the beautiful Betty Ford

Today I get to blog about two of my absolute favorite things ever!: powerful, influential women in the world & history! With all of the news that's been covered lately, I'm sure that all of you are familiar with the recent passing of the inspiring woman known as Betty Ford, on July 8th of this year. Prior to all of this news about her passing, I didn't know much about the woman other than the fact that she was our 38th president's First Lady in office. After people started talking about her uplifting journey, though, I started to grow curious. Anyone that knows me knows that I tend to have slight feminist traits when it comes to women making history, I love to hear about inspiring messages that women have brought into the world, because honestly it gives me hope as a young woman myself!

But enough about me and back to Ms. Ford!
So, after hearing all of this about how she was an icon for women everywhere, I wanted to do some research to see exactly why. I learned that Ms. Betty Ford struggled with an alcohol addiction as well as an addiction to opioid analgesics (pain killers). Addictions can be found everywhere, but substance addictions are clearly much harder to shake. Not only did she overcome both of these addictions, but Ms. Ford also went on to open the Betty Ford Center after her recovery. The Betty Ford Center was a rehabilitation place for the treatment of chemical dependency. Ford went on to write books about her recovery and even became an active feminist leader in later years. She won many awards for her outstanding works and citizenship.

As many accomplishments that Betty Ford made (in activism and in the female community), the one that stuck out the most to me was her creation of the rehabilitation center.

I, myself, have never had the unfortunate addiction to any sort of drug, but I have been close to many that have and are currently battling with it. It's an awful thing, but Ms. Ford story definitely shed some hope on the situation. Just because I've never dealt with any addition drug related, that doesn't mean that there's never been anything in my life weighing me down. Her creation of the Betty Ford Center inspires me and shows me that it IS possible that with every horrible thing in life, good can come out of it if you're willing enough to let it. Addiction is horrible and can easily take hold of a life, but if the will is there to overcome it, anything is possible. Betty Ford realized this and turned her negative into something positive- not just for herself, but for others more so. She gave others the chance to overcome and be their own personal "lighthouses" so to speak for others. It's like a chain reaction almost.

Not only is this a tribute to our late but great 38th First Lady in the white house, but a reminder that anything is possible if there is a will. No matter how big the 'negative' is in your life, the positive can easily overrule if you open your heart and make steps toward the better.

stay strong loves! until next time :) xoxo`

she had demons that she couldn't put to bed

So I understand that I literally just blogged yesterday, but it was sort of like a catch-up blog. Besides, I feel like I need to write today, so here we are! The main reason that I feel like I need to just write is because there has been a lot on my mind lately- seriously, last night I was up until 3 am because my mind was everywhere. I don't know if it's so much as stress as it is just everything coming together so quickly, but whatever it is is throwing me for kind of a loop. I know you guys are used to me in good spirits and blogging about things that make me smile, and that I mostly have an open-mind and a positive outlook on whatever. I'm not saying that this blog is going to be the complete opposite, but I'm human too. Yes, I am usually optimistic and happy but there was a time when I was definitely far from it, and in this blog I'm going to talk a little bit about all of that. So, here's your disclaimer of sorts ;) it's not bad, but it's probably going to be heavier than most of my posts on here.

Last night my mind was so a flight I could barely even sit still. I have ADD, so this happens often (haha) but, you know those moods where you just feel like something has to be done? I didn't know what it was, all I knew was that it was edging on midnight and I was still restless. I felt like my thoughts were overpowering and I began to contemplate everything in my life at once, without knowing exactly why I was doing it. It sounds crazy, I realize, but I guarantee you've been there before too. Maybe I'm not putting them into the correct words, I don't know, but yeah. So I do what I normally do, now, when my mind starts going crazy and I dug out my journal. It sounds ridiculous and completely juvenile to have a 'journal', but if you really knew me you'd know how this journal has saved me many a nights. I've had it since the very beginning of sophomore year, and only write in it when something is laying heavy on my mind. It holds everything for me because I know it's something that only I have to see. I absolutely love blogging and writing on public things like this, but at the same time it's good to have something to shamelessly be able to jot down your truth thoughts without thinking about anyone reading it. It's not something that I keep up with weekly, or even monthly at that. Maybe I'll write every few months, when I'm feeling in emotion that I can't quite pinpoint, and then stow it away and not pull it out again for another month or so, maybe even five months. It's a huge tool in my life and for me, there's nothing like scribbling your true thoughts with a pen and paper.

