Since a very young age, I have always looked for the beautiful things in life. I never judge, and I always seek the good in everyone! What is BEAUTIFUL to me…
A Sunset, A Walk on the Beach, A Rainbow, The Smell of Rain
Big Warm Hugs, Laughing Out Loud, A Wink, Catching Someone’s Eye Across a Crowded Room
The Flickering Flame of a Candle, The Ballet
Sweat and Sore Muscles
Pentwater, Michigan
I grew up spending summers in Pentwater. It was, and still is, my family’s vacation home. It is truly a BEAUTIFUL place! I find peace and solace there. It’s beach is my closest friend. The rhythm of the waves rolling onto shore; the warm sand under my feet; the breath of fresh air; the sun warming my face…This soothes my soul and gives me time to reflect on where I’ve been and where I want to go.
But there are those moments in my life where I feel like I am falling apart- I feel broken and that’s when my anxiety and depression cycle through…We have all faced hardship. Life IS hard- really, REALLY hard…it’s a BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLE! And BEAUTIFUL can be messy! But I try not to let my darkness and my brokenness define me. My runs on the beach allow me a moment to dream and become transported somewhere magical and truly heavenly. I Dream, I Pray, I Meditate, I Heal!
When I have those moments to reflect back on the beach or even at the gym, I realize that there were too many days wasted comparing myself to others and wishing to be something that I wasn’t. One of my biggest FEARS is what people think of me. Are they judging me? I hate judgmental people! Do NOT “judge” me until you have lived in my shoes and experienced my life!
As a perfectionist, my negative self-talk would tell me “You’re not good enough”. And, I had moments where I would give up on myself. I was paralyzed by fear and terrified that I had nothing to offer the world. I mentioned my biggest fear…but my biggest WEAKNESS would be my desire for perfection! I love this quote from Kelle Hampton, “Perfection is not flawless or ripped from a magazine. It’s happiness…with all its messiness and not-quite-thereness.”
And then, of course, I have to quote one of my obsessions…the late and great Miss Marilyn Monroe…”I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”
So, for all of us out there that might feel inadequate, insecure, hopeless in any way…we need to Believe we matter, Believe we have something to offer this world, and Believe we cannot be replaced. Believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And more importantly, Believe that you just might be that light for someone else! It’s so hard to own this philosophy, but it’s true. I’m learning to embrace all of my imperfections…God gave us these quirks and obstacles to define us from everyone else. I’m learning to follow my gut and use my kindness and “people-pleasing” to impact those that walk into my “world”.
I have one last quote from an incredible actress and fashion icon of mine…”For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; {for beautiful legs}, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Katherine Hepburn
I am definitely on a mission to satisfy my soul! I CRAVE truth, beauty, wonder, love. I am slowly learning how to CONNECT with friends and family. Again, please join me on “My Journey To a Beautiful Life”. Life IS a beautiful struggle…I’m learning to believe that we’re put on this earth to face crazy, personal challenges and grow stronger from them; but we also need to take those fleeting moments to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us!
