Be soft.

Last night it took me an hour and a half to get home due to a huge accident that blocked two of the three lanes on the highway. I was frustrated because I had so much to do that evening that I wanted to get moving! I found myself honking at people who weren't paying attention, stopping not quite long enough at stop signs and just rushing around in general. Then I started playing one of my new favorite songs (seriously, brings me to tears nearly every time) and my focus was shifted to what really matters.

I started to realize how minimal all of this "annoying" traffic was, especially in the midst of all the tragedy going on in our world right now. I saw how blessed I was to have errands to run that evening; that my biggest problem at the moment was forgetting my shopping list on my desk at work and still being a little behind on my edits.

At the end of the day, I have a car to get me to the grocery store, money to pay for our food, and a husband to help me unload the car when I got home. My "problems" were so trivial but in the moment my usual optimistic outlook was clouded by a silly inconvenience like traffic.

Once dinner was through, I had a ton of other obligations on my "to do" list, but Caleb took my hand and we had a nice long walk to a local park and played Frisbee golf until the sweat on my nose made my glasses keep falling off.

No matter how much I worry about anything, he always brings me back to what matters. Thanks for being my rock, Caleb...and for helping me avoid the poison ivy ;)

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday. Make it count, friends!

Who gives a hoot?!

A friend and I were talking recently about how we sometimes let our opinions of ourselves be influenced by others, and their opinions on us...or our situation...or our family...etc. To be entirely honest? It's really exhausting.

No two people's situations are alike. You can't please everyone. Sometimes, you will tick people off for no really valid reason. No one is perfect.

It makes me realize how much I love this quote (and these adorable bulldogs);

It's so true, though..right? No matter what stance you take in life on any given subject, there will ALWAYS be someone who doesn't agree. ALWAYS someone who thinks you're nuts. So you know what I say? Support the things that you believe in, without giving a hoot what they think! You absolutely will never be able to please everyone all at once, so you may as well make sure you're happy. Love yourself more!

I'm lucky enough to have quite a few amazing friends... which isn't something a lot of twenty somethings can say at times. I'm talking those kind of friends who would drop anything for you, the friends you can call at 2AM because you just need someone, the type of friends who will not only let you cry in their parking lot over the fact that you suck at cooking, but the kind that will make you laugh cause they can tell you're feeling a little down.

Life is flying by me way too quickly, and I'm choosing to surround myself with as much positivity as I can. Having those certain people in my life to bring me up, sometimes are exactly what keeps me going. Those who support me no matter what, those are the kind of people I want in life. But those who will also be honest with me when they see me struggle. Those are the kind of friendships I desire.

Moral of my post? Get rid of the negativity in your life... cause when its gone? There's SO much room for the positive, and that will absolutely change your life.

Happy Wednesday, friends.

Optimism.

Things don't always go as planned.

Unfortunately, my post yesterday is a perfect example.

My mom was supposed to make it home tonight around 5PM. Well, last night she gave me the news that she had gotten really sick and had to reschedule her flights home. Although its another delay...I'm proud of her for taking the first step and buying the ticket. I'm hopeful that I'll see her in a week or so. Trying to stay positive through this mini-storm in life.
Your prayers, support, and well wishes made me so happy yesterday!

thankyouthankyouthankyou!

So what is keeping me positive during the hard times?

My husband.

No matter when I'm feeling down, he lifts my spirits. He talks in silly accents to make me laugh, or tickles me only because he knows I hate it, but that it will change my mood around.

Working out.

Caleb and I joined a gym early last week and OMG. Loving it. I legit tell Caleb that I'm becoming addicted. We are committed to working out 4 times a week, and making at least 3 of those visits to the gym...the other can be just a run outside. So far, we are good. I'm down 4 pounds total, drinking water like a freaking camel, and eating cleaner...its making me sleep better and stay alert throughout the day. I'm so proud of us (it also helps I have a cute Target notebook to keep track of everything in!)

Also, the motivating Snap chats my sistaaa and I send back and forth. We get a little ridiculous.

Making plans with friends (old and new)!!

Tomorrow, I am excited that I get to meet a blogger friend for dinner (hey Renee). She is an avid photographer too, so I know we'll have LOTS to talk about. Check out her ADORABLE photography blog. She's so sweet, and I can't wait to chat with her for hours! Saturday, Erin and I have plans to shop at the outlet mall and start shopping early for Christmas...then that evening, Caleb and I are meeting up with one of my BEST friends, miss Angie (and her boyfriend) for dinner! This weekend has lots of fun in store and I'm excited to fill my calendar by spending time with my beautiful friends.

So remember friends, no matter what silly crap life throws at you, there is always something to help keep you positive. Thanks for your thoughts today.

Your flaws are awesome.

Hiii Monday, you came all too early this time. My weekend was JAM stinking packed...and I kind of loved it. It was a fun, but emotional weekend. Saturday evening was a bit rough for me. I won't go into details, it just felt like life got a little overwhelming.

Which brings me into my post today... life isn't perfect, and I sure as heck am not either.
It kind of took me my entire life to realize I just had to embrace the things I saw/see wrong with myself.

When I was in middle school, I used to cry  to my mom because I thought I was fat, I didn't have "bony wrists" and thin faces like all my friends...even when I was a whopping 97 pounds. None of the boys noticed me, and I felt like the ugly duckling of my friends.

There were plenty of things that I absolutely hated about myself when I looked in the mirror. Silly things I'm sure not many other people noticed, that I just would've done anything at the time to change! It's sad really...that I couldn't just focus on the things that I did like about myself (as short as that list was).

As I've grown older, I've kind of learned to love (or at least, embrace) the things I once couldn't stand.

Yep, another wedding-day sneak peek for ya ;)

The list of things I didn't like about myself used to far outweigh the good.

I hated that I had to wear braces.

I hated that I also (yes, at the same time) had to wear glasses.

I didn't like my nose...

...or my right ear (its a little pointy)

I didn't like that I had short pinkies...(still do).
...and big knuckles.

That my eyes weren't bold enough, that my hair was just plain...

& I realllyy hated that my ankles weren't quite as skinny as the girls in the magazines.

Fast forward about 9 years. I'm finally learning to be happier with who I am.

I've learned that its not all about your appearance, but your intentions and how you treat people. It's also about treating others the way you've always wanted to be treated. It's about knowing when to do the right thing. It's about being generous even when its hard.

Funny side story...

Caleb insisted that I please choose a hairstyle that showed my ears on our wedding day...and I told him no freaking way. Well guess what I ended up doing?? A tight french twist...ears and all. I chose to rock those bad boys because you know what? My stupid pointy ear doesn't define me... its my attitude that counts.

I am slowly learning to love the things that make me, me.
Like...
my boxy chin that I got from my Dad,
the freckles that the summer sun gives me...
my green eyes that Caleb just adores,
my thinner than paper lips I got from my Nanny.
and so much more.

I still struggle with my appearance every now and then, especially my skin.
Then I just remember how good I really have it. I have a home, an amazing husband, food, clothes on my back, a big bed and warm showers every single day.

Life really is grand.
Remember, you are beautiful...and there is no one who can do you, better than you.

What flaws are you learning to embrace?