Hey hey party people! If you came looking for good news, you’re in luck. Monday’s almost over!
That was it. That was your good news. And if you are reading this on Tuesday double good news – the weekend is only 4 days away! And if you are reading on Wednesday – well, it’s basically the weekend now so break out that bottle of wine and get to chuggin’ ladies.
That was a joke. Don’t chug wine. I’ve heard that your head doesn’t like you if you do that. Rumors anyhow…
This past weekend was full of eating out, shopping, laying on a boat, baseball games, and hot dogs topped with macaroni and cheese. If you think that you eat unhealthy just think about me and you will feel 110% better about yourself. That sentence could be used in all sorts of scenarios.
Speaking of that really positive statement [sarcasm] – I’ve been struggling recently with body image, confidence and all of that wonderful stuff us women deal with on a regular basis. About a week or so ago I was minding my own business doing a little bit of grocery shopping when my mind starting becoming inundated with negative thoughts about myself. It was as if I couldn’t get my brain to stop speaking harsh harsh words at me. I suddenly found myself fighting off tears right there in the grocery aisle. Because I didn’t want the tears to show I put on my sunglasses and started to quickly exit the store. While walking out I started praying simply asking Jesus for me to stop with the negative thoughts – to fill my mind with things much bigger than I – to look for people around me to love. And that’s when He showed up, right then and there. In the midst of my teary eyed prayer a woman literally stopped me and simply said “you look so pretty today.” And then I went to my car and bawled.
It was a moment that I never want to forget. Those ten seconds reminded me of so much – for starters, He hears us and He cares about us. I know that not all of you believe in the same God I believe in or any at all, but for me personally it was a moment that I give to Him. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I was praying for relief and a woman showed me love at the very same time.
Secondly, it reminded me how much our words matter. What we say to a stranger in the middle of a grocery store has the potential to rock their world [either negatively or positively]. Our words hold so much potential to make or break – we must remember this [myself especially] when speaking mindlessly, debating whether to say something or not, etc. Speak love.
Thirdly, the love that we allow ourselves to feel is the same amount of love that we are capable of giving out to others. We need to drench ourselves in love – speak positively internally – pray against negative thoughts – and fill ourselves up continually in order to exude love to those around us. Easier said than done, I know. But it’s imperative we love ourselves first if we expect a) others to love us and b) us to love others.
With all of that being said, love wins. Every freaking single time.
I found this bracelet since the grocery store incident and I knew I wanted it wrapped around my wrist for a constant reminder of what we are here to do. Found at Luv. I love [pun intended] what they are all about – 50% of net profits go to a charity of their consumers choice. As of now they have already supported Feed The Children, Save the Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, War Child, and UNICEF. You can read all about their story here. Aside from jewelry and accessories they also have an awesome collection of home items I’m adoring.
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
