HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

Happy New Year's Eve to all my readers! Thank you for supporting me and for following my journey to a happier and healthier life. Without you, I would bottle up all my stories and thoughts, and I would probaly pop like the champagne I'll be drinking at midnight!!

I'm looking forward to a safe, healthy, and successful new year for myself and everyone around me.  Thanks again for believing in me and my passion for writing!

I LOVE YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY LITTLE HOLLY HEART!

My Life :: Some Little Updates

“And I feel like I’m naked in front of the crowd ‘cause these words are my diary screaming out loud, and I know that you’ll use them however you want to….”

-Anna Nalick

            First I’ll say sorry for not blogging lately. Then, I’ll try to fix it by saying that I’ve been so busy with my fulltime job, and my side freelance writing jobs, and Christmas, and throwing hissy fits over cleaning, and everything else. But you probably don’t care because you’re either equally as busy or even more so. So, I’ll just say sorry and carry on about myself.

            As I mentioned in my previous post, it takes a certain bravery and courage to write about your life. Some people write in private journals for only their eyes, some people write through books and songs. Some people bottle it up and don’t write at all. I unashamedly write about my life right here, through words and poetry and pictures, for all of you to see. So I guess that doesn’t leave much room for embarrassment to harbor. I know there are readers out there who really do care, and for that, I just want to reach out and hug all of you, one by one.

            So here are the updates you’ve been asking for:

            I finally accomplished one of the more nerve-racking goals on my list of things do to before I’m 26 - I went to see the allergist. Just as I had suspected, I am still severely allergic to birch trees, and nuts, and everything that is cross contaminated with birch trees and ragweed, and then some. Learn about it here if you’re interested: It could save somebody’s life. At first, I was nervous to post this photo because it’s unpleasant and uncomfortable, but I want you to see just how allergic some people are (like me). I can’t believe a tiny needle prick consisting of simply the allergen proteins made me have this reaction. Right away, the doctor and nurse had to rush in some Benadryl and Zyrtec and keep me there on watch for almost an hour. Scary stuff. The mark furthest to the left of my back is birch trees, and the other ones on top are tree nuts. So if you don’t like me, please don’t secretly hide a nut in my food. I’d hate you forever.



Can you believe how allergic I am? This is nuts... get it?



           I have had a super crazy hormonal-flying off the handle-short fuse-don’t even come near me or I’m going to hit you- month. I really can’t figure out why. All I know is I have cried more times this past month than I have in a long time. However, I’m honestly and whole-heartedly trying to find reasons every day for smiles to win the war against my tears. I’ll let you know who wins.

            Really though, I feel horrible even bitching and complaining about anything that goes on in my own life. I am alive, healthy, and everyone I love is alive and healthy as well. My heart is crying for the families in Newtown, CT whose holiday season and whole life was completely turned upside down. I have been praying for everyone involved in the situation, and I hope God can hear my little voice and bring them some strength and comfort during this horrifying time.

             On a lighter note, my sister came home for the holidays on Saturday, and my aunt & uncle from PA came last Sunday. THESE ARE HUGE REASONS TO SMILE. Best Christmas present EVER. Stephanos spoiled me, as usual, as did my entire family. I feel so blessed, I literally couldn't ask for a better group of people to love. Here's to 2013 being the best year ever.

            So, there’s a little bit about my life. What has been going on with you? How was your holiday? Are you excited for 2013?

50 Shades of Blogging

“So, what’s your blog about?” “Well, it’s about being a vegetarian, trying to be as healthy and happy as possible while still living a normal 25 year old life, and helping animals, and about the times I cry when I get overwhelmed with cleaning, and just about the times I cry, and about my migraines, and about holidays, and about my boyfriend and my cat, oh and it’s also about what I do on the weekends, and blah blah blah…”

How am I supposed to explain all of that?

 

I then try to say that it’s about all the people out there who ask me how I manage to still have fun without eating meat, without wearing leather or fur, and what I eat at restaurants and cookouts, and how do I even live without meat? Finally I say, “you know what, just read the blog. It will all make sense.”

