Takin' on July

So, I made a New Year's Resolution to improve myself in different ways each month during this whole year. This whole plan started well but the last two months have been challenging as I have not set a goal. I've still been improving! I finished my second year of college, moved onto Lakeshore Dr. and currently have my first full time job! So those are all solid situations! But here's the thing. I've been feeling crazy unfulfilled lately, as if my life is void of any meaning. And, heck, I work with underprivileged kids who love me and need me to calm them down, so clearly I've got the wrong mindset. I decided that I would be best to add to my life, which would, by force of nature, take out all the unneeded and time consuming habits. It's like a life detox!
There's a list I've constructed, not too challenging but difficult enough to invoke change.
Every day, I will:

• Be active for at least 40 minutes
• Sit still for at least 10 minutes and let my mind be refreshed
• Do an act of kindness
• Complement someone new
• Read the news for at least 10 minutes
• Read a book

Each week, I will:

• Meet up with someone I haven't seen in a while
• Give money
• Volunteer
• Complete an item on my summer bucket list
• Memorize a bible verse
• Write a letter
• Cook a new recipe 

The list might grow as the month goes on, but basically, I'm going to fill my life with great actions and better love those around me. Also, this will make my time more meaningful, whether I'm growing my intelectual knowledge or the knowledge of the world and people around me. 

Family.

Family: a group of adults and children living in a household.
By this definition, I am currently living in a new, very odd set-up of a family, as I am living in the house of two wonderful adults who are not my parents. Strange as it is, we are start of getting in to a regular rhythm and feeling like a make-shift family.
Thus far, I have concluded that there are two types of family: the one you are born into and the one(s) you choose. This weekend, I was blessed to spend time with both of my wonderful families.

A small group of my wonderful friend/family!

It started on Friday when this wonderful group of friends met for a fantastic dinner and music festival followed by a memorable trip to the beach. This whole weekend, I was oh so blessed to go on crazy adventures with a whole slew of my friend/family. What an amazing support system they are to me. I could not take on Chicago so hard without them by my side.

Family shopping trip via skype!

Then, on Saturday, my daddio facetimed me in the middle of TJMaxx. Classic dad stuff right there. But let me tell ya, nothing beats drinking coffee and helping your big little sis pick out the comforter for her college dorm next year. Technology is so wonderful and helps keep me and my for real fam-jam close. I have been blessed with an astoundingly supportive family who is just the right amount of cray-cray.


All this to say, treasure the people in your life who support you, whether it be the couple who put you up for the summer, friends, co-workers, or blood-relatives. Without the people I call family, I'd be out wondering Chicago, constantly getting lost! (So thanks to everyone I call when I can't find my way. Literally. Like when I get lost in the streets)