#LiveForTomorrow Photo Challenge Day 7: I am Grateful For

"Gratitude turns what you have into enough."

 One of my favorite grounding exercises at the end of the day is to spend five or so minutes to slow down and sit with my gratitude journal. This time allows me to step outside of my cluttered mind and recall all of the things I was appreciative of throughout the day.

This process helps me during the low points when my depression threatens to resurface, leaving me feeling drained, empty and alone, to remember how much good is already in my life that I have been turning a blind eye to.

"Is it simple? Can you not see it now? We are worth it all." -Tyler Knott Gregson

 

 

Here's just some of what I found:

 

-The ability to get a quality education and further my knowledge in a subject I love, while honing my craft through extracurricular clubs on campus. Overall, I am always grateful for opportunities to learn something new, whether it be through reading, a formal class, conversation, a documentary, or actual experience.

 

-Going to work every morning and feeling like I have a sense of purpose, genuinely enjoying what I get to do every day, and coming home with a feeling of accomplishment that my work has the potential to make a difference in my community and many individual lives.  

 

-Fresh flowers at the farmer's market

 

 

-Unplugging and going on long walks

 

-Reading a good book

 

 

-Spending the day with my family

 

 

-When the cooler night air takes over the Florida heat

 

 

 

-Lazy afternoons

 

-Sleeping in, and waking up to the sound of the rain bouncing off the windows

 

-Swimming on a hot day/feeling the sun kiss my skin

 

 

-A strong cup of coffee or tea

 

 

-Holiday/nature scented candles

 

-Having meaningful conversations

 

-Sharing a meal with friends

 

 

-Seeing a rainbow on the drive home after a long day

 

 

-Hearing an old song on the radio that I used to love and singing it at the top of my lungs

 

-Not waking up to the sound of the alarm on the weekend

 

-Feeling present, like I am exactly where I need to be

 

 

What are you grateful for? Join me for the remaining three days of the #LiveForTomorrow Photo Challenge, leading up to World Suicide Prevention Day on September, 10.



#LiveForTomorrow Photo Challenge: Day 6: Advice I Would Give My Younger Self

Dear Brianna,

Growing up, you spent a lot of time thinking about the paths other people have chosen to take in life; a mature thought process for such a young girl. Of all the people in you have encountered in life, you have always looked up to your older sister somehow certain that she was on the right one. She was on to big things and it left you in awe to watch.

You often thought hard about the kind of woman that you would grow up to be. Would you live in your sister's shadow forever? Hopefully some of the heart and strength your nanny possessed would rub off on you, so you too can embody the qualities it took to be a strong woman.

You thought about it often, but for some reason you didn't see a future in the cards for you. You saw the future to a certain point, and then it went blank. Would you make it as far as the people that you have looked up to for so long?

You couldn't see white picket fences that surrounded the yard you shared with your 'dream husband' or 'two kids and fluffy dog' daydream. The dark cloud of depression that seeped into your brain at such a young and impressionable age temporarily robbed those dreams of the future for you, leaving you fearful to make any plans. What if you didn't make it? What if it wasn't in the cards for you? Maybe you were only meant to be here for a short time, and that time in itself would be impressionable to the world?

You truly believed that you were put on the Earth to serve a greater good, and check out before you put up white picket fences to make sure your white fluffy dog didn't escape the yard.

You were wrong.

You were destined for much more than- and it'll take an entire lifetime to figure out what. You are worth an entire lifetime, just as much as anybody else.

While you're figuring it out, here are some tips to get you through the occasional storms (keep in mind: they will pass).

-Don't worry if 'you don't have it all figured out: social media will make it look like everyone has their entire life's direction planned to a T, but it's all an act. We are all highlighting our best days, most flattering angles and biggest achievements. A picture isn't the only thing you see that's filtered; some people are living their entire lives through a filter. Anyone who thinks they are in complete control over the course of their life is only kidding themselves. If we knew how it'd all play out, there would be no journey worth taking. 

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."

-Your parents/relatives/siblings are not embarrassing and they won't be there forever: spend more time with them as often as you can. Familial bonds are those that never leave you, regardless of the time and distance between you.

-Explore your truth and bask in it, even if you're doing it alone: What was 'on trend,' what other people said or thought about you will not matter two months from now. Their preoccupation with what you're doing says more about them than it does about you. Stick to your goals and stay true to who you are and what you value. Adopt tunnel vision if you have to. People respect uniqueness over sameness, because it's inspiring, allowing others to become comfortable in their own truth rather than a carbon copy of someone else. 

-The only regrets you'll carry are the risks you didn't take, the words you never said, and the doors you never even tried to open. Take every opportunity that comes your way. The worst thing that can happen is you can say you tried and gave it your all.

