The Ways I Get Energized

With recently starting an internship, as well as working at my regular job, I now only have one full day off a week, so I try to make the most of my time off, with relaxing, and getting energized as well.

These are the ways I get energized:

• Learning something new
• Listening to my favorite songs
• Going for a walk in nature
• Journaling
• Solitude
• Watching my favorite movies
• Taking a warm/hot shower or bath
• Taking a nap
• Reading
• Playing and cuddling with my cats
• Cleaning up my room (yes, this helps me get energized, as my room is a COMPLETE MESS!!)
• Watching my favorite YouTubers (yes, this does energize me!)

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Things That Make Me Laugh

To be honest, things that make me laugh really depends on what kind of mood I'm in. Something I might find funny one day, I may not find funny another day, and vice versa.

One thing that always makes me laugh, though, is watching my cats play fight with each other. Something about that just amuses me, and I love having two cats to take care of.

Another thing is some of the poses my cats make when they're lounging around, or sleeping.

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Ways to Rejuvinate Your Space

Sprucing up, and rejuvinating a space in your home really helps the place to look better, to look homely, and to lift up your spirits.

• Rearrange the furniture in the room every once in a while.
• Clean the space up, and donate any unwanted clothing, accessories, furniture, etc. that are in good condition.
• Add plants to the space, to brighten it up.
• Add pictures, paintings, etc., to the space.
• Add colorful blankets, pillows, decor, etc. around the room.
• If possible, purchase new furniture that will make the space more comfortable, more stylish, more you.
• If your walls need a pick-me-up, put up a fresh coat of paint.

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Ways You Can Love Yourself More

You deserve to be loved, and that starts with you loving yourself. Here are some ways you can love yourself more:

• Don't try to do everything at once. It's ok to do one thing at a time.
• Journal-don't keep your feelings and thoughts bottled up inside. You will feel SO much better when you journal.
• Don't be afraid to just be yourself. You are the way you are for a reason, and you should be proud of the person you are today.
• Let go of the things that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
• Let go of negative people in your life. Yes, it may be hard, but it is worth it in the end.
• Take a day (or two, or three!!) for yourself, and just unwind. Read, take a long bath or shower, go for a long walk, cook your favorite dishes, whatever it is that helps you relax, unwind, destress.
• Do something out of your comfort zone, that you have always wanted to do. You never know how it will go, unless you try. You will be thankful you did, instead of worrying about "what-ifs."
• Find clothing that you feel comfortable in, that you love. Wearing clothing that doesn't fit properly, or that you don't love, will make you feel not so confident about yourself, and that is definitely not good. Find something that is your style, and wear it with confidence!!

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Words That Warm My Spirit

I love words, and with how many there are, it's impossible not to feel a sense of comfort with some of them.

Here are the words that warm my spirit:

• Quiet
• Peace
• Love
• Hope
• Beautiful
• Happy
• Safe
• Free
• Dream(s)
• Rest
• Fine (I was going through a hard time several years ago, and was always asking my mom if I was going to be fine, which I was)

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Ways I Cleanse My Life for Spring

I am trying to be more productive in my life (at home, work, etc.), which means getting rid of things that no longer benefit me, and doing things that do benefit me.

• Getting rid of (donating, recycling, etc.) items I don't need anymore
• Washing clothes, other washable items, (and putting them away so I know where they are) so they are fresh and clean for when I need them
• Going for walks
• Open the windows to let fresh air in (if it's warm enough for that)
• Trying to spend less on things that I don't actually need/don't need at the moment/can go without for a while
• Rearranging the furniture in my room

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Things That Motivate Me

It's a massive effort on my part to get myself motivated to do things, so there needs to be something really motivational to get me going sometimes.

• My favorite music
• Seeing other people's success (it makes me a little jealous at first, seeing their success, but I get over it quickly, and am able to move on to being inspired and motivated by it)
• Having the time to do the things I want/need to do
• My favorite movies
• Inspirational quotes/sayings/words
• Writing my thoughts down, and then reading them back to myself, so I know what I am able to do/can do/should do

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Things That Make My Spirit Feel Free

There are things that I love doing, that lets me be myself, and lets me feel free.

