wild one

I had lunch with a girlfriend today and barely let her talk because I was venting. At the end of my lunch “therapy” session, she said, “you sound tired and burnt out.” Whew, was she right.

I know I have talked about being exhausted, stressed, and anxiety ridden in previous blog posts. But I feel like someone (and myself) needs to talk about it again.

I’ve discovered a great source of stress, exhaustion, and even depression is when I say yes to too many things. I take on too many good things, which causes me to miss my best things. It’s so hard to say no and let go of opportunities that come my way. But if I don’t learn the gift of release, I’ll wrestle with a lack of peace. I think sometimes I’m resistant to release because I fear disappointing someone.

Release brings with it the gift of peace. There are some opportunities I need to decline today. There are some things I need to say no to in this current season. There are good things I need to let go of so I can make room for the best things. When we release in peace, we signal we’re now ready to receive.

There have been many nights where I feel I can’t take much more. When I say, “God help me. It’s all too much. I’m tired and frustrated and so very worn out.” But I remember Psalm 142:3, “When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.”

I don’t know what you have to release right now. But I suspect you know.  In the violent struggle of trying to balance it all, we will miss every bit of joy each season promises to bring.

So let’s release. With release comes more peace. I see that now. I believe that now. And soon, I pray you will too.

Read more of my latest posts here:

High High Hopes

If you didn’t know already, I love a solid black outfit. One that can be worn to work, dinner with the girls, or just on a casual shopping day. I typically don’t think I look great in a peplum style top, but this one from Rent the Runway, is super comfortable and flattering. Seriously – the fabric is stretchy but sucks you ALL in! It is great for every day wear and can be easily dressed up.

This week I ventured out to the this civil rights mural depicting Bloody Sunday and the civil rights marches in Selma beginning at the corner of Lee and Montgomery Streets. (Mural painted by Sunny Paulk.)

Sometimes in my day-to-day life in Montgomery, I forget how rich the history is running through these streets. I will run out to grab lunch and see tourists walking around downtown and I am instantly reminded of the stories and places that gave rise to a movement and created change.

Standing in front of this mural, I couldn’t help but think how great change can come from peace and hope and that the world still needs a lot of people bringing about peace and equality for all. I am inspired by the stories of those who came before me and the courage and sacrifices of each of them.

This theme of hope is rampant in our lives daily. We constantly speak in what I call “hope language”:

  • I hope I am healed.
  • I hope she isn’t mad at me.
  • I hope my prayers are answered.
  • I hope I can pay my bills this month.

The issue isn’t whether you hope, but what holds your hope. Remember these things as your attach your security, your sense of peace and rest to something every day.

  • Your hope is in something – What are you placing your hope in right now?
  • Hope is a lifestyle – You always live your hope in some way, it isn’t just something you do with your mind.
  • Most of our hopes disappoint us – When our hopes disappoint us, it is a sign we’ve put our hopes in the wrong thing.
  • There are only two places to look for hope –You rest your hope in the hands of the Creator or look to the world for hope.
  • Hope in God is sure hope – Hope placed in God is well placed and will never disappoint.

I hope this blog post inspires you as enter into a new week. Let me know you keep your hope well placed by commenting below!

Look Again.

DRESS: Blue Door Boutique; SHOES: Target (I have the higher heel version, but mine are equally as comfy to work all day in!)
HANDBAG: Louis Vuitton “Sac Plat” (This bag was investment piece for me, but it is the perfect every day work bag and is different than the normal Neverfull style!)

Even though I live in a small town, I have the privilege of working five days a week in Montgomery. So I can do all the shopping and eating I need to do that one normally couldn’t do during the week in Greenville. I unfortunately can’t get everything I need from Walmart and Taco Bell – I know some of you can relate!

When I started working in Montgomery, my foodie senses were tingling. So many new things to try! If I was stranded on a deserted island with only a few things left for the remainder of time, I could probably live off of good burgers. Thankfully for me, right around the corner from my office is one of the best burger spots around, Hamburger King.

So why am I going on and on about a burger spot, you may ask? Well I had my wisdom teeth extracted yesterday and this was my “last supper,” before the surgery. Boy did I pick a good one!

Hamburger King, which opened in 1970 is a tiny, hole in the wall spot with a few counter stools and some tables for four. It’s something you might pass by and think isn’t worth your time. Look again. If you’re into dive spots with no frills, this is the spot for you. The first time I tried it, I was HOOKED. It’s the kind of burger that makes a little mess while you eat. So be sure to go with someone you aren’t embarrassed to eat in front of 🙂

Just a friendly reminder, they only sell chips. No fries. But I find a good bag of salty Lay’s always hits the spot with one of these burgers. Also, make sure you have cash on hand. There is an ATM inside, but sometimes it’s down and I would HATE for you to miss out on the chance to eat here. The ONLY downside to this spot is the lack of pickles. I love pickles on my burger. But it’s so good that I can get over it!

I’ve been eating fairly healthy and sticking to my yoga routine when possible, so this was a fantastic cheat meal right before being stuck at home eating ice cream and soup!

To wrap this rambling post up, I wanted to say I have been very nervous about jumping back in to blogging and creating my own stationery line! Sometimes I think, my content isn’t special and the market is oversaturated with photos of girls in new clothes! Or I get worried people will make fun of me! But I realized the one thing I have that no one else has is ME! My voice, my mind, my story. So I am going to write and live out my vision and goals only as I can.

I hope if you have dreams and visions for your life, no matter what they are, you are inspired to live them out with no fear of failing. At first glance, it may appear too hard. Look again. Always look again.

Let me know what dreams you’re chasing after these last six months of 2019!