DARE TO BE HAPPY AGAIN

April 11, 2018

I worked like 14 hrs yesterday, so when I came home and remembered that I should of had a post ready, I opened my laptop in hopes of some inspiration. the post title is something I've been pondering A LOT lately but actually fitting it into words???.. yeah I basically closed my laptop super fast bc I was like "nothing is coming rn"

tbh, still nothing super deep is coming. maybe I'm trying too hard. it's just that recently I've seen a different side of me. For like forever I've been the person who gets hardcore excited over little things. I was smiley and thrilled to wake up to a new day [with no mistakes in it. QUOTE ANYONE?! XD] but then, I got tired.

being tired does something to a human being. everything is off. everything takes waaaaay more energy, which you don't even have to begin with. Believe me, I KNOW.

but tbh, I don't want to relate to it anymore. I'm pretty sick and tired of being unhappy bc of blahblahblahblah. ya get me? now, I'm not all about individuals being happy 24/7 bc that just isn't going to happen. We do live in a fallen world after all.. but I wanna go back to the little things that made me grin. also I'm ready to laugh with ease.

I'm not willing to admit that this is just a part of growing up. I will NOT accept that. and well, if it is, I'd like to change that stereotype.

it's become cool to be tired, overwhelmed, stressed, depressed (totally know that depression is REAL..but maybe in some cases its being welcomed?). I feel like we think we need a tag to staple on our shirts so we feel heard.

IM TIRED
I AM STRESSED
I AM HUNGRY
IM JUST READY FOR THIS DAY TO BE DONE
IM MAD+ANGRY+SAD

while I understand that situations do cause these feelings, it becomes 5x more exhausting to hold onto them. (speaking from experience)

so maybe you can dare to be happy again? dare to smile. dare to laugh. dare to be yourself.
THE WORLD NEEDS MORE OF THIS. especially on a Wednesday lololol

also God gave me a little message for you all : GO HERE 

Also also IM WORKING ON A SURRRRRRPPPRRRIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEE
cannot wait to share it with you all. xD

honest thoughts?? something you'd like to add?  
favorite disney soundtrack? 

p.s. these are all my thoughts...sorry if they don't make sense or offend. xxx

43 comments:

  1. Julia, I love this post. This is something that I've been struggling with. Lately, it seems like I'm constantly sad--that there's no more happiness left, even tho I know that this mood won't last forever. And you're right--it is more exhausting to keep holding onto these feelings.
    Something I'd like to add? maybe just that happiness doesn't have to be a huge feeling (if that makes sense lol) it can be found in the little things. Your little brother randomly giving you a hug, or your mom making you coffee or buying you a flower (she did that last week and it made my day :))
    THIS "so maybe you can dare to be happy again? dare to smile. dare to laugh. dare to be yourself.THE WORLD NEEDS MORE OF THIS." << I love that so much.
    Thank you so much for writing such encouraging and inspirational posts, Julia! <3 <3

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    1. aw girl, what a realistic feeling. and LOL truth it is a mood!! or that things aren't going as you want them to (which makes me realize how selfish I am o.o) hmm yes..
      WHOA ALLISON. AMEN SISTER. it doesn't have to control everything either. I totally agree... little things are the best too. I believe you can appreciate them the most.
      *hugs*
      THANK YOU xxxx

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  2. I just did a post the other day similar to this and YES!

    I just got a full time job and I know a lot of tired feelings are in my future. (I thought 8 and a half hours were long, but 14?? You must be super human. XD)

    I know the feeling of being depressed, stressed and just wanting the day to be over. It has become the norm and it shouldn't be. We need to be happy. Even if it's faking it until we make it. Because eventually, the smile we force will become less forced if we keep it up.

    You're so right. This post is exactly what I needed to read as I head into a crazy busy future. THANK YOU!

