Day 22

Today, I learned that happy is the best thing to be in life. We aren't promised a perfect future, but the least we can do is be optimistic about it. Love with a pure heart. Don't be afraid. Take risks. Believe in the divinest of miracles. Never let a day go by that the Devil doesn't try to run you down. Laugh heartily. Be YOU.

I love my boyfriend, but lately I've been very ill towards him. It's hard to be nice all the time because I've become so comfortable around him. But I realized today that I need to stop worrying about only me. He has feelings, too, and he has a better heart than I. (I would've given up on me 22 months ago if I was him.)

Day 13

Although I know I am incredibly late, I still feel it is necessary to record my past thoughts...

On January 13, I turned eighteen. Ever since seventh grade, there has been no school on my birthday because of snow. To most kids, that's perfect, but I'd rather spend the day with friends. Well, to my non-surprise, the first snow of the year was on my birthday. I couldn't get out, and no one could get out to see me. I was so bummed out that I sat on the couch in my pajamas reading a depressing book. No  lie. I kept thinking (even though I knew it was pathetic to be wallowing in my own self pity on my eighteenth birthday) that no one cared enough to try to come see me. Then, wouldn't you know it, a big group of my friends came bombarding through my door with cookies, cake, presents, and chicken nuggets in hand. :) I was so incredibly ecstatic, and I felt so guilty and stupid for my previous thoughts.
After they left, my family and my boyfriend were going to go out to eat. But, to my surprise, we instead went to my grandmother's house for my SECOND surprise party! How blessed am I! I totally do not deserve the blessings I have been given . Especially after I had sulked all day long.
And THEN on the next school day, my English class had me a THIRD surprise party!
So, the moral of the story is that whenever you feel like no one loves you, look around. I know there will be plenty of warm hearts to welcome you in. :)

Day 4

I know I'm late for Day 4, but this occurred to me last night, and I was too tired to put it into words. I cannot stand judgmental people. This especially irks me:

"Wow. You have been dating your girlfriend for two weeks and you're already IN LOVE?! haha. You don't know what love is until you're walking down the isle at your wedding."


Okay. Does anyone else see something wrong with this? Because I do.

Who has put a time limit on love? Did it take you a month to fall in love with your parents after you were born? Or three weeks to fall in love with God after you got saved? I don't think so. Granted that all the relationships in the world aren't "true love," no one holds the right to tell you how you feel. Am I right, people?

Also, the majority of the people who say this about young couples are describing their middle school self. For example, I have a friend. She has been all up on this business ever since it became the "raging talk" of Facebook.  I can recall at least 20 times  in our younger days when she swore she was in love, and the guy was perfect. 

As for myself, I did the same. I was always "in love" with a different boy every week who didn't know I existed. I would obsess over him. Literally. I've got tons of notebooks filled with "Olivia Rae (enter last name of current crush) (enter last name of another zit-faced boy) (enter ANOTHER last name of the "perfect" male)

Yes! That's what preteen girls DO! Believe it or not, I think we've all been in a situation of proclaiming our love prematurely. 

So my thought for the day -- Restrain from judging children; you were once in their spot. Also, don't put limits on love.

Day 1

Today, (which is meant to be January 1st, I'm just late. haha) I learned to never overlook the small things. The touch of your lover's hand, for example. I was napping with my boyfriend today, whom you will hear a lot about, and I laid completely still and listened to the beat of his heart sing me to sleep. I felt his hand touching only one section of my skin. I listened to his breathing. Those are the simple things that I would have overlooked had I not been paying attention. And because of that, I have a memory, a picture of him forever embedded in my mind now.
Smiles. Smiles are one of the greatest gifts we are given. There are all different types of smiles. Fake ones, big ones, sarcastic ones, hidden ones, and genuine ones. Paying attention to someone's mouth really can have a big affect on a person. For instance, today at my church, a new Christian was getting baptized. I have been friends with this girl for around 4 years, but I have never seen her smile the way she did today. She looked so carefree and relieved.
So, all in all, my point for Day 1 would be to always appreciate the smallest things, to be observant, and watch the world with new eyes everyday.