My Message to the Class of 2013

Posted on May 15, 2013 by

Graduation speeches are tricky. The balance between sentimental and silly can quickly turn into a goopy sticky smattering of clichés and awkward jokes if you’re not careful. So I wanted to share my message here, online—with no long intentional pauses or stares into the distance to represent the future to come. I’ll just begin with a few questions so just mentally raise your hand if you can relate. Have you ever said during the past four years, “I can’t wait to turn 21?” or “I can’t wait for summer?” or “I can’t wait for finals to be over?” I’m guilty as charged myself. I found out that many of us are postponing our happiness and wishing our lives away without even realizing it. I wanted to turn that around so I decided to write about a book about it, now called, The Sunny Side Up!. After interviewing hundreds of Bruins about what it is that makes them happy, I compiled a list of Sunny Suggestions, which are simple tools and tips for improving your life and I wanted to share a few of those with you today so that you can continue to find happiness in your life well after graduation.

So the first suggestion—make gratitude ever present in your life. I recently saw an interview with a graduate student named Aimee Copeland. She had both of her hands, left leg, and right foot amputed after getting a flesh eating bacteria from a zipline crash that nearly took her life. Yet what did Aimee have to say about it? “Regardless of what happens to you…there’s always so much joy out there, and you just got to find it,” UCLA has given us so much to be thankful for—now it’s up to us to continue to appreciate the journey ahead, even when challenges come our way, as they inevitably will. We can choose to stay positive and we’ll be happier for it.

Next, never stop setting goals. Graduating from UCLA is just the beginning. It’s time to dream big and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you want to start up your own company or follow through on an idea that inspires you, now is your chance. We live in a time where you don’t have to play it safe or go by the book—be creative and break out. Be different. You don’t have to wait for other people to tell you “yes,” The only person you need to tell that to is yourself. Always believe that great things lie ahead in your future and remember that you never have to settle. You are capable of more than you think you are.

Third, don’t lose sight of the people who have changed your life for the better. The friendships we’ve made here can last for a lifetime if you’re willing to make an effort to stay in touch. As we share this time together, don’t let these precious friends slip away from you. We need to continue care about each other and connect.

Next, never stop finding people in your life who inspire you to think harder, be kinder, and give more. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to people who amaze you. But it’s just as important to be a mentor. When someone comes to you for help, whether it’s with your time or advice, offer it to them. So many people in our lives have been willing to help us achieve our dreams—it’s so important that we help others accomplish theirs.

Lastly, give back. Find a cause you’re passionate about and put your heart there. Whether you danced for 26 hours at Dance Marathon or walked the track at Relay for Life during your time here—keep the spirit of service alive. The Bruin community is all about helping others and if we want to lead happy lives, we’ve got to begin by sharing and serving others. As Coach Wooden said, “Happiness begins when selfishness ends.”

Remember that happiness happens when YOU make it happen. Always believe in yourself and believe the best in other people as well. There is so much good in the world and it’s up to us to be apart of that goodness and share it with others. To quote from one of my favorite movies The Help, “You are kind, you are smart, you are important.” So don’t forget it! Congratulations Class of 2013!

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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What I Learned When I Wrote a Book

Posted on May 6, 2013 by

This week has been the culmination of so many things in my life: the publication of my book, The Sunny Side Up!, the beginning of the end of my senior year at UCLA, and the preparation for my year as a Chi Omega National Consultant. But as I’ve celebrated this week, it also brings me back to how it all began—with the book that started it all. Let me take you back to my freshman year of college…

happiness-projectIt was at a family birthday party for my cousin. After eating homemade cake it was present time. She opened a book. Simple enough. “What book is that?” I said. “Oh, it’s Gretchen Rubin’s book, The Happiness Project.” I commented, “I would love to write a book like that.” I remember I was mildly rebuked—Gretchen was a prestigious bestselling author…she had something to say. Her life, her age, her wisdom had something to offer. At 19 years of age, did I not have anything worthwhile to say? And if I did, would anyone even listen? Even though my cousin blew her birthday candles out that night, my candle had just been lit up. It was on.

