{my tips} progress > perfection

{enjoying a simple breakfast with a side of blogging}

Lately, in my hometown, following a few shocking tragedies involving teenagers and suicide, there has been a lot of discussion about the pressure to be perfect. You know, the high expectations our parents, school, and we put on ourselves. There is the idea that if I can just do this or just be good enough everything will be okay. 

As more and more people around me are talking about this, I can’t help but think of my own experiences. If you did not know, I struggled with this pursuit to reach perfection in the form of an eating disorder. (Check out my story here). I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how to prevent someone I know from feeling so hopeless they need to turn to self-harm or even suicide. I have been thinking about how to keep a balance between striving for success and pursuing perfection. 

For about two years or so, I have been recovered and through my recovery taught myself how to strive for success without feeling the need to be perfect. Today, I wanted to share a few of my thought processes and kind of how I stay motived to do well without slipping back into the race for perfection. I am by no means saying I have it all figured out and never struggle because I still do occasionally.

-Keeping the end in mind.

This is such a hard thing for me. I try to get myself to look more at the end picture and less at the pieces of today. When your taking that test, it seems like how you perform effects everything. Thinking like this causes a lot of stress and pressure which actually has negative effects on your performance. I try to keep things in perspective, will this change how next week goes? or next month? or next year? Surprisedly, most of the time the answer is no. 

-Enjoying life.

There is so much for to life than textbooks and training. A big part of my recovery was learning how to relax and take breaks. When everything you do is something productive, you get overwhelmed and start not being able to perform as well. The past few years, I have really come to appreciate and understand the need for rest. There is absolutely wrong with the occasional lazy day. 

-Focusing less on numbers.

This goes for everything, whether it be weight/eating or school or anything. Numbers can be haunting. When using numbers as a benchmark, it is easy to feel like a failure. I try to focus more on trying my best and accessing the outcome based on things other than numbers. This may sound foolish but it has really helped me. For example, I no longer weigh myself. I base my “fitnesses” on how I feel. 

I am not sure this post will be meaningful to everyone or even most people, but I just feel like these things needed to be said. We live in a world that can easily consume us with standards and expectations. It breaks my heart that these pressures can lead us to do some pretty terrible things. I hope that this post, even if it’s just for one person, shed some light into this overwhelming, stressful experience we call life. 

Ali & Datz

What isn’t to love about spending an afternoon with one of your favorite blogger friends, enjoying a delicious lunch, and fooling around behind the camera? Today, Ali (TheHappyPrepster) and I did just that. 

We first went to Datz for lunch, which is this super eclectic and super delicious restaurant. The place is adorable and I wish I had snapped a few pictures but I was too mesmerized by my ah-mazing sandwich. I order the Havana Hottie which is a twist on the classic Cuban sandwich. All of the sandwiches are served with their homemade sweet-n-salty kettle chips that are topped with a blue cheese dressing and green onions. It sounds like a strange combination but it was delicious!

After finishing up at Datz, Ali and I headed to take some pictures at the pier at Ballast Point. The view took my breathe away, like honestly it was so beautiful. Standing at the end of the pier you could see across the bay and the skyscrapers of downtown. 

Today, I was wearing this romper from Target. Being a tall girl, finding a romper that fits can be difficult but right now at Target, I found multiple rompers that fit me! I simply paired this romper with my gold leather Lilly Pulitzer cross body, my gold monogrammed necklace, and my navy and white Jack Rogers.

I couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon. I love that blogging brought Ali and I close. If you do not follow her on Instagram, you most definitely should!

spontaneous

Spontaneous. This is definitely not a word I would usually consider myself to be too fond of. I am the type of person who appreciates a well planned out day. Today, I learned that spontaneous can be fun. When living in the moment, there are no exceptions so it can be more fun.

This morning two of my friends and I packed up the car and drove two hours to Rainbow River for, what we thought, would be a lazy day spent floating down the river. After a hilarious road trip there, featuring lots of good music and iced coffee, we arrived at the river greeted with a closed gate that read “tube entrance closed for the season.” What?! It’s spring break how is that even possible.

Following a few moments of annoyance and frustration, we decided to drive ten minutes to the headsprings and eno. As bummed as I was that we couldn’t tube, I am always excited about lounging in my eno, especially when there is a pretty view. Of course, after we pay to enter, find the perfect spot to hang our enos, and beginning tying the straps, a park patrol officer comes and informs us that hanging things from trees is prohibited.  

Again another few moments of annoyance and frustration occurred. Like come on, we are just trying to enjoy spring break! We decided to eat the lunches with packed on a picnic table (rather than in our enos, sad face) and figure out what how we were going to make the most of this trip.

After being convinced (more like bribed) by my friend, we cannon balled from the dock into the freezing springs. I was hesitate to do so because 1.) the water is freezing, 2.) I didn’t want to get my hair wet, and 3.) I hate going underwater. Like the song says, sometimes you gotta keep your head up and you can let your hair down. That’s exactly what I did today. I let my hair done (literally and figuratively) and seized the day including all of its minor set backs. It ended up being such a fun day that I won’t forget for a long time.

I’m sure some of you are reading this and laughing. Yes, I know how my day was spent wouldn’t be considered spontaneous for most people but for me it was. I struggle when things don’t go exactly how I planned, but today I was reminded that sometimes living in the moment and making the best of your circumstances can be just as fun, if not more fun. Here’s to a spontaneous spring break that is (hopefully) filled with lots more memories, laughs, and suntans. 

For more of my adventures, follow me on Instagram @MonogrammedMadison

I'm going to college!

Long time no blog, but I am SO excited to announce that I will be attending Auburn University this fall!! (yes this kind of news calls for multiple exclamation points). I am so excited and relieved that the college decision process is over. As I soon enter this next chapter, I plan on sharing more of my experiences and tips for senior year on my blog.

This past weekend I visited Auburn for the second time and fell even more in love (if that’s even possible). Most of our trip was spent hoping from apartment complex to apartment complex but I wanted to share a little about my trip today!

After an 7 hour drive, we arrived in Auburn on Saturday around noon. We enjoyed an adorable and tasty lunch at Crepe Mertyle Cafe. I ordered a roasted vegetable with basil pesto crepe which was delicious. Attached to the cafe is a fresh produce market that is also adorable. 

Like I said, Saturday was spent looking a (what felt like) hundreds of apartments. Saturday night my family and I had reservations to Amsterdam Cafe. I kid you not, I have been dreaming about this fried green tomato BLT ever since I visit Auburn for the first time back in April. After months of anticipation, it definitely lived up to my high expectations!

On Sunday morning, my family joined another family who lives in Auburn for coffee at Mama Mocha’s which is my new favorite coffee shop. If y’all don't know, I am a coffee fein and love finding new coffee shops. I was so excited to find Mama Mocha’s because it reminds me a lot of a coffee shop here in Florida that my friends and I often go to. 

After coffee, we all headed to the Church of the Highlands. All I have to say is wow. At this point in the trip, I knew Auburn was where I wanted to be but after this service I knew Auburn was where God wanted me to be. During the worship, God just made it so clear that this where I was supposed to be. It was truly amazing!

Then later on Sunday, we ventured out to Opelika which is like a sister city to Auburn. Here I found another one of my new favorite place. It’s called the Overall Company and it’s the cutest. We snacked on a salted caramel brownie, lemonade basil popsicle, and a cookies and creme popsicle for dessert. Between these sweet treats and the artsy feel, I can tell I am going to be a regular here come fall.

Monday was our last day in Auburn. I started the morning off, again at Mama Mocha’s, by having coffee with someone I met through the Auburn Class of 2019 Facebook page. I was so happy I got the chance to meet someone while I was in Auburn. Meeting new people is definitely one of the things I am most looking forward to while in college.

Most of the morning and early afternoon on Monday was spent on campus which I loved. We met with two different advisors and took a campus tour and took a TON (and I’m not being dramatic when I say a ton) of pictures. And you can’t visit Auburn with stopping at Toomer’s Corner for the ever so famous and delicious lemonade!

Well, I know this was a long post but thanks for sticking with me. I had an amazing visit this weekend and am looking forward for many more adventures in Auburn. It’s a good thing that Auburn has one of top ranked gym/rec centers in the country because will all these good places to eat, I’m going to need it! I am so excited to be heading to Auburn this fall and cannot wait to see how God uses me while I am there. If you are an Auburn alumni or starting this fall, I would love to talk and war eagle!

life is crazy

Hello y’all! I want to first start out by saying, I apologize for my absence. To say it’s been a crazy week would be an understatement. I finally had time to log into my Monogrammed Madison Instagram account last night, after a week hiatus, and was so surprised to see so many people left comments or direct messaged me with kind words and asking if everything was okay.

Today, I wanted to share about the crazy week I had. Last week was one of the most stressful yet rewarding weeks of my life. I really wrestled with some things but with the strength of God and encouragement of my friends, I made it through.

Last weekend while at a lock in type conference event at my church, I received heartbreaking news that Friday night a sophomore at my high school had committed suicide. Although I did not personally know him, I began to weep and thoughts filled my mind.

While talking with an adult leader and a close friend who also goes to my high school, I realized just how meaningful my faith is to me. This boy, Vance, at my school must have felt so hopeless that he saw ending his own life as the only option.

My hope comes from Jesus and Jesus alone. I realized that keeping my source of hope to myself and not sharing it with others is selfish. Often times I think sharing Jesus with others might offend someone or isn’t really necessary, but through this tragic event, it was made evident to me that sharing Jesus is not only okay but needed. We live in a broken world and everyone is searching for hope.

