Thursday, June 30, 2011

"Time After Time"

Hey Everyone!

Today's post is dedicated to some special friends in my life.  These people were extremely influential to me during a certain journey we took together.  There were times when I really needed someone to hold me up, when I wasn't able to stand my ground.  These incredibly selfless friends helped me more than I could ever thank them for.

I think just about everyone can relate to me in some way.  I hope you have all had the privilege of knowing someone who has gone above and beyond for you when you needed it.  It is a truly comforting feeling to know that someone cares about you so much that they will stand by you at your lowest points, and continue to be a friend through whatever may come your way.

A song that truly embodies the greatness that is friendship is Cindy Lauper's "Time After Time."  Although I believe the lyrics were originally written as a love story, I can't help but think of my best friends when I
hear the chorus...

"If you're lost you can look--and you will find me 
time after time 
if you fall I will catch you--I'll be waiting 
time after time "


To those of you who mean a great deal to me, Thank you, for catching me when I fell.  To all of you, I hope that you can also say thanks... and remember what it meant to you to be saved.  


Day 3: Tell someone who has really been there for you... Thank you.  


LOVE TRUE-
Allison


*Below- 4 of my many saviors.  Angel, Ashley, Katie, Dani and Me.  


Cindy Lauper- "Time After Time"

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

"Life Ain't Always Beautiful"

Hey Y'all!

I hope you're having a great week!  I know the title of this post may seem a little cooky considering the title of my blog is LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL... but I promise, you'll understand!

Everyone has days where they feel as life is out to get them.  As a college athlete there were definitely days when I couldn't see the light!  Things seemed like they would never get easier, my body was in pain and several times I thought about calling it quits.  The greatest tools for coping with these days (for me) was songs!  I found song after song after song that spoke to me depending on the lyrics.  One of the songs that really helped me out was a hit from Gary Allen.

"Life aint always beautiful
Sometimes it's just plain hard
Life can knock you down, it can break your heart

Life aint always beautiful
You think you're on your way
And it's just a dead end road at the end of the day

But the struggles make you stronger
And the changes make you wise
And happiness has its own way of takin it's sweet time

CHORUS
No, life aint always beautiful
Tears will fall sometimes
Life aint always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride

Life aint always beautiful
Some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walkin all these lonely miles

And I wish for just one minute
I could see your pretty face
Guess I can dream, but life don’t work that way

But the struggles make me stronger
And the changes make me wise
And happiness has its own way of takin it's sweet time

No, life aint always beautiful
But i know i'll be fine
Hey, life aint always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride
What a beautiful ride"


This song is such a testament to perseverance.  Sometimes, life can sneak up and bite you in the ass... it's about how you handle the hard times that helps to shape the person you will become.  At any given moment, things can seem like the absolute worst they could possibly be.  It's important to remember that someday you will be able to look back on this moment and appreciate it for all of it's challenges because it has contributed to who you are today.  


Day 2: Think of a time that you really struggled ... perhaps it is something you are currently going through... When life was hard to deal with- and think about what you learned from that experience, how it changed you for the better.  It may not have been an instant "better" but I bet you can come up with something good that came from it! Go ahead... "It's a beautiful ride!"


LOVE TRUE-
Allison


Gary Allen- Life Ain't Always Beautiful

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

"I Don't Want To Be"

Hi Everyone!

I am so thrilled to be writing again, and to share my thoughts with you all! I've always loved to write, but it has always been just for me.  It's about time I spread the love, right!?

One of my greatest passions is the written word- thoughts, prayers, poetry, lyrics... anything! Words help me to make sense of the world, and how beautiful it really is, and I am so grateful for that!  I've gone through some times in my life where I've struggled emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally.  I think everyone does.  No one can say they've never had a hard day in their life!  Words are the main reason I am where I am today.  Whether it was a pep talk from a friend, kind words from a family member, a prayer, a poem or an inspirational song, some kind of words helped me to put things in perspective.  Life can be hard at times, but it is incredibly important to count your blessings.  This hasn't always been easy for me... though I am an incredibly blessed individual.

The first words I'm going to share with you all come from a song made very popular by one of my favorite TV shows... One Tree Hill!  In a world where people are trying to convince you that you should change something about yourself, dress a certain way, lose weight, or defer from YOU... I have 2 words for you... FORGET IT!  Be you, and love it.  So thanks, Gavin Degraw, for these inspirational lines!


"I don't want to be
Anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do
Is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms
Wondering what I've got to do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me"


DAY 1:  Stop wondering who you're "supposed" to be... and start Being the person you want to be! I'm going to! =)

LOVE TRUE-
Allison