WOW!!! This summer could not have been any better. What a way to end summer-hood... next year there might not be a summer (cross your fingers there won't be one... meaning I'll have a job!). Let's have a recap on this whirlwind of a summer.
I began my summer in Napa Valley, California. What a way to kick off the summer. I learned so much about the wine industry and met people that gave me the realization that anything can happen. After Napa, I came home and went straight back to Auburn for SOS and a week or so after that I started two classes that lasted for six weeks! I got an A in one and a B in the other. I took a break for three weeks to work, travel and visit people and places, read and lay out. Then I got bored really quickly so sporadically signed up for a class that has lasted TEN days! This class has allowed me to appreciate beverages but has also ended my summer the same way I started it. WOW! Tomorrow this class ends and summer is almost over. With two more weeks left, I plan to go to the beach for one week to relax and get ready for my last year of college and the second week come to Oxford to visit with my family since I was only able to go home once this summer.
Just because those are the events that happened this summer doesn't mean that is all that happened. I learned a lot about myself during this short summer. Some were good things and the other things I realized that weren't so good and so I began to make a change. I realized that space is a good thing. Not too much, but enough that you can still be your own person. Spending every moment with someone makes you forget how special the people in your life are. "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" Now I understand this quote. I also learned that in a time of need it is okay to ask for help. Trying to be "grown-up" and "independent" is not heroic. Having people in your life to support you and back you up in decisions, problems, and down times is key to making it through this life. Do not walk alone. It's not as fun without someone to laugh and cry with you.
Take a moment and reflect on your summer. It has gone by with a blink of an eye. It's weird to think this time next year I will be a "big girl" and out in the real world by myself. But really, I won't be alone because I have some very special people in my life that I know will be with me through anything.
Best Regards,
Kayla
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
My Passion
Have you ever had that moment where you realized exactly what you were made to do in this life? Have you ever had that moment and then realized it may be too late?
I was sitting in class the other day listening to my professor lecture on America's obesity levels and how food has such an impact on our lives. And as I listened to this lecture I began to realize that I started to ache inside my body. I wanted to do something about these numbers. I had a burn inside of me to make a difference. So, I started to drift from the main point of the lecture and caught myself thinking, "What if?" What if I had come to college and known how to study and manage my time better? What if I didn't make the decision to switch majors? Then a huge cloud of regret began to weigh on me. I love my major and the things I am learning but for the past couple of days I've thought what if I had stayed in Nutrition & Health? I could have easily fulfilled my passion.
If you haven't caught on yet, I have discovered that my passion is to inspire people, motivate people, and help people realize how important nutrition, exercise, and mental stability are. To target my passion, obesity has weighed heavily on my heart. The Biggest Loser is one of my favorite shows (Thanks Mom!) and those people inspire me more than these super skinny models and people who have always been fit. They make me want to be better because they are making themselves better. I want to help people who are having trouble making it all "click". I want to inspire people to make themselves better. Is this still possible with the study course I've chosen? I sure hope so.
I am hoping to make my first move towards this goal by becoming certified in a spin class or aerobics instructor. After graduation, I hope I can find a career that stays within the boundaries of Hospitality Management because quality service is another huge passion of mine but staying parallel with nutrition and health. I don't like to say that I have regrets so I am going to make the best out of everything I have. I may not have chosen to study Nutrition & Health but taking Food & Beverage Management courses and Food Production classes, I have a feeling my major is going to help me find exactly what I need to do.
Reaching for the stars,
Kayla
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Forgive and Forget
Why can I not seem to let the past be in the past? Learn from it and move on? When I have free time I often think about my past and how I wish I could go back and change everything that has ever changed me for the worse. I have rejection issues because of problems I faced in high school. I have jealousy issues because of boys I dated. I have a need to please people, make everyone happy, and completely disregard my feelings because of manipulative people that have been in my life.
The saying "forgive and forget" is such an easy statement to say but it is extremely hard to believe. I have forgiven everyone who has ever hurt me in my past. The only thing is I can't forget about everything that has happened and how it has effected who I am today. I want so badly to put everything and everyone that is from my past behind me and continue moving forward. Somedays are great and not the slightest memory will pass through my head. But other days, on the the long, nothing to do except run days, I think about everything that has ever hurt me. I get mad, upset, disappointed in myself, and it takes me a while to just stop torturing myself.
