CRAZINESS!

Had such a great day with my husband yesterday celebrating five years of marriage! 

We spent the day with each other and many friends.  I usually never take the camera with me, and if I do, rarely take pictures, but yesterday I made it a point to take pictures with the many friends we celebrated with at the different places we went to.  And surprisingly, it was really fun to look back at the day's story through pictures.  It reminds me that I am blessed with the love of a family and many friends, new and old, that love me for who I am.  I can be myself around them, have fun with them, share laughs with them, and at the end of the night, not worry about what they think of me, whether they like me or not, or if they are going to talk about me behind my back.

For the longest time, I felt the pressure to do/say the right thing...and never really knew what the "right thing" was.  I wanted to be accepted, understood, liked so badly that I completely let go of who I was and tried to become what I thought others were looking for. 

As Dr. Phil would say, "And how's that workin' for ya?"  My response: "It didn't". 

It all comes down to one word: CHANGE.
I had to CHANGE; my thinking, my codependent behaviors, how I viewed myself, and the way I reacted to change itself.

Looking at those pictures this morning made me happy.  It made me see that though time has changed so many things for me, I have learned so much, encountered many new people, opened up doors for other job options, and am beginning to know who I am and what my purpose is.

I am learning that friendships and experiences from the past, happen for a reason.  And that it's ok to let go of what I need to in order to grow.  People change, go in different directions, want different things.  True friends will be there no matter what, to accept who you are, where you are, and to support you on your journey.

Life can get crazy!  I feel blessed to have such special people to share the craziness with :)...

Dear God:

I could use a break!

Thanks,
Nicole

Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see. -Corrie ten Boom

It's been a while since the last time I posted.  Not sure if it's writer's block, being busy, or the fact that the weather here has been so lovely. 

I can tell you something I've been seeing a lot of lately is the amount of change we go through in a lifetime.  It's something that is constant, and continuous, and out of our control.  It is intriguing, uncertain, and sometimes scary.

I see changes taking place daily in my life; friendships, marriages, families, jobs, etc. Some are postive, some not so much. And I know it affects me emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

I want to be more accepting of it, especially in areas that will help me grow as an individual, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend. 

Instead of relying on someone else to help me understand it all, I'd like to forget the fear, embrace the good, and enjoy the moment in the midst of each change...

SMILE :)

It is gorgeous outside!  I've spent the majority of the day out there enjoying the fresh air, the sunshine, and the very blue sky.  It's days like these that remind me I have to enjoy every second of life; to accept that I am who I am, to do what makes me happy, to be grateful for the world around me.  I feel blessed to have a loving family, many friends, and a new perspective on life.  All are reasons to SMILE :)

Drum Roll Please....

Business logo courtesy of Devin Watson at http://www.design-watson.com/

 So excited to see it all come together!  So much to smile about...

Today was a fabulous day!

I was so proud of myself for accomplishing an important task at work.  One that took me completely out of my comfort zone, but in the end, actually paid off.  It was an exhilarating feeling and a great way to start off the evening!  Not only was the sun shining, but the weather was perfect for a long walk with Caylee.  We played and ate dinner outside.  Then, came in to get ready for bed.  I had a proud mommy moment as Caylee spent the majority of 30 minutes on the "big girl" potty with many successes! Can't believe how fast she is growing up.

As the night winds down, I just want to thank God for the person He has encouraged me to become, the many blessings He has given me,  and the places He continues to take me on this journey...