by Taylor Gardner | Jan 26, 2016 | Faith + Expressions
It is easy to take for granted the good things that are happening in your life, especially when you are in the mist of the storm. However, the truth of the matter is that you always have something to be thankful for. I know it may seem like the world is on your shoulders and that a brighter day will never come, but trust me it will. A quick way to ease the pain and brighten everyday is by DIYing a Blessing Jar.
Sometimes you need a little reminder of how awesome you are! It may seem unrealistic but even the smallest accomplishment can take your mind off of the burden of life.
The concept is simple:
- Buy or find an empty Mason jar
- Decorate the Mason jar anyway you see fit
- Everyday when you wake up and/or feel extremely grateful write a “blessing” down on a scrap sheet of paper
- When you are feeling down, pick a sheet of paper from the blessings jar and read what you are blessed to have in life.
Trust me, starting off with a positive affirmation will definitely make that day that much better.
Taylor G.
by Taylor Gardner | Jan 18, 2016 | Learn + Grow
Like many others, sometimes I need a little motivation to keep from giving up on my dreams. Because the truth of the matter is, my dreams scare me. I have this huge vision of how I am going to help young girls and women see the beauty and the value of their existence, which is pretty empowering. However, I am not always so empowered my self. So instead of staying in the place of no motivation and drive, I turn to books to gain a little hope. Hearing others’ stories and visions give me the courage to continue. Because if someone can make their dreams happen, so can I.
Now while I am sure many authors write these books just to be heard or to release their inner most thoughts, I don’t think they understand the power it has on an individual. It is truly something to see a woman do her thing, especially in a world her that tells her she doesn’t matter. With that being said, I have gotten through my deepest mind blocks and lost of hope through reading and I hope it will help you as well.
So, here is my list of awesome GIRL POWER books that will have you seeing all the potential that you have waiting inside of you and will hopefully give you the power to chase those awesome dreams that keep you up at night!
- I Am That Girl by Alexis Jones
- #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso
- Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
- Be You and Live Civil by Karen Civil
- If You Have To Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mom Never Told You by Kelly Cutrone
- Do Cool Sh*t: Quit Your Day Job, Start Your Own Business, and Live Happily Ever After by Miki Agrawal
by Taylor Gardner | Jan 18, 2016 | Learn + Grow
Last year was a trying year for me and I haven’t always had the brightest attitude or outlook on life. So, to get myself out of the funk I decided to go to Barnes and Noble and get some books. The first book I came across was, God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours. I read the description of the book and instantly went to checkout. A woman, by the name of Regina Brett wrote the book because she felt as though it took her 40 years to “find and hold on to happiness.†She says it is because she felt that God blinked when she was born, and that is why she never felt special or happy until later in her life. Which is an idea that many people can relate to. We’ve all experienced that feeling of being ordinary and doubtful at one point or another. And in my opinion, this book is not only an expression of those feelings, but also a remedy for them.
The book is separated into lessons. Each lesson is an idea that as women we all deal with. From how to deal with doubt to how to start saving for your retirement fund, this book has it all. Anything that you have felt, I guarantee that there is a lesson/chapter in the book that will speak to your feeling.
I have personally recommended this book to every one of my friends and have also read it about 3 times. Also, sometimes I just read one or two lessons, just to pick up my mood. Whether you are happy or going through something, this book will add to your life. So, check it out when you get it chance!
Taylor G.
by Taylor Gardner | Jan 18, 2016 | Family + Relationships
We’ve all been there. Going home for the holidays and hearing family members and old friends ask if you have a special someone in your life. Truth is you are either still recuperating from that last situation or you are waiting for that special someone to get it together. Either way, the last thing you want to talk about at the dinner table is your struggling dating life. Well, I am here to tell you that you are not alone and that there is nothing wrong with being single
As I’ve gotten older and matured a little, I’ve always felt this pressure to always be in a relationship and if I wasn’t then there was something wrong with me. Between the media, my friends, and my family, it’s been hard to accept this newfound singlehood. However, the fact still remains that sometimes you have to be alone to get yourself together. I’ve heard countless sayings like “You can’t love someone until you love yourself first,” and “Worry about yourself and the rest will come,” or “God is preparing your special someone” or my favorite “How can you expect to have someone in your life, when you don’t even know what you want?”
Well, sometimes the wait is daunting and I may not always be the most patient.
However, I can honestly say, I have never seen myself in this light. I am actually taking the time to get know myself, and I must say that I am pretty amazing. This has been a long time coming, but I trust me when I say that it couldn’t have happened at a better time. So now that I have been on both sides of the spectrum from being madly in love with someone to completely alone, I can say that singlehood isn’t has bad as the movies make it seem. I am achieving my goals and dreams like never before. Now that’s not to say I couldn’t have done this with a significant other, but the truth is it took me to be alone, to get up and go after all the things that I wanted.
So, embrace that singlehood, love yourself, chase those dreams, and once you have done all that God wants you to do at that time He will drop that special someone in your life, I promise.
Taylor G.
by Taylor Gardner | Jan 16, 2016 | Learn + Grow
I am not sure what it is about a new year that makes people want to change their life around, but like many people it happens to me every year. And by February 1st I have already given up on everything I said I would change. However, this year I decided to approach my New Year’s resolution a little differently. So before 2016 started, I decided to pull out my journal, grab a poster board and my computer, and began reflecting on all that 2015 has taught me. Then I thought about how I am going to use the lessons learned to make 2016 a better year.
Now this time my “new year’s resolutions” are a little different. Instead of making resolutions that were extremely unrealistic, I tried to write down statements that would help change over time. Then instead of just making a list that I would forget in a week, I decided to make a vision board, so I am reminded of my goals everyday I start morning. I have always been a fan of vision boards, but this was the first time that I made my own and it was quite rewarding. Everyday I am reminded of what I need to accomplish and how my life will look once I do.
Here are my goals for 2016:
- Put myself outside of my comfort zone as often as possible.
- Less fast food, more home-cooked and balanced meals
- More quality time with God
- More me time: Reading, exercising, writing
- Try new things and visit new places.
- Save, save, save
- Don’t allow toxic people or things in my life
So, for anyone that is sort of stuck in the New Year rut, I seriously recommend reflecting on 2015 and making a vision board for what you want to accomplish in 2016. You got this, even after the month of January!
Taylor G.
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