be silent, and listen.

The hardest thing for me to do, yet the thing I believe I am best at, is listening to people. I love just listening to people's stories. I was walking downtown the other day and saw a homeless man and was so drawn to just go and start talking to him and listen to his story. As the logical side of my brain kicked in and said, "That may not be very safe," I never went and talked to him. But how often do we really sit down and listen to what people are saying? Do we really hear them, or do we just listen?
     I've realized with graduation coming up, that I haven't listened to what a lot of people told me in high school. Obviously there are no regrets, but it makes me wonder what would have happened if I really got to know all of my classmates' stories. If I took the time to actually hear what they have been saying to me the past four years, spoken or unspoken. And I think the unspoken words are the ones with the most meaning. We all, me included, have so much going on inside our heads that sometimes the things we feel mean the most to us are the words we don't speak. So my challenge to you today, and everyday, is to listen to the unspoken word. And I am going to do the same. Don't just listen to people, hear what they are saying. Next time you are downtown, don't pass by the homeless man like I did. Utter a, "Hello" or a "I hope you are having a good day." If you are really daring, ask about his story. You might be surprised as to what lessons you can learn.

Smell a rose, donate something, and always,

stay.beautiful

inner peace

Someone told me today to "find your inner peace." I thought about it and asked myself why I hadn't thought about that. Where there is turmoil, peace is just around the corner waiting for you to find it. I've realized that change is inevitable. Whether we like it or not, change is a part of life. Yet, the true judge of character is how you handle it.
    I've been so wrapped up in the major changes going on in my life, that I have lost the peace that I had within myself. I've challenged myself from here on out to always meditate on the inner peace I have within myself, and if it's not there, I must find it. My challenge to anyone reading this blog (if there is anyone) is to find your inner peace. So when change shows its ugly, or pretty, face, you can willingly accept it with your whole heart. Always know that God has a plan for you.

Smile at a stranger, recycle, and always,

stay.beautiful

the first day.

As I was on a breezy walk with my mother for mother's day, I had the idea to start this blog. I hope you enjoy.


I have recently realized that the things we perceive as the norm, the things we know and are comfortable with, are often times lost in this crazy game of life. The things we have always wanted in our lives for ourselves aren't always what we need. The words that we never said will remain just that, unsaid. And the words we did say, are out there forever. The past isn't something we are supposed to look back on and regret. But yet, it is something we are supposed to look back on and smile at.
     At this time in my life, I'm starting to learn these lessons that I never wanted. Such as; the lesson that the plan you have for yourself isn't always what God has in mind for you, and that even though we all think so, the first one isn't always the only one. I can truly say that I have loved, and I have been loved. And I realize that being only 18, many people will choose to not believe that. But who am I to judge them, right?

Until next time, turn a penny heads up, tell a stranger hello and always...

stay.beautiful