I love the movie "Eat, Pray, Love". I resonate with the message and the story. Every time I watch it, I feel moved to do something. I feel stagnant, and I feel that I want more for my life, including finding who I truly am (I know cliche). I know life is short, and I want to make the most of the time I have been given. The following are 10 things that I believe are capable of doing in order to write my own "Eat, Pray, Love" story:
1. Spend more time with God
Pray more. Pray about everything. Don't feel weird about it. Pray before every meal without worrying who is watching you and what they think of you. Show God you're not afraid to let other people know that you love him. Praise more. Put your Spotify playlist on worship music, filling your soul, and putting smiles on the faces of heaven. Do your devotions, EVERYDAY. No, you are not too busy. The God of the universe was not too busy to create you, so you can give him 20 minutes in the morning and at night. Go to church every week. Whether you're at school, at home, or on vacation. Find a church, grab a few family members or friends, and get your butt there.
2. Work on genuine friendships
Take initiative. Don't sit back waiting for someone to develop and maintain a relationship with you, because more than likely, they are waiting for the same thing from you. Also, stay in contact with old friends. Even if you've known each other since preschool and you're at different schools leading different lives, take time to check in on how your long lost BFF is doing.
3. LET GO of the people that have let you go
Follow God's timing and not your own. If He says it is time for that person to walk away, then it's time. Don't try to change it. Accept what is and be hopeful for what is to come. Let Him do His work, and you do yours.
4. Eat healthier
No really, do it.
5. Exercise 4-5 times a week
Don't make excuses. You know you feel better after you get your heart rate up or after you pose in downward dog for awhile. Cut your naps short. You'll be thankful once swimsuit season rolls around here pretty soon.
6. Say "yes" to social events
I know it's easier to curl up in your room with Grey's Anatomy, but get yourself out there! There's a whole world out there waiting to meet you. Stop being afraid of making memories and living out your 20s like you should.
7. BE KIND
Do not become this world. The world is a mean, scary, disheartening place. Be the light that it needs. Stay away from gossip and always consider others' feelings.
8. Use your phone less
I know it's 2017, but Liz didn't find her inner zen or her love with Phillipe by having her eyes glued to that 6-inch screen. Make use of calling more. Spend less time scrolling through social media, when usually it just makes you feel bad anyways. Heck, read a book!
9. Travel as soon as you can
It's amazing how much there is to see and how little of it you've experienced. Even if it's taking an hour trip to somewhere you've been before. Get out and do things. See things. Experience life outside of that little rural town that has too often kept you in your comfort zone.
10. Always keep family first
Above all else, they are number one. Always defend them. Always make time for them. Never choose other people or other things over them. Until a man makes a commitment to start a family with you, your family is first. They haven't left you yet, have they? Make them the priority that they deserve to be.
"People tend to think happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will descend like fine weather if you're fortunate. But happiness is the result of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly." - Elizabeth Gilbert; Eat, Pray, Love
