what to do when you're alone w/ your thoughts

"The Lord himself goes before you 

and will be with you; 

he will never leave you 

nor forsake you. 

Do not be afraid; 

do not be discouraged."

Deuteronomy 31:8

Hey guys!! I hope you are all doing amazing! 

I have read and seen a lot about people having a hard time with quarantine. We were made to be social beings, and without a whole lot of warning, a lot of our "normal" was stripped away from us. It comes as no surprise that this is affecting people mentally.

As for myself, I am doing just fine for the most part. I only get stressed when there is something to be stressed about. Despite the spontaneous life change, I would not say I feel much different. I feel like I have managed my anxiety well, and this has actually given me the opportunity to let my mind breathe. 

I know I am extremely blessed to feel okay in a time like this, but it does take work to get a restless mind to become a peaceful mind. So, I am going to share some very simple things you can do to distract your mind from negativity :

1. Read : Read your Bible. Read a good book. Reading takes concentration and focus. It is a great way to pass time, and it's good for your brain.
2. Write : I highly recommend writing out your thoughts. Whether I feel horrible or amazing, seeing my thoughts on paper helps me have a better perspective. 
3. Go on a drive : This one doesn't even need an explanation. Listen to your favorite music, and just relax while you drive to no particular destination. 
4. Watch a movie : I recommend a "feel good" movie. A movie that would make you feel happy after watching it. My two favorites to watch when I need to distract myself are Frozen and Crazy Rich Asians hahaha. 
5. Take a shower : This will relax your body and mind. Listening to music would be a good idea especially if you are having a hard day. 
6. Clean : Just cleaning your room will make you feel more productive, and a clean space is just going to make you feel better. 
7. Go outside : I will go outside and sit in a chair. This one could be a two in one. You could go outside and read, write, listen to music, etc. Vitamin D is so good for you. 
8. Treat yourself : If getting a coffee or a little ice cream brings you a tiny bit of joy, get it. I get coffee like two - three times a week. It is something I am able to look forward to. 
9. Exercise : I wish I could say I was great at this one, but I have been so lazy when it comes to this lol. Gyms are finally opening up, but gym or not, there is things you can do at home. Exercise has so many benefits besides just being healthier physically. 
10. Paint or draw : I am not much of a painter or someone who really draws, but I do enjoy painting my nails. I also painted my entire room recently. You don't need to paint like da Vinci just have fun. 

(A moment from this past week : Coffee with the one and only Anastasia... The tattoo on my arm is fake, but mark my words, it will be real as soon as I move out lol. Until then, fake ones will do.) 

I hope at least one of those things is able to help you on your journey with your mental health. Everything that is happening will come to an end. This is not our "new normal". The sun always comes out after a storm. 

Last but not least... you ALL are soooo loved and appreciated! <3 <3 Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. 

Let's talk! I love hearing your own stories and opinions! If you have any questions / comments / concerns that you would rather not comment down below, direct message me or email me!

Instagram : (Blog account) Newkindofliving_ 
(Main account) gracekehlers 

Email : Newkindofliving@gmail.com  

PEACE OUT UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!

let's talk about feminism

Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib

He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man.

The man said, 

"This is now bones of my bones and flesh of my flesh;

she shall be called, 'woman',"

for she was taken out of man.

Genesis 2:22-23

Heyyyy guys! I hope you all have been doing amazing during this crazy time. Once again, I pop on here after not being here for a little while. Life has been crazy haha. I will catch you all up to speed quickly. 

My book campaign reached its goal with an extra $50 to spare! I am currently working on revisions and the little details that take a lot of time to make my book great.

I am still happily in a relationship. We are almost to the finish line of being in a long distance relationship after almost three months of this. We will have a few months before his job once again takes him away. Long distance definitely has its hard moments, and makes communication a little harder at times. But we have learned to grow as a couple so much, and I can very honestly say that I am thankful for everything that it has taught the both of us. 

(** Disclaimer : As always when I talk about a controversial topic, please keep in my mind that it is my opinion. If I say something you do not like or agree with, come talk to me. I would love to hear your side!)