• My alone time
• Being in nature
• Being around animals
• Knitting or crocheting something
• Traveling by myself
• Being able to do things for/by myself
• Learning/doing something new

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

My Best Qualities

I am a pretty good person in general, and I do have some very good qualities.

• My empathetic side
• My love of children
• My love of animals
• My ability to truly listen (or at least try to) to what people are saying
• My love to bake
• My crafty side (I knit and crochet)
• My introverted nature, and wanting my alone time every day
• My curiosity

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

My Quirks

This kind of made me think for a bit, because I wasn't too sure what my quirks were. But I was able to think of a few things.

• I have gotten so used to carrying a backpack around for school, that now, it feels weird when I don't have something to carry around. So, I like to have something around my shoulders, whether it's a backpack, drawstring bag, purse, etc.
• Remembering some people's names, even if I only meet them once in my life
• My love of teddy bears
• Wanting to photograph lots of things (sunrises/sunsets, unusual things, etc.) but half the time not being able to because of either work, driving somewhere, or some other instance that won't allow me to take pictures

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

My Greatest Comforts

I am a painfully shy person, so there are things that bring me a lot of comfort, helping to get through each day.

These things help me connect to people, whom I otherwise wouldn't have the courage to talk to.

Or, they just help me relax after dealing with people.

• My favorite book(s)
• A journal and some pens
• My phone (the games, radio, and texting options it has on it)
• Hats that have brims that are wide/long enough to cover my eyes
• Baking
• Card, board, and video games
• My cats
• Walking in a park
• My favorite YouTubers
• Photography
• My favorite movies
• My favorite music
• Hoodies (during cold weather, of course)
• Being in my bedroom

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

List Your Dream Trips

There are many, many places I would love to go to, and many things I would love to do in those places.

My dream trips are:

• Italy
• France
• Ireland
• Scotland
• England
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Germany
• Poland
• Jamaica
• Canada
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Hawaii
• New York
• Disney World
• Disney Land
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Australia
• Austria
• Rio de Janeiro
• Greece
• Egypt
• Israel
• Singapore
• China
• Japan
• Switzerland
• Mount Rushmore
• California again
• Washington, D.C. again

Yes, it's a long list, but I have never been out of the country before, and I haven't been to very many states, and I really, really, REALLY want to travel the world.

Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Qualities I Admire

I am one of those people that try to bring out the good in others, and good in myself (even if I am a shy one). There are many qualities I admire in others, including:

• Kindness
• Honesty (even if it hurts)
• Confidence/self-confident
• Knowing who one's self is
• Warm
• Friendly
• Unselfish
• Courteous
• Helpful
• Patient
• Sympathetic
• Humble
• Down-to-earth
• Compassionate
• Genuine
• Encouraging
• Hard-working
• Imaginative
• Creative
• Accepting of others

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Moments That Have Shaped Me

There have definitely been moments in my life, that have changed and shaped me. They have made me who I am today, and to be honest, I am thankful for these moments.

• My maternal grandpa's death in April 1999. That was the first death I remember, and it scared me. I had nightmares for a month, and sometimes couldn't even sleep in my own room.
• My mom's death in November 2010, and that was the hardest thing I have gone through.
• My high school graduation. It made me realize that I am growing up, becoming an adult, and that I will be doing more things for myself.
• My current job at the library. It means that I can be independent, that I don't have to rely on others for everything, that I am able to do things for myself.
• Starting/going to college. It means that I get to go after something that I want, instead of something that others think I need or want (yes, this is something that I want).

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Things That Always Cheer Me Up

When I'm not feeling well, feeling down, or just need a pick-me-up, there are several things that cheer me up, which include:

• Snuggling with my cats
• Reading
• Taking a nap
• Taking a bath or shower
• A long talk with friends
• My favorite music
• My favorite movies
• My favorite TV shows
• Watching my favorite YouTubers
• Nature
• Journaling
• Blogging
• Crocheting
• Knitting
• Baking
• Hot chocolate
• Bike riding
• Outings with friends, family

**Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!

Things That Make Me Feel Peaceful

I am one of those people that tend to get stressed out a lot, so I have things that I love to do, to relax and feel peaceful.

