breathe – jordana lee bennett

This might turn into a photography blog…

I honestly thought that was what my college years were for and that I would have my shit together by now, but I was very, very wrong. College gave me a clear-cut path for what my life was supposed to be. It gave me structure with deadlines, course catalogs, assignments, applications, schedules, and attendance policies. And then I graduated, got married, went on my honeymoon, looked around at all my choices and said, “okay, now what?” And the universe gave me white noise.

I’m not even going to try to come up with excuses for why it’s been so long since I’ve posted on here. Shit happens. I’m trying to get it together. And this is probably mostly going to be me rambling, because I haven’t written in awhile. I’m sorry in advance.

My quarter-life crisis is in full effect, which means I’m constantly looking for new and exciting ways to fill my time, even though I have very little free time. I guess it’s not really to fill my time as much as it is to find some sort of purpose in my life. There’s been a reoccurring theme since turning 23 in which I decide I really want to do this or be that or go here or try this new something, and then I realize: I hate all of those things. Those things are not for me. Better try this new thing.

Continue reading “This might turn into a photography blog…”

Simple Ways to Spend Quality Time Together

I always see cute date night ideas on Pinterest, but so many of those require money or living in a bigger metropolitan area than we do. It’s easy to feel like you have to have more money to have a good time, which isn’t true. We decided this weekend that we’re not going to do the same routine: Friday night dinner date, Saturday errand running, Sunday cleaning. We still did those things, but found new ways to throw in some quality time together.

When you’ve been with your partner for most (or all) of your adult life, it’s so easy to fall into a routine. We spend more time together than ever before: we’re 300 miles away from most of our friends and family, and we finally both have a standard work schedule. But we’re both definitely guilty of spending that time together sitting on our phones, watching TV, or bickering because both of us feel the other person isn’t listening. When we were younger, we almost always had opposite school and work schedules and the time we spent together was precious. I always see cute date night ideas on Pinterest, but so many of those require money or living in a bigger metropolitan area than we do. It’s easy to feel like you have to have more money to have a good time, which isn’t true. We decided this weekend that we’re not going to do the same routine: Friday night dinner date, Saturday errand-running, Sunday cleaning. We still did those things, but found new ways to throw in some quality time together. Continue reading “Simple Ways to Spend Quality Time Together”

Fifteen of My Favorite Feelings (As Told by My Instagram Feed)

1. When I wake up too early on a Sunday, but there’s soft light filtering through the blinds, so I get up to watch the sunrise, drink coffee, and listen to the silence before the rest of the world wakes up.

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A post shared by Jordana Bennett (@jordanaleebennett)

25 Goals for My 25th Year

Last night, my husband and I were discussing our future. (Casual, I know.) He suggested we each make lists of goals we want to accomplish within the next ten years. Not going to lie, the idea of that freaks me out. Ten years is such an intimidatingly long time. And the idea of writing down things like, “buy a house” or “have babies” gives me much more anxiety the older I get. But since my birthday is a little less than two weeks away, I figured setting mini goals for my 25th year of life wouldn’t be the worst idea. I started my quarter-life crisis at 24 so I’m hoping turning 25 will be slightly more graceful.

A Photo An Hour | Saturday, August 2nd

I’ve been stalking various blogs this week for a little inspiration and came across the “a photo an hour” trend. I’m already obsessed. Google it and you’ll see what I mean. I attempted to do my own yesterday, taking a photo (sometimes two because I’m a rebel like that) every hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This post might end up being completely boring, but I think it’s an interesting way to get to know someone. So come hang out with me on a typical Saturday. Continue reading “A Photo An Hour | Saturday, August 2nd”

I am my mother’s daughter.

In honor of my mom visiting this weekend, I thought I’d reflect on the life lessons I’ve learned from her in my life so far. It’s funny how things we learned in childhood become stronger as we get older. I appreciate everything my parents did to shape me now more than ever before. I am my mother’s daughter and proud of it. The following are the most important lessons I’ve picked up from her: Continue reading “I am my mother’s daughter.”

How I Stay Positive

Let me say right off the bat that I can only speak about my own experiences. I’m not a fan of articles with lists that tell people how to BE happy, as if there were some magical formula for happiness. I’m not here to preach religion or exercise or some new age book that you need to go out and buy. This is what works for me. If anything, this post is more for me, because sometimes I forget how to be happy. I’ve struggled with mild to moderate depression and anxiety since I was thirteen. Continue reading “How I Stay Positive”

“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” -Buddha

Well hello there. Nice to meet you.

My husband has been pushing me to start my own blog for I don’t even know how long now. I’m pretty sure the only people who are actually going to read this are him and my parents, but on the off-chance you’re not one of the above, welcome to my lifestyle blog! Continue reading ““In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” -Buddha”