Throughout the week, my mind kept thinking about Vance and his family. I continually was praying for his friends and family. I cannot imagine what they are going through.

On Wednesday, my family welcomed my new baby cousin, Michael McKinley Isaac, into the world. It was so amazing to be one of the first people to see him and hold him. When looking at Michael, I couldn’t help but think about all that is to come for him. He could grow up to be a doctor, a football player, an artist, or anything he wants to be which I just think is really cool.

Like I said before, this week has been a stressful week for me. Between coping with a loss, spending lots of time with my precious cousin, and balancing school, I have been very busy. But over the past few days I have spent a lot of time talking with my friends, not about trivial things but deep, real life problems.

I’ve been reminder just how alike we all are. We are all trying really hard at this thing called life but at times just don’t feel good enough. We all want to be loved. We all face tough times. We all want to have something to believe in.

On this Monday morning, I just want to tell you that you are awesome! I know you’re trying really hard and your hard work will pay off one day. No matter how bad things seem, they probably aren’t as bad as they could be. Never forget how much your friends and family care about you and most importantly, how much God loves you- no matter what.

Life is fragile and you never know when it’s going to end. Life is also an opportunity to do great things. Today I encourage to try that thing you’ve always wanted to try, tell the people you care about that you love them, and focus on what’s really important. Happy Monday!

Please keep the Sanders family and the students at my high school in your prayers during this difficult time.

Making Time for God

For months I have been thinking about doing a post sharing my tips for making time for God. Then while watching the Passion live streaming online event a few weeks ago, it hit me that we shouldn't have to make time- rather want to spend time with God.

The message I watched online from Passion 2015 was centered on fighting for focus in our relationship with Christ. The speaker, Francis Chan, said that our multitasking is keeping us from whole-hearted worship. I related with this statement because often times my time spent with God is interfered with a notification on my phone or me thinking about all the other things I need to get done.

 Francis Chan then referenced 1 Peter 4:7 which says, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” Wow that verse is like a punch in the gut. I will be completely honest with you, I do not pray nearly as much as I should. As difficult as it is, we need to keep our minds decluttered and have a clear mind.

Lastly, he urged us of how important prayer is. The absence of prayer keeps us from fully knowing God. I know how difficult it is to continually pray. I notice that I pray the most when I’m struggling the most. I should be praying both during the trials and victories.

He finished the message by reminding us that there is a greater reality and that all we see is temporal- there is much more. I’ve heard this a million times (and do believe it), but sometimes let the shiny things of this world distract me.

In the upcoming days and weeks, I am going to fight for focus. Spending time with God is not just a chore or something I need to do, but a gift and something I want to do. The way I view prayer has changed. I hope that this change in perspective can help me grow closer to God.

 

I pray that we can all take the time to spend with God because it’s a privilege that we over look every day. Like how cool is it that we can have (and God wants us to) have a personal relationship with him?!

Again, this post was just my notes from the message I watched from Passion 2015 online. Here is a link to the message by Francis Chan I was watching (link). It’s about 45 minutes but really encouraging. If you watch it, let me know your thoughts.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to check me out on Instagram @MonogrammedMadison.

new semester, new habits

Back to school and back to real life. Yesterday night I spent the night nostalgically looking through pictures and reminiscing the memories of winter break. My month long break consisted of lots of laughs, fun afternoons with friends, family time, and lots of delicious food.

As sad as it is to say good bye to sleeping in, I am excited for the semester to start. This is my final semester of high school which means graduation is just around the corner!

Today I wanted to share a few of my new semester resolutions.

{being present}

Of course attendance is one of the most important keys to success in school, but for this resolution I don’t just mean attend class. This semester I’m going to strive to be present while in class which means no phone, no non-school related activity on my laptop, and no distractions.

{ask questions}

I typically am that student who rushes out of class as soon as class is dismissed. This semester I want to be more involved in my class by asking questions and visiting my professors during their office hours.

{study earlier}

I don’t know if it’s just me but I always feel like tests creep up on me. I am understanding the material and then bam the teacher announces a test next class and I have six chapters worth of material to review. This semester I am going to tweak my study habits and begin studying earlier for tests.

{stay active}

Both physically and academically. Although it can be difficult, this semester I am making staying active and going to the gym regularly a priority. Working out is such a stress reliever and is obviously good for your health. I also want to stay academically active by attending tutoring and workshop to help me succeed in my classes.

 

{finish strong}

Like I said, graduation is just a few months away and I have a feeling senoritis will be tempting me lots this semester. I am going to stay focused and try to finish strong.

Well, those are my new semester resolutions. I would love for you to comment below your resolutions for this semester. Best of luck to everyone starting back classes this week!