This was how last night went. Two of my friends, MacKenzie and Crystal (who both happen to be bloggers as well, despite what Crystal might tell you!) and I headed to Audubon Circle in Boston for the Boston Bloggers Holiday Meet & Greet. We wore cute outfits, sipped on Prosecco, took photos, deleted them and then took more, and mingled with some really interesting people. I’d say it was a complete success, if you ask me, which I know you didn’t but I’m telling you anyway since this is my blog and you’re reading it.

What I found to be most entertaining about the night was meeting people who blog about really different concepts. The people who had really enthralling stories are the ones that I remembered best. It’s fascinating to me how many different ideas and theories people have, and what’s even greater is the courage so many young people have to write about their own lives. There are so many different shades of the blogging world. You know, it takes a certain bravery to open yourself up to the world of blogging. Your life becomes an open book, and you quickly find yourself interested in other people’s open books as well. What’s remarkable to me is the group of people who write about things you wouldn’t expect. When you ask them what their story is, and you think “wow, that is so intriguing” – that’s what stands out to me. 

 

 

 

 

Until next time, keep reading, and I suggest the following blogs for you:

www.breatheeasywithme.blogspot.com
www.bbefa.blogspot.com
www.adrinkwithastranger.com
www.flipflopsandcombatboots.net
www.paleo-project.com
www.stylecusp.com

These are just a few of my favorites, but the world is full of many other talented writers who are traveling very interesting journeys. Go find them, but don't forget about little old me :)

Xo, Holly

Tradition :: The One That Never Changes

tra·di·tion – noun

an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior

Example of TRADITION

1.     One of my family’s many time-honored traditions is to have a small gathering a couple nights before Christmas, where my sister (!!!!), her boyfriend Mike, my parents, my aunt & uncle from Pennsylvania, and of course Stephanos, myself, and Nala all eat delicious foods and drink out of fancy champagne glasses and frosted mugs, open some presents, take photo and video footage, and it usually ends with a tequila shot or two and laughing so hard until we cry. It’s precious.

     Tradition. Say it. I love the way it sounds. If tradition had a color scheme, it would be red and gold, much like the gleaming bulbs on our tree. Or, it could be purple and silver, like the bulbs on my parents’ tree. Either way, it would be nothing less than radiant.

     Most families have these traditions, these parties, dinners, and holiday rituals that they follow each year. When I think of the word tradition, I feel comfortable. The word tradition ignites a warm flame inside of me reminding me that, although we are all growing older, some things never really change. We might celebrate at our house, or we might celebrate at my parents’ house. One year, we even celebrated a few days after Christmas in Pennsylvania. Some year, we might even celebrate at Jacy & Mike’s house in Tennessee. Who knows where this road of Christmas traditions will take us, but there is one thing that’s never-ever changing: the foundation of our tradition. It is built on many years of love, laughs, comfort, loyalty, incredible memories, and a beautiful family that I am so lucky to be a part of.

Our glowing tree

 

 

This is our house this year, patiently waiting for family to arrive in a few shorts weeks!

 

     What is your favorite holiday tradition?

A Perfect Thanksgiving :: No Turkey & Some Skinny Pants

Some of you can't wait to wake up on Thanksgiving, throw your sweats on, fill your own stomach up with enough food to feed a family of 8, drink your cares away until you want to puke, and crash on the couch to watch football, all while nursing your hangover from the night before. Right?

Sounds fun, really it does. But luckily for me, there's not an abundance of Holly-vegetarian-food on holidays to make my stomach that full. That's why I don't wear sweats and/or have to worry about the button on my skinny pants popping off. You, too, can have this no-zipper busting assurance. I promise. Say NO thanks to turkey this year too, help save millions of little turkey lives and eat some healthy vegetable based foods. Remember to say thank-you for everything you have, tell lots of stories, laugh alot, be glad you're not in a Tryptophan induced coma, and join me in my dream of wearing this amazing Thanksgiving outfit all while everyone tells you how cute you are.

HAPPY ALMOST THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

A Weekend To Remember

     Our schedules are typically very busy, so when we have a night to do nothing, I love it. And then I blog about it. And then you read it and think, aw how cute. You're catching on, good.