And that includes:

• Reading a book
• Journaling/blogging
• Writing (pen and paper style)
• Taking a long nap
• Warm baths/showers
• Walks through nature
• Watching my favorite YouTubers
• My favorite music
• Snuggling up under a warm blanket
• Baking
• Photography
• Snuggling with my cats
• Making lists (yes, I am one of those people; I LOVE making lists!!!)
• Lots of laughter
• A weekend getaway somewhere

***Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

Things I Want to Be Known For

I don't want to be known for fame or fortune, or any of that. There are are things that I would much rather be known for, such as:

• My kindness
• My friendliness
• My love of family
• My love of children
• My love of animals
• My caring side
• My sense of fun
• My artistic side (photography, baking, writing)
• My generosity
• My child-at-heart side of me
• Being a good listener
• My love of reading
• My love of writing
• My love of photography
• My love of baking
• My love of travel/visiting new places
• Just being an overall good person

I just want to have as good a life as possible, and make a good life for my future family.

***Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

The Most Memorable Moments of My Year: 2017

This year was a good year for me, and I am very thankful for that.

There are a few things that have been the most memorable to me this year, and they are (in no particular order):

• Getting my job at the local library
• Getting my first credit card (yes, I am including this on the list)
• Seeing the Bean and Crown Fountain in Chicago
• Celebrating birthdays
• Getting to see one of my brothers, whom I hadn't seen in years
• Going to ukulele nights with a coworker
• Cooking Thanksgiving dinner for me and my family
• Game nights at a friend's house
• Celebrating Christmas with family
• Getting a new return belt installed at work (I work at my local library)
• Decorating cookies for Christmas, playing games, and eating dinner at a friend's house

***Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

The Ways I Love to Have Fun

Everyone has their own ways they love to have fun, and I am no exception. I'm not much of a partier, but there are ways of having fun without some of the things people like to get into "for fun."

Here are the ways I love to have fun:

• Game nights with friends, family (and playing single person/player games)
• Shopping (yes, shopping!!)
• Movie nights
• Baking (I LOVE to bake, so this is fun for me)
• Photography (this is another passion of mine)
• Listening/dancing to my favorite music
• Knitting, crocheting for myself/others (yes, I consider this fun)
• Decorating for the holidays
• DIYs
• Playing, snuggling with my cats
• Watching my favorite YouTubers
• Swimming in the summer
• Going to local festivals throughout the year
• Going to fun/interesting museums
• Ukulele meet-ups (a get-together where people play the ukulele and sing)
• Writing/blogging
• Carving pumpkins for Halloween
• Ice skating/sledding during the winter
• Bike riding
• Roller blading
• Dyeing eggs for Easter
• Reading/listening to books on CD
• Giving presents during the holidays, birthdays, other celebrations

Yeah, boring, basic stuff, but I am totally fine with that. I am not one for bars, and drinking, and things like that. Fun takes on many forms, and is different for each person. This is just my version of fun.

***Thanks to Sarah Jo Burch for the idea for this post!!!

The Happiest Moments of My Life So Far

There have been quite a few happy moments in my life, which I am very, very grateful for.

• Raising my GPA in high school (I wasn't a very academically inclined person back then)
• Graduating from high school on time
• Getting a job at the local library on my own (and having the job for almost 10 months so far)
• Becoming an aunt to two wonderful kids (a niece and a nephew)
• Getting the intern at a local bakery, through my school's work experience class
• Being a bridesmaid in one of my brothers' wedding
• Going to my sister's wedding
• Adopting my 2 current cats
• Getting a new violin, so I can play again (yes, this is a happy moment for me, as I love the instrument)
• Getting to go to northern California for a couple weeks

***Thanks to Sarah Jo Baker for the idea for this post!!!