I draw all of my inspiration for writing from my life and the others around me. Lately I have been making some pretty big changes. Some would say I am 'getting all my ducks in a row' others would say I am 'crossing my t's and dotting my i's' I however would say I am trying to put things together and get my crap figured out. I needed change and so I figured the summer before my second year of college was probably a great place to do so.

1. I cut my hair.

Yeah its so cliche but honestly it is one of the best ways to kick start change. I went from:

to:

It was a big change people but I absolutely love it!

2. Keep a planner

I didn't use my planner for the week that I had off between the end of spring and beginning of summer semester and it was terrible. I felt so off track and I couldn't remember when things were for the life of me. The one I use was from Target but I am investing in a really nice one for the nest school year.

3. Write it down

It took years of my mom telling me to write things down but I finally listened and mom, you were right. I write down everything.

4. Lists

Make lists and put them where you will see them everyday. I have three and I also keep one with me on a little pad of paper that I can add to if things come up during the day.

5. Get on a schedule

I love to sleep in but even on the days I do not have to be up for something I try to get up around the same time as the days I do. It helps keep me on a schedule and thats not only good for your mental heath but it's good for your body too!

6. Find time

Give yourself me time everyday. It might be drinking a cup or tea, it might me reading a book, it might be going to the store and looking around. Find time to do something you enjoy.

7. Eat right

I love fries as much as the next girl but I also know that I can't have them all the time. Once your diet chances your whole body will change and it will give you more energy through the day.

8. Sleep

Try and get at least 7 hours a night. I struggle with this one because I don't sleep well at all but I do try.

9. Plan ahead

Plan out what you think you want to wear or eat or do a day in advance. You will get so much more done if you have a game plan going into the day.

10. Folders

Keep folders of important things and keep them somewhere safe. Make sure you have copies of all your medical papers, work papers, bank papers, bills, etc and make sure you know where to find them in case you need them.

11. Put down the Coke

If I need energy I always want a Coke, I know it does me more harm than good but I still want it. I grab water. Water will give you ten times more energy. If you want something flavored though my new addiction is the watermelon Bai drinks! So SO good.

12. Say no

I have a very hard time telling someone no because I want to help that's who I am as a person but I can't always say yes. If you really need to do something or don't feel like going out just say it. Any decent person will understand, I promise.

13. Goals

Set goals you can reach. I gave myself a goal to start doing Meatless Monday which is exactly what it sounds like. I am only two in but it is a starting point.

14. Postivity is key

Be positive. I know it is hard. If you're having a bad day just tell yourself:

15. Remember it is baby steps

This is the hardest for me. I feel like I need to have it all together right now and the truth is I know I don't it still keeps me up at night.

Honestly, getting your life together is hard and we are still at an age where things go wrong and we make stupid decisions. If you are not perfect right now it is okay, in fact its okay to never be perfect because we are all human and we all trip up sometimes. The thing is, its not about making sure everything is the 'right' way its about making sure everything is the 'right' way for your life. As long as you're trying you are doing good.