I got a copy of Rubin’s book for myself (no birthday necessary) and I practically painted the book with highlighters and pink pen marks while eating salads, waiting for class to start, and before falling asleep in a loft bed that practically touched the ceiling. In essence, wherever I went, that book went. This book was my starting point and I wanted to make sure I understood it not just like the back of my hand, but like the birthmark on my left leg. By the time I got to the last page, I was convinced that I had to write. And I wanted to write with Gretchen—a teen edition to The Happiness Project. What a brilliant idea! Or so I thought at the time.

Now I’ve always been thankful for my courage. Sure, there have been times when I’ve been stung by it but it’s left me with no regrets. When there is someone I want to connect with, I reach out. Why not? Even if they say no or ignore me outright, I can still know that I have done my part. So I wrote Gretchen and told her my bold plan to partner up and be a New York Times bookselling team. And she wrote back, which I greatly appreciated. The answer? Thanks, but no thanks. I felt like the kid who got rejected to go to prom.

But it was okay. I don’t mind dancing alone. I simply decided that I would write my own book. Gretchen wrote from the standpoint of having a midlife epiphany to turn her life around—to shift her perspective. I wanted to take a different stance. As a 19 year old at the time, I wanted to help my generation find happiness now so that we could have fulfillment all along and not have that wake up call of dissatisfaction at a later point. Of course, times of trouble are inevitable but if you put positivity at the forefront of your mind, it will carry you through.

Fun fact: My best friend of 21 years, Lauren (we have the same name), has done all The Sunny Girl photography the past four years--including the cover of the book.

Fun fact: My best friend of 21 years, Lauren (we have the same name), has done all The Sunny Girl photography the past four years–including the cover of the book.

So I got to writing. And blogging (this post here is my 607th blog post). And interviewing. I wanted the book to be a commentary on my generation. I knew that people would critique me by saying—“You’re 20, who are you to say what makes for a happy life?” So I got my people to back me up. Or say it how they saw it. I asked my peers about what exactly made them happy and they gave me the honest answers. The most inspiring part of the writing process was seeing how happy young adults really are. Even though older generations like to tag us as entitled or lazy or dissatisfied, we are actually quite happy and we want to contribute to the community, give and receive love, and achieve our goals. My hope is that this book will give people of all ages faith in the Millennial generation.

I decided to self publish. Some people would have a semi-puzzled look on their face when I told them that—no traditional publisher? What do you mean? I was hard pressed to break out of the traditional mold myself. Sure, it would have been nice to have a literary agent and a publishing company eager to sign the dotted line. But ultimately, the road of self publishing made me a more independent, confident, and creative author. I had to do everything. Shoot and design the book cover. Find an editor I trusted (and could afford) and promote the book with all my might.

But I loved the process, I delighted in it. And more than anything, I wanted to self-publish because I wanted to get the book on the market as soon as possible. Part of the reason I wanted to write the book was to be a real and relatable young adult myself—not just as an author but as a peer. If the book didn’t come out till I was 25…well, mission not accomplished.

71u56jRapLL._SL1360_So now, after parsing through hundreds of interviews, writing, re-writing, and re-writing again, countless editing rounds, and cover designing, the book is done. Fin. You can buy it online—there it is on Amazon! Just like I imagined it. I think it still hasn’t hit me yet and I’m not sure if it will for awhile. I don’t want it to. Because the real work is only just beginning. Yes I have written a book, but now the new goal is getting people to read the book—on their own volition. The pen is out of my hands and the paper is in theirs.

While it would be great to see book sales summit (one can dream!), my real goal is that for the people who do pick up the book, they find a friend within the pages. Yes, young adults as a whole are happy but we have our tough days—just like anyone of any age. This book is to show you you’re not alone, even if it feels like you are. Sometimes it can be hard to have a real conversation with people about what you’re facing but this book has the answers that aren’t always said aloud. I hope my book is comforting yet I also hope that it inspires young adults to find their own dreams and follow through with them.

