Sunday, November 30, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Day 12: Your proudest accomplishment
Happiness is a form of courage... I've accomplished a lot in my life thus far but my proudest accomplishment has to be that I survived four years of living on a college campus without a car.
It really wasn't easy, let me tell you. I really thought I was finally free when I moved on campus.
Free to do what I want when I want (within reason, of course).
Free to be me without my mom and dad hovering over me.
Free to be myself without the judgement of my younger sisters.
Yet, instead of mom and dad hovering over me, I had financial aid and my professors and my advisors and my boss hovering over me.
Yet, instead of my sisters judging me constantly, I had roommate after roommate and fake friend after fake friend cause drama for me just because well, I march to a completely different beat.
Yet, instead of being able to do what I want when I want, I was stuck on campus and left to choose between hanging by myself or one group of people or joining a sorority.
Not every day in my four years on campus was bad. I had some really good times and am grateful for them but I can honestly say I would never have gotten through it like I have if I didn't have Jesus.
So thank you Jesus for being there no matter what, always. :)
It really wasn't easy, let me tell you. I really thought I was finally free when I moved on campus.
Free to do what I want when I want (within reason, of course).
Free to be me without my mom and dad hovering over me.
Free to be myself without the judgement of my younger sisters.
Yet, instead of mom and dad hovering over me, I had financial aid and my professors and my advisors and my boss hovering over me.
Yet, instead of my sisters judging me constantly, I had roommate after roommate and fake friend after fake friend cause drama for me just because well, I march to a completely different beat.
Yet, instead of being able to do what I want when I want, I was stuck on campus and left to choose between hanging by myself or one group of people or joining a sorority.
Not every day in my four years on campus was bad. I had some really good times and am grateful for them but I can honestly say I would never have gotten through it like I have if I didn't have Jesus.
So thank you Jesus for being there no matter what, always. :)
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
I'm also pretty proud of the ad I put together today for my marketing project:
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Day 11: Your worst/funniest/most embarrassing date
Happiness is a form of courage...I was dreading this post a little bit. Mostly because technically I've never been on a date. So instead of talking about a date that went wrong, I think I will talk about some funny things I've done for love that yielded no results.
In high school, I wrote a character into my books named Pete Young that was fully based off of the guy I was crazy into during much of high school. And he really did choose to date a cheerleader over me. Then, that Halloween, I went as a cheerleader to prove that I too could look just as good in a uniform. I thought I had a picture somewhere but I couldn't find it in time for this post. Oh well.
My freshman year of college, I nearly tried to break up a guy and his girlfriend because I was convinced that he liked me. He really gave me that impression. It was my first experience with a guy who wanted to have his cake and eat it too. A year or so later, they broke up officially but personally, I learned the boundaries of other's relationships real quick from that experience.
My sophomore year of college, I wrote a guy a letter that listed 25 things I liked about him.
My third year of college, I wrote a guy a book of letters from each day that summer that I missed him. I filled the entire book and poured my heart out into it so immensely that some of the pages of that book are stained with my tears.
That's basically the last thing I've done for love because well, the last guy I had a serious crush on chose my friend over me in a way. It was really painful for me because like I always do I thought I could change him, and he really did see me for me. Unfortunately, I realized I was settling for less than God's best.
Because of all these lessons of love unrequited, I have come to realize what I want in a relationship and hope the next guy or the next guy after that complements me in a way each of the above examples never did. It wasn't that they lacked as people (Or maybe we both did). It just wasn't meant to be. And sometimes you just can't argue with God's best for your life.
Why I'm Glad No Boy Has Ever Loved Me. Read this article. It really expresses how I feel about my love life so far so beautifully.
In high school, I wrote a character into my books named Pete Young that was fully based off of the guy I was crazy into during much of high school. And he really did choose to date a cheerleader over me. Then, that Halloween, I went as a cheerleader to prove that I too could look just as good in a uniform. I thought I had a picture somewhere but I couldn't find it in time for this post. Oh well.
My freshman year of college, I nearly tried to break up a guy and his girlfriend because I was convinced that he liked me. He really gave me that impression. It was my first experience with a guy who wanted to have his cake and eat it too. A year or so later, they broke up officially but personally, I learned the boundaries of other's relationships real quick from that experience.
My sophomore year of college, I wrote a guy a letter that listed 25 things I liked about him.
My third year of college, I wrote a guy a book of letters from each day that summer that I missed him. I filled the entire book and poured my heart out into it so immensely that some of the pages of that book are stained with my tears.
That's basically the last thing I've done for love because well, the last guy I had a serious crush on chose my friend over me in a way. It was really painful for me because like I always do I thought I could change him, and he really did see me for me. Unfortunately, I realized I was settling for less than God's best.
Because of all these lessons of love unrequited, I have come to realize what I want in a relationship and hope the next guy or the next guy after that complements me in a way each of the above examples never did. It wasn't that they lacked as people (Or maybe we both did). It just wasn't meant to be. And sometimes you just can't argue with God's best for your life.
Why I'm Glad No Boy Has Ever Loved Me. Read this article. It really expresses how I feel about my love life so far so beautifully.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
New VLOG
Happiness is a form of courage...
If you would like to hear it straight from me and not the peanut gallery what has been going on with me, please watch my new VLOG.
