Something To Be Grateful For: Day 1

I've decided that for the next few months I will list 5 things we should all be grateful for. Today I'm recognizing the friendships we each have in our lives. Friendships have so much impact on our lives, whether it be lessons, blessings, pains, or joys. Most of us have had at least all of these types of friends, but nevertheless, these people have shaped our lives through our experiences with these types of people. 

Lessons are never easy. These types of friends are our fun friends at first, but soon or later they become the people we would not like to be. There are also the friends that are lessons that constantly teach you something valuable to living a lovely life. These people you should hold close to your heart for they will always be teaching you something new.

When I think of the word blessing,  I think of some little old grandma who pinches cheeks and says "oh my little blessing!" with so much enthusiasm it's almost nauseating. Or that priest in my town (no but really). Blessings are the types of friends that you don't know what your life would be like without them. They have changed you to the point that you are eternally indebted to them. These are your treasured friends, and no matter how far you are from them or how little you see them, your friends forever. Your life rocks with these friends. Keep rockin on, dudes. 

Pains are exactly what they imply. These people inflict pain on you. The friends you once thought you had have hurt you. I would stay away from these friends as much as possible. Live your life pain-free, get an Advil for your life. However, in another more-positive instance, you might be taking up the pain for your friend. An example of this is a friend who helps out another friend with an issue that is bothering them. Seeing their friend in pain causes them pain. These friends are your life-saving pains, and you never want to lose these.

Joys are the friends you always joke around with. You may not have a deep, invested relationship, but you always know how to have a good time. These friends take weight of your shoulders and can always make you smile. They may not know everything about you, but they don't necessarily need to. You're fun and they're fun-that's all that matters. You deserve to have carefree time with these friends.

I hope you take a moment and be thankful for your friends of all kinds. 

xoxo

K

p.s. Shout out to Victoria from xoVS.blogspot.com-sweet, fashion-savvy girl with a fantastic blog. What more could you want?

*I apologize if you are offended that you are a tiny photo but I didn't have many frames. You are all equally loved*

No Expectations

It's hard to lead a life without knowing things for certain. Whether it's a job you've always wanted or the people you thought would do anything for you, there will always be disappointment in life. What you may do for someone or something may not be thanked for. What you say to or about someone may never be appreciated. The good thing about all of this though is that it is okay. Sure, it's not great to feel like a doormat to people or not good enough for that one thing you've been working for. It's okay because you can always find other people that won't simply use you for support and not give it in return. It's okay because this world has plenty of opportunities for you to explore. The best way to get around all of this is my new personal motto: no expectations. Don't expect others to do the things you would do for them, and don't expect them to always feel the same about you. This is hard to realize and understand, but once you do this, you will put greater priorities above what you think others think of you. You get rid of the idolatry of other people's perceptions of you, and you feel free. This will also help with finding opportunities for yourself. Since other people's opinions are not running your life, you can focus on what you want and what you have to say for yourself.

xoxo

K

p.s. Mother Theresa's Anyway prayer is a great resource:]

Check It Off

"To be a great leader, it takes courage, but it takes love more than anything. If you love, you will find the courage you need. Always be a loving leader, not one that should be feared."

I've been told this very statement by a very dear person in my life a few weeks ago. This weekend I shared on the journey of Quest, a young high school retreat that is put on by the senior campus ministers. I would be lying to you if I said that I was not moved by any of the changing of hearts. To see someone's life turn to the Man that died for us is simply the most glorious feeling. I myself had a revelation or two about my grandfather. I cannot think of any other word to describe how I feel but blessed. Life is a beautiful thing, don't waste it please. 

xoxo

K