We live in a world now where anything is possible. You don’t have to wait for people to tell you “yes,” the only person you need to say that to is yourself. Give yourself the go-ahead to follow through on your goals and don’t give up on them, even if others doubt you. You can do what you dream. After having my book published on April 25, 2013, after four years of hard work, I did.

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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Lessons from Maui

Posted on April 4, 2013 by

Day 3 Wed Snorkeling Lahaina Luau (66)It’s spring! I just returned from Maui for spring break and it was one of the best weeks of my life. Swimming with sea turtles, sipping pina coladas, and enjoying the sunshine—what is not to love? Even though it was hard to get on the plane to come back home, I know that I’m going to cherish the memories. Besides, the last few months of school are the best of the entire year. Sometimes when the clock is running out you treasure the time even more.

Still, I’m reminiscing about that turquoise ocean and the lessons Maui taught me. I think they apply whether or not you’ve been to the island. Spring Sunny Suggestions—here we go!

Day 6 Sat Dukes Haleakala Beach walk (165)1. Let new adventures inspire you: I went scuba diving for the first time this spring. While I was pretty nervous during that first descend, I soon found myself feeling comfortable 30 feet under and actually enjoying it! Taking healthy risks can be invigorating. Now I think I’d like to get certified! It’s always good to continue learning and beginning new challenges. Look for opportunities in your life that scare you but pique your interest—skydiving, anyone?

2. Go ahead—eat: It’s sad to me that so many of us are always on diets—girls especially. After spending several years of my life obsessing over every calorie I ate, I’m now very candid about how physically and mentally unhealthy it is to worry excessively about what we eat. Especially on vacation, it’s so important to live a little and just enjoy good food. In Maui we discovered a famous pie shop called Mama Leoda’s and we ended up visiting it three times because it was so heavenly! So what if I gained a few pounds? The food was great and I loved all the personality of the places we ate.

IMG_11463. Pause: In California we’re always on the go. It’s hard to really stop and enjoy the moment. Be aware. As I sat in Maui looking at the beautiful palm trees, the sunset, the whales breaching, I was so inspired by nature and all the amazing creations of this world. Remember that you are one small piece in an enormous puzzle—an essential piece, but a small one nonetheless. It’s marvelous to see beyond our everyday life and look at how magnificent our world really is.

4. Make every day count: I went with my family to Maui and we have always been the type to be on the move on vacation. We’re not the kind to lay on the beach all day. Trust me, I love just lounging but I realized this trip that you have to make the most of your time. You have to do what you can’t do anywhere else—sure, you can lay on the beach in California but can you go to a luau or go snorkeling? The same applies to being a college student—you have to do everything that you can now that you won’t be able to do later. Sit in those lecture halls and go to the events that spark your interest. This is the time.

No matter what you did for spring break, I hope you enjoyed it and are coming back refreshed and recharged. Let’s enjoy these spring days and celebrate!

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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Storing Up Your Happiness

Posted on March 25, 2013 by

Grades are coming out soon and it always reminds me of how fragile happiness can be. Of course you recover, but getting a bad grade, especially after you feel you’ve worked really hard, is deflating. It can kill ambition and knock the wind out of your sails—if you let it.

Have you ever noticed how succeeding at something or receiving good news can be very exciting momentarily but getting bad news or doing poorly at a test or a basketball game (whatever it might be) can bring you down for hours, if not days? It’s similar to getting a compliment or a critique. When someone compliments us we often shake it off and disregard it. Or it makes us smile for a second and we move on. But when we hear someone speak ill of us? We can’t get it out our heads—it can be drowning.

I think it’s time for a reverse.

Let the happiness pile up!

Let the happiness pile up!

