Feeling Needed

I've always been one to reach out to those who need help, and have always been a shoulder for someone to cry on, and an ear to listen if someone wants to vent. It's always been a great feeling to know someone wanted or needed me, even if it was for the smallest thing. It makes me feel appreciated and like I have purpose.

After spending every day with my little cousins, I've grown to like this feeling more and more. Since both girls have become accustomed to me being around, they reach out to me when they're in need or when someone new, or just someone they're not used to, is around. It makes me so happy! Little kids have always hated me, and I've never really been fond of them... I don't know why, but that's just how it had always been. But now that I've been with the girls so much, they actually really love me and want to be with me. They get a huge smile on their faces when they see me or if they're crying, they become comforted being in my arms or even just my presence. It feels so nice to feel that, and know I'm needed. I'm sure this is how many mothers and fathers feel as well because their children couldn't survive without the parents'/ guardians love, tenderness, and care for them.

Not only with little kids, but with adults (especially friends, family, loved ones, etc.) as well: it's great to be recognized or receive appreciation for something I've done. I'm sure everyone feels this way in some way or another. A simple smile, hug, or a big "Thank you!" from someone can really go a long way. I feel like we don't express our gratitude towards others enough. Lately I've been wanting to improve on this; letting those who help me in any way know how much I appreciate them and what they do. It really makes a big difference. Or just SHOW someone you care and love them by doing simple things. I'm a firm believer in karma, in that if you do good towards others, it'll come back to you. :)

Tell your girlfriend/ wife they're beautiful. Hold the door for someone, or say thank you if someone does it for you. Help your parents around the house. Share a dessert with someone. Give someone a hug if they're having a bad day. Spread the love, kindness, and thankfulness. Little things go a long way! <3

Explore the world... and yourself!

Yesterday my lovely friend in Ireland, Emily, suggested I go for a walk. Get lost. Trust my intuition to get back. Take a break from thinking so much about life.

So I did.

I threw my phone in my bag, grabbed my camera and my "meditation" music, and wandered around Kansas City. I took lots of pictures. Because, I don't know. Sometimes the most common things we see everyday seem extra beautiful if you just take an extra moment to enjoy them. It's nice to have simplicity once in a while. I always make things so complicated and overthink everything. That's just silly. Sometimes ya just need to take a step back, stop thinking, and just BE.

That's what I did yesterday. It was great. I probably looked like a weirdo in my maxi dress and moccasins walking around aimlessly, but that's ok. I don't know any of these people anyway ;)

"You don't need a reason for doing everything in your life. Do it because you want to. Because it's fun. Because it makes you happy."

“Maybe you had to leave in order to really miss a place; maybe you had to travel to figure out how beloved your starting point was.” - Jodi Picoult, Handle with Care

"Traveling is a brutality. If forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things - air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky - all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it." - Cesare Pavese

Here is the documentation of my lovely adventure. Enjoy. :)

So many colors

Clear skies

The path ahead

Two totally different kinds, but they're both trees. Side by side.

Sometimes dirt roads lead to the greenery

It's nice to relax and kick back

Laying in the grass. Listening to tunes. Avoiding sun damage in my eyes.

Beautiful 

Attempting to use the self timer...

Self timer

My balance isn't the greatest. :P

Curb walking is fun

Dig deeper

Towering over me with such strength and beauty

Find the color among the blandness of things

A little color and decoration can make a big difference

Time Flies // Recently enjoyed things

Life! Ah! Where did you go!?

I can't believe it's already February, 2012. What the heck? I don't know where all the time went. It is just flying by me. I've been sick for the past few days and I've literally stayed at home the entire time (besides a trip to the store once). I've been itching to go back to work! And I feel like a terrible person for not having done anything productive. But I guess it's my body, and the universe's, way of saying HEYYYY. LIFE IS SHORT. SLOW THE HECK DOWN. I'm really bad at getting those messages usually. :/

People always told me "time goes by so much quicker as soon as you graduate from high school", and you really don't know how true this is until you're living it. I feel like so many things have just been a big blur... This isn't good. I want to be able to remember everything, and enjoy all the little things life has to offer.

Here are some simple things that make me happy lately :)

Legwarmers

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Headwraps

Hot Tea

TV dates/ long phone calls with Andrew

Long talks with my mama

In depth talks about culture

Handmade winter gear made in Nepal

Fun accessories

French fries with friends

Late night chats with my best friend

Tattoos

Just to name a few :)

What are some things that made you happy today? Sometimes the littlest things make the biggest difference. Let's all try and remember to take deep breaths once in a while, and enjoy life a little more.

xo

PS-- It's Darwin's birthday today, February 12th! What a guy ;)

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