Tag: courage

Daily Inspiration

I am constantly inspired by Conor. Not just because he is my boyfriend, but because of the person that he is in general. He does not get overly anxious or stressed, he does not worry about people judging him, and he’s always willing to go out on a limb and try new things.

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Yesterday, I couldn’t help but think about this when he re-joined his college lacrosse team. He mentioned to me a few weeks ago that he was thinking about playing again, but I didn’t take it very seriously. He used to play in high school, and was actually quite good, but when he went to college he played for only one season and then decided to take time to focus on his studies.

He wasn’t concerned that he no longer knew anybody on the team, that he hasn’t played in 3 years, that he previously quit that same team, or that he was using his 7 year old equipment. He just did it. He put himself out there, took a risk, and joined the team because he loves to play lacrosse.

Several months ago he did the same thing when he joined a local men’s hockey league. His brother convinced him to join, and Conor jumped in two feet forward. He easily made friends on the team, and never once let anything deter him.

I admire this quality in him. I know so many people, myself included, that would be beyond stressed out when put in these situations. He has a quiet confidence that is very admirable… though anybody who knows him knows that he is the furthest thing from quiet. 🙂

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It’s so important to be with somebody who pushes you beyond your comfort zone, and inspires you to become better. I’m lucky to have somebody who does this on a daily basis in my life.

xo,

Jaclyn

The Best Advice I Ever Got

As a 20 year old college student,  I often feel stressed about my future career path and how my life will turn out. I try to stifle these fears and have faith that everything will turn out exactly as it is meant to be – but this is easier said than done.

My type A personality leaves me always wanting to know the details, but as I get closer to graduating college there are only questions. Where will I work? Will I have to relocate? Will I be content with my job? Will I make enough money to pay back my loans? Did I make the right choices to lead me here? Where do I even want to live anyways?

I know – nobody has all of the answers. I have heard it 100 times from my family, but sometimes it is hard not to let these questions fill your mind. Instead of letting this anxiety take over, as it easily could, I have decided to trust in God and have faith. I know that I will end up where I am meant to be, leading the life that I am meant to live.

With this ongoing struggle in mind, I recently purchased and read The Best Advice I Ever Got by Katie Couric. It is a collection of short essays from successful people all over the world. Each person shares a valuable piece of advice that they were given along their journey. This was an ultimate feel good book – but also provided some very valuable advice.

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Some of my favorite words of wisdom included:

1. “Figure out what you want. And then ask for it” – Gail Collins

2. “Be not afraid. It’s truly the secret of life. Fear is what stunts our growth, narrows our ambitions, kills our dreams. So fear not.”  – Anna Quindlen

3. “Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.” – Arianna Huffington

4. “Self-Confidence – a quiet self confidence that is not cockiness, not conceit, not arrogance- is the key to excelling, no matter what you do in life.” – David L. Calhound

5. “Try to be more creative, more adventurous, and more open-minded as you go about your life. Try to notice more opportunities in disguise. Try to think more outside the box. In short? Be lucky.” – Tony Hsienh

There were so many more quotes I could share – but I encourage you to read the book for yourself. You will feel so confident and uplifted upon finishing it. This book reminded me that I have the entire world in the palm of my hand, and can complete any endeavors that I set my heart to. These words were exactly what I needed to hear at this point in my schooling and life.

xo,

Jaclyn