Tag: optimism

Your Decision

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

Whether you are picking up a new skill set or just trying to keep your head above water, it’s important to remember where your power lies in this trying time.

It lies within you.

You have the power to change things you don’t like. It just starts with saying: I. Am. Tired. of _____.

And then you decide what happens next. That’s right, you decide.

Don’t worry about what other people are doing. You have to remember that you are at the helm of your own ship (relationship, friendship, or any other kind of ship.)

So, you pick where to sail to next – out into deeper waters or off a cliff.

It’s your decision. Even when things feel really out of hand.

Love,

Bailey

 

Antici…pation

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

I wish I could live forever in this moment. Right before Christmas, done with my Christmas shopping, just ready to enjoy the day.

But isn’t that the best thing about the holidays? I mean, isn’t Christmas Eve sometimes more fun than Christmas? It’s all about the anticipation, the build up, the hype.

Which is why I’d like to live in this moment. Right here. And be in love with the whole world.

But time marches on and it never stops. So make sure you take look around or you’ll never notice the best part…the anticipation.

Go for Happy

Bailey Gunn1 Comment

This is your friendly reminder that you should be doing one thing that makes you happy every day.

I don’t care what it is. If it’s taking a bath, if it’s watching tv for an hour, or if it’s writing a blog.

Go for happy. The only question you should be asking yourself in deciding whether you should do something is to ask if it makes you happy. Then follow this really simple test: no > don’t do it. Yes > do it.

Now I can’t tell you what will make you happy. Only your heart can do that. But I would listen to it sooner rather than later…

Because life is short. We have to keep what makes us happy at the front of the line and forget about everything else. When you strive for happy, everything else will fall into place.

Rejection = redirection

Bailey Gunn2 Comments

Do you remember your first rejection? Was it a boyfriend/girlfriend? Was it from a college? What about not making your high school soccer tryouts?

Sorry for bringing up ill feelings. But I’d be willing to bet that you wouldn’t trade your life right now for the world, eh? You wouldn’t go back in time and fix that rejection because what’s done is done. And it’s made you the person that you are today.

That’s why in life rejection is really just a redirection (I didn’t make this up, but I wish I had). It’s a good reminder that just because we didn’t get where we wanted to be doesn’t mean we’re not where we need to be. Every time you get rejected by something or someone, you’re being pushed in the direction of where your real life begins.

So don’t get upset if you’re rejected. Get excited that you’re that much closer to where you want to be. Or at least, be happy that you’re not the biggest loser in the universe, even though you may feel like it.

Made My Day

Bailey Gunn1 Comment

Thanks to the little girls at the back of the school bus who smiled and waved and cracked up when I waved back and who I followed for a good 20 minutes (only because they were going where I was going–not in a creepy way.)

You made my day. And you’ll never know it.

Someone’s smile or kind word can make your whole day but you don’t have to let them know. It’s sort of special; it’s like a secret you share with that other person, except they don’t know.

But sometimes, you should let people know if they’ve made your day. People feel worthless on the best day. Don’t forget to remind them that they’re here for a reason, however small it may be.

Don’t worry kids. If you wave at me, I’ll always wave back.

The Futility of Trees

Bailey Gunn2 Comments

In case you haven’t been near a Starbucks, I’d like to officially announce:

It’s fall.

Leaves are tumbling, being raked into piles and trees are generally shedding their weight for winter.

But you know what gets me about trees?

They spend their whole life growing. And then they deposit their seeds, their acorns, their tiny helicopter pods. Not knowing where they’re going. Not knowing if they’ll grow up to be trees too. Not knowing even if they’ll land on the ground instead of in some squirrel’s stomach.

But they do it anyway. They drop their seeds anyway. With only hope keeping them alight.

It’s hard to live with hope only. But I️ promise, that if you put some faith into your hope, you will grow no matter where you’re planted.

So drop your seeds where they may fall and reach for the sky.

Be the Moon

Bailey Gunn1 Comment

I get it.

Not every day is going to be a rainbow wrapped butterfly with a cherry on top confection. I know that, and so do you.

But my motto is: if you can’t be the sun, be the moon.

That is, if you can’t radiate goodness and happiness like the sun, then the least you can do is reflect it. Be the moon, reflecting the light from the sun’s rays. Be the moon, and reflect what little good there is in the world.

So if someone is nice to you on a day where you don’t feel like the sun is shining very brightly, then pass it on. Reflect that goodness. And shine a little brighter for it. Even if that’s all you can do — hang in the sky and reflect. Even if all you can do is be the moon.

Permitted

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

Let me take you back in time to when you first got your learners permit to drive. Remember? How every trip was an exciting adventure? How you grabbed the keys immediately when anyone needed to run an errand? How you avoided highways and took backroads everywhere?

Sure, you were scared. What if you got in an accident? What if you confused the gas and the brake?!You would grip the steering wheel until your fingers were white.

…and dare I ask about now? You’re probably just shy of driving with your knees, eating yoghurt, and shaving your face. (Hopefully not texting!)

My point is that at one point, driving was terrifying. And now look. You’re fine. You could do it with your eyes closed if that was legal.

So stand up and take notice of all the amazing ways you’ve progressed. There are things you do everyday that once scared you half to death. Make sure you congratulate yourself. Your permitted to feel good about your accomplishments no matter how small.

20 Ways to Love

Bailey Gunn2 Comments

I know it’s hard to see the good in the world right now. I know that I have to acknowledge that fact before anything else. But I also know that people are looking for ways to remind themselves of all the love we’re capable of.

And tonight, I’d like to remind you of that. By writing the 20 ways to love. Some may be obvious, but all will be loving:

  1. Ask someone how their day was.
  2. Tell someone to be safe on their drive home.
  3. Make dinner for someone, without being asked.
  4. Buy them anything, but especially a chocolate bar, just because.

5. Text them a random thought you had about them.

6. Ask them to dinner/lunch/coffee.

7. Knit them a scarf.

8. Call them out of the blue.

9. Create art for them.

10. Hug them tightly.

11. Let them pick the movie to watch.

12. Do a chore for them.

13. Ask them for their favorite things.

14. Kiss them goodnight.

15. Let them wear your clothing.

16. Plan an entire day with them.

17. Be there for them emotionally.

18. Hold their hand.

19. Laugh at their jokes.

20. But most importantly, tell them that you love them. You may not get another chance.

Lucky

Bailey Gunn1 Comment

My bridal shower is this weekend. My friends and family have been hard at work planning the entire day (and keeping me away from it all).

And I just want to recognize how much it means to me. How lucky I am. To have loving friends and family who would put aside an entire day just to celebrate a special time in my life.

So all this week I’ll be paying special tribute to all the things I’m grateful for because it’s times like these that we should look around and be thankful for the people in our lives.

It only takes a second to recognize how grateful we are, but it can really mean the difference between a good and a bad day. Try it yourself along with me!