Rejoice in the Lord, Always // Part 2

I hope everyone is having a great day so far! But to make your day even better, I'm sharing a few more of my favorite Christian songs. Music is truly moving, so I hope these song can encourage you and uplift you!

For more music, see my first post (Part 1) by clicking HERE. 

Hillsong United - Oceans

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"

^^ I love this song a lot! Although, it's super long, it's very touching. 

Hillary Scott & The Scott Family - Still

"You're parting waters
Making a rain for me
You're moving mountains that I don't even see
You've answered my prayer before I even speak
All You need for me to be is still"

^^ Ahh, this song! (I love her voice!)

Hillary Scott & The Scott Family - Beautiful Messes

"Lay it down at the foot of the cross
Give it to the One who can carry it all
Even at our worst, to Him, we ain't lost causes
Just beautiful messes"

^^I just heard this one recently, and it's so good!

Hillary Scott & The Scott Family - Thy Will 

"I know you're good
But this don't feel good right now
And I know you think
Of things I could never think about
It's hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense
Of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you're God
And I am not"

^^ I need the reminder in this song so many times!

For King and Country - Priceless 

"It might be hard to hear
But let me tell you, dear
If you could see what I can see, I know you would believe
That isn't who you are
There's more to who you are"

^^ This ones a little more upbeat, but also so good!

Casting Crowns - If We are the Body

"But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way, there is a way"

^^ This ones a real wake-up call for us!

What are some Christian songs that you enjoy listening too? Have you heard of any that I mentioned? Comment Below! 

Tag(s) // 40 Questions!

Today. Is going. To be a loooonnnggg post. I was tagged twice for two different tags, but decided to post them both today! Each is a 20 question tag, so overall, I will be answering 40 questions! Whew!

Lets get started then, shall we?!

20 Questions Book Tag 

Thank you, Kaitlyn, for tagging me!

1. How many books are too many in a series?

I personally love series! Although, I think 3-8 books is a good amount for a series. If there are too many, I my loose interest.

2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?

If they are within the chapters (like at the end of a chapter) I really like them! It makes it exciting and fun, but if they are at the end of a book, I don't care for them. Even if a book is in a series, I think its good for it to be able to stand alone if need be. So cliffhangers at the end of a book make it hard for them to stand alone. I find I love writing cliffhangers, though!

3. Hardcover or paperback?

For the most part, I like paperbacks better!

4. What's your favorite book?

If I handed you a list of my favorite books, it may compete in length with our receipts from Costco (we only go once in a while and usually have a pretty full cart, just to give you a idea!) In other words, I have many favorites!

5. Least favorite book?

Wild at Heart series by Mary Connealy wasn't my favorite. I wanted to like it, but the romance ruined it for me... especially in the first and last books. Thats the first books that come to mind. I'm trying to think of more... hmm, I also didn't care for Kiera by Kate Willis.

6. Fiction or nonfiction?

I love fiction, although I really like writing both fiction and non-fiction. I'm trying to get better at reading more non-fiction books. 

7. The most recent book you couldn't finish?

I haven't not finished a book in a while. But I have started multiple books at the same time, and I don't usually get to them all. But eventually I will finish them!

8. A book you're currently reading?

Currently reading: Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin + rereading The Fire in Ember to my sister + Hymns in the Hills by Rebekah A Morris + a couple non-fiction books!

9. Last book you recommended to someone?

Freedom by Faith Potts! After I finished reading it myself, I basically ran around like crazy recommending it to my mom, sister, cousin, and anyone in sight! *winks*

10. Oldest book you've read? (publication date)

Uh, idk... the Bible?

11. Newest book you've read? (publication date)

Again, Freedom by Faith Potts! <3 

12. Favorite author?

I have such a hard time deciding!!! Don't make me choose just. one. author. *gasps*

13. Buying books or borrowing?

I like owning the books so I don't feel pressure to give them back soon... or accidentally loosing them. But I don't need brand new books, thrift store books or sales or free hand-me-down books work just fine for me! ;)

14. A book you dislike that everyone else seems to love?

Kiera by Kate Willis. I wanted to like it, but I'm just not a dystopian kind of person. There was a few other things that I didn't like about this book, but everyone else seems to really enjoy it! That's what makes the world go around...

