Hello to anyone who may happen to stumble into this blog! I apologize to any reader who has stuck around long enough to see me post this.... where has time gone? I am incredibly sorry for my unreliable blogging.
The older I get and the more exposed I become to life, I realize so very much. For starters, most of our life is spent either looking forward or backwards and never right then, in the present. Happy people have mastered this very task, embracing life as it comes. But what about people like me, the people who lack being content, what's our solution for happiness? I've spent so much time pinpointing happiness. Times like when I reach my target weight, get that super grade in a challenging class, form an ideal group of friends, or when a certain challenge I'm facing has disappeared. I've realized what I have been doing... I've been waiting for happiness to come to me instead of incorporating it into the present and where I am at that given moment. This creates a void of loneliness within, longing to be filled.
I have been waiting since August to be content. Something I've never going to be. It's not bad, but just who I am. Maybe it's the fact that I am perfectionist, a soaring eagle, or simply just a Type A personality, but I am always striving for bigger and better. The kids at school classify me as an "over-achiever," a title that I strive to keep. I love this trait of mine, but hate it just as much. I was thinking about this the other night when I had a revelation, "Are we ever really content?"
No, I don't think so. Life is always ready to throw us another curveball. We have to accept the clutter, disorganization, flaws, and imperfections in our life to be happy and to find that realistic level of contentness. (Yes, I know, that's not a word.)
As much of a big thinker as I claim to be, in some aspects of my life, I excessively micro-manage. I stress and sweat over the little things and treat every event as though it is life or death.
I've noticed something about myself, I notice things.
People tell me that noticing shortcomings and problems is great, the first step, the hardest part, what-have-you. This, however, is a false statement because we all notice, deep down, we all know. The challenge is not allowing ourselves to deny them. We have to either accept them or change them in order to reach this idea of content.
xoxo,
sarah elizabeth
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
Why I Write
*****Once again, sorry for my long MIA on this blog. What can I say? I've been living. Life gets hectic, now and then.
Confidence is the most attractive thing I find in others. I said confidence, not cockiness. People from the outside view me as confident, and I believe in some aspects I am, but there are times when I really feel weak, like a failure, and shy.
I think especially at this time in my life - these teenage years - we often doubt ourselves. We need others to tell us our qualities and flaws from time to time. For me, I have trouble accepting that I have any qualities and often hide in the shadows of my flaws.
People always compliment me, encourage me, and tell me how great I am, and that's so super sweet of them, but I never believe them, because I don't see the beauty in myself. That is, except for my writing.
When I write, I don't need others to tell me it's good - I already know it. (And that's accepting my talents, not being cocky!!)
So, hopefully this answers any question one might have about why I write. I write for me. I write because no matter how many talents I may have, I know that writing is one. That's a confident acceptance, and that's why I believe my writing consistently improves, because you see my confidence shine through.... And confidence is the most attractive thing.
May God bless you all until next time!
xoxo, Sarah Elizabeth
Confidence is the most attractive thing I find in others. I said confidence, not cockiness. People from the outside view me as confident, and I believe in some aspects I am, but there are times when I really feel weak, like a failure, and shy.
I think especially at this time in my life - these teenage years - we often doubt ourselves. We need others to tell us our qualities and flaws from time to time. For me, I have trouble accepting that I have any qualities and often hide in the shadows of my flaws.
People always compliment me, encourage me, and tell me how great I am, and that's so super sweet of them, but I never believe them, because I don't see the beauty in myself. That is, except for my writing.
When I write, I don't need others to tell me it's good - I already know it. (And that's accepting my talents, not being cocky!!)
So, hopefully this answers any question one might have about why I write. I write for me. I write because no matter how many talents I may have, I know that writing is one. That's a confident acceptance, and that's why I believe my writing consistently improves, because you see my confidence shine through.... And confidence is the most attractive thing.
May God bless you all until next time!
xoxo, Sarah Elizabeth
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Love Thy Neighbor: My American Dream
Life is going to test us. It's going to try to break us. Life, itself, is the test of our knowledge, ability, tolerance, and well-being. We can choose to let the little things destroy us or enable them to make us stronger. It ultimately is our choice, a choice, more of a promise, that is easier to make than to keep.
I, like Martin Luther King Jr., have a dream, although mine is much different, yet very much the same. I dream a world of love. I dream a world of laughter. I dream a world of living. As I am growing up, I can't help but notice how life interferes with life. (Oh, the irony.) What happened to the days that I never got to know, the days where children could walk from house to house and play unsupervised with the neighborhood kids as long as they promised to be home by dinner time, the days when school was important, but not everything, and the days when life was lived and when you died, you were simply "lived out." Reading, watching, talking, and listening allow me to comprehend this "simpler" time, a time that I, in the very least, would have liked exposure to. Yes, there are so many new and equally wonderful things in my childhood, better safety and security precautions, stronger and worldlier education, and so much more required in living even a basic life. Some of these changes are welcomed and improve the "American Dream" way of life, where others simply go against every principle our four fathers set out to instill. It's no one's fault perhaps, more of a society failure. Today, we are judged on our parents' professionalism, family's annual income, connections with the "big wigs," and falling into this "image" society paints out for us. Growing up in the 21st century is hard, technology captures our every mistake and can destroy our futures before they even begin. Every generation faces its very own and different challenges, but in our case, as the children of the early 21st century, we lose the precious time to adapt. Before our futures can begin, we are already judged, based on mistakes from our extremely early life.
