2016: out w/ the old, in w/ the new

pic from: http://quotesideas.com

Another year is upon us and you know what that means...time to make a list of things that I (*hope*) to accomplish in the upcoming year. I present to you my list of little "things" to improve upon for 2016. Ultimately, this year I plan to learn a lot while staying true to myself and showing kindness to others along the way.

Things I hope to accomplish in 2016: 

bad habit to break: less time wasted on social media (lol, this will be tough).

limit amount of screen time in bed.

places I'd like to visit: Savannah, Georgia & Charleston, South Carolina & anywhere in Hawaii (&the list goes on).

get better at managing time.

make time for fun things (don't let schoolwork take over).

something to improve upon: not ignoring someone when i'm mad at them.

be more helpful when possible without wanting/expecting anything in return.

read the Bible more.

read more books for personal leisure.

blog more.

be open to trying new foods (maybe even sushi).

work on my physical well-being (take use of new yoga mat).

take the stairs more.

give more compliments.

reconnect w/ old friends.

explore more (the outdoors is a beautiful place).

discover a new artist/song each month.

read uplifting news articles (don't get too consumed w/ the depressing stories).

do more brain games (e.g. word searches).

clean more.

cook more (try new recipes).

get out of bed earlier & don't keep hitting snooze (this will be tough).

quiet reflection time without electronics.

show kindness always.

volunteer.

shop less (stop buying unnecessary crap).

save $.

grow a plant.


Hopefully, I'll be able to check off a majority of these items at the end of 2016. I also hope to be held a little more accountable for these things since I have them written down. (If it's posted, it has to come true, right?) I encourage you to jot down some things you want to accomplish in the upcoming year; we can keep each other accountable.

I wish you all a happy & healthy new year!!! Best wishes in 2016!!!


until next time,
Lauren

Letter of Thanks

Dear Wendy's employee, 

Even though I know the likelihood of you reading this post is extremely slim, I just wanted to take the time to say a simple thank you. Thank you for the cheerful greeting along with your big, vibrant smile and the "how are you" as I pulled up the window to pay for my food.

Thank you for exceeding my expectations of my trip to get lunch. You were the most joyous, kind-hearted person that I had the pleasure of encountering today.

Moreover, you served as a glorious reminder to me of the "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." You never know who may come through your window and really need the smile and compassion from a stranger. It is so easy to get bogged down when a lot is going on, but you allowed me to step back for a moment to realize otherwise. Even during the week prior to finals, there is so much for me be cheerful about. Thanks for opening my eyes to that today.

It's definitely the little things that can make the biggest impact on someone's day. Thank you once more for impacting mine.

I was just expecting a cheeseburger and fries, but I received much more than that. It's not everyday that I encounter a stranger that seems to care so deeply about a fellow stranger. I know it may seem like I'm making a big deal out of this. However, it's definitely worthy (in my opinion) to point out the good in a world that seems to be suffocating with the bad.

Also, thank you for the "Have a blessed day." It means more than you know.


May God surely bless you too,

Delighted customer 

p.s. I pray that you continue to be a light to all other customers that come to your window & radiate cheer to them as you have shown me. :)

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