How bout we take the positive praise in our life—all the kind words, good grades, nice smiles—anything happy that comes our way and magnify it in our lives? Why don’t we make THAT the center of our life? Instead of focusing on someone’s negativity about your appearance, your personality, whatever it may be—reflect it back with all the GREAT things that are going on with your life.

When someone gives you a compliment, don’t forget it. I actually have a file on my computer where I save messages and emails from people who have taken the time to write something thoughtful to me. It may seem silly, but these words of love make a huge difference when you have days that feel completely evaporated of love. Make the compassion you’ve received in the past handy so that you can remember all the good that is in our world. It’s there—give it the attention it deserves.

On that note, just as others have taken the time to send you love, be sure to give it back. Doesn’t it make you smile when someone sends you a thoughtful email, just because? It’s the best kind of surprise. Flatter someone, make their day. There’s no shame in telling someone you admire them. Not to mention, it builds stronger relationships. These thoughtful acts benefit both the recipient and the sender.

Now if you’ve been hurt by someone or something, of course you need to allow yourself time to heal. It’s okay to be sad—it’s healthy. But don’t ever let yourself forget the light left in the world. The longer you stay in darkness the more your eyes will be shocked by the sunshine. Stay familiar with the joy and keep it present in your life.

So next time you get a great grade—celebrate it and let it add to your happiness exponentially. Let all the little successes and celebrations pile up and surmount any sadness you’ve had. Don’t let one negative event bomb away the hundreds of good things you’ve been storing up—protect it with all your might! No one can take your happiness away from you, only you have that right.

Let the good outweigh the bad—simple as that!

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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Sunny Star: Professor Karen Givvin

Posted on March 13, 2013 by

562907_103445313139198_1856704238_nI’m so excited to introduce the latest Sunny Star, my Psychology of Education Professor, Karen Givvin. As I prepare to graduate in June, taking her class has been one of the highlights of my academic career thus far. After being a student for the past 17 years or so, it has been so interesting learning about learning. We’ve covered how our teachers instruct most effectively, how students retain knowledge best, and how the classroom culture can help us foster a love for learning or a love for merely earning the best grades. This class has been a perfect reminder about how class is not meant to be a competition or a rat race, but rather, an opportunity to learn valuable information for the sheer sake of knowledge.

Thank you so much to Professor Givvin for this interview! I hope you enjoy reading what she has to say and I hope it brings back fond memories of your days in school!

1. You are an Education Psychology Professor at UCLA. You are especially interested in looking at the different teaching styles in America and other countries. What inspired you to pursue this research?

Each of the members in my small family was born on a different continent and we traveled a lot when I was a kid.  I think I’ve had a sense for a long time that different cultures have different ways of doing things.  It’s interesting when you take that approach toward education.  After all, every culture educates its children in some way — most even in some formal way.  To fail to learn from what people are doing elsewhere is a tremendous (inexcusable) loss.

2. Many American students don’t particularly love school. For example, they often wish their time away by saying, “I can’t wait for the weekend,” or “I can’t wait for the school year to end.” What do you think is the reason for this?

I don’t think it’s a terrible thing to be eager for the weekend or for summer break.  I always am!  Learning is hard work and it’s natural to look forward to time off and the freedom that brings.  Dreading school is something else, and there are too many students for whom that’s the case.  For those students  who hate hard work, there’s little way around it, either in school or in life thereafter.  For those who hate school because they don’t feel cared about or don’t feel safe, we need to make sure we offer a place in which they feel supported to learn.

3. How do you think we can make the classroom environment a happier experience for students?

I believe firmly that the best motivator is an interesting task.  We know from the TIMSS 1999 Video Study that American teachers often make their classrooms fun at the expense of learning.  Challenge can be fun and deeply rewarding.  If we all wanted to engage in tasks that are easy, the developers of Sudoku puzzles wouldn’t offer varied levels of difficulty.  In fact, there probably wouldn’t be Sudoku developers at all!  Struggling with a task and experiencing success as a result makes us feel competent and happy.