Someone asked me last week, are you honest with yourself? I believe I'm extremely honest with myself. Sometimes too honest. I could live without the negative thoughts running through my head on these low days. I write most of my blogs to remind myself to stay strong, motivated, and happy and to help other people that might be going through the same thing. Today I write this blog to be able to look back and see that bad days can happen and I have to find a way to let the past be in the past. I have to continue looking forward and never turning back because my future is bright. Auburn, the people I've met here, and the things I have learned, and God have shown me I don't need to look back because my future is going to be great. The present already is. Taking one day at a time is much better than dreaming into the future. Before, I could only hope for the day I would be this happy. Even on my low days, I'm still way happier than I ever was in my past. I'm grateful for the lessons I have learned through all of the trials but I just hope there is a way to let everything go.
Moving forward,
Kayla
The saying "forgive and forget" is such an easy statement to say but it is extremely hard to believe. I have forgiven everyone who has ever hurt me in my past. The only thing is I can't forget about everything that has happened and how it has effected who I am today. I want so badly to put everything and everyone that is from my past behind me and continue moving forward. Somedays are great and not the slightest memory will pass through my head. But other days, on the the long, nothing to do except run days, I think about everything that has ever hurt me. I get mad, upset, disappointed in myself, and it takes me a while to just stop torturing myself.
Someone asked me last week, are you honest with yourself? I believe I'm extremely honest with myself. Sometimes too honest. I could live without the negative thoughts running through my head on these low days. I write most of my blogs to remind myself to stay strong, motivated, and happy and to help other people that might be going through the same thing. Today I write this blog to be able to look back and see that bad days can happen and I have to find a way to let the past be in the past. I have to continue looking forward and never turning back because my future is bright. Auburn, the people I've met here, and the things I have learned, and God have shown me I don't need to look back because my future is going to be great. The present already is. Taking one day at a time is much better than dreaming into the future. Before, I could only hope for the day I would be this happy. Even on my low days, I'm still way happier than I ever was in my past. I'm grateful for the lessons I have learned through all of the trials but I just hope there is a way to let everything go.
Moving forward,
Kayla
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Childhood to Adulthood
Lately I've been thinking a lot about how everything in your life effects who you become. The people you have spent your time with, the habits you created as a child, and the things you spend your time doing have all had an effect on how your personality is shaped, your values, and your physical self.
Being a 2-year-old seems like the perfect life. Your parents took care of you, fed you, bathed you, and someone was always watching over you. Every decision your parents made for you as child effected who you became today. Stay at home mom, being an only child, the house structure you lived in all had an effect on your mind, body, and spirit. How amazing. I can't even recollect what my life was like for the first five years of my existence.
But as we get older and start to reflect on our childhood, you can see where something had a certain effect on you. Being picked on in school probably made you have rejection problems or commitment issues. Getting whatever you wanted as a young child made you demand things as an adult (and made you a huge brat). Building relationships with other kids at a young age effected who you chose to be your friends today. Most of these things are imbedded in us and rooted so deep that it is almost impossible to change who we truly are. BUT we can better ourselves. It takes work but it is possible. You may always have the tendency to put people down to make yourself feel better but you can make a conscious effort to think about what you say to people before you throw them under the bus.
Another problem that really bothers me is over eating. No one is obese because they want to be or because they love food that much. Obesity is a disease and has a psychological meaning behind it. Over eating can become an addiction and take over who you are. Making fun of someone who is fat is not going to help their problem. To help fight the disease you have to dig deep to find the real meaning behind eating that much food or that poorly of food. I am a sucker for sweets and french fries but I make a conscious effort to limit myself and take care of it in the gym shortly after. It is amazing to me how quickly pounds can add up if you do not do something about them. Prime example is the Freshman 15. Without work to keep the weight off, it is extremely easy to pack on the pounds because fast food is offered in the student centers and if there is free food at an event on campus I can promise you it won't be salmon and asparagus. It will be a greasy pizza from Hungry Howie's because it's cheap and will feed a lot of people. Making that conscious effort to take care of yourself will make you a happier person. Fight through the addiction and do something for yourself. If you are not obese be lucky you have everything in the right state of mind. If you have come from obesity and are fighting the fight we all fight everyday, keep up the hard work. I promise it pays off at the end of everyday you fight.
