finding the happy every day

The other day I spent nearly an hour browsing Barnes & Noble between plans. I forgot how calming and refreshing it was to be surrounded by so many books - the written word - and enjoy the environment of a book store/coffee shop. 

Amidst the browsing, I came across this journal sporting the quote, "Do more of what makes you happy." I had to snatch it up as it was a perfect fit for me right now. This month and the few to come are ones of change. Both Sam and I have taken on new roles professionally; jobs that also give us some room for various lifestyle changes as well. 

This journal felt just right when I thought about everything changing for us. With the new change in my day-to-day routine, I've found a renewed sense of energy - both mentally and physically - that has given me opportunity to really pursue the things I've wanted to do for so long: more yoga, more DIY projects, more writing, more reading and so on. 

Said simply: I want to do more of the things that make me happy. Pursue the things that bring me alive. and bring things that felt lost in translation back to the forefront. With some recent inspiration, I've found ways to push them back into my routine, and there's no slowing down from here on out.

In a season of becoming, it's important to feel empowered and happy. And with this little notebook, I'll keep doing just that.

10 things for 20-somethings (re-blog)

A friend shared this on her blog - Sometimes, Always, Never - earlier this week, and I couldn't help but share it again. Her short and sweet points are all spot on.

Our twenties are a decade for becoming, and these "10 things for 20-somethings" definitely resonated with me. All of them are things I've gradually realized and started finding ways to figure them out through my own personal life. 

Check it out: http://whitneybiber.blogspot.com/2013/08/ten-things-id-tell-someone-starting.html.

What's your advice for 20-somethings?

meet me in the middle

Every day, I fall more and more in love with the blogging world. Some of my favorite posts are the ones that make you think. Ones that help you reflect and dig a little deeper. They inspire me in different ways. 

The other day, a friend of mine (who always has great posts) talked about meeting in the middle. She talks about the idea that if everything is great all the time, do we really value it the same way? It made me think. And I think the answer "no." Trials in life help us realize how grateful we should be during the great times. And to remember that yes, all good things might come to an end at some point but so do the hard times. Not everything lasts forever. We all experience good and bad. 

We need to remember to meet in the middle - to remember that it'll get better if it's not already. As my friend wrote, we need to "trust that there is a bigger plan - and to push that lawn mower through the rain." 

Good stuff, my friends. When the going gets tough, just meet in the middle. 

inspiration and "aha!" moments

Lately, I've been feeling inspired. I'm not sure what led to some "aha" moments, but I found the inspiration and am acting on it. 

via http://favim.com/image/55225/

A few weeks ago, I started realizing how off I seemed to be with all sorts of things -- budgets, exercise, eating right, and the list goes on. I was forgetting what activities and needs helped reduce the probability of having "one of those days" and was indulging in unnecessary things while also avoiding the necessary. Things like retail therapy made me feel better (this might be a whole other issue...) or eating out too much because I just didn't have the energy to make my own sandwich. I was even choosing no workout at all over a short, quick vent session on the treadmill. The overspending and lack of concentration on healthy habits only stressed me out more.

I was at a crossroads and needed to figure out how to refocus priorities to knock out the overwhelmed feeling.

It has left me inspired to make some changes for the better. Inspired to seek out the best in myself and in others. Inspired to put the crap aside and think about what's important. 

Let's translate that into real-life items, shall we? 

For three weeks, I haven't eaten lunch out... ONCE. For two months (moving forward), I'm making a vow to not shop... AT ALL (exception: a trunk show I'm hosting!). I'm working on releasing negative energy through exercise, and yes, it really, REALLY works. I'm decluttering (from clothes to miscellaneous items) to help feel organized and put together. I'm finally starting some home projects that have been "on the list" for what feels like years. I'm saying no to things that aren't worth it but also saying yes to more things that I know will bring happiness in the end (more friend and family time!).

The list goes on.

All these things will fuel happiness and leave stress out to fend for itself in no-man's land. It will help me share the love more often. It will help me focus.

Lately, I've been feeling inspired, and it's time to reboot!