Lifeclass 2014

A new year has just begun. I couldn't be more thankful for the amazing energy that is surrounding 2014. For me 2013 was less about movement and more about endurance; and while I did that actively... I haven't felt much accomplishment. Things were more along the lines of simply standing my ground and staying positive. Hooray for even mastering that. For me this year brings the expectations of ambition and hope.

Yesterday I sat for a few cups of coffee with my grandparents. I opened up about my fears, my lack of direction, the ache I have for change and travel. There has been a consistent feeling of discontentment in my heart. Here is some of their words of wisdom....



I worried about direction.
Grandpa told me whether it is a step in the right direction or the wrong direction; it is all feedback. Clearly the more information you have the more capable you are of deciding a solid direction. So steps in every direction are necessary.

I worried about overcoming fear.
Grandpa told me that with any change brings fear. It's a basic survival instinct.
-This is different.
-What is out there?
-Will it hurt me?
-Well hell, either way we need to find out, right?
You have to change. The analogy he used was, What if you were wearing the same pair of boots from ten years ago?  Well... I imagine they'd be dirty, worn and probably not as comfortable or useful as they once were huh?
"You treat fear and anxiety like it's something serious." -Papa



I worried about inspiration and motivation.
Grandpa told me, if you wait for inspiration and motivation, you'll be waiting until you're dead.
Sometimes you literally have to Nike, just do it. Even if you don't know what to do next. Do anything and you're more likely to encounter opportunities than waiting for it to hit you like a bus....which now that I think about it, seems pretty unlikely.





 

The things they said were so grounded....and realistic, almost obvious but I had been overthinking everything for so long.

This year I no longer care to understand.
I plan to understand nothing but the fact that whatever I will face this year: be it a blessing or a challenge, I will thank God for either His sweet sweet grace or thank Him again for the lessons learned and opportunities to grow. This year I relieve myself of the responsibility to overthink. This year I will JUST DO.






Here's to you and 2014.
Cheers to direction, wherever it may be.
Happy New Year,
Molly-Kate

& Sometimes Peace is Thrust Upon You.

It has been one full week since my tonsilectomy, and let me tell you, IT WAS NO JOKE. The most severe pain I think I have ever felt and that is no exaggeration. 7 full days of tossing and turning, a hungry tummy, extreme lack of social interaction and 7 days too many with my couch. I hadn't even been outside. While the Molly I know would love just lounging around enjoying the down time, cabin fever was officially in effect starting today. Around 5:50 pm today small fears and anxieties began to swirl through my head becoming truly overwhelming.  I paced through the house...normally in these instances I use people as a distraction. I decided to phone a friend. When dialing the number there was what could only be described as a cosmic pull dragging me out of the front door to make the call in the rocks of my front yard. My call was ignored, and I was totally okay with it. Literally the next thought 'planted' in my head was to set my phone in the backseat of the Expedition in our drive way and my legs took me down the street. The weather a perfect 73 degrees for the first time since before fall. My hair was beginning to dry from the shower I had taken in attempt to ease the nerves. With zero makeup , sweatpants, a tank top, and sandals on, I accepted the stroll. Each step eager for another.

 At first my thoughts felt fearful, almost helpless. I couldn't find the reasoning for the emotions rolling through me. With the warmth of the sun on my arms that have been dormant all winter, and each breath of fresh air, peace took the place of each worry I thought I had. I was even inspired with words for the people that I would normally give just a neigborly wave. I don't even believe I was thinking for the 15 minute walk. Simply feeling. I was IN the moment...

I'm not even sure what this blog is about. But if you ever hear a whisper of the opportunity calling, RESPOND. My energy was flipped. Something greater moved me today. Abruptly, unexpectedly. And because I chose not to deny it, I was filled with peace and comforted to a new level.
 I guess to be brief what it comes down to is...Sometimes there is a call, and sometimes you are rewarded for answering.

 It was a personal experience
 too special for me not to share.
 It was fate...
 -Molly Kate

It's all a test.

