you are what you love <3

One of my personal life mottos is to love and appreciate everything in life. Yes some things might not seem as important or as big of a deal to others, but they mean a lot to you and that is what matters.

You are beautiful because of what you love. I love my family. I love my friends. I love God. I love my little fun drinks I get in the morning before classes. I love driving with my windows down singing Taylor Swift in my car. I love watching the sunset from my favorite lookout spot. I love dancing with my co-workers at the silent discos during work. I love walking the pets I watch across the bridge every night. I love driving to Bucee's just to get gummy butterflies. I love the things I love. I am the things I love.

One of the most important lessons I have learned this year is that you are not what you look like. You're the music you listen to, the shows you watch, the art you make, the flowers in your hair, and your favorite blanket. You're not the pimple on your nose or the pudge on your stomach. You're not your thighs or your teeth. You are not the color of your hair. You're the mismatched socks you wear and your favorite sweater. You're not what you look like or the body you are in. You are what you love.

It is important to love as much as you can in life. Love with your entire heart and your whole being. Love can change anything and everything. People full of love and life truly have such an impact on the world. A few of my friends are quite literally sunshine in human form. My friend Caroline always gives me hugs every single time I see her. Although this is a habit we have had for years, it ALWAYS makes my day. Little things can make a big difference in someone's day. Take a few extra seconds to show your love to others, whether that be shooting a long-distance friend or family member a text, or bringing your neighbor a coffee. Show as much love as you can.

Some people associate love with pain. They think of love as "my ex that broke my heart" or "the time I got cheated on," which is so fair and understandable, no one's feeling should ever be invalidated. However, love is much more than a stupid boy or girl who broke your heart. Your heart is so big and full and you should never let somebody ruin a concept as beautiful as love for you. Take that time for yourself to heal and understand your feelings, then grow. Try to see a new perspective on love. Do little things each and everyday to see what love really is.

Love isn't you crying all alone after your heart was broken. Love is your neighbor bringing you lunch when you're sick. Love isn't you getting stood up. Love is surprising your mom with flowers at work. Love isn't your loved one missing your graduation. Love is your friends at college throwing you a birthday party for your first birthday away from home.

I love love. I am one of those people who wear their heart on their sleeve. I also am one of those people who do whatever they can to show their love to others because I know how much of an impact it has on my life and I want to be there to impact the lives of others. The things you love is what makes you you! Do not let people put you down or dim your light for showing kindness and love to everyone. Love all and love hard! Remember, to always be loving and always give grace:)