Day 1..

Day 1: Branding: What single word describes your personality? How does it affect you as a writer? Are you whimsical, gregarious, or fierce?

Various..

In my life I like a lot of variety.

Most people consider me a well-rounded person because I am very easy to please.

It's not difficult for me to click with others, because I feel that no matter what I share at least one interest with everyone..

There are so many things in life that I love...I can't even pick a favorite anything.

For example: I absolutely love music and on a day to day basis I probably listen to about every genre.

They may change based on my mood, but just about everything satisfies me.

One minute I'm listening to the Beatles, peace signing everyone in the office like I'm a dang hippie, to headbanging to Pantera or old school Whitesnake. 

Gosh the other day at work my co-worker and I went from basically crying to Everytime by Britney Spears to rapping Tupac lyrics.

Let's get real..my love for music will never change.

On a daily basis I change my career choice.

I can't even count the number of times I've said, "oh my gosh I should've been a..."

For real..I have went from wanting to be a child star on the TV show Zoom to every other possible career choice there is out there.

In my life, I feel as if I am always changing.

No matter what it is; fashion, decor, ideas, career choices, my mind...underwear. ha ha 

But seriously..we are all constantly changing.

It's part of life..and let's just say, I keep my mind occupied.

I like change..it helps relight the fire in my life and shakes things up a bit.

Now I'm not saying that I'm irresponsible, or can't make major decisions..because trust me I have to make plenty of those. 

I just like to keep life exciting..

When it comes to my writing, I also like to give it variety.
I like so many different things in life and I want to talk about all of those things..

I want to keep my writing alive and free to go wherever I want it to go.

I want it to always have a little flare that gives people the incentive to read more..

Words are such an amazing way to express yourself. 

There are never enough of them, but yet you will never run out.

Words are timeless..

<3 Shay

10 Day Blog Challenge..

Okay people...so, I have always always struggled with challenging myself.

Until this year, I have never stuck with any challenges I've made for myself, or have reached any major goals.

This past New Year's Eve (so predictable right?)...I made a pact with myself to actually make some major changes in my life..

I promised myself many things that I would accomplish and I am so far, holding myself to them.

One of the biggest goals that I set for myself...was to launch my blog. Check!!

Like I said in previous posts, I have wanted to do this for many years now..

I decided to set a goal within a goal..

Not only do I want to succeed in many other things in my life, I want to succeed here on my page.

I am challenging myself to a 10 day blog challenge..

I picked a challenge that really makes me think about the words I share, the reasons, and meanings behind them.

Maybe I'll learn some new things about myself along the way..

<3 Shay

Starting tomorrow:

Day 1: Branding: What single word describes your personality? How does it affect you as a writer? Are you whimsical, gregarious, or fierce?

Day 2: Happiness:What is your own secret for happiness? How did you get there? If you had to sum everything up, what would be your one word to describe how to be truly happy?

Day 3: History: What stories do you know about your ancestors? What traits do you admire in them? What do you want future generations to remember about you? What do you want to be known for?

Day 4: Possessions: What is your most prized possession? Why do you value it? How did you come across it?

Day 5: Memories: What are some of your most cherished memories? Did these events create a significant impact on your life today?

Day 6: Music: Pick three of your favorite songs. Write a paragraph about the feelings they bring to you. Do you feel contentment, peace, encouragement, or determination?

Day 7: Enchantment: What is your favorite fairy tale, story, fable, or myth? Who is your favorite character, and why? What elements of the story enchant your mind?

Day 8: Fears: No spiders or horror films. What truly scares you that brings out human emotion? Why does it make you fearful? How would you confront your worst fear?

Day 9: Heroes: Outside of your family, who is your hero? Why do you idolize them? How do you perceive them differently from others?

Day 10: You: What makes you think you're so special? A little harsh, I know. But what do you see in yourself? Tell the truth. Don't describe what others say about you. Become completely vulnerable. What characteristics do you hide from the ones you love?

Bucket List..

"She is just some wild thing. Let her laugh, live, love, and roam free on her own terms, and she is sure to come back to you"
We are free to live our lives how we desire...why not do the things that our hearts desire..

Aside from just writing this for my blog, I have also wanted to write a bucket list since like...FOREVER!
I don't how many times friends and I have gone back and forth talking about bucket lists; crazy things we want to do, people we want to meet, and places we want to see.
I have talked so many times about making one, but never took the time to actually do it...until now :) (obviously)..
Anyway...here is just a few of the big things I would like to add to my bucket list..trust me if I shared everything...we'd be here for days..

