Belly Laughing.

Did you know that it is statistically proven that if you smile or laugh (even when you're not watching Elf) that something in your brain happens and you actually become happier? Can you tell I'm not a Neurologist...?

Within the past week of sorority rush I have cried laughing and woken up with some seriously sore abs. I'm not gonna lie to you though, there were many moments I did not feel like laughing or even smiling. Waking up at 5 am is not my cup of tea. To many people rush is dumb and just all fake conversations and smiles. And yes, there are moments that seem to be that way. But I will say, it's a process that works. Don't ask me why or to explain it because I can't. Honestly, I don't even know how I got into a sorority considering my severe lack of a filter during conversations. And yet as cliche as it may sound, rush is such a perfect example of God's sovereignty.

It is a week where there is no other choice but to acknowledge God's presence and his perfect placement. Boo hoo Brianna, you didn't get your "rush crush" (if you're a guy you just said HUH GAYYY). But that's why I have a love/hate relationship with rush. I get so worked up, but then quickly realize that my "rush crush" ended up in a sorority where she will thrive. Why? Because that is where GOD wants her to be and suddenly I shut myself up and rush is SO cool again.

Another thing God taught me was to smile, and smile often. Even when you don't feel like it. Let's be honest for moment. Many days during rush I wanted to scream and yell "HEY GUESS WHAT? I DON'T CARE WHAT YOUR MAJOR IS BECAUSE I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT MY BED FEELS LIKE!" But they highly discouraged that... So instead I smiled and gradually it not only became natural and comfortable, but genuine. I'm not saying I was fake half the week and real the other half.  I'm saying that God taught me that when we smile, no matter what the circumstances, HE sees us and HE smiles too.

So in a bizarre way rush started my junior year out in a positive way. Because of rush I am going to make my goal for the year to smile, and smile often. I want to make God belly laugh this year. I want to make sure when he looks down at my life he is overjoyed with how I am living. Even when life throws unappetizing situations in our lap, let's make it our goal to smile, and smile often.

"I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud. And I don't want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes. I want to eat cold tangerines and sing out loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now. I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift."

Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist