#1 Do Not Wait to Write Down Ideas

The amount of times I’ve been guilty of this one... 😬

My advice: Type a quick note to yourself on your cellphone if you’re not able to write the whole post out in one sitting. Include bullet points of the main ideas you can refer to later, so it’s easier to trace back your thought process from earlier.

#2 Sometimes It Feels Like a Part-Time Job

Mainly because, One: I'm not a full-time blogger: During the school year, classes are my main focus so the frequent updates on my blog dies down over those month, in contrast to the summer time.
And Two: The inspiration to write or place my thoughts into words sometimes doesn't flow as often as I would like to post.

My advice: Take your time and honestly--no pressure! It shouldn't have to feel like a part-time job. Quality is better than quantity, plus it shows to the people who read your posts.

#3 It’s OK to Take a Break

My advice: Don't feel like you need to announce every time you need to take a break, or when you come back. If it has been a long while (more than three months), it would be nice to refresh and update everyone on what you have been up to or new content you are planning. 

#4 Get Ready, to Get Messy

Since blogging isn't a cookie cutter recipe, things can get messy, confusing, and frustrating at times. That's part of the beauty of blogging as well! You can make it into anything you want to be. It can be about your underwater basket weaving hobby, travel experiences, or advice corner (maybe even all three!) –– the possibilities are endless. And the fact that there's no other person on the web that will have the same exact array of experiences is a part that makes your space unique.

My advice: Explore different topics in writing and DO share things you are passionate about. That may change as months or years go by, so feel free to change things up. It WILL be messy!

#5 Share You

My advice: Try posting using your own photography, share your random thoughts (even if it might not make 100% sense), and share what you've been learning. There's always a way to add your own spin on a popular trend/topic, so make it yours!

Most of the time we hear about the negatives about having long-distance friends and the positives of having nearby buddies, but how about the other way around? Today, I wanted to write some fun little blurbs about the pros and cons in both relationships (these can be applied to family and dating). The thought on making this post dawned on me this morning, while I was texting with a friend back and forth this morning (who is long-distance). 

Whether you're working at a job or taking classes, hopefully there are a couple of ideas on this list that might inspire you to create your own bucket list or add an existing one. I'll try updating this list every so often with pictures or with a little description that captures the moment.


1. Start and finish a Netflix series
2. Visiting and exploring 2 new cities
3. Reading through five books of the Bible I've haven't read before
4. Hike all the trails in the nearby park
5. Trying 10 different Pinterest recipes
6. Make at least 4 blog posts a month
7. Consistently work out everyday for two weeks
8. Continue rock climbing at least 3 times
9. Share at least 1 blog resource a month
10. Fall Photo Shoot! 📸
11. Finish reading 2 books in my book stack

1. I would be more thankful––even when it’s hard
2. I’d pray more
3. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable
4. Plan my schedule more
5. Be firm in my “yes” and sure in my “no”

6. Less unhealthy snack binges 🍩😛
7. Explore new creative outlets
8. Be intentional in my time with God
9. Have more heart-to-heart conversations
10. Learn a new language (or a couple)

11. Balance my time wisely
12. Less-screen time
13. Listen to more podcasts in the car
14. Hosting mini-events for friends
15. Investing in younger women and girls

16. Really creating a home/niche in my blog space
17. Live like Jesus
18. Caring more about my physical health
19. Learning to care for others well 💕
20. Be prepared to be a real adult (while still being a kid at heart of course!)

21. Being ok with plans going a different direction

It was a new day, with the sun peeking through the waves below me. I could only smile in wonder at the beautiful sight before me. Ships all around me, though different from my own, following the course before us. Oh what a marvelous adventure guided by Our Navigator, for my companions and I.

When I have a second to step out of the rush of college life (papers, assignments, and tests), I find myself sometimes reflecting on the most random encounters I've had with people. Whether it was a fun few moments or embarrassing second, I find myself re-running experiences I've had with all sorts of people.

Remember in high school, how many people you saw in the hallway everyday. You passed them by everyday, some of them classmates, some acquaintances, and some who were just faces you passed by everyday. How many of those people could you truly say you knew what their life was like? Or them knowing your story? Whether they were the popular, stellar student or blended into the surroundings, there's still so many people unknown even at surface details.

Or in college, when the number of students has over doubled in size or more. It feels even harder to know others or even be known. There are probably people we pass everyday but don't get to meet or enter their life story, other than being the girl or guy that walks by them on their way to lecture. Thousands of people just like you who have responsibilities to balance including keeping old relationships and maybe building new ones.

And we practically pass someone new and possibly someone we might never see again. We barely know everyone that's we see daily, let alone, everyone in our neighborhood, city, or country.

Yet, there is some who wants to know you and be known. Yet God, wants to personally and intimately know you, and internationally build a relationship with you. How exciting is this!


♫  Drops in the Ocean - Hawk Nelson
Photo by Thomas Vimare on Unsplash

Dear 2018,

I'm not sure if you are going to be anything like 2017, because if you will be, could you give me and everyone else a heads-up? I think this past year was full of opening avoided topics, thinking over challenging questions, and brutal honest conversations. And you know what––I think it was well awaited as painful as the process was.

I imagine a suitcase of old memories and emotions that I've tried to keep closed and shoved back into the closet. But pushing it further into the back of the closet doesn't help the fact that it still exists. Then this past year, I decided to haul it around with me. Still not mentioning what's in there, but stating that there is stuff in there...Tracking with me still?


When I finally did open it, it sure hurt, but in a good way, that was well needed after years of shoving everything inside. And I'm very grateful I have friends who are willing to help me unpack and reorganize. It's messy and it may take a while.

So 2018, though I think I'm ready for what is next after the past year, I'm not sure. I still have present worries, fears, and weaknesses.

Though I'm not going to try relying on my strengths. This year, I'm surrendering my fears daily to God––which is easier to say (or type) than actually do. I'm not sure what that will look like, but I know it will be uncomfortable and reveal God and His love in a whole new way.