Let's get straight to the point. Do I agree with feminism? Yes and no. Sure, I believe women should have rights. Sure, I believe the way a woman dresses should not excuse rape or any thing to close to that. However, there is so much I do not agree with. 

It's supposedly all about equality, but I don't believe equality is the end goal here. Women want power over men. For many years, men were above women. But let's keep in mind that we don't want to turn around, and do the exact same thing to men. Two wrongs don't make a right. 

It is not even about men vs women though in my eyes. It is about women vs women. The harshest comments I have been told were always by a feminist. I have been looked down on many times for wanting to be a stay-at-home mom. Feminism looks down on moms or girls like me.  We are supposed to have high paying jobs now and not be housewives anymore. 

But what if that is exactly what I want to be? 

I want to be able to vote. I want to be able to dress how I want without fear of something happening to me. I get it. 

But as a woman, I should also get a say. I should be able to say that I want to take care of my husband, kids, and house one day. I should be able to say that when it comes my time to breastfeed my babies that it will be okay for me to cover up. Yes, I will be feeding my baby, but I don't need the world seeing my chest. I should be able to say these things without comments or heavy sighs of disapproval. If you get the choice to do what you want, so do I. 

This could go on forever. I could bring up so many political debates, bible references, and more strong opinions I have, but I am going to end it with this... Equality can be a good thing if it is gone about in the right ways. If feminism is about building each other up, let's actually stick to that. Women need to build women up. Men need to build men up. Both women and men need to build each other up. 

As for my body, my body is my body. I can dress and do as I feel is right and as I please. But one day, I pray it houses another little body. That little body will not be mine. That heartbeat will not be my own. Whether that little body is a girl or boy, I will give that body equality too. 

No matter how big or small, no matter what color your skin is, no matter what gender you are, equality is for everyone. 

I won't look down on your views, or judge you for your's. I will listen to the other side all day, but at the end of the day, I will always stick to my side. The world will always be full of different views, and we just have to learn that it's okay to not always agree. 

Last but not least... you ALL are soooo loved and appreciated! <3 <3 Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. 

Let's talk! I love hearing your own stories and opinions! If you have any questions / comments / concerns that you would rather not comment down below, direct message me or email me!

Instagram : (Blog account) Newkindofliving_ 
(Main account) gracekehlers 

Email : Newkindofliving@gmail.com  

PEACE OUT UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!

boyfriend, book, & blog

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, 

so that in all things at all times,

having all that you need, 

you will abound in every good work."

2 Corinthians 9:8

Heyyy guys! I hope you all have been doing amazing, and staying safe from everything going on right now. It has been four months since I last posted a blog. Go easy on me if it seems off hahaha. I am honestly just trying to get back into this particular writing style.  

I am so happy to be back. I have so much to share about what has happened in the last four months. This is like a super quick summary, and I will go into detail about certain things over the next few weeks. I don't know how much I will be posting on here again (hoping and planning on being as consistent as possible), but I definitely won't be gone for another four months after this blog. I will do my best to post weekly for as long as possible again. 

(With so much going on, I know how easy it can be to overlook the little things. But spring is here! Flowers are blooming, and days are getting warmer. This world still has pretty things to offer.)

I will start with why I took such a long break from doing something I love so much. It is because I am writing a book, "Party Pooper: Growing up with Anxiety"! I was approved for publishing back in January. My first draft manuscript of my entire book was looked over a couple of weeks ago. I was told I am right on track for publication this July!! This is extremely exciting for me. I have always loved writing, and once I dropped out of college, my love for writing practically exploded. Writing and publishing a book has always been a dream of mine, and it is crazy (in the best way possible) to watch my dream come to life. 

If you haven't seen my burst of instagram posts, my book starts back from the time I was four (when I began to develop anxiety) up until this very day. Each chapter is from a different year / specific time period of my life, and how I learned to navigate through life with anxiety. It is basically my tell all, and I have done my absolute best to keep everything as lighthearted and casual as possible sort of like the blogs I write for you all. 

