Cakes & Macarons

When life doesn't go as you planned, find a way to make things sweet. 
(aka Kelcie's take on: when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.)

If you know me, you may know that my idea of having "time off" definitely does not consist of sleeping in or sitting around doing nothing. I like to have something to do whether that be cleaning & reorganising my room, doing a small art project, checking out a new cafe, or spending time soaking up nature (preferably at the beach) 
I'm also a "list-maker", making lists and checking things off is my JAM! The whole process just feels good! 
Lastly, I'm one of those people that prefers waking up early. In a recent conversation with a friend I explained how it kind of stresses me out when people say we're going to sleep in because I know I'll be THAT person who still wakes up around 7:00am, which is sleeping in for me, and I'll have to answer questions like, 
"why did you get up so early?!"  
"aren't you tired?" 
"what do you even do when you get up that early?"

Okay, now that you know a bit more about me it's honesty time: 
This past month I've been grappling with not feeling all that purposeful and for someone who likes to "do" this has resulted in a bit of a funk, no I'm not referring to that catchy pop tune Uptown Funk although that is a very fun song for dancing.

"No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, and never give up!" Zig Ziglar

After this revelation that I've allowed my current circumstances of waiting for a visa to go to Australia dictate my actions, feelings, and perspectives I decided things had to change. One of my passions in life is baking, I guess you could say I want to make the world a sweeter place. I decided if I'm going to keep making the world a sweeter place I should probably improve my skills in that area...This week I start my first of four cake decorating classes followed by a macaron making class. This is an example of one thing I've decided to change instead of allowing my current status of 'waiting' suck the life from me :)
If you find yourself in a place of not feeling all that purposeful, here's some things that I've found helpful.

1. Acknowledge how you feel. 
          Shed those tears, fill those journal pages, make a list of your feelings and then burn it! (Just be careful if you actually burn anything, fire safety, you don't want an even bigger problem.) 
*note this may be something you keep doing as you journey along, it is not necessarily a one off action.

2. Move on from your feelings.
          Be decisive: who are you, what do you want to do in life, how do you want your life to be defined? What things can you do now that will strengthen your passions, skills, and dreams for the future?
You're in control, it may not feel that way but you are.

3. Do something.
         Signup for that class, start that workout routine, complete that job application, get a new haircut, read a book, choose an outfit that makes you feel amazing and own it! Don't let unknown outcomes live your life for you, seize the opportunities and make the most of what you've got.

4. Celebrate, not just the small things but all things.
         More and more I'm convinced of the need for celebration in life. Our world tells us work, work, work but where does that get us? We can't just be all work: life is a journey of intertwined relationships, experiences, and memories- let's enjoy it! #YOLO 

5. Don't be selfish.
         As mentioned before life is comprised of intertwined relationships, experiences, and memories. Make the most of those opportunities, share the love. We have the power to build up or tear each other down, which would you prefer? Recognise that everyone has their own battles and you can help them get the victory they seek, vice versa you may be the one who needs help in the fight. You never know who might show up to help you fight the battle but I can assure you it will be easier to fight together. If you're not confident you have anyone standing with you, feel free to send me a message.

I'm off to cake decorating class but stay tuned for pics of the new sweet treats I'll be whipping up!