Thoughtful Thursday | Be My Valentine

With Valentine’s Day coming up in nearly 12 hours, I figured it was a suitable topic for this week’s Thoughtful Thursday. Indeed, love is in the air – or at least something is in the air. It is a season of heart shaped boxes of chocolate, enormous bouquets of roses, and stuffed animals galore. Our thoughts become scrambled and suddenly we are either considering which of these items to purchase from the local grocery store, or deciding what kind of ice cream to eat as we watch The Notebook alone tomorrow night.

www.mixaroma.com

This holiday, which collects over $14 billion each year in America, has become narrow and meaningless. The material gifts you receive do not determine how much your valentine truly loves you. The amount of ice cream you eat tomorrow will not determine how long you will be single. And this day certainly is not just about the love among couples. (All the single ladies, you hear that?!).

Don’t get me wrong, if you want to shout your love from the rooftops, please do! It is extremely important to express your affection for the one you love, not just on Valentine’s Day, but throughout the year. But I believe it is also important to appreciate those that you love, though not romantically.

If you are single this year, don’t hate on all the couples out there. Will that help you get a boyfriend/girlfriend any sooner? Perhaps this year, you should use that energy to express your love and gratitude to those that have stood by you through the romance-less year. Take your best friend out for ice cream, treat your parents to dinner, or buy your dog that delicious bone he loves so much.

How does that sound?

Thoughtful Thursday | Money

And by "shoes", I mean
scuba diving lessons!

Welcome back to Thoughtful Thursday here on All Roads Lead To Nowhere! Let's talk about money, shall we? For our entire lives, this is the reason we slave away for eight hours a day. But it doesn't start here, it starts way back when we were kids. Time and time again, it was drilled into our heads that we need to get a good education, so that we can get a good job, so that we could make good money, so that we can live a good life. But as we all know, that money goes to pay off college debts, credit card bills, rent, gas, and much more. It isn't until we are old and retired that we have the time and money to do anything. But are you really going to live out your dreams - travel the world, skydive, swim with dolphins - when you're 80 years old? Stay with me, there is a point to all of this.

This post is absolutely contrary to the mantra that has been instilled in my mind since birth - save every penny, save every penny! But you know what I think? You can spend a bit here and there if it makes you happy! No, this doesn't mean go spend all your money on clothes, alcohol, and video games. Spend it on something that will broaden your horizons - see the world, try new things! I had to remember that when I went skydiving, or when I moved across the country to Walt Disney World. It was worth it because of the experience I was gaining! So go out there, spend a little cash (please, don't get yourself into debt) and do something you've never done before!

Follow this blog with Bloglovin'!

Thoughtful Thursday | Comparison

Through most of my teenage years, I found myself constantly wishing.

I wish I was pretty like her. I wish I had a nice car like him. I wish I could drop a few pounds to look more like her. I wish I was rich like that celebrity. I wish my hair could look like that model's in the magazine. I wish, I wish, I wish...

I was never happy because I was too often wishing to be someone that I'm not. It wasn't until fairly recently that I realized just how grateful I should be, because I am me. If we spend our lives comparing ourselves to others, there will be no time to appreciate what we do have, and we will never be happy. So stop comparing! I know, it's hard - I still have trouble with it. Try this:

Right now, name five things in your life that you are grateful for. C'mon, just do it!

Good. Now list five qualities that you like about yourself. I know, this one can be hard at first, but it get's easier as you learn to love who you are!

Whenever you find yourself wishing, just think about five things. It will help, I guarantee it!

Thoughtful Thursday | Never Give Up

Today's Thoughtful Thursday is brought to you by Earl Nightingale, who said "Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it."