So far, 2012 has been has been one of my most difficult years. I have never been overcome by so many overwhelming hardships, especially all at once. I had the feeling that these obstacles were interefering with my life as I waited for them to pass. And, in eight months, they still haven't. I have only recently come to the realization that these obstacles ARE my life, and I cannot keep waiting for things like this to simply phase out. This is the hand I have been dealt and I have to be pro-active and do positive things to counteract the negativity. I find myself stumbling through my current ups and downs, but with my new mindset It's been easier to find my footing. So while I deal with intense experiences (mother's health issues, heart break, betrayal and life choices in general) I TAKE CONTROL. In turn, I learn about trust, faith, fear and courage. Huge lessons that I wouldn't be able to live properly without. We are being tested, and we are being prepared.

Barricading to "protect" myself from the struggle is no longer an option.


Defeat the struggle,
Molly-Kate

Stay True.

I've almost never felt stronger about a topic. So, in recent experiences it has become clear to me that the truth may not come to some as easily as it comes to me.  In an effort to encourage the people around me, I want to clarify some things.You aren't fooling anyone, people don't care either way. They take in what you say for what it is. At the end of the day, all you have is your word. What do you have if people can't believe that?

BE GENUINE.

Say what you want.

Say what you mean.

MEAN what you say.

& be clear about your intentions.

If you avoid being upfront to spare someone's feelings, do them a favor and DON'T. People can appreciate the truth even if it's awkward. The only thing that lies contribute to, is inconvenience. I challenge everyone to take ONE encounter that makes them uncomfortable enough to fib and face it head on. Be honest and feel the repercussions. You will realize there are none. Be proud of who you are and bare your soul. Even in the smallest instances. Who wouldn't want their words to reflect their true self, opinions and intetions? Whose reality is a liar decieving? People don't want the bullshit. If you aren't being straight, just don't open your mouth. (Not to be harsh.)

In short, Be honest with yourself and others. Say what you mean, even if its not what people want to hear. Be upfront and REAL. Who can't respect that?

The truth shall set you free.

Stay true. Stay you.

Molly-Kate

Heartbreak.

Here we go, sooo allow me to wear my heart on my sleeve for the moment...heartbreak. Most of us have experienced it, and for those who haven't; consider yourself lucky. Whether it's your first or fifth, true heartache is an awful pain, and a break up is never easy. The sting of the break is still fresh in my heart and I figure if I can offer any kind of relief in your hard times, one more positive thing can be said to come from my experience. While words are just words, and cannot totally comfort, they can inspire reflection. Here are a few simple (yet true) quotes:

• Some of us think holding on makes us strong, sometimes it's letting go.
• “I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right...and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe
• Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. (Closing Time-Semisonic)

and
MAYBE...

When you are accustomed to the company of another person for a long time, and suddenly that bond is gone, the change is clear. Just make all this change worth it. Make a promise to yourself to become what you have always envisioned. Make this change a positive one. Do things you love, surround yourself with good people and NOTHING can stop you.

I'm no expert, but here is what I think about the heartbreak.

Enjoy the memories, learn from it, and never ever regret the time spent.

'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. -Alfred Lord Tennyson

It's okay to turn the page,
Molly-Kate

Baby Steps.

It's been far too long, but here I am now, sharing the promise I have made to myself :

I promise to make good choices. Not that I don't always attempt to do so, but to take constant steps to better myself. I really want to look out for my best interest and be sure that I am always putting my best foot forward. I want to make choices that help me embody all of the traits I admire in the wonderful people who surround me.
My mom told me five words that I have chosen to live by,
DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING.
We can't always control every aspect of our lives or the repercussions of the choices we do make. All we can do is ask ourselves what the next right thing to do is, and take baby steps to our future.

Examples of the NEXT RIGHT THING to do:

Smile.

Relax.

Forgive.

Be patient.

Keep calm.

Go to class.

Go to the gym.

Save a few bucks.

Do something kind.

BABY STEPS.

Free yourself,

Molly-Kate

(Thank you for reminding me that  people care what I have to say, I WILL BLOG. You know who you are.)

 

Did You Miss Me?!

MY DEAR FRIENDS,

It's been entirely too long since my last post. I have been extremely busy and a little distracted. I've recently realized that my lack of blogging (due to lack of time,) has just left me all the more scatterbrained.
I have quite a few new ideas in mind and I cannot wait organize my thoughts and share them with you. I love my Mollywood mini-fan base. You all are wonderful! So here is a promise to myself as well as to you; I will no longer let my blog be at the bottom of my list of priorities, no matter what! Anticipate some fun things COMING SOON...

KEEP CALM
&
BLOG ON,
Molly-Kate

To Be A Bestie...

