Season of Blessing

I’ve been negligent lately and this blog is proof to show it!

Busy’s got the better of me and it’s left me having to prioritize. And while I deeply love my journalling time, if it’s a matter of prayer or blogging, I choose prayer!

There is so much goodness unfolding right now, my heart is bursting at the seams. Heirloom Magazine is soaring and we’re eagerly preparing for not only issue two, but introducing a new daily blog, this coming Monday!

As for KME, it’s go time and I’m welcoming wedding season with vigor and passion. My clients seriously ignite my work life and I couldn’t be more delighted to usher them down the aisle- not to mention beautify the process!

And let’s not forget the editorials I’ve been working on: too much goodness to count.

All in all, this time has been rewarding! And while I’ve definitely faced challenges (many and hard work) I’m learning to accept them with grace- allowing it to refine and reshape my heart. cause really, nothing can outweigh the reality of living out your dreams!

People always say life comes in seasons and this one is surely a blessing!

Ladder to the Stars

For many, dreaming is just that: Dreams. 

Lovely, wishful, illusions that take you to an out of body experience. For me, dreaming is a starting point.

It’s where I curate visions of my future, all I long for and desire. It’s where my heart meets my soul, in a place of wonder and curiousity. It’s where I plan and set the wheels of change in motion.

From a very early age, I was told I could do anything; be anybody I wanted and reach to heaven for the stars. I’d always laugh and blush, as my mother looked me in the eyes. “It’s true!” she’d say. “You were meant to be somebody.”

And so it began; I started reaching for my stars. Sometimes I succeeded and other times I fell. But no matter what, I’d brush myself right off and get back at it.

People always tell me I’m fighter; a go-getter, a “mighty mouse.” And while I may largely have my genes to thank, it was those words that kept me going. So, I count myself as lucky.

I’ve learnt that many have not known, my mother’s encouraging ways. So today, I turn to you as your ra-ra team in arms.

Who is it that you want to be? What dreams have been left dormant?

Cause You can be anything! Anybody you want to be. And never, I mean never, be afraid to reach for the stars!

Nows your time, there’s no moment like the present.

You were born to be a city, set high upon on a hill; a light in shadowed darkness, a leader of your own. Your path is uniquely yours and it’s ready to be paved. So grab your big girl panties and find that ladder to your star!

irony in timing

Timing is a funny thing: sometimes it’s fabulous and others it awful, But regardless it’s always perfect.

Huh? What?

You heard me: Timing is always perfect if you choose to see it from a wider angle, to look for the pros and reflect on it’s invaluable lessons.

This last week and next are nuts, for a better lack of terms. I have two unfolding projects that I’ve been working on for months, set to launch in a short few weeks. Not to mention my other work, day to day tasks, clients and the massive list of “oh this too!”

And just when I felt like a juggling master, a force to be reckoned with, my dear ol’ Mac fell sad. That’s right! Sad Mac friends and you know what that means…

Screw calm and FREAK OUT!

For as organized as my OCD ways are, I’m powerless without my files, my computer and my systems. How ever will I accomplish what I need with merely my phone?!

Very little, but I’m taking it one day at a time. My world won’t fall apart, it won’t be perfect, but it’ll get done, some way, somehow.

Done is better than perfect!

After a momentary pitty fest, I got up off my butt and took action. I have faith that God will pull me through and all will unfold exactly as is should. So, for now, I’ll focus on the good…

Honing my troubleshooting skills
Learning to let go
Appreciating the silence
Leaning on my faith
Acknowledging imperfection

And living vulnerably; Authentic and real.

Crap happens. So what! It’s what you make of it that counts.

One of those days

Today was one of those days when you’re reminded, over and over again, that He is the one in control. Not one, two or three, but countless times in one day. Not in good or in bad, but both and in all ways.

From the time I woke, to now as I rest my head, God has listened to my fears, rejoiced in my excitement, calmed my nerves, opened new doors, answered prayers, taught me new, encouraged growth, tested my faith and loved me all the more.

Days like today leave me dumbfounded in reflection, overcome by a wealth of emotion. God is good is so many ways. He is big. He is strong. And He is mine.

He makes good of all things and will surely make straight my path. I will seek him earnestly and with my whole heart, trusting in His ways. And above all else, love, as he loves me- an extension of his mercy and grace.

For the sake of it.

Be the kind of person who can bestow unearned kindness on another, replace bitterness with empathy and forgive, simply for the sake of forgiving.

I want to be this kind of person, wholeheartedly, regardless of the circumstance. Because really, forgiveness and undeserved kindness does not mean you forfeit or that you’re weak. it does not excuse ill-mannered actions or disregard transgression. It simply frees us, from the painful heartache of holding a grudge.

And while its difficult at times, I know I’m getting better than my testy Scorpio ways. With God’s preserverence, he continues to shape my views and deeply reveal his truth: That in life- marriage, friendship and even business, kindness is the answer, always. No matter how difficult, unnerving and undeserved it may be.

I’m sure that’s how he feels about us, most, err, some days!

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8

Not by my deeds, action or merits- but by Love, I am shown kindness.

A new beginning

Funny. I feel like I keep entering stages of “new beginnings.” Perhaps, it’s because we’re ever evolving as people, that life is ever changing and our perspectives are ever molding, into the ones our God has planned for us. Then, every so often we turn those corners and “aha,” a new chapter awaits.

Be it large or small, these chapters are equally important- deserving of our joy, attention and kindred reflection. After all, these moments we live are worth celebrating, are they not?!

