Top 10 Quotes That'll Get Me Through November

10. "Everything you've ever wanted, is one step outside your comfort zone."



9. "What feels like the end is often the beginning."



8. "There's a blessing in the storm." 



7. "Choose Kindness and Laugh Often."



6.  "Everything you've ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone." -- This quote is a big motivator for me. I am a huge introvert and don't like putting myself out there but I've come to realize that if I want to achieve the dreams that I have, I have to step outside of my comfort zone every once in a while.




5. "Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul the never loses faith in God." - Basically, a reminder for me to be a reflection of Christ Jesus.





4. "When I ask God to direct my path, I have to accept the closed doors as His Will, too." - Yes!!!





3. "Say yes to new adventures." - If a friend asks to hang out, say "yes!" A huge reminder for me of the importance of fellowship. It's so easy for me to turn down others when they want to grab coffee with me or have lunch. As good as it is for you to spend some time alone, it's also important to spend time with your brothers and sisters in Christ. 



2. "Don't be like the rest of them, darling." - Don't do anything that you believe doesn't glorify God. 



1.  "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) It is Thanksgiving season after all. Remember to give thanks to God for all the blessings in your life. 





Why I Chose Psychology

Many of those that I graduated high school with knew exactly which college they wanted to go to and what to major in. I wasn’t like the others. I didn’t figure it all out until the end of my 2nd year of college, the time when I should’ve transferred to a university. My whole life, my parents (most of all, my mom) was pushing me to become a nurse, like most Filipino families. I was never truly interested in becoming a nurse and my parents knew that. However, we had a plan that I would first graduate from nursing and then I can go back to school to major in whatever I wanted. I thought, at first, that this made sense. But then I started to not do so well in all of my science classes. This was in direct correlation to my lack of interest in anything biology/chemistry related. I would spend hours studying and stressing myself out over the fact that I was still lost after all the work that I’ve done. It’s really difficult to study for a class that you are not at all interested in.

Fast-forward a couple semesters and a couple D’s and F’s later, I took my first Psychology class. It was Psychology 300: Introduction. Everything I learned was so fascinating to me; from classical conditioning to mental illnesses. It was the first time, in a long time, that I was enjoying my study sessions. It was also my very first A in college. I knew this is what I wanted to major in, but I didn’t really know what type of careers I could go for with a Psychology degree. So I did my research; a lot of research.

I’ve prayed a lot about what I should major in because I felt so lost. I’ve always known that I wanted to help others. I love to volunteer and enjoy giving my time to the people in need. After my research, I knew I liked the idea of counseling and industrial-organizational psychology. In one of my other Psychology classes, we watched a video about domestic violence then suddenly it finally hit me what I really wanted to do. I wanted to help children and families overcome physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. I wanted to help those who were victims of domestic violence. I wanted to spread hope and shine a light on those who have been affected and have lost hope of goodness in the world. I wanted to spread the good Grace of God. So, that’s when I realized that Psychology is the major for me.

I’m still debating on whether I should double major in Social Work or Child Development or Family Sciences. I’ve been praying for some clarity on that. But at least I know now exactly where God wants me to go.

I'm Back And Better Than Ever!

It's been more than a year since my last blog post and since then, so much has happened. I've promised myself that I would stick to blogging and, once again, I broke that promise. However, I forgave myself, picked myself up, and tried again. That's what I'm doing today.

I can honestly say that I've grown so much that I no longer recognize the self that I was this time last year. I've lived my happiest and saddest day. I've learned so much from all of my mistakes. I've given so much of myself to the community that surrounds me. I have come to know Christ and the good grace that He has given me. I've also closed the door to a very important relationship. I will spare you the details.

It's 6:09 on Thursday, October 6th. I only had one class today, Soc 120: Race and Ethnicity. It's a great class. Like all sociology classes, it makes you think. Did you know that Columbus basically wiped out the Arawaks, the natives of Hispaniola? He committed genocide and yet we, Americans, dedicate a holiday for him. It's all about the master narrative. I'm excited for what else we'll learn in Sociology 120.