     I left work on Friday and went tanning (sorry, mom) and to the bank while Stephanos went grocery shopping all by himself. What a good man. Then we both got home, cooked dinner, watched a movie, didn't drink wine because I didn't want a hangover, and fell asleep in our princess bed. How perfect. Oh, I forgot to mention that I went on a psycho-cleaning-frenzy and yelled at Stephanos for not doing the dishwasher all while I went around the house figuring out what else I could bitch about. He just smiled and knew I'd be over it soon. After I decided to stop being crazy is when we finally drifted off to dream land in our princess bed.

     On Saturday morning, Stephanos tucked me into a burrito in bed, kissed me goodbye, and he left to go golfing. I chatted on the phone with Jade and finally got out of bed, got dressed up pretty, and went to meet my mom. We went to lunch at Bertucci's where I did nothing close to eating healthy, and then we started our excursion. Errands, shopping, meeting Billy Costa & Lisa from the Matty show, snacking, taking pictures. Wait, did you see the part where I met Billy Costa? Some people might not think this is anything special, but for a girl who has been listening to Matty In The Morning every morning since forever, and been a big fan of TV Diner, I was PSYCHED. Plus, I think he had a crush on me, can't you tell?

     THEN, my mother/daughter day continued, and we went go to see a brilliantly performed play of Steel Magnolias. Who remembers that movie? The whole show was full of emotion, and as Truvy says, "my favorite emotion is laughter through tears", and this proved to be mine as well.

     Sunday came and was spent with family as well. At night, I went back to my parents' house where my mom went through a ton of her old jewlery that she wore when she was my age, and told me all the interesting stories of where she & my dad got each piece. My dad chimed in on each story with something exciting to add.  One of my favorites is a gorgeous gold pendant that opens up into a perfume bottle. How cool. As I sat there, I realized that I honestly have the coolest parents in the world. They have lived such a fun and exciting life, and all their stories come to life through the happiness in their voices as they tell them. Family is such a beautiful thing, and if you don't spend a lot of time with yours, I suggest you start now. Friends are family too, ya know :)

What did you do this weekend? 
Am I really a psycho-cleaning-freak?
Do you love Billy Costa too?

Big Decisions :: Migraines and Voting

          Once again, I spent a full day in my dark bedroom with no lights or sound this past weekend. I couldn’t even find the strength to lift my head. Hell, even if I did find the strength, it would do no good because serious waves of nausea would encompass my body. This is how my whole Sunday went, right into Monday. Lovely.

          So, along came Big Decision Number 1 – I have decided I need to make some changes in my life in order for these migraines to stop haunting me. I said to myself, “self, you are too young and busy to have these debilitating headaches. You need to fix this problem, and you need to fix it now!” So, I’m doing the only sensible thing I can think of-- eliminate certain aspects of my life that could possibly be the trigger. My doctor has recommended this path, and I’m ready to go down it. I’m starting with less of the following: alcohol, certain foods, certain smells, etc. I NEED TO FIND THE PROBLEM because I don’t want to be on a migraine pill every day of my life. If removing certain pieces of my life doesn’t work, then it’s possible I need to add some vital things to my life. I will get to the bottom of this, and my journey to a happier and healthier life shall continue.

          Big Decision Number 2 – voting. This is honestly the first time the election matters a lot to me. It’s the first time where I am truly concerned about health care, taxes, etc. I’m such an adult now! No but really, I need to stop worrying about how the election results will affect other people, and I need to stop listening to other people’s opinions. I have watched all the debates and done enough research where I can make an educated decision. I need to follow my heart and vote for who I think is best for ME and my future. Call me selfish, but I don’t care. So, today I will be making my little way down to the polls, and I will perform my civil duty. I’m so proud to be an American, and you should be too.

Do you suffer from migraines or know anyone who does? Do you know of any certain foods or drinks that could be the cause? CAN YOU HELP ME?

Are you proud to have the opportunity to go out and cast your vote today? Are you going to do what’s best for you and your future? Do you love this song? (Click here)

 

Living Healthy During The Holidays

Okay, since this IS a healthy living blog after all, I figured it’s time to write another post about the beautiful, meat-free, i-love-animals, kittens and whiskers, 100% perfectly healthy little world I live in. Total exaggeration. It’s not perfect. It takes hard work and motivation--every. single. day. So why do I do it? Because I can’t imagine living and eating any other way.