15. Bookmarks or dog-ears?

I absolutely never dog-ear! *deep breath* Just can't do it. Bookmarks all the way: even if its random objects closest at hand.

16. A book you can always re-read?

The Fire in Ember by DiAnn Mills! Kinda love this book.

17. Can you read while listening to music?

It's not ideal, but I can. Once we were on a road trip and the girls wanted to turn on the radio and sing. Well, on that trip I learned how to multi-task. Reading and singing is a neat talent to have, right?

18. One POV or multiple POVs?

I like two POV's the best. If there are too many POV's, it can get confusing...

19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?

Over multiple days. I can't read that fast to finish it in a day, unless the book is a shorter novel. I read 100 Days of Sunlight in one day, and it was probably a medium length... so I guess it depends on how much time I have.

20. Who do you tag?

Tagging:
Faith
Liberty
and Boots (Lilly)

Here are your 20 questions:

1. How many books are too many in a series?

2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?

3. Hardcover or paperback?

4. What's your favorite book?

5. Least favorite book?

6. Fiction or nonfiction?

7. The most recent book you couldn't finish?

8. A book you're currently reading?

9. Last book you recommended to someone?

10. Oldest book you've read? (publication date)

11. Newest book you've read? (publication date)

12. Favorite author?

13. Buying books or borrowing?

14. A book you dislike that everyone else seems to love?

15. Bookmarks or dog-ears?

16. A book you can always re-read?

17. Can you read while listening to music?

18. One POV or multiple POVs?

19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?

