The Thankful List

No matter how small or unimportant you think your starting place is, it isn’t. It’s an opportunity, a foot in the door to get where you want to go.

When things aren’t going your way and you feel like you aren’t equipped enough to get where you want to be, just remember how far you’ve come. Think about how daunting what you wanted to accomplish was when you were first starting out and then about how much progress you have made. You are strong and have it inside you to accomplish your goals and reach for more than you think you can.

In my first week as a post grad I am finding it extremely difficult to do the one thing I have been craving for four years: relax. I just can’t seem to settle down and clear my mind, just do nothing. Maybe it’s the fact that I am used to a high stressed, fast paced lifestyle (2-3 tests a week plus other projects) and that has all come to a screeching halt. I find myself looking to get busy and have no free time but at this current moment until my job starts there is quite literally nothing to do but take time off and relax. 

It is unnatural but I am finding it is necessary. I have time to think and do things I want to do. I think this will be a beneficial time to discover hobbies and have experiences that will help me define myself post college. Also, it’s nice to sleep in, go for runs outside, and spend hours over my grandmother’s. It’s good to unwind and take a step back, have a breather. I feel re-energized, recharged, and motivated to hit the ground running once my life does pick up again. In a way doing nothing has motivated my want and need to do everything and dive right in again.

So from someone who is not used to relaxation I say, relax! It’s good for you!

Keeping track of everything that goes right keeps our focus on our ultimate goal. Chin up and keep on! 

Having a rough day? Maybe you over slept or had a quiz in a class you weren’t expecting. These hiccups can really put a damper on our day, if we let them. We don’t have to let it though. We don’t have to start our day at a 2 and then by the time we go to bed register at a -50 (we’ve all done it, these are days when we think nothing will go right). If we choose to not be held down by the negative annoyances in our lives and find the good things we can turn our whole day around. Take a break for 2 minutes (It won’t even take that long) and think of 5 things that went right or are going well. Repeat them and add to the list! 

Also, smile! Studies show that just the physical act of turning your lips into a smile can make you feel better! 

Take on the world today, because you can!