It’s November 1^st already, and my stomach knows that all kinds of mouth-watering holiday treats are in its near future. So, I figured I’d enlighten my readers who are considering becoming a vegetarian, or to the ones who already are, how to keep yourself full, satisfied, healthy, and sane during the upcoming season. For me, being meat-free comes naturally because I find eating flesh utterly revolting. For others, it is very difficult and the meat cravings can be intense.  I’m here to help put a stop to those desires.

Making time for the gym and staying fit is what takes motivation for me. Believe me, it’s a battle between my fluffy couch/warm-cat-on-my-lap images and sweating my ass off at the gym after a long day of work, but it’s a battle that must be fought. I just remind myself that once I get home from the gym, I will be healthier, stronger, less stressed, and my mind will be clearer. These reasons alone are why the gym typically wins the fight. (I’m not saying that the cat image hasn’t won in the past, but I try to make my health come first. Sorry Nala)

Here are some tips on how to make it through the Thanksgiving and Christmas season with only having to cheat once….or twice. You can do it!

1. Each time you want to eat a piece of meat, poultry, or fish, remind yourself that there are healthier, less cruel ways to add substance to your meal. Use hearty vegetables in your pasta dishes. Substitute the stuffing that comes out of the turkey (gross! even when I ate meat, I thought this concept was repulsive) for homemade stuffing from scratch using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

2. When you aren't eating meat, you will feel and actually become lighter. There is no meat sticking to the insides of your intestines and colon, therefore you won't be suffering as many stomach aches, and who wants to get up and work out with a stomach ache? When you're feeling good all the time, you will want to continue on this path. Got my point? If you aren't feeling overly full and sick from the heavy meats you are consuming, you will be more apt to want to work out. You will have more energy, and you can put that energy to good use!

3. Cooking healthier meals for holiday parties will help with your anxiety over all the full of fat, calorie intense, sugar infused foods on the table. If you bring your own healthy (vegetarian) meals or desserts, you will know for sure that there will be delicious options to fill up your tummy. Also, you won't be in a turkey tryptophan induced coma like everyone else. You will have the energy for a brisk walk in the cool Autumn air while gorgeous leaves descend from trees and crunch under your feet, all while holding the hand of the person you love. Doesn't that image sound so enticing that you just want to reach out your arms and hug it?

4. Think of the millions of cute, little, colorful turkeys that people will save if they don't cook them this year. Imagine all the tiny turkey babies whose turkey parents will be slaughtered and put on your table all for your own sick pleasure. If you eat turkey this year, you will most likely come back in your next life as a turkey that will definitely be brutally killed and eaten for Thanksgiving, and you will absolutely have stuffing stuffed up inside your bum. Alright maybe not, but just don't do it. K?

5.  Exercise as often as you can. I know everyone has a busy schedule, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. However, if you have enough time to go to the mall and shop or stay home and watch football, you should be able to have enough time to work out. If not, you can count your laps around the mall while you shop. Build up a sweat! If you don't have a gym membership, exercise at home with videos on demand, or go for a jog outside...just watch out for black ice! If you're working out regularly, you won't feel so guilty when you indulge a little bit on yummy foods.

6. So, if you want to have a cookie, just do it. If you need a slice of pie, fine. If one beer happens to turn into six, it's okay. They are the holidays after all, but just remember that your health is the best gift you could ever have, so don't abuse your body.
 

These websites below have lots of vegetarian receipes that are perfect for the holiday season. Have yourself a look, and remember, your life is the only thing you have complete control over. Make it a healthy one :)

http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/vegetarian-vegan-holiday-recipes.php

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/vegetarianlifestyle/tp/thanksgivingrecipes.htm

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/desertrecipes/tp/healthydesserts.htm

 

 

 

Why I Write

     

 

     Call it inspiration, motivation, my muse, whatever you want to call it, I was moved when I read a magnificently crafted piece of literature by a beautifully talented writer who just happens to be my best friend. Her name is Jade Scarpa, and you will never be as cool as her. Ok, that was mean, but really, you probably won’t.

     Anyway, Jade wrote this brilliant composition about why she writes, thus, my desire to tell the world why I write grew even stronger. Sit back, relax, and let me tell you.

