#9things

9 Things You Simply Must Do || Dr Henry Cloud

My dad passed me this book during my end of year break and at first I was quite reluctant to read it because it sounded like the title of a viral video on youtube or one of those clickbait links on social media. However, what discovered from the book wasn't any new ground-breaking tips or tricks for the successful life, but solid principles that are good for us to review and take stock of in our own lives.  Here are a few that stood out to me.

1. Act like an ant I often think up grand plans or give myself enormous goals to achieve, only to find 3 days in I've hardly moved from my starting point and lost all motivation to see these things come to fruition. The principle of "act like an ant" comes from Proverbs 6:6-8 - "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Wanting it all keeps you from having any and wanting it now keeps you from having it at all. Sometimes less is more when we are choosing our goals and what we want to do - being focussed allows us to be effective. Break big goals into achievable routines. We have get used to trusting the process, the routine and most importantly trusting God that in the right time and season we will see a harvest.

2. Know who to upset Growth in relationships often requires confrontation and a process of working things through - a stronger, deeper relationship can often result. Another perspective of this principle is to know that we can't please everyone. I've sometimes thought that being a Christian meant being compliant with everyone's wishes, but looking at the life of Jesus, this was far from the case. Jesus knew his mission on earth from the outset and knew that to truly love people, more than just a few people would be upset with him along the way.

3. Don't play fair Playing fair sounds … fair. If you mess up, you bear and work with the consequences. But when you think about it, playing fair is far from the best way to approach relationships and in most cases its detrimental. If I fail you in our relationship, the last thing I want you to do is get even at me. There is so much in this principle but essentially, we should approach people with the same love and grace the Christ has demonstrated to us. I've found that this requires us to be proactive in our relationships, even in just the simple things. Smile and greet others first, look for needs that can be met, don't let a harsh word change the way you interact with people. It starts with the little things.

In honor of Kate's 32nd birthday, we've selected 9 of our favorite looks from her over the years.

9. Attending the National Portrait Gallery Gala wearing Jenny Packham. Credit: Daily News

In honor of Emma Stone's 26th birthday, we are counting down the best red carpet moments from one of our favorite style icons. 

9. Emma Stone rocked the 2012 MTV Movie Awards in a tuxedo-inspired two-piece by Martin Grant.

Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

8. Emma looked divine in a sparkling navy and emerald Burberry look.

Credit: Rex Features 

1.       Love themselves for who they are.

2.       See Relationships as an extension to, rather than the basis of the human experience.

3.       Embrace Change.

4.       Celebrate rather than compare themselves to the accomplishments of others.

5.       Never dwell in being a victim.

6.       They live in the present.

7.       They trust that everything happens for a reason.

8.       They don’t let money dictate their lives.

9. The sound of a crackling fire place – There's really nothing else like it.

8. Netflix binges – When the weather is an acceptable excuse for staying indoors and watching Gilmore Girls all day.

Summer is over, and the splendor of fall is in the air. And that truly means only one thing — no, not pumpkin spice everything or football season. Fall television has returned, and soon our favorite shows will provide the much-needed answers to the questions we've been pondering all summer. Additionally, we look forward to developing relationships with wonderful new programs — relationships that we hope become very serious, very fast.

9. The Mindy Project

Image Credit: Fox

Mindy and Danny are finally together! But how does their relationship fare in Season 3? Can. Not. Wait.