     Best friends are essential in life. They are the family you get to PICK to associate with and it is important to choose the right one (or more if you're lucky.) My life has been a continuation of one AMAZING partner in crime after another; and a few that remain by my side to this day. YOU ALL KNOW WHO YOU ARE (even if you're thinking maybe). I have been so inspired by the girls (and boys) who play such key roles in my life. They qualify as besties for a reason... so I will name the things I love about them & the things I value about my own bestie-capabilities; and compile them into a list to consider when choosing our accomplice/buddy/comrade/sidekick.

These must be mutual.

Most basically, the ability to laugh. At themselves, at my jokes ;) and at life in general.

Believe in me, encourage what I and WANT and help get me where I'm going.

Have the capacity to trust and be trusted. A bestie must be a vault!

Enjoy my daily stories.

Have the courage to take the fall for me, not that they would have to; but that the fact that they would.

The ability to help me make the right choices.

Stand up for me when I'm right, and break it to me when I'm wrong.

Witness my ugliest cry and still think I'm beautiful.

They must be more like family than just a friend.

Will take me on an adventure.

Encourage me to have an adventure of my own.

And to be the best of the best,

Finish my sentences.

Communicate with just a look.

Possess the ability to answer a question, that is directed at me if I am for some reason unable.
(Yes, I'm talking mind reading.)

PUT IN TIME.

And simply love me back.

Gossip, fate & dinner dates.
All my love,
Molly-Kate

-Stephaniearthphotography.

     About a month ago I was given the opportunity to have a photo shoot with photography/Facebook sensation Stephanie Hernandez of Stephaniearthphotography. For those of you who aren't familiar, she is and up and coming photographer and it seems like everyone wants in.
She invited me for a shoot and I was more than honored. She sat me down for hair and makeup and asked me what I had in mind, I trusted her completely and became a blank canvas allowing her creativity to take over.
I was laughing and catching up with an old friend and feeling FABULOUS. People I am by NO means a super model. She made me completely comfortable and gave me clear, specific direction, making the shoot much easier for both of us.
Stephanie came up with outfit combinations I never would have put together and they were spot on! The proof was in, well, in the proofs. She has a natural eye for art that is unparalleled. She draws, tattoos, does hair and makeup and of course photographs.

She has a powerful presence
both behind...

...and in front of the lens.

Whether capturing
a person...

..or a moment...

...her eye for beauty is evident in every picture. I left that evening feeling more confident and beautiful than ever.

-Stephaniearthphotography.

What an adventure Stephanie.
I can't wait for our next one,
<3
Molly-Kate

Superior Surroundings

      In the world there are many people we can choose to associate with. Some we admire, some we can't stand and EVERYTHING in between.
My thought is to surround yourself with the people who love you and appreciate you in you're most genuine form. People who encourage you and support your dreams and ambitions; people who don't cause you to question your looks, personality or goals/directions.
Keep only the best of the best on your side. Truly build yourself a support system for your own success. It's important to be able to learn from your friends, people whose personalities you admire and could possibly aspire to be more like.
EXAMPLE:
Mandy McGrath- My soul sister. My best friend. When this girl walks into a room she lights it up, shaking every one's hand and introducing her self using a confident, authentic and comforting method.
A positive trait I have picked up.
At this point, I only affiliate with people who unknowingly teach me to be better, only make me feel good about myself; and at this point, I am happy.

This is MY life and I'm
happy to be living it,
Team Molly

A Little Tip for Your Tuesday

I think now days it's a little difficult to mind our own business when Social Networking has somewhat taken over the lives of my peers and I. Facebook is accessed so easily on my phone, when I'm bored I search what other people are doing/thinking . This kind of takes away from time that I could be 'doing my own thing.' So I'm using it less.
I consciously tell myself to STOP when I'm thinking something negative about myself or wondering what others think/expect from me. Thoughts like that get me nowhere, actually...they take me back a few steps. Love yourself like you want other people to love you and they will. After all, life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the ones that treat you right and forget about the ones that don't.

Remember: They wouldn't bother if you were nothing.
 

I'ma do me,
Molly-Kate
feel free to hate ;)

A Girl Appreciates It When...

