what I decided.

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If you’ve been a reader of GML for the past few months, you’ve probably noticed my numerous mentions of a “big decision” that I’ve been in the process of making. It has been difficult for me to keep the secret for so long, but I knew that I had to wait until I could get all of my ducks in a row, so to speak. I hate to even refer to it as a secret because it’s not that I’ve been trying to hide anything…I just wasn’t yet ready to share all the details.

But now I am!

In just a few short weeks, I’ll be moving from my humble abode in Pennsylvania to Long Island, New York.

I am utterly and unbelievably excited about this.

While career opportunities are definitely a part of the equation, that is not my primary reason for moving (I’ll get into those details another time). So…what is? There are actually a number of reasons, which can pretty much be summed up by saying:

I need this. I crave newness!

Although I am extremely blessed to have an amazing family and living situation right now, I have been incredibly discontent ever since I graduated college a year ago. With that being said, though, this past year has hands down been the best of my life because I have learned so much about myself and what I want out of life. I’ve also learned that despite being mature in many areas, there are also still many things that I need to learn and experience for myself. Living at home and in the same area that I’ve lived for the majority of my life is just not where I feel like I should be right now. It’s time for me to, well…launch.

baby Gracie Gracie

I want to learn to depend on myself more. Even more importantly – I need to learn how to depend on GOD more. It’s been so easy for me to play it safe in this cookie-cutter little life of mine, but unless I step out my comfort zone, this will be all I’ll ever know. I could go on and on and on, but…I guess that’s the gist of it.

Am I excited? Absolutely. Am I scared? Absolutely.

I’ve never taken a leap like this, and I have no idea what to expect. I’m anxious to see how I’ll react and deal with certain situations, but that’s where trusting in God comes in. I have to have faith that He will take care of me and that He is leading me to New York for a reason.

Thankfully New York is not *that* far from home, so I’ll still be able to see my parents often. Not only that, but the majority of my closest friends already live there :) I can’t help but think that there are some great times ahead.

cupcake Jersey City

friends

So…that’s that! I can tell you one thing – the title of this blog has never been more fitting. So here’s to…LIFE.

Has anyone else taken a similar leap? How’d it go??

like a movie.

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People always seem to say, “life isn’t like the movies.” And you know what? I’ve always had a problem with that phrase, but never really thought about why.

Until now.

The Communication Studies major in me wants to defend that concept by saying how much movies set up unrealistic expectations for society, blah blah blah. I mean, obviously there is truth to that, considering the fact that I may or may not have fallen victim to wanting a vampire for a boyfriend at one point. And wanting to trade lives with someone across the globe. No big deal.

11.29.10.1

So, yes, I get it. Thinking that life is like the movies may in fact leave you feeling “let down” by real life. My problem with this thought process, though, is that it also makes real life seem a heck of a lot more boring and pointless than it really is.

Sure, life isn’t like what you see in the movies. But that doesn’t mean that it has to suck.

Look, I’m not trying to take away from the hardships and pain that are an inescapable part of our humanity. But I also think that we miss out on so much excitement and fulfillment in life by playing it too safe (myself very much included).

Go ahead and call me crazy, but I actually believe that some of the things that happen in the movies can happen in real life if we’d just be more open to them. You know, like talking to strangers. Not holding back words or tears or laughter. Not being so afraid of failure or what other people might think. I can’t help but think that it’s those actions that can result in the supposed “unrealistic” opportunities we think only movies have to offer.

Maybe I’m being overly optimistic. But you know what? I’d much rather err on that end of the spectrum than live a life of mediocrity. I don’t want to be the type of person who relies on movies to evoke passion within me. I want to be someone who carries passion for life around with me all day, every day.

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Picture 160

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If your life was a movie, what would the title be?

October 9, 2010.

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Today will not be just any ordinary day.

I will not sweat the small things.

I will be thankful for the life God has given me.

I will not care whether or not things go according to “the plan.”

I will not think about the future. The future can wait until tomorrow.

I will listen to what others have to say without thinking about what I’m going to say next.

I will walk and talk with confidence – not because of anything I’ve done – but because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

I will act like I’m on vacation.

I will not be quick to judge or be easily annoyed.

I will convey love, kindness, humility, and more love.

Today is the only October 9, 2010 that there will ever be.

I can’t control whether or not exciting or life-changing things will happen today.

But I can control my attitude. my words. who I surround myself with.

I will appreciate the simple things.

…and have fun doing so.

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***

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

***

want.

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I want…

…to be known as a person of integrity.

…to convey love and kindness to everyone I encounter.

…my life to glorify God more.

…to stop caring what other people think.

…two kitties of my own.

…a fulfilling career.

…to love and be loved.

…to live out loud.

…to love out loud.

…to travel the world.

…to not care if I’m too “ordinary.”

…to not care if I’m “extraordinary” enough.

…to just be ME.

…to stop judging people.

…or having any ill thoughts toward others.

…to read more.

…to stop being a wishy-washy person.

…to get married during the fall.

…to be a mother.

…to be a mother as incredible as my own.

…cookies.

…a home in Vermont.

…to go back to Disney World.

…to be able to do crane pose.

…to get a pixie haircut.

…friends who love me and challenge me.

…to practice law.

…to treasure each and every day.

…to treasure each and every moment.

…to praise God for HIS sake, rather than my own.

…to delete my Facebook.

…to stop being addicted to my BlackBerry.

…to get my tattoos removed.

…to learn more.

…to take martial arts classes.

…butterflies.

…to perform more random acts of kindness.

…or at least smile at others more.

…a slumber party with my girlfriends.

…to laugh more.

…to cry more.

…it to be autumn.

…to cherish *every* season – not just autumn!

…to care less about personal success.

…and more about living a Christ-like life.

…to be continued.


  • What do you want?