SELF-LOVE

April 28, 2012

I just wanted to pop in for a few moments to remind everyone about the importance of self-love.

In the midst of hectic schedules, piling deadlines, tending to others, taking orders and endless to-do lists, don't forget to love yourself. I have noticed I've taken the short stick lately when to comes to truly paying attention to myself and what my body and mind needs. I force them to handle four hours of sleep a night and starring for hours on a computer screen when my body needs rest, relaxation, meditation, silence and a break. My body and mind have been on over-time for how many years now and if I don't slow down, I may forget what's truly important in life. Self-love encompasses self-care, self-awareness and self-confidence. It is about feeling beautiful from the inside out and embracing everything that encompasses you.

Forgive your flaws.
Challenge your views.
Reward your good deeds.
Dedicate time for true relaxation.
Accept a compliment.

Give a compliment.
Leave room for improvement.

Be confident.
Don't sell yourself short.
Be mindful.

Take a step back in order to take steps forward.

Practicing self-love is an ongoing process and challenge that we will face every day of our lives, but we can't expect to fully love one another if we can't love ourselves. Do me a favor, and yourself a favor, by taking a step back from the stresses of your life and nurture yourself. Take a walk, avoid multitasking, drink tea from a mug...not a to go cup, silence your phones, drive with the windows down, order dessert first, anything! Just remember to take care of yourself once in a while. Sometimes you just need to put yourself first.

_____

The next couple weeks are crunch time for my college career. I will officially be graduating on May 12, 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with a minor in Sociology. It hasn't exactly hit me that college is over, but I already feel heavy moments of nostalgia weighing in on me. With every check mark on my to-do list is a breathe of fresh air so I'm working hard to keep sane for the next couple weeks.

I do thank you all for your patience as I ease back slowly into blogging. I just wanted to spend time re-branding and truly finding my online voice. I hope everyone is doing wonderfully! Good luck on everyone's endeavors, whether it is work related, school related or just in general life related. Remember to practice self-love!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

*This photograph was taken March 1, 2011 in Boone, North Carolina. This is one of my favorite views from our back porch. The quote was from a fortune cookie I received many moons ago, but has come to mean a lot of to me over the years.

I'M ALIVE. I PROMISE.

Say hello to Alexis!
She is probably the cutest little nine year old...ever. I had the pleasure of taking her pictures along with her older brother Jalen (equally as cute) a few weeks ago. That's what I've been doing during my blog hiatus... lots of photo taking along with a lot of other things. College has seriously worn me out. I still just have a few more weeks left. Come on Melissa, you can do this. It is absolute crunch time but all I want to go is start my life, after college.

I just wanted to check in with you all and say that I miss you dearly. Here's a little preview of the photo shoot we had and just to let you know, I have loads more to share that I absolutely can't wait to! The focus on the blog will be shifting a little bit, if you couldn't tell by the changes.

AND LOOK!
I'm so fancy and got my OWN domain name! It's like I'm officially an adult.
www.the-25thhour.com

If we have swapped buttons or you have a link to my blog on your site, kindly switch over to the new name :) I will make buttons soon, but not sure if I'll be doing the button swap thing...at least not right now. The 25th hour is still a work in progress, but I promise I will be back soon.

Sending you lots of love, patience, good health and incredible joy.