
Xo
Gayle
To work on yourself is the best thing you can do. To accept that you’re not perfect, but enough. And then start working on everything that destroys you. Your insecurities, your ego, your dark thoughts. You can see in the end, you’re going to make peace with yourself. And that’s the greatest thing in the world.
Good morning guys, how is everyone? I honestly hope you’re all doing great. Why? Oh, because you deserve it, because you’re amazing, because you’re trying your hardest and because you’re taking the time to read this. Because I love you, and you matter.
We all know how hard it can be to find time for ourselves, sometimes. Or, if you’re like me, you don’t even try at all. You basically toss yourself away like dirty laundry (I’m working on it) and worry about everyone around you. There is nothing wrong with making sure everyone else is okay, in fact, it’s really good. But you have to make sure that you are okay too, because otherwise? Um, mental breakdowns, hehe. (I know from experience)
Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be viewed as selfish or vanity, it should be viewed as sanity. So, you already know what were doing from the title. Here we go, love’s!
Take a bubble bath – okay, but who doesn’t love baths? Bath’s are my favorite. Add essential oils or Epson salt (or both) and soak forever, yeess. So relaxing and stress relieving.
Make a gratitude list – because, these will always make you happy, thankful and realize just how lucky and blessed you actually are.
Catch up on your favorite TV show or read a book – guuyyss, chilling out isn’t being lazy, it’s necessary sometimes. Taking time to just sit and breathe and do something you enjoy can make a huge impact.
Pick one room and clean it from top to bottom – chilling is important but de-cluttering is too! Learn to balance. Clutter can cause a lot of anxiety, but staying too busy can also. Balance.
Buy something that makes you feel good – spoil yourself, lovely’s, you deserve it.
Clean out your inbox – (trust me)
Take a social media break – I can’t express how important this is!
Journal about all the things you love about yourself – you know there are things, dig for them if you have to. They’re there, and they’re beautiful.
Go outside, get some sunshine – get yo’self some vitamin D!
Drink more water – guys its not a myth, okay? Trust me.
Never speak bad about yourself – that’s the jealous haters job, cutie.
Let go of what you can’t control
Skincare can go far – do you realize how much more you love yourself when your skin is clear and glowing? Make that self-love last, girly, take care of your face.
Remember that the past cannot be changed, and the future not determined
Dance – Energizer bunny style
Draw – this can be just for fun, or totally therapeutic. Whatever you choose! I do both.
Eat something healthy – this is an obvious one, eating healthy is good for you and it does truly make you happier.
Try yoga or Pilates
Go to church – “Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27
Jump in puddles
Wrap up in a blanket
Sleep in – I will be.
Try aromatherapy – the best if you love essential oils and natural solutions.
Drink tea – green tea is my favorite, I recommend it if you’ve never had it. Some say it’s too bitter, I put honey in mine and love it!
Call or face-time with a friend – checking up is important, as we covered up above 🙂
Create a morning or evening routine – I love making these even though I only stick with them for a little while (shh), they are fun and helpful!
Create a “happy” music playlist
Tell someone you love them- I LOVE YOU<3
xo,
gayle
#projectlightshine
I’m like a flower
so, so fragile
but my roots are strong,
my strength is there,
hiding beneath the surface
and I have to dig to find it,
but I’m comforted knowing its such a sure part of me
my only fear?
that I’ll be plucked.
~naive masterpiece
I used to dislike being sensitive, I thought it made me weak. But take away that single trait, and you take away the very essence of who I am. You take away my conscience, my ability to empathize, my intuition, my creativity, my deep appreciation for the little things, my vivid inner life, my keen awareness of others pain and my passion for it all.
Yes, I am fully aware that it is still Blogtober and this is definitely not an autumn themed post, I apologize you sweet lovely people deserve much better, but you all know I’m a failure as it is so please just bare with me here. (Wow I’m doing great at having a positive start to this positive post)
*aggressively claps hands* alright sis here’s the tea — I’M BACK, and I’m coming back with a bang ca-pow BOOM!
Okay, maybe not like that exactly because, um, we all know I’m a shy, lowkey lovely lil hermit but you get the gist of it. I’m happy to be back, guys.
I’m doing a little mini series! #projectlightshine once a week for 5 weeks, are we excited yet? Wait, lemme tell you what its focus is if you couldn’t tell by the title.
