Author: C

Knowing the value of present day

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“It is one of the saddest facts of human nature that we commonly only learn their value (of blessings) by their loss….There are times in the lives of most of us when we would have given all the world to be as were but yesterday, though that yesterday had passed over us unappreciated and unenjoyed.” – William Edward Hartpole Lecky   I read this quote yesterday and I think about conversations I have with people. Sometimes I’m guilty of it or sometimes the other person is, but so often someone in the dialogue is talking about something focused on the future or past and not present day. Or complaining about someone they love that is driving them crazy. Or anticipating the next change or wanting something different. I bet if most of us reflect on our discussions, we spend most of it focused on a desire or want in the future. Or complaining about something in the present.  The grass is always greener in the past or the future. And it is easy to complain. …

Bad Day(s)

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I have written my blog for years about positivity. Seeing the life lessons or positivity in something. And I have to say while I live that 95% of my life. Some days, it just sucks. So if you are having a shitty few weeks, I feel ya. And I get it. And I am sure some of you are going through much harder times.   We have been looking for a house for 5 months and we just lost another one to someone who outbid us. We lost it over a stupid term we put in our contract that we did not even know was going to be an issue. I literally feel like it has become my full time job looking for houses and we cannot find one that works and we actually get. Deals have fallen through, we have been outbid, and we have had so many highs and lows. And of course, I have taken on the majority of the work around this. A self elected choice that I am now getting …

My journey to motherhood: I had no clue!

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This journey is always such a personal one for each woman. You begin your adult life trying everything possible to not have a child- abstinence, birth control, and paying close attention to being as safe as possible to prevent this possibility. Then you think, when ready, I will just try and it will all lock in and work. And for so many, that is actually what happens. So many friends and women I know say, we just started trying and it just happened. Or we weren’t even trying yet and it just happened. Or you just need to relax and not stress out and it will just happen. Have sex when you are ovulating and it will happen. And on and on. In so many cases, that is what just happens.   However, for so many, that is not what happens. And after months of trying, you head to the doctor. And for me, due to my age, after six months, you are sent off to a fertility specialist. And I thought, well I’ll go …

Escaping with a Good book or TV Show

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Since my last blog was so deep, I thought I’d share some really fun entertaining reads and TV shows to keep you balanced throughout the month. On the TV front, so really fun shows (less deep and intense) are Life in Pieces. A great comedy that is way underrated and surprisingly is on CBS! I love all the characters, witty and silly humor, and it keeps your attention with short stories. Dead to Me on Netflix so well done and is a dark comedy which both makes you feel an element of suspense, humor, and sadness all is one episode. And I like it because not only is the acting so good but they are only 30 minute episodes. If you need a go-to reality show that isn’t the housewives or HGTV, a solid go to favorite for us is Southern Charm. I am partial to anything in Charleston but it is also very entertaining. And a great escape visually all the way around with incredible acting….who doesn’t love Big Little Lies. The book is …

Refueling my Refueling Blog!

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*Photo of a hike we took in Santa Barbara, CA in April 2019. I’m trying out my blogging journey and path again. My own unique path. Who wants to hike with me on this next phase? It has been over a year since I blogged. I just didn’t know exactly how I wanted to proceed. I have a bit of a love hate with it really. I love sharing my thoughts and connecting with others through it. I also am private so putting myself out there makes me feel vulnerable and exposed. So I’ve been keeping my blog private to those that sign up. Which means I’m also limited in followers. And at times, I want to touch people outside of that circle. So what do I do? So to fill this need, I’ve been journaling, completing my happiness journal everyday (for 4yrs straight now!), doing my monthly memory jar, and reading books. And connecting through conversations, book clubs, and reading other authors. My goal this year is to read 100 books. So far, I’ve …

Spa day

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Every woman (and most men) need a spa day every once and awhile. Whether at home or at an actual spa. Take a day to relax, take a long bath, self care, get a massage, and do things just for yourself to unwind. Saturday was my spa day. I slept 9hrs, got a winter scrub treatment, sat in a heated chair, swam in a heated pool, ate a good meal, sat by a fire pit in a blanket, watched a movie with the fireplace going…it was a day for me. Some self spa days, I just give myself a home facial or do my nails or take a long bath or take a nap or meditate or journal. I make sure I have a few hours just for myself. Spa days are about taking care of your body, mind, and soul. How will you treat yourself sometime soon?  Organize a babysitter or negotiate with your partner to get away? Enjoy the week ahead by planning something soon. Give yourself something to look forward too!

Failure

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“We do not learn so much by our successes as we learn by failures– our own and others. Especially if we see the failures properly corrected.”– Frank Lloyd Wright I really liked this quote. For two reasons– One if gives you reassurance failure is good in any capacity to a certain extent- at work, in relationships, in day to day life…or even in sports. Two, it focuses on the second chance to get it right. And to learn and find a way to correct the failure. To actually the potential to still come out on top. I am the eternal optimist.  And I truly believe anyone can change a behavior or correct a failure, as long as you learn from your mistake. I do truly believe everything works out in the end. You read so many success stories of people who were fired and then later became incredibly success. Destroyed a relationship to later repair it; Or move on but learn for the next one. Every parent makes a mistake parenting to do better the next …

Reflection

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“The biggest happiness is when at the end of the year you feel better than at the beginning”– Henry David Thoreau I do the same exercise each year as the year comes to a close and the next starts. And I love it. As a reminder, here is the link. I encourage all of us to look back at the last year and also determine what your goals or aspirations are for the year to come. How will you approach 2018? http://yearcompass.com/ Also a fun tradition Todd and I started this year and will continue, is to write down at the end of each month our two top favorite memories together. And we put them in a mason jar. At end of the year (today), we then take them all out and read them to each other. A joyful way to celebrate the year and remember all the wonderful times. Try it! You will love it. Great to do solo, as a couple or as a family. I hope your year ends with more joy and …

Spirit of Christmas

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What a fun time of year! Today all the kids anticipate what Santa will bring, adults everywhere have so much fun with the idea of it for kids (and the stress in a fun way), and it is a day where everyone comes together. As an adult, have you lost the spirit and anticipation yourself? It is too much pressure between gifts and travel (and the money that comes with it)? I love these quotes below. While the idea of Santa (and for some…… even baby Jesus as your faith changes) may not stay with you in the same way as we get older, the idea of giving freely, appreciating and loving your fellow human beings (especially family), and treating each other with kindness doesn’t need to escape us. How do you keep that all in perspective and not let the stress of the holidays take over? How do we keep the joy we had as a child? Merry Christmas!

Details of daily life

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“The true secret to happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life”- Williams Morris I liked this quote. When you think about it, when you pay attention, you start to take more joy and entertainment in the day. You see the silly and funny interactions between people. The funny faces or comedic moments. You see the tender looks or subtle displays of affection. You see the kind gestures between strangers. Note: Keeping it real. You also see the bad stuff that makes you grumpy and annoyed with your fellow human (especially driving in a city). And so I did a little social experiment and spent a weekend really trying to pay attention to the details in interactions and in my surroundings. And I immediately did perk up a bit. It made me grateful for so many things. I instantly had a little more gratitude and joy. It made me feel more connected to others. And it made me really appreciate this holiday season too! Try it and see what …