-You're not as alone as you think you are in the feelings you've been feeling. Everyone will feel bouts of sadness, anxiety, or feeling like they don't belong at one point or another in their lives. It's normal, but if the feelings persist or feel particularly obtrusive, never be ashamed to speak up and ask for help. 

You're doing the best that you can, and to me, that's pretty damn respectable. 

Love, 

A Brianna I hope you can be proud to become 

Join me in the remaining four days of TWLOHA's #LiveForTomorrow Photo Challenge leading up to World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10. 

#LiveForTomorrow Photo Challenge: Day 5: Beauty in My Community

I've decided to jump on the bandwagon halfway through the #LiveForTomorrow Photo Challenge from To Write Love On Her Arms.

In this case, just like many others, I say: better late than never, especially when the message is so incredibly important.

According to a recent study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, suicide rates have steadily increased from 1999 through 2014, up by 24% than the rate in 1999.

The Live For Tomorrow Photo Challenge encourages participants to celebrate life from September 1-10, leading up to World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10. This year, TWLOHA's theme is: "And So I Kept Living"

Day 5: Find Beauty in Your Community

Self-care tip: buy yourself flowers! They not only brighten your house, but also your mood. Plus, you deserve it!

There is beauty everywhere we go, if only we could open our eyes a bit wider, put our phones down a bit longer, and silence the rambling thoughts simultaneously ravaging our minds long enough to appreciate it.

Regardless of what city you live in or your current circumstance, challenge yourself to go on a walk and look around.

Use your five senses while you walk, this will help you appreciate what is around you in entirety and encourage you to notice things that have been in front of you all along that you have been overlooking.

Here's some ideas:

-Walk barefoot through the grass... how does it feel rubbing against the bottom of your feet? Is it rough? Is it soft enough to lay down on?

During one of my walks, a mother duck ran in front of me, leading her baby ducklings back to the lake. 

A quiet walk in nature is a great way to reconnect with your surroundings on a deeper level without all the white noise we are often bombarded with throughout the school or work day.

-Do you hear the birds as they fly from their homes up in the trees? Do you hear the neighborhood dogs barking, waiting impatiently to go on their afternoon walks?

Stepping out of the car allows you to slow down and notice things you wouldn't normally notice on your morning commute, as you become accustomed to your surroundings, you tend to take the beauty you pass on your everyday route for granted.

-What flowers were planted in your neighborhood? How do they smell? This is a great way to appreciate the changing seasons and all the wonderful smells that come with it: fresh cut grass in the summer, fruits and vegetables at the farmer's market, freshly planted tulips in the spring, etc.

I drive by this bush of flowers every day on the way out of my apartment complex, but have never appreciated the sheer beauty until I got up close, and leaned in to smell the fresh aroma. 

I make it a habit every night to look up at the sky as a grounding exercise. I close my eyes, reach up to the sky, take a deep breath in, then open my eyes to experience all of the beautiful colors the sky has gifted me with at the end of a long day.


What beauty can you discover in your own community? Get outside and take a walk; you'll notice it's all around you. 
Join me for the remaining five days of the #LiveForTommorow Photo Challenge to raise awareness about World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10. 
For more information on TWLOHA's mission, visit: twloha.com/blog/welcome-to-national-suicide-prevention-week-2016/

5 Things Not to Worry About Freshman Year of College

Freshman year is a time of great excitement for students who will be away from home for the first time in their lives. Navigating a new city, a new campus, while attending new classes with new people presents many opportunities for reinvention and experiencing new things.

(c): Tax Credits/Flickr

However, this time is often overshadowed by a lot of stress for students who might not be used to being so far away from the comfort zone of what they have always known.

Because everything is so new, teachers, peers, and family members will all try to be offering their own advice to help you navigate your new journey.

Take it from someone who has been there, stressed about it, and survived partially unscathed, worry about all of the things that I didn't need to worry about right away.

Despite what anyone might tell you, these things should not cloud your vision during your first year of school, if ever.

1. Declaring A Major: Freshman year, especially your first semester will likely be spent taking pre-reqs like math, science, art, and a general elective. These courses are required for all students on campus. Most students do not start taking courses for their intended major until second semester or their sophomore year. In the meantime, choose a general elective that interests you, explore different clubs that suit your varying interests, and talk to older students who are pursuing different majors to see what path you might be interested in pursuing. Many students who do declare a major first semester end up switching one or two times before graduation. This is also perfectly OK. In the grand scheme of things, a major is on average four years of study, while a career will be the majority of your adult life. You want to be sure.