      Well, it all started when I learned how to read. I was four and in pre-school. The book was about bears, and I read it backwards and forward and over again. I told myself, “someday I want to write a book just like that!” (without the three sentence pages and every other word forming a rhyme, of course) My love for reading grew, and I found myself excelling in all my English classes, my most desired being Poetry. It was in the year 2000, when my sister bought me Jewel’s “A Night Without Armor” poetry book, that my love affair with words became even stronger. Feelings trapped underneath my skin began to gush out of my body through the pen in my hand. It was an uncontrollable force, and I couldn’t be stopped.

     Why do I continue to write? Writing is a part of my life that has never given up on me. Writing gives me a chance to tell the world who I really am. I write when I’m anxious or when I have to get something off my chest.  Putting my pen to paper (or my fingers to a keyboard) gives me the same feeling most people get on a first date. It’s all about the thrill, the uncertainty of the end result.

     I write when I’m eager or when emotions in my heart are begging to be let free. I write because I have strong passions. I write because if I didn’t, I would curl up in the fetal position and cry. I write because I need to. I write because I’m brave enough to. I write because there has been at least one person on this Earth, aside from people who love me, who has told me I’m talented. Writing is my freedom, and I’ll never turn my back on it.

 

 

A Requiem for Autumn

 

 

She stings me in the morning
 

Her sharp wind cuts my face

I wonder where the summer went

But for her, it’s not a race.

She breaks and cracks underneath my feet

Her leaves, they just keep falling

She thinks she’s losing all her strength, and

She knows that winter's calling

Her name is Autumn, gorgeous gold

Still young at heart, but feels so old

When all her reds have turned to brown

Her skin is shedding to the ground

I’m there to catch it, if I can

So I reach out my pale skinned hand

I hold on to her until she’s gone

And Winter sings the saddest song


-Holly Wolti   10/23/12

Changing With the Seasons

Winter always greets me with such confidence. It seems like she knows that her strong wind and frosty nights will own your mood. The days are shorter, the streets aren’t as busy, there are fewer smiles on faces, and winter always dresses in dark hues. Aside from the holiday season, people are more withdrawn. Everyone is more fatigued.  It’s not a bad thing for me, though. It gives me a chance to build my relationship with myself, my house, my books, my writing, and with all things that comfort me. I have time to make more phone calls, write letters, and reach out to people I miss. It means heavier beers and more carbs which results in more working out, and it means lots of movies and red wine on the couch. To me, it’s a peaceful time.

Spring frolics in, and my heart skips an immediate beat. Butterflies soar through my stomach because I know the warmer weather is approaching. This means lighter outfits, lighter food, a brighter sky, and an abundance of outside activities. Smiles start to warm up cold faces, and you can almost see the sunshine defrosting people’s bad moods. When winter turns to spring, people change. I change too.

In the summer months I feel more liberated. I feel more connected to my freedom, if that makes any sense. I want to drive with the windows down while the wind blows through my hair. I don’t want to wear makeup. I want to meet friends for margaritas outside. I feel like I need to keep going and going and spending all my time being kissed by the sun. I never want to sleep until it’s completely dark outside. I want to meet new people, visit new cities, and travel as much as possible. I want to always have moments like these. It’s always hard when summer breaks up with me, but luckily I know it’s not over forever, and beautiful September will help me move on.

Autumn comes, and the excitement continues. It actually increases. As you might remember from this post, Autumn is my favorite season. Crisp mornings, perfect hair days, cute boots and chic jackets all equal a fabulous combination of happiness. That, and the fact that I just discovered my love for hot coffee. Leaves changing colors, football games, comfy sweaters, bonfires in the backyard, pumpkin beer.... the list continues. I think the most exciting thing about Fall is that even though it comes, makes me fall so in love, and then leaves me so quickly, I know we will meet again.
 

So, as much as I love California and other places where the climate doesn't drastically change, I really don't think I could ever end my love affair with New England. If you could live any place in the world, where would it be? Would you want to live somewhere where the seasons change dramatically?