Initially, I wanted to take out my journal and allow my mind to float to my fingertips and write whatever, no filter, but as I turned through the pages it turned into something totally different. I unwillingly revisited some of my past by reading the words on the previous entries, even so recent as during the late summer of last year. It was incredible (in not such the best way) that I truly felt like that at one point in my life. It seems crazy now, because I seriously had no idea how much I had grown, inwardly, as a person within like, eight or so months at that. I don't want to reveal too much of my personal life, meshing with my blog, but if you knew the situation then it would definitely be a huge deal as well. Unfortunately though, it's still something that I'd like to be kept with me.

I guess the moral of all of this, or something that I learned is that no matter how far you're down at times in your life, there's always hope. I know that from the outside looking in I probably look like I've always had my act together, that I've always been someone that's happy and doesn't let others get to them, but as I said above- I'm human too. I know I haven't been as far down as many people have before in their life, but I've been far enough down to make me feel worried now. It's all about how you handle things and for me, it was a hard lesson learned but here I am today and I couldn't be more happy.

I.D.E.A.L. & more!!

I've been slacking a little bit on my blogging. How do I know this? Because I constantly think of new things to update you guys about but I never get the chance to actually sit down at my laptop and type things out! I actually think that my poor laptop is accumulating dust because I barely use it anymore (smartphones are taking over the world it seems!) but yeah, blogging. There's so many things that I need to catch up on but the main thing is this... MY SEMINAR WAS THIS MORNING!!! I really meant to update you guys on some things about it the day before, but literally I was working 6 hours nonstop on everything I needed for it that I didn't have time to even think! let alone blog. but I.D.E.A.L. (I Deserve Education About Life) was the name of the seminar and it was only an hour long this morning, but I had to stay at the school and work on things such as the "Beautiful Board" as an actual, physical final product.

Goodness, let me tell you how rewarding this was! I got the opportunity to speak and work with about 40 girls (all ages 10 &11), this morning. I had that speaker's doubt in my mind, I won't like, during which I was speaking, when I was unsure if really any girls were getting anything out of what I was saying, or if they totally just thought I was some crazy girl blabbering on about how they deserve to be treated with respect and are powerful women. I didn't fully realize what I had on my plate, so this was definitely a HUGE humbling experience as well. The girls interacted with me and gave me pretty good feedback for the most part, which I'm so thankful for. Whenever I started talking about Middle School though, is when they really started speaking up. I got all types of questions ranging from questions about lockers, to finding classes, to teachers, and even about friends and meeting new people. I was proud to share my experience and give them the knowledge that I've obtained through my schooling years. One girl told me, during the seminar, that she loved Justin Bieber and was worried that when she got to middle school that people would make fun of her or for it or not think that it was as cool as she did. I absolutely loved that she voiced this because I know that this was probably on the minds of many of the other girls as well- What if I like something, other people don't, and they make fun of me for it? That's a dilemma that I even sometimes struggle with in high school, but I made sure to tell her that if she feels passionate about something in her life then she should live that out! I stressed how important it was that she stood and and stood her ground if she liked something, even if others didn't! That's one thing that I wish someone would have pushed the importance on me when I was that age, and I really hope it helped her out because it definitely would have saved me a lot of stress and energy when I was that age :)

There were SO many awesome things asked and said at IDEAL this morning and I truly wish I could blog about every single one of them! But we both know that would be impossible ;) I will say that I was completely beside myself with the turn-out of the pre-test/post-tests of self-confidence! Nearly all of them showed progress, and the ones that didn't first started off at the smiley face, which was awesome as well! Below I couldn't help but insert one of the pre-test/post-tests from today, which was my probably favorite because it showed the MOST improvement! Starting (purple marking), the girl only felt half confident, half discouraged about herself but by the time that IDEAL was over she felt completely confident (green)! I was completely floored with even this test alone, that I had the power to make someone feel completely, 100% confident in herself if even for a moment. THIS is what I live for, folks :)

On a much different note, I wanted to updated you guys on the strong girl that I mentioned in my last post, Amanda. It pains me to share that Miss Amanda passed away 3/30/11, at only sixteen years old. I hate hearing about things like this and my heart fully goes out to everyone that was affected by her passing. She was so young and had her whole life ahead of her, I absolutely hate that something like this happened. From what I've heard, and I've only heard things about her since I only knew her through people, she was so strong and definitely a beautiful girl from the inside shining out. Amanda will always reign in those that were close to her and even those that weren't at all, such as myself. As I said, I hate sharing news like this because as you guys can probably already tell I enjoy being happy and spreading a good message, but it's important that everyone keep Amanda's family, friends, and those close to her in their prayers daily, I couldn't imagine losing someone I hold so dear in my life. I've heard tons of stories of very young people passing or in the hospital and it hurts me more than I can explain. I live for this generation and to see so many hurting and passing definitely takes a toll on me. I've been thinking a lot about this and the best thing that I can say to anyone dealing with the loss of a close person in your life is just that they are out of pain now. They've done what they needed to do here on earth and unfortunately God is taking His angel back. Everyone goes through the loss of a loved one in their life and although it's difficult they have moved on to a bigger and better place, far beyond anything earth can offer. Or at least that's what I'd like to think :)