I'm young. I can't tell myself, yet alone anyone else how to live their life. I can't accurately predict the mistakes you'll make and what your future can hold. I can't take a giant eraser and sweep any of our records clear of their imperfections, but there's one thing I can do. There is one piece of advice I can give: Love Thy Neighbor. Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself. Call me naive, ignorant, young, clueless, but I see that a world filled with love, as opposed to hatred, is a beautiful one. Why can't there be love in this world?
Now, I have a message, to you. Whether you're a child of the 21st century, an adult learning to adapt to this century, or an elderly person who has given up on this whole technology transformation, here's what the future can be:
I, like Martin Luther King Jr., have a dream, although mine is much different, yet very much the same. I dream a world of love. I dream a world of laughter. I dream a world of living. As I am growing up, I can't help but notice how life interferes with life. (Oh, the irony.) What happened to the days that I never got to know, the days where children could walk from house to house and play unsupervised with the neighborhood kids as long as they promised to be home by dinner time, the days when school was important, but not everything, and the days when life was lived and when you died, you were simply "lived out." Reading, watching, talking, and listening allow me to comprehend this "simpler" time, a time that I, in the very least, would have liked exposure to. Yes, there are so many new and equally wonderful things in my childhood, better safety and security precautions, stronger and worldlier education, and so much more required in living even a basic life. Some of these changes are welcomed and improve the "American Dream" way of life, where others simply go against every principle our four fathers set out to instill. It's no one's fault perhaps, more of a society failure. Today, we are judged on our parents' professionalism, family's annual income, connections with the "big wigs," and falling into this "image" society paints out for us. Growing up in the 21st century is hard, technology captures our every mistake and can destroy our futures before they even begin. Every generation faces its very own and different challenges, but in our case, as the children of the early 21st century, we lose the precious time to adapt. Before our futures can begin, we are already judged, based on mistakes from our extremely early life.
I'm young. I can't tell myself, yet alone anyone else how to live their life. I can't accurately predict the mistakes you'll make and what your future can hold. I can't take a giant eraser and sweep any of our records clear of their imperfections, but there's one thing I can do. There is one piece of advice I can give: Love Thy Neighbor. Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself. Call me naive, ignorant, young, clueless, but I see that a world filled with love, as opposed to hatred, is a beautiful one. Why can't there be love in this world?
Now, I have a message, to you. Whether you're a child of the 21st century, an adult learning to adapt to this century, or an elderly person who has given up on this whole technology transformation, here's what the future can be:
LOVE
Yes, I see that my Catholic education has done its job. It has sheltered me. I get that this dream is "far-fetched" and quite "out there," but I see it being more successful than the pressing issues such as gun control, gay marriage, healthcare, immigration, and all the other political issues that aren't "changing" America into the country that it should be. So, why not try to love all. Love can maybe not fully resolve, but can help every pressing political issue. Love can conquer all. How do I know this? There's many sources, but here's one we are all familiar with:
"Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
1 Corinthians 13: 4 -7
This is true to Catholics, Christians, atheists, and beyond. It stands true to whatever political party you associate yourself with. Because love defines the human race, the American dream, and ultimate happiness. Love is involved in making to self-actualization on any quality of life pyramid. Love is America's only hope for surviving. We have to stop this path leading to hatred.
Mother Teresa said, "I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."
God called us to love: He does this in many instances.
The Ten Commandments teach us the very steps to take to be fulfilled, happy, and to love. In fact, I believe the ability to love can be made clear in these 10 commands.
In the Fifth Commandment, we are taught "Do not kill." This includes the pulling of a trigger on a gun to a very pressing issue in society, abortion.
The issue of gun control and abortion can be addressed in the quote below.
"Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being." {Catholic Catechism}
I can talk and address this issue in much more detail, but I believe that America is a Christian nation. We allow freedom of religion, but we are Christian nation. We can't force you to believe in God, but you have to accept that WE do and apply our laws in relation to that. So, go to your place of worship, believe whatever it is that you wish to believe, but love. Love all.
Love has an essence that can't be defined in any single definition. Within love, there is tolerance, endurance, compassion, determination, support, faith, and hope.
If we can create a nation of love, then we spread love to the world.
I think I've finally discovered my vocation: spread love.
My dream for the world is love. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream was love. His just on a more specific scale. I see, what he saw, and that is potential. America has the potential of being just about anything.
Pressing political issues can be fixed by simply looking at the big picture, by simply seeing what America can be, by looking past the imperfections at the potential.
Love thy neighbor.
Sarah Elizabeth Wilson
Monday, July 8, 2013
The Healthiness of Anger
***Before I begin, I promise to become a more dedicated blogger. I'm sorry, I've just had the most hectic, yet blase summer. Sorry for the delay, this post took several blogging sessions to complete.***
"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."
- Ephesians 4: 28 - 31
Nowhere in the bible is it going to tell us that anger and hatred are good. Nowhere is it going to encourage to get angry every once in a while, get a little mad. A part of me has lately discovered the benefit to anger. Anger leads us to determination, to dedication, and to discovering passion for whatever angers us. But with this said are the many drawbacks, the many negativities. These are the ones the bible warns us about, our parents teach us to avoid, and we try so hard to prevent.
