Can y'all believe it? Because I can't. 

I am so serious when I say this year has passed by faster than any other year of my 23 spent on this Earth. 

Life passing by so quickly always reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite TV shows of all time, One Tree Hill.

Now, if any of you are OTH fans, then you know it is one of the most quotable shows in the history of adolescent TV shows. 

Doesn't that really put things in perspective?

The future is always the next thing on our mind, when really we just need to live in the moment. Soak it all in, and live this life that we were given to the fullest.

This brings me to what I want to talk about today.

Not fashion, or drinks, or food, or girly guilty pleasures.

It feels like in the past seven months of 2016 there have been a lot of tragedies - not only in the USA, but across the world.

And it affects all of us. 

I know that sometimes it may seem like our world is "falling apart" and that we may never find peace.

But - we will.

And it all starts with the peace you find within yourself.

There is never a guarantee that you can change the world, but you can always start with yourself.

It is moments like these that I always find myself turning to quotes that inspire me.

And here is a very popular one that has stuck with me for years...

The older I get, the more I realize how precious life can be. 

No matter what else is going on in the world that we have no control over, we do have control over our own life and what we do with it.

Also the older I get the more I value the people in my life.

The ones that mean the most to be.

Every day is not guaranteed. 

Next time you see a loved one, make sure to give them a hug, and remind them how much they mean to you.

I bet it will make their day.

There really is so much goodness in this world that sometimes gets shaded by the darkness.

And that being said I have one more thing I want to share...

A friend recently sent me this poem.

And in light of what has been in the news lately, I think all of you will enjoy it as well.

(Kind of lengthy - but so worth the read)

Desiderata 

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism. 

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass. 

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy. 

---

 

Pretty neat, huh?

I know a few people who could definitely use a read of this.

But my absolute favorite part of this poem is the ending. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

How great are those words?

They have been coming to my mind a lot lately.

Despite a lot of bad, it is still a beautiful one.

And all of you help make it so beautiful.

Never take anything for granted, and never be afraid to just live!

You won't be here forever.

So go - have fun - but always remember there are people out there who need your support and your love.

You can change a life, but don't forget to love your own first.

Have a wonderful week, and walk around with a smile on your face.

It's contagious.

 

XOXO,

 

Julianne