4. What do you think we can learn from other countries so that American students are not only learning more, but enjoying the process of learning as well?

Some other countries value students’ thinking more than we do.  I’m particularly drawn to that.  It has the potential to lead individual students to value their OWN thinking more.  That can result not only in a greater willingness to DO more thinking, but also to put more ideas “out there” for discussion.  We’re all better off when there are more voices in the mix.

5. What is your hope for the state of education in our country in the next 20 years?

Education is an enormous undertaking.  Anything with that kind of mass has a great deal of inertia.  It’s difficult to change.  I hope that there will be some resignation to the fact that there aren’t any easy fixes.  We can’t expect to be on top of world rankings in a short period of time (if, indeed, that’s our goal).  I hope that our K-12 education finds a way to settle on small, continuous, and sustainable improvements.  With respect to higher education, I hope that states increase their support for public universities.  Students shouldn’t be expected to carry the amount of debt they currently do.

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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Finding Happiness When You Don’t Know What Will Happen

Posted on March 5, 2013 by

Finding peace no matter what you are.

With June quickly approaching, this year has had plenty of uncertainty. I don’t know what city I’ll be living in or where I’ll be working. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging at time but it’s given me a great lesson in the meantime: how to find happiness even in the most stressful circumstances. Can it be done? Of course it can!

Happiness takes on a new form under conditions like these. Yes, it doesn’t come as naturally but it doesn’t mean those moments of joy aren’t still there. You have to make them matter even more. When you hear some good news or you get to spend time with your friends—revel in it and realize that you have to enjoy these gifts while you have them. Take time to celebrate your success!

Furthermore, it’s okay to lean on others for support and encouragement. As much as our society teaches us to be independent and self-sufficient (which are important qualities) it’s not a bad thing to garner the advice of others and learn from their past experiences. It’s also important to spend quality time with those you love and enjoy the hours when you can just relax and not worry about deadlines.

My mantra this year is that everything that is meant to be will be. Some of you are saying: CLICHÉ. So be it. It works for me and it helps me see the bigger picture. If you see your losses as failures, it’s going to be much harder to recover and find your happiness than if you accept them as learning opportunities. There will definitely be times in our life when we’ll scratch our heads and wonder why things turned out the way the did. But we have to remember that in time, we will know that it was for the best and that we grew from it.

Another key to any stress you’re experiencing? Don’t take it personally. You never know what someone is going through. You can’t judge where someone’s mind or heart is at and you can only be so perceptive. Be confident in your own direction and your own dreams and trust that they will align in time.

I won’t lie: happiness can be harder to come by when life feels tense and uncertain. But instead of shaking in our boots, let’s stand tall in them and revel in the unknown. It will ultimately makes us braver, stronger people. If you ever look back on times in your life where you’ve felt scared, whether it was ziplining or going away to college—ultimately, weren’t you glad you did it? Weren’t you thankful that you took that leap of faith? I’ve always been glad I did.

Don’t ever forget how capable you are. While others may have the power to tell you “yes” or “no” remember that you are the one who ultimately decides your worth. Treat yourself kindly and be patient with yourself as this year carries on. You can and WILL do great things!

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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The Best Birthday Surprise

Posted on February 14, 2013 by

b396b10ecfda9cce64f75dc8268daf94Yesterday was my 22nd birthday! I can’t believe it. Normally I’m a little skeptical of birthdays because I feel like there’s pressure to make the day “perfect.” I often love the simple days that have unexpected perfection. But this year was a perfect birthday, even though it was a simple enough. I think when you decide the day will be great, it will be. I went in with a mindset to enjoy the day and accept it no matter how it turned out—and I felt so happy in return.

My birthday has been especially wonderful since my 19th birthday. I met my boyfriend on that day. It amazes me how a five minute conversation with someone can turn into a three year relationship. I’m actually flying out to New York tomorrow to go see him! I saw a quote the other day that said, “We all start out as strangers.” It reminds me how we should always be open to meeting new people—you never know how a person can change your life.