(This is just a placeholder! If you preorder, one of the many perks is that you can become a part of my Beta Community, and help me design the best cover!)

The excitement does not end there. While I have been writing away like crazy to meet deadlines and get this book on track for publication, I met and started dating my boyfriend. (I will talk more about him and our temporary long distance relationship in the next blog.) For now, all you really need to know is that I am extremely happy. Everything has been going so well and smoothly for us. I cannot wait to see where God leads the two of us. 

(My favorite <3 )

For now, I will wrap it by saying. Thank you to each of you who have supported me in any way, even if it is just liking one of my posts on Instagram. A special thank you to those of you who have already preordered my book. EVERY contribution counts. $4000 is a ton of money to raise in the next 30 DAYS, but I am trusting God through it all. 

Last but not least... you ALL are soooo loved and appreciated! <3 <3 Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Please keep praying for my grandmother, and now, I ask that you please pray for my book.   

Let's talk! I love hearing your own stories and opinions! If you have any questions / comments / concerns that you would rather not comment down below, direct message me or email me!

Instagram : Newkindofliving_ and gracekehlers 

Email : Newkindofliving@gmail.com   
Preorder my book today : https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/party-pooper-growing-up-with-anxiety-by-g-ehlers/x/23231976#/

HUGE announcement

"All hard work 

brings a profit,

but mere talk leads

only to poverty." 

Proverbs 14:23

Hey guys!! I hope you all are doing amazing. I am doing pretty well. I have had a lingering cold for a few weeks now, but it could be a lot worse. Other than that, I have been good.

I am excited, nervous, sad, and happy all at the same time about my announcement. As you can probably tell with each passing week, I grow more and more passionate and excited about New kind of Living. It has grown into something I absolutely love. I have loved hearing from some of you guys. I have found a deep passion for writing and speaking out about God. I have grown so much as a person because of this very blog here. I have typed so many words, and spent countless hours brainstorming and writing. I would not take back a single minute of the work I have put in here. Enough babbling though... My announcement is:

I am redoing New kind of Living!! (AND adding some pretty exciting things that I bet you would never guess.) 

I am not going into a whole lot of detail, but I have big plans. My goal is that everything will be ready for you all end of winter / beginning of spring in 2020. I have a TON to work on. With working forty hours a week + the big project I still have not announced, I do not have a lot of time to actually work on everything. Which means I will be taking a break from blogging ): BUT don't fret, I will say blogging is not at all out of the picture when the new New kind of Living is revealed. (And who knows... maybe if something comes to mind that I find important to talk about, I will check back in here.)

I am so nervous about getting everything done. I am so nervous for the actual reveal. I am excited though. I cannot wait to share it all with you. In the meantime, I will still be on Instagram (@newkindofliving).

(No better way to end this off but with yet another sky picture... This has to be one of the prettiest sunrises I have captured. I took it earlier this week.)

PEACE OUT UNTIL 2020!! <3

flip your mindset

"Finally, brothers and sisters, 

whatever is true, 

whatever is noble, 

whatever is right, 

whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, 

whatever is admirable—

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

Hey guys!! I hope you are all doing amazing. 

I have talked about this topic before here and there, and it is actually something I am very interested in. I love knowing the psychology behind why people behave/think a certain way. The brain truly amazes me, and I find myself in such awe of how detailed God is when creating us. Today's blog is not so much about me but more so all about you. 

When I dropped out of college over a year ago, I not only told myself this, but also the people around me... Leaving school was in no way an excuse for me to stop learning. In fact, I was very excited that I could teach myself, and learn whatever I wanted to learn. Once I left though, I wasn't swamped by books and research. To be completely honest, I did not really live up to really trying to learn A LOT until after I got back from the beach back in July. Since I have gotten back from that trip, there has not been a week that has gone by where I have not finished an entire book. I also completed an online marketing course. There is certain people I follow on Instagram to learn more, and to really get a grip on what I am passionate about. Now, I literally just said this was not about me and more about you. I am just giving you a little backstory. I wanted to just explain to you that I am a college dropout, and whatever I want to learn or do, there is no set time or due dates. I have to motivate myself, be productive, and find the right tools/people to teach me. 