I've done a little research on this, but not much. Anger is not a sin, according to the Catholic Web sites I've been looking up. Now if it's excessive and promoting extreme negative actions, that's another story. But getting angry every once in a while is good. It reminds us that we are our own individuals and we have our own opinions. But don't allow anger to take over your life. Get angry and let it go. Take 3 deep breaths. Go outside and scream. Punch a pillow - not a person. Lock yourself away, even it's only for a moment. Remind yourself that it is all going to be alright. Pray to God.
When was the last time you were angry, and I mean really angry? What was it about? Can you identify the source of that anger?
Life goes on.
We're told not to be angry, but that essentially has us build up within us these feelings of hatred, anger, and resentment.
So, I leave you with these words:
Be angry, Be happy. Feel the way you feel, and don't deny yourself of these feelings.
Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself.
- Sarah Elizabeth
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Unanswered Prayers
"Sometimes I thank God, for unanswered prayers
Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care
Some of God’s greatest gifts, are unanswered prayers."
Quoted From Garth Brooks' Unanswered Prayers
Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care
Some of God’s greatest gifts, are unanswered prayers."
Quoted From Garth Brooks' Unanswered Prayers
Just Some Thoughts On My Mind:
I know that I spend more time praying than probably just about any other "thing" in my life. Before you think I am some amazing Catholic, let me further explain. I pray for myself: whether it be the strength for the task, day, or struggle; something on my wish list; or for others. However, when I pray for others, I feel like I am praying for myself. Follow this scenario:
Let's say for instance I pray that our family can cut out certain technology use to grow closer. {Not that this would EVER go over well in my household!!} Yes, I am wanting it for the wellbeing in all of us, but deep down I feel it's mostly for myself.
God has blessed me with such an amazing life and so many wonderful things within it. I have had the opportunity to experience and take part in so many amazing happenings. I have a great family that has instilled me wonderful morals and values. This list could go on for days, but I am so amazingly grateful.
Something that I truly believe has been beneficial to my personal growth is seeing and growing to know those less fortunate than I. Essentially, it has made me more aware of the world around me and much more grateful for all the good in my life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
However, I often allow myself to think I'm a bad person. Am I? I would hope not, especially since I strive to be the best person I can each day. I fall short of my goals each day. I make mistakes. Often, people tell me that noticing this is the important thing, but I don't know how much I believe it. Yes, it's important to realize our shortcomings, but what's the good if we can't change and better ourselves. I try, I really do, but I always manage to mess everything up.
And lately, as I reflect upon myself and my past, I am so eternally grateful to God for my unanswered prayers. I am grateful to him for allowing me to make mistakes, to push through the hard times, to dream big, perhaps unrealistic dreams, and more than anything for my sensitivity.
I wish to be stronger, but at the end of the day, I am me!!! I care perhaps too much for other's feelings. I care too much about what I think I do wrong. I take things personally, and assume others do to. That essentially makes me so much more of a caring person.
GOD SHOWED ME WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE HURT WITH THE INTENTION TO CARE FOR OTHERS!!
So, you know, I might care too much, but I don't want others to hurt. I don't want others to bear pain, at least the pain I can reduce.
Goodnight! Go give your family a hug and thank the Lord.
Because tonight, I am thanking the Lord for my unanswered prayers!
May the Lord Bless You All Tonight,
Sarah Elizabeth
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Uncertainty Lurking
I'm not sure what to say right now. Everything around me seems to be a blur. My room, closet, and bathroom are a mess cluttered with clothes lying about. Summer school courses are in full swing and make me dread the awaited summer days. But life is good. I'm alive, well, healthy, and breathing. I have wonderful family and am beginning to make some magnificent friends. I'm working towards my dream body twice a week with a personal trainer. And I'm starting to focus more on what I eat, trying to balance some more health beneficial foods to my diet. I am happy. I never realized saying those three words could be so calming, reassuring, and above all, for the first time in a long time, true. Slowly, but surely, I feel myself wanting to laugh at the ever-going pettiness of those middle-school bullies. When I think of them and their actions, I feel anger exude within me, but then the Lord sends me the reassuring message of temporary pain and the greatest fact of life: it moves on. So when I see their latest text or Instagram post, I laugh, more of a chuckle, to myself. "Do you really think you're all that?" I ask myself. I know the answer, but I can't change it, so that leaves me with one choice: accept the things you cannot change.
So now, I pray:
So now, I pray:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
That's what I seek now, serenity.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3, 5-6
My mom has always said to me, "He who angers you controls you." Everyday, I realize how much more true this is. I'm tired of letting these people control me, so now I can't allow them to anger me. I have to regain control of myself.
May God Bless,
Sarah Elizabeth
Monday, June 10, 2013
Within These Walls {Our Home's Rulebook}
I love my family. Not the blow-me-away first sentence you were expecting, but it's all truth. My family guides me through life, encourages me to open new doors, and can't lift me up high enough. With this, I could sit here all day and tell you things I wish we could do better, the petty arguments we have, or the constant battle finding the perfect balance of family time. Within us all, there is the need to fulfill "normalcy." Normalcy has simply now become an image. An image that individuals seek to fulfill. The funny thing about it is that this so called "normal" doesn't exist. So many people live out their days searching for something that's extinct, or maybe something that never existed. As much as I may sound like I have it all figured out, I don't. Part of me cares too much about what other people will think of me and my family.
