Studded sweater {similar versions here, here and here} // White Skinny Jeans // D’Orsay Flats {these are also on super sale!} // Purse {I love this one!} // Madewell Necklace

One thing that both drives me crazy and makes me a little proud of myself is that I’m always challenging myself in some slightly unconventional ways. Maybe it’s because I’ve been known to be a little restless {staying stagnant is not my forte!}, but I try to give myself a challenge each week or so with something new. Whether it’s seeing how many days I can go on $50, getting myself into a new habit, or trying something new – I usually have a little secret challenge that I’m working on to mix up my usual routine. I like to think of myself as a secret Lucy Fink in all those 5-day Refinery 29 challenge videos that you always inevitably watch on your Facebook newsfeed 😉

The last few weeks, I’ve been trying to dedicate myself to be more thoughtful and being a better friend, daughter, stranger on the train than I maybe have been in the past. I’ve called friends I haven’t talked to in forever, visited family members that I’d been long overdue to see {like my seriously adorable 90 year old grandpa who lives a few hours away!} and thinking about the little nice things I can do for other people to make their day a little better. I bought a stranger behind me Starbucks, I’ve given most of my spare change while walking downtown, invited friends over who had a bad day and tried my best to be patient and kind even when I want to say things that are less than pleasant instead.

I secretly thought that I might be a little miserable the whole time, but it turns out that I think I’m actually a lot happier in more ways than I expected. Being thoughtful isn’t actually that hard when you really dedicate yourself to looking for opportunities to do something kind for someone else. Like being happy or positive, thoughtfulness is something you can cultivate – it’s an odd thing to really practice, but the more you do the easier it becomes. I know I can get so caught up in how busy I am, or late to work I am, or how I just don’t have time for this or that, but if I step back and figure out a way to be kind or thoughtful I actually am better at realizing how truly ridiculous I’m probably being. Plus, I’m pretty sure making someone else’s day makes your day exponentially better too (so selfishly, being thoughtful is good for you too!)  So if you’re looking for a little project this week, try being a little more thoughtful than usual (even though I’m sure you’re already super thoughtful anyways!) You might be a little surprised at how much it can change your everyday life.