(Here is the picture I did NOT post on instagram, because as you can see, Bo's bandana is showing more. It is more evident that we are matching. We were scammed by this company. So, I will not be advertising them.)

Here are a few of the books that talked about just mindset or mindset + faith : 

• Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (for teens) by Richard Carlson 
• You're Going to be Okay by Holley Gerth 
• Calm my Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow 
• The Art of Work by Jeff Goins
• Mindset : The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck 
• A lot of what will be discussed is based mostly off this book. I highly recommend getting this book if you feel like your mindset is holding you back from being successful at life. 

Some of these books were faith-based and others were not. Some were about business/work and others were about how to cope with fear/hard times.  Here's what I have learned and what I have to say when it comes to mindset. 

There are two kinds of mindsets : Growth and Fixed. 

They are exactly what they sound like. Someone with a fixed mindset believes intelligence / personality traits / abilities are basically given at birth and there is not much room for change. "I was born this way." Someone with a growth mindset believes that their intelligence / personality traits / abilities can develop as long as they work hard enough. Fixed mindsets struggle with things like criticism and failures. If a fixed mindset person fails a math test, they will be more likely to slack off, and believe there is nothing more they can really do. They are "just bad at math". Growth mindsets see criticism and failures as an opportunity to learn and do better. If a growth mindset failed a math test, they would see what they need to study more, and be able to learn from their mistakes. 

When it comes to anxiety and how people handle certain negative emotions, these mindsets can also play a part. A growth mindset may see hard times as a way to grow and learn. They feel just as much as a fixed mindset, but they are more likely to understand that bad times pass. Whereas a fixed mindset may be more easily persuaded into thinking, their battles could be an ongoing tough battle for possibly the rest of their life. 

Here's the good news. These books are not all based on science regarding how the brain works. Each of the books I listed, show that we have the power to how we see things. We can see failure and criticism as a way to grow. We can see tough times as a growth opportunity that will eventually pass. I have dealt with anxiety almost all my life, but I hold on to hope that one day it will no longer have so much control on me. And listen closely... I have a secret for you all. When 2019 started, I told my mom that my motto for the New Year was, "Anxiety? Who is she?" Lol, but I am dead serious. I said it just like that. For the first time in my life, I have felt like I have more control over my mind. Do I have my moments? 100%! But I cannot tell you the last time, I cried out of fear. I never thought I would make it to this point. Sure, anxiety is still a part of me, but "she" definitely does NOT control me like "she" once did.

(What would be a blog if I did not include my most recent sunset picture??? You're welcome.)

What do you want to change (or change your perspective on) today? A mental illness? A hard time? Your intelligence? I cannot promise that you will be wiped free from every hardship by changing your mindset. You also will most likely not miraculously become as smart as Einstein today either lol, but I can promise that if you really want to make this change... Your hard times (and life in general) won't be as dang hard as it seems right now. 

As I wrap this up, I need to make one thing clear. I did work really hard on changing my mindset, but I would be telling a horrible lie if I took credit for all this. I have never prayed as much or as hard as I do these days. I have never trusted God, or had the kind of faith I do now. Educating myself helped, but it was not until I presented it to God, that any real big change started to take place. My positive perspective is God showing me that no matter what happens here on Earth (pain, trials, hurt feelings, etc.) can compare to the ABSOLUTELY amazing time/things promised in heaven. Life will never be a piece of cake, but a lot of faith and a good mindset will make it all so worth it. 

Last but not least... you ALL are soooo loved and appreciated! <3 <3 Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Also, please keep praying for my grandmother (heart failure + other health complications) and my cousin (recovery from brain tumor removal). 

Let's talk! I love hearing your own stories and opinions! If you have any questions / comments / concerns that you would rather not comment down below, direct message me or email me!

