The Bigger Picture

South Lake Tahoe Views

Let me tell you, I tend to stress over the smallest things. I'm type A to the core and I like to plan out every little thing. It probably annoys my boyfriend a lot because he is definitely more spontaneous. I get stressed about things that haven't even happened yet. After the fact, I realize that it was definitely not a big deal and it wasn't worth the stress. Yet, the same scenario happens over and over again. During my Tahoe trip, I got to reflect a little about my weird train of thought. Hopefully, you'll find my ramblings somewhat entertaining and insightful. And please enjoy the beautiful views that South Lake Tahoe has to offer. Minimal editing was done because it's hard to mess a photograph up of an amazing view.

 

We're so small in this big world

Tahoe was amazing because I actually didn't have time to plan much beforehand. It ended up being a great vacation regardless and was more relaxing than I could've hoped for. When we didn't have things planned, my boyfriend and I would just go for a walk or go to the lake. It was beyond relieving to be able to not think about much for a few moments and to just breath. The water was so peaceful and the view was breathtaking. The lake seemed to stretch out endlessly, almost like an ocean. I remember looking out onto the lake and thinking that the little things shouldn't matter as much. The world is so big and there are even greater opportunities out there that we shouldn't sweat the small stuff. It's hard sometimes to see the bigger picture when we've been focused on a specific task for so long. If you put a book right up against your face, your eyes would start to hurt while reading the text. Same goes for many cases in life. Take a few (or many) steps back. 

 

It ain't about the numbers

Recently, I have been stressed about my job, my own goals, my blog, etc. I was asking myself so many questions and doubting every decision I made. My mind couldn't make definite decisions and I second guessed myself on everything. Stop thinking so much and just do. I was so worried about whether a certain instagram post/blog post would be able to get as many likes or views as I'd like that I delayed posting in general, afraid of how low likes I would get. This was the opposite of why I started a blog in the first place. I didn't start it to get numbers. I started it because I wanted to enjoy and explore my own interests. Don't do it for others, do it for you. And no, it's not selfish if you do things for yourself as long as your mindset is in the right place. Self-improvement is the greatest investment you can have and it shouldn't be taken lightly.

It is so easy to hold yourself to standards that the rest of the world has put in place. We've almost been conditioned to think a certain way, especially with the rise of social media the past few years. Social media has the power to open many doors but it can also cripple some people who are so focused on quantity rather than quality. The successful individuals out there didn't do something for the sake of a number. They do things to challenge and improve themselves at their craft. I also find it crazy that  celebrities have net worth because they're human beings, like you and me. I like to believe that we are all worth more than a few dollar signs. 

 

Remember to rest (Mentally and physically)

Guys, I cannot emphasize this enough. The world will keep spinning whether you take a break or not. Some people act as if the world is going to end if they don't get some rest (myself included). I get it. I've been there too during architecture school. I remember thinking that sleep was for the weak and that my work wasn't going to finish itself if I dared to take a 30 minute nap. For an entire semester, I only slept 4 hours a day (if I did sleep) and I lost track of how many all-nighters I pulled. I'm pretty sure, I stayed up for 36 hours straight on multiple occasions. It's hard to stop stressing when you're in the middle of a time crunch. Although I'm no longer a student, I'm still very tough on myself and set timelines for myself. It stresses me out if I know that I can't achieve everything I put on my list. Two things: I should've made a shorter list and I should learn to rest).

Rest is so important, even if it is just 5 minutes. Take a few minutes to get another cup of coffee or to grab a quick bite to eat, anything!! Get that little recharge to keep you going. It will do wonders for you mentally, emotionally, and physically. I emphasize this because it's extremely important and it breaks my heart to see people out there so tired and exhausted. My mom has been working on her business for at least the past decade 7 days a week for a minimum of 12 hours a day. It upsets me to see her fatigued, but I also know she is working hard for my brother and me. Plus, she genuinely appreciates any vacation time she takes. Remember, the storm will pass and you will be okay. Find strength in that the sun will always rise the next morning.

My apologies if this blog post seems very spread out and unorganized. I'm currently learning to let go and to just let my thoughts flow. This blog post represents that. In this season of my life, I am handling a lot of uncertainty and doubt and my mind is constantly filled with a bunch of frustration and uneasiness. (Just being honest and real here). Like many others, I'm trying to process what it all means. I hope you guys understand and I want to thank you so much for making this far into the post!

Please enjoy these photos of Tahoe and if you ever get a chance, go visit! And remember, don't sweat the small stuff. As cliche as it sounds, everything will eventually work out. Let's not spend our time and energy stressing about the things that aren't big deals and let's spend our resources looking at the bigger picture. We are blessed to be living in such a beautiful place and we should enjoy it as much as we can.