If you would like to hear it straight from me and not the peanut gallery what has been going on with me, please watch my new VLOG.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Day 10: Google the meaning of your name and talk about how it fits or doesn’t fit you
Happiness is a form of courage... I was all gung-ho to let you down. I bet you are wondering what I mean by that. I wasn't really feeling like blogging. Long story short, it's been an emotional past two days.
I was named after Chelsea Manhattan in New York. Just like New York City, a big city full of promise and really bright lights, I know for a fact that I'm destined for greatness. Therefore, I believe it fits me.
It's funny. I Googled myself just for fun and guess what, I found out my name was recently in the paper on September 3, 2014.
Just when I thought I wasn't relevant anymore as an author, people still remember how I paved a way for teens to get out there and write and publish a book. As you can see, this young girl wrote the book when she was in middle school and published it as a freshman in high school. That's awesome. It looks like she is having much more success with her books than I did with mine but that's awesome.
I just appreciate the head nod as the torch has been passed. I inspired someone and that to me feels like greatness.
I was named after Chelsea Manhattan in New York. Just like New York City, a big city full of promise and really bright lights, I know for a fact that I'm destined for greatness. Therefore, I believe it fits me.
It's funny. I Googled myself just for fun and guess what, I found out my name was recently in the paper on September 3, 2014.
Just when I thought I wasn't relevant anymore as an author, people still remember how I paved a way for teens to get out there and write and publish a book. As you can see, this young girl wrote the book when she was in middle school and published it as a freshman in high school. That's awesome. It looks like she is having much more success with her books than I did with mine but that's awesome.
I just appreciate the head nod as the torch has been passed. I inspired someone and that to me feels like greatness.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Monday, November 10, 2014
Day 9: Your favorite "weird/funny single behavior"
Happiness is a form of courage...
Basically, I agree with what I wrote last year so much so that I don't have anything left to add. My only addition is that I like to sing Katrina's name as if she's the new Shakira. For example, instead of Shakira, Shakira, I say Katrina Katrina.
#ThisiswhyImsingle.
Basically, I agree with what I wrote last year so much so that I don't have anything left to add. My only addition is that I like to sing Katrina's name as if she's the new Shakira. For example, instead of Shakira, Shakira, I say Katrina Katrina.
#ThisiswhyImsingle.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Day 8: Five things that are most important to you in a future mate
Happiness is a form of courage...
Without further ado, here is my five deal breakers when it comes to a man:
1. Faith in Jesus
Jesus is my everything. Without Jesus, I don't think I would even be alive. With Jesus, I become better every day. It's only fitting then that the guy I date (and later marry) have some faith in Jesus. I don't mean that he goes to church every Sunday and doesn't know the Bible. For me, the guy needs to know the Bible so well that it's the end all of how he sets the standards for every area of his life. Nothing society says or does makes any difference if it doesn't meet the standards set by God's Word.
2.Sense of humor
I like to laugh. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't but I really think it's equally important that a guy can make me laugh even when I'm about to cry. My dad has this ability. He can turn anything that is serious and dire and make a joke about it. It's awesome because sometimes life can be really hard so you need someone like that in your life. In the same way, I try to laugh at my circumstances because as a person of faith, the joy of the Lord is my strength and no matter how bad things get, I can be happy despite my circumstances.
Not to mention, a guy that gets my sense of humor is also an automatic keeper because I think I'm funny. Stop laughing. That wasn't a joke.
3. Honest
I consider myself to be an honest person because I have a lot of personal integrity. I don't like to lie. I've seen what lies do to people and what they've done to me and I strongly dislike compulsive liars and fakes. Since that really excludes a lot of people nowadays, I will be overjoyed if the guy I date will always be one hundred percent honest with me (yes, even if he tells me those pants make me look fat). Just tell the truth. You'll be better off.
4. Dog lover
I like all animals but I have a strong preference for dogs. They are just so cute, soft, cuddly, funny, smart, and each have different personalities just like humans. Plus, they love like God (After all, Dog is God backward). My three dogs are the best things to ever happen to me in this life so far and I'm so thankful for them. I love them so much. A Dog Teaching a baby how to bounce
and here's an extra video in case you too love dogs. Therefore, it's important that the guy I date love dogs as well.
5. Library Card Owner
A guy that reads is the guy I need to find. I've owned a library card since I was three years old and grew up in a house where I was trained to love books. Naturally, that is a love that never dies as any bibliophile will agree. Reading leads to a higher vocabulary, forces you to use your imagination to visualize the words, and leads to you learning a lot about life in general.
Interestingly enough, I had a similar response last year.
Without further ado, here is my five deal breakers when it comes to a man:
1. Faith in Jesus
Jesus is my everything. Without Jesus, I don't think I would even be alive. With Jesus, I become better every day. It's only fitting then that the guy I date (and later marry) have some faith in Jesus. I don't mean that he goes to church every Sunday and doesn't know the Bible. For me, the guy needs to know the Bible so well that it's the end all of how he sets the standards for every area of his life. Nothing society says or does makes any difference if it doesn't meet the standards set by God's Word.
2.Sense of humor
I like to laugh. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't but I really think it's equally important that a guy can make me laugh even when I'm about to cry. My dad has this ability. He can turn anything that is serious and dire and make a joke about it. It's awesome because sometimes life can be really hard so you need someone like that in your life. In the same way, I try to laugh at my circumstances because as a person of faith, the joy of the Lord is my strength and no matter how bad things get, I can be happy despite my circumstances.
