When The Timing Is Right

 

If you were to ask me what I struggle with most in life, it’s trusting in God’s timing and His magnificent plan for me.

Not being able to see where the road I am currently on will lead to, can erupt feelings of apprehension within me. When this happens I try my hardest to rest assure in the simple fact that God has every aspect of my life planned out to a “t”.

This alone puts my unsteady heart at ease.

I have been through a lot this past year, granted not as bad as most people have been put through. But nonetheless, life gets tough.

From my personal experiences in life, there have been countless times when I thought I had traveled too far off from the path that God had laid out for me, or I had started to believe there was no way I would get through a particular hardship.

I’ve dealt with heartbreak, from losing a loved one, all the while, trying to get through finals week and pass my classes. Wondering. Praying to God that He knew the answer. That there had to be a reason all of this was happening right now.

In each and every one of these circumstances, God pulled through with His glorious plan, replacing whatever I had lost with something far greater than I could’ve ever fathomed.

The sooner you realize that God works in His time, and not yours, the quicker you will be able to fully trust in Him.

I’m also a firm believer that, while not everything happens for a reason that we can understand, God promises that He will be with us through it all in order to help us through it.

You may not understand today or even tomorrow, but eventually God will reveal to you why you went through everything you did.

Don’t mistake God’s patience for His absence. His timing is perfect, and His presence is constant.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is how much God transforms you in your time of waiting for His plan. Waiting deepens and matures us, levels our perspective, and broadens our understanding.

Whether God grants you with a much desired “yes“, a merciful “no“, or faith-building “not yet“, remember that when you don’t hear an answer, God is simply telling you “trust me“.

XOXO

“When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen” Isaiah 60:22

Yes, I’ve Changed.

Everybody changes. You learn, you grow, you experience new things.

Everything you encounter has some sort of effect on you. It’s just how life is. 

For the most part, these changes happen subtly over the course of a few years. Slow enough that you barely even notice.

But this past year, I’ve changed the most. So much to the point that the phrase “You’ve changed”, has been used towards me. Which, I never know whether or not to take that positively or negatively.

This past year has tested my limits, made me soar, and sent me crashing to the ground. I cried more, laughed more, and spent a lot of days in confusion.

My heart got broken. I lost friends. And I learned that sometimes those “that’ll never happen to me” situations, may actually happen to you.

I also realized that I have the most incredible friends and family, who have taught and inspired me more than I could have possibly imagined. They make sure I don’t take life too seriously, but push me to work hard every day. They are there for every ab hurting laugh and every heartbreaking cry.

I had to figure out how to let people in, while also stitching up my wounds on my own. It wasn’t easy and I spent time questioning every move I made. But I don’t regret a thing. I can’t. 

I’ve learned too much and experienced too many important things, to look back and say, “I really wish I could take that back”.

Am I proud of my decisions? No. Did I say and do things I probably shouldn’t have? Yes. Don’t we all. But that’s what helped me grow.

And it was all worth it.

Who I am now isn’t afraid to make mistakes, as long as I learn from them. I thought I was strong then, but I’m even stronger now. I know how to listen to my heart without completely ignoring my mind.

I’ve learned how to let things go and not bottle up all of my emotions. To be open to new experiences and people, and make those around me feel appreciated.

With every loss, I’ve gained something new. I’m still so young. I haven’t figured it all out. I’m still going to make stupid mistakes. And life is still going to test my limits.

And that’s okay. 

So yes, I have changed. And quite frankly, I am proud of this change.

I am on a journey to be the best version of me possible. Whoever that may be. Only the future knows.

Xo

‘WISH’ App Clothing Try-On..

So for awhile now I have been seeing the ‘WISH’ app ads pop up ALL over my Facebook feed, showcasing the CUTEST clothes ever. BUT, I was so skeptical, thinking okay the quality of these clothes has to be horrible because prices are so cheap. We are talking $4 cheap.

I decided that I needed to try it for myself and do a little trial and error for you guys.

Here’s the lowdown…

QUALITY:

To be honest, I was so expecting the quality to be a lot worse than it ended up being! It honestly is not bad considering what you are paying for it. You can’t expect Nordstrom quality (obvi) but definitely in comparison to something you would purchase at Forever 21. I honestly can’t complain much about the quality, I am very satisfied with it for what I paid.