 

Seeing the Good in the Bad

      Click here. Listen to this song, and then take a deep breath and smile

     5:00 on Friday means “hello weekend!” 5:00 this past Friday meant "hello LONG weekend!!" Rushing out the door of my office building, I got in my car, turned the radio up, and sat in the most horrible traffic ever. Instant mood change. Realizing Stephanos was at least 40 minutes behind me in traffic, I had to go grocery shopping alone. Annoying. After pushing through most of the aisles, getting shoved around by all kinds of rude people, and waiting at the deli (gross!), I waited for his arrival. Finally he came, we left, and the night went on. I was flustered from the hustle and bustle until I was sitting at one of our favorite restaurants sipping a pumpkin beer. Stephanos exclaimed that he needed to use the restroom, and when he came back, he lightly placed a beautiful Barmakian Jewelers bag on my lap, and to my surprise, it enclosed the gorgeous Cape Cod bracelet I had been obsessing over for at least a year now. My night completely turned into a fabulous, romantic, fortunate escapade.

     The next day was spent with my mother, and we had a blast per usual. Sunday followed while sad faces congregated at church for the Stephanos’ uncle’s memorial mass. But hearts lightened and smiles formed quickly thereafter while we gathered over good food and delicious drinks. Spending time with people you love is always a beautiful thing, even when the circumstances are less than exciting. Love comes together for the bad and the good, the heart wrenching and the happiness, and together we all find reasons to smile. And smile I did, until Monday night when I got home from a lovely day off, and Nala (who has never escaped before) ran out my front door at lightning speed. I think her whole life flashed before my eyes within 5 seconds, and somehow, by the grace of God, she finally ran back in my front door. She bit me while I cried, loved me while I gave her treats, we cuddled all night, and I thanked every single person in Heaven for protecting her and not letting her get too far from home.  Some people may not understand why, but my little cat means the world to me.  I still don't think my nerves have calmed 100% back down, but I am thankful to be getting there.

 

     I saw a beautiful raninbow while driving the other day, and even though it was small, it was still a rainbow and a reason to take picture. If you try to find at least one reason to shine through the dull gray situations life often places you in, I can promise you will be a more content human being. Always remember that “every storm runs out of rain, just like every dark night turns into day."

 

 

Xo,

Holly

The Perfect Face

I saw a photograph of a beautiful, well known girl, and I saw right through her. I didn't have to read any words, I already knew her story.  I thought about what she would say if she could speak through the magazine page.  I decided to express my thoughts in the form of poetry. Can anyone guess who I wrote this poem about? 
 

 

When you look at me and see

The girl they wanted me to be

Are you still proud?

Am I too loud?

Am I too free?

 

You listen to my voice, and

Then you analyze my poise

Have I got it down?

In this big crowd,

Can you still see me?

 

 

Beneath this hat of lace

And flawless, faultless grace

My fears resound,

They think they've found

The perfect face.

 

Well, I know it’s not my place,

But I ponder, just in case

Can I make a sound?

 

Is that allowed?

 

Would they be disgraced?

 

 

 

-Holly Wolti, 10/4/2012

But today, I’ll smile

              I was stuck inside my house all day Saturday and Sunday because I had the worst migraine ever. I was irritated that the pain was causing me to stay in my dark bedroom all weekend. Completely overwhelmed, I started to cry which only made the headache worse. I felt like it wasn’t fair because I work hard all week, and like anyone, I want to make the most of my weekends. I wasn’t hungry, I didn’t have the strength to work out, and I couldn’t even stand the mere sound of the TV. I just wanted to feel sorry for myself.  I wanted Stephanos to feel sorry for me and take care of me. I just wanted to feel better. I just wanted to keep crying.

                I went to the doctor last night to figure out why I had such a bad headache, and she just told me I have “the same virus that everyone has right now. Take some Advil Cold & Sinus, buy some nasal spray, and it will go away soon.” Not feeling too satisfied, I did what the doctor told me to, and I left. I was still annoyed.

               I woke up today still feeling somewhat off, but something had changed. Maybe it’s because today is my friend Ashley’s 27^th birthday, but she’s celebrating in Heaven instead of here on Earth with all her family and friends.  Maybe that’s what made me realize how selfish I had been for being so consumed with my lack of a fun weekend. I quickly started feeling lucky that my worst problem was a stupid headache. Maybe it’s because I got a text from my sister saying she’d be home on December 18^th for Christmas. Maybe it’s because I woke up warm and tangled up in our beautiful bed, the same bed I didn’t want to spend one more minute in over the weekend. That very same bed felt and looked different this morning. For the past few days, it felt like frustration. This morning, it felt reassuring. There’s comfort in knowing that I have a bed to wake up in and go to sleep in tonight. I felt honored to have an angel in Heaven to say Happy Birthday to.  I felt excited that I could start the countdown to when I would see my sister. I felt fortunate that I have a job to go to that provides health insurance which allows me to go to the doctor to find out I have nothing more than some aggravating virus. I felt thankful that I really do have everything I want, and I felt sad for the people who don't. I felt honestly and truly blessed.

