Life often gets busy.
And this week was super busy for me!
When life gets busy, I don’t always have time to reflect. I realize that gratitude in reflection and situational attitude are always the key to happiness.
This week, there are three things that were said that really resonated with me. It was no coincidence! God is right on time with the messages He sends. You have to be open to see them.
Running on Empty
The first was a devotional about “running on empty”. Mom and I attended our first Delta Kappa Gamma meeting of the new school year. I’ve been part of this teaching organization since 1998 and find it so inspiring! During the devotional, one of our fellow teachers spoke about how many teachers-and probably anyone in any long-time profession- get to the point that they are running on empty. She reminded us that it is okay to “not feel okay” sometimes. We need to feel our feelings, reevaluate our priorities, and take time for ourselves. We need to pray to be reminded of our purpose in our jobs. That’s so true! I was struggling with my tank running on empty last year. Honestly, I’d felt burned out since Covid. It took lots of prayers and a new challenge to renew me. So know that if you are struggling, take time for yourself to deal with emotions and accept all the feelings without feeling guilty. Figure out the right solution that will be fulfilling to YOU. Listen to your guidance. I promise that your tank will be refilled!
A Positive Perspective
The second was said during a team meeting when my principal mentioned that one’s positive view of a situation is so important. After going through two divorces and the resulting hardships, I’ve always tried to live by that rule. However, I sometimes need to be reminded to be positive. With aging parents, personal health issues, and normal life struggles, I am reminded that I need to embrace every difficult situation as a chance for me to grow and become a better person- or to improve the situation to alter the result.
Willow Trees
The third was a text from a long-time friend. In her text, she suggested that we are all willow trees- we are created to bend and are flexible enough to accommodate any situation. How true! We can choose to bend or break! Thank you, Debbie!
If you really want to enjoy and value life, sometimes you consciously have to work at gratitude and attitude. The rewards are triple the effort!
Here are this week’s Favorite Five…
1~New Earrings.
I promised myself I’d do better with staying on budget- especially after my impromptu bonus room redo that resulted from my seeing a picture on Pinterest. Bless!!!! I need to stay off Pinterest! I am a do-it-yourselfer to the core. But last week, when I received an email $50 coupon for Gorjana, I indulged. To give myself credit, I ONLY looked at the things under the coupon amount. (That took massive self-control.) I needed no temptation! I ordered a cute pair of huggie earrings. When they came in, I was very pleased! These are definitely everyday wearables. I can’t remember the last time I bought a pair of earrings. This leads me to….
I have to apologize for my lack of earring making. After the Europe honeymoon trip and the health issues, I didn’t make a single new pair over the summer. I was overwhelmed with everything. Anxiety. Depression. The works! Then school started. My new job was consuming at first. But now that I am finally catching up, I am preparing my Christmas line that will debut on my website after Halloween. I plan to have enough to participate in the Christmas sale at Hinnant Winery. Stay tuned!
2~Fall Mums.
I purchased fall mums this week. I still need to buy pumpkins and will probably wait until October since they don’t last. From my thrifty single days, I still budget for my fall mums and pumpkins. Because yay! Fall is coming! And I will do it as big as my small budget allows!
3~Date Night with My Parents.
I totally need to do this more often. I love spending time with my family! It is the best thing ever. Lately, I’ve been working on the bar redo and added these cheap Amazon lights behind the tv. Super easy! I did it myself. They are controlled by an app on your phone. The color possibilities are endless.
4~Post-It Notes.
Yep. I’m a teacher. If you are an organizational person, you will understand this completely. Last week, I requested post-It notes. I expected basic yellow and received these fantastic colorful ones. Y’all. My school is EXTRA!!!!!! (That’s a compliment!)
5~ Traditions.
Y’all, I love traditions. I’m sure it’s my OCD. Isn’t it so contradictory that I love change and love traditions? I really don’t understand it, either. I’ve been a member at Hinnant Vineyards since 2008. Now that I only work five minutes away, I can enjoy Hinnant on Friday afternoons! Today was the most perfect fall day. The air was crisp. The sky was blue. It was the perfect ending to a busy week.
Happy Weekend! Remember to celebrate everything in life- even the small things.
Attitude and Gratitude, Y’all!