Not to mention, a guy that gets my sense of humor is also an automatic keeper because I think I'm funny. Stop laughing. That wasn't a joke.
3. Honest
I consider myself to be an honest person because I have a lot of personal integrity. I don't like to lie. I've seen what lies do to people and what they've done to me and I strongly dislike compulsive liars and fakes. Since that really excludes a lot of people nowadays, I will be overjoyed if the guy I date will always be one hundred percent honest with me (yes, even if he tells me those pants make me look fat). Just tell the truth. You'll be better off.
4. Dog lover
I like all animals but I have a strong preference for dogs. They are just so cute, soft, cuddly, funny, smart, and each have different personalities just like humans. Plus, they love like God (After all, Dog is God backward). My three dogs are the best things to ever happen to me in this life so far and I'm so thankful for them. I love them so much. A Dog Teaching a baby how to bounce
and here's an extra video in case you too love dogs. Therefore, it's important that the guy I date love dogs as well.
5. Library Card Owner
A guy that reads is the guy I need to find. I've owned a library card since I was three years old and grew up in a house where I was trained to love books. Naturally, that is a love that never dies as any bibliophile will agree. Reading leads to a higher vocabulary, forces you to use your imagination to visualize the words, and leads to you learning a lot about life in general.
Interestingly enough, I had a similar response last year.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Day 7: Where you are in your life vs. where you thought you would be at this point
Happiness is a form of courage... This topic is perfect for today. Why? This is the biggest issue for me right now. Let me explain.
Personally, I thought I would be out of college by now but medical, emotional, and financial circumstances basically played an adverse role in that happening other than the fact that I changed my major from Accounting to Marketing. Speaking of marketing, today while doing my homework, I learned how to make a logo. Here is mine for my current marketing project:
When I finally got it to work together correctly, I felt like I really accomplished something. Haha.
I basically thought I would be a pretty popular author by now. I mean at fifteen, I published my first novel with hopes that it would lead to instant stardom but because I took the quick route and didn't really think it through, it didn't happen. Why? My writing just wasn't strong enough for industry standards at that point. Does it mean I'm not meant to be a writer? Heck no. Writers just like any other profession get better with age and experience. I can fully say that my writing is way better now than it was then.
I thought I would be out on my own. I would have my own place, have my own car, be a full-fledge independent woman. Yet, right now, circumstances are extremely dire for me since I do not yet have a job. I still believe that the right job just hasn't discovered me yet and I will not give up the job search no matter what. Yes, it can be hard not to take it personally when I don't even get a call for an interview from places like Wal-mart and Wendys. Yet, it's good for me as a writer to face a little rejection on a daily basis, since I will face a lot of it in my future as a writer. It used to knock me down but now, it literally helps me write so much better. And as far as trying to get a job, it motivates me to come out of my comfort zone a little bit more.
I didn't know originally when I signed the paper that changed my major from accounting to marketing what I even wanted to do in the field since the field is so broad. Thankfully, now I know I want to work in the field of Public Relations and work with public figures and help them manage their image and how the media presents them. I also have a personal agenda to carry out as a publicist and that is to get a law passed so that celebrities face less bullying and harassment from the media until the media has no choice but to become more positive in everything they broadcast and publicize. As a victim of many acts of bullying throughout much of my life, I want to raise my voice for the good of others and those others happen to be those who seem to me have lost a lot of their voice. Celebrities, I believe, are just people like you and me and they don't deserve the treatment they get from the media. Societal norms are majorly shaped by the media so if I can get the media to change, I'm on my way to helping achieve world peace. I don't know about you but that makes me SO excited! I'm also fully prepared for the backlash I will get from trying to get this goal of mine met.
Lastly, by now, I would have thought I would have had at least one boyfriend. Yet, no one worthy of my love has presented themselves yet so instead of letting that get me down, I get excited knowing how hard God is at work on my love story right now. Matter of fact, as a single person, I say this confession every day:
I'm not moved by the fact that I'm single and I haven't met anyone. I know God has already picked out the perfect person for me. God has already ordained someone to come across my path. I am fully persuaded this person is in my future.♥
Yes, I'm not where I want to be but thank God I'm not where I used to be. Can I get an Amen? Need more encouragement? Listen To This. :)
Personally, I thought I would be out of college by now but medical, emotional, and financial circumstances basically played an adverse role in that happening other than the fact that I changed my major from Accounting to Marketing. Speaking of marketing, today while doing my homework, I learned how to make a logo. Here is mine for my current marketing project:
When I finally got it to work together correctly, I felt like I really accomplished something. Haha.I basically thought I would be a pretty popular author by now. I mean at fifteen, I published my first novel with hopes that it would lead to instant stardom but because I took the quick route and didn't really think it through, it didn't happen. Why? My writing just wasn't strong enough for industry standards at that point. Does it mean I'm not meant to be a writer? Heck no. Writers just like any other profession get better with age and experience. I can fully say that my writing is way better now than it was then.
I thought I would be out on my own. I would have my own place, have my own car, be a full-fledge independent woman. Yet, right now, circumstances are extremely dire for me since I do not yet have a job. I still believe that the right job just hasn't discovered me yet and I will not give up the job search no matter what. Yes, it can be hard not to take it personally when I don't even get a call for an interview from places like Wal-mart and Wendys. Yet, it's good for me as a writer to face a little rejection on a daily basis, since I will face a lot of it in my future as a writer. It used to knock me down but now, it literally helps me write so much better. And as far as trying to get a job, it motivates me to come out of my comfort zone a little bit more.
