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Life

“Live it up, girl!”

March 5, 2018 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 15 comments
“Live it up, girl!”

Happy Monday! Let’s start with the traditional Minnesota greeting: what’s the weather like where you are? We’re getting an icy rain that’s supposed to turn to snow, so I’m at home with my dog today and after this weekend there’s no place I’d rather be. Today I thought I’d take a little trip down memory lane to a conversation back in January. I went to see a play and decided I didn’t want to drive to the theater. Instead, I took an Uber. After a morning of driving people who weren’t interested in talking, my Uber driver was ready for a conversation. As we chatted, he made so many statements that were great life reminders that I pulled out my phone to jot them down. Here are a few.

"Live it up, girl!" my Uber driveway told me as we talked about the work we do, the things we do for fun, and my upcoming trip. This was just one piece of advice he shared as we talked about stress and following your own path. // dreams-etc.com

1 // Stress is part of life.

Have you ever fallen into that trap of trying to create a stress-free life? I have. I think sometimes we have a tendency to try to avoid stress or stressful situations. And when we face stressful situations we just want to be free of them; we yearn for a time when we won’t feel that way.

And yet there are always stressors in life. So maybe instead of trying to create a stress-free life, we should learn how to handle that stress in a positive way.

My reaction is usually to worry about whatever is stressing me out, which isn’t a positive way to handle that stress. There are some things I’ve worried about endlessly that have turned out to be nothing. And there are some things I’ve worried about that became legitimate. The thing is: I worry when I feel like I have no control over a situation that’s stressing me out. If I’m able to take control, I do something, and I don’t worry about it as much. If I can’t take control, I worry.

Take control over whatever you can take control of a situation and do what you can to prepare for whatever comes your way. Turn your stress into action. If you can’t take control, try not to worry out about it and find other ways to relieve that stress: get some exercise, meditate, read the Bible, play music, paint. There are so many things you can do to try and relieve that stress and anxiety.

I realize this is easier said than done, mostly because I can say it but I’ve never done it. Also, it will be easier for some people than it will be for others. Still. What will be will be. If you sit there worrying about it, whatever is going to happen will still happen, and you’ll just be a bundle of nerves over something you can’t control anyway.

[Tweet “Turn your stress into action. Take control over what you can + prepare for whatever comes your way.”]

2 // We take life too seriously.

I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in work, the “hustle,” and bettering ourselves that we forget to enjoy it. Read that novel that you’re going to have a hard time analyzing, but is fun and just enjoy it. Take a bath just because, not to cross self-care off your checklist for the day. Go for that hike and don’t worry about taking your camera or your phone to get the perfect Instagram shot. Stay in Savasana for as long as you want to after that yoga practice and relax, don’t worry about moving on to the next thing right away.

I fully believe in working hard and working to become a better version of myself, but I also believe in having fun. It should be just as natural a part of our life as working.

[Tweet “Having fun should be as natural as working hard.”]

3 // We all have our own path.

Comparison. It’s been talked about quite a bit, especially now with Instagram and Pinterest being such a big part of our lives, but lets really dig deep. Is there something that you’ve always to accomplish? Something that you haven’t accomplished yet and look at others who have and think, “How?” Or, “Why didn’t I prioritize this more than I already have?”

[Tweet “Sometimes our comparison comes from how we’ve prioritized things + wondering why.”]

Sometimes our comparison comes from recognizing that we put other things before this big thing we wanted to accomplish and wondering why. I know that’s the case for me. I’ve always wanted to successfully publish a book, but I haven’t yet, and particularly in recent years I know there are things I prioritized above sending out a novel to agents, one of my next steps in my quest for publication. I had my reasons for doing so, but in the last year I’ve asked myself, “Why?” Things haven’t panned out as I anticipated they would, so why did I do that? I’ve looked at all of the people who made their publication pursuit a priority who now have books out that people are reading, enjoying, and talking about. Why didn’t I stay in place a few years ago and just focus on publishing a novel? Why wasn’t I like them?