(c): Matt/ Flickr

2. Having the Perfect Resume: This is another point that will frequently be stressed your freshman year. While yes, it is nice and smart to get a jump start on adding extracurriculars, volunteer activities, and part-time job experience to your resume, you also have plenty of time. Aim to add 2-3 things per year to your resume, and make sure there is not a major gap in between responsibilities. You want to show that you were able to hold a position for an average of at least 3-6 months, and did not take too much time off before pursuing a greater opportunity.

3. Your Weight/ Time Spent in the Gym: Life is too short not to eat the pizza. Looking back on your time spent in college, how do you want those memories to look? Do you want to remember the stress of scouring over a menu for calorie content, or do you want to remember sitting on the floor of your dorm room sharing pizza and laughs with your roommates? Do you want to remember nights spent exploring your new city, or nights spent sweating in an overly crowded gym?

(c): Ivywoodavenue/ Flickr

4. A Distinguished Friend Group: The friends you meet during orientation will likely not be the friends you have as you're packing up at the end of your first year. Different course directions, different sets of priorities, and several other factors can come into play why friends drift apart. Keep yourself open to making new friends, and don't take it personally if things between you and a friend drift apart. If it was important to both parties, you'd find a way to make the bond last. If not, you make new ones and move on. College is the time to be a 'floater' and get along with everybody. Open your mind and hangout with different groups of people and you will learn a lot in the process.

5. The Future: Sometimes, it might look like everyone has it all figured out, but you: spring break plans, summer jobs or internships, post-college life plans, etc. Scrolling through social media, you will be bombarded with this false sense of reality. It's important to take a deep breath and remind yourself that everybody posts the highlight reel of their life. Nobody has it figured out, regardless of how old they are or where they are in life. We are all learning as we go and doing the best we can.

(c): Cynthia Niklas/ Flickr

4 healthy on-the-go snacks for back-to-school

With back-to-school approaching all to quickly, there is still a lot left for students to prepare for. Once you're past creating the 'perfect' schedule, there's shopping for school supplies, back to school clothes, and making sure you get the most out of whatever you may have left of the summer.

(C): Pixabay.com

One thing I am always conscious of when thinking of back-to-school is making sure that I am properly fueling my body and my mind for the long days ahead. Working part-time while attending school full-time, I am often on the go running from one activity to the next left with little time for a sit down meal.

During the week I rely heavily on snacks to power me through my day and ensure I am getting a proper amount of calories and nutrients for my busy lifestyle.

Below are some of my favorite products that I often pack in my lunch box during the week for healthy and quick mid-day pick me ups that don't require refrigeration.

*Note: these are just suggestions and can be altered to fit your needs/dietary preference.

1. Dried Edamame 

(C): Amazon.com

Edamame is naturally high in protein and fiber and also contain a balance of plant-based protein and carbohydrates.

The snack satisfies the craving for potato chips and desire for a crunchy snack without any added oils. It makes for the perfect snack for in-between classes or a unique way to dress up your salad at lunchtime. My favorite brand is cruncha ma me® original flavor (naked).This particular brand is also available in lightly seasoned, sea salt and black pepper, onion and chive, jalapeno, and savory sesame. Another favorite is SeaPoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame in spicy wasabi. 

2. Chia beverages and squeezes 

(C): Amazon

Our body needs Omega-3s to function properly. These can be found primarily in fish and those on a plant-based diet can also receive them from nuts. However, unless you are also taking supplements, it can be tricky to ensure you are getting a sufficient amount from diet alone.

(C): Amazon

Mama Chia products pack a powerful nutritional punch with each drink offering 2500mg of Omega-3s, while also providing a healthy dose of protein, fiber, vitamin A and calcium. Mama Chia has a line of veggie and fruit flavors. Despite the label, you get more of the chia seed texture than any overpowering fruit or veggie flavor. If you've ever tried boba, it's along the same lines texture-wise. The chia seeds expand in liquid, which makes it taste more like a desert. 

If you'd rather have a snack than drink, the chia squeezes are another great option offering 1,200 mg of Omega-3's and come in a variety of flavors. 

These snacks are a clean and quiet option to satisfy hunger for those times when you're stomach starts to growl in the middle of class. 

(C): Amazon

(C): Amazon

3. Protein bars or shakes

(C): Amazon

Protein bars or shakes are a great choice, because there is a lot of variety of what you can do with them. 

You can have a bar by itself, or for a more complete, balanced meal add a packet of peanut or almond butter with a banana.

Protein shakes can be mixed with any toppings you enjoy, and used as a meal replacement or for a tasty treat to sip throughout the day. This is also another great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

4. Dark chocolate:

Unlike many of the traditional chocolate bars offered in gas stations and check out lines, dark chocolate offers us many health benefits when consumed in moderation (one square 2-3x/week). These benefits include: lower blood pressure, improved blood flow to the brain and heart, which improves cognitive function, regulating blood sugar, and offers antioxidants.

