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After nearly getting into three separate car accidents yesterday (all within 5 minutes of each other) and quite literally seeing my life flash before my eyes multiple times, I feel grateful. 

Grateful that I didn't get hurt. That my brakes serve their purpose. That I actually paid attention during drivers training when we learned defensive driving techniques. 

This experience also made me grateful for an able body that can run, jump and bend. That it has the capability to walk me to class and carry heavy grocery bags up the stairs. 

I am grateful that I got to see my family yesterday, and that have plans to see the important people in my life throughout the rest of this week. 

Despite my book getting soaked from my water bottle opening when I hit the breaks suddenly, I am grateful that I have such easy access to literature and that I am capable of reading- because reading is one of my many joys in life that I couldn't imagine my world without. 

In all, this experience put into perspective for me how sweet life is, and how preciously it should be regarded. I hope you take some time to think of what makes you feel grateful today, too. 

Monday.

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After a long week of playing catch-up with classwork, a trying weekend, and a brutal Monday of back to back exams, I have nothing nice or positive to say. Quite simply I am feeling beaten down. In times like this, my mom used to tell me "If you have nothing positive to say, say nothing at all." 

Following that, I am instead choosing to link some positive things that make me happy. Perhaps you need them as much as I do. Perhaps it may make me feel less Grinch-like. Either way, they're here. Take what you need. 

1 // My all time favorite youtube video for when I need a reminder to give myself more self-love.

2 // The song that I don't think I could ever get sick of.

3 // This Odyssey article.

4 // My friend's Disney vlogs, so that it never quite feels like she's actually across the country.

5 // The renovation of this old theatre.

6 // This mantra.

Challenge

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After a tough week, I realized something: 

It's okay to challenge yourself, but at the same time you need to be mindful of your limits. 

I am totally guilty of FOMO. Since freshman year, I've had a fear of missing out. I want to do everything, even though that's not in my human capabilities. I also have the most difficult time saying no to just about anything, and quickly discover that I have way too much on my plate at just about all times. 

To combat this though, I've created a set of challenges- for myself, but also for you reading this. It's my hope that these challenges will push me to do better for myself and to overall create a happier mindset. 

The task at hand is simple, in theory. Complete the week's task at least sometime in seven days after posting. Easy enough, right? 

This week's task is reflective of the mindset I need to have after battling an endless week. 

Do one thing that makes you happy this week. 

This could literally be anything. Going for a run, treating yourself, going to a movie, buying yourself flowers- literally anything. 

I challenge us all to take meaningful and intentional steps towards making our own happiness, but to accomplish this let's just start with something simple. 

I hope everyone's week goes well, and that you find happiness in some way throughout your busy days. 

5 things your Rho Gammas want you to know before recruitment

With recruitment coming up, I thought I would share my top 5 things I want all Potential New Members to know before going into recruitment. I hope these tips help you find your homes and open up a world of possibilities. I've never once regretted my decision to join Greek life, and I know it can offer you the same opportunities. 

1 // It's okay to be nervous. When it comes to recruitment, everyone is nervous. The chapters, the rho gammas, the eboard, the other potential new members- all of them nervous. What's important is to not let it affect the way you shine during recruitment. 

2 // Be yourself. It sounds so cliche and everyone says it, but it's so true. Don't put on an act you think the women you're talking to will enjoy. This just holds you back from finding your true home, and when you really think about it, wouldn't it be much nicer to join a chapter where you can completely and utterly be your 100% most authentic self? 

3 // Wear clothes you're comfortable in. Recruitment is long. Do you really want to be stuck in shoes that squeeze your feet, a dress that's itchy, or clothes that make you pick yourself apart? If you're comfortable in what you're wearing, you'll be more focused on the conversations you're having with Panhellenic women than you're meeting as opposed to focusing on what you're wearing.

