thought for the week: purging

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In talking with my sister-in-law, the term "purge"comes up often when we talk about spaces in our homes:  closets, bookshelves, drawers, etc.  The word is easy to use, but the practice is more difficult.  When it comes down to it, letting go of things is not always the easiest task.  Sometimes we hold onto an object for sentimental reasons.  Sometimes we can't part with something for fear that we will need it again as soon as we say goodbye.  Whatever the reason, "purging" is one of those things simultaneously desired and dreaded.  

I think this quote sums up an attitude that makes the process a little easier.  Keep only those things that are useful or beautiful.  Useful to me means an object is actually used (and appreciated when used means it will never leave me.) Beautiful is obviously a personal opinion, but beauty is also the fun part. A bright painting from your artistic days?  A unique chair that you found at a garage sale?  The shoes you spent too much money on to ever wear outside your house?  

If you know they are beautiful, keep them.  Know what beauty means for you and embrace it.  

The very best part of the entire process, however?  

Once it is done, there is more room to appreciate the things that survived the cut.  

Life often feels less overwhelming when our spaces and possessions are less cluttered.  

Do you have a part of your home that needs to be "purged?"  

Or do you have something you keep in your life because you know it to be beautiful?  

I'd love to hear from you.  

Happy Monday.

xo,

thought for the week: slow down

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How ironic that this lesson is usually only learned retrospect?  How often have I rushed through some part of my day, week, or life (often because I wanted to be on the same time table as someone else) only to find myself reaching for the next thing once I got there?  High school, college, wedding planning, traveling, living in a new city, starting my first job, going to law school, and even my summer of studying all feel like a blur.

Though I wouldn't change my path thus far, I do wish I had taken some time to really enjoy the little things in each stage: mandated lunch breaks with friends around the tree in high school, 

hunkering down under a blanket by the fire the first winter I spent in a state that actually gets snow, having three day weekends for two years running as a law student.  

Now that we have "moved back home," I find myself wanting to rush to the next stage of my journey again.  Remodeling the house, finding the perfect job, having kids, all seem like things that need to be checked off the list...and quickly.  At times it can feel like I am falling behind as I see our friends getting promotions, having babies, or just living their "adult lives."  The reality is that life takes time. Friendships aren't born overnight, houses aren't built in a month, and the perfect job isn't necessarily going to fall into my lap.  As for kids, we all know that is a major life change and decision that shouldn't be made on anyone else's timetable.  

This is a precious stage of life.  Josh and I are surrounded by family and friends, we get to enjoy taking our time as we make our house a home, and we are blessed each day in ways we can't even comprehend.  I don't want to rush through this stage just to get to the next. Time is slipping by, but each day offers a chance to "slow down, hold on, and breath in."  Though not always glamorous or catalytic towards that next stage, I firmly believe that each day deserves to be cherished and enjoyed for all the little blessings it contains.  

How do you ensure you "slow down" enough to enjoy each stage of life? 

xo,

thought for the week: go do

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I have had some free time on my hands lately.  While this has been a wonderful change of pace, I've also had plenty of time to reflect on some of those things I have "always wanted to do."  Some of these things are still a little fuzzy, but I know that I have lots left ahead of me to explore and learn.

Here's a quick sampling:

Take a photography class
Overcome my anxiety about flying
Master French
Relearn my favorite Christmas carols on the piano
Commit to a more consistent blogging schedule
Run a personal best during the River Run
Explore decorating as a way to tap into my creative side

Develop my writing skills and begin making notes for a book

What are some things you have always wanted to do?  Will you try them?

Whether or not you have a list of things you would like to do, I leave you with this:

Every experience is a good experience.  

"Do everything, try everything."

[William H. Macy]

xo,

thought for the week: reminders for life

These simple reminders are just what I need to start the week.  Too often I find myself apprehensive to go, ask or step forward.  How many opportunities have we all passed up because of nerves, not being willing to put ourselves out there, or just simply because to try would be too hard?  

In reality, I do tend to "go for it" eventually, but I could save myself plenty of internal debates and butterflies if I just remembered these simple truths.

I hope you all have a wonderful start to the week. 

xo,

thought for the week: stop worrying

I'll be the first to admit it...I don't like the unknown.  There is a very real part of me that clings to stability and control.  Maybe it's the "planner" in me.  Whether it's planning our meals for the week, or having our schedule booked from now through December, there is something in me that can't seem to embrace the spontaneity and "fun (?!)" of the unknown.  