Instagram : Newkindofliving

Email : Newkindofliving@gmail.com   

PEACE OUT UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!

let's talk about politics

"Are you left?

Are you right?

Pointing fingers, taking sides

When are we gonna realize?
We all bleed the same

We're more beautiful when we come together

We all bleed the same

So tell me why, tell me why

We're divided"

("Bleed the same" by Mandisa ... A very powerful song that everyone should listen to)

Hey guys!! I hope you all had a great Halloween. I am huge fan of October, and all the spooky things that come with it. I am sad it is already over, but hey, it's basically Christmas time now haha. 

(*** Disclaimer : You already know how I am with these kind of topics. I do not post with the intention of hurting or offending anyone. If there is something I say that does not sit right with you, please come talk to me [look down below to see where to find me]. As always, I will do my absolute best to be respectful, and I hope that you will be as well. Also, I will not be talking about specific politicians including the president. If you have any specific questions, again please come talk to me.)

Okay, I am going to be honest right now. This is definitely in my top three of my most nerve-wrecking blogs to post; however, you guys seem to like my little "series", "let's talk about _____". I figured why not talk about the political party I side with. I am not a political genius, but I am also not a political idiot. I know plenty about each party (what they are wanting to do, their opinions, what they like or don't like about America, etc.). My parents are both big into politics, and it is very normal for them to inform us of everything that is going on. I also get a lot of information from the internet obviously lol. 

So, what am I? Conservative? Liberal? Or independent? I feel like the answer is obvious, but if it is not, I am a conservative. Here's the thing though... As open as I am about believing in God, I am not that way about politics at all. Now, if someone asks, I won't hesitate to answer, but I do not freely talk about politics anywhere unless I know for certain the person has the same political beliefs that I do. To be completely honest, I hate political debates. I feel like just not talking about my political views is sometimes best, but as we see here, I am announcing it to all of you. As I mentioned, it took a lot of guts to push through and write this.

(My obsession with the sky continues lol. This time taken from a window in my house.)

Should I be this nervous? No. Should a liberal be? No. This world will always be full of people with varying views. Whether you are a conservative or liberal activists, you may convert some people to your side, but you will never convert 100%. There are some liberals who do not agree with other liberals. There are some conservatives who do not agree with other conservatives. I know I do not agree with everything regarding the Republican Party. It is just how this world is made. You know what? It does not always have to be the worst thing in the world. I have had / have many friends who are liberal, and it did not get in the way of our friendship. One of my very best friends is a very open liberal, and we never debate. We both know we have different political views, and we both know we won't change the other's mind. 

The rumor that conservatives hate certain people is just not true. When it comes to both sides, there will be people who hate. You have liberals who hate certain people and conservatives. You have conservatives who hate certain people and liberals. Does either the liberals or conservatives I just mentioned speak for their entire party? NO. I do not hate anyone. I don't care what your religion is,  what ethnicity you are, or what your sexuality is. I do not hate. At the end of the day, there will always be varying views, but we can still love everyone around us. As Mandisa said in her song, "We're more beautiful when we come together." 

Love the Liberals. Love the conservatives. Love the people in between. Love conquers all... even those who are hateful. 

( My last Halloween post of the year): !! )

Last but not least... you ALL are soooo loved and appreciated! <3 <3 Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Also, please keep praying for my grandmother (heart failure + other health complications) and my cousin (recovery from brain tumor removal). 

Let's talk! I love hearing your own stories and opinions! If you have any questions / comments / concerns that you would rather not comment down below, direct message me or email me!

Instagram : Newkindofliving

Email : Newkindofliving@gmail.com   

PEACE OUT UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!

taking life one minute at a time

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:34

Hey guys!! I hope you all are doing amazing. My immune system that is about as weak as a thin piece of glass has failed me once again, and I have a cold. Other than that, I have been feeling great. My mental health has been great this past week. 

Today's topic is something that has been on my mind for awhile. I am so excited to talk about this specific topic, not only because it is just something everyone needs to be reminded of, but because I find it to be one of my biggest coping mechanisms regarding my anxiety. 

