Read All About It-Favorite Books of 2016 (so far)

While reading has always been a favorite pastime of mine, I can rarely find the time to actually sit and get through an entire book. BUT these books have changed everything! These books I have successfully read from front to back. And let me tell you, these are my absolute favorites. 

If you're looking for some feel good entertainment for your eyes, look no further.

YOU ARE A BADASS/ FIND YOUR HAPPY DAILY MANTRAS/ WHY NOT ME?/ MODERN ROMANCE

You Are A Badass: You know that moment when you're overwhelmed by the trials in life that seem to do nothing but defeat you? You know when you're doubting every decision you've ever made and will make? That's when you need this book. Hello, mood booster! 

Find Your Happy Daily Mantras: This book is pretty self-explanitory. If you find yourself in a negative rut, this book is an awesome way to put life into perspective. It has a mantra for every day, so make it a part of your daily routine! 

Why Not Me?: First of all, if you haven't discovered the delightful Mindy Kaling, it's time. This is her second book, and I don't know which one I love more. I have nothing else to say except read it! 

Modern Romance: This book kind of took me by surprise. It's essentially a study on the way we date, in comparison to those in the generation before us. It specifically focuses on dating in the day of social media, which honestly fascinates me. And if you're a fan of Anziz Ansari, you'll love his hilarious tidbits. 

I'm always looking for some new reads, so what are your favorite books this year?

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often

Do you ever go to a different city or state and realize how small you are? The problems and concerns I once had suddenly seem silly and insignificant.

Something as effortless as snowfall made me forget all of my day-to-day worries.

My challenge for myself and you is to take some time to get away. Be content with sitting and just being. Smell the cool air, get some coffee, and do something for yourself just because!

I Just Wanna Run...

I'll be the first to admit, I am not an outdoorsy type girl. (Although if you find me on Tinder, my profile might say otherwise...)
Let me first say, I am absolutely astonished by nature-the way the sky changes, the way snowflakes look, and the way tall redwood trees smell.
I am SO fortunate to live in California where I get it all within 2-4 hour drive!
But, I will say, I do appreciate nature from in the car...with air conditioning & a cozy seat.
When I told my friends I wanted to go on a nature walk, I didn't think that would translate to, "let's go on a hike." But I was wrong.
Long story short, my "nature walk" turned into an 8 mile hike; something that this non-outdoorsy body of mine is not used to.

But oh man, was it pretty!

In 2016, Love Yourself

This year has been quite the whirlwind, to say the least.

I witnessed people close (and not as close) to me find happiness and marry the love of their life. Meanwhile, I was falling in and out of like with people who will likely stay a 2015 memory.

I made new friends, and then lost them.
I traveled and made memories.
I stayed up late and woke up early.
I got a permanent job where I spend 40 hours a week with some pretty awesome people.
My patience was tested, time was wasted, and time stood still.

Have I learned a lot? Yes! Have I learned everything? Most definitely not. But this year was filled with lots of lessons and experiences that, I believe, could have only been written out just for me by God himself.

Do I sometimes stare at my English degree and wonder what the heck I'm doing? Allll the freaking time. Am I okay with that? Eh, for the most part.

I was reading a book recently, and at the end of every chapter, it said, "love yourself." It made me think, do I love myself the way I should? Probably not. I'm always apologizing and beating myself down for things that are very human and very okay.

This year, I resolve to:

1. Love my body
Provide myself with nourishing foods and allow myself to get up and move 

2. Love what I do
Fully embrace my job, future job, and hobbies. Become engulfed in things that make me a better person, and celebrate my achievements-both big and small.  

3. Love those who love me
Love on others, and accept the love back from these people that I deserve.

4. Love my social media
I often feel so pressured to make myself look so fun and creative through my social media. Loving yourself also means loving the things you think are great, and memories you want to share. 

What are your 2016 resolutions?