Lent: 40 Days to the New You

In the Catholic religion, it is customary to "give up" something for lent like chocolate, meat, deserts, pop, swearing, or other aspects of people's lives. Many people beyond the Catholic religion join in on this tradition to better themselves or accept a challenge similar to a New Year's resolution. As a Lutheran, I have never given anything up. This year I was inspired to take part in this Lent tradition, but on my own terms. Instead of given something up, I wanted to add things into my life to better myself as a person and enjoy my experience abroad that much more. I am combining many of the ideas below.

15 ideas to add to your life during the 40 days of Lent:

1. Make your bed every morning

2. Drink a glass of water every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to sleep

3. Write down something or someone you are thankful for every day and put it in a jar

*this is a great opportunity for a DIY project!!

4. Every day, add a post it note to your bathroom or bedroom mirror with inspirational quotes, compliments to yourself, things you love about yourself, or goals for your day

5. Compliment someone new every day

6. Move your body! Every day make sure to get up and move your body for an hour; take a walk, go for a run, go to the gym, yoga, go for a bike ride, swim, Zumba, etc.

7. Only use the stairs

8. Take a picture each day. Post onto Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or print it out and post it on your bulletin board. Be thankful for your memories and experiences every day whether it is life changing or the simplicity of a cup of coffee

8. Pray every day

9. Write in your journal or on your blog every day

10. Add in an hour of quiet time every day where you can reflect, enjoy the outdoors, or drink a cup of coffee

11. Volunteer every day!

12. Take time each day to commit to a friend, significant other, spouse, family member, or God

13. Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night

14. Find a possession each day that you can donate at the end of the 40 days

15. Create a bucket list and complete something each day

A Month of Memories

Had to include a C. S. Lewis quote after returning from a weekend in Oxford!!

It has officially been a month since arriving here in Coventry, United Kingdom. My pre-travel in Ireland and Wales was incredible, but actually living in the same place abroad for an extended amount of time is a whole different experience! My day to day life isn't always something spectacular, but there are constantly memories to cherish. My weekdays include attending lectures and seminars, putting in internship hours, blogging, doing a little homework, cooking, roaming Coventry, and occasional day trip and much much more. My weekends have tended to drain my bank account with the traveling and hanging out with friends. It is amazing the amount of memories I have captured within this last month! I can't wait to see what these next 3 months have in store for me!!

My Month of Memories:

Touring Coventry

A day trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon with the French

An evening in Birmingham

Kazbah and Hush

The Phoenix & Quids Pub

Starting school at Coventry University

Getting placed as Marketing Intern in the Sport & Event Management department

A weekend in London (staying with Kaitlin)

A day trip to Liverpool with the French

An evening at the Bucher's Arms Restaurant in Priors Hardwick with Tony and Sue

Joined the Coventry Women's Basketball team

Getting my ear pierced

Attending the Aston Villa v. West Ham United football match (stay tuned for a blog post)

A weekend in Oxford (stay tuned for a blog post)

and more...

Crafternoons: Dr. Suess Painting

Today was an absolutely beautiful day in Minnesota!!  My friends and I spent the day outside crafting!  I worked on a painting for my apartment next year inspired by my favorite quote and title of my blog, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out," by Dr. Suess.  

 

Dove: Real Beauty Sketches

Dove has been a leader within the beauty industry by empowering women to be themselves and show off their real beauty.  They have created many commercials, YouTube videos, advertisements, etc. throughout their Real Beauty Campaign, but this video tops them all.  Women around the globe have negative views of themselves.  Having a negative view of one's image impacts the way one acts and the way people may view them.  Women need to realize their beauty and embrace it!  Everyone is unique in their special way!  Believing oneself is beautiful is a key to happiness and success!

Inspiration: Edith Head

Recently I have been applying and interviewing with various companies for summer internships.  This quote is very relatable within my internship interviews and work life as well as my daily fashion.  Edith Head created wonderful clothes that represent both the woman and the lady throughout her lifetime!  I hope to always represent this quote through what I wear.

Inspiration: Keep Calm...

Found this on Pinterest today and got the biggest smile!! SO TRUE!!

A Bloggers First Steps

This quote has inspired me throughout my life and it felt fitting to create a blog about my adventures living out this message.  I feel that I am a very unique individual in many ways and want to express that through writing about my fashion, travel, creative projects, and food inspiration.  Throughout the next year and a half I will be experiencing two travel abroad programs which will open my eyes and make my life more unique.  I will be traveling with my College of Saint Benedict basketball team to Spain this summer to play and tour.  Also, next spring I got accepting into a study abroad exchange program through Coventry University in England.  Can't wait to share pictures and stories!!