If it hasn't been clear by a majority of my prior posts, I try to live my life appreciating the little things. I do so in my friendships and my relationship as well. I think other girls are similar in the fact that you don't always need to go big to win her over, that contrary to rumors, it isn't expensive or suffocating to have a girlfriend, that simplicity could be a key factor. This is by no means a "How to Get a Girl Guide" or exactly "What Women Want" but a sincere list of things, that I believe, ladies naturally appreciate.

So boys....Listen up.

A girl appreciates it when...

• You allow yourself to be silly, even if it's only in front of her. Let your guard down, If you're "too cool" you're not that cool.

• When you are helpful.  Painting my room was so overwhelming. He helped me empty, clean, tape, and paint four walls and a ceiling, smiling and laughing along the way. MY HERO. So learn how to change a flat tire or something. BE HER HERO! (Even something as simple as proof reading a paper she wrote.)

• Do something you're proud of...then share it with her, she'd love to be proud of you too.

•  Who says girls are expensive? Surprise her with something small, like coffee. Imagine how bad she'll want to update her Facebook/Twitter status: STARBUCKS <3 He surprised me at work! #oneluckygirl

•  Tip: Love letters never go out of style.

• As brave and determined as women can be, self doubt is somewhat inevitable. It happens. We question ourselves and doubt our image or our capabilities. We haven't given up, just an occasional slip up slowing us from shining to our true potential. ENCOURAGE. Remind us how wonderful and smart we are. We most definitely appreciate that.

• Learn to do something new together. Volunteer, sign up for a class or try it at home. Buy a sushi kit for example. It's quite an experience. Trial and error is fun when you're doing it together. Plus, who do you know that knows how to MAKE sushi? You two will be a smash at any dinner party/ pot luck.

• Compliment her, make it specific, and let it come from a genuine place."I think you look beautiful when you wear you're glasses." "I think that dress looks amazing on you, I love when you wear it." "You're lips are perfect." So next time she wakes up and puts on her spectacles, zips up that dress, or puts on chapstick...two things will come to mind. Self-confidence, and you my friend.

Oh, and ladies...a piece of advice from a woman I love:

" If you don't feel better about yourself (prettier, smarter, funnier, more

 generous, considerate, kind and special) when you're with him...

 forget about him." -Grandma

Love big, fall hard and embrace the people you meet to the fullest. You are only young once, so lower you're guard because love rewards the brave.

Hoping to be helpful,

Molly-Kate

Make Your Bad Day Good & Your Good Day Better

     Someone asked me what I do when I'm upset or in a bad mood to make me feel a little better. Initially, I didn't even know what specific things I did! For the next few weeks I paid closer attention to my actions when I was upset and recognized what things highlighted my good days.

Bleh! On a bad day...

Relax! Take a nap! When you wake up, chances are it'll be, "on the other side of the bed."

Take a shower or a bath, you are alone with your thoughts, let the aroma of your favorite soaps relax you.

Cry, whistle or lather up. Everyone knows "you time" makes everything better!

Keep some falsies on hand, when your not feelin' so hot, they instantly foxify your face!

Tune in to tune out. Listen to POSITIVE music. Try listening to Miz Minaj and tell me you don't feel like one Bad Barbie. Oh and Britney? She'll make you want to Dance Until the World Ends.



tape makes for great strait lines

Manicure!! Again with the YOU time. Build up a collection and allow for your nails to express your mood. You only live once so try some silly colors! From my experience, they can be a great conversation piece.

 

Treat yourself.

Grab a friend and allow yourself to pick up that purse/pair of shoes/shades you spotted on your last trip to the mall. There's nothing wrong with a little  retail therapy.

& On a good day...

Having a good hair/outfit/all together "got it goin' on" kinda day?

Snap a picture girl! Eliminate any future self-doubt!



Waterballoons! Add some extra smiles and fill up a few! Whether it's my sister and I trying to hit the same target, or a full blown war, these babies are guaranteed to brighten your day!

Be bold baby, kill 'em with a cool red lip.

Make the world your stage, sing. I'm talkin' around the house, grocery shopping, following your boyfriend around at Home Depot...If you have if you have a tune in your head or a favorite comes on, sing!

I swear, people don't even look at me funny. :)

To me it's joyous. A beautiful thing.

Journal. Prioritize on paper and get your goals written in ink.

Organize that big beautiful brain of yours.

If you have advice, share it. If you've got the knowledge, spread the love.

If you have any day highlighters, please share them with me in a comment below!

Tired eyes & Lullabies,

Molly-Kate