SIZING:

Sizes run fairly small. I ordered up a size on each item and they ended up fitting perfectly. So if you plan on ordering anything, order up a size of what you would normally wear! I usually wear size small, so I ordered medium in everything and it was the perfect fit.

PRICE:

Affordable to the max. Right up this college girl’s alley. Almost too good to be true. Below each piece I have listed the price of everything I purchased. My grand total ended up being: $47.00, that’s shipping costs + tax. Mind Blown.

SHIPPING:

Since it is coming from China, you do have to wait around 2 weeks to get everything. Costs for shipping is only around $2-$4 and you are able to track your package which for me is crucial. I am like a little kid in a candy store when I am waiting for my packages to arrive.

WOULD I PURCHASE AGAIN?

YES! You could say I am ‘Wish’ obsessed. It is a little dangerous because everything is so cheap that I just end up spending hours and hours picking out clothes and think I am spending no money. Until I can afford high quality clothing, this will do when I am in a niche for some new, cute clothes.

Below are the pieces I got & cost of each item:

~The Cutest Pants Ever~

I really hit the jackpot with these. SO cute for everyday + work. I am going to be purchasing them in every color, most likely…oops.

Cost: $4.25

~Striped Shirt~

This “shirt” was supposed to be an off the shoulder dress…but that definitely was not the case. Way too short to be a dress/ way too tight to wear off the shoulder. But it does make for a cute, casual shirt! I also am OBSESSED with the back detail.

Cost: $6.40

~White Shirt~

I need a beach day in this shirt! How cute would this look in a cute beach town. I absolutely love it.

Cost: $5.00 

~Stripe & Lace Dress~

For some reason this dress just gives me old 50’s vibes and I love it. I think it would be so cute to wear wine tasting or just around the city on a nice, summer day!

Cost: $6.40

~White Romper~

Another piece I would love to have a beach day in! I think it is so cute and perfect for a day at the beach. Can you tell I really want to go to the beach?

Cost: $7.70

~Denim Dress~

I love this denim dress for an every day look. Such a good staple to have in your closet for the summer time!

Cost: $4.75

 

Happy shopping! XO 

#OUTFITOFTHEDAY

Hi my loves!

I love exploring my quaint, little town and finding fun picture spots. Giving me such old vibes, in the best way possible!

Outfit details posted below:

Cardigan: Forever 21

Shirt: Express

Shorts: American Eagle

Shoes: American Eagle

Sunglasses: Quay Australia

Purse: Chanel

I Feel ALIVE ♡

After my meditation this morning, I found myself bawling. But this time, they weren’t tears of sadness. I found myself crying because for the first time, in a long time, I can say that I am genuinely happy. I was crying because I am so proud of how far I’ve come within these past few months.

I was at a very dark place about 3 months ago, a hole I never thought I could dig myself out of.

Not that I’ve been unhappy per se. It’s hard to describe exactly what I’ve been feeling as of late. I’ve just been off..

But this morning, I woke up and just felt so ALIVE. Gosh, I am smiling so hard writing this right now.

It’s just that when you have been in such a dark place, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But today, I see that light.

And I promise, you will too one day. Maybe a month from now, a year, 2 years…we all take time to heal. You can’t rush your healing, but you can take the steps to better yourself everyday. Just please, don’t give up.

Life isn’t easy, and if it were easy, we would never feel that satisfaction of kicking its A$% when we come out on the other side stronger.

It will come back-it being the light which fills your heart, the tranquility which calms your nerves, and the clarity which your mind so dearly needs.

The giddiness, the playfulness, the confidence in being you. It will come back, I know it will.

I was the girl who was so heartbroken, and am now mending the pieces back together.

I was the girl who was once scared, and now I’m becoming fearless.

I was the girl who was at a very dark place, and now I am happier than ever before. Which, I thought I would have never said a few months ago.

It’s important to remember that everything is just a phase. This, like so much else in your life, will come to pass. That is the nature of impermanence. Nothing lasts.

Things are just different today. And I like this kind of different.

I feel change coming on.

Xo!

I Miss You, Even Though You Don’t Deserve To Be Missed.

Even after everything that happened, I still can’t seem to get you out of my head.

I’m okay during the day as long as I keep myself busy, but not at night…that’s a different story.

The second that all of the chaos of my day settles down, and my head hits my pillow, you’re all I see.

