Don't Romanticize Life

I had an amazing weekend! A bunch of the amazing gals I workout with at the gym, we all signed up for one of the local 5K mud runs. What a blast!! Getting a great workout, getting dirty, and hanging out with great friends! I also got to spend sometime with a friend, who I am still trying to figure out what will come of it. That preciously is probably my obstacle, STOP trying to figure it out and just enjoy. I keep telling myself that, and all is well. Until I start thinking again. I will keep practicing and reminding myself to not push the river, all will work out exactly the way it is supposed too, whether that is how I envisioned it or not! **smile**

In addition to all that, I also got to meet up with a couple of friends that mean a lot to me, but just don't get to see these amazing ladies very often. I made it a point to carve sometime out to catch up with these ladies. Always filled my soul with gratitude to truly spend quality time with friends that mean the world to me.

Tonight, I couldn't make my normal weight lifting training, but that didn't stop me from still having an awesome, cardio, fat burning workout tonight! The weather outside could not have been more perfect! I am beyond grateful for living in my state.

I was about to head off to bed, but noticed one of my favorite bloggers posted a list of items I should be able to say about my life. This blogger focuses on life lessons and usually puts the thoughts and concepts into lists. So I naturally levitate towards those posts, because I love my lists!! One of the items on the recent post, REALLY hit home with me.

Here is the exact quote:
"I don’t need anyone else to complete me. – There’s far more to life than finding someone who will want you, or getting upset over someone who won’t.  There’s a lot of important time to be spent discovering yourself without begging someone to fall in love with you along the way… and this journey doesn’t need to be empty or painful.  YOU need to fill yourself up with love – self-love – first.  Become a whole being on your own.  Go on adventures, explore your passions, wander around the city and see new sights, sit in coffee shops and read, write on bathroom stalls, leave notes in library books, dress up for yourself, give to others who can’t pay you back, smile and have fun.  Do all things with love, but don’t romanticize life like you can’t survive without someone giving it to you every second.  You can.  And once you give it to yourself, you will feel healed, and you will ultimately open yourself up to the possibility of healthy relationships with others."

I love this. "...Don't romanticize life..." I have realized through my recovery and discovery, I struggle with this a lot. In the past I would dive right into a romanticized fantasy of how my marriage should have been. Guess what, I was disappointed every damn time, year after year. I have to be realistic. It has to begin with me. I have to fill myself with love, respect, kindness, support, and adventure! I also have to be realistic about who I am. I am a passionate, caring, and sentimental person. Yes I can have fun, joke, and participate in shenanigans. In fact, that is how my family functions, and I love ever bit of it. In fact, many of my friends function in that manner. I assume I attract that type of person, because of the love I have for my family. I am ok with that. But on the flip side, I also have to recognize, and be proud, that a big part of me is also nurturing, loving, caring, sentimental, believing in the good, and loving with all my heart. Finding a balance of both entities, and finding others that will accept and help me nuture both sides of the coin, that is the path I walk today. Let the journey of practicing that balance continue! Not sure I completely expressed my inner thoughts on this topic, but will pray about it and share more later as it is revealed. There are more layers to discover. I am grateful for today and life is truly amazing!

Focusing on the Spirit

Yesterday was a good day. I went to work, stopped at a few stores on my way home for some final Christmas items, and filled up the car with gas. Each of these stops I was pleasantly surprised by most of the people around me were smiling and saying hello, simply being friendly, laughing, and going out of their way to be helpful. Not what I am normally use to during this time of year as I have noticed in past years people have their head and eyes down focused on what they are doing and carry the feeling of not content. I have always enjoyed watching people around me, observing their behaviors and wondering what their story is. I can remember growing up my Dad and I would sit in the car, while Mom would run into a store, and watch the people go in and out of the door. We would narrate what we thought their story was. Perhaps a bit judgmental now that I look back, but it was a lot of fun and we would always laugh until our sides hurt. 

Yesterday was a fun day interacting with people and most of them complete strangers. It was nice to see and feel the true holiday spirit at work. It was a great Friday the 13th!

I love our sky. Mother Nature's canvas of beauty I never get tired of viewing.

I also had fun making these yummy adorable Santa hats for our work party. It is a brownie, with icing, and a strawberry. 

Etsy Store!

I mentioned a few posts ago that I was working on a new "side" adventure! I also shared my finished project last month. I can transform any military uniform, shirt, jersey, or fabric into the custom bag of your dreams! Do you personally not have a need for a purse, tote, or bag? Perhaps your Spouse, Mom, Aunt, Sister, or friend needs one? They make GREAT gifts!

Earlier this month I submitted an application to trade mark my name Simply Me. I received the certificate in the mail last week that it was approved. In addition, last week I received my business cards in the mail. I also put the finishing touches on my Etsy store. I'll be adding a variety of items onto my Etsy store, so please keep your eye out for new items coming soon!

I'm ready to sew!

If you are interested in a custom bag, please don't hesitate to contact me and I'll be happy to chat with you regarding details and help create what you envision!  Please feel free to share my link.

Thanks for your support!