Back to within the walls of our house, which is now truly a home. Our home isn't perfectly clean or new, it's simply lived in. Our meals aren't home-cooked, like other families, but they are equally delicious. Our mornings aren't stress-free and easy going, in fact, they couldn't be more chaotic. But within our home are the ingredients for happiness: faith, hope, and love. We might not make it to mass every Sunday, it's a flaw within our home, but we live each day with our virtues and Catholic values. We hope to please God and each other at the end of each day. And always, no matter what, we love. We love our friends, our neighbors, our enemies, each other, and God.
So now are official un-published "family rules":
Back to within the walls of our house, which is now truly a home. Our home isn't perfectly clean or new, it's simply lived in. Our meals aren't home-cooked, like other families, but they are equally delicious. Our mornings aren't stress-free and easy going, in fact, they couldn't be more chaotic. But within our home are the ingredients for happiness: faith, hope, and love. We might not make it to mass every Sunday, it's a flaw within our home, but we live each day with our virtues and Catholic values. We hope to please God and each other at the end of each day. And always, no matter what, we love. We love our friends, our neighbors, our enemies, each other, and God.
So now are official un-published "family rules":
- Within these walls, we live for God.
- Within these walls, we always do OUR best.
- Within these walls, we give hugs and kisses.
- Within these walls, we pray away our troubles.
- Within these walls, we help each other.
- Within these walls, we apologize for our wrongdoings.
- Within these walls, we share.
- Within these walls, WE LOVE!
I'm sure I'm forgetting many things, but our house wouldn't be a home if we were classified as "normal."
Many things are blooming in my life. I'm happy. I'm ready for all the greatness right before my eyes. More on my upcoming happenings this week.
God Bless!
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The lifelong search for freedom
There's so much security that comes along with childhood. And many children, especially by their teenage years live in a constant battle of fighting away this "security." As we age, we become more certain of our knowledge and wisdom. We believe that we're right, and for that we become righteous. The path to adulthood seems like a search for freedom, one that we will sooner regret. Why wish this time of complete security away?
For the past few months, I've dreamt of freedom, but what I realize now, is that what I actually dreamt was peace. The more I think about it, freedom and peace go hand in hand. As I am entering high school, I see more freedom coming my way. It saddens me because I see the security of my childhood years fading away.
Part of this is reassuring, it proves that life goes on. Even the hardest, most painful things are only temporary.
The seek for freedom, peace, and security exists eternally in all of our lives. We'll encounter times where we find it, but it's temporary. So now, I fully understand the saying "It's the journey," "Enjoy the journey." While seeking freedom, life is in front of us waiting to be lived. So we might envision this freedom and peace as our destination, but truly it is simply the journey in finding it that fulfills with that gift at the end. The Lord serves as our security more and more as we struggle and at the end of our time here on earth, he rewards us with freedom, peace, and security in the promised land forever.
The journey is supposed to be filled with much, so now, we wait. Turning the page to continue writing. Thank you friends, for encouraging me for keeping up this blog. Please comment! :-)
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
***sorry for the background on the text, I couldn't figure out how to undo it! oops!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Love
**Please pardon my choppiness in this article. These were things I needed to say, but I could've ranted on for eternity! Thank you!
We've seen the romance movies, we've read the books: love does crazy things to people. In these instances, we are referring to "romantic" love, something I'm too young to feel for myself. But, I believe that all love can do crazy things to people. The love for our family, our friends, even in bizarre cases, our enemies. Because deep down, I believe it is the human nature to love all. People can let us down, they can frustrate us, but they can't change who we are.
When I think about my life so far, I think of first my family. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for them. But the aspect that has been weighing heavily on my mind lately is the older people in my life, our good family friends is you will. Even those people I don't really know that leave such an impact on my life. For instance, every morning my mom and I go to McDonald's before school and I get a smoothie and what not. And every morning, the woman who takes our order always smiles and spreads joy. She says "Have a GREAT day!" and truly means it. By looking at her, you can tell she has had struggles in her life, but everyday she shows up at work and spreads joy to people like myself, who need it most. She is a person filled with love. She truly lives by Christ by her small morning act, that has forever shaped my life. To not see her every morning brings tears to my eyes. If something terrible were to happen to her, I would go into mourning, and it would hit me really hard, yet I don't even know her name. I love her in a completely different way, a way that is lost without a name and is growing each day in my life. You could name it many things: "Samaritan Love," even as family, but she's not.
I strive to love my neighbor each day. And I truly believe I fulfill this most days. (There are times I fall WAY short!!) But there is something about this woman that I cherish, and I hope someday I will gain: her love for life, her love for others, her love for waking up to see another sunrise, her smile, her gratefulness for all the good in her life. I believe that right now is a difficult time in my life. I'm establishing who I am and who I want to be. I want the characteristics that she lives out each day. I want to love and be grateful for all the good that lie before me. I want to wish farewell to greed and bitterness. My values and morals will be tested all throughout my life, but by loving God, I will learn and hopefully make the right choice.
Before I wrap things up, I want to tell you that the way this post ended was not how I planned it to be about from the beginning, but I am speaking from my heart. Sorry for the poor writing! :-)
"For the Lord is telling you, 'the right time is now, the day of salvation is now!'"
May your days be filled with infinite hope.