It’s been months and I know it shouldn’t be this way. We don’t even talk to each other anymore….but here you are, still living in my thoughts.

Nobody understands how much I miss you. No one even knows. Why would I tell them?

You were awful to me. You broke my heart into a million pieces. They would never get it…I don’t even get myself.

I don’t think about how things ended, though. I think about how we used to be, about who I thought you were.

All the things we used to do together, the road trips we’d take.

I think about how you used to make me laugh so hard I could barely catch my breath, and about our hundreds of inside jokes that no one else could ever comprehend.

For the first time in my life, I felt understood and loved. I was so lucky to have such an amazing connection with someone.

Then, I think about how it was all ripped away from me.

I think about how I’ll never have anything like that again, how I’ll never have you again.

I think about how sad it is that you were such a big part of me and then all of a sudden, one day, you were just gone.

I can’t stop missing you.

Then, I think about how fucking pathetic it is because I know for a fact that you don’t miss me.

I know that I’m chasing my own thoughts in circles, while you’re sound asleep.

I probably never cross your mind.

After all, you were the one who walked away from this. You are the one who caused me to hurt like this.

You were the one who gave up on us. 

And that’s when I realize…I’d rather miss the person I thought you were, than be with someone that is less than what I deserve.

I’d rather just miss you.

 

 

San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico

So excited to share this trip with you guys! We all had a blast in Mexico. I couldn’t get enough of the sun, beach, quaint little towns, & of course the margaritas! <3

I hope you guys enjoy watching and get a taste of Mexico for yourselves! xo

 

 

Let’s be friends gurlllll:

Instagram: kelseyburchett
Snapchat: kelseyburchett

Journal Entry: February 24, 2017

There came a moment when I realized that I would never be able to actually heal, if I didn’t get brutally honest with myself. And though, I prided myself on saying that I was a good woman, it was time to get real–how good of a woman could I have possibly been if I was sticking by the sides of men who were treating me so badly? Sure I did everything that a “good woman” was supposed to do for her man, but what I hadn’t been doing, was everything that a good woman is supposed to do for herself. Like walking away from someone who was hurting me more than they were loving me.

Now, I could have thrown myself a pity party in my moment of honesty, that would have been easy; because let’s face it-which women on this earth wants to think that maybe she wasn’t so good after all? But I didn’t. Instead I decided to work on a new beginning. It was time to shed my old skin made of denial and blame, and wear my new one made of accountability and truth; because if I ever wanted to have a real good man in my life, I needed to first learn how to be a real good woman..to myself.

Where Have I Been?! Studying Abroad?!

I know, I know…don’t hate me for not blogging for about 4 months now. I figured I owed you an explanation as to why I have been gone for so long..I mean I feel like I have a pretty good one too.

So, I recently just got back from studying abroad in Florence, Italy for a month. I was gone from the end of May to the end of June. Talk about a life experience. Let me just clarify, that by writing this blog I am in no way trying to brag about my experience or anything like that AT ALL. I feel so incredibly blessed and over joyed that I was able to have the opportunity to study abroad. Ever since high school I told myself I was going to study abroad, and to have that dream finally come true….I was pretty much speechless the whole trip to say the least. So, I figured I would let you all in on some things I learned along the way, not only about myself, but culturally as well.

First off: MONEY ISN’T EVERYTHING. BUT, IT IS SOMETHING 

Before traveling, I never really valued the importance of money as much as I do now. I am very fortunate to be able to say that my parents pretty much paid for everything when I was growing up. I soon learned that going out to dinner, surely was not all that cheap. And cups of gelato, being only about 2 euros…seemed cheap enough, eventually does add up. Especially when you choose to get gelato once a day. Ugh, okay twice a day sometimes. But only SOMETIMES I swear.

I hope one day I am wealthy enough to go back to the places I visited during my study abroad experience and not have to come back home as an in-debt college student. However, those days that I spent as an in debt college student trekking through the cities of Europe is something I will always remember. So thank you Italy, for making me value the importance of money and realizing that money surely can’t buy happiness, but it can buy gelato….which is kind of the same thing.