20. Who do you tag?

~~~

The NanoWriMo 20 Questions Tag

-Thank the awesome blogger who tagged you! Thank you, Esther @ wevegotpockets.com!
-Link back to the creator of this tag, Sophie @Sophie’s Corner.
-Feel free to use the NaNoWriMo 20 Questions Tag graphics!
-Answer the questions.
-Tag some friends who are also doing NaNo this year.
-And have fun!!!

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR NANOWRIMO PROJECT THIS YEAR! GIVE ME A BLURB!

So, I'm kinda still working on a good blurb... this one is a long version, but I thought I'd share it anyway. Also note that none of it is set in stone, so it may change as the story grows: 

Perfectionist Aimee Bernard has just graduated from a four year veterinary school, although, the plans she so carefully made for her life are falling apart. Caring for hurting animals is her true passion, but with her funds limited, Aimee must leave her college town and return home to small town Marysville, Kansas. Deeply in debt, she has no job prospects on the horizon and no support from her dysfunctional family. Aimee wants nothing more than to live a life of structure and stability--everything her childhood wasn't. Despite her efforts, her life seems to have gone from bad to worse, but when she is truly down to nothing, God shows her that He is up to something by both a chance encounter with a cowboy wannabe and the unexpected changes she finds in her mother after two years of next to none communication. Is “forgive and forget” too much to ask? Could it be that God’s plan for her life far outdoes her own? Would He possibly be giving her a third chance at love and forgiveness, or will her trust be broken for a third time? 

Colt Shelton has one mission as the oldest of four siblings and man of the household: to fulfill his fathers dying wish. But starting a animal sanctuary and rehabilitating mistreated animals doesn’t happen overnight. It takes determination, drive, teamwork, financial resources, and a plot of land. All of which he has except for the latter. Struggling to see how God is working in his life, Colt steps out in faith and buys a prime piece of farmland to start establishing the Taking Chances Ranch. The Shelton family soon find out that not only strays and misfit animals are attracted to the ranch but also a young girl with hopes of a job. Just when things were starting to get back to normal, a whirlwind of events cause him to reevaluate his future plans to include a certain auburn-haired stray who may have just found a way to his heart. Was this mission more than he bargained for? Will he come to regret moving his family to the country, or will the trails they face become blessings in disguise? 

WHAT’S THE GENRE?

It's Christian Contemporary. 

DESCRIBE YOUR MC IN THREE WORDS.

Aimee: Perfectionist. Compassionate. Afraid.

Colt: Protective. Humble. Loyal.

WITHOUT SPOILERS, DESCRIBE YOUR VILLAIN IN THREE WORDS.

To be quite honest, as of yet, I don't have a "villain." 

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? (THE TRADITIONAL 50K? 20K? 5K? OR……. 100K?)

For NanoWriMo: 35K would be amazing for me! 

For overall, book word count goal: 70K to 90K words! 

We'll see how it all pans out though... but, I'm cheering those who are daring to write 100K. *fist bump* That's amazing! 

IS THIS YOUR FIRST DRAFT? SECOND? THIRD?

First draft. Sorta.

ARE YOU STARTING A NEW PROJECT (OR DRAFT), OR CONTINUING AN EXISTING ONE?

This is a older WIP with new plot revisions.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TIME TO WRITE IN THE DAY?

Afternoon to evening. I'm usually too busy in the morning.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO WRITE?

In my room, on my bed, at my desk, on the couch, in the car, etc! 

COMPUTER OR PAPER?

Computer! Although, I think one of these days it would be cool to write a first draft using pen and paper. But I like typing best! 

NANOWRIMO IS A HUGE COMMITMENT!! HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE TIME TO WRITE?

I'm going to block 1-2 hours during the week days for writing. I'm also planning on taking a hiatus from Social Media during the month of November. :)

ARE YOU GOING TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL OR ONLINE NANOWRIMO EVENTS? (E.G. KICK-OFF PARTIES IN YOUR CITY, WRITE-INS, VIRTUAL WRITING SPRINTS…)

Hmm, probably just do some writing sprints with friends. I'm not sure what else I will participate in.

DO YOU WRITE FROM BEGINNING TO END OR SKIP AROUND?

I try to write from beginning to end, but if I'm facing writers block, I allow myself to skip around in order to keep writing.

PLANNER OR PANTSER? (OR PLANTSER?)

Yeah, still trying new things and figuring out what works best for me...

WHAT WILL BE YOUR GO-TO NANOWRIMO SNACK?

Well, chocolate is my usual writing inspiration snack, but I'm trying to eat better so that might not be the best choice. I not sure... 

CHOICE OF CAFFEINE? (OR NO CAFFEINE?)

No caffeine.

ANY REWARDS FOR MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENTS? FOR FINISHING NANOWRIMO?

I'll have to think of this one! I will probably treat myself with some reading or a movie. I'll probably be tired of typing by then. *gulps*

SHARE A TIP FOR OTHER NANO-ERS!

Stay consistent with your writing. 

Set achievable goals for each day. 

And when you have inspiration, take advantage of it! 

Also, pray right before you start your writing each day.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT NANOWRIMO? (EXCITED?! NERVOUS!? TERRIFIED?!)

Hopeful. 

I'm hopeful that I will be productive with my writing goals and not worry about it all. Just have fun and write whats on my heart.