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
We've seen the romance movies, we've read the books: love does crazy things to people. In these instances, we are referring to "romantic" love, something I'm too young to feel for myself. But, I believe that all love can do crazy things to people. The love for our family, our friends, even in bizarre cases, our enemies. Because deep down, I believe it is the human nature to love all. People can let us down, they can frustrate us, but they can't change who we are.
When I think about my life so far, I think of first my family. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for them. But the aspect that has been weighing heavily on my mind lately is the older people in my life, our good family friends is you will. Even those people I don't really know that leave such an impact on my life. For instance, every morning my mom and I go to McDonald's before school and I get a smoothie and what not. And every morning, the woman who takes our order always smiles and spreads joy. She says "Have a GREAT day!" and truly means it. By looking at her, you can tell she has had struggles in her life, but everyday she shows up at work and spreads joy to people like myself, who need it most. She is a person filled with love. She truly lives by Christ by her small morning act, that has forever shaped my life. To not see her every morning brings tears to my eyes. If something terrible were to happen to her, I would go into mourning, and it would hit me really hard, yet I don't even know her name. I love her in a completely different way, a way that is lost without a name and is growing each day in my life. You could name it many things: "Samaritan Love," even as family, but she's not.
I strive to love my neighbor each day. And I truly believe I fulfill this most days. (There are times I fall WAY short!!) But there is something about this woman that I cherish, and I hope someday I will gain: her love for life, her love for others, her love for waking up to see another sunrise, her smile, her gratefulness for all the good in her life. I believe that right now is a difficult time in my life. I'm establishing who I am and who I want to be. I want the characteristics that she lives out each day. I want to love and be grateful for all the good that lie before me. I want to wish farewell to greed and bitterness. My values and morals will be tested all throughout my life, but by loving God, I will learn and hopefully make the right choice.
Before I wrap things up, I want to tell you that the way this post ended was not how I planned it to be about from the beginning, but I am speaking from my heart. Sorry for the poor writing! :-)
"For the Lord is telling you, 'the right time is now, the day of salvation is now!'"
May your days be filled with infinite hope.
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
Who knew a poster could leave such an impact?
My seventh-grade teacher always hung this poster in her classroom that read,
"30 years from now, it won't matter what shoes you wore, how your hair looked, or the jeans you bought, but will matter is what you learned an how you used it!"
I think what I love so much about this is how reassuring it is. It teaches us to look BIG picture, instead of micromanaging all the aspects of our life.
I'm leaving you with this. Ponder it. Explore new ideas, and open new windows.
A reference to my last post:
"Life's a Climb, but the view is GREAT!"
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
"30 years from now, it won't matter what shoes you wore, how your hair looked, or the jeans you bought, but will matter is what you learned an how you used it!"
I think what I love so much about this is how reassuring it is. It teaches us to look BIG picture, instead of micromanaging all the aspects of our life.
I'm leaving you with this. Ponder it. Explore new ideas, and open new windows.
A reference to my last post:
"Life's a Climb, but the view is GREAT!"
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Fear
It is past midnight, and my summer school enrichment program (at my future high school) starts "bright eyed and bushy tailed" tomorrow morning. But for some reason, I can't sleep. Am I nervous? Yes, but not excessively. Am I scared? Yes, I am scared of doing something embarrassing or making a bad first impression. And as I am trying so very hard to shake my fears and nerves away, I think of how fear prevents us from making giant leaps and bounds in our lives.
When Civil Rights was BIG, think of all the people who revolutionized the history books. Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. to name a few. These people did things that many weren't able to do because others were too scared.
Think of those who left England to come to America to create a good life for themselves. Was it easy? Breaking away from Britain's reign soon after was also another feat that otherwise wouldn't have been mastered.
Everyday people like you and I prevent daily life from greatness because of our fear to be different, or our fear to fail.
This leads me to my next point, fear of failure. I think that fear overrides all of my other fears combined. I fear not being good enough, not succeeding, or in juvenile terms "screwing up." I want to do amazing things in my life, but in order to do that, I have to delete my fear of failure. So, I believe now (in the month of June), I have finally found my "New Year's Resolution" if you will, I'm going to start living, I am going to allow life to happen, and I am going to accept the things I cannot change. If I fail, I get up and start over again. Isn't that what life is all about? Learning and accepting to learn.
I see my future. There are mistakes, not regrets, because if it weren't for the mistakes I'll make, I would never reach my climax - my full potential. I see many mess-ups and re-dos. I see many "I'm Sorry!" apologizes. But if I search hard, behind all the negatives, I see someone who is happy, who is doing what she loves, and who through all the ups and downs, finally reached her climax.
So now, I guess I have to catch some Z's. So I'm holding on, pray for me as I walk into high school with my head held high. You may have to walk in the valley, but eventually you will reach the top of the mountain. As Miley Cyrus ( a somewhat bizarre reference ) sang, "Life's A Climb!" So I have got all my hiking/ climbing gear (you're right it's pink!), and I'm walking through the valley to start my climb upwards, if I fall, it's just another chance to climb back up again. Life's a climb, but the view is great.
God Bless,
Sarah Elizabeth
When Civil Rights was BIG, think of all the people who revolutionized the history books. Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. to name a few. These people did things that many weren't able to do because others were too scared.
Think of those who left England to come to America to create a good life for themselves. Was it easy? Breaking away from Britain's reign soon after was also another feat that otherwise wouldn't have been mastered.