Self-love, self-care and acceptance. I’m hoping to do this series again in the future with a different focus as well, so stay tuned! Alright, loves, let’s get into this.
To start this out I’m going to be discussing my own personal self-love journal. I started this journal not too long ago, the reason being I let my boyfriend read my anxiety journal and it worried him quite a lot. We all know anxiety and depression is a dark thing and extremely hard to deal with. Journaling was my way of coping, because I’m able to express myself better through writing. So, to say the least, it was very descriptive and raw. His worry for this pushed me to realize that maybe I just need to try to totally push those feelings away and focus on positivity. As much as I was helping myself by getting those feelings out of my head and onto paper, I still wasn’t caring for myself the way I should have been, and that was really taking it’s toll. I was always too busy making sure that everyone else was okay and taking care of themselves, I didn’t think about myself. I still have my anxiety journal, though I’ve been debating whether or not to throw it out.
My self-love journal is also half bullet journal, to help me keep track of how I’m doing and to make sure I am doing those things and not finding excuses because ya know, ahem. Even for the short time I’ve had it, it has helped me tremendously to focus on the good and take care of myself.
What’s in my self-love journal?
Lists. Lots and lots of lists. First, I keep a list of goals I want to achieve. This is very important I think, especially as my goals are banishing anxiety, learning to love myself properly, finding confidence, etc.
Next, I keep my daily and weekly trackers. These involve all the little but important things like skincare, vitamins, cleaning, Bible and prayer time, etc.
I like to keep a list of things that I am always able to be in control of. No, I’m not a control freak, but with anxiety and depression it feels like everything is constantly just out of reach and you can do nothing. Having a list of things you can do just helps keep you grounded.
I always keep less/more lists and 15 minute journal entries because those are the best. When you do your journal entries of course keep them positive! Like, things you love about yourself, personality traits you’d never give up, etc. They make a big difference when you’re done, and of course you don’t have to limit these to 15 minutes. Write for as long as you want! I enjoy giving myself a time-limit, I think it’s very mind stimulating and it forces me to be a quicker thinker and writer. It makes it a challenge.
I want to encourage everyone to make a self-love journal of their own. They’re truly amazing and stress relieving, I can promise you this. Ahh, at least try one for a small amount of time and see how it goes for you!
The rest of this series will be focused on self-love and self-care so each week can be incorporated into your journal if you wish! This was a bit of a rough start to the series and a little rushed, but also the longest post I have written in a very long time, so I’m still proud of it! I hope it was very enjoyable for you all and you are looking forward to next weeks post!
Leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts! Thanks, loves ❤
xo,
gayle
First off, I think this challenge is a grand idea. #bloggersupportbloggers challenge was created by the one and only Jirah Merizz as a way to spread love and encouragement in the blogging community, and as a result, having chain after chain of love and support all throughout the internet and therefore, all throughout the world.
“Let us all spread love and together, we can change the world.” – Jirah
I have a huge thank you going out to her for tagging me and many others to do this challenge. I’m so, so pumped and cannot wait to see the impact this has on the community! I’m so proud of Jirah for taking the time to make this, for caring enough to do it, and being brave enough to finish it! Also, an apology for taking so long!
Most normally none of my posts have any kind of photos but, I’m making an exception here because I feel like not only do bloggers connect with each other through writing and putting our personality’s into our posts, but also through the design of our blogs.
(I apologize if your link doesn’t go to your about page, I’ve been having internet trouble!)
I haven’t known Sydney very long. We met on twitter (follower her @LoveSydneyBlog) and we’ve chatted some. Like me, she’s had several blogs tried and failed and recently started blogging again as well! I do enjoy reading her posts and tweets all the time, they are very insightful and encouraging, and I can’t wait to see her #bloggerssupportbloggers post!
I think Elm is one of the most amazing internet friends/bloggers/and-human-being-in-general out there. Her writing is so in-depth and I looovvee reading it! I’m almost always able to relate and that’s something important. Not to mention, she’s everywhere all the time encouraging someone. Helping them and simply giving love to everyone. I think I can speak for all bloggers when I say she’s a big inspiration.
