JoannaSpeaks

Summer Goals!

Ever since I was old enough to leave the house without my mom holding my hand, (Sometimes I still need my mom to hold my hand…), I’ve made “Summer bucket lists” that consisted of ridiculous things like “Play paint Twister!” or “Kiss in the rain!” Of course, I never wound up doing any of the things I have written down. So this year,  I thought I would mature my list and make it a tad bit more realistic. Rather than fantasizing about experiences and events, I set some goals for myself to follow this Summer.

It’s too often that I avoid the things or people that make me the most anxious. Doing that will only make my anxiety worse each time those things or people come into mind.

As mentioned in my post about the Pros and Cons of Anxiety, I often refrain from going to new places or exploring. Which leads me to my

 Next goal.

I live in the beautiful South Jersey shore. I believe there is no  place better for a relaxing get away. However, locals don’t get to see that side of the shore. We work here. It’s like working in a coffee shop. You might love to sit down in a coffee bean scented store and catch up on your favorite book or blog. However, never in the coffee shop you work in! There are so many places around home that I haven’t been to yet & I’d love to see another side to home!

Two of my favorite things to do in the Summer is go to the beach, and practice some self-lead yoga. During the winter and fall, the beach is out of the question. Also, because of school, I don’t really get much of a chance to practice yoga!

My skin is basically screaming for water. (Literally, my pores look like little mouths yelling for help). Also, since the weather is changing, it’s so important to stay hydrated. For your energy, health and skin!

Melon Ball Punch

This looks SO GOOD AND REFRESHING! This seems perfect to bring to a summer get together. Or something cute and flavorful for daytime guests. Now, I’m only 19, but I’m sure that something a little stronger definitely wouldn’t be awful, right?

Trendy Spring Outfit.

This is a perfect combination of the two styles that I’ve been loving! Trendy and boho. Those are styles, right? Anyway, I mean it’s bohemian while still looking sophisticated. I love it. And it definitely inspired my summer/spring outfit choices!

5 Infused Water Recipes.

Cute For Exams.

While perusing the clothing tags of Pinterest, I came across this laid back, stylish and comfy look. I’ve been looking for this certain pair of Sperry’s since the fall, and I got too excited when I saw this outfit that was put together.

The Best Outdoor Dining In NYC

I really really really am looking forward to possibly beginning the journey to moving to NYC. That means making a lot more trips up north to familiarize myself with the area, look for possible jobs, apartments, etc. THIS means also finding the cutiest and yummiest place to chow down. This post provided too much excitement for my love of food and New York combined.

As some of you may or may not know, I struggle from anxiety. As a 19-year-old girl, experiencing college and a full time job, it often makes me anxious to stray from work and school. Although anxiety acts as a roadblock between experiencing adventures, and me it also has taught me many things.

What anxiety prevents me from:

From things as big as moving, picking a school or picking a major, to things as little as eating at new places, making phone calls, or going out with friends.

I’ll stay in a terrible situation for as long as I possibly can if it means no confrontation, change, or new commitments.

“My favorite band is going on tour!?” Let me half try to get tickets because maybe I shouldn’t actually go because I would have to catch the train and then walk to the venue and also wait in line to get a spot in the crowd where I probably wouldn’t feel comfortable because there will be too many arms and elbows and I’d lose breathing space. I probably shouldn’t go. I have work the next day at 3pm anyway. “Those tickets were really hard to get a hold of…”

Sometimes I purposely cut off people who are starting to get close to me because I’m worried they’ll see me having an anxiety attack and then they’ll be afraid of me and look at me differently.

Simply because I shut down decisions without even making an attempt to evaluate them. I worry about what there would be to worry about before I get the chance to even worry about it. I’m sure that didn’t make any sense.

However, It has also taught me:

Nothing lasts forever. If I’m out, I’d rather be home safely because I’m worried about all the things I have to get done, or I’m worried about not being home because I might possibly maybe have an anxiety attack. It seems like the night is going on forever and I do whatever I possibly can to get home ASAP. But, in reality, I won’t be out forever. I tell myself, “You’ll see your bed and your to-do list eventually. Be present now!”

One of the tings I’ve been practicing is confidence. Because when I’m confident, I am more likely to take chances and take advantage of how good I feel.

One major pro of having anxiety: you’ll always be organized! I have about 4 planners and to-do lists. For me, a major adaptor is writing everything down.

If practicing yoga each morning didn’t keep my anxiety under control, I probably would never do it.

A lot of people don’t know that I have anxiety. So, when I’m quiet or distant, who ever I’m with assumes I’m angry or upset. They never would guess that I’m trying to focus on my breathing because I feel anxious for no apparent reason. I don’t take everything so personally anymore. Everyone has his or her internal emotional moments.

I live in a beach town. I live in beautiful Ocean City, New Jersey. This means every summer, our calm and quiet home town becomes invaded with vacationers. Some are sweet, others are cranky, mean and (to be honest) self centered. I work in a Starbucks, which means that people are already cranky before having their coffee. It’s a little frustrating to make the transition between winter business and summer business. In the Winter, the town is used to the same people wandering the main road and visiting the shops. In Summer, strangers come in, demand excellence and they sometimes make me cry a little bit. So, if you’re taking a vacation to a beach town, here’s a few things to remember before winding down.

Although the saying “The customer is always right,” is correct, don’t assume that just because they are all wearing the same uniform means that they’re robots. They have feelings, too! They also want to be on the beach and spending time with their families.

Parking is expensive. So, if I live here year round, why would I want to pay for parking to visit my friends or go to work when our cars should be able to both park on that whole half of the block that you’re taking up?

This does not need an explanation.

Believe it or not, I’ve spoken to a tourist customer who asked me if the town was a dud during the off-season. She asked if our businesses made enough money to stay open year round. First of all, it’s hurtful for others to talk about your hometown like that. Year rounder’s see the town when it’s dead, busy, under water, etc. It’s our town and we love it during every season.

I’m not sure why everyone thinks it’s a cute and fun idea to be attacked by hungry seagulls; on the boardwalk, around 100 other people. No one wants seagulls dancing around their over priced French fries. Not to mention, we all know seagulls have no shame in doing their business where ever they want.

You’re not in Pennsylvania or New York or Idaho or Canada or where ever you came from. I do not personally write up these prices to make you angry. Please, just accept that literally everything is overly priced no matter what beach town you go to.

Even though it’s the law (and COMMON SENSE) to yield for anyone trying to cross the street, not everyone sees you. Please look both ways before pushing your baby stroller into traffic because it’s the law for them to not hit you. Just look and wait for someone to wave you across. There are a-holes who won’t let you cross the road. Safety is more important.

If I motion you to keep driving, that means I’m not leaving. That doesn’t mean to get out of your car and knock on my window and make me move.

Not their second home, not their vacation spot, but it’s my one and only home. Please treat it that way! Pick up after your doggie’s mess, don’t be rude, watch your children, etc.

You’re vacationing! Relax and have fun! Wipe away that miserable resting facial expression and smile at people that walk by. Don’t scoff if the person in front of you is taking too long to order their coffee.  Just relax and have fun!

**This was all in pure fun. I don’t mean to offend or be rude to anyone that might be reading this.**

Photo: Here