Hey guys! I have another fun “Fashion Friday” post for you today, and I’m even posing as a model myself this time! 😉 Photo credit: Sam. Also, I am loving me some alliteration lately… Thanks for bearing with me.
In all seriousness, it’s been a hard couple of weeks. I mentioned how overwhelmed I’m feeling at work in Tuesday’s post and have heard from several of you that you can relate! On top of my school stuff, we’ve just had a busy schedule lately; Nora is in a tough stage of teething/tantrums; and, to top it all off, I had STREP THROAT (who even gets that as an adult?) this week. When it rains, it pours. You know?
I know you know.
This post isn’t about how busy and hard life is though. It just is what it is, and we all have our stuff. After like myself have a little pity-party/sick day on Wednesday, I woke up yesterday determined to change my mindset – to focus on tiny pieces of peace in the chaos, to give thanks when I want to throw a fit, and to be grateful in the grind of to-do lists, broken dryers, and babies that won’t sleep. And, you guys, it worked. I’m feeling so.much.better (OK, maybe it’s because my z-pak finally kicked in; but the attitude hasn’t hurt. ;))
Yesterday, while Nora didn’t nap, Sam and I played around outside, and I asked him to take some photos of me in my new shirt. You’ve never seen a happier boy than when I handed over my “fancy” camera. When I presented him with my request, I said, “Do you like that idea?” and he responded, “I don’t like it, I LOVE it!” He had the same reaction last week when I asked him to help me rake the yard. While I cursed our darn trees and pitiful grass under my breath, he literally glowed with joy. I LOVE the heart of a five-year old.
When I finally stopped to think about my life and attempt to put things into perspective, it was easy to count my blessings. I realize that for every teacher-mom out there who feels exhausted and like they can’t quite keep up in either realm – like me – there are a dozen other people who would give anything for a job they enjoy, work they are passionate about, a career they feel called to and purposeful in. There are a dozen more who pray every night for a house and a yard (with trees!) to call their own, or the mess of tiny handprints on the front door, or a night spent rocking a red-cheeked baby (even a screaming one).
This is getting pretty deep for a “Fashion” post, so I’ll stop here. The bottom line is that gratefulness is a choice. Sometimes, in the grind of the day-to-day, it doesn’t come naturally. I have to consciously choose thanks.
In this season – and always – I hope you’ll choose it too.
<<Warning: Affiliate links (and a GREAT DEAL) ahead!! See my sidebar for the full disclosure>>
My graphic tee (pictured) is from Cents of Style, and it’s FREE with any $25.00 purchase through SUNDAY (11/6). This style seems to be all the rage now, and you know I’m all about jumping on a tee shirt trend. 😉 I’m wearing a Large, and I love the longer/looser fit with still a little bit of structure and a feminine scoop-neck style. It’s short-sleeved, so it’s perfect for this unseasonably warm fall we’re having, but I really like it layered with a cardigan or military jacket best. To purchase, simply grab anything totaling at least $25.00 from Cents of Style (maybe this amazing skirt or these adorable shoes), and get this shirt – also available in wine – for FREE ($29.95 regularly) with the code THANKFUL1. As always, shipping is FREE! 🙂
Have a great weekend friends! (I’m hoping to get some Links & Likes up tomorrow morning.)
E