What's the big idea?

So you might be slightly confused as to why, all of a sudden, my posts are a lot happier, less stressed, more relaxed than they have been.
Well, I've had a change of outlook. It's been coming for a while, but I decided that instead of wallowing in my anxieties and struggles that I should instead try to see them in a new light (okay so maybe the counselor helped me figure that out, too. So did my running coach...) Nevertheless, I'M TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF.
Yes, I still get anxious (it's been a solid 24 hours of this "new leafiness")
BUT I'm working on better coping with it.
GEtting back to my old self, my old outlook, yet with a more mature attitude toward things that matter, as well.
Sometimes though, you just have to relax. Stop and smell the roses. Take in a sunset and appreciate all the glory that God has created around instead of wallowing in self pity and getting hung up on all that is wrong and upsetting.
Yeah, no one's perfect and we all get doubtful and stressed and self absorbed. But ya know what? That DOES NOT mean we shouldn't try anyway.

This summer, my camp director said something to the other junior counselors and I that really stuck with me for a while, and then I forgot about it till recently (as recent as, say, theology class when it was my turn to lead prayer and I was wracking my brain for something inspiring).

DIG DEEP.
take it for what it means.
Dig deep into yourself, into your heart, into your mind, soul, yada yada each day to find your peace and your place. Don't forget yourself.
Dig deep when you struggle with adversity, to find that little bit of hope, that last bit of strength that would go unused so that you can overcome the struggle and complete the task at hand.
but also
D.I.I.G DEEP.
be deliberate with your actions, thoughts, words, expressions. Think before you speak, control doubtful or negative thoughts that you feel in your head, do everything with a purpose behind it. Seek out those people who get forgotten JUST for the deliberate purpose of bringing a smile to their face and a little joy into their life. EFFICIENCY AND KINDNESS PEOPLE!

be INTENTIONAL. What is your motivation?  Basically the same thing as being deliberate, but just have a meaning behind your actions. Don't just go about life as it comes to you. As Ashton Kutcher says, "Build the life" you want to live instead of just living the life (I'm paraphrasing.. too  lazy to actually look up the direct quote... even though I posted a link to it... whatever...)

seek inspiration. surround yourself with people who strive to live a similar life to you or those that live a life already that you WISH to live. Let their lives inspire you to make a unique life out of your own individuality coupled with a few things stolen from their own awesome characteristics to make you a better person. Take a moment to soak in the beauty of nature or read a poem or gaze at a painting or really reflect on a piece of reading for school. JUST SIT FOR A SECOND and breathe. You'll be amazed at the inner creativity that could awaken. How will you know if it's there if you aren't deliberately and intentionally seeking to be inspired??

GO FOR IT. The bible has had plenty to say about going... "Go forth and multiply"- as in make good use of those talents and gifts you were blessed with and multiply them for Christ by sharing them with others. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. "Go forth and proclaim the good news" -let others know about this new life you're living, this epiphany (in a non-annoying way, of course) so they can share in the love and magic as well! THE MORE THE MERRIER! But ya know what this also means? When you feel a deep, stirring desire pulling you toward something, and it's something good, why not take the chance? How will you get anywhere without taking a risk or two along the way?



So, I'll leave you withthat. It's time to get back to the essay I'm procrastinating from. Go forth and multiply the fruits of your labors and the talents you've been given, DIG DEEP into yourself and work towards truly discovering, truly knowing yourself. I'm gonna try it. WHATCHA GOT TO LOSE?