Everyday people like you and I prevent daily life from greatness because of our fear to be different, or our fear to fail.
This leads me to my next point, fear of failure. I think that fear overrides all of my other fears combined. I fear not being good enough, not succeeding, or in juvenile terms "screwing up." I want to do amazing things in my life, but in order to do that, I have to delete my fear of failure. So, I believe now (in the month of June), I have finally found my "New Year's Resolution" if you will, I'm going to start living, I am going to allow life to happen, and I am going to accept the things I cannot change. If I fail, I get up and start over again. Isn't that what life is all about? Learning and accepting to learn.
I see my future. There are mistakes, not regrets, because if it weren't for the mistakes I'll make, I would never reach my climax - my full potential. I see many mess-ups and re-dos. I see many "I'm Sorry!" apologizes. But if I search hard, behind all the negatives, I see someone who is happy, who is doing what she loves, and who through all the ups and downs, finally reached her climax.
So now, I guess I have to catch some Z's. So I'm holding on, pray for me as I walk into high school with my head held high. You may have to walk in the valley, but eventually you will reach the top of the mountain. As Miley Cyrus ( a somewhat bizarre reference ) sang, "Life's A Climb!" So I have got all my hiking/ climbing gear (you're right it's pink!), and I'm walking through the valley to start my climb upwards, if I fall, it's just another chance to climb back up again. Life's a climb, but the view is great.
God Bless,
Sarah Elizabeth
Hear Jesus Calling
Can you hear Jesus calling?
"I am with you, watching over you constantly. I am Immanuel; My presence enfolds you in radiant Love. Nothing can separate you from Me."
God is always there? In the battle for what we need.
He expects us to make mistakes. He expects us to fall short. He forgives.
He doesn't "shun" us when we do wrong.
He doesn't deny us as his children.
God's love is infinite. He always loves us!
God Bless today. Go serve our father. Spread the Word of Christ. And Smile. Smile Big and Wide!
"I am with you, watching over you constantly. I am Immanuel; My presence enfolds you in radiant Love. Nothing can separate you from Me."
God is always there? In the battle for what we need.
He expects us to make mistakes. He expects us to fall short. He forgives.
He doesn't "shun" us when we do wrong.
He doesn't deny us as his children.
God's love is infinite. He always loves us!
God Bless today. Go serve our father. Spread the Word of Christ. And Smile. Smile Big and Wide!
Monday, June 3, 2013
A lot's been on my mind lately as I reflect upon life...
I look at a ton of drafted posts, which serves as a metaphor to my life. It seems there's a collection of moments, projects, what-have-you that aren't complete, but are in the works. My mind is cluttered and so is my desk. Clutter does strange things to people, but for the "neat freak" perfectionist I am, it gives me major stress. But for some reason, unbeknown to me, I don't clean it up. I leave the clutter - the empty bottles, pencils out of the jar, old school assignments, etc - just sitting there adding to my anxiety until I finally reach my breaking point of focus and clean it up.
I just wish I could freeze time to get a mop out and clean up the imperfections of my life. < That wasn't intended to sound cheesy, but real. I wish every day could start having 8 hours of heavy sleep behind me. I wish healthier meals were more realistic and easier to encounter. I wish being fit and active wasn't work. (In fact, why does "working out" have to involve work? Why can't it be easy to be thin and muscular?) I wish the words I spoke went through a computerized filter telling me if the bite in the behind later. I've always viewed myself as a good person, but in this society we often doubt ourselves. We doubt our own strength and confidence. I need reassurance in my life more often than not. Isn't it funny how life can get in the way of life?
I've also decided I'm going to adopt a new outlook to life if you will. "Let it go, for it's only life!" I'm a living testament to how worrying and stressing out can lead to entire misery. Forget what other people think, for you can't control them. If people want to talk about you, they are going to talk about you. You have to accept the things you cannot change. < I truly believe that this is my hardest challenge in life. I worry to much about negative connotation toward my name. All that truly matters is the fact that YOU know the good in you.
My childhood has consisted of much negativity in my school environment. These are things I have overcome, but they will forever remain an aspect of my childhood. What my school has given me in return is a priceless artistry of overcoming conflict. My school has given me the knowledge to not let anyone stand in my way up on the ladder of success.
Family has gotten me through everything. My family has taught me to love and cherish the everyday. My family has taught me to love God.
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
I look at a ton of drafted posts, which serves as a metaphor to my life. It seems there's a collection of moments, projects, what-have-you that aren't complete, but are in the works. My mind is cluttered and so is my desk. Clutter does strange things to people, but for the "neat freak" perfectionist I am, it gives me major stress. But for some reason, unbeknown to me, I don't clean it up. I leave the clutter - the empty bottles, pencils out of the jar, old school assignments, etc - just sitting there adding to my anxiety until I finally reach my breaking point of focus and clean it up.
I just wish I could freeze time to get a mop out and clean up the imperfections of my life. < That wasn't intended to sound cheesy, but real. I wish every day could start having 8 hours of heavy sleep behind me. I wish healthier meals were more realistic and easier to encounter. I wish being fit and active wasn't work. (In fact, why does "working out" have to involve work? Why can't it be easy to be thin and muscular?) I wish the words I spoke went through a computerized filter telling me if the bite in the behind later. I've always viewed myself as a good person, but in this society we often doubt ourselves. We doubt our own strength and confidence. I need reassurance in my life more often than not. Isn't it funny how life can get in the way of life?