Here you go girl, a challenge just for you cuz I know you love em’!! Brin is very sweet, oh, and AMAZING?!?! Everyone who sees this post should go follow her nooww!! Pretty sure everyone loves her xx
If you’re anything like me, you like wearing makeup but suck at it because 1) you’ve never had anyone to teach you and 2) you just suck in general, then Lau’s blog is the best. She blogs beauty and I find it so helpful on the days I feel like experimenting! Also how kind is she though?! 100%
I haven’t been following Gracie’s blog very long but I already love it!! She seems very intelligent and her posts are very in-depth and super super interesting!! I can’t wait to read more! Oh and Gracie, I’m homeschooled too, so kudos to us! 😉
This challenge was a bit harder than I expected and my internet struggles didn’t help any. But overall I really loved doing it, and I think everyone else will too!!
Spread the love, bloggers! Let’s go!
It’s been exactly 60 days sense my last (and first) post here. So, let me give you a quick update on the last two months of my absence.
The whole first month, I was extremely depressed, it constantly drilled me into the ground every day. I was still able to do things and I was able to hide it for the most part, but I wasn’t happy at all. And the thing was that I wanted to be happy, and I tried so hard to be, but nothing worked.
It was an entire month of just feeling empty. Of something gnawing away at me from the inside and I had no power to stop it.
I wanted to come on here and blog, just pour my heart out, maybe that would help. But I couldn’t. I had no words to explain the feeling of it or what it was like to be that way.
I started to get better. I was slipping in and out of depression at this point and never knew how my day would end up, which sucked. The second part of this “trip” was all anxiety. I was up and down, worrying about everything and nothing at all. Some days were great, others I could hardly breathe.
One day I stopped breathing.
It was a full-blown attack. I started hyperventilating and then crying because I was scared, which obviously didn’t help my case any. It lasted almost 30 minutes. Luckily my boyfriend was with me (and I didn’t pass out), but he was pretty freaked out. I’ve told him what happens, so he knew what it was but he’d never seen one before, and that’s the scary part, because you can’t do anything to help.
This was just a couple days ago, and I still feel like I’m recovering. I’ve been pretty anxious all day long, which makes me mad because after that bad boy I should be stress free for a while don’t you think?!
All this being said, this year has been rough for me. My mental health seems to be worse than last year and I don’t know why because I’m trying so much harder now.
I’ve got a few things lined up that might help me. Number one is starting dance class to be active and help burn off that stress. Cross your fingers it works out well, I’ve always wanted to take dance.
It’s been a slow road to recovery for me. Every time I start getting better, it all goes back downhill.
This is a huge, huge challenge between myself and my faith and my strength. And it’s all happening for a big reason. I’ve been praying so hard I can make it through this okay. Not unscarred, but stronger.
And I hope you can too.
“look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” -Matthew 6:26-27 NIV
It’s Gayle, back at it again.
My blog prior to this one went down a dazzling ball of flames because of one mistake. Instagram. I didn’t keep it private enough, and I didn’t realize how easy it is to show up on Instagram. In other words, my blog leaked to my friends, so I deleted it. I feel like I can’t truly be myself on here if my friends know about it, people can be judgmental of true colors and yeah, I have a troubled side that I rather them not know about.
So lets get this straight here at the beginning. This blog will have no expectations, it will not have fancy headers or sign off pictures, this blog is going to be low key fancy and high key me. I’m not going to have a weekly post goal or anything like that, I will simply post when I feel like posting. It may be every day, it may be once a month, who knows.
What I do know is that with my last blog I tried too hard to be like other bloggers. I tried to plan out posts that I thought my followers would like, I tried to make my posts organized and pretty and my reality is not organized or pretty, so I was just not being myself.
I’m a simple girl. That’s it. I’m not extravagant in any way, and I don’t want you thinking I am. I’m just me, and I want you to know me.
With that said, welcome to my new blog!
I can’t wait to get this going and I am going on a follow spree as soon as I can. Like or comment so I can follow yoouuu! ❤
All my love,
Gayle
I will be here and on twitter only (find me @love_gaayle)
Just Girl Talk
Hi my name is Taylor and I'm blogger that is passionate about art and loves to share it with the internet. In this blog I like to post about my own random stuff like books and movie reviews, advice, life updates, art and my typical random posts. about
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