faith

5 self-development books I’m reading in 2019

January 3, 2019December 30, 2018by Samantha Milburn2 Comments

I used to think I was never much of a reader because I’m always so picky about novels and usually end up getting sleepy halfway through a chapter. That, and being in school, more reading was usually the last thing I wanted to do. But as I’ve grown into my young adult life, I’ve realized that love the inspiration I can pull from self-development books; and I love that they can touch on so many different areas – faith, mentality, even in network marketing. Whatever walk of life you’re going through, odds are, you can find a self-development book about it. Here are some of the books I read in 2018 or am looking forward to reading in 2019!

blogging

fave posts of 2018

December 28, 2018December 27, 2018by Samantha MilburnLeave a Comment

As of my december raves + rejects post from the other day, The Southern Sooner has officially hit 100 posts! And in honor of 2018 coming to a close, I want to round up some of my favorite posts from the year – so if this is the first Southern Sooner post you’re seeing, or you haven’t had a chance to keep up with posts, here are some of the one’s I personally think are a must-see! It might feel like there are a lot, but this will help you find some of the more substantial posts among the recurring accutane updates, habit trackers, gift guides, and raves + rejects!

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Faith + Inspiration, Mental Health

the pursuit of hope

December 19, 2018by Samantha Milburn1 Comment

Hope has been a concept I’ve clung to for as long as I can remember – it’s what pulled me through the hardest of times. I really felt like this is a post that needed to be shared with the holidays coming up. I know there are a lot of people I am close to (and those that I don’t know at all) that have had a challenging year, and I know the Christmas season may not be filled with as much joy as usual. I don’t know if this will resonate with anyone, but as I write this post, know my heart has been broken with those who feel beaten down this season – I don’t know every situation, but God does and I can’t emphasize enough that He sees you exactly where you are.

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Faith + Inspiration, my life

4 things I’m thankful for

November 22, 2018November 22, 2018by Samantha MilburnLeave a Comment

happiest of thanksgivings to you, readers! I can’t believe holiday season is upon us already – it’s really going to be the new year before we know it. but until then… TURKEY. and lots of it! I wanted to take today to express gratitude for some things that have been laid on my heart this year. obviously my list could go for ages, but I’m capping myself at four things that are standing out to me right now!

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Faith + Inspiration

a quick way to deal with anger

October 31, 2018January 10, 2019by Samantha Milburn2 Comments

dealing with anger and hurt can be hard. there’s a time and place for these emotions, but the thing I’ve come to notice about them is that they take a very egocentric point of view when we allow it to take control for too long, and it can create an environment where those feelings can fester.

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Faith + Inspiration, Mental Health

idolizing the impossible

October 22, 2018January 10, 2019by Samantha Milburn2 Comments

“God is bigger than the boogieman,” veggietales once told me. growing up in church you hear that concept a lot, and you always seem to know it in the back of your mind but when “the boogieman” creeps up on you, fear + anxiety can swallow you whole. whatever it is that’s haunting you tends to fill your mind and gnaw at you throughout the day, even when you try to push it out of your thoughts. and it’s natural. even Jesus himself said “in this world you will have trouble” (john 16:33) and it’s normal to feel worried about those troubles when they arise.

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Health + Wellness, Mental Health

world mental health day: guest submissions

October 11, 2018January 10, 2019by Samantha MilburnLeave a Comment

for so long my heart has been to help end the stigma surrounding mental health. I am vocal about my own struggles because I believe talking about it not only frees me from what feels like my own personal prison, but allows others to see they’re not alone and hopefully find their own strength to come clean about theirs. but the thing about my own mental health is that I only have my own experience – everyone’s triggers are different and not every person overcomes it in the same way.

I have always wanted to have guest posts about mental health, so I took it to social media to collect stories regarding other people’s experiences. the submissions were made anonymously to make it easier for people to share their hearts. please note that those who shared have made themselves vulnerable and have donated their raw, honest stories for the sake of helping others. please respect their courage to speak out.

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