One of the first things I have said for THE longest time that I have wanted to do...is to
-Go Skydiving-
I remember flipping through my history book in Elementary school, just looking at the pictures of course...haha who really reads those things?! Anyway..I saw a picture of a bunch of people, holding hands, in a circle, just floating in the air. I was so intrigued..I just knew right then that some day I would also have to do the same thing.
*
-Go on a spontaneous road trip-
Countless..upon countless times I have talked with my best friend about taking a road trip
At first it was just somewhere relatively close, or even just to the normal vaca spots that people pick.
Now..that I am above and beyond sick of never being able to go somewhere--I would be happy with anywhere. Quite frankly, I just want to get in the car and drive. I don't really care where we end up, but I just want to get out of town and Drive..
*
-Swim with dolphins-
Well duh, who doesn't want to do this.
They are some of the most amazing creatures on Earth.
*
-Meet John Mayer-
Okay, I'm going to try to be brief with sharing my love for this man.
HA..but really, it's the music that gets me.
It's a feeling I can't explain..when I hear his music, it's like my soul just soaks it in like a sponge.
It my soul music.
I think if I ever got to meet him, I would probably just want to thank him for sharing his talent and for allowing his music to change my life <3
*
-Scuba dive/swim with sharks-
Let's get real..I spent most of my life pretending I was part mermaid..
Now if I truly decide to swim with sharks..let's just hope they make adult size "little swimmers" because I would probably be (excuse me)..pooing myself.
I mean it would be one heck of an experience..

*
-Learn how to surf-
I am obsessssssed with surfing
I think it is one of the most amazing things created in this world...and I am completely jealous of all the gnarly "dudes" out there with awesome cutbacks.
I bet there is no greater feeling than being able to ride a big wave and to just be one with the water..
(I blame Blue Crush..all their fault)
*
-Write a book-
I just want to share my life with the world..
There is a whole lot more to me than what most people know.
I don't share too many intimate parts of my life with many people, because sometimes it's just hard to trust others
..but one day I hope I can build up enough courage to write it all down and share it with the world
*
-Cliff jump in Greece-
Okay, so I came up with this one when Sisterhood of the traveling pants 2 came out, but it still counts!
I was so amazed at the beautiful water in Greece and how exhilarating it must feel to just let loose and live in the moment.
I want to take a big jump like that and live in the moment..

*
-Attach a lock to the "Love locks Bridge" in Paris-
Corny I know...but it's going to happen!!
*
And last, but definitely not least..overall  I just want to
-Travel-
 Anywhere and everywhere...I want to see the world and everything in it..

P.S.- Feel free to share any of your favorite bucket list ideas or things that you have crossed off of your own list!

<3 Shay

Inspired..

Ever since I was a young girl I have constantly felt like I was a free spirit...a gypsy soul trapped in an ordinary life..

Even as a little girl I felt misunderstood.

Life always seemed so predictable and dull to the people around me..

No one in my life made me feel inspired or excited to dream.

As a young girl, gosh even as a young adult...dreaming meant the world to me.

It gave me a sense of hope..

Hope that "One day" I will actually be able to wake up, live, and actually follow my heart into the life that I was made to live.

I've always been a big dreamer..there's nothing wrong with that right?

Well...according to a lot of the people in my life, dreams as big as mine...don't come true.

Especially for people who are from here..life in this town just stays the same.

Things aren't exciting here, and not a lot of people like change.

Me...I love change.
Even though I am a worrier...I still do truly love not knowing what tomorrow may bring.

It's so exciting to think that anything can happen, for the good. 

If every person went to bed at night thinking..."What difference can I make in one person's life tomorrow?"...and actually did it- the world would be a different place.

I just don't believe that we are here to just exist..we are here to change the world and to really LIVE life.

We aren't here to just build fancy houses, buy lots of things to put in them, get married, have kids, and eventually pass on...

we are here to wake up and live..

I feel as if so many people forget about the little things in life that matter..

Those little things are what makes life so amazing!

I have spent almost every day of my life feeling as if I am trapped in an ordinary life..

I was not born to be ordinary, and ordinary is not who I am

I was born to be extraordinary and that is who I want to be..

Every person in this life was born to be extraordinary.

God made each and every one of us with a purpose and a plan--

I have always had issues with deciding my career choice.

5 college years later..I still am doubting the route that I have taken.

I finally came to the conclusion that maybe I wasn't meant to do just one thing.

Maybe God gave me the desires to do so much more with my life, because that is what I am going to do.

I have never seen myself settling down with just one career and doing that for the rest of my life.

That's a lot of time spent on one thing, when the world has so much more to offer.

I don't like doing the same things over and over again..

Why live the same day twice?

We aren't guaranteed forever, and I don't plan to live my life just thinking of all the things I want to do..

I am going to do them!

It wasn't until recently when God woke me up and told me to stop being so lazy..

He showed me that just dreaming, or thinking of all the things that I want to do isn't enough.

I have to get up..off my BUTT..and do them!!

I can't just keep sitting back and thinking of the person I want to be...I need to get up every day and BE the person who I want to be..

Tomorrow doesn't even exist yet, all we have is today..