4 // Ask questions. This shows the chapters you're interested in learning more about them. No question is a dumb question, and they have been trained on how to handle just about anything that is thrown at them, so if something's really on your mind just ask. It's easier to make an informed decision on where you want to call home when you know all the facts. So ask the question- it might just make an impression.

5 // Keep an open mind. So many women go into recruitment thinking they want to go home to a certain chapter because of the pictures they see online and the stories they've heard. It's a lot different seeing the highlights reel than actually living life as a member of that chapter though. Don't go in with a fixed gaze. The chapter you never gave a second thought to might honestly be your best fit, and you do not want to miss out on the friendships that Greek life has to offer to you.

Monday Musings

1// Recruitment week is officially here! Yesterday we had our orientation, and now everything's set into motion. Getting to see all the women yesterday interested in recruitment reminds me why I do this. Their excitement for Greek life lights a flame within me that makes all the stress, long nights, and seemingly endless planning all worth it. I cannot wait to see how this week plays out! 

2// This weekend was one for the books. A boomin' planner kept me busy, but by far my favorite night was the Risky Business party. I love a good theme, and this one was funny just because the entire venue was hundreds of people all dressed the same. 

3// Upper level classes really are no joke. I wish I could tell you all how much reading I've been doing. I also wish I could go back in time and tell myself that all writing intensive courses were not my smartest idea. Either way, I'm taking the challenge and planning for the best. 

4// Living in Michigan my entire life, you would think that the unpredictable weather wouldn't surprise me anymore, but 20 years later, here we are...still baffled. All week it's been crazy high 90* weather, humid, and unbearable, but now all of a sudden it's perfect fall weather. I'm hoping to ride this out a little bit because to be honest I'm really missing the fall fashion right now. 

5// I have finally been able to get back into the swing of reading for my own enjoyment, and I'm so glad I did. Honestly, it used to be one of my favorite things to do and it feels good to crack a book open each night, even if it's only for half an hour. 

6// After a long and stressful week, I am immensely reminded why self care is so important. It's taking some time, but I'm currently trying to strike the balance of finishing my to-do lists while also taking care of myself. So far, I've been successful in my efforts, and I'm looking forward to when this is no longer such an effortful thing and rather just a habit. 

Monday Musings

this space is just so serene to me...

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1 // School has started back up and my "social" life has blown up again. I'm not sure that I would exactly call what keeps me so busy all the time so much of a social life, but more so my "drop-and-go" life. Anyone else know what I'm talking about? Because I for one am guilty of having about 4 bags packed throughout the day so that I can run to my room to drop one off, pick the other up, and then go. 

2 // I must say, I am glad to be back in the academic world. I may despise the pressures that accompany exams, but if I could be a student full time for a career and spend my life learning, I totally would. Not to mention,  I love the structure that is surrounded in my college world. 

3 // Sorority formal recruitment is coming up fast, so if I'm MIA for a little bit, can we blame it on that? Between organizing events, supporting my Rho Gammas, and encouraging women to enter into Greek life, everything has been a little nonstop lately. As it would seem, I love living in chaos. 

4 // Not really sure if this long holiday weekend has provided me with much relaxation, but it has provided me with a jumpstart to studying. Now that I'm a junior taking 300 level classes, stuff's getting serious. I have my first exams in less than 3 weeks, so my engine's already firing full steam ahead. If you need me, you can catch me in Club K studying my life away. 

5 // Before classes had started, I indulged in some Netflix binge watching. As much as I thought the first season of the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was a flop, giving the second season a chance was a prime decision. I don't know what it is about this show, but I actually found myself looking forward to my nightly routine of winding down while watching this show. 

6 // Currently, my entire body is sore, but in the best way possible. I finally have access to the rec after two weeks of training and no summer credits to enable my swipe in. Now that I'm back, I must admit I hit it a little bit too hard, but it sure felt good to be back. I'm so happy to have finally found enjoyment in working out- enjoyment that I can feel slowly leading to a passion.