Whether you have anxiety or not, it is easy to wonder about our future. We think about the test that is on Tuesday, the math homework we don't know how to do that is due tomorrow, or the massive project due in a month. We think about that project we have to get done by the end of the week, the coworker we don't want to see tomorrow at work, or maybe not feeling so secure with your current job. Whatever it is, we think about it. A lot of times, we dread it. Someone like me, who struggles with anxiety, it is easy to worry about the smallest things. Sometimes, it's worries about  tomorrow, and sometimes, it is worries about what could happen in the next hour. 

There is always something on my mind these days. As the days go on, I feel like I can't even hold a conversation at times, because my mind is always elsewhere. My thoughts are so disorganized, and slowly but surely, I start panicking. I am constantly thinking, "What will I post next? I need more pictures for my Instagram, my blog, etc. What if people think _______? Will people think I am being annoying? God, am I saying the right things?" I loveeeee what I do. I REALLY do. I love writing and creating various forms of content, but just like most things, my mind will always be my biggest judge. I will continue to say this, but I will always be my biggest hater and supporter. I will judge before I post, and pat myself on the back before anyone else can when I do post. I cannot wait for the day that my blog gets thousands of views, my social medias pull in more people, and I feel like the hours I put in are paying off more and more. I am so happy with the few people who do talk to me. I am thankful for those who have told me their stories. I am thankful for those who encourage me. This is not about me not being thankful, but about me, hoping I can reach more people. My dream would be to talk to hundreds of people, and make this kind of thing a career.

Wow, just wow. (Not my house)

Here is the thing though. I cannot see tomorrow. As much as I would like to see if all this time will pay off the way I want it to, I cannot. But you know what I can control? I can control the very minute I am in. I can pray that my time pays off the way God wants it to. I can pray that I glorify God with every minute I am given. I am not promised the next minute... let alone the next day. I am not perfect. I will mess up. I will have moments of complete fear. But if I can make it through this minute I am in right now, I can make it through the next minute I am given. 

Let's take your life for example. What are you doing in this exact minute? You are reading my blog. (I pray to God that He is able to speak through me to each of You in whatever way you are needing right at this moment.) As I bring up my worries about tomorrow, you may be thinking of yours. Guess what? Just like me, you are not promised the next minute. You are only given the minute you are living in right now. As scary as it sounds, you may not make it to the minute you are so scared of. Yet, you spent some of your last minutes scared of what is to come. If we greet each worry with, "Hey, I do not know if I will make it to then. Technically, anything can happen to me before then. Instead, I am going to use this minute I am in now to be happy, and thankful for everything I do know (everything that has happened in the past to get you to the very point you are in now)." Imagine, if we did that. How much better and carefree would our lives be? This is not saying "Hey, I will die before my test on Tuesday... Better not study." Instead this is saying, "Hey, I do not know what my next minute will be, but right now, I am alive and thankful. I will study for the test, and prepare for it. I can control my right now, but I cannot control anything else."

How cool is that God does know our next minute? We are not in control of it, but God is. God does not make accidents. Everything He does is for our own good. This verse says it all :
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 
Telling myself repeatedly to take my life a minute at a time, and to be content with what I know has completely flipped my mindset. I take comfort in knowing that my hardest times will pass. And that for all I know, my next minute could be my very best. Challenge the way you approach things that make you feel uncertain. You are not promised the next minute. You are only promised right now. So, enjoy it to the very best of your abilities. 

This pic was taken shortly after Bo got a haircut. He seems very concerned about his appearance hahaha

Last but not least... you ALL are soooo loved and appreciated! <3 <3 Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Also, please keep praying for my grandmother (heart failure + other health complications) and my cousin (recovery from brain tumor removal). 

Let's talk! I love hearing your own stories and opinions! If you have any questions / comments / concerns that you would rather not comment down below, direct message me or email me!

Instagram : Newkindofliving

Email : Newkindofliving@gmail.com   

PEACE OUT UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!