The Best Miracles

I know it is Halloween and I should be dedicating my post today towards the holiday, but I am not, instead I am going to be dedicating my post else where.

On Wednesday, a miracle occurred, my beautiful sister gave birth to a beautiful healthy little girl. That is right, I am now officially an aunt! Miss Emmaline was born October 29th at 8:06 p.m. at a healthy 8 pounds 9 ounces and she was 20 inches long. And she is perfect in every way.

When my beautiful niece was placed into my arms, I wanted to cry. She was absolutely perfect, I didn't know anything could be that perfect. Her tiny fingers curled around her daddy's fingers throughout the night as we all saw this angel, her mouth yawned and she slept perfectly still.

This little princess is a miracle. It took my sister and her husband some time to get her here and it was a difficult road, but they will both tell you that after first looking at her, it was absolutely worth it.

I am thrilled to be an aunt, I am thrilled for my sister and her husband and the journey they have just began. I am thrilled to watch this little girl grow up. I am thrilled to love her and I am thrilled that one day I will give her a cousin who will be just as perfect and be my own miracle.

Welcome to the world Miss Emm, We love you!

Independently dependent

There comes a certain time in everyone's life were they must grow up and live away from home. As scary as this is, it opens many opportunities to grow independent and learn to take care or yourself. However, things don't always go according to plan and your independence is short lived. Before you know it you are moving back home. 

This can be an awkward stage- after living on your own, you are a custom to a certain amount of independence, you have your own schedule,you are use to making your own decisions and planning your schedule to whatever is most convenient to you.  

After living on my own for a year, I developed a strong sense of independence. However, things did not work out as planned and I had to move back home for the time being. With this transition I became independently dependent. 

Now why would I say this? I am still an adult, I still make my own decisions, and that is true, but my independence has nearly vanished. Anyone who has had to move back home can agree that your independence starts to dwindle. 

I am still an adult and I am still expected to act like an adult, but now there are rules and restrictions. I cannot eat when ever I want or whatever I want because it is not technically my food, I am allowed to go out, unless I am needed at home so one of the younger kids can have someone here when they get home, I can do what I choose as long is follows what my parents deem to be important, etc. 

It is even the little things. When I lived on my own, if I did not want to go out and socialize, I didn't have to. Now it is not an option, I will make friends and I will enjoy it because that is the rule, however I do get to choose my own friends (-ish). ;)

Don't get me wrong, I am eternally grateful my parents allowed me to come home during this time, I simply cannot express my gratitude, but being parented by my younger brothers and sisters is not my ideal idea of independence. 

So Right now I am independently dependent. And it is okay. At times it is nice not having to pay rents or buy groceries, but it is a challenge. My respect goes out to all those who have survived these awkward phase as well as my sympathy. But my gratitude goes out to my parents who let their poor 19 year old daughter come home and be independently dependent. 

Time to Get Motivated!!

Motivation! Such a complicated verb. The days we have motivation, at least to me, are the most satisfying. However, there are days were I have absolutely no motivation. No matter how much I try, I just can not get motivated. What do I do on the days were I lack motivation? I just start. No, it is not easy, and yes I have to take myself into it, but what else is there to do?

This is what I thought at least. However, that is not the case. I have recently learned a few tools to help motivate you when you need it. These tools have really helped me and I have decided to share this information with others and hopefully it will benefit you in the same way!!

Tools of Motivation!!!

Tool #1: Plan Ahead 

               It helps to plan ahead. Every night before I went to sleep I would make a quick list of tasks that I needed to accomplish as well as any goals I have for the following day. I keep a planner and write down important goals and tasks that need to get accomplished. It may seem silly but scheduling time to accomplish your tasks, help to motivate you to complete them. I like to highlight my tasks when they are completed.   

Tool #2: Sleep

             Sleep can greatly affect your motivation. Although you may be getting the right amount of hours, if you are doing it at the wrong time, your motivation can be killed. On my semester of track, I got into the horrible habit of staying up till nearly 4 or 5 in the morning and sleeping till 1 in the afternoon. I was getting PLENTY of sleep, however I always felt tired and I had absolutely no motivation. Since I have gotten into a better sleeping pattern (go to bed around 11-midnight and walk up at 8:30) I find that my motivation has greatly improved. 

Tool #3: Be Positive 

              When you wake up in the morning, wake up happy. I know that this is not exactly easy, in fact it is quite hard. But with time it can become easier. When you wake up in a soar mood, take ten minutes to mentally list all the reasons you are glad it is a new day. List things that make you proud to be you, list things that are beautiful about that particular day; you will be surprised how your attitude affects your motivation. 

Tool #4: Reward Yourself 

              We often hear about this term rewarding yourself and 90%  of the time individuals reward themselves with food. This is not necessarily a bad idea, but for those of us who are watching our figures or trying to lose weight, it can be pointless. I am an avid reader so I like to reward myself with pages. For example, if I do a load of laundry I can read five pages then or later. Perhaps you like t.v you can do the same thing, for every task you complete you can watch 5 minutes of television or take 5 minutes or relaxation this will motivate you to accomplish your tasks. 

Tool #5: Try Again 

             As humans we are prone to make mistakes. It may take time for you to get in the habit of getting the right amount of sleep, being positive and rewarding yourself, but you can do it. You may fail at first, you may even fail a couple of times, but you can do it, YOU CAN DO IT!! When you fail, try again, strive to have motivation tomorrow. 

I really hope this helps everyone as much as it has helped me!