I typically don't like to get too personal here on the blog. I'm not really one to air my dirty laundry on the internet, but I just have to say it -- for the past 2 months I've been feeling under a lot of pressure and pretty stressed out about some things. I began to notice last week that I was becoming so consumed with my work and future goals that I was isolating myself from a lot of little things that bring me joy -- early morning runs, making art, yoga, cooking for myself and spending quality time with my friends. I mentioned earlier this week that this past weekend was about making some transformations. Putting on a pretty dress that makes me feel good and enjoying a simple and delicious brunch with Jen & Annalise helped bring to light that I was not stepping back and taking the time to appreciate the little things and a life that is, in the grand scheme of things, pretty darn good. I firmly believe that it's very important to surround yourself with positive people and to recognize those who truly have your best interest at heart, as opposed to those who simply don't and take advantage of your generosity and/or positive spirit, so that you can truly maintain a healthy life and exude happiness into the world for others to share. In a lot of ways, you really are who you surround yourself by, just as much as you are your own thoughts. While I didn't really dig deep and discuss the intimate details of my life over my veggie scramble on Sunday morning, I did come to the realization that I am truly fortunate to have friends that inspire me to be the best person I can. So, here's to all the friends in my life that have encouraged me, helped me grow and allowed me to simply be myself and let that be enough. I'm excited to pay it forward and bring this much simple joy into the hearts of others!
You go girl! I hope you start to feel better soon and truly indulge in all of the great things life has to offer--a perfect spring day, a gorgeous dress (like this one) and laughing with girlfriends. Take some you time as much as possible! Cheers to you!
ReplyDeleteWell said! I agree 100%. I spent a lot of time last year rethinking who I was and what I want to accomplish in my life. I moved to a new city and stopped surrounding myself with people who drag me down. I don't always look on the bright side of things, but it's something I'm trying really hard to do. I also think surrounding yourself with good people is the key to happiness.
ReplyDeleteOh, and you totally brought joy into my heart! :)
-Amanda
I empathize with this very much. It's difficult to separate yourself from people who are going to drag you down. Usually, they don't even know they're doing it and it seems like they are often the ones you care for the most and put a great deal of your energy into. I'm learning right now that letting go and forgiving doesn't equate to giving in. It's an important lesson, for sure. I also think it's ok to not look on the bright side of things all of the time. That's just being realistic. If we're constantly looking on the bright side, it outshines our darker moments that are given to us to teach us a lesson.
DeleteI'm always happy to bring you joy! xo.
oh yes, it is so important to make time for all the little things you love. as serious as your work/future goals are...friends, hobbies, downtime is just as important, as it makes you who you are! i'm so glad you're taking the time to share this with us...i think we all feel the same way at times. ps. you're beautiful! gorgeous dress.
ReplyDeletegood for you. keep on trucking, kicking ass and taking names ;-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet post :) I love when I can just step back and be like "I have the BEST friends!" I hope work calms down soon for you and you can get back into those things that make you happy. Love that dress, too :)
ReplyDeleteI feel very similarly! Sometimes I find myself so holed up as a little grandma at age 25, working on my shop after work, editing pictures, making unattainable goals with the amount of time that I have... I think part of it was just cold weather that keeps me in with my netflix rather than out actually living life. I think good friends, new opportunities, and ESPECIALLY such a beautiful vintage dress can really turn those feelings around though. Thanks for sharing, and I really don't think you got too personal here, just shared some honest thoughts that most people can relate to!
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful day!
xo Hannah
Oh, I remember those days all too well! When I first started Mousevox, I worked a full time job and it seemed like I had very little room in my life for anything else. Fast forward 6 years later, I've made a full time career of it though and it's brought me a lot of happiness, joy and freedom, despite my current state of searching for balance. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to make our dreams come true, but it's all worth it to be doing something you love!
Deletei think losing and regaining balance is a constant in life.... like changes in seasons, or the cycle of day into night. it is great when you can re-balance with the help of good friends, and the simplest things (like a shared meal) can be the best. (-:
ReplyDeleteI struggle a lot balancing all my work with being social - I'm a creature of habit and hate when things get out of order. But, it's nice for it to happen sometimes because it really allows you to see things in a different perspective. You will always have a positive future regardless, because it's people like you- those who have motivation, passion and determination that always make it :) --- and you look mighty pretty in this get-up!
ReplyDeletexxx
www.ladyalamode.com
cute dress
ReplyDeletelove the neck crochet detail
yajairasfashionnotes.blogspot.com
first of all you look gorgous, a timeless beautiful and classy black dress with this cute collar detail! and yes i agree it´s so important to surround yourself with people full of positive energy who love you for the person you are and make bringing out the best in you. and me too i think i´m so lucky to have such persons in my life so i really liked this post, which i think isn´t to personal by the way;)
ReplyDeletelove and kiss,mary
It really can be a struggle to not become consumed by work and goals, and find that crucial balance to help you stay productive and positive. The first step is realising when you don't have it and it looks like you've reached that point and are now doing something about it. I find it a bit of a constant struggle (and an emotional rollercoast at times) but I'm trying to find that balance too!
ReplyDeleteYour dress is beautiful. It's perfect on you.
rachel, you're a beautiful girl inside and out and a really great friend yourself. i'm glad you have such good friends in california. come visit new york soon! miss you girly!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that you have such helpful and loving friends to get you through the stress and hard times. You look gorgeous in this dress by the way.
ReplyDeleteAww...pretty little chicken. These photos turned out so great. Brunch was lovely and I hope we get to go back sometime. Or try somewhere new. Let's work on our trasformations together. :D
ReplyDeleteXOXO
I like it when you get personal. You always post something that others can relate to and you do it without complaining or sounding negative or dishing out too much. I like this more than a post that's all about what you're wearing. It's refreshing because you strike me as a positive person with a healthy approach to life and not just some superficial blogger who's into shopping all the time.
ReplyDeleteI have trouble with finding balance sometimes too. I read this book a while ago called "Buddhas Brain" by Rick Hansen, it is very good and has helped me a lot with stress.
ReplyDeleteit's so funny that you say this because i was just going through the same thing. stressed out and depressed because of working so much but not in what i want to be doing. it's so important to surround yourself with people who believe in you and it also helps to believe in yourself. we're capable of amazing things.
ReplyDeleteby the way, i love your dress! i'm pretty sure i have the same one - is it from target of all places by chance?!
i'm truly fortunate in that i do love my work and it's exactly what i want to be doing, but it can still get overwhelming at times. that's just life, though. & yes, we are capable of amazing things - everyone is!
Deletethe dress is one of the libertine for target designs. i found it at a salvation army for a whopping $3!
I had so much fun with you on Sunday! We really do need to do brunch more often. Like I said, I rarely go out on Sunday mornings. But it was so refreshing to spend time with you and hang out for a mid morning coffee and scramble. <3 Love!
ReplyDeleteStunning outfit. Love the dress.
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