SHARE AN AESTHETIC FOR YOUR NANOWRIMO NOVEL!

Tagging whoever is doing NanoWriMo next month! 

What a long post! If you made it to the end, way to go! *hands you a plate of cookies* So lets talk books and writing... Comment your favorite writing snack and your your favorite book that has a unique writing style! Talk to ya in the comments below! <3 

Dare to be a Daniel

Dare to be a Daniel

Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone. Dare to have a purpose firm and dare to make it known.

Being bold in your belief is hard, especially when you are the minority. In order for us to dare to be a Daniel, we have to stand up for what we believe in. Even if we feel like we want to follow the rest of the majority and blend in. I struggle with this a lot because I don't like to stand out and be different, but the Bible calls us to be just that.

Lets take a look at the life of Daniel.

Daniel and his friends first showed their courage when they would not eat the Kings delicacies. Daniel stood up for what he believed in and eventually asked for a test. Daniel 1:12-14 “‘Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.’ So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.”

After the ten day test Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego appeared so much more healthier than the other young men. Because Daniel obeyed God rather than men, God blessed them. Daniel 1:17 “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature an wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”

A time later when king Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, he called his wise men to him because he needed a interpretation. But he wanted them to tell him his dream and none of them could, so he began to kill all of his wise men. When Daniel heard of this, he went to the king and asked for time. And what did Daniel do with the time he was given? He went to his friends and they all prayed. They asked God for mercy and understanding.

God heard their fervent prayers, and through a night vision, gave Daniel the interpretation of the kings dream. All the while, giving God the glory for the interpretation. Daniel told the king both his dream and its meaning. (I encourage you to read Daniel 1 and 2 for the whole story!)

So what makes these four brave men stand out among the rest? Well, for starters, they stood  firm in their belief, despite the temptations and challenges. And another thing is, they had a strong connection with the Lord. They prayed fervently, and had faith in God. They trusted His will in their lives. They were faithful servants. And because of this, God blessed them and made a way for them.

That’s pretty amazing, am I right?! I don’t think I would have had the willpower, the trust, and the strength, to do what they did. But they didn’t crumble under the pressure. They didn't compromise their belief just to “fit in.” And that, my friend, is something we must strive to do in our daily lives and in the decisions we make moment by moment.

So I encouraged you (and myself) to stand firm in what you believe. Stand firm in the truth of the Bible.

Dare to be a Daniel. Even if that means standing alone.

How are some ways you dare to be a Daniel? Tell me in the comments below! 

Janies Assurance // Flash Fiction 02

Janie’s Assurance 

Ten year old Janie Bailey stretched her arms high above her head with a big yawn. Today was the day. Her school spelling bee was at 5:00PM. She had practiced long and hard in the last week of preparation for this major event. Her family was counting on her to win the grand prize of 5,000 dollars! 

Janie knew that her family could use the money, her father was working two jobs as it was and they were still behind on their rent. Her little brother, Danny, was starting first grade next year and her parents would need the prize money for those extra expenses. Janie felt pressure to win from everyone except for her mother.

“Even if you don’t win first, honey, you will still be a winner in my book.” Her mother had told her the night before. 

Medical bills took up most of her fathers income. Her dear mother did not mean to be sick all the time. But that didn’t change the fact that her mother stayed in her bedroom and stared out the curtain-less window, days on end.

White tufts of snow continuously fell. Drifts piled along the sidewalk just outside of their apartment. Janie made a mental note to shovel the snow before it turned to ice. She didn’t want Crazy Old Cat Lady to slip on it. Their next door neighbor was famous for rescuing animals, having a especially soft spot for kittens.

Janie got dressed, throwing on a hand-me-down yellow shirt and worn blue jeans. She brushed her long, auburn hair and quickly tied it up in a sloppy ponytail. That will have to do for now, she shrugged into the bathroom mirror. The girl staring back at her was plain, nothing special. The only thing Janie felt like she was good at was spelling the words her teachers gave her. They said her mind was like a steel trap. That must be good, right? 

She looked down at her sweaty palms and pushed away the doubt threatening to creep into her steel trap. Stubbornly shaking her head, she shook a finger at her reflection in the mirror above the chipped and rust-stained sink. 

“You are going to win that prize whether you think you can or not. You have to do better than the best you can do!” 

Her self-talk was interrupted by her brother’s call. 

“Janie! Phone!” His high-pitched five year old voice pierced the dusty air of the apartment complex. 