I didn't know originally when I signed the paper that changed my major from accounting to marketing what I even wanted to do in the field since the field is so broad. Thankfully, now I know I want to work in the field of Public Relations and work with public figures and help them manage their image and how the media presents them. I also have a personal agenda to carry out as a publicist and that is to get a law passed so that celebrities face less bullying and harassment from the media until the media has no choice but to become more positive in everything they broadcast and publicize. As a victim of many acts of bullying throughout much of my life, I want to raise my voice for the good of others and those others happen to be those who seem to me have lost a lot of their voice. Celebrities, I believe, are just people like you and me and they don't deserve the treatment they get from the media. Societal norms are majorly shaped by the media so if I can get the media to change, I'm on my way to helping achieve world peace. I don't know about you but that makes me SO excited! I'm also fully prepared for the backlash I will get from trying to get this goal of mine met.
Lastly, by now, I would have thought I would have had at least one boyfriend. Yet, no one worthy of my love has presented themselves yet so instead of letting that get me down, I get excited knowing how hard God is at work on my love story right now. Matter of fact, as a single person, I say this confession every day:
I'm not moved by the fact that I'm single and I haven't met anyone. I know God has already picked out the perfect person for me. God has already ordained someone to come across my path. I am fully persuaded this person is in my future.♥
Yes, I'm not where I want to be but thank God I'm not where I used to be. Can I get an Amen? Need more encouragement? Listen To This. :)
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Friday, November 7, 2014
Day 6: Sound off on the quote “Every woman has the exact love life she wants”
Happiness is a form of courage...I'm going to have to disagree. I need to be single right now because I literally don't have time for a relationship but do I want to be single? Heck no.
I bet you're wondering what I mean by that so let me explain. Realistically, I don't have any means to date. Yet, today I found a new perspective regarding this.
Yes, I don't have the life I want right now but I have more than a lot of people get.
I have a body that is physically healthy (minus my thyroid problems, I've never felt better.) and organs that function properly.
I have two parents that love me because well, they haven't thrown me out to fend for myself yet. (Thank you Mom and Dad).
I have three amazing dogs who are the best friends a girl could ask for.
The ability to write so I can inspire others.
A loving heart that understands other's struggles because it has faced many of it's own.
An excellent sense of humor even in the face of extreme adversity (what I call what I'm facing right now).
Yes, I know you're wondering why this whole thing makes any difference whatsoever in terms of love life but it really does because in order to have a healthy love life, you have to have a healthy overall life and a healthy overall life starts with the right perspective and attitude which all stem from a healthy mental state.
I'm seeing this now and I'm ok and I'm on my way, as Joyce Meyer always says.
I bet you're wondering what I mean by that so let me explain. Realistically, I don't have any means to date. Yet, today I found a new perspective regarding this.
Yes, I don't have the life I want right now but I have more than a lot of people get.
I have a body that is physically healthy (minus my thyroid problems, I've never felt better.) and organs that function properly.
I have two parents that love me because well, they haven't thrown me out to fend for myself yet. (Thank you Mom and Dad).
I have three amazing dogs who are the best friends a girl could ask for.
The ability to write so I can inspire others.
A loving heart that understands other's struggles because it has faced many of it's own.
An excellent sense of humor even in the face of extreme adversity (what I call what I'm facing right now).
Yes, I know you're wondering why this whole thing makes any difference whatsoever in terms of love life but it really does because in order to have a healthy love life, you have to have a healthy overall life and a healthy overall life starts with the right perspective and attitude which all stem from a healthy mental state.
I'm seeing this now and I'm ok and I'm on my way, as Joyce Meyer always says.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Day 5: The biggest misconception you think people have about single life
Happiness is a form of courage...
I think the biggest misconception people have about single life is that we as single people all sit around all day crying over being single. I have occasional days like that where I choose to watch a sadder movie just because I want to cry but for the most part, I like my life the way it is.
Another misconception people have about single life is that we need to get out there and date a billion and one guys. I'm not against dating to find out what you like and to get to know someone but not every single girl is out there dating on a regular basis. I personally don't date to date but I date to find a mate. I personally like to start out as friends with a guy because if I'm going to end up marrying anyone and to be tied to that person for the rest of my life, I will need to also have a deep level of friendship with that person. The physical stuff eventually fades so basically I need someone who looks good now but has a heart that will always appeal to me later.
The last misconception people have about the single life is that they should pity us because they assume we are all alone and such sad excuses for human beings. Don't get it twisted. I've chosen to be single for right now and still live a fabulous life. A relationship status should never define you and if you have let it, ask yourself why you need to have a significant other to make you happy.
Last year's post says about the same thing.
I think the biggest misconception people have about single life is that we as single people all sit around all day crying over being single. I have occasional days like that where I choose to watch a sadder movie just because I want to cry but for the most part, I like my life the way it is.
Another misconception people have about single life is that we need to get out there and date a billion and one guys. I'm not against dating to find out what you like and to get to know someone but not every single girl is out there dating on a regular basis. I personally don't date to date but I date to find a mate. I personally like to start out as friends with a guy because if I'm going to end up marrying anyone and to be tied to that person for the rest of my life, I will need to also have a deep level of friendship with that person. The physical stuff eventually fades so basically I need someone who looks good now but has a heart that will always appeal to me later.