I love looking back on my life and seeing how chance encounters have become monumental moments. Little did I know at the time. It reminds me how an ordinary day can suddenly become extraordinary as the years go by. May we remember to take in these “plain” days because they have the potential to have a tremendous impact on our happiness.

Sure, there is also the chance that these people we meet could hurt us. Some will. We may hurt them—hopefully not intentionally of course. But that shouldn’t hold us back from accepting new relationships with open arms. You have to take that chance to find love and happiness that awaits.

I’m so glad that I was aware and in the moment when I met my boyfriend. I remembered him and now he has become one of the most important people in my life. He makes me so incredibly happy and I feel blessed.

So on that note, Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I hope your day is magical.

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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What My Cat Taught Me

Posted on January 28, 2013 by

IMG_2624I know that by the title of this, it would only be natural to assume I am a cat lady. Before you go jumping to conclusions (which in this case are probably accurate) let me continue. As I sit in my room, trying to find inspiration when it seems to have escaped with no hope of return (at least for the day), I pet my cat in exasperation. He purrs softly and reaches his head back as if to remind me, “Just relax.” He then yawns repeatedly. At least he knows how to follow his own advice.

My cat loves to sit with me as I write. Perhaps he likes the sound of my fingers typing away or he just likes the blanket I put there for him. Probably the latter. Nonetheless, I like his company. As an only child, he is my compadre and we love to look out our window on quiet afternoons. Uh oh, I’m starting to sound like I’m writing a dating profile for my cat and I. So let me get to the real point of this post.

No matter what kind of pet you have (and I hope you have one!) be it a dog, cat, iguana, or hermit crab—our pets can teach us so much about happiness. Sometimes those who can’t talk (at least not a human language) can say the most.

My Siamese, short haired, Chocolate Point cat, Kiko, has been teaching me lessons on the daily ever since we picked him up as a kitten in San Diego almost seven years ago. I’m blessed to have this big ball of fur in my life (he’s nearing 20 pounds soon) and I wanted to share his cat wisdom with you all:

1. Say hello to everyone: Whenever anyone comes to my house, Kiko is the first to greet them. He loves to be pet and introduce himself. In return, everyone loves him. Our first cat Simo (bless his heart) was a real grump when it came to strangers and in return, visitors never paid much attention to him. Moral of the story: say hello to people, both friends and strangers and they will be more included to interact with you. It’s a win-win for both parties.

2. Take risks: Most cats loathe the water. Not Kiko. Whenever I take a bath, he loves to sit on the ledge and dip his entire tail in. Maybe some of his genes got rewired, but I love his uncanny boldness. Do the same in your life—venture in the unknown and don’t be afraid of a little water.

3. Lean on others: We’re often taught to be independent and self-reliant—we don’t like to admit to that we need help. Kiko has no problem with that. In these cold winter months, his fur coat hasn’t been doing him justice so he loves to jump in my lap and warm up. Don’t be afraid to count on others when you need some extra encouragement or comfort—they will appreciate you reaching out.

Kiko has the art of napping down.

Kiko has the art of napping down.

4. Take naps: That lesson is pretty simple. Need I say more?

5. Love your life: Kiko is a master purr cat. He loves to be pet and cuddled and hearing his loud “motor” run always makes me happy. Kiko delights in his simple yet fruitful life and we should love our lives as well. He doesn’t live in a palace, but to him, his family and safe home are all that he needs. Let us be content with what we have and find our happiness within our homes.

I hope Kiko has been able to impart some wisdom to you today through me. He’s been a faithful friend throughout the years, and I’ll always be thankful to him for the endless happiness he’s given me. There are few people in this world who can give us unconditional love but our pets give it flawlessly. Give your pet an extra cuddle today.

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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The Moment is NOW

Posted on January 21, 2013 by

418131146623200998_7S3rgVjh_cI love the beginning of a new year. Now I know “New Year’s” seems like a while ago but for some reason my inspiration is kicking in a little late this year. Better late than never! When the moment of motivation strikes, you have to seize it. Don’t stare dumbfounded at it—embrace it and get going!