I've also decided I'm going to adopt a new outlook to life if you will. "Let it go, for it's only life!" I'm a living testament to how worrying and stressing out can lead to entire misery. Forget what other people think, for you can't control them. If people want to talk about you, they are going to talk about you. You have to accept the things you cannot change. < I truly believe that this is my hardest challenge in life. I worry to much about negative connotation toward my name. All that truly matters is the fact that YOU know the good in you.
My childhood has consisted of much negativity in my school environment. These are things I have overcome, but they will forever remain an aspect of my childhood. What my school has given me in return is a priceless artistry of overcoming conflict. My school has given me the knowledge to not let anyone stand in my way up on the ladder of success.
Family has gotten me through everything. My family has taught me to love and cherish the everyday. My family has taught me to love God.
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
Change is in the air
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| We may not be sure where change is going to take us, but change is inevitable, so be positive and enjoy the journey! |
If you think about it, every good thing blossoms from change. Yes, bad things can come from change, but seek the good. In fact, I feel this is the perfect time to give an example to how a once negative change can easily become a positive. I was reading an inspirational article about an older woman who been diagnosed with cancer. She never married or had children. She never accomplished anything major. She simply lived in the shadows of others. If others looked upon her life, they might view her as a bit depressed. When she was diagnosed, she knew her life had to change, so she changed. She began to change her life. She ate healthier, dressed in bright colors, and started caring about herself. She beat cancer, she stayed strong, and she became happy.
"God knows what we need, and he has called us upon him to listen."
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| Sorry for the bad-quality picture, I just loved the message. |
Perception is everything in life. It's how we perceive situations, how we react to change, and how we live our life. In order to have a breakthrough, you have to change your perception. This is so much easier said than done!! So now, I give you this week's inspiration:
Love Yourself
Have Faith
Allow Yourself to be Happy
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| Life's changes are infinite. They will always exist. |
When I began blogging today, I left my room a mess. My mom told me to sort through all my clothes for a closet clean-out. I'm stressed because of the mess, because of the change, because of the lack of control. I have to send thank-you notes to some children in my school who were so super-sweet in giving me gifts and cards for graduation. The notes are done, but the directory with all the addresses is yet to be found, so I can't send them out. Another stress factor. It's the first week of summer break and I already feel behind. I also have to do a MAJOR clean-out of our home office/ homework space, which could honestly take 1,000 years to finish. Oh, and wait until you hear this. I'm doing a Summer School Enrichment Course at my future high school. It is basically where you can take a class, and then gain an elective or study hall over the school year. So I am taking an 18-day course from 8 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. each day. Please pray for me, so that I have a positive attitude and stay organized. Thank you!!
So now, I leave you. I am holding on for dear life! Ha! I'm embracing life, enjoying the journey... Who wants to join me on the pursuit of happiness?!?!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
No matter where you are in your life...
Have you ever wondered why you were put into certain situations? Why you were the victim? Why you just so happened to say the wrong thing? This beautiful inspirational quote above leads me to another one of my favorite quotes. This quote serves as a reassuring thought that God is there, and you are loved.
"EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT IN THE END; IF IT IS NOT ALRIGHT IT IS NOT THE END!"
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
To be healthy
Let's be honest for a second... we could ALL be healthier!!
I feel like I have spent so much of my life as being "Fat," which I am not. Do I weigh more than I should or want to? YES!!!! But when I look at my lifestyle, there are some simple, easy things I - as well as you all- could do to be healthy and happy!!
I'm not athletic! Nothing about being hot and sweaty is appealing to me. I also realize that for me when it turns to fitness, I NEED STRUCTURE. Meaning, I need to go somewhere where someone is making me exercise, I can't just work-out at home. Now that I've discovered this, it makes it somewhat easier to be active. I think the reason that I've turned away from team sports is my perfectionism. I want to be perfect and I don't want to "screw it all up." So non-competive, individualized exercise programs work best for me. Now it's time for you to find out what works best for you!!!
Now here are some facts to become the happier, healthier YOU:
I feel like I have spent so much of my life as being "Fat," which I am not. Do I weigh more than I should or want to? YES!!!! But when I look at my lifestyle, there are some simple, easy things I - as well as you all- could do to be healthy and happy!!
I'm not athletic! Nothing about being hot and sweaty is appealing to me. I also realize that for me when it turns to fitness, I NEED STRUCTURE. Meaning, I need to go somewhere where someone is making me exercise, I can't just work-out at home. Now that I've discovered this, it makes it somewhat easier to be active. I think the reason that I've turned away from team sports is my perfectionism. I want to be perfect and I don't want to "screw it all up." So non-competive, individualized exercise programs work best for me. Now it's time for you to find out what works best for you!!!
Now here are some facts to become the happier, healthier YOU:
- WATER!!! Water is the best thing for you to drink, and your body needs a ton of it. You should be drinking HALF of your body weight in ounces per day. For example: Is you weigh 150 pounds, you need to be drinking a MINIMUM of 75 ounces of water per day. Below are some great ways to incorporate more water into your daily diet.
{Source} - Limit yourself to one glass of "real" juice per day. I absolutely LOVE orange juice. I could honestly drink 1,000,000,000 + gallons per day, but I can't. Orange juice is really good for you and offers needed nutrients, but only one glass per day due to the high level of sugar. Same with other juices containing vitamins and minerals.