Second: TRAVEL IS NOT AS HARD AS PEOPLE MAKE IT OUT TO BE

Wait what?! Yes, that’s right. I once was just like you thinking “wow traveling is SO expensive, I don’t know how people do it”. Think again. Let me start by saying that before this trip, I was definitely one of those people who thought that traveling was meant to be this big lavish vacation, with expensive hotels, and first class plane tickets. When I got to Italy and my friends and I started discussing all the places we wanted to travel and go see, I soon realized that money can’t hold you back. If you travel with the goal of experiencing the world, traveling on a budget is not only possible but actually kind of easy.

I got to experience Spain, Greece, and Rome while I was over there and let me tell you….when you can get a plane ticket for only 80 euros ROUND TRIP, it is hard not to go everywhere. My mindset of fancy hotels soon changed when I landed in Barcelona, Spain and walked into my very first hostel to stay at. “This actually isn’t bad for 30 euros a night”, I thought to myself. I realized that I was saving money on all of the “luxury” vacation items for a much bigger picture. I was getting the opportunity to see the world and all that is has to offer, without spending a fortune.

Third: I AM MUCH MORE INDEPENDENT THAN I EVER IMAGINED

Picture this, me driving around my town that I have lived in for more than 15 years now and still getting lost to my best friend’s house. Yeah, that was pretty much my life growing up driving. Constantly getting lost no matter where I went and having to hear my Australian GPS say “Recalculating” every 10 seconds.

Now, after spending a month abroad, I am much more aware of things. I learned very fast that getting lost in a foreign country just wasn’t going to be an option, especially without a GPS. Not only did I manage to find my way around Italy fairly easy, but I learned to navigate a REAL map. I traveled around Europe, by train, plane, and interacted with people from all around the world….all without my mother on speed dial (for the most part) lol.

Fourth: LANGUAGE ISN’T A BARRIER – LANGUAGE IS MORE OF AN OBSTACLE

Not knowing a language should never hold you back from traveling to a certain place.  Most places we went to, there was at least one person who spoke English. And even if there wasn’t, for the most part we were able to communicate either with our hands or the typical “tourist” thing by pointing at what we wanted. UGH, I hated to be that typical tourist. You know, it’s funny when you travel you try so hard to fit in with the culture and not “stand” out. My friends and I would always make an attempt to speak the language, and they actually respect and appreciate you a lot more when you do so. My friends and I pretty much became ‘Flocals” by the end of our trip. A little term we made up meaning, ‘Florence Locals’, or so we like to think. Even though everywhere we went we were typically approached with  “Shakira?!”. I don’t know what it is about Shakira but if you are from the United States you are suddenly Shakira. I mean, I wasn’t complaining..

Somehow they just know that you are from the U.S. before you even say a word.

Fifth: WE ARE NOT THE BAD DRIVERS

If you think LA driving is bad, wait till you visit a foreign country. I don’t even think traffic laws exist. Forget the whole “pedestrians have the right away”, if you get in a cars way, don’t expect them to stop. I can’t even tell you how many times I almost got ran over from a car going like 50 mph down a narrow alleyway with A BUNCH of people in sight. If you aren’t part of the fast pace Italian lifestyle, then stay out of the way.  Taxi drivers, now that’s a whole other story. Let’s just say, a taxi driver going 90 mph to get you to the airport, totally normal.

Last But Not Least: LIFE HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER

Something about studying abroad and traveling just makes you appreciate life THAT much more. Life has so much to offer and it is way too short to be unhappy. Before going to Italy, I felt almost lost and scared that I still didn’t know what I was doing with my life. But I learned that IT’S OKAY. You will figure it out eventually, it’s all part of the process. Learn, grow, get out of your comfort zone, experience life on a whole different level, and LIVE. I may not be sure where I am going in life, but I do know one thing, it’s a beautiful process and I am along for the ride.

So that’s what I’ve been doing these past months. I am so sad that I didn’t blog throughout my time staying there. Trust me, I wanted to, but I was just so busy and honestly just wanted to live in the moment. AS CHEESY AS THAT SOUNDS.

But anyways, I am BACK and ready to blog again. It’s crazy how much excitement and happiness I get from blogging. I missed it so much. I hope you all enjoyed reading about my “life lessons” I have learned during my travels. If you are interested in seeing pictures from my trip, I will leave my Instagram down below :)

“Travel is rebellion in its purest form. We follow our hearts. We free ourselves from labels. We lose control willingly. We trade a role for reality. We love the unfamiliar. We trust strangers. We own only what we can carry. We, sometimes choose to never come back.” <3

xo,

-Kelsey

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