Camp Sunshine

What is one thing, person, or place that has always motivated you to become a better person? Now some of us may have more than one thing. I know that I do. But the first thing that pops up in my mind when thinking about this question is, Camp Sunshine.

If any of you reading this know me even the slightest bit, I am sure you have heard me talk about Camp Sunshine, or seen the multiple pictures I have taken, and posted in the past two years.

For those of you who have absolutely no idea what I am talking about, here is a little description for you. Camp Sunshine is an amazing place in Casco, Maine. It is better than Bermuda, it is better than Disney World, it is better than Paris. Now whoever reading this is probably thinking to yourself, "Wow this girl is nuts." But seriously, once you go to camp, your mindset is changed forever. Camp Sunshine is a place for children who have life threatening diseases, and their families go to get away from their daily struggles. Think about how many hurdles these families face on a day to day basis. At Camp Sunshine, there are no hurdles, there is no pain. Just smiles, happiness, and yes you guessed it, sunshine.

Now where do I come in? I go to camp to put on a yellow shirt, to join the other volunteers and help these families create moments, and memories, that will last them a lifetime.

The families that I have had the privilege of meeting over the years can be described by one word, brave. They take each day head on, with a good mindset, and a strong heart. No challenge is too big, or to hard. Together, they can accomplish anything. These families have the biggest, brightest smiles.

Sounds amazing doesn't it? Words cannot even begin to describe how great Camp Sunshine really is. The feeling you get when stepping through the yellow doors is like no other. The friendships you create are forever, and the stories you hear are incredible.

One day, seventeen hours, and three minutes, stand between Camp Sunshine and I! But who's counting?

Thank you for reading!
Love always,
Michaela

Thankful

Time after time I seem to be finding myself falling more in love with where I live, and New England in general. There is always a new view to see, and another sunset to take your breath away. Beautiful moments seem to be constantly created, and I cannot count how many amazing pictures I have taken in the past couple of days. 

Days like today remind me how lucky and blessed I truly am. 

Today I set a new goal for myself. Everyday I am going to take a picture of something beautiful. This will keep me grounded, and make sure I am constantly giving thanks for the wonderful life I have been given. 

Thank you for reading! I hope you all had an amazing day. 

Love always, 

Michaela 

Thursday

Hello everyone!

So it's a Thursday afternoon, and I'm sitting in my room listening to my newest Spotify playlist. Ben Rector to be exact, and there are a billion thoughts rushing through my head. The one that has been standing out more so recently, is happiness. When thinking about my own personal happiness, I remember one of my favorite quotes. 

"It's never too late to start over. If you weren't happy with yesterday, try something different today. Don't stay stuck, do better. "

That quote has always motivated and driven me to better myself. Life is too short to not like the person looking back at you in the mirror. 

So guess what? I am challenging everyone reading this. Stop what you are doing, think of something that brings joy to your life, and go do it. Whether it is singing a song, going for a run, or hugging a loved one. Stop waiting for things to happen, and make them happen. Everyone deserves to smile, and everyone deserves to be happy. 

 If you are having a bad day, just remember we are constantly given the chance to start over. It's called tomorrow.

What makes you happy? Think about it, and let me know in the comments down below!

Thanks for reading!

Love always,

Michaela 

Happy Monday!

Good morning everybody! As I am writing this it is 8:24 am on Monday morning. There are not that many people that I've come across that are morning people. My family and friends tend to prefer to sleep in as long as possible. But, sometimes we don't have that choice. Unfortunately.

All your problems will be solved after reading this blog post! Lately I have trying very hard to eat a healthy and balanced diet. We all know that this can be hard from time to time, especially when you wake up wanting your favorite iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts with lots of cream and sugar, or a frappuccino from Starbucks. They're all delicious, don't get me wrong. But maybe on a daily basis, they're not the best choice.

Here's what I discovered this morning. Brew your favorite coffee at home, mine right now is Archer Farm's coconut macaroon, you can get this at any Target. Pour enough coffee for however many cups you are going to drink. Since it's Monday morning, you mayt need a lot!  Now all you need to do is add about a tablespoon of coconut oil, stevia, and whatever type of milk you use in your coffee. I used almond coconut milk, then blend for thirty seconds or so. There is not really a science behind it, just do whatever feels right. Once your done, pour the coffee into your favorite mug, and drink up! It is seriously so delicious! The coconut milk creates a froth on top, just like your favorite coffee shop, but way cheaper, and so much better for you.

Coconut oil is also extremely beneficial. By consuming coconut oil you will be more energized, boost your metabolism, and strengthen your immune system.

I hope you guys try this, and love it as much as I do! If you try it, let me know if you love it just as much as I do!

Thanks for reading, and happy Monday!
Love always,
Michaela

Do you ever get that sudden spark of inspiration? It makes you feel like dancing, getting in the car and driving to an unknown spot, or sinking yourself into a great book.

It just so happens that this morning about twenty minutes ago, I got the urge to write. So here I am.

Time seems to be moving far too quickly. Sometimes it makes me feel as though I need to stop and catch my breath.

While finishing my coffee  I decided it is time to start living my life to the absolute fullest. Day by day I just seem to float around not really getting much accomplished. Getting so caught up in my comfort zone, and not focusing on my own happiness. Being comfortable is nice, but being to comfortable can cause you to lose motivation and lose sight on your own goals. It's funny that while doing something as simple as drinking your morning cup of coffee you have all of these important thoughts racing thorough your head.

I like writing lists. It makes me feel like I am being responsible, and organized. Even though nine times out of ten, after writing the list I either lose it, or forget about it. But, back to my point. I decided to write out my goals for the rest of the summer. They are simple, and some of you may laugh while reading them, but here goes nothing.

Summer 2015 goals:

1. Go to a bookstore/library and search for a good book. Read it. Repeat. Reading always makes me feel at peace, and calms me down. But because I am taking summer classes, the only books that I have justified myself reading are my boring textbooks. I find time to sit on Instagram or Twitter.. I think I can find time to read a book everyday. Even if it is for twenty minutes.
2. Walk. Every single day. My stress seems to disappear after going for a walk, and I feel better about myself.
3. Adventure Western MA and take pictures of beautiful places. It really is so pretty, and I don't think I give it enough credit.
4. Spend more time with my family.
5. Laugh.

My goals are simple, but important.

I'm not sure if anyone even reads my blog posts, and that's okay with me. But if someone's reading this, and you got some inspiration from it, that is all that matters.

I hope you all have a fun and safe weekend.
Thank you for reading!
Love always,
Michaela