    ~Ivie
    Ivie Writes
    Ivie Brooks, Author

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    1. you did!?! I'm not sure if I follow your blog! I'll go look now XD

      oh boy - k first off, GO TO BED EARLY. XD It's a huuuuuuge help. (uhm no I'm not a super human i promise..maybe more of a workaholic lol)

      so much truth! FAKinG IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT. yes. Bc truthfully, happiness isn't everything. it's learning that your way isn't gonna always be.. it just isn't!

      awww of course! Thank you for your encouraging comment!! aLSO I JUST FOLLOWED YOU <3

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  3. Heeeeey there, Julia! I don't think I've commented on your blog before, but I just wanna come out and say that I adore your posts! They always inspire me. <3

    And this post in particular? I think I needed it. THANK YOU. <3

    Lila @ The Red-Hooded Writer

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    1. well hello Lila!! oh, what a sweet compliment, thank you!!! (truthfully anytime someone says that I'm like "LOL I TYPE LETTERS AS A DRAFT AND THEN GO EH GOOD ENOUGH AND CLICK POST" legit how I do things o.o)

      aww THANK YOU!!!! also I'm jumping over to your blog ;)

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  4. "Totally know that depression [I would add, any of these other issues] is REAL..but maybe in some cases its being welcomed"... yes. This. It is 100% a real thing people deal with, but if you wear it as a badge to get understanding, you lost the fight. It could be a shining testimony to God if you do what is right and let His strength come in your weakness, or you can use it as an excuse to live life for you. And too many of us Christian girls make the wrong choice because it feels easy, even though in the long run it just makes our lives hard, because we were made for so much more! Sorry. But this is something that has been dawning on me more and more over the past eight months until I am pretty passionate about it when I think it out now, haha :).
    Keep reaching towards joy, dear girl! And remember, it's okay to rest, but don't you dare quit <3!!!

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    1. hmm yes, truth Bri! oh wow, I love that picture!!! you're right. Don't give up that badge, but use it as a shining testimony. amen amen amen!
      WOW OVER THE LAST 8 MONTHS?! Girl that is a lot of time. keep being passionate. it's a beautiful, wonderful thing!
      *sobs* k thx.. and you too k ?

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  5. Reading this entire post I was all like, "I get you, girl. I get you" <3

    Thank you for this! <3

    Now you've got me curious! What is this surprise!?!?!? WHAT!? WHAT!?

    Favorite Disney soundtrack? Did you really ask me that question? oh boy.
    I'll go with "Brother Bear". Phil Collins just makes me so happy <3

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    1. aww of course. thank you *hugs*

      HEHEHEHEEE SORRY THE BEST KIND OF SURPRISES ARE SURPRISES XD

      phil collins yuuuusss ( I love tarzan soundtrack even tho I hardly watch the movie lol )

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  6. GIRL SO MUCH YES LIKE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
    I ab %100 on your side about this. Just recently some friends of mine were all complaining about their TA-ing and stuff and being super tired and stressed and having a mountain of homework, and I'm just like "GUYS. PRASIE GOD. BE A LITTLE MORE THANKFUL AND POSITIVE I MEAN SHEESH"
    this was sooooo coool

    And I can't wait to see the surprise yayyyyyy!!!!!

    xxxxx

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    1. LOL YOU RELATE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      yeah, wow I totally get you on that. but at the same time, we have to understand that this is what they're dealing with rn and maybe being thankful is what they are learning. idk. it's a good thing to pray about.

      XD Same! Can't wait to share it !

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  7. Good thoughts! Joy is important. It would probably help some people to slow down so they can enjoy life, and have time to just live. Of course it probably can't always be helped, but it seems the trend these days is to be soooo busy. I don't think that's always good. Idk. Is this even relevant to your post? xP
    Also looking forward to finding out what the surprise is! ^___^

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    1. Joy is sooooo vital. Hmm yes. It's true. I mean, last year I was wrapping up my senior high school year and now I'm working full time. It's intense how fast it happens...but at the same time, this is where we are at. It can be a wonderful sharing experience!
      aww I truly cannot wait to share it with you all <3

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  8. Julia, your heart here is so precious! This is TRUTH. I agree that way too many people seem to think it's cool or popular or whatever to be tired and stressed and worn out, and don't try to do anything about it. I love that you wrote this. In fact I've been feeling these things STRONG these past few weeks, and your words are a blessing to me. :-) Thanks for sharing this.

    I hope you're doing well, miss you! <3

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    1. darling Em!! first off, I'VE MISSED OUR CHATS. hmmm yes, the not doing anything about it is a big deal. True joy is found in Christ - that's a BIG DEAL. awww thanks girl. <3

      AW YES. We truly need to catch up!