The last misconception people have about the single life is that they should pity us because they assume we are all alone and such sad excuses for human beings. Don't get it twisted. I've chosen to be single for right now and still live a fabulous life. A relationship status should never define you and if you have let it, ask yourself why you need to have a significant other to make you happy.
Last year's post says about the same thing.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Day 4: Your biggest fear as a single person.
Happiness is a form of courage... Well, this is a no brainer for me so here goes.
My biggest fear is that I won't meet the right person and I will be single forever. Lately, this fear has creeped up on me again because of seeing a lot of unkind people find love as of late. I mean sometimes it really bothers me. The whole idea that I've never dated anyone. It looms over my head like a big neon REJECTED sign and it really freaking hurts.
But then I remember everything is beautiful in it's time and I believe that my having to wait longer means God is really smoothing out a lot of kinks in my future husband and making him great all so he can end up with me ( who is also being worked on in terms of smoothing out the kinks). Then, I get excited thinking about who he could be and what he may look like (although God knows what I want in a mate and what I don't better than I even know myself), what things he will say when we meet, what it will be like for me to introduce him to my family and my dogs, what my friends will say about him, and also what people will say in opposition of our relationship (True love always faces opposition. Jesus died to save the whole world and each and every day, the devil still tries to steal souls).
At the end of the day, my faith outweighs any fear that may present itself to me, and I can't wait to meet this guy. (Hurry up and get here already! JK. If God is still working on you, I can wait.). My fear hasn't really changed much.
My biggest fear is that I won't meet the right person and I will be single forever. Lately, this fear has creeped up on me again because of seeing a lot of unkind people find love as of late. I mean sometimes it really bothers me. The whole idea that I've never dated anyone. It looms over my head like a big neon REJECTED sign and it really freaking hurts.
But then I remember everything is beautiful in it's time and I believe that my having to wait longer means God is really smoothing out a lot of kinks in my future husband and making him great all so he can end up with me ( who is also being worked on in terms of smoothing out the kinks). Then, I get excited thinking about who he could be and what he may look like (although God knows what I want in a mate and what I don't better than I even know myself), what things he will say when we meet, what it will be like for me to introduce him to my family and my dogs, what my friends will say about him, and also what people will say in opposition of our relationship (True love always faces opposition. Jesus died to save the whole world and each and every day, the devil still tries to steal souls).
At the end of the day, my faith outweighs any fear that may present itself to me, and I can't wait to meet this guy. (Hurry up and get here already! JK. If God is still working on you, I can wait.). My fear hasn't really changed much.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
I Accept This Liebster Award
Happiness is a form of courage... I won an award for blogging! Get the heck out.
According to SuperLux via Gigi the Snooper, the award is:
Liebster comes from the German language, and it means "beloved". This award exists only on the internet, and is given to bloggers by other bloggers and it follows similar principles as a chain letter, in the sense that it should be passed forward to a certain number of people.
Before I continue with the formatting for accepting this award, I just want to thank everyone who reads my blogs (my friends, my family, my enemies, curious strangers, Zac Efron). You are why I continue blogging about my life. All I ever want in this life is to know that my words changed one person's life for the better, and if I can achieve that by blogging, mission accomplished.
1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.
Thank you Lux for always consistently reading my posts and sharing kind, heartfelt words to encourage me to carry on. Your comments ALWAYS make my day because sometimes I wonder if the only other person who reads my blog and gets me however many views is just my mom being awesome. Then, your comment appears and I realize I am not alone. Thank you so much for nominating me. It means the world even if it counts for nothing outside of the interweb. It's a small acknowledgement of what I put my heart and soul (literally) into and I will forever be grateful. By the way, you write amazing posts that speak depths to how similar we all are as human beings no matter where we may live, and I love that I befriended you from doing the 30 Day Blog Challenge. God's plans truly are greater than we can imagine.
2.Display the award on your blog.
According to SuperLux via Gigi the Snooper, the award is:
Liebster comes from the German language, and it means "beloved". This award exists only on the internet, and is given to bloggers by other bloggers and it follows similar principles as a chain letter, in the sense that it should be passed forward to a certain number of people.
Before I continue with the formatting for accepting this award, I just want to thank everyone who reads my blogs (my friends, my family, my enemies, curious strangers, Zac Efron). You are why I continue blogging about my life. All I ever want in this life is to know that my words changed one person's life for the better, and if I can achieve that by blogging, mission accomplished.
1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.
Thank you Lux for always consistently reading my posts and sharing kind, heartfelt words to encourage me to carry on. Your comments ALWAYS make my day because sometimes I wonder if the only other person who reads my blog and gets me however many views is just my mom being awesome. Then, your comment appears and I realize I am not alone. Thank you so much for nominating me. It means the world even if it counts for nothing outside of the interweb. It's a small acknowledgement of what I put my heart and soul (literally) into and I will forever be grateful. By the way, you write amazing posts that speak depths to how similar we all are as human beings no matter where we may live, and I love that I befriended you from doing the 30 Day Blog Challenge. God's plans truly are greater than we can imagine.
2.Display the award on your blog.
3. Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.
What drives you?
Jesus. Without him, I would not even be alive right now typing this let alone be able to do anything else in my own strength. Oh, and of course, my readers who I hope to inspire and encourage with everything I post.
What's your mantra?
Just Keep Swimming.
What is your belief or principle?