Today, I opened a new chapter: launched a magazine and humbly watched as a piece of my heart soared to the sky. Never before have I felt such a strong urge to dance and puke, all at the same time; the perfect storm of joy, excitement, butterflies and terror. But that’s the beauty of it! Because being inside the will of God is the most beautiful, yet scariest place of all. Cause He’s in control, not I…

But, I know that He’s enough and His plans are ever glorious- more splendid than my wildest dreams! Not by my strength, but in Him, I can and will soar high.

I can do everything, through Him who gives me strength     ~ Philippians 4:13

So, here’s to new beginnings, new chapters and the steadfast had of God, at work in this wonderful life!

You are your surroundings.

What continuously amazes me, is how effected we are by those that surround us.

They can make or break our point of view, our mood- heck, even our day. But they shouldn’t- and 50% of the time we’re strong enough to stay grounded in ourselves. But what about the other 50%?

It’s our job to eliminate the negative, take an inventory of our surroundings and pull out the weeds.

Trim your facebook feed, meet your mentors, network, forget the frienemy- love your true friends that much more, live real life- with your hunny, your kids and your pets. Get off twitter. Choose your clients; not the other way around. Stop comparing and “researching” and start being you, whole heartedly, with blinders to the rest! …

Surround yourself with positive: those that inspire you, have what you aspire to, encourage and build you up, rejoice with you and make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Whether its your business network, friends or even family- give yourself permission to rise above the melodrama of others.

Choose life in abundance, joy and peace, no matter the circumstance

Cause in the end, it’s only one life- yours and no should steal that from you!

a deeper sense of trust

As the sun shone bright, I walked along the beach and before I knew it, my eyes began to well.

Was it the rays of golden goodness or the excitement for life at present: I’ll never know. But as I walked, an overwhelming sense of joy and deep gratitude washed over me. I wore a permanent silly grin and felt like nothing more, than running through the sand, barefoot.

Today, I should be stressed- anxiety at home inside me, dictating a speed of never ending chaos. But instead, it’s replaced with what feels like content: complete in my surroundings.

God has instilled in me a deeper understanding of trust- on many levels: in his will, in his timing, in his ever perfect way of orchestrating “good” through everything. Right down to the small, seemingly insignificant nuances of life: Bills. To Do’s. Projects. Work. Friends. Family.

It’s a wonder we get it all done!

But with God as our pilot, we’re destined for greatness. We need not worry: simply seek guidance and trust in his answer.

God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches~ Philippians 4:19

Life now.

Life is busy and for months now, I’ve been telling myself it’ll slow down. But truth is, it only gets rolling quicker. Life is full and brimming with opportunities- the ones I spent years praying for, longing for their vibrant arrival.

Yes! Life is vibrant. And what I realize more than ever: It wont “go back” to the way it was before. My husband confirmed it this weekend, while on a crisp mornings walk.

“This is your life now. The life God was preparing you for. ”

As it sunk in, I recounted the last few years: the grooming, refining and equipping He had done. There was no time like the present, for Him to open the floodgates of opportunity. My time has arrived and I’ve finally stepped across the threshold- more like jumped- two feet first and beaming!

Among these last few months, “busy” has taught me much: what’s truly important, the need to prioritize and how I choose to spend my days. Wait. Scratch that- celebrate my days!

I’ve learnt how deeply hard work sets my heart on fire- that it does makes a difference and that I CAN. There’s no need to apologize!

“Be you, Bravely!”

I’ve learnt the value of my precious time and how I spend it, dictates my story. I’ve known those that impact me- that lift me up and embrace the journey with me. I’ve learnt to guard my heart and more importantly, my mind; taking note of those that inspire me and encourage me to do more. be more. live more. 

I’ve learnt the need for “quiet living”- moments spent cuddling, walking the dogs or reading. Because in these moments I reconnect with my soul, my passion and my purpose.

I’ve known the need to pray without ceasing and how easily we get distracted – from the life that really matters. Do JUST that and forget all the rest!! Because saying no to somethings, means saying yes to SO much more…. To the stuff that really counts.

But most of all, I’ve learnt I’m blessed- immeasurably- so that I can be a blessing to others.

So here to life now: vibrant and beautifully busy.

My secret Weapon.

There comes those weeks when you feel the never ending weight of to-do’s. And while you move at lightening speed, placing every task to bed, the list seems never ending.  On those weeks, I want nothing more than to scream to the conductor,

“stop the carosoul and let me off!”   “Can I stop the world for even one day?!”  I beg. Please tell me you can relate!

I could blame the work load, my demanding projects, or simply complain about busyness, but reality is, no one but me can help myself. It’s in my hands to change my perspective and make my days count. And count they should!

After all, I’ve been blessed immeasurably so that I may be a blessing to others…. to you! 

And without fail, each and every time, like a defeated dog with my tail between my legs, I find a quiet corner to reflect, regroup and reignite.

Meet my secret weapon…..

 

 

While this beautiful image may be new, it’s principals are tried and true- the backbone to my rebirth with “Making Brands Happen.” I find, that when my weeks bare even the smallest resemblance to that above, I’ve slipped in one of these areas and lost focus on what really matters.

Anxiety. Comparison. Twitter (aka: my arch nemesis). Pinterest. TV. Long lists. Expectations.

________ Insert your energy sucker here. Because really, that’s what they are.

Rather than staying focused during the hours of “getting things done” you waiver, leaving the hours meant for “living,” a time for playing catch up. Meet the carousol!

So today, I encourage you: Get it out- Let it go-Focus- DO- and cut yourself some slack.

Do whatever you need to do, to be the best YOU, you can possibly be.
Because today is precious- it’s time to make it count!