If you recall in my previous post, A Work In Progress, I am currently working on a project that entails recording a cover song and filming a video with the musically gifted Jordan and Mollie. As we were working a couple days ago, Jordan mentioned that he didn't realize this would all take so long. It was exactly a month ago that I announced this project, and sometimes it doesn't feel as though we've gotten much done. However, considering we've completed the arrangement, instrumentation, and even began recording this week, I'd say we're well on our way! We could have easily given up long ago, as we usually do with projects like this, especially when it requires so much time and effort. But we've stuck through it, and even though we're barely halfway there, I'm determined to see this through!

In a world so accustomed to instant gratification, we are too quick to give up on dreams that require a bit of time and effort. Once you accept the fact that anything worthwhile will take a little elbow grease and more than a five minute commercial break, there is nothing stopping you from achieving greatness!

Follow this blog with Bloglovin'!

#19 - Go Boating, Jet Skiing, and Inner Tubing

Shannon and I on the paddle boat

Here we go, another one crossed off the summer bucket list! This past weekend I went to Eastern Washington with a great group of friends. One of those friends has a house there that his family stays in each summer, and it is amazing! One day, we all headed out on the boat with his family to a small, secluded beach. We spent the majority of our time climbing up this huge sand and clay hill. It was at least at a 45 degree angle, about 150 yards high, and the sand was burning hot on our bare feet - quite the workout if I do say so myself! After that, jumping into the cool water felt like paradise. On our way back to the house, we brought out the inner tube and took turns being dragged behind the boat. It had been about three years since I had been on a boat or inner tubing, so I was already having a complete blast! And just like that, two of the three requirements for this bucket list item were completed.

The next day, we headed out to the same beach, but this time, we took the jet ski with us! If I had to guess, I'd say the last time I was on one of these things was about seven or eight years ago. After having a boys versus girls sandcastle building contest - yes, that is the type of thing we like to do for fun, and yes, the girls won (see both castles pictured below) - I took the jet ski out for a spin! This was the first time I had ever rode one by myself, and it was the most exhilarating feeling! At one point, I was going nearly 70 mph - pure euphoria.

Boys Castle

Girls Castle

A trip out on the paddle boat, star gazing, a dozen games of Super Smash Bros., and some quality time with friends was all it took to top off the weekend. I am so grateful to have been part of this impromptu adventure, it has definitely been the highlight of my summer!

Erik giving me a run through of how to drive the jet ski

And a few words, since it is Thoughtful Thursday: Do not be afraid to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to you. Much of the time, it may not happen when or how you expect it, but they will happen. If you won't take my advice, at least hear what Mark Twain has to say about it:

Follow this blog on Bloglovin'!

Thoughtful Thursday

Welcome, avid readers, to the first ever Thoughtful Thursday! I'm in a very uplifting mood, which can probably be attributed to the Disney Channel movie marathon I just finished watching. Nevertheless, I've decided that I'll take this weekly opportunity to share my thoughts, be it motivational, thought-provoking, or just downright outrageous. Enjoy!

I absolutely love this quote from Tina Fey. "Say Yes, and you'll figure it out afterwards." My first couple years of high school, I never went out of my comfort zone, only sticking with what was familiar. My attitude was completely negative and pessimistic, and I noticed that people didn't enjoy hanging out with someone with that type of outlook. After being confronted by some very close and honest friends, to whom I will be forever grateful, I realized that I was long overdue for a change.

"Yes" became a common word in my vocabulary. I was doing things that I would have never even considered a year prior. Student body officer, dance team, starting clubs (Harry Potter club was a real hit!), you name it! I became more personable and positive, and was excited for what the future would bring! People actually confronted me to comment on the dramatic change I had made.

Now, my friends see me as impulsive, but I like see myself as an adventure-seeker. I want to explore the world and what it has to offer, so I won't hesitate to say yes when an opportunity presents itself. Even if I have no idea how I'll do it, I know that I'll figure it out eventually.

So go ahead, say "yes"! You never know what kind of adventure it will entail, or where you will end up. Either way, you won't regret it!

Follow this blog with Bloglovin'!