ACCEPTANCE FORGIVENESS GRATITUDE

My life through lyrics, pictures and random wonders of each new day. Here you will find honesty. I am opinionated. I am open. I try to be non-judgemental but constantly find that I am. I am not very traditional but that doesn't mean my values are compromised.

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Gratitude

Today I am grateful for the sweet sounds of the birds welcoming this sunshine.

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I read this quote this morning on the @stopcensoringmotherhood Instagram page and it expanded within my chest. It made me think of all the women that I hear complain about their bodies and express their lack of confidence due to their appearance. It made me think of my own insecurities about my body. I have to admit that my personal body issues are not crippling. Thankfully I have never fully subscribed to society’s ideals of what women should be and look like, probably because my mother didn’t succumb to that shit and never modeled it for me. I feel thankful and very lucky since I hear so many women of all ages, races, all weights and heights, all waist and bra and shoe sizes, all expressing that they feel less valuable because of their weight, the size of their breasts, their stretch marks, of the dreaded jiggle on their arms when they wave at someone. In each one of these women that shares these insecurities with me, I have rarely noticed their perceived flaws. Usually I am much more aware of their beauty or their kindness or the fact that their heart radiates through their eyes and I bet that most people notice the same positive things as well.

I just want to say to all the moms out there comparing themselves to the magazine moms or even to their pre-baby selves, QUIT IT! You are perfect just as you are in this moment! You created a human inside your body. You sacrificed perfect tits and a flat tummy to give life. That is love at it’s purest and that makes you more beautiful than botox or plastic surgery ever could. I’m not saying give up and don’t take care of your body but love and appreciate your body in each phase. Instead of focusing on the parts you don’t like, focus on the parts you do like. You have great teeth, smile more. Love your lips, put on red lipstick every day, Mama! Love your eyes, treat yourself to some killer mascara and play up those windows to your soul. And the things you feel uncomfortable about, LOVE THEM by giving them what they need to be healthy. If it’s flabby arms, just spend ten minutes with some light weights while you watch Grey’s Anatomy. If it’s your soft tummy, eating less sugar and doing fifteen minutes of yoga a day can go a long way. Do it all in love. Take it easy. Small steps done in love are better and longer lasting than huge leaps done out of fear or insecurity. Let’s do this together, ladies! Let’s champion each other to make good choices and take small steps toward better health and more self love.

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Randomness of Life

We are sick. I am recovering from the flu and feel like death warmed over and can't move for longer than 20-30 minutes without feeling like I might pass out. #LilyTheKid has a respiratory infection and thinks she is supergirl thanks to the steroids. She is bouncing from room to room and talking incessantly; like a tiny, senile, old lady. I wish my meds were working as well as hers. Can I get some of what she's having please, Doc?! I think I will share some of Lily's random steroid-induced questions and comments throughout the day. Like this, completely out of nowhere question she just asked: LILY: "Mom, what would happen if someone got a splinter and they never pulled it out?" ME: (Thinking to myself)What are you even talking about? Where did that come from? Haha! To be continued...

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For those who don't yet know, I am developing a line of aromatherapy hair oils and planning to start a small business this year. It is exciting and overwhelming and I have been afraid to say it out loud because if you don't know I am trying then you won't care if I fail. You know? So, in an effort to be brave, to be held accountable, to step into the arena, I am announcing that I will be launching Goddess Hair soon! If you would like to follow my progress and see a kick ass #tbt photo of me from high school, check out @ourgoddesshair and hit the follow button. And thank you to all the brilliant women I have met in the last couple of years, especially the #conqueringlifetogether bunch, who inspire me with their hard work, dedication, and willingness to share the ups and downs. You all have inspired me so much!

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http://www.higherperspectives.com/human-race-1507311120.html

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@drummerho joined #LilyTheKid and her first grade class for their Christmas party today. He would make a really great elf.💚❤️ (at Forest HillsSchool)

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So thankful for @jrholder6263 and the sweet relationship he has with #LilyTheKid. They adore each other and I can't wait to do the same with baby Owen!

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Cookies baked for our Daisy Scout party. Chicken & rice casseroles going in the over for the Community Meal the ladies of @conquerlife_al are volunteering in this evening. And several handmade Christmas gifts completed. 👊🏻 #momlife #likeaboss

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This morning #LilyTheKid was totally unimpressed by Daniel, her #elfonashelf , and his idea for an underwear tree.

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There's a reason this song lyric exists. And my heart knows it well. "...if I die in Raleigh, well at least I will die free..." #timehop

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Happy Memories❤️

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So, my school drop-off #ootd wasn't too terrible today. Black leggings, boots, and a white tshirt so cheap that you could see my bra through. HOWEVER, it wasn't until after I had gotten in and out of the car a couple times and seen a handful of people, that I realized I was still wearing the remnants of last night's lip stain. And it totally looks like my lips are cracked and bleeding. #womenIRL #oops #momlife #makeup

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When Paramore unexpectedly comes on the playlist, the car performance must begin. Even if it is 8 am. Hope you enjoyed the show this morning, Downtown Florence.

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It's fun remembering these moments! I can't believe my little boo is almost 7!

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Who's ready? #thecookiesarecoming @girlscoutsnca

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School drop-off #ootd Those aren't even pants; they're fleece tights. You should see the shoe/sock combo. #womenIRL (at Forest HillsSchool)

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First grade field trip to #santasvillagehsv with #LilyTheKid