Dark chocolates offering at least 70% cocoa provide the most benefits.


Question: What are some of your favorite snacks to pack for school or work? Which brands offer your favorite products?

Quitting Conditional Happiness and Living Now

Over the past few weeks, I've been engaged in a lot of new blogs and inspiring TED talks and YouTube videos that I'd like to share.

You may notice all of these links, though from different sources share a common theme: conditional happiness. 

Via Flickr/ Asja Boros

Placing conditions on our happiness is when we find ourselves wrapped up in the never-ending array of excuses that start with, "I'll be happy when..." 

When we put conditions on our happiness, we take away the potential for happiness in the here and now, which is already possible. By saying we can only be happy when, we take ourselves out of the present and project ourselves in a time that may or may not come. 

If we can't be happy now with what we already have, it's unlikely that anything materialistic or physical we obtain in the future will present us with what we've been seeking. What we're seeking is already inside.

All of these links serve as a gentle reminder that happiness is possible now. We have every condition we need to be happy in our bodies and in our current circumstance. The only thing standing in our way is ourselves and our own mindset. 

Let go of the conditional belief, and grab the reigns of the life you have always wished to live and start living it now. 

TED Talk: Living Without Shame: How We Can Empower Ourselves

-Whitney Thore, star of My Big Fat Fabulous Life talks about her lifelong struggle with shame surrounding her body image, which started when she was a mere 10-years old. Sound shocking?According to News Medical, statistics show 81 percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat, while 72 percent of 7 year-olds are dieting. 

-Where is this fear coming from? Even if the diet industry is primarily targeting adults, these habits, behaviors, and products that are being marketed are being passed down to our children, who are observing all of our behaviors and attitudes towards our bodies and our food. 

-Whitney recounts her belief that when she got thin, she would finally be happy. Despite her work allowing her to travel the world, she said, "All of these experiences that should have been so wonderful were tinged with that disgusting and insidious shame that sucked the life and the color out of my memories and left me nothing but black and white, and a never-ending wish to be thin so I could really start my life."

-As she continued to gain weight, people began making assumptions that she was lazy and unmotivated, in turn causing her sense of self-worth to plummet. The decline in her sense of self-worth led her to quit her favorite activity of dance, and fail academics. 

-"I'd do anything to avoid going out in a world that didn't want me."

-It wasn't until she made the conscious decision to not allow other people's opinions of her to affect her sense of self-worth and stop her from living the life she so desperately wanted, and the one she deserved to live.

The Blessing of Living Unfinished

"We don’t get started on our priorities because we’re always trying to finish something else first. We live under the illusion that the to-do list will shrink and, once we’re done doing, we’ll get to start being."

• I love Dr. Kelly's honest approach to each topic he covers. He writes in a way that is aligned with the Buddhist philosophy that says we're not independent, but interdependent. Regardless of what we're going through, others are either going through it or have been through it and survived. 
• We spend so much time creating conditions for our happiness and making excuses for why we keep putting off what we really want to do in life. Dr. Kelly reminds us that our time is limited, so why wait for conditions that might never come to start living the life we truly want? Why not start now?

Not So Little Mermaid

• Plus size vlogger, Loey Lane recalls a time she was at Disney, and the park allowed kids to choose princess names. After writing "Ariel" on her name tag, a bully crossed it out and changed it to read Ursula. She recalls the damage it had on her self esteem that the closest character that resembled her body was considered a villain. 
• If we expect these characters: princesses, barbies, superheroes, etc. to reflect the characteristics we want our children to grow up to encompass, it is extremely important that these characters also reflect the diversity of our children in terms of body size, shape, race and ethnicity. 
• Going back to Dr. Kelly's blog post, we cannot and should not have to wait for 'ideal' conditions to start loving ourselves and our bodies. We need to set the standard that it is perfectly acceptable and encouraged to love the bodies we are in in this given moment. 

Barbie's Running for President, Too

• Continuing the trend of having role models for young girls and boys (dolls, princesses, superheroes) reflect our diverse physical appearance, Barbie has now furthered the initiative to include our diverse characteristics and career aspirations.
• No longer does Barbie simply reflect all the glitz and glamour that we see come out of Hollywood, but the new Presidential Barbie, available in six different skin tones encourages girls to aim as high as they wish with their dreams. The new Barbie encourages shattering glass ceilings. Because what we were once told was impossible, is becoming more and more possible with each passing year. And yes, that includes the possibility of a female president in 2017.
• The new Barbie shifts focus away from physical appearance towards aspirations, dreams, and creating effective change in the world. The box features encouraging sentiments to young girls like, "Are you interested in making the world a better place?" and "Nowadays there are more women running for public office at all levels."