{Written while watching old Downton Abbey because the final season starts January 3rd! Be still my happy heart!} Hi loves! It has been a while. I don't know about you, and I know I've said this before but it is getting tough to make it all fit into 24 small hours! So, the blogging had to slide a little. But now that Christmas is over (I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and spent plenty of time with those you love), and the end of the year is here, I will hopefully get back on track. I want to talk about this outfit but I also want to talk about you. Us. 2016. What are your goals? Your hopes? Your wishes? It does seem like the ringing in of every new year is the opportunity to wipe the slate clean on whatever went into the year before and to start fresh. I always set kind of silly little achievable resolutions for myself each year but what do you think about us setting something even bigger for ourselves? I thought about things that as busy women, we tend to forget. Here are some things that I am going to try and incorporate into my life next year and maybe you will too. Maybe they aren't resolutions, but instead, just some good ideas to think about. Self wellness tips if you will. Give these a read and let me know what you think.
1. Remember that we are perfect, exactly as we are: Here is what I mean-- every one of us is a child of God, perfectly created. We are unique beings, each different from the other and our differences are what make us attractive. Embrace every quirk and silly thing about you, because this is what makes you YOU. Can you imagine a world where we all looked and acted the same? Where is the uniqueness in that? Don't worry about what anyone else is doing. Don't worry about trying to fit in with everyone else. You just do you, because you? You're pretty spectacular!
2. Find your passion and let it light up your life: Whatever it is-- cooking, gardening, ballet dancing, writing, being a lawyer (wait....scratch that! :)-- whatever it may be, pursue it. Dream about it. Nurture it. Work at it. Work for it. If you love something and it makes you happy-- go for it! Whatever it is...go for it!
3. Love yourself above all others and your love for others will flow: I can tell an unhappy person a mile away. They are usually the ones telling everyone how happy they are. True happiness comes from loving yourself, being comfortable in your own skin, appreciating the wonderful qualities you have in abundance. Let me let you in on a little secret- someone will always be more _____ than you (prettier, taller, leaner, smarter, faster, richer...whatever) We need to measure our self worth another way, and once you do, and you love yourself deeply and fully and confidently, then it is so much easier to love everyone around you, because no one is a threat and your appreciation for the lovely qualities in others is sincere. When you cultivate your personality and things that only you control- your wit, your graciousness, your faith, your generosity, your intelligence, your compassion- you will develop an appreciation for the person you are and it just spills over into an appreciation for others.
4. Read. Write. Or both. Lets put down out phones, stop scrolling through IG or answering emails and do something for our minds every once in a while. Read a real book. Read a newspaper and keep current on the world around us. Write a real thank you card. Maybe keep a journal and take 10 minutes each day to write a little something. A couple of years ago, I read the Bible in a Year, where there are a few pages marked down for each day and in 365 days, you've read it all. I might do that again. I just think we need to fight against the spare time we have being consumed entirely by social media, you know?
5. Say no to people or things that don't bring you joy. So I am a person fueled by obligation. If it is the right thing to do, if it means something to you, I will do it. Even though sometimes it means that I am triple booking myself on the weekends without a moment to spare. Putting aside the important things, learning to say no once in a while is a worthwhile skill. Maybe you don't need to go to every kids birthday party in your child's class. Maybe you want to skip that couple's dinner and just stay home and order in. We live extremely busy lives and the more we can pare down and make room for the important things, the happy things, the more relaxed and joyful we will be. This is a hard one for me, because I am a major people pleaser, but I am getting better at it!
6. Find something to be happy about every single day: Life, my friends. It is this wonderful gift that we are handed day after blessed day. What will you do with this gift? If just looking at the sky and the clouds is not enough to make you happy (that totally does it for me!), you just need to find something. I believe that there is every reason to wake up each morning happy and joyful and excited for the day. Some days will be harder than others. It can be something little, like your coffees extra yummy or something big, like you received a promotion you deserve. If we come from a place of gratitude each day, I believe it will shape the way our days (and year) unfold.
Alrighty, so about this look. I love to dress up. Not in crazy ballgowns, but I feel so much better about myself when I am dressed up. Being casual (except when I'm working out) is just not really me. So when I had the opportunity to pull out the sequined skirt, little furry shawl and shiny statement necklace for the holidays, I couldn't wait. I loved wearing it-- it just feels special! I hope your holiday will be so special too- mine will be what it always is, spending my new years with the people I love! Thank you so much for stopping by, dearest reader! Sweetly- Michelle
Skirt || Shoes || Shawl ||Sunnies || Clutch (Louis Vuitton) ||Necklace Here and here