Breathing Hope!

                        I am not one to paint a picture of what may happen. For many years I had a picture in my head of what I felt my future should look like. This picture that I would paint in my head created a lot of problems for me. So while todays post asks me to write out what a day will look like for me in the future I am choosing to write things I am working towards that could be a piece of my future. Painting a picture of what I think 'should' be in my life (should, could, and would are 3 no no words in my vocabulary these days) only causes me more anxiety and disappointment when that is not how something ends up working out. So here is a look at things I am working towards that will impact my future in some way.  Getting through student teaching and experiencing everything I can while in the classroom.  Graduating College this coming May.  Getting a Job Teaching.  Raising awareness a...

            I have some catching up to do with the beautiful life challenge. This weekend I unintentionally had a technology break and a break from everything teaching. I left school on Friday excited for the weekend and ready to move to the second half of student teaching in 2nd grade. When I got home from school I looked into my bag a realized my laptop was still sitting at school attached to the promethean board. No computer for the weekend. I was really upset at the first thought that for the whole weekend I had no netflix or all of the important things on my computer. I was upset that I couldn't get any of my work done for the following week. But my roommate  kept saying to me, this will be good for you, you are addicted to technology. I kept telling myself she was over aggregating my need for technology. She reminded me there are many things I have mentioned not having time to do and perhaps this weekend free from my laptop would allo...

            This poem filled with affirmations has been hung in my room either at home or here at college for the last 4 years. I found this poem when I was looking for something inspirational to take to the girls support group I attended in high school. Each week one of us would bring something inspirational or positive to share with the group. The week that I provided the inspirational words I found this and handed out a copy of this to each girl in the group. I find this poem to be one of inspiration, comfort, and reminders. Each day before I begin my day I read this poem and remind myself to stay positive even in the hardest moments of my day. I love this so much and on many off days, like the one I was having yesterday, this affirmative poem has reminded me to keep my head up and stay positive through the darkness. So for day 9 of the beautiful life: find your inspiration challenge I was asked to share affirmations with you. I choose to share t...

Day 8 asks me to post my favorite scriptures. These are a few scriptures that I find to be helpful when I am struggling. There are so many others but for now these are the ones I have shared. Enjoy today's short but life giving words.  Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing but someday you will."- John 13:7 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.- Proverbs 31:25 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.- 1 Peter 5:7 Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible-  Luke 1:37

                    Yesterday I had the chance to share my story with my church family. It was a freeing and liberating experience to share my story with people that I have for the most part known most of my life. So today as part of the beautiful life challenge it asked me to post something about insights and life lessons. I felt sharing what I wrote up to share yesterday would be a great way to share my life lessons and insights, so here it is. The journey that has taught me and continues to teach me so much.          I have been a part of the St. Andrew’s community since before I was even born. My family has been worshiping here for many generations and finds comfort and familiarity with in these 4 walls. I can’t remember my life without St. Andrew’s or the family that I have here.   Through my short 22 years of life I have been on a roller coaster with God and St. Andrews, I have ...

                         Day 5 of the beautiful life challenge asked me to write quotes of my own but I decided to take some liberties in their suggestion. I decided to list inspirational words that have been a staple through my journey. This by no means is a list of all of the quotes, scriptures, and other inspirations I have had through my 5 year journey but these are some that still resonate with me today or I have found along the way.  If God intends it nothing can prevent it.  I am learning to trust the journey even when I do not understand it. - Mila Bron  Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing but someday you will."- John 13:7 Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns- Anne Lamott Once you become consciously aware of just how powerful your thoughts are, you will realize everything in your life is e...

Today's prompt has me making a list of things I have done so I have added photos and captioned each one for something that I have done. Just like my other posts this is only a small piece of the amazing opportunities I have had in my life. I look forward to many more memories and adventures. I hope you enjoy and get to see a bit of my journey through pictures.  Been skiing many times with my family and miss our winter days skiing together.  Played softball for many years and experienced many things that have made me into the person I am.  Ate breakfast at arguably one of my favorite breakfast restaurants ever, Sugar and Spice in Vermont. I can taste their pancakes in my mouth while I sit here and write this.  Joined the marching band at my high school. One of the best decisions I ever made in my journey of finding myself and finding happiness.  Going to New York at Christmas. I love going to New York at Christmas ti...