Quote Of The Week

" God allows things to LOOK like they're falling to pieces. It confuses the enemy so he won't know what God is building." -Marshawn Evans

M.Kay<3

Twitter: @mkay4love

What's With All the 'Tude?

Photo Source: Google Images

People never cease to stun me. In the midst of this beautiful summer, I would assume they would be chipper, merry, or at least smiling. I work in retail, so the primary mission (or at least corporate's) in my job description is to put the customer first. We employers in retail expect our consumers to leave with a highly satisfying experience shopping in our store. Some of them meet our expectations...I'll say about 10%. Now the other 90%, a whole other story.

When I see a customer walk into the store, I impulsively greet them with a "Hello, how are you doing today?" The 90% respond by irately saying "OK", or rudely walk past me without a response.

Now this leaves me puzzled because at all times, I'm smiling, and try to be as optimistic as ever despite the fact that I' m not to fond of my job. This is also how I am in general. It is in my nature to smile and greet people who walk past me. I've seen so many beautiful people walking around with stone cold faces, and a offer such an unwelcoming vibe that makes you wonder "Who/What the hell F'd your day up".

Going back to that 90% of unfriendly people I encounter with at work leaves me curious as to wonder if 90% of people in general walk around with such a negative spirit. Now there is such thing as " having a bad day", but do you think it is appropriate to display that to world? Believe it or not, A bad attitude says a lot about you as a person.

A Negative Attitude Shows:

--->that your on defense mode at all times. With that defense wall up, people would have a hard time getting to know you. It also shows that your not willing to to do likewise.

--->your ungrateful (yes, I said it). If your one of those people who love to complain and rant about the things that are not going right or what you do not have, it shows that you are unappreciative of the things relevant in your life.

--->your close minded. An open mind often leads to positive thoughts which then leads to a better view of your life. Words like "can't, don't ,tired, won't, or never" lives in a mind that does not seek for change.

There are so many other traits that negativity in a person could display. But instead of prolonging the problem, I decided to share 3 tips I use that can create a start to a better attitude.

*DISCLAIMER:* I'm not a psychologist, so don't fact check me (lol). This is what I live by.

TIP #1 ---> SMILE. Whether you feel like it or not. Smiling boosts your self-esteem, decreases stress, and makes your overall mood so much better. Now I'm not saying to smile 24/7 (would be kind of creepy). But when greeted or complimented, a smile can shows that your appreciative. Most importantly, SMILE=CONFIDENCE! To walk into room, store, wherever with a confident smile shows that your approachable and shows that your full of personality.

TIP#2-->Increase your OPTIMISM! Change negative events in your life into positive outcomes.

For example: "I didn't get the job at the bank. They choose someone better than me. I wasn't good enough." <---Instead of that try this --->" I didn't get the job at the bank. They choose someone with more experience. If I gain at least 6 months of customer service at the clothing store I work at right now, I'll re-apply again with a better chance of earning the position."

It is not easy to do this, but shifting your thoughts changes to way you see yourself which builds you up. You will always receive something better as an award ;)

TIP #3---> STOP COMPLAINING! So what your not making enough money, or hate your job, or the dinky car your driving? Complaining is not going to change it. When people do complain, it is mostly about things that can be altered. If your not willing to change, then be grateful for what you have and move on.

For example: " I hate my job, I only make enough to pay all my bills." <---STOP that! Try saying this ---> " Without this job, I wouldn't be able to pay my bills on time. However, I would love to make some extra money to spend on myself. I'll ask the boss if they're any promotional opportunities for me."

It sounds so much better if you have a formulated plan to change what you do not like.

So, there you have it. I would hope that the 90% of people I witness with terrible, negative attitudes are really working on themselves for the better. All I can do is SMILE and go along about my business because at the end of the day, I reflect on my day being wonderful , fulfilling, and blessed to live it.

-M.Kay

www.twitter.com/mkay4love FOLLOW ME:)

Quote Of The Week

"Once you allow pessimistic thoughts to bully a vulnerable open mind, You are no longer in control of optimistic capabilities."

-Me <--no, seriously (created May 15, 2011)

-M.Kay<3

**Drooling**

TOMS 'Cultural Anthropology' Recycled Twill Slip-On $53.95 (Nordstrom)

Sperry Topsider Boat Shoe $78.00 (Urban Outfitters)

Sperry Tritone Docksider Shoe $88.00 (Urban Outfitters)

I think I want to start saving my money for all three. I'm really feeling the TOMS because of the unique print. It has such a tribal feel. However, The Sperry's are more versatile and the neutral colors can go with almost any outfit. Hmmm, What do you think?

-M.Kay<3

I'M BACKKKK!

I know, I know....it's been a while and despite the fact that I promised myself that I was going to keep this going , I left everyone hanging. It would sound great if I can conjure up a good excuse as to why I've been slacking, but I cannot. I guess you can call it LAZINESS or just blame the Arian in me (we Aries tend to get sidetracked a lot).