Make these decisions when you are younger or if you are a parent, soon to be parent, or college kid thinking about kids one day. Know that every decision you make effects you or somebody else. Don't be so over protective you can't experience life but realize that there is a reason things are in your life and they can shape you in many different ways. Only you know who you are and what changed your life for the good or bad. Make smart choices. You only have one life to live and it is imperative you make the most of it. Becoming an adult is a lot more informative than I would have ever thought (because I knew everything in high school [sarcastic voice]). I learn something new about myself everyday. I can see how the things that happened in my younger years effected everything I have and want today and in the future. Continue reaching for the stars and developing yourself because it is intriguing to learn knew things about yourself and about life in general.
Dreaming big,
Kayla
Being a 2-year-old seems like the perfect life. Your parents took care of you, fed you, bathed you, and someone was always watching over you. Every decision your parents made for you as child effected who you became today. Stay at home mom, being an only child, the house structure you lived in all had an effect on your mind, body, and spirit. How amazing. I can't even recollect what my life was like for the first five years of my existence.
But as we get older and start to reflect on our childhood, you can see where something had a certain effect on you. Being picked on in school probably made you have rejection problems or commitment issues. Getting whatever you wanted as a young child made you demand things as an adult (and made you a huge brat). Building relationships with other kids at a young age effected who you chose to be your friends today. Most of these things are imbedded in us and rooted so deep that it is almost impossible to change who we truly are. BUT we can better ourselves. It takes work but it is possible. You may always have the tendency to put people down to make yourself feel better but you can make a conscious effort to think about what you say to people before you throw them under the bus.
Another problem that really bothers me is over eating. No one is obese because they want to be or because they love food that much. Obesity is a disease and has a psychological meaning behind it. Over eating can become an addiction and take over who you are. Making fun of someone who is fat is not going to help their problem. To help fight the disease you have to dig deep to find the real meaning behind eating that much food or that poorly of food. I am a sucker for sweets and french fries but I make a conscious effort to limit myself and take care of it in the gym shortly after. It is amazing to me how quickly pounds can add up if you do not do something about them. Prime example is the Freshman 15. Without work to keep the weight off, it is extremely easy to pack on the pounds because fast food is offered in the student centers and if there is free food at an event on campus I can promise you it won't be salmon and asparagus. It will be a greasy pizza from Hungry Howie's because it's cheap and will feed a lot of people. Making that conscious effort to take care of yourself will make you a happier person. Fight through the addiction and do something for yourself. If you are not obese be lucky you have everything in the right state of mind. If you have come from obesity and are fighting the fight we all fight everyday, keep up the hard work. I promise it pays off at the end of everyday you fight.
Make these decisions when you are younger or if you are a parent, soon to be parent, or college kid thinking about kids one day. Know that every decision you make effects you or somebody else. Don't be so over protective you can't experience life but realize that there is a reason things are in your life and they can shape you in many different ways. Only you know who you are and what changed your life for the good or bad. Make smart choices. You only have one life to live and it is imperative you make the most of it. Becoming an adult is a lot more informative than I would have ever thought (because I knew everything in high school [sarcastic voice]). I learn something new about myself everyday. I can see how the things that happened in my younger years effected everything I have and want today and in the future. Continue reaching for the stars and developing yourself because it is intriguing to learn knew things about yourself and about life in general.
Dreaming big,
Kayla
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Past Year
It's been a long time since I last blogged. I finished summer classes and have been working and traveling for the last couple of weeks. I went home for Father's Day, had company in Auburn the next weekend and I went to Destin this weekend for the Fourth of July.
