I've been doing some reflecting these past few days and weeks on everything I have learned from the past 6-12 months. It's been a crazy, beautiful learning and growing year for me. A question that was asked in one of the business trainings I attended virtually was, "What did you want to be when you grew up? Is it possible to incorporate it into your life today?"
When I was a little girl I wanted to be a writer. I'm not 100% sure if I told anyone that at any time in my younger years. I loved writing little short stories in my notebook and drawing pictures to go along with them. Journaling became a big thing during my middle school years and I kept a journal on and off throughout high school, college and when I would be traveling.
Writing has just always come naturally to me and I didn't think anything of it! Now, I am by no means a perfect writer. There is SO much I have yet to learn. I'm sure my grammar is definitely not up to the standards of my college English professor. She was scary and I hid in the back row because I was terrified of being called on! I actually went a whole semester and never got called on - thank you, Jesus!
Writing has just always come naturally to me and I didn't think anything of it! Now, I am by no means a perfect writer. There is SO much I have yet to learn. I'm sure my grammar is definitely not up to the standards of my college English professor. She was scary and I hid in the back row because I was terrified of being called on! I actually went a whole semester and never got called on - thank you, Jesus!
When my business coach asked us that question, "What did you want to be when you grew up? Is it possible to incorporate it into your life today;" I remember thinking, "Holy cow! Yes, I can totally use writing today for so many different purposes!." I was excited, you all!My blog has become a place where I can share all sorts of thoughts, how-to's, silly stories with Zoey and Lily and share them with all my friends and followers. I am teaching women how to use a journal for self-discovery and self-love. I am guiding women through my Restore Your Hope program to rediscover their hopes and joys. Wow! God sure was listening to my very young self when I told myself that I wanted to be a writer someday. It's happening. It gives me goosebumps just thinking and typing this out to all of you.
So, let me ask you the same question that was asked to me. What did your young self want to be when you grew up? Is it possible that you can somehow incorporate it into your life today? What little tweaks and changes can you do to make that happen?
Friend, we can't give up on ourselves. Your dreams are important and you are worthy of so much. Do you realize how worthy and valuable you are? If you only have a pinch of belief in yourself then that's okay, because I have enough belief for the both of us and I am here to tell you that you are capable of amazing things!If you've been struggling with knowing where you fit in, or you've lost your way a little - then I'd love to welcome you to my free group Authentic and Radiant Women Living Their Best Life. We are a group of women who are learning to live life more fully and heart-centered. We don't have it all together, but together we are supporting and encouraging one another. It's my favorite place to hang out in Facebook Land. Hop on in and we will give you a big welcome!
It's Thanksgiving week here in the USA! What are some fun family traditions you enjoy for Thanksgiving?
I know this year is going to be a bit different for some as we are living through a pandemic. Clinton and I will be celebrating Thanksgiving alone, which fills me with a mix of emotions. I'm excited to host Thanksgiving in my home for just us, to wake up and not rush to get ready to drive to a big family gathering, to snuggle on the couch and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, to drink and enjoy my tea and stay in my pajamas as long as I'd like. I'm also feeling emotions of sadness too - we won't be seeing any of our family. It just doesn't feel right.
I know this year is going to be a bit different for some as we are living through a pandemic. Clinton and I will be celebrating Thanksgiving alone, which fills me with a mix of emotions. I'm excited to host Thanksgiving in my home for just us, to wake up and not rush to get ready to drive to a big family gathering, to snuggle on the couch and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, to drink and enjoy my tea and stay in my pajamas as long as I'd like. I'm also feeling emotions of sadness too - we won't be seeing any of our family. It just doesn't feel right.
Even though we won't be able to gather with our families we can still incorporate some of our favorite family traditions. I've made a list of a couple ideas to get you started. What else could we add to it to help make it more special for you?
If you are struggling during the holiday season don't be too hard on yourself. Give yourself grace. 2020 has been difficult for so many. Go ahead and grab my free affirmations. Speak them aloud everyday, write them down in your journal and begin looking for little blessings in your life each and every day. I promise that there is always something to be thankful for.
I recently embarked on a new, natural journey - clean up my food! What does clean up my food mean? Focus on eating whole food nutrition and food that will fuel my body (not make it sluggish). When beginning my healthy, natural lifestyle; I knew that I was going to eventually have to come face-to-face with my dysfunctional relationship with food. Boy, did I ever procrastinate on changing this! This step is the hardest step on my health journey.
When I was in high school I had an eating disorder. Most of my friends and family probably didn't know that about me. I hid it so well. At first it was a skipped meal here or there - no big deal, right? Well, when you start skipping meals here and there they begin to add up. Soon I was going days without eating - I would just drink SO much water to keep me going. The problem with this is that your body stores fat and loses muscles. I assumed it was the other way around.
When I hit a plateau and wasn't seeing results I wanted; I was frustrated and began emotionally eating which then led to bulimia. It was a hard season of life and I let my eating disorder control me. I lived like this for quite a few years. How sad to go through life living this way and letting food control you. My family helped me find a counselor so that I could receive the help and support that I needed. Once I transferred colleges though, I was no longer meeting with her. So the yo-yo dieting began and the struggles began all over again.
When I hit a plateau and wasn't seeing results I wanted; I was frustrated and began emotionally eating which then led to bulimia. It was a hard season of life and I let my eating disorder control me. I lived like this for quite a few years. How sad to go through life living this way and letting food control you. My family helped me find a counselor so that I could receive the help and support that I needed. Once I transferred colleges though, I was no longer meeting with her. So the yo-yo dieting began and the struggles began all over again.
Most people aren't able to quit an eating disorder the way I did. You feel stuck in a vicious cycle that just doesn't seem to end. Seek help or talk with a trusted friend. You don't need to live this way anymore - there is light on the other side and I'm here to help you through it.
My online course will walk you through how to begin taking your first steps on the path of your healing journey. This course is for anyone who is struggling with emotional health. I'll be there to guide you and offer encouragement and support as best I can. I'm not a doctor - just a girl who wants to see others living their best life and feeling good again! If this has piqued your curiosity then I highly recommend learning more about my online course Restore Your Hope.
Hope. Forgiveness. Dreams. Laughter. It's all waiting for you! Are you ready to take your first step?
Sadness and deep sorrow covered me like a heavy blanket. I didn’t know if I would ever laugh again. The news of the letter was just too much.
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