Time passes so fast and I don't want to live another day regretting what I didn't do..

I want to live a life of inspiration and bring hope to those who need it.

"We were created to make someone else's life better" 

<3 Shay

My Memorial Day Weekend..

"In every walk with nature...one receives far more than he seeks"

-John Muir

This weekend was one of the most fulfilling times in my life.

Normally I don't do much over memorial day weekend because my family makes plans at last minute.

This memorial day, I had a lot going on..as amazing as the weekend was--it was extremely tiring.

I'm still trying to catch up on sleep.

With spontaneity in my blood, my friend and I decided to go hiking at the last minute.

We woke up bright and early to get busy bonding with nature.

We spent out whole day away from technology, away from stress, away from our jobs, and just spent our time enjoying life.

We went hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing.

Let me just say...even though we both are nature freaks to start with...for some reason, this time that we spent was just different.

It brought us so much joy just to be in the presence of God and see such pure beauty around us.

I love being outside in the sun and by the water.

It reminds me of what it truly means to be human and how lucky I am to be a part of such a beautiful place.

-My friend and I decided to head home, clean up, and head to our favorite place to dance :)

We go line dancing all of the time and we enjoy every minute of it.

 We both were raised on country music and that's what we live for; it's a part of our lives.

-The next day I had church and the memorial day festival in my home town.

My family and I got our favorite lemonade shake-ups and watched the town talent show.

We had a family cookout and played some very competitive games of volleyball.

We ended the night at the baseball park together to watch the town fireworks.

I must say...they were the best they have ever been.

-I spent my Monday relaxing with my family, doing laundry, and watching One Tree Hill.

I am still trying to regain my strength from all the activities we did this weekend..haha 

It was such an amazing time!

It has definitely reminded me of the love that I have for my family, friends, community, and the environment around me.

It's the simple things in life that mean the most to me..and that's what this weekend was; simple & perfect.

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees" 

<3 Shay

Friendship..

#Truth

Friendship can not be defined in one word

True friendship also doesn't exist in just a few moments or memories, it lasts forever. 

Through all the turmoil, all the tears, all the brokenness, and all the pain...true friends are always there.

Having an honest, true, and loyal best friend is extremely hard to come across, but when you do...don't let them go.

I have found out in more than one way what it means to be a good friend..

First and foremost, listen.

If it wasn't for the nights of me crying hysterically to my best friend without her having anything to say, driving for hours with just sappy love songs on, or even talking for an hour on the phone to my long distance friends...listening helps.

They are your FREE therapist.

Use them!! :)

Also, don't be the friend that only wants a friend when you are sad. 

If you want to be a good friend...you gotta be there for the good and the bad.

I have friends who don't want anything to do with me unless they want or need something, or my advice.

Where were you when I was sad? And why don't you ever give me advice?

Sometimes it's hard to still be friends with people like that..

Many things go along with being the best friend you can be, but some things are unspoken.
Just like being in love...it's different every time.
Not every friendship is the same, so don't expect it to be.
And...every person can have more than one best friend.
Each friendship means something great to them, but doesn't necessarily mean that one has to be more important than the other.
Jealously is not cool.
I have a couple people in my life who I call "Best friends"
Even though I love them all, each friendship means something different to me.
I have the friends who have been in my life since kindergarten, friends from high school, and friends from college.
Each one plays a special role in my life.
Friendship is not always the easiest thing, but it can definitely be fun.
I have done some of the dumbest things with my friends, but loved every second of it.
You realize how much you know about the law when you are with your best friends.
Having inside jokes and stories only you understand are the best.
Simplicity is key to my heart.
The more simple the friend is...the better.
I have had some of the best nights of my life not doing much of anything.
Being able to laugh with and at each other is one of the best parts of friendship.
Sometimes just being able to be silent together is one of the best feelings when it comes to having a best friend; when you don't need to talk about it because...they "already know".

Friendship comes and friendship goes, but hold on to the ones who mean the most..
They will keep you alive and show you love in so many great ways.

"God made us bestfriends, because no mother could handle us as sisters" <3

<3 Shay

10 Songs of my life..

Below are 10 songs (not in any special order) that I will listen to for the rest of my life

I love music with everything in me..it truly is one of the biggest parts of my life
These aren't exactly my only favorite songs, because trust me...there are plenty more than these :)
These songs have played a big role in my crazy, wonderful, life..

1. 3am- Matchbox Twenty

2. Could you be loved- Bob Marley

3. Black Balloon- Goo Goo Dolls

4. Summertime- Kenny Chesney

5. Your body is a wonderland- John Mayer

6. Won't Go Home Without You- Maroon 5

7. Back2Good- Matchbox Twenty

8. You and Me- Lifehouse

9. Cryin- Aerosmith

10. Blue Jeans and a Rosary- Kid Rock

<3 Shay

P.S.- What are the songs of your life?