My goal for this week is to embrace this time of uncertainty.  All too soon jobs will start, bar results will be posted, HeroMe will launch, and life will be scheduled to the extreme.  I can do my part to prepare for what comes next, but the beauty is that ultimately I don't have much control.  This is an overwhelming yet freeing concept, and one I am trying hard to embrace.  

xo,

thought for the week

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While it feels a little strange not to be headed "back to school" this week, I have to admit it is also extremely freeing.  For the first time in a long time, I am waking up with nothing on my agenda except visiting with friends, working on our house, and spending time with Josh.  I know this time won't last forever (jobs and start dates are looming), but in the meantime, I am cherishing my lack of obligations.   

This weekend I realized how precious this time is.  It hit me yesterday that for the first time in years, I didn't have to spend my Sunday afternoon on work, reading, or some other assignment to prepare for the week ahead.  To say I was thrilled to sit by our pool and visit with a friend is an understatement.  It made me so thankful for the chance to spend a few weeks without a schedule, and it made me extra aware of enjoying every moment of this stage in my life.

Whatever obligations you may (or may not) have this week, cherish them.  Time slips by quickly, and each phase and stage of life brings its own blessings.  

How do you make the most of your scheduled or unscheduled time?

xo,

thought for the week: living

We all do it.  Sometimes life just gets too hectic and too crazy and we go into cruise control.  We exist without really living and without really appreciating the wonderful (yet hectic and crazy) pieces of the day.  

I have been EXTREMELY guilty of existing this summer.  Anyone who has spoken to me will tell you that my mantra is "August 1."  I have been putting off exercise, cooking, decorating, and seeing friends.  If that's not just existing, I don't know what is!

While a certain amount of focus is a necessary evil of this bar exam process, I have decided that I can't let it continue to rule my everyday existence.  I will certainly still spend the majority of my days (and nights) studying, but I am also determined to enjoy the little parts life that come daily.  Somedays living might mean taking the pup for an extra walk to enjoy the new neighborhood.  Other days might mean whipping up a batch of my favorite chocolate chip cookie dough and indulging in some HGTV.  Sometimes I might get really wild and have dinner out with Josh or friends.  Whatever living means on a particular day, my goal is to enjoy each day, not just exist until August.  

I started this weekend with a run on Saturday and Sunday and the soreness of my legs is a good reminder to keep living.  What do you do to enjoy your days and really live rather than just exist?

xo,

thought for the week: planning

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Can't we all relate to this one?  While I do get up each morning determined to change the world and have a good time, this summer has thwarted my plans just a touch.  While I think I am in a good place with my studying, I only want to go through this process once, so I am devoting all of my time to the world of multiple choice questions, essays, and legal terms.  

That being said, while blogging is a wonderful outlet for me and something I plan to continue, my schedule may be a little off or reduced in the coming weeks.  Please know that I will be posting as regularly as I can but sometimes planning my day (and fitting in the hours of studying) will be difficult.  July is quickly approaching which means that August 1 and a return to the real world is just around the corner.  Thank you in advance for sticking with me, and as always thank you for all of the support!

xo,

thought for the week: choose joy

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...And we are back with internet, our own bed, and a coffee maker - all the things you really need in life right?  Our new house is wonderful and despite a few unexpected repairs/replacements things are great.

I love this thought for the week and it is one I will be repeating often.  I have so much to be thankful for, and I am determined to keep choosing joy.  While we hand wash our dishes waiting for a new dishwasher...I'll choose joy that we had a nutritious (and maybe delicious) home cooked meal.  While I spend hours every day studying...I'll choose joy that I had the chance to attend an amazing law school, and I have the opportunity to become a member of the bar.  When I long for a perfectly decorated and renovated house... I'll choose joy that I have a roof over my head and my favorite pillow at night.  It's so easy to get caught up in the imperfect parts of life (and let's face it- they are there), but at the end of the day life is so much sweeter when we dwell on the good and choose joy.  

What are you joyful about this week?

xo,

PS: Rather than continuing to bore you all with stories of studying over the weekend, I'm going to try giving "thoughts for the week" on Mondays.  I figure you all might appreciate this a little more than me recapping what color highlighter I used to study Civil Procedure.  Let me know what you think!

it's here!

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Closing Day has arrived!  The final leg of our "move back home" is happening this weekend.  I don't know if it has hit us yet that we will have our own space in Jacksonville, but we can't wait to get the keys to our new house.

Though it's hard to believe, we have "officially" lived outside of Jacksonville for more than a decade!  When we have been back to visit, Jacksonville has consisted of childhood bedrooms and home-cooked meals.  While I can't complain about this, I have to admit I am excited to have our own space.  I know living here will be a completely different experience, but it will be a fun one with our own house and our own routines.  It will certainly be another transition but it is one we are excited to make.   