There are so many ways to be healthy! What works for you? I will make these posts a series every month! Thanks for reading!
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
Sunday, April 7, 2013
A Chair Review
****I am NOT endorsed by or in any way affiliated with this product and/ or its creators.
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| Serta Office Chair {source} |
I have been in physical therapy for my knees, which all related back to bad posture. While on a run to OfficeMax, I discovered this char, which normally goes for $299 and was on sale for $199. We purchased each myself and my brother one and by golly have they been worth it. So comfortable, helps you sit up strait [NO SLOUCHING!!], and has an attachment to adjust the lumbar support. If I were to give this chair a rating (out of 5 stars) it would be.... {cue the drumroll.. haha}
I absolutely LOVE this chair and I have a feeling you will too. :-)
I hope that you and your families had a great Easter season!! These next two months for me are going to be extremely hectic, but I will try to post as frequently as my schedule allows!!
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
Friday, March 22, 2013
Riverbanks
Today, I hope to inspire you with some inspiration.
I don't want to complain or sound ungrateful or pathetic, but I have been going through a valley in my life. Those pivotal times when you want to propel downward as far as you can, curl up in a ball and hide.
I am going to leave a trail and create a new path!! I am going to release my fear of failure into the ocean!! I am going to smile and laugh and cry!!
Thank you for listening!!!!!!! There's no need to tell you what's going on because it will get better!!
I hope you feel the presence of the Lord this weekend!!
*******My family is going back down to Naples, FL for Easter/ Spring Break! What are your plans??
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
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| {Pinterest} |
I love this one because even though school, homework, tests, and exams are important, there's more to life. What happened to life experiences? Those are supposed to be the things that shape us into successful individuals.
I need to enjoy the present and appreciate my blessings!
It is hard not to worry!! I'm a worrier!!
I am going to be the best version of me!!!
What I have realized through these moments of constant prayer, teeth grinding, and knuckle popping moments is that first of all, I worry WAY too much. It's not worth it. Worrying isn't changing anything. I've also realized that I only have one life and I am wasting my beautiful one yearning for something better. I feel selfish thinking this way, but I feel so lonely at times. I am now on a mission to relax, lay back, and enjoy my journey. No matter where I'm going, it is not going to be worth the tears and stress if the journey wasn't enjoyable.
I need to sit back and listen to Lord and accept his guidance!
I am going to leave a trail and create a new path!! I am going to release my fear of failure into the ocean!! I am going to smile and laugh and cry!!
Thank you for listening!!!!!!! There's no need to tell you what's going on because it will get better!!
I hope you feel the presence of the Lord this weekend!!
*******My family is going back down to Naples, FL for Easter/ Spring Break! What are your plans??
XOXO,
Sarah Elizabeth
Friday, March 15, 2013
Friendly Ramblings
Hello! Sorry I haven't blogged in months. Unfortunately, my winter funk has continued throughout these past months. Much has happened, much has stayed the same. Today was gorgeous. The sun shone in the sky. Birds chirped. Trees are beginning to grow leaves. Life is beautiful again. So today I felt I owed it to the world to post. There are many ramblings in my brain today, so I apologize in advance.
Welcome Pope Francis! I am so excited to welcome a new leader to our faith. What a renewed light shining upon us. I have been fortunate enough to attend Catholic school and learning about the conclave and walking through this pope election process has been the highlight of my year. News stations also came to our school and I was interviewed!!! Such an enlightening experience!
My knees. Weak knees. They've forced me to quit volleyball and sit out PE for 6 weeks. I am physical therapy. I would go more in depth, but I'm tired of focusing on the negative.
There are many words I need to say which remain unspoken. I'm ready to share them, but not quite yet.
Stay Safe. Remain Strong. Pray Peacefully. Help Others. You are worthy of the promises of Christ.
With sincere gratefulness,
Sarah Elizabeth
Monday, January 21, 2013
A New Start
I went on-line family blogs today. Each talked about a struggle faced, and how the Lord granted them the ability to overcome these obstacles. I have my own obstacles, my own struggles, my own challenges. I pray to God and ask him to guide me. I ask him for the strength to overcome and I ask for him to allow me to see all my blessings. I'm in a funk this year. It's January. The trees are dead. The weather is cold and rainy. And everything is dull.
I will be back soon to share more ponderings.
I will be back soon to share more ponderings.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Times A Blogging
Sorry so much for my absentee blogging! Vacation was vacation. I needed to relax, so I stopped blogging. We've been back home for 6 days now and ever since we've been home it's been GO! GO! GO! We honestly haven't stopped. School was a rude awakening Monday Morning!!!
I'm in the process of redoing my room! So exciting! I've found bedding that I love at Pottery Barn (will post about later). More details on this to come!
I've been working on my resolutions/ not resolutions post for a while and also my Christmas traditions, but I don't know if those will ever be "good" enough for my standards. Please keep visiting my blog (and FOLLOW ME!!). You have no idea how much it would mean to me!!
I'm in the process of redoing my room! So exciting! I've found bedding that I love at Pottery Barn (will post about later). More details on this to come!
I've been working on my resolutions/ not resolutions post for a while and also my Christmas traditions, but I don't know if those will ever be "good" enough for my standards. Please keep visiting my blog (and FOLLOW ME!!). You have no idea how much it would mean to me!!
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