But through it all I’ve had experiences that have shaped who I’ve become. These experiences have allowed me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have if I had stayed where I was. And now I can move forward with these experiences that I can take with me into my writing. Maybe I would have published a novel by now if I had stayed put, maybe I wouldn’t have. I know I wouldn’t have met most of the people I’m closest to now. I wouldn’t have had some of the experiences I’ve had. Yes, some of them I wish I hadn’t gone through, but most of them I wouldn’t want to give up. So now I can regroup and move forward. My path wasn’t theirs, and that’s okay.

[Tweet “I can take the experiences I’ve had into the things I’d like to accomplish in life.”]

[Tweet “Reminder: your path isn’t theirs and that’s okay.”]

4 // So live it up, girl!

At this point we had talked about the things we do for work, the things we do for fun, and my (at that time) upcoming trip to New York, and he exclaimed, “So live it up, girl!”

Life is adventure. It’s such a cliched phrase, but it’s so true. The things we do for work, the things we do for fun, the places we visit, the people we meet, it’s all part of the adventure. So live it up! Look at everything you do as an adventure and live it up.

[Tweet “Live it up, girl!”]

What are some pieces of advice you’ve received recently? 

"Live it up, girl!" my Uber driveway told me as we talked about the work we do, the things we do for fun, and my upcoming trip. This was just one piece of advice he shared as we talked about stress and following your own path. // dreams-etc.com

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

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15 comments

  1. Marcie Wirtz Cheung says:
    March 5, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    Our weather is overcast, wet and chilly. But, that’s winter in Seattle šŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. Kristen @ TheSophisticatedGal says:
    March 5, 2018 at 3:28 pm

    I loveeee this advice! Especially that stress is just a part of life! I have tried to change my outlook on stress and view it more positively, it has really helped to keep me less stressed overall šŸ™‚

    Reply
  3. erodriguez06 says:
    March 5, 2018 at 4:26 pm

    Think the snow will ever end?! Love these life reminders, thanks!!

    Reply
  4. Kim Montray LaCoste says:
    March 5, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    Uber driver/therapist?? What great observations and thoughts on life.

    Reply
  5. Beth_Daily_Dog_Tag says:
    March 5, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    Sounds like a great conversation! Our area recently started having Uber service, and it is a great service.

    Reply
  6. Cristina says:
    March 6, 2018 at 3:19 am

    Oh, yes… stress is part of us, not just our lives.
    We feel guilty if we don’t complain how miserable we are and if we’re not stressed out, because we think that’s the norm.

    I’m trying to be more patient and stress free, because I get annoyed by the most stupid things.

    Reply
  7. Kayla says:
    March 6, 2018 at 8:30 am

    Such a refreshing read! Your Uber driver was so insightful!

    Reply
  8. Sheri says:
    March 6, 2018 at 9:29 am

    I love this. You never know who you might speak to who will fed you with motivation and inspiration.

    Reply
  9. Denise Riehle says:
    March 6, 2018 at 11:34 am

    I needed this advice today – I take life WAY to seriously, so I’m going to take these suggestions and find some fun in this midwest snowstorm! šŸ™‚

    Reply
  10. Kelly - Gav + Ro says:
    March 6, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    I’ve never used Uber but I hope if I ever do, my driver is like this!

    Reply
  11. Alyssa says:
    March 6, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    I love this post! Your Uber driver sounds like a wise person, lol. Great advice!

    Reply
  12. shootingstarsmag says:
    March 6, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    What an awesome Uber driver! These are definitely some great quotes/things to keep in mind.

    -Lauren
    http://www.shootingstarsmag.net

    Reply
  13. Christina Beauchamp says:
    March 6, 2018 at 8:43 pm

    Deep thoughts with Uber! I love it!

    Reply
  14. Lecy | A Simpler Grace says:
    March 7, 2018 at 8:13 am

    What a cool driver! I totally agree with all of these points, especially the one about being on our own paths. I have to remind myself that I should measure myself by my own standards and not someone else’s.

    Reply
  15. Lindsay @ The Flynnigans says:
    March 9, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    I LOVE your message, crystal!

    Reply

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hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. šŸ’™
Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. šŸ˜ PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
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