In case that fire still hasn’t been lit for you (and it’s totally fine if it hasn’t—it’s been a pretty cold and rainy winter thus far), you can always turn the situation around. If your ambition is in hibernation, it’s time to wake it up. There’s no time to waste, even if it is winter!

I think the best way to kick your motivation into high gear is to start goal setting to the max. In the beginning of the year there is so much promise. An empty slate, a blank calendar. Take your pen and make plans. Fill in the dates with memories-to-be and make each day count. Yes, we need to live in the moment but the moment will be that much more special if we’ve prepared for it.

Sometimes the happiest experiences come out of sheer anticipation. Waiting for something you’ve planned on can make the event itself so much more special. Of course—there comes a pitfall with this kind of upped ante. There is always the potential for disappointment. We’ve all been there—plans that we’ve built up in our minds to a grandiose occasion that fall flat into nothingness. What a let down. I often take these hits the worst since I’m such a planner but I always try to learn from them. It builds resilience if you choose to accept it that way.

Still—the fear of fallout shouldn’t hold you back from making those big plans you have for your life—and especially for your year ahead. Book the trip you’ve been dreaming about since you were five. Apply for that job application even if you’re unsure of the outcome. Go up and talk to that person that you think might snub you. If you never try, never ask, never GO FOR IT, the answer will always be a thundering no. Don’t let anyone silence you before you’ve even spoken. Go for your goals and see them as a reality—something that will happen in only a matter of time.

This is your moment, so take it head on. Don’t cower away worrying that you’ll be let down or embarrassed or lost without a paddle. You’ve got arms; you can swim. My point: you’re resourceful and even if your dream doesn’t work out, go back to sleep and dream a new dream. Your imagination is bigger than your mind may consciously think so go beyond those limits and explore the unknown. Knowledge is a treasured gift but we have to learn and test our boundaries to gain it.

This year is rumbling with so much potential. New friends, new countries, new classes, new lessons to learn. Stronger relationships, braver adventures, and actualizations of your goals. It’s all real, it’s all yours—go out and live. Oh and while you’re at, embrace the natural happiness that comes along the way.

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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This Little Light of Mine

Posted on January 18, 2013 by

240661173808627540_FQ75Y3cc_cThere are many things in life that add to our happiness. A new outfit. A new gadget. A good meal. The list continues. Wonderful yes, but altogether short lived. Ultimately—more than anything, it’s the people, isn’t it?

At this moment, I’m sitting alone, typing along but still feeling immensely grateful for the people in my life. I love these moments when I can sit back and reflect. When we’re constantly surrounding ourselves we have no time to process. We have to cherish these moments and not let them pass by. We can’t forget.

As many of you may know if you read my blog, I’ve been in a long distance relationship since August. It hasn’t been easy but to me, it will always be worth it. I think it’s so important that we make people the number one priority in our lives—to not put them second to TV shows, our bad habits, or whatever it may be that slyly pulls us back from where we should be. We need to be present in our relationships, even when we cannot be physically there.

My boyfriend has been home for a month now and it has left me in such elation on a daily basis. I’m all the more thankful now for his presence than ever before. He’ll be leaving on Sunday and it will all be as it was again for the next month. Still, I can’t help but feel immensely grateful to have such a person in my life, even if only for bursts of time. Just to have some time is enough to make me happy.

I know you shouldn’t count on other people to make you happy. It must come from within. But still, don’t you think that some people can illuminate a part of you that was growing dim or completely dark before you met them? I do. Once that light has been sparked, you can’t help but feel the warmth of that new positive energy shining from within. And then that new light you have can be passed along and shared to start a light in others. And so it goes—on and on.

So as I sit here tonight kindling the light within, I hope you will find your light and help others find theirs. Life is about making connections—not fearing nearness. Let us welcome it instead.

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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