Jesus is the answer, and that people should love one another by encouraging each other instead of tearing each other down based on differences.
What do you value the most in your life?
I value my dogs the most because they love me unconditionally and are the best friends a girl could ask for as well as Jesus because he loves me anyway despite my mistakes. I value my family for loving me despite the fact that they don't understand me. I value my friends for supporting me in my good moments. I value my readers for supporting me in my moments of small beginnings.
What TV series are/were you addicted with?
I don't like TV much but I do like a handful of really awesome shows and they are:
General Hospital, Revenge, Big Bang Theory, Selfie, Jane the Virgin, PLL, and Hart of Dixie. Anything else could fade away and I wouldn't even mind.
The song that sums up your life
It's a tie between Underdog by the JoBros and SexyBack by JT. Sometimes in life I feel like an underdog but ocassionally, I feel like I bring sexyback. :)
What's your greatest regret?
No ragrets. Not even a letter.
Your favorite movie of all time.
Napolean Dynamite; Peter Pan; Finding Nemo
Your Best childhood memory
Definitely the day I got Geniveve. My dad brought her home in his semi- truck and we carried her out to the yard even though she was only 8 weeks old but instead of letting her run around, we showed her off to all our neighbors because we were so proud to finally have a family pet. From the moment she came into my life, I knew we were destined to be soulmates and since then, she has always had my back even in my near-death moment.♥
Dream Vacation Destination
Bahamas
If you could change one thing in this world what would it be?
Global unity and world peace. I'm a hippie at heart.
4. Provide 11 random facts about yourself.
I was born premature at three pounds eight ounces.
My favorite band is Hot Chelle Rae, I hope they always make music
I've met the lead singer of Hot Chelle Rae, Ryan Follese, and many skateboarders including Ryan Sheckler who was a friend of my family for a good five years. He even met my dog. I've also met various soap stars including Kirsten Storms.
I believe my future husband is a current celebrity or an up-and-coming celebrity (No, I'm not talking about Zac Efron).
I once wanted to write for one of my favorite shows General Hospital.
I hope to one day become a full-time author and travel the world and write.
I don't like lightening so much that at the sound of thunder I start exhibiting sweaty palms.
I have appeared on tv and in a movie called Street Dreams.
After graduating college, I want to become a publicist.
I hope that one day I own a decent size house (4 + bedrooms) and a purple Porsche.
I was born and raised in Florida but was raised by parents from New Jersey.
One person I really hope to meet one day is my own personal hero, Demi Lovato. I believe she is a truly genuine person who definitely deserves all the success she has now especially with all that she's faced in her childhood years.
5. Nominate 5 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have less than 1000 followers:
6. Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer.
What's your favorite quote?
What's your favorite song and why?
If you could meet anyone in person, who would it be and why?
Favorite book and why?
How do you view God?
Share a story about a memory that haunts you.
Share a story about a time you overcame the odds.
If money were no object, what would you do all day?
Anywhere you haven't traveled yet that you really want to and why?
What's your greatest accomplishment?
Share a dream you have for the future
a. about yourself
b. about the world
7. Rules to follow to officially accept the Liebster Award.
Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.
Display the award on your blog — by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a “widget” or a “gadget”.
Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.
Provide 11 random facts about yourself.
Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have a less than 1000 followers. (Note that you can always ask the blog owner this since not all blogs display a widget that lets the readers know this information!)
Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer.
Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.
Display the award on your blog — by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a “widget” or a “gadget”.
Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.
Provide 11 random facts about yourself.
Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have a less than 1000 followers. (Note that you can always ask the blog owner this since not all blogs display a widget that lets the readers know this information!)
Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer.
I've officially accepted this award and I cannot thank you enough.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Monday, November 3, 2014
Day 3: Describe a moment or a day when being single was really awesome.
Happiness is a form of courage... Being single is always awesome. I mean, you get to discover who you are( what you like, what you don't like, what you are settling for when you should be setting your standards higher) and you do not have to answer to anyone on a daily basis. Let me explain.
Personally, I consider myself an independent person so much so that life right now is a little bittersweet for me. I've moved back in with my parents full-time while trying to finish my marketing degree, I am still on the hunt for a job that goes beyond that initial call and interview, and currently I have school bills, medical bills, and the holidays coming up. Having only the $5 used to keep my savings open literally blows chunks. I hate being this dependent on others.
I know God will never forsake me or leave me alone in this storm and he is never surprised by this storm but I just need a small break-through here. Basically, I can fully admit that depending on others is something I don't like doing AT ALL.
I think that is because I've been let down by many human beings in my life (some of them even call themselves my family) and so in order to prevent myself from being hurt, I've sort of opposed myself to the idea of relying on and depending on others (even if they are my parents). Anyway, the idea of me spending time with someone the majority of the time is foreign to me.
I've seen many examples of unhealthy relationships lately and the boyfriend and girlfriend practically become one nowadays even while still dating and that to me just seems so weird. I like my space. I like doing my own thing, and I don't want to have to worry about pleasing anyone other than God right now so I really enjoy being single.
Singleness is only hard when I get lonely and even though I'm an independent person, I do get lonely mostly because I personally feel misunderstood by everyone around me. It's the writer's plague, I guess. I do like the company of others (especially those of the dog variety) and consider myself a people person. Yet, I prefer to be alone the majority of the time right now because I'm still on a personal journey of self-discovery and self-love.
