I participated in the annual No More walk in an effort to provide support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
It's so hard to believe that this exists across the country - no one should have to live in fear.
I praise those who have made this their passion and career to help put an end to domestic violence.
Its time for a change.
 









My sweet little nephew brought me for Show and Tell for his preschool class at Christ Lutheran!
Their letter for the day was "Q", so he decided to bring the only "Queen" he knew!
(My nickname is Queen PP)
The children were such a joy to be around and definitely had a lot of questions about the responsibilities of being a "Queen".
It was awesome to be back in the halls of the school where I made many childhood memories!
 










 









"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." 
- Groucho Marx

I have found true happiness by appreciating the beauty around me, always living in the present, and choosing to be happy on my own terms.
 (..and dancing ridiculously)

When you are so focused on the never-ending to do list, it can cloud your vision and make you lose sight of what is important in your life. There will be no time to be happy or do things you truly enjoy, if you are so focused on that list. 

The first question to ask yourself is: what is the most important thing in your life right now?
 It could be a person, your health, your faith, a place, a book, etc. It can be anything! I challenge you to put it at the top of your never-ending to do list. By doing this, you will be free of whatever stands in the way of you and a happier life.

And I'm not saying you should neglect your obligations, but rather allowing more time to do things that give you joy, peace, and a greater understanding of life's simplest pleasures.

Clearing all the clutter out of your mind will give you the time and space you need to fully embrace life. 

I know, sometimes we think we will be happier once we fit into those skinny jeans or get more money or finally go on a date with that person you've had a crush on, but I can tell you with great conviction that you will only find happiness through yourself.

It all comes down to being happy with yourself and truly loving who you are as a person. 

Choose to embrace life. Yes, that means all of your successes and failures. You can either hold onto the past, or you can create your own happiness today. Don't let success get to your head and never let failure get to your heart. Appreciate what you have in this very moment. 
Every day is a new beginning. Embrace it, smile, and focus on the present.

No one has helped me get a great understanding of choosing happiness and loving who I am, than God. I hope this quote inspires you as much as it has inspire me.
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Thanks for reading!

With all my love and happiness,

Paige Pflueger
xoxo


P.S. The photo creds goes to my wonderful friend, Timothy. He's an incredible artist and an inspiring young man.
Check him out!
Here is the link to his blog:
http://www.timothymetcalfphotography.com/


 
I believe looking at a different perspective in any difficult or wonderful situation in life is crucial to keep moving forward. In order to strive for greatness in our lives, you have to model that greatness in your thinking. You have to open your eyes to see the beauty in front of you and to truly enjoy life. Only then will we be in the right mindset to obtain the wisdom to inspire others and enact change in our culture.

Too often our mind gets tangled in a difficult situation and we believe there is only one way out. Take a step back, look at in a different way. The more perspectives you have, the more possibilities you have as well. It gives you freedom. Freedom to choose, to reconsider..Ultimately, to be happier. 

Each one of us takes a personal journey through life, creating our own experiences and collecting our knowledge. We were created by God to be different, to have our own ideas, views, and creations. It is scientifically impossible to be the exact same as someone physically and emotionally. So if you don’t have the same view as your friend, parent, or stranger, don’t try to change yourself or judge one another. Embrace it and try to see from their eyes as well. I know sometimes it’s hard to accept that people don’t feel that same way as you about certain things, but remember - differences with others stretch us, similarities comfort us. We have to learn from one another in order to grow. 

They say how you look at a glass that is filled halfway with water, determines how you look at any given situation. Well I think everyone can look at the glass - half full, half empty, and completely full every time. I challenge everyone to do this in every situation, this will help open your eyes and give you new ideas. And remember, there is no wrong or right answer…In all reality, it is just a glass with water. :)

P.S. I decided I’m going to create an art piece every once in awhile and reflect on the meaning behind it. Let me know what you think! 
Thanks for reading! 




New York was everything I have ever imagined and more! Here are some photos of my wonderful trip!







I had the opportunity to visit the Miss Universe office! I enjoyed meeting the staff behind such an incredible organization, they were all very welcoming! 




Have to get a selfie by the reigning Miss Teen USA! Isn't she gorgeous?!




I went to Milk with Hoang-Kim and OH MY GOODNESS. YUMMY. 




And of course, we had to be the typical tourists :)





First Broadway Show: Mamma Mia! The actors and actresses did outstanding!! We sat 4 rows away!









                                                     There were frequent starbucks runs! 




On top of the Rock!







                                                     Before my photoshoot with Fadil Berisha!



                                   Elin is so sweet and she does an amazing job with hair!




                        Blair is just fabulous and put me in the most beautiful Sherri hill dress! 



         Yuko did a beautiful job painting my face! And she has the most ADORABLE baby. 



Goofin' around, I had a really fun time!


Fadil is pure magic and I am so blessed have been able to work with such a wonderful team! They really know how to make a girl feel beautiful!


Visiting the 9/11 memorial was heart-renching. My heart goes out to all the lives that were lost and the families that it affected. I was truly at a loss for words. It made me realize how precious life is and how unpredictable it can be. {Gone, but NEVER forgotten}




Of course you have to make a stop at Serendipity when you're in New York! The frozen hot chocolate is heaven. {Words of advice: I got so excited, I drank it way too fast. Don't do that. You will get a serious tummy ache.}


Sora and I had a blast playing in the snow in Times Square! We were dancing around and taking so many photos..and by how many stares we got, people probably thought it was our first time ever seeing snow! But there is truly nothing quite like a snowy day in New York City with good company and some coffee.













I can see why people fall in love with this city so easily. I fell in love with the city, the people, the food, and the feeling that I belonged to be there. (Even though getting a taxi is so much harder than it looks.)

New York, 
we will meet again!