so far.

Already, 2014 has proven to be a trying year.

I've been exhausted, stressed, maxed out, angry, happy, bitter, excited, sad, and all around a mess most of the time. I've refused to look at my calendar, anxious for what all is coming. I started an awesome new job. I took on a new executive position.

I've failed a few times, and fallen a lot. I've broken down and not been able to pull myself back up. I've had amazing experiences and made new friendships. My patience has been tried. I've felt like giving up. I've been filled with doubt. I've felt peace. 

So far this year, I have struggled a lot. I've wondered when life is really going to start for me. I've wondered when I will finally love my major. I've wondered how I'll make it 2 more years. I've wondered what my purpose is in this life. 

I'm learning day after day that I don't have the answers to any of these questions. I probably never will. And I have to be OK with that! I am being taught each day something new. Every trial, every moment. I am learning. I am growing. 

This is life. It's not always glamorous or exciting, but it's what you've been given. It's the purpose for your very existence! And it's a crying shame not to live in every moment. No matter how hard it is now, it's all going to work out. How do I know this? God promises us this. He is the ultimate promise-keeper. 

Yeah, it's going to be tough sometimes. But it'll make you that much more tough. Things may not be going like you planned. But the Lord's plans are that much better. 

Thankfully I've been blessed with the greatest support system of friends and family. They push me when I want to quit. They encourage me when I'm down. They pick me up when I fall. They make me smile through the tears. They make me laugh when it's the last thing I feel like doing. 

So for now, I'm continuing on. Dreaming. Still believing in big things. Finding that my worth is not in the eyes of others. Getting out of my own way. Thankful for grace. Trying my best to trust in my God. He is greater than all of these things. 

And yeah, it's gonna be scary. The future is crazy bright but totally unknown, but there is no fear in love.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

{1 Peter 5:7}

-k

23 things I'd like to stop reading about.

I'm sure you've all read "23 THINGS TO DO INSTEAD OF GETTING ENGAGED BEFORE YOU’RE 23." And like me, I hope you've also read the countless responses to this particular article. Most notable "THE RESULT OF A CLOSED-MINDED 23 YEAR OLD."

What is bothering me most about these articles are how completely polar opposite these opinions are. One girl is anti-marriage and "take off your clothes, take no responsibilities for your actions & hurt others," while the other ones are somewhere along the lines of "give up your career and start a family."

But you know what? Nothing is wrong with either of these opinions because they are just that: opinions. 

Everyone is all torn out of frame and getting their feelings hurt about these blogs. I've seen everything from "Why is a blog telling people how to live their lives??" and "This is perfect. Exactly how I want to live." 

Please live your life the way you want to. There's nothing wrong with reading these articles and taking to heart what they say. In fact, it's a good thing to read stuff like this because it helps seeing how different people think. 

People are born with different desires, different dreams. Some grow up knowing what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Some have passions so fervent in their hearts that nothing will change the path they take. 

If you want to drop everything and travel because that's what you feel you are being called to do: DO IT. 

If you want to be a stay at home mom and raise your family: DO IT if that's what you are being called to do.

I have no idea what I will be doing when I'm 23. (In fact, I've never known what I want to do with my life.) By 23, I plan on being done with school and hopefully doing what I love. What ever that may be! 

Maybe I'll be married. Maybe I'll live in a different state or heck, even a different country! Maybe I'll be continuing my education or moving up in my career. Maybe I'll still have this blog. Maybe (*hopefully) I'll have a toy poodle named Fitzgerald. 

Who knows? But isn't that the beauty of life? We have no idea how big of plans the Lord has in store for us. What we do know, is that he not only has a plan, but a plan to prosper us. We know that through prayer and following after him fiercely, our lives will have purpose. We were made with love, to want love, and to love others. 

We all find our satisfaction in life different places. That could be in finishing school, traveling the world, and having a successful career for some. For others it could be in marrying early on, having children, and staying home to raise a family. Just remember "The only One who can truly satisfy the human heart is the One who made it." 

