Do All Of The Things You Love: Daily Dose of Doll

Hello my luvs, are you ready to do all of the things you love? Recently I was put on bed rest, to recover from an illness. It seems to be a recurring theme these past two or three years. I get to thinking I'm superwoman. The whole "sleep and rest when you're dead" mindset. My body seemingly asks me: are you ready to die, because I need to rest?

What stands out to me more and more each time that I find myself living on pause? The fact that not one part of the world stops because I'm no longer able to function within it. So the next time you find yourself overwhelmed with the grind of life. Feeling a sense of over obligation to some other human, organization, or cause remember that you don't make this world go around. These entities will continue to function and thrive with or without you. It's a quite humbling realization, but it also helps you to put life into proper perspective.

How many times have you postponed that visit to witness the mesmerizing glowing algae in the ocean off the Maldives? How often have you delayed a weekend getaway with your closest friends? And how many times have you hesitated to take your kids to explore the African American History Museum, or Smithsonian?

We get so caught up in the daily grind, trying to fulfill obligations and meet expectations, that we forget to live. We forget that life is not just about achieving goals and checking off tasks on our never-ending to-do list.

Here's a gentle friendly reminder: you are not obligated to anyone or anything except yourself. Your happiness and well-being should always come first. It's important to take time for yourself, do things that make you happy, and create memories with loved ones.

So go ahead, book that trip you've been dreaming of, make plans with your friends or family, visit that museum that has always interested you. Don't let the weight of responsibility hold you back from truly experiencing life.

Each time I've been put down, I noticed that I barely heard from most of the people who I am surrounded by daily. The people who I felt the most obligation to. I was suddenly surrounded by a much smaller circle. The people who genuinely love and care for me most. It's a harsh, but needed reality to come to terms with. Still something each of us can find value in knowing.

At the end of our time in these lives, we'll never regret the parts of ourselves that we poured into things that fill us up. Find a career that sets your soul on fire, spend as much time as possible enveloped in the love of people who pour into you positively. Most importantly don't just make a bucket list and hope! Live out every single item on it.

Need help getting started on your bucket list? Check out some awesome ideas here!

For the first time in nearly seven years, a total solar eclipse is once again coming through North America! The eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, which gives North Carolina residents time to prepare for the festivities. Many viewing parties are scheduled throughout the state on the day of the celestial phenomenon, so let's take a look at these places you can enjoy the solar eclipse in North Carolina.

For those who don't know, a solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. According to NASA this year's total solar eclipse will be the last one to go through the United States until 2044. While North Carolina won't be in the "path of totality" (any location where the moon completely covers the face of the sun), the Tar Heel state will still be able to enjoy a breathtaking partial eclipse around 2:00 that afternoon.

In an interview with Public Radio East, Dr. Patrick Treuthardt of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences explained what NC sky-watchers could expect to see on April 8. "The moon is going to obscure about 75% of the disk of the sun, so it's going to look like a large bite has been taken out of the sun by the moon."

Dr. Treuthardt also stressed the importance of proper safety precautions for the eclipse, urging everyone to come equipped with special eclipse-friendly eyewear. It's very dangerous to look at the sun for an extended period of time because it can burn your retina," he said, "so you do want to be careful and you do want to make sure that these eclipse glasses that you get are good."

NASA is also urging people to be safe and responsible while viewing the eclipse. Reminder: eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses. You can find safe and effective solar viewers and filters here.

As expected, many locations throughout North Carolina are holding safe solar eclipse viewing parties that day. Here are a few that you and the family can go to safely enjoy one of nature's most thrilling spectacles:

https://www.uncfsu.edu/about-fsu/community/planetarium

FSU will have several telescopes available to view the eclipse from 2:00 - 4:30, including their brand new 70 mm solar H-alpha telescope! This free event is for the entire community. There will be a limited number of Eclipse Glasses for sale during the event.

NC State is holding a viewing party at the Witherspoon Student Center in Raleigh on April 8. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided if you don't have your own pair. This event is free and open to the public.

Discovery Place Science in Charlotte NC is celebrating the solar eclipse for an entire week before it actually passes through. The week of workshops and fun activities will start April 1 and end on the 8th with a viewing atop the museum's parking deck. The museum will also feature a live stream of the eclipse's totality in their IMAX theatre.

https://www.wake.gov/events/solar-eclipse-viewing-party-april-8th-2024-0230pm

All ages, adults and youth, are invited to join the Wake County government April 8 at the Duraleigh Road Community Library. There will be eclipse trivia, eclipse fun, and a viewing of the rare event! Eclipse glasses will be provided. Registration is requested.

The North Carolina Science Festival is holding a statewide Star Party across many counties throughout the Tar Heel state. These events will run between April 5-8, with many educational opportunities for those who wish to learn more about the cosmos. Click here to find a Star Party close to you.