your best self

Regardless of what others are doing, always purpose and endeavor to be your best self.

It is a battle--being your authentic self-- because there are ample opportunities to throw in the towel by ignoring the whispers of your soul, following the status quo herd and pretending to be something you really aren't.  We must press on in order to find our stride and after while, who we are becomes seamless and synonymous inside and out.  Please note: this is not a one time event but an ongoing process, pursuit and lifestyle.  When we stick with the journey, we become open vessels who can give and receive, authentic individuals who just live fully and freely refusing to do life in carefully crafted compartments.  We enjoy life and just live it.  Purposefully.  Intentionally.  In wide open spaces.  Aware of our thoughts, mindful of our word choice, gracious and compassionate in loving ourselves and others.  We own our beauty (or handsomeness!) and we admire and appreciate it.  We see it for what it's truly worth.  Then we are no longer threatened or intimidated by false advertisements, the manipulative media or even the beauty of others because we know there is more than enough.  That this ample universe is burgeoning to overflowing with resources and room for everyone.  Everyone who chooses to partake, that is.  And because we know that who we are is no accidental thought or passing fluke, we humbly accept the lessons that life has to offer and through acceptance, we grow in wisdom, patience and grace.  Nobody said it would be easy.  So sometimes it does hurt, but after while, the climb starts to feel so good that we can't stop.  We don't want to.  And even though we feel worn to a nub at times, we keep going because new adventures await.  Deeper knowledge. Divine experiences and greater things generally speaking.  We may glance back--from whence we came--occasionally, but the past never holds our gaze for long because we are too grateful.  Too excited about right now, today and the future.  Things are too good to stall, so as we keep moving forward, we know that our character (the way we act when we think no one is looking), how we treat ourselves and how we treat others matters.  It really matters.  And so we decide to press on regardless of what other folks are doing.  Never forgetting this fact: what other people think of me is none of my business.  

Here's to being your best self, 


XO- Sharita

new years rulin's

Have you made any New Year's Resolutions?  If so, are ya keepin em?  I came across Woody Guthrie's "new year's rulin's" from 1943.  Click here to check 'em out.  His list makes me swoon over living a simple life.  Speaking of which, it is the end of the first week of the new year, and as I look at our family calendar, almost every night of the week is filled.  That ain't good so... something's gotta give!  This over-scheduling trend seems to happen to me at the start of every year.  Lots of good opportunities, connections, events and activities... all really good things in and of themselves, btdub, but a girl (or guy!) can't do it all, ya know. (note to self)...


So in the midst of revisiting commitments and obligations,  pondering and working towards goals for the year, getting used to the new normal that is life without Josh, getting back on a normal/post-holiday routine and letting go of the old and embracing the new, I am savoring the sweetness of everyday life.  Practicing intention and awareness.  Daily.  Not always getting it right, but continually learning as I go along and refusing to call it quits.  Being grateful everyday. Reminding myself that it is worth it and then choosing to walk in that reality.  I have been challenged and inspired by this quote:

"...give thanks for the life you already have, to find the life you've always wanted."                                                                                                                                               

                                                               -Ann Voskamp

A friend shared Ann Voskamp with me via Facebook and I am so glad she did!   Click here to visit Ann V's website. Each time I visit her site, I am challenged, uplifted and inspired.  I hope you find inspiration too.  FYI if the music on the website drives you nuts, you can turn it off just below the menu tabs near the  top of the page.  I enjoy the music for about 15 seconds and then I have to turn it off to concentrate on what I'm reading... but maybe it's just me.  I downloaded her app called "1000 Gifts" ... it is a really neat way to capture, chronicle and express gratitude for those special moments that pop into each day.  

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HAPPY NEW YEAR, DARLINS!!!!! 

XOXO ♥ Sharita