And no, I won't (can't) come up with 23 things I want to stop reading about...I just thought it was a good title. 

Thanks for reading. 

-k

2014. No expectations.

The new year always comes with so many expectations. It forces people to make goals to improve themselves and their lives. And if they don't achieve these goals, there is a sense of failure. I know for me personally, I make a list every year. Not for anyone but myself. The list tends to go something like this:

1. Work-out 4-5 times/week.

2. Accomplish 10 things on my bucket list.

3. Eat healthier. 

4. Be more spontaneous. 

5. Read my bible every day.

Now, these things aren't bad things to strive towards. But most aren't attainable in my everyday life. I get busy. I forget to read my Bible sometimes. I shovel Chick-fil-A down my throat weekly. I don't make time to work out and I don't really like being spontaneous. So why should you try and be something you aren't? 

In my opinion, the whole "New year, new me" thing doesn't make much sense. You are who you are. Just because the date changes, doesn't mean you will. Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with trying to improve yourself. In fact, that's what I strive to do daily. I want to be a better version of myself. 

Take the pressure off of yourself. Don't give into the expectations of this world. Do what you want to do. Make this your year and live it the way you want. Don't have expectations or do. Change something about yourself or don't. Make this YOUR year. 

These are some things I strive towards everyday, not just for 2014:

Make way for the new. 

Surround yourself with positive people. 

Take time for yourself. 

Follow your arrow. 

Constantly challenge yourself. 

Don't stress the could haves, would haves, or should haves. 

Be brave.

Read and learn.  

Find joy in the ordinary. 

Let your past make you better, not bitter. 

Start each day with a grateful heart. 

Be adventurous.

Wherever you are, be all there. 

Think less, live more. 

Forget the rules....if you like it, wear it. 

Do small things with great love.

Believe in yourself and all that you are. 

Dance even if you don't think you're good. 

Pray without ceasing.

Find beauty in everything. 

Focus on how you feel, not how much is on the scale. 

Take risks. 

Collect moments, not things. 

Be a girl with a mind, a woman with attitude and a lady with class. 

Follow your heart but take your brain with you. 

Don't find your worth in others, find it in Christ. 

So many awesome things happened for me in 2013. I joined the best sorority on campus and gained 80+ sisters. I finished out my freshman year and moved out of a dorm that became my home. I became best friends with my hallmates. I spent time with my family. I finally picked a major. I celebrate my nineteenth birthday. I went to the best concerts ever. I spent way too much time on social media. I learned a lot about myself. And I grew up. I can't wait to see what this year holds as I try to live and believe this:

"I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. I prosper in everything I lay my hand to. I have gifts and talents, and God is using me. I operate in the fruit of the Spirit. I walk in love. Joy flows through me." 

-from Joyce Meyer's "The Confident Woman"

be kind.work hard.stay humble.smile often.stay loyal.keep honest.travel when possible. never stop learning.be thankful.always love. 

2014: Bring it. 

-k

summer essentials

 

Can I get an AMEN for it being summer in the south?

Pool time. BBQ. Freckles. Ice cream. Late nights. 

(random list of things i love about summer) 

Sandals. Hats. Bikinis. Sundresses. Wedges. Sunglasses.

(list of must-haves for summer)

This week I will be posting each day a summer item every girl needs to own. 

Be on the lookout. :-)

-k

I'm back, baby

Sorry to have abandoned my blog for the past month and a half. I've found little inspiration as of late, BUT recently I have stumbled upon some things which have reignited my love for blogging. I can't wait to start sharing more about my life and my style. 

One of the main reasons I stopped posting is because I was scared no one was reading my blog and that I was doing it all for nothing. But I am done thinking with that mindset. 

This is the new mantra. 

I hope only good things are ahead and that this small blog will continue to grow as I grow with it. 

xoxo, 

-k

Something today, to inspire you tomorrow

Think Happy Thoughts. 

Choose to see the good things. 

Forget about the bad things. 

Such a great daily reminder. 

Happy late Tuesday! 

xoxo, Kylie