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  9. I needed this post so much! It is SO good. I can definitely relate- lately I haven't been myself either. I'm one of those who also gets crazy excited over everything and loves the little things, but lately I've been stress, tired, and easily irritated. But I know that God is good and His plans and truth exceed my feelings. Anyway, this was just soo good <3

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    1. *hugs* I'm touched. HEY. literally me right there! I don't think you can ever completely get away from being stressed and tired, but they don't have to overtake, you get me? Like happiness and joy and peace can start to take over again and it'll be beautiful. <3 promise! praying for you!!

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  10. Man, I feel this. And you're so right about being tired. But I'm with you that it doesn't have to be like this. It's so hard sometimes, but I firmly believe that happiness is a choice. And we always have that choice.

    Anyway, I read this post yesterday, and the title was just ringing in my head. It was a lonely afternoon, but that was my encouragement: dare to be happy. It's not denying that life isn't always great, but saying we can live above it. So thank you. God is using your words, know that. xx

    P.s Thanks for the message on your other blog, and I'm excited about the surprise!! :D

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    1. happiness is a choice. and we always have that choice <<< HOW HOW HOW HOW
      you're a wonderful blessing, k ? <3

      you are going to make me cry. truly..... i love how to sew words together. you make them seem like life long friends when I've never heard them just so before. so girl, thank you. God shines through you

      *hugs*

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  11. i RELATE.
    i have just been so stressed, so tired, so DONE with everything lately, especially this past week, and i just want to be the sunshiney, happy girl i'm usually known to be. but sometimes we have to be put through pressure just to reveal our diamonds.
    OOOOOH A SURPRISE?!?!
    hmmmm...how can i pick a favorite disney soundtrack?? that's like asking me to choose a favorite child!! but i guess i really like hercules. a lot. but also beauty and the beast and tarzan!
    thank you.
    xx
    mira

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    1. *nods*
      I TOTALLY TOTALLY GET THAT. its like k gimme pizza and ice cream and a couch with a soft fuzzy blanket and I'll be okay. BUT /SOMETIMES/ THAT DOESN'T WORK EITHER lololol but truuuuth
      YUUSS AND IM SO STOKED
      lol!!!!!!!!!!! and YES I LOVE TARZAN AMEN
      thank you girlie x

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  12. Yes, I totally get what you're saying. I'm sick of it being a 'normal thing' to be stressed and tired and angry and mad. Why can't happy be the new trendy thing? Happiness is attractive, anyway! (And stress and anger certainly is not.) I feel like it's often because of other things the world is saying - you're not good enough, you're not pretty enough, you're not skinny enough, you need to try harder, you need to work harder, you can't fail etc... that evokes the stress and tiredness that everyone is struggling with. When we block out the noise of the world, all we're left with is Christ and His joy... and thus happiness. I think it comes down to a matter of heart. :)

    P.S. I read the book "Present Over Perfect" by Shauna Niequist and really enjoyed it... it opened my eyes to my life and where changes can be made. If you're like me and struggle with having too many things to deal with and getting stressed and busy, I'd recommend the book!

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    1. WHY CAN'T HAPPY BE THE NEW TRENDY THING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW blown away from those words. wowowowowowowowowowowowow. CAN I SAY ANYMORE WOWS!?!??!?!?!?
      i'm truly tearing up, bc somehow I didn't really think about all of that (i was prob too tired, which isn't an excuse just truth but THANK YOU FOR POINTING IT OUT THAT THE STRESSES AND LIES WE HEAR HURT)

      p.s literally ordering that book RN. thank you sooooo much Gabby my friend <3

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  13. You are so awesome :-)

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  14. Oh my gosh yes! I felt like I was reading about me. I've always been one of those girls who gets super happy over tiny things, but you know this year life happened. I also will NOT accept it as growing up. So I'm taking the small steps, it may be as simple as choosing to laugh over a friends ridiculously stupid joke rather than being sarcastic, or squealing because I can see the stars. Thanks for sharing <3

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    1. aww that is such a sweet thing to write! LOL LIFE IS HARSH HUH??! oh wow, I really love how you worded that......like a poem, truly. You have a way with words Faith <3

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  15. Girl TRUTH!!!! Yessss so often it’s so easy to embrace the worst part of our day/life and focus on that.
    BUT THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO LIFE THAN THAT!! We don’t have to live in a box.

