It's the Little Things In Life

I don't know about you, but I find the most joy in the little things in life. These are some simple things that make me smile - in no particular order.

1. Spending time with my hubby
2. Painting my nails (especially with Julie)
3. Playing games with Jill on Skype
4. Skyping in general
5. Watching a movie with friends/family
6. A cat sleeping curled up in my lap
7. A good cup of coffee
8. Movie/Game night at Crystal's 
9. Watching my students fill out graduation paperwork
10. Humming birds
11. Hugs
12. Doing crafts with friends/family
13. 3 year olds - they are so curious
14. Holding babies
15. Baby shoes
16. Talking to my mom
17. Sitting on the beach
18. Getting snail mail
19. Baking cookies
20. Hot cocoa with marshmallow fluff
21. Watching snow fall
22. Text messages from friends just to say hello
23. Losing weight
24. Sitting by the fireplace
25. Christmas lights (especially on Christmas trees)
26. Star gazing
27. Looking through my joy box 
28. Reminiscing
29. Singing
30. Surprises

What are some little things that make you happy?

Thankful for the little things,
Jessy <3

3 Words That You Should Never Say

A week or two ago I had a lady come into my office, we'll call her Martha, who was frustrated with herself because she didn't know how to use a computer. She was feeling very "lost" in her class, all she wanted to learn was how to send "letters" on a computer and do research for her English class, instead she was learning terminology that made no sense to her.

From the get-go I could tell that Martha had very low self-esteem, she couldn't understand why her late husband, and her kids could use computers but she still didn't know how. I listened to Martha recount how smart her husband was, and how her kids were impatient with her because they think using a computer is so easy. Martha grew up in a generation that didn't have computers but she was trying to live up to a standard that today's society has set for us. She felt that she had to prove to her kids that she was smart enough to live up to their standards as well. As her frustration turned to tears she said 3 words, "I am stupid," and my heart hurt for her.

Now, if you are reading this blog post, more than likely you know how to use a computer. But think about it, how often do you convince yourself that you are stupid because you don't understand how something works? You aren't as good at something as someone else, so you feel like a failure because you believe that you have to live up to their standards. How many times do you just give up, because you believe that you are too stupid to learn, or you can't become this person that you are expected to be.

I've been there, in some ways I'm still there. There are things that I feel like I am too stupid to learn, I'll never live up to certain standards, and sometimes I feel like I'll never be the person, or woman, that I'm supposed to be. But as I talked with Martha I wanted her to realize that she wasn't stupid, she has her own strong suits, and the only standard that she has to live up to is her own. The more I thought about my conversation with her, the more I felt the need to share with all my readers that you are not stupid. I don't care what society says, or what standards you feel like you have to live up to, those 3 words, "I am stupid," should never be said, ever.

I don't know where you are at this point in your life, I don't know what your struggles are, but I do know that you can only be the person that you are born to be. You have your own strong suits, and your strong suits are going to be different than those around you. If we were all the same, the world would be very unbalanced, because you can't know it all. So take my advice, don't ever think that you are stupid or worthless because you're not. You are imperfectly perfect. :)

Your imperfect little blogger,
Jessy <3

Happy Birthday to My Wonderful Mom!!

March 10, 2013

Dear Mom,

I just want to wish you a very Happy Birthday! You are a joy in my life and I love you very much. The world definitely became a better place when you were born and my life is changed for the better because of you. I wish that we didn't live so far away. I would've loved to get up this morning and drink a cup of coffee together. I hope your hubby spoiled you a lot!

Love you forever and always,
Jessy <3

P.S. How does it feel to be 29 again this year?! ;)

30 Things About Me

I got this post from a friend and it was originally titled 30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me, since I don't have kids I took out a couple questions and replaced them with new ones. Just by looking over these I can already tell you that some of these questions are very challenging for me. I can think of a few things but some I don't think I know the answer to, so this may take a while.

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your spouse.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. What’s the hardest part of growing up?
14. Describe 5 weaknesses and strengths you have.
15. Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or how you fell in love.
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What do you think your spouse loves most about you?
19. What is something you learned the hard way?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. Describe your relationship with your parents.
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. What’s your favorite holiday and why?
24. If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What’s your favorite quality in your spouse?
29. What are your hopes and dreams for your prosperity?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

I hope this inspires you to ask the same questions to yourself too.
Your ever curious blogger,
Jessy <3

Calling All Blogger Friends!!

I would LOVE to have you be a guest on my blog. There are some of you that I don't know very well, and I'd love to get to know you better! If you are interested in being featured on my blog, please click HERE and fill out the sign-up form. Once I receive your request, we can coordinate when you would like to submit your post. I only have one request, if you feature yourself on my blog, please let your readers know about my little blog too. :)

Yours Truly,
Jessy <3