So why did I decide to start blogging again? Well, I'm now 21. I am officially in my 20s. I have so many aspirations and so many goals I want to accomplish. Basically, I want to record my growth; my progress. I want to document my development. The day I turn 30, I want to be able to go back to this very post and see how differently my views have shaped. And hopefully, I will be able to see how terrible of a writer I was and hope that I've progressed in my writing. I want to be able to document the steps that I've taken in order to grow into the person that I hope I will be. In 9 years from now, I want to remember this very night. The night that I decided that I needed to wake up, get up, and start actually living. Hi! I am Christa and welcome to my blog!

To God be the glory!



THRIFT HAUL JULY 2015


I went thrift shopping recently (and by "recently," I really meant "today") and bought a few items. I found some great items for really great prices. My favorite find would have to be the boho blouse for $6.98. It was a little pricey and I hasted to purchase it however, when I tried the top on, I fell in love with it. I, as well, found a pair of dark acid wash Bullhead Denim Co. jeans for $6.98 but it was 50% off, so I got it for $3.49! I'm planning on filming a lookbook of how I would style these items, so keep a look out for that. As soon as I get it up and running, I'll link the video down below. Hope you lovelies have a wonderful day today!!


with love,
Christa

LOOKBOOK VIDEO: THRIFT HAUL AND LOOKBOOK

FAVORITE STORES

Because I just love making lists.. 


Shopping:




Home Decor:




Home Goods

Accessories:





Thrift Stores:



EcoThrift

Goodwill
Salvation Army

*not in order by favorites*

N Y R 2015

The beginning of a new year. A fresh start. And with every new year comes new resolutions. Promises. Goals we set ourselves to achieve in order to become better versions of ourselves. 

Looking back at 2014, I've made several memories; good, bad, embarrassing. All of which have taught me a lesson or two. Last year, however, has definitely been one of the best years I've ever had. I've crossed so many off my bucket list and have achieved many goals. To name a few: (1) I got my first job, (2) quit my first job, (3) got my second job, (4) learned to swim, (5) got out of my gym membership, and (6) joined a performance. 


This year has already started out so well for me which I am truly thankful for. I pray that it only gets better from here. Unlike the previous years, this year I decided to not just have one New Year's resolution. I want to really outshine myself and become better than the person I was last year, so that's why I've chosen to really challenge myself.


1. Physically Healthy


In order to become a better person than who I was yesterday, I have to look better. I've given up fast food and soda, which is immensely difficult for me since I work in the mall and most of the restaurants are fast food. I want to have more energy and be more confident with myself and the best way to do that is to stay fit. Over the summer of 2014, I was at my peak with working out and staying active, however, with the holiday season, I've lost the desire to bring myself up to that level again. I honestly plan on changing that this year. I, also, plan on doing a tea tox. I've been searching up different tea tox brands such as fit tea and haven't settled on one yet. 


2. Mentally Healthy


Not only do I want to look better, but I also have to think better as well. This year, I'm going to be more positive. I'm going to stop worrying and stop being envious and begin to be happy for others. It's going to be quite a challenge because I envy easily but that is what is great about New Year's resolutions, they are challenging. 2015 will be the year that I will be kinder to others and become truly humble. As well, I want to work on my faith. This year, want to become so much closer to God.


3. Blogging


I've also decided to start blogging. Technically, I've been blogging for a while since I've had my Tumblr for quite some time now however, I want to do more writing rather clicking. I've always wanted to blog, but I always end up losing motivation to maintain it. I have several blogs out there floating around; ones I've forgotten the emails and passwords for. I've also deleted so many blogs. But enough is enough. I want to finally stick to one. I'd like to look back to this blog on December 31st, 2015 and be proud of myself for finally sticking through with something. 


This year is going to be absolutely amazing, wonderful, breathtaking, fun, inspiring, and filled with so many blessings. For one, I'm turning twenty years old this year. These next ten years are going to be truly, blissfully beautiful and I can't wait to share it all. I'm so having a vorfreudic* moment right now. Here's to a great 2015!!



With Love,
Christa

* vorfreude: (n) the joyful, intense anticipation that results from imaging future pleasures