I'm just using this time of being single to do what God wants me to do before he introduces me to the man he has for me and I don't think there is anything wrong with that because after all a healthy relationship is two complete wholes coming together to complement each other. You should never look to anyone other than God to complete you.
Hope that answered your question.
Personally, I consider myself an independent person so much so that life right now is a little bittersweet for me. I've moved back in with my parents full-time while trying to finish my marketing degree, I am still on the hunt for a job that goes beyond that initial call and interview, and currently I have school bills, medical bills, and the holidays coming up. Having only the $5 used to keep my savings open literally blows chunks. I hate being this dependent on others.
I know God will never forsake me or leave me alone in this storm and he is never surprised by this storm but I just need a small break-through here. Basically, I can fully admit that depending on others is something I don't like doing AT ALL.
I think that is because I've been let down by many human beings in my life (some of them even call themselves my family) and so in order to prevent myself from being hurt, I've sort of opposed myself to the idea of relying on and depending on others (even if they are my parents). Anyway, the idea of me spending time with someone the majority of the time is foreign to me.
I've seen many examples of unhealthy relationships lately and the boyfriend and girlfriend practically become one nowadays even while still dating and that to me just seems so weird. I like my space. I like doing my own thing, and I don't want to have to worry about pleasing anyone other than God right now so I really enjoy being single.
Singleness is only hard when I get lonely and even though I'm an independent person, I do get lonely mostly because I personally feel misunderstood by everyone around me. It's the writer's plague, I guess. I do like the company of others (especially those of the dog variety) and consider myself a people person. Yet, I prefer to be alone the majority of the time right now because I'm still on a personal journey of self-discovery and self-love.
I'm just using this time of being single to do what God wants me to do before he introduces me to the man he has for me and I don't think there is anything wrong with that because after all a healthy relationship is two complete wholes coming together to complement each other. You should never look to anyone other than God to complete you.
Hope that answered your question.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless You!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Day 2: Describe a moment or a day when being single really sucked.
Happiness is a form of courage... amidst all my homework that I haven't yet completed today (I have four assignments left due by 11:59 p.m. tonight. Thank God we got an extra hour today!) I sit down to write this new post about a day or moment when being single really sucked. Here we go!
Being single is actually something I'm no longer bothered by for the most part because I've just accepted that it's not because I'm any less worthy of love than any other person but because it's not yet the time for me to be in a relationship.
Yet, recently I had a really off day filled with insecurities and self-doubt, and being single really sucked because on days like that, you just want someone to tell you that they love you for who you are and you are enough for them. No, I don't get upset about being single on Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, or even Christmas. It's usually days that happen out of the blue for me because after all, I am human and suffer from personal insecurities.
On this particular day, I was feeling the immense pressure of starting my three last classes. I spent the last two days doing homework and I was just not feeling up to doing any of it because well, there were particular circumstances that were making me feel a bit down in the dumps (being unemployed, still owing Saint Leo, still awaiting my financial aid to be released, being in a fight with my younger sister and not speaking to her). Instead of making up with me, I watched as she constantly was talking to her boyfriend on the phone about her whole day and I felt a little sad. My sister is far from perfect and yet she has a boy who is head over heels in love with her. Why not me? I've got a lot of love to offer. Basically, it was all based off me feeling lonely due to my circumstances.
So, after crying for a little while and getting nothing accomplished, I finally realized I had a free Redbox code and my dad had yet to see The Fault In Our Stars so I rented it for us to watch because I knew watching Hazel and Augustus's love story (although short-lived) would comfort me because Augustus Waters is like the ideal guy even if he had one leg due to terminal cancer. Everything about his personality and the way he fought for Hazel and never left her side are the ideal traits I hope to find in the guy I end up with because my past lovers have not at all measured up and well, I deserve to love and be loved in return by a great guy out there. (Fingers crossed that guy is Zac Efron. Haha just kidding).
Me with no-makeup
Me wearing my new make-up which blends well with my tan ( I wear Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder Foundation in Nude).
Ultimately, this day just showed me that being single only sucks if you let external distractions convince you that you are not worthy or beautiful enough to be loved, and if you are reading this right now, and single, that is completely untrue and should not even be a thought you toss back and forth inside your head. You are worthy and beautiful enough to be loved. And you deserve to learn to love yourself first before anyone else does.♥
Before I go, shoutout to SuperLux for nominating me for the Leibster Award for blogging. I'll be posting my acceptance soon.
Being single is actually something I'm no longer bothered by for the most part because I've just accepted that it's not because I'm any less worthy of love than any other person but because it's not yet the time for me to be in a relationship.
Yet, recently I had a really off day filled with insecurities and self-doubt, and being single really sucked because on days like that, you just want someone to tell you that they love you for who you are and you are enough for them. No, I don't get upset about being single on Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, or even Christmas. It's usually days that happen out of the blue for me because after all, I am human and suffer from personal insecurities.
On this particular day, I was feeling the immense pressure of starting my three last classes. I spent the last two days doing homework and I was just not feeling up to doing any of it because well, there were particular circumstances that were making me feel a bit down in the dumps (being unemployed, still owing Saint Leo, still awaiting my financial aid to be released, being in a fight with my younger sister and not speaking to her). Instead of making up with me, I watched as she constantly was talking to her boyfriend on the phone about her whole day and I felt a little sad. My sister is far from perfect and yet she has a boy who is head over heels in love with her. Why not me? I've got a lot of love to offer. Basically, it was all based off me feeling lonely due to my circumstances.