Okay so whats been new with me:

1. I recieved my Associates degree in December

2. I've been working full time since I took this semester off

3. I got accepted to UMD College Park in which I will be attending in the fall

4. I turned 21 <--If anyone cared

5. I've been trying to get my mind and money together for the summer and all the other moves ahead.

Doesn't sound like much, but it is. Anyway keep checking in with me...I feel like I'm going be on here a lot.

-M.Kay <3

Quote Of The Week:

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not. ~Author Unknown

Could I Be Any More Broke?

photo source: emmagem.com

This summer has been quite been quite a challenge financially. I made a huge accomplishment by purchasing my first used car in April (yayy me!) . However, it made a huge setback in the comfortability of my finances.Of course, I thought purchasing the car was all I had to get done. Haha, yeah right! After paying those inspection fees, temporary and permanent tags, car insurance, and minor car repairs, I was drained.

Here's the thing. I decided to pay for school this semester. So when I took the monthly school payments, plus all the car expenses, in addition to my cell phone bill and other personal expenses, I felt as if I was stuck in a corner.

This is when I had to put myself in check. I was so used to only one bill [cell phone] that once I started tackling more bills, I was clueless. I went into research mode for the past two months, trying to create a plan that would keep me on track and in control of my finances.

Budgeting: This is immensely important for us college students. Unfortunately, very little of us know how to. The fact that my school payment is only temporary [two more to go!], I drew out a financial plan until then. If your income arrives Bi-weekly like mine, then give this a try:

• The total amount of your monthly bills divided by 2 = the amount taken out the bi-weekly paycheck

For Example---> $500 [monthly bill amount] / 2 = $250

If you make $400 bi-weekly, then you subtract $250 from it. [$400-$250=$150]

• The remaining amount can be used for personal expenses [i.e. savings,gas, food, etc.]

Saving: One of the biggest challenges for us college students is the art of saving [ there will be a series of that later ;) ] . There are so many ways of saving the money that you make. However, being on this budget plan has helped me save in the easiest way:

• With the remaining amount of your paycheck, subtract 10% of it and place it in your savings account [if you have one].

For Example---> If you have $150 left over, subtract 0.10 = $15

...So that means $150-$15= $135!

Can you imagine that?! Just saving $15 every paycheck for 6 months can give you $180 dollars in your savings account. Of course the more money you make, the more you can save. Which is actually very exciting!

I know that my finances may not seem like a lot, compared to others. I still live at home. Therefore, I felt that it was necessary to learn the concepts of basic budgeting and saving. I am still learning [far from an expert] and this technique takes time as more and more responsibilities will come my way [loans, rent, etc.] in the future. What's important is that I am "prepping" myself for one reason; Being financially independent! <---Don't we all :)

-M.Kay<33

It's been a while. Oh, the joy of Growing!

Nope . That's Not me. Just thought this pic was funky.photo source: nihcy.org (courtesy of Google)

So, I took a hiatus from my blog for a few months for many reasons. Most of my reasons turned out to be excuses.

• Excuse #1: I didn't know what to blog about.
• Excuse#2:I didn't have the time to sit and think about what to blog about.
• Excuse#3: I didn't like what i was Blogging about anymore.
• Excuse#4: I am not getting any followers. I don't know what to blog about.

Wow. It sounds ridiculous now that I think about it. I've been reading the past posts from my blog only to discover a lot that was missing from it. As excited I was to start writing this blog, I lost sight of the things that were important. I guess the writer in me is starting to bloom.

I've been doing a lot of reading this summer. (there is going to be a long review coming up for that) about different topics such as Finance, Writing, and other drama-filled novels that really put me back on track. I've also have been reading other great blogs (check them out on your right) about self-improvement and goal reaching motivation. I've learned that I myself had made excuses over the past year. I've been too lets say, "comfortable" (or lazy) in doing what I love best; Write.

It is obvious that you can't be good at something your born to do without working harder to be great at it ( OMG! did I just create a quote?). In the beginning, this blog was the foundation for my passion for writing. However, I was too worried about the number of followers I had everyday (IF ANY), and how many people were interested in my blog. I didn't put persistence and consistency in order to make those things happen. Moreover, I didn't put enough of ME to begin with. Sure, there is book reviews and fashion to watch out for the new season, but was that REALLY what I was all about? Of course not. I was so caught up on my reader's participation and appreciation to be over the work that I did not put heart into (isn't that what writing is all about?).

With this epiphany, I've decided to put my self check to the test. And what did I do to fix my screw-up (not cry and ball up under my covers in bed..)? I initiated a new beginning. I decided to give this blog a brand new makeover. I changed the name a little bit, and decided to give this blog some purpose. Focusing on sharing life's great bits of self-discovery, personal control and growth, food, travel, health, hair, relationships, and of course clothing. so NO MORE making excuses, I've made reasons instead:

• Reason #1: I love to write.
• Reason#2: I aspire to inspire, so why not.
• Reason#3: I'm going through the same journey as everyone else: life. And I want to share it with you.
• Reason#4: Private Journals (the ones tucked under your pillow with a lock on it) are so played out :]

Just by changing my excuses into REASONS, I feel increasingly motivated to keep trying new things, reading more, learning more, kind of similar to life's journey; as opposed to altering them all into EXCUSES.

-M.Kay<33