As I was in Destin, I began to reflect on how fast this year has gone by. A year ago a few weeks ago my parents put my Dad's dog to sleep. I remembered this this weekend because my Mom called my boyfriend to break the news to me because she knows how much I love animals that I wouldn't take the news lightly over the phone. Also a year ago this weekend I lost someone who was a dear friend to me and my family, Dr. Lynch. His family touched my life in so many ways and he had such an impact on who I was coming into college. I still try to be the person he helped me be today but I find myself slipping back in to my old ways. Dr. Lynch also encouraged me to run and finish what I always wanted to do. With that motivation, I completed my first half-marathon this year and am currently training for my second one right now. I was also reminded how fast this year has gone by when my boyfriend's mom asked me how long we had been together. A year and a half in a week. The time sure has flown.
Starting this blog has helped me grow as a person and remember all the feelings I've endured in these last few months. I hope it continues to inspire people and maybe teach them something about themselves that maybe they did not realize until reading a blog post. Lesson of this blog is to not take life for granted. I have never realized how fast time flies until I reached college. The last four years have been the best times of my life and they have certainly passed quicker than any other time in my life. Live in the moment and do not live for the future or in the past. Life is too short to take waste the precious time we have been given.
Living life to the fullest,
Kayla
As I was in Destin, I began to reflect on how fast this year has gone by. A year ago a few weeks ago my parents put my Dad's dog to sleep. I remembered this this weekend because my Mom called my boyfriend to break the news to me because she knows how much I love animals that I wouldn't take the news lightly over the phone. Also a year ago this weekend I lost someone who was a dear friend to me and my family, Dr. Lynch. His family touched my life in so many ways and he had such an impact on who I was coming into college. I still try to be the person he helped me be today but I find myself slipping back in to my old ways. Dr. Lynch also encouraged me to run and finish what I always wanted to do. With that motivation, I completed my first half-marathon this year and am currently training for my second one right now. I was also reminded how fast this year has gone by when my boyfriend's mom asked me how long we had been together. A year and a half in a week. The time sure has flown.
Starting this blog has helped me grow as a person and remember all the feelings I've endured in these last few months. I hope it continues to inspire people and maybe teach them something about themselves that maybe they did not realize until reading a blog post. Lesson of this blog is to not take life for granted. I have never realized how fast time flies until I reached college. The last four years have been the best times of my life and they have certainly passed quicker than any other time in my life. Live in the moment and do not live for the future or in the past. Life is too short to take waste the precious time we have been given.
Living life to the fullest,
Kayla
Friday, June 17, 2011
Father's Day
Father's Day means different things to different people. Everything that has happened in our lives thus far has had an impact on how we celebrate father's day. Some people do not have a father figure and chose to celebrate someone who played that role for them in their lives. Some have a father but do not have a relationship with him because of damages he may have caused or they may have caused. Others have lost their father and this day is extremely hard for them. And many of us have a father so special that on this day we take the time to honor him and think about how we should celebrate him more than just on this day.
I fall into the last category. My dad has always been in my life and actively apart of it. He is such a special man and I could not have asked for any better Dad! When we were younger he was the tickle monster. I would run away because I would be tickled for hours. When I got a little older he let me get up with him and eat breakfast and watch Sportscenter before he left for work. When he would leave, he would always wink at me and I spent years trying to learn how to do that! [I've finally got it down pat! ;)] Then I became a teenager and my dad was my worst enemy. We would fight and fight and fight him but little did I know he only did and said these things to protect me. Now, I'm in college and take my Daddy for granted all the time. He still spoils me, does anything and everything for me, has bought me three cars in the five years I've had a license, and supports and loves me in everything I do. I always notice these things and say thank you but I never realize how much all those little things mean to me until this day every year, Father's Day.
To the best Daddy in the world, thank you for always being there for me. Even though we don't talk as much as I wish (that's my fault!) I love you more and more everyday. You are always trying to make me a better person and because of you I know what love is suppose to be like. You make me smile and brighten my days when I'm lost and confused about this whole growing up thing. Thank you again for EVERYTHING you do for me. I cannot wait to see you this weekend. I really don't see you guys enough!