    Live a JOYFUL life. Smile at the LITTLE things. Treasure the RANDOM moments.... :) life is full of hardships let’s enjoy the happy times that God has granted us XD

    Uggg thanks for sharing your thoughts! Just what I needed to hear today..
    -Janelle
    The Ramblings of a Bookworm

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    1. ITS TIME TO EMBRACE THE SPORADIC SMILES AND NOT THE OPPOSITE. truth.

      AMEN. I totally agree with you! you won't appreciate the sunshine and lollipop moments if you didn't have hardships

      aww no prob <3

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  16. Ugh, totally get you, girl. I read you loud and clear.
    "Tomorrow is always. With no mistakes in it."

    I've been having an up and down, round and round, in and out, kind of month.... *blows air through lips*
    BUT 'Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride.'
    AND there have been good moments mixed in their, making this crazy rat-race so much brighter, and reminds me that black, gray, AND sunshine make up life.

    Favorite Disney soundtrack? Hm.........
    I don't know if I have an actual favorite. I like a select few songs from every soundtrack, you know?
    "Candle on the Water" from 'Pete's Dragon'
    "We Know the Way" from 'Moana'...
    But I guess if I had to pick one full soundtrack, it would have to either 'Mary Poppins' or 'Brother Bear'.
    Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, and Phil Collins are my childhood, ok? *happy sigh*

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    1. I literally love how you interlock quotes in your sentences. xD
      it's
      the
      best.

      I firmly believe each month is just like that. it's a treasure to work through new things. (btw I just hit erase and literally have no idea what I have had written here.......SORRY)

      I LOVE THE NEW PETES DRAGON. it's literally my favorite new disney movie next to cars 3 <333
      AND MARY POPPINS AND DICK VAN DYKE ARE MIIINNEEE *sobs* did you hear about Mary Poppins Returns coming out this Christmas?

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    2. Awww.... xD
      Thanks, Julia! <33

      Yes, I did hear about Mary Poppins Returns!!!!
      I'm sort of scared to watch it. *blushes*
      If it's sad, I'll probably wither up and die. lol
      Have you heard about the other new Disney movie coming out?
      "Christopher Robin"?
      I watched the trailer and could have died on the spot. *crying*

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  17. Idk, part of adult life is literally being dead tired but you gotta learn how to be happy through that cuz it ain't going away.
    But I totally get you here...this is my daily battle of finding something to smile at instead of shutting down and giving up. And that's the hardest battle of our lives, even though we all have different reasons for giving up and feeling negative.

    You said it better than my frazzled brain can think right now. ;)

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    1. *nods* AND you're speaking from experience, being a mom. IT wONT GO AWAY. truth truth.
      yes, its a battle - but we are called to fight! PLUS THERE IS SO MUCH WONDERFULNESS OUT THERE. <3

      awww nah. *hugs*

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  18. Mmmmmmmhmmmhmm.
    Love your words always!
    FAV DISNEY SOUNDTRACK at the moment is Hercules

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    1. aw thanks darling <3 <3
      I legit have never listened to that soundtrack and you're like the 2nd person to list it so I think I need to xD

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  19. I find when I get sad/mad or something like that, taking a few minutes and going outside to see the calves, or petting a cat or even having a good bawl can work wonders (however the bawl ends in red eyes and sore noggins, but such is life). Praying about it helps too I find (there have been days where it was like aw man, messed up again, I need help with the 'tude please!!).
    Favorite Disney soundtrack? I have so many soundtracks (I have like 12, literally), but I think it's almost an even split between Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks and Blue Sky. However, I think my favorite Disneys would be the Chronicles of Narnia (I think they're Disney?). I have all three, AND THEY ARE AMAZING!!!!

    Good post Julia!

    Janice

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  20. I love love love this!! I've been feeling that way too (hooray senior year), and am, quite frankly, tired of feeling this way. I think this is really key--
    "I'm not willing to admit that this is just a part of growing up. I will NOT accept that. and well, if it is, I'd like to change that stereotype." SO MUCH YES.

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let's be honest here peeps, comments rock. keep 'em clean and fun and I'll reward you with a virtual ice cream cone

*reluctantly hands cone over*