So, after crying for a little while and getting nothing accomplished, I finally realized I had a free Redbox code and my dad had yet to see The Fault In Our Stars so I rented it for us to watch because I knew watching Hazel and Augustus's love story (although short-lived) would comfort me because Augustus Waters is like the ideal guy even if he had one leg due to terminal cancer. Everything about his personality and the way he fought for Hazel and never left her side are the ideal traits I hope to find in the guy I end up with because my past lovers have not at all measured up and well, I deserve to love and be loved in return by a great guy out there. (Fingers crossed that guy is Zac Efron. Haha just kidding).
Me with no-makeup
Me wearing my new make-up which blends well with my tan ( I wear Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder Foundation in Nude). Ultimately, this day just showed me that being single only sucks if you let external distractions convince you that you are not worthy or beautiful enough to be loved, and if you are reading this right now, and single, that is completely untrue and should not even be a thought you toss back and forth inside your head. You are worthy and beautiful enough to be loved. And you deserve to learn to love yourself first before anyone else does.♥
Before I go, shoutout to SuperLux for nominating me for the Leibster Award for blogging. I'll be posting my acceptance soon.
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless
~Just Keep Swimming~
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Over a year later, 30 Day Blog Challenge Day 1: Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”
Happiness is a form of courage... I feel that I've matured over the past year and I don't mean that to sound braggy but honestly, I've finally connected so many internal dots. I believe the only reason this maturity has occurred is because I was open-minded in bettering myself. That is the whole reason I wanted to do this 30 Day Blog Challenge again. So with that said, let me answer this question with my fresh perspective.
Relationships take work. I know this because I've put a lot of overzealous effort into many friendships and I always feel that I end up with nothing to show for it in return but recently, I've accepted this as something that is ok because I've finally learned how to overcome this. Ultimately, I just understand that if you are putting in all the work when it comes to a friendship or relationship, it isn't meant to last and you have to let it go. Relationships take work and ultimately, I'm way too busy with school to make it my primary focus right now. I literally don't have free time anymore. I am officially a full-time student and I'm actually lucky I made time to post this blog but I don't have the time to date right now.
Relationships take financial stability. No one is attracted to the homeless bum you pass on the street corner with the sign that reads IN NEED OF WORK. Why aren't they attracted to him? First off, his hygiene game is definitely not on point, and secondly, he has way too much free time(he's unemployed) and he has no means to take me out on a date(riding public transit is not riding in style) or any fiscal responsibility (he can't buy me anything from Tiffany's or let alone a hairbrush to comb his hair). In the same way, no one wants to date the homeless bum, no one wants to date a person with no motivation. Currently, I'm unemployed so I don't want to be a free loader and date someone who always has to pay for me. I do believe in male chivalry but I don't believe that the guy should always pay and as someone who is uber generous, I'm a big gift giver so if I have no moola, you will get nothing but love from me.
Lastly, if I had to use an elevator pitch (sorry for the marketing term) as to why I'm still single, it would be this: I'm too busy learning to love myself and getting to know myself better to worry about whether or not anyone is in love with me. Oh and I'm pretty happy spending time with Jesus to be concerned about any guy(good-looking or not) right now. Does that mean I'm not interested in dating at all? Of course I'm interested if the right person comes along, I have a few crushes currently but nothing that is worth pursuing because of circumstances right now, but I trust God and his timing won't be one second late.
If you'd like to read my post from last year, go right ahead. Why I'm Still Single(And Loving It).
Relationships take work. I know this because I've put a lot of overzealous effort into many friendships and I always feel that I end up with nothing to show for it in return but recently, I've accepted this as something that is ok because I've finally learned how to overcome this. Ultimately, I just understand that if you are putting in all the work when it comes to a friendship or relationship, it isn't meant to last and you have to let it go. Relationships take work and ultimately, I'm way too busy with school to make it my primary focus right now. I literally don't have free time anymore. I am officially a full-time student and I'm actually lucky I made time to post this blog but I don't have the time to date right now.
Relationships take financial stability. No one is attracted to the homeless bum you pass on the street corner with the sign that reads IN NEED OF WORK. Why aren't they attracted to him? First off, his hygiene game is definitely not on point, and secondly, he has way too much free time(he's unemployed) and he has no means to take me out on a date(riding public transit is not riding in style) or any fiscal responsibility (he can't buy me anything from Tiffany's or let alone a hairbrush to comb his hair). In the same way, no one wants to date the homeless bum, no one wants to date a person with no motivation. Currently, I'm unemployed so I don't want to be a free loader and date someone who always has to pay for me. I do believe in male chivalry but I don't believe that the guy should always pay and as someone who is uber generous, I'm a big gift giver so if I have no moola, you will get nothing but love from me.
Lastly, if I had to use an elevator pitch (sorry for the marketing term) as to why I'm still single, it would be this: I'm too busy learning to love myself and getting to know myself better to worry about whether or not anyone is in love with me. Oh and I'm pretty happy spending time with Jesus to be concerned about any guy(good-looking or not) right now. Does that mean I'm not interested in dating at all? Of course I'm interested if the right person comes along, I have a few crushes currently but nothing that is worth pursuing because of circumstances right now, but I trust God and his timing won't be one second late.
If you'd like to read my post from last year, go right ahead. Why I'm Still Single(And Loving It).
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
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