Love,
Kayla
I fall into the last category. My dad has always been in my life and actively apart of it. He is such a special man and I could not have asked for any better Dad! When we were younger he was the tickle monster. I would run away because I would be tickled for hours. When I got a little older he let me get up with him and eat breakfast and watch Sportscenter before he left for work. When he would leave, he would always wink at me and I spent years trying to learn how to do that! [I've finally got it down pat! ;)] Then I became a teenager and my dad was my worst enemy. We would fight and fight and fight him but little did I know he only did and said these things to protect me. Now, I'm in college and take my Daddy for granted all the time. He still spoils me, does anything and everything for me, has bought me three cars in the five years I've had a license, and supports and loves me in everything I do. I always notice these things and say thank you but I never realize how much all those little things mean to me until this day every year, Father's Day.
To the best Daddy in the world, thank you for always being there for me. Even though we don't talk as much as I wish (that's my fault!) I love you more and more everyday. You are always trying to make me a better person and because of you I know what love is suppose to be like. You make me smile and brighten my days when I'm lost and confused about this whole growing up thing. Thank you again for EVERYTHING you do for me. I cannot wait to see you this weekend. I really don't see you guys enough!
Love,
Kayla
Monday, June 6, 2011
Excuses, Excuses, Excuses
When ever something doesn't go the way we plan or things don't get done when they need to get done we, as humans, make up excuses. It's the easiest way to cover our own mistakes but the excuses more than likely will involve another party. Examples: "I can't workout today. I'm a mother of little kids and I work." "I made a bad grade on that test because my friends made me go out." "I can't pay you now because my boss hasn't given me my check yet." In all reality those are all your own fault.
It is time to start taking responsibility for our actions. Excuses should not be the reason why we don't do something that needs to get done. Other people are definitely not the reason you did not do what you were suppose to do because if you really wanted to do something, you would make time to do it. So is it the excuse that justifies why things don't get done or is it adding someone else into the excuse that makes it okay? Personally, there is no other excuse except yourself. You can make time to workout if you really want to workout. No one makes you do anything. You have the option to make a smart decision and stay in and study or the dumb decision and party so hard you can't even remember what class you have a test in. Not having the money to pay bills is your own fault for not saving your money. Instead you went out and bought a magazine subscription, Sonic's Happy Hour drinks, dinner with your friends including margaritas.... you had the money, you just chose to spend it elsewhere.
If you find that you make excuses for everything take a step back and re-evaluate why you really didn't workout, make good grades, or pay your bills on time. There is a real reason and it probably has something to do with yourself. Take responsibility for your own actions and get things done. Procrastination is a terrible problem. The only time I ever find myself procrastinating is when I have something to do that I have absolutely no interest in doing. An easy fix, do those things first. The quicker you get the not so appealing tasks out of the way the more time you have to enjoy everything you actually wanted to do in the day. So stop making excuses. It's only rational if you admit to being the problem and even then it should bother you so much that you don't make an excuse anymore and you get done what you set out to do.
No more excuses,
Kayla
It is time to start taking responsibility for our actions. Excuses should not be the reason why we don't do something that needs to get done. Other people are definitely not the reason you did not do what you were suppose to do because if you really wanted to do something, you would make time to do it. So is it the excuse that justifies why things don't get done or is it adding someone else into the excuse that makes it okay? Personally, there is no other excuse except yourself. You can make time to workout if you really want to workout. No one makes you do anything. You have the option to make a smart decision and stay in and study or the dumb decision and party so hard you can't even remember what class you have a test in. Not having the money to pay bills is your own fault for not saving your money. Instead you went out and bought a magazine subscription, Sonic's Happy Hour drinks, dinner with your friends including margaritas.... you had the money, you just chose to spend it elsewhere.
If you find that you make excuses for everything take a step back and re-evaluate why you really didn't workout, make good grades, or pay your bills on time. There is a real reason and it probably has something to do with yourself. Take responsibility for your own actions and get things done. Procrastination is a terrible problem. The only time I ever find myself procrastinating is when I have something to do that I have absolutely no interest in doing. An easy fix, do those things first. The quicker you get the not so appealing tasks out of the way the more time you have to enjoy everything you actually wanted to do in the day. So stop making excuses. It's only rational if you admit to being the problem and even then it should bother you so much that you don't make an excuse anymore and you get done what you set out to do.
No more excuses,
Kayla
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