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