stay strong lovess, until next time! :)

midnight files #1

I feel like I've become quite the frequent here, I'm lovin it! So basically I just wanted to compose a quick little blog entry to let everyone know what I've been up to, whats going on in my life at the moment, and any other random tidbit of info that I feel like is appropriate for my spur of the moment blogging! I'm assuming there will be many random catch-up blogs like this one, so bare with me if you don't think as scatter-brained as I do ;)

So first things first, I have to fill you guys in on how everything with my seminar is going! I'm still stoked as ever to get the chance to work with these wonderful girls and the more I progress with it the more confident I find myself getting in it! There are sometimes when I worry about if their reactions differ than how I imagine them to be while preparing everything, but those worries are definitely overruled by my level of sheer excitement for everything to unravel. I've loved preparing it, I've loved promoting it and I'm positive that I'll love presenting it! ALSO OH, before I forget!! There's a possibility that I may get the awesome opportunity to teach my seminar from a different standpoint to a parenting class! This one would be different in that I would focus mainly on why it's important for parents to continue to give their daughters the love and support that they showered them with when they were younger, up until when they are preteens and essentially teenagers. I love this topic almost as much as I love the topic of speaking directly to these young girls! Also, I'm currently reading Reviving Ophelia right now (amazing amazing amazing book, tons of insight) and that's the main audience of the book, parents of adolescent girls. I admit, I look sort of silly reading it in public but I highly suggest it to anyone looking into the field of counseling/mentoring/volunteering with preteen-age and adolescent girls.

Speaking of strong girls, yet on a much different note, one of my closest friends recently found out that one of her closest friends was the passenger of a very serious car accident and I've heard is in intensive care. I won't give out the full details of what I heard happened because I personally do not know Amanda, but all I can say is that from what I heard, she is in a serious condition. Amanda is a strong, strong girl and I know plenty of people that hold this girl very close to their heart. I ask everyone to please keep Miss Amanda in your thoughts and prayers daily- believing and optimism is the key <3

One last thing that I wanted to blurb really quick on is something that's nearly impossible to blurb "quickly" on, but I figured I would attempt it ;) I just wanted to reiterate how truly amazing everyone in my life is. Seriously, without the strong support system, loving kind words and sweet gestures shown to me daily by so many people I wouldn't be where I am today. For every life I change, or at least have an impact on, in my lifetime I will never call it my own- it's all you. The people that believe in me, the people that bring out the good, the people that are determined to make me smile are truly the ones that have impacted me, therefore impacting someone else. It's a beautiful chain reaction so I encourage YOU to pass on the positivity! A smile, a compliment, a hug, anything! Let someone know how much they mean to you today, because you never know when the last time you'll be able to do that will be!

So here's my challenge to you: today (for the night owls. or tomorrow, because I am writing this a little late!) give out at LEAST five compliments to five different people. I promise you'd be shocked at how a little gesture can make a huge impact!!

stay strong loves, until next time! xxo

i'm beautiful in my way, cause God makes no mistakes ;)

So I have so extremely exciting news that I can't wait to share!! After meeting with many people much higher up than I am and staying persistent I've finally got a date set for my senior project empowering seminar!!! The seminar is directed for girls in the fifth grade (typically ages 10 & 11) and will be taking place at Carolina Beach Elementary School! Words cannot fully express how insanely excited I am to be speaking with these young women and working with them to find their inner power and pure joy within themself. I've found this time to be the most crucial in the mold of powerful women in society, for at this age girls are still young, growing and willing to learn. Anyway, the seminar will be taking place in the 4th of April so mark your calenders and send prayers and thoughts my way that the things I do and say on this day will have lasting impacts on these beautiful young girls! For the most part the seminar is closed off from the public but I'm calling for some volunteers and extra hands to make this run more smoothly too. All in all I'm just so stoked that this is coming together, there's so much still to do with only a week left! I couldn't be anymore excited though :)

“I am personally convinced that one person can be a change catalyst, a "transformer" in any situation, any organization. Such an individual is yeast that can leaven an entire loaf. It requires vision, initiative, patience, respect, persistence, courage, and faith to be a transforming leader.” -Stephen R. Covey ♥

stay strong loves! until next time :)

#100factsaboutme (twitter addict!)