Thank you to everyone who has helped make this move possible.  We appreciate you taking us in for weeks at a time, keeping us full of amazing meals, and just showing us your unconditional love and support.  We can't wait to return the favor from our very own place in town.

xo,

productivity and happiness

First of all, thank you all for your support and encouragement about HeroMe!  I cannot tell you how much it means to have you all behind the idea.  As Josh said last night, it seems like it is "finally happening!"  It's been a long road, but we are excited to see what lies ahead and so thankful for the role each of you will play in making HeroMe a success. 

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In honor of being productive (and happy) while studying for the bar exam this summer, I thought I would share the "Top 8 Things you Should NOT do Everyday."  This was floating around the internet a few months back, but it resonated with me.  Just in case some of you didn't see it, the author claims that following these tips will lead to increased productivity AND happiness...got to be worth a shot!

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:: Don't check your phone while taking to someone ::

"Stop checking your phone.  It doesn't notice when you aren't paying attention.  Other people?  They notice.  And they care."

:: Don't multi-task during a meeting ::

"The easiest way to be the smartest person in the room is to be the person who pays the most attention to the room."

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:: Don't waste time thinking about people who don't make any difference in your life ::

While this sounds harsh, the author is referencing celebrities, reality TV stars and the like.  As he says, "...your family, your friends, your employees, all the people that really matter to you...give them the time and attention they deserve."

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:: Don't use multiple notifications ::

"You don't need to know the instant you get an email.  Or a text.  Or a tweet.  Focus totally on what you are doing.  Focusing on what you are doing is a lot more important that focusing on what other people might be doing."

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:: Don't let the past dictate the future ::

"Mistakes are valuable.  Learn from them then let them go."

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:: Don't wait until you are sure you will succeed to try something ::

"Stop waiting.  You have a lot less to lose than you think, and everything to gain."

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:: Don't talk behind someone's back ::

"Spend your time on productive conversations.  You'll get a lot more done... and you'll gain more respect."

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 :: Don't say yes when you really mean no :: 

"When you say no, at least you'll only feel bad for a few moments.  When you say yes to something you don't really want to do, you might feel bad for a long time."

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xo,

blog love

Happy Thursday!  It has been quite a week of bar studying so far and to say it is tiring and time consuming is an understatement.  One of the indulgences I allow myself during the day, however, is taking quick breaks to read my favorite blogs.  I might squeeze one in during the last 3 minutes of our lecture break, or it might be as a quick break between multiple choice question sets.  Regardless of the random times, one thing is consistent- these bloggers have great style and content and they provide me with TONS of inspiration.

So, today I want to give a shout out to some of my favorites.  You may know some of them and others may be new, but I promise they are all worth a look!

1. Cup Half Full.  Becky has an amazing talent for interior decorating and she details her projects for all of her followers.  AND,  yesterday she posted the most amazing grilled peach salad recipe- definitely one to try!

2.  designer bags & dirty diapers.  Natalie has amazing style, an adorable son (with another on the way), and the best wine recommendations.  I think this was the first blog I ever followed and she got me hooked!

3. Eloquently Emily.  Emily is adorable and BUSY.  The girl never stops and I love following her adventures as a nurse, friend, and book reviewer!

4. Sequins & Stripes.  Liz is a professional blogger and stylist with amazing taste.  She always shows off fantastic outfits with Chicago as her backdrop.  

5. Turquoise & Teale.  Ashley's blog is an amazing lifestyle blog.  She features great recipes, a variety of home decor, travel tips, and cute outfits.  A definite on my must-read list!

xo,

PS: As a shameless plug for people I love, be sure to check out this blog, and this one too!

transitions

Today my family arrives for my graduation from law school.  I am beyond excited to see them, and I feel so loved and blessed to have them here to celebrate, but it also makes me just a little sad.  Their arrival truly marks the end of our time in North Carolina and the start of a new phase in our life in Florida. 

Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to be headed back to Florida.  I think my sadness comes primarily from leaving the people and places that have become so dear to me in North Carolina.  I have found amazing friendships here and had experiences that I can only hope to recreate one day.  Though it sounds cliche, I have been exposed to new ideas and new ways of thinking that have broadened my perspective.  I have grown as a person, and I have had incredible mentors to help me along the way.  I will forever be indebted to everyone I have had the opportunity to work with, learn from, laugh with, study with, and just have fun with during my time here.  

As a self-proclaimed control freak and planner, transitions and change have always been tough for me.  In this case, change means a new routine, a new house, a new state, a new job, and leaving great friends and family in North Carolina.  At the same time, this change will mean being closer to other family, closer to wonderful friends, a chance to try something new, and an opportunity to create new routines and find new favorite places.  When framed as an opportunity, change is exciting and makes leaving just a little bit easier.  

As we finishing packing up our house and the celebrations begin, I will be seeing this transition as an opportunity.  Though I am certain I will be shedding some tears when we leave, I think I will also be repeating this as my mantra...

xo,