Danny had appointed himself as the “official phone picker-upper” and met each incoming call with a speech that would make any adult smile at its sweetness. Danny was always sweet, unless you messed with his Lego creations. Then, you better watch out for the little man and his pea shooter.  

“Coming!” Janie practically tripped out the bathroom door, hurrying. 

Danny handed her the phone and she placed it to her ear, “Hello?” 

“Is this Janie?”

“Yes.”

“Hi, this is Hattie Williams, your next door neighbor, do you remember me? You probably see me playing with my kittens with a feather duster next door. Well, anyway, your poor mother said that I need to drive you to your spelling bee since she wasn’t feeling good and your father is working his night shift. I will pick you up at 4:30PM to give us enough time to get there, okay dear?” 

“Ok, see you then.” 

When the Click! sounded on the other side of the line, Janie hung up on her end with a sigh. What if I don’t win?

4:30PM came around, and with it came a honking car horn announcing the Crazy Old Cat Lady’s arrival. Janie quickly set Danny up with a movie and told her mother goodbye. 

“Wish me luck!”

Mother halted Janie in her rushed tracks, “Luck won’t have anything to do with you winning, dear. I said a prayer for you tonight. If you win, it will only be because God is answering my prayer in the way I wish. And even if you don’t win, God is still answering my prayer, just in a different way. God sometimes says “Yes” to our prayers, then other times He says “Wait” but He always has our best interest in mind. Have faith, Janie, for He is always faithful. Now,” she winked, “go break a leg!” 

Janie smiled then ran to Mrs. Williams’ car.

What if God doesn’t answer Mama’s prayer? What if winning has everything to do with luck and nothing to do with God? How can I have faith in God when everything seems to be going wrong? Her thoughts jumbled.

The spelling bee was held in a large classroom. Children lined up in the front row. Thirty minutes passed as each of the participants took turns spelling words. Soon, the group of kids began to diminish in size as each word got harder. There were five kids left—Janie was among them.

Her heart beat faster as they called her name and told her the word to spell. She cautiously walked up to the microphone, “Encyclopedia, e-n-c-y-c-l-o-p-e-d-i-a.” 

“Correct.” 

Breathing a sigh of relief, she got back in line. A few minutes later there was finally only one other girl left to compete for the prize. Janie and Kelly—the girl who Janie recognized as the most popular girl in school. 

God, if Your listening, help me to win this prize. Not for me but for Mama, Daddy, and Danny.

The lady who was hosting the spelling bee, spoke to Kelly first “Kelly, your word is assurance.”

“Assurance, a-s-s-u-r-” Kelly hesitated with a gulp, “e-n-c-e.” 

The buzzer went off, “Incorrect. Kelly, you may take a seat. Janie, you may now have a chance to win the grand prize by spelling the word ‘assurance.’” 

Janie squeezed her eyes shut, pleading to a God who she didn’t even have assurance that He was listening to her prayers. She fidgeted with the bottom of her yellow t-shirt, fisting it tightly in her left hand. She slowly came up to the mic.

“Assurance, a-s-s-u-r-a-n-c-e.”

“Correct! Congratulations, you won the grand prize of 5,000 dollars!” The crowd cheered, and among them, the Crazy Old Cat Lady whistled her applause. Janie winked at her and waved back. She couldn’t believe it!

For the whole ride home, Janie was amazed and couldn’t wait to tell her parents the good news. I guess God was faithful after all! 

Janie closed her eyes reverently in prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness. 

How did you like reading this story? This is my second piece of flash fiction here on the blog! Read my first piece shared HERE. 

Such Great Faith Part 2

Last June, I posted a poem that told a story. Click HERE to read it. 

Today's poem is part 2 in this mini blog series. 

This poem is inspired Matthew 9:18-27 and Mark 5:22-43.

Such Great Faith 2 

Written by Brooklyne Elysse

The Son of God spoke 

Those around Him questioned 

But Jesus’s words could not be debated 

A ruler who’s faith saved his daughter 

A ruler who worshiped 

A ruler who had such great faith 

A woman who needed healing

A woman who was desperate  

A woman who had such great faith 

Ruler 

I opened the door to find the Man sitting 

With tax collectors and sinners 

The Man who was my last hope

For I had heard He could raise the dead 

I know deep down that He can bring 

My little daughter back to life 

I humbled myself before Him and begged earnestly 

Worshiping the Son of God 

Saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death.

Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed,

And she will live.”

So Jesus came, followed by many

I stopped my speedy walk when the Man halts 

The crowd heavily surrounded us in the suffocating heat 

“Who touched My clothes?” Jesus asked

I see a woman come trembling forward, fear stricken 

But He said, “Daughter your faith had made you well.

Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”

I wondered if He would do the same for my own daughter 

But as the Man spoke, a messenger came to me

“Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further.”

I was devastated, but Jesus came to me and said,

“Do not be afraid; only believe.” 

And so I chose to have faith and believe 

I come to my house filled with mourners and wailing 

Jesus asked them why they were going on so

“The child is not dead, but sleeping.” 

I entered with them to where my daughter lay 

And watched as Jesus took her limp hand in His

“Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 

I was overcome with great amazement 

My daughter was alive! 

My heart leapt with joy 

As I watched my daughter become well again

Never would I forget this moment 

What kind of Man performed miracles such as this? 

Only the Son of God, the Healer, the Savior of the World. 

What is a miracle that Jesus performed in the Bible that stands out the most to you? What about a miracle that happened in your life? Comment below! 

A Houseboat Adventure

Last month, my family went on vacation... We decided to rent a houseboat for the weekend! It was a lot of fun! This trip held many first-time experiences for me...

We set out on a Friday morning and once we loaded the car up, we hit the road. Lots of singing/listening to the radio, goofing off, and snacks later, we arrived at the boating place. There were tons of houseboats at this place! The people we rented the houseboat from were super nice and helped us bring our bags to the boat.

Once I stepped on to the boat, I got a bit nervous because I realized I was sea sick from the rocking. Great, just great. I thought to myself. They hadn't turned the air conditioner up yet, so it was 80 degrees in there, and that made it a lot worse. After the guy taught my dad how to drive the houseboat, they untied us from the dock and we floated away.

Thankfully, my sea sickness went away when we were driving and it never really came back. The scenery was amazing, and there wasn't too many people out boating.

The first couple days were tough... it was just my luck that I had cramps. You girls feel my pain here. Anyway, after the first two days, the trip turned around and we had a blast!

I had never done anything like this before! Staying 66 hours on a boat! Like--that was so cool! We went fishing and skipped stones (My sisters are better at skipping stones... I don't have a very good technique.) I got to go down the slide at the back of the boat, and guess what? My sisters and I got to wash our hair in the lake and shave our legs! Talk about a first time experience. We watched movies and made cookies. And somehow survived having next to none cell reception (which turned out to be a blessing in disguise.)

Each night, we would drive around to different coves to tie off. It was really cool, and a adventure tying up... XD

The last night there, we went stargazing, and let me tell you, it was so pretty out. So peaceful.

Have you ever been tickled so hard you fell off the couch? Yep. I have... thanks sista. Have you ever gotten to drive a houseboat? I got too drive it! Have you ever explored the steep river bank in search of the "waterfall" only to discover that we all have different definitions of a waterfall? It's possible we may have gone on a little detour and our boat may have almost floated away...

My family made lots of memories on this trip! Memories that we will look back on for a long time. Ones we will cherish, ones that will forever be laughed at, and ones that we'll shake out heads at.

This trip was a blast! And I 100% recommend a houseboat vacation! =)

Have you ever gone on a houseboat? 

What is your favorite vacation memory?

 Comment below!  

s o m e d a y s . . .

Some days just don't work out like their supposed too. Some days life is just strait up hard. And you've been there, I've been there, we've all had off days. Days where we get overwhelmed and discouraged with what's going on in life.

So in today's post, I thought I'd give you a couple things to do when you feel like this. Basically a list of how to turn around a bad day:

Journal

If you are anything like me, when life gets messy, its easier to write down those feelings then to speak them. So grab your journal and spill. Sometimes seeing things out on paper makes it more manageable.
If you try this, but don't really know how to get the words out, here's some prompts for you:
Why do I feel this way?
Can I control this situation?
Is this a lie I'm telling myself?
What is the facts about this?
What does my next baby step towards this goal look like?

Pray

Lift up your burdens to Jesus. He already knows what your going through and is asking for you to talk to Him about it. So talk to Him like a friend.

Talk to Your Mom

She always makes it better. Or, you could talk things over with a sibling, or close friend. Someone that will listen to your rambles and encourage you through your rough day.

Work Out

So it may not sound like a very fun thing to do when you already feel stressed and tired. But give it a try. Put your phone down and get outside for a walk or jog. Or, if you need to let off some extra steam, lift weights with some music. Get motivated about working out and that really helps a stressful day.

Do Something that Brings You Joy

Find out what brings you joy--what makes you sparkle--and do it. Take a break from what is frustrating you, or get your mind off of something that is overwhelming by doing a hobby. For me, some of those things might look like reading a chapter, writing, painting, baking, spending time with animals, etc.

Make a List

List making isn't for everyone. But if you like making lists, definitely do this! Make a list of your priorities, make a list of goals, make a list of lists you want to make, make a grocery list! Just get those ideas and plans out on paper to better visualize it... But if you don't like lists, you better skip this one, because they can also get overwhelming in and of themselves.

I hope this post gave you a few new ways to handle those "some days" and I'd love to hear a few ways you handle a off day! Comment below!