             So, yes I cried a lot this weekend, but today, I think I’ll just smile.

 

I Dare You To

            Didn't you love playing Truth or Dare as a kid? I know you did, even if it meant kissing that boy (dare) or telling your best friend that you kissed her boyfriend (truth). It was still exciting, and now you can look back and have yourself a laugh.

            Well, who cares that I’m 25? I want to play Truth or Dare, and I want to play it now with you! Don’t worry, I won't make you kiss anyone, unless you really want to, in which case go for it! And if they don't kiss you back you can tell them I dared you to. Blame it on me, it's fine.

             I just feel like there are some things people should do more often that they probably wouldn’t unless they were dared. So I'm gonna dare you to start. I guarantee you’ll feel better after you complete each one! I also promise to play fair. After each dare, I’ll tell you the truth about whether I have actually done this or not. We can keep this Truth or Dare version PG though. Not the way you used to play at parties when your thought your parents were sleeping. Ready?  

            Dare:   Pay for someone’s coffee. When you’re in line at Dunkins, Starbucks, McDonald’s, wherever, tell the cashier that you want to pay for the person-behind-you’s order, and with any luck, they won’t be ordering 6 different combo meals (that would suck and would be really expensive…generous, but expensive). They will be so thrilled to get a free treat. Remember, karma goes a long way and what goes around comes around! Start to pay it forward now! Imagine being the reason for someone’s smile. Think about it. 

            Truth:  I’ve never done this, but I really want to. Just last week, a random person paid for my drink at the bar, and it made my night. How nice of him. It got me thinking that I should do something like this someday. 

            Dare:   Join the gym. If you don’t regularly work out, get up off your bum and exercise! There are many gyms that allow you to have a free 14 day trial. Try it out for those 2 weeks, and I promise you won’t regret it. You will feel so much better about yourself, and those jeans you thought would never fit again might just zip right up on you. You’ll never get the bum you want by sitting on it!

            Truth:  I work out regularly, and it’s the best thing I ever started doing for myself. I honestly can’t imagine my life without habitually exercising. It’s become part of who I am. On the days I can’t make it to the gym, I just feel sluggish and out of sorts.

            Dare:   Do something you’d never normally do. Go hiking. Try skiing. Join a sports team. If someone asks you to go see a band you've never heard of, go. You could really enjoy hearing some new songs, and who knows? You might fall in love with the lead singer and live happily ever after.

            Truth:  I love any kind of concert. Ask me to go to one. I don’t care who’s playing, I’m there. Music makes me feel emotions I never knew I had. So, who are we seeing, and when?!

            Dare:   Spend a weekend at home with your pet. Animals get lonely, and they just want to be around you. They need love and reassurance just like you do.

           Truth:  I’ve done this many times, and the affection I get from my cat is just incredible. It makes me realize how much she misses me when I’m not around.

            

            Dare:   Spend a whole day with your parents. They love you and want to spend time with you. They really look forward to this. If your parents aren’t around, spend the day with your sister or brother. If your sister or brother aren't around, call an old friend. Call a new friend. Don't lose touch. 

            Truth:  I do this a lot, but I should try do to it more often.

                                     

            Dare:    Just be yourself. Stop comparing yourself to others. Try it for a day.

            Truth:    These are the words I try to live by. This is also why I suffered through the pain of getting "Love yourself first" tattooed my foot.

            Dare:   Try eating a vegetarian diet for two weeks. Just try it! You will feel so clean and light, and your moods will be steadier. You will have more energy, and your skin will improve. If you already have good skin, it will continue to stay that way if not get even better. If you try this, let me know how you feel after 2 weeks. I know you will report amazing results.

            Truth:  Come on. Is this even a question?

            Well, good luck, and have fun with these. Let me know after you’ve completed at least one! Then you can dare me to do something :)

Xo,
Holly