Friday Finds: A New Ritual ...

/
flowers-one.jpg

I've written previously (here and here) about grief and sadness and being okay with not being okay, but I thought I'd share with you the one way right now I'm finding my little moments of happiness...

flowers-two.jpg

I've started buying myself flowers once a week.

It started out as a kind sentiment from a stranger at Trader Joe's who thought I could use some cheering up as I burst into tears at the checkout line. Then it was a gift from my incredibly sweet friend who wanted me to have a spark of beauty in a day that was all too tough. Finally it was about myself taking control and demanding a life a peace and love and happiness. So for less than six dollars a week, I'm buying myself flowers to sit on my windowsill and bring a glimpse of happy to the mornings I don't want to get out of bed or breathe deeply.

I wrote on social media this week the following:

"Sometimes it's not the grand gestures or the big things that get you through but the little things, the simple things, the imperfectly perfect things. A life of happiness isn't for people who have it magically figured out. A life of happiness is taking the happy moments and stringing them together through the rough and through the tough and through the awful. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to not be okay. That darkness makes the light all the brighter and all the more welcome. Let the light in any way you can. It's worth it. You're worth it. And if it's just to smell the roses, that's enough. To all those struggling today, I see you, and you are enough."

flowers-one.jpg
flowers-four.jpg
flowers-three.JPG

I am enough even when I don't feel worthy, and I deserve a life of happiness based on the terms of my choosing. Flowers are a beautiful reminder of blooming when you can and soaking up all the radiant sunshine and joy in the moments you are able. Sure, the blossoms fade, and eventually I must throw them out, but the peace they bring my heart is priceless, and the snapshots I'll have will last a lifetime.

String together the little things, babes, to make a life of Great Vibes. We are enough just as we are in this moment. Take it for all it's worth and make it great. Xx.

+ What can you do to add joy and Great Vibes to your life? Comment below!

P.S. Did you know you get The Great Vibes New Year Guide when you sign up for The Newsletter?
Subscribe right now >>>>>

P.S.S. Have you checked out all of the
other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?

January Resolution: Spontaneity || 1.5.15

/

||ON FIRE||

One week to go until I'm reading over books filled with economic based calculus and texts about Hinduism. One week of relaxation coupled with intense panic of the unknown, and I'm back in Winston-Salem, making sense of everything all over again. I'm not as agitated as I was for the beginning of the fall semester; I've made my choice to remain at Wake, and I'm sticking to that decision. But it doesn't mean I don't get a little nervous at the idea of going back to a fuller than full workload. Will I get exhausted again? Burn out? It's the new year, new me kind of deal, but is it? It's never easy transitioning from a little work here and there to a packed, 19 hour day, 7 days of the week kind of deal, but I'm determined to make it work.

This past weekend, I hung out around the house, became frustrated, watched a few seasons of Bones, made a recipe that I can't wait to put a twist on, and thought long and hard about what this new year will mean in the long run. My plan this year? One resolution a month mixed with some new habits and attitude adjustments -- all will be minimally planned and I'll be spending life in the moment (thanks to resolution #1 - Spontaneity). I'm really excited. This week I'm hoping to catch up with friends before I go back and really start living the life I want for my future. Amazing 2015 here I come!

How was your weekend? What are some of your resolutions this year?

||GRATITUDE||

I am grateful for trusting friendships.

I am grateful for love.

I am grateful for a desire to be more spontaneous.

I am grateful for hope.

I am grateful for passion and commitment.

I am grateful for living a life I am proud to live.

I am grateful for the sun, the moon, and the stars and how they will always keep me on track.

What are you grateful for?

xx

[click on image for link]

Slow Down & Take a Load Off || 12.15.14

/

||LAZY & FRUSTRATED||

Okay, so the title is a slight exaggeration, but not far from the truth. I feel like the stress that has been building up over the last few weeks -- what am I saying, the last few months -- has caught up with me and reduced me to an exhausted Emily, lying on the couch, and watching Blue Bloods like my life depends on the show. Which it kind of does right now. The lazy, hazy weekend has been extended into the week, into my veins, and into my bones. Hopefully this week I'll get moving, catching up on much needed work, writing some great posts for all of you, and getting ready for my Kula Christmas at the end of the week. I do love the holiday season.

P.S. I made this cornbread over the weekend - twice - it. was. that. good.

P.S.S. If you're traveling home for the holidays over the next week or so, check out my holiday survival guide.

How was your weekend? Eat anything yummy? 

||GRATITUDE||

I am grateful for -  in the words of Joanna Goddard - "my gorgeous best friend who texts every morning, holds my hand in scary elevators, and sneaks wine into movies." Yep, she's a keeper.

I am grateful for beautiful nights in twinkle lit gardens with my beautiful Momma.

I am grateful for tea with a wonderful woman and incredible friend.

I am grateful for having a puppy in the house who reminds me what yoga off the mat looks like.

I am grateful for Netflix. It had to be said.

I am grateful for love, for I am never without it no matter where I go.

What are you grateful for?

xx

[image through link]