Just Know

I had a conversation with a friend recently that has been replaying in my mind for the past few days. We were talking briefly about what the past three months have been like for me, and he offered a heartfelt, "Things will get better." I responded with, "I sure hope so."

He then said, "No, don't hope. Just know. Just know that things will get better. Like 'Just Do It,' but instead, 'Just Know.' Just know that everything will be alright."

Just Know. Easier said than done, but I really like the thought of this statement. To me, it means to be confident in your faith, to know and not doubt. It's also made me consider a few other things that I need to just do or not do...

Just Get Out of Bed. I've never been a morning person, but lately my "wait until the last minute possible to roll out of bed and get ready and drive to work (not) on-time" has been getting ridiculous.

Just Run. I love running, and I always feel better after spending an hour pounding the pavement, but actually getting myself out the front door is a constant struggle.

Just Grade the Assignments. It's the most unpleasant part of being a teacher, and I procrastinate editing papers and grading assignments more than I care to admit. Once I sit down to do it, it actually doesn't take that long. But it's always the thought of having to do it that gives me a headache.

Just Stop Eating Cheese. Seriously. It's gotta stop.

Just Wash, Dry, Fold and Put Away the Clothes. I usually live out of the basket and sleep on top of the mattress for a week before clean sheets get put on the bed. It's a little ridiculous.

Just Unplug. I fully admit that I am a Facebook fiend. I almost always have my phone attached to my hip. I Instagram everything.  Pinterest is taking over my life.  "The world is too much with [me]."  (I don't count blogging with this... it's therapeutic.)

Just Go to Bed.  I don't why it is, but I have a hard time making myself go to bed at night.  I'm always exhausted at the end of the day, but sometimes the thought of waking up and having to do it all over again is enough to make me delay the inevitable until all hours of the late-night/early-morning.

Just Let Yourself Be Happy.  I don't have a problem being happy, but I think I'm afraid to allow myself to be happy.  Sometimes it feels weird to feel good.  It feels weird to smile and laugh out loud.  And I like being happy and feeling good.  I like smiling and laughing out loud.  I don't like feeling weird.

Just Be Brave.  No explanation needed.