Hey yall :) So I don't know if I'm the only one, but I'm loving the 100factsaboutme hashtag on twitter! A lot of my followees (people I follow.. did I just make that word up? hahaha) are doing it and I'm learning a lot about them! I figured I would jump on the bandwagon and play along, but I actually liked thinking of the facts also! It's interesting when they're all out there like that. Last night I started it, but I probably won't actually finish it on twitter- instead, I thought I'd make a blog and come up with as many of them as I could! I posted about fifteen last night on my twitter so I'll repost them on here as well. I definitely won't finish it tonight but I'll continue to edit this blog entry as soon as I think of more semi-interesting facts about simple old me :P here we go!

[note: the first fifteen as I said previously are from twitter, with the 140 character limit!
I'm bound to elaborate more with the later ones;)]

1) I rarely watch tv, but I do watch Family Guy every chance I get. I also love To Catch A Predator & Intervention.
2)I've lived on the East Coast my entire life- I loveee it.
3) I'm obsessed with watching sports, which is mainly why I'm going to school for Sports Communication. ♥ college basketball ♥
4) I'm 5'2" but I wear heels and high shoes like wedges often. I wanna be talll, but I guess I'm fine with my height.
5) I don't have a boyfriend because I've yet to meet a guy with as big a heart as mine, that actually wants me in return.
6) I genuinely care about a lot more than I should, but I won't stop. I love to listen to people and be a shoulder to lean on.
7) With the previous fact being said, I definitely get walked on and used a LOT in my life. Guess I'll never learn ;p
8) I have 3 girls in my life that have kept me strong & laughing daily. They're my best friends & I'd never trade them.
9) Nearly no one follows me on twitter, but I love tweeting & updating :P haha
10) I always want things that I could never possibly have; I'm the biggest dreamer you will EVER meet, guaranteed.
11) I absolutely hated my teeth before braces, I would never smile. I hated it because I love smiling. Now I can all the time:)
12) I want to travel and make impacts on people's lives more than anything. I have a huge heart for children & young girls <3
13) I'm inwardly afraid that I'll never get married or grow up to have a family of my own. That's so devastating to me.
14) Besides that last fact, hahahah, I'm definitely a super optimistic person. No matter the situation, I assume the best. 
15) I'm not as high-maintenance as I come off to be, it really doesn't take much to make me smile or make my day :)
16) I'm definitely the happiest in the summertime. During the summer life is always so carefree and beautiful.
17) If you know me, you know I have a fairly heavy accent for someone that grew up just in Wilmington, haha :P I blame my dad because he's from southern Georgia and as always had a pretty strong accent. I guess it just rubbed off on me growing up and stuck!
18) I absolutely love to read. I love picking up a book and getting completely lost in it for the moment.
19) I like to think of myself as a constant work in progress. I always try to better myself at nearly everything I do that I hold of importance in my life.
20) I've been performing on stage since I was around a year old, starting off with Baby Miss Pleasure Island. I just feel like performing is in my soul and I love being on stage. 
21)  I'm a people person, but it depends how comfortable I am around you. I've been told before that people think I'm mean before getting to know me, just because sometimes I don't immediately open up. I've gotten better though :)
22) I love every religion and believe strongly in happy coexistence! Everyone is entitled to their own belief.
23) I love mentoring and have worked with various programs to apply myself to that passion I have. I continue to do it for the rest of my life.
24) My parents are truly the best and fully reveal to me what true love really is. I'm so thankful that I have parents that stick together through everything and care so much about each other, I so hope that's me one day.
25) I work at the Coastal Tumble Gym working with tumbling and gymnastics. I love the people I work with about the amazing kids I get the opportunity to assist!
26) I spend a lot of time with younger kids through work, volunteering, mentoring, etc, and I have to admit that I would rather enjoy spending my day with them more often than I would with "grown ups" in the real world. They make my day :)
27) I'm a sucker for musicians. I'm not sure what it is but I love them. My daddy is a musician, so I guess it was something I was just brought up around.  Also, something about a guy that has the ability to express himself like that I absolutely just love.
28) I have three holes in each of my earlobes pierced, but I only wear the traditional one every now and then. I would never get anything else pierced, mainly because I just don't think it's attractive, on me at least!
29) My past isn't perfect and I've had some rough patches that I've personally gone through, but I use those patches as tools to better my future daily. To me, that's the only way to do it.
30) I'm staying here in Wilmington for a few more years and going to college with my best friends :) but then I'm transferring to Clemson in South Carolina. It's bittersweet to think about it. Those are just my plans as of now, but who knows what can happen in two years ;)






- i'll continue to edit this, stay posted! :) xoxo