#summergratitude: Let Loose :)

When does our life go from making muscle-man arms for a 'mom photo' to just saying a boring old, "cheese"?

At what point in life do we HAVE to grow up?

Who decides what is appropriate for what age?

Shouldn't life be about letting loose and having fun?

Now, I know that life requires a certain amount of responsibility and 'acting your age'. BUT, should this interfere with the enjoyment and blessings that are offered to us each and every day?

Last night our family ventured off to our last swim meet for the season. Finals ended a little late and our 4:30 dinner had long warn off by the time we were headed home at 9:00.

Our pit stop was anything but healthy. However, it sure was entertaining. And, our family definitely 'let loose'!

McDonald's got quite a show. My husband started belting out the songs playing over the sound system. It's probably a good thing there weren't too many people trying to enjoy a burger.

My son almost looked embarrassed, "DAAAAAAD." He indicated that his father should stop acting like a four-year-old.

My husbands' response was anything but mature. "Oh, am I embarrassing you? You just wait. This is nothing compared to the embarrassment you caused me at the swim meet. I'm just getting started." Then he let off an evil laugh with an obnoxious smirk.

Everyone burst out laughing.

Our meal wasn't the healthiest. Our kids probably should have been in bed. Our behavior was a little over the top. BUT, I have to admit that we let loose, lived a little and loved our time together. A great way to end our night and celebrate some individual success of our children.

At some point we all need to live life in a balance between acting responsibly to complete life 'requirements' and having fun living life joyfully. The difficulty is finding that balance.

Each stage of life has amazing opportunities, yet daunting challenges. As we navigate through life and through the ages, we must help each other find the necessary balance to live an enjoyable life.

Today, let's challenge each other to . . .

Let loose. Laugh (not just a chuckle, but a big old belly laugh). Appreciate small moments. Notice glimmers of hope. Love. Reach out to someone struggling.

Best wishes as you let loose and head into the wonderful weekend. Don't be afraid to get a little silly.

#summergratitude Life requires a certain amount of responsibility,

 but don't forget to #live #love #besilly #havefun #seeblessings

Let Loose!

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Remember When . . .

Quotes On Images

The other day did NOT feel like summer- and I LOVED it!

Cool breeze. Chilly temps. Sweatshirts on.

All the swim events were cancelled for the day and we headed to the zoo.

My kind of weather.

As we were heading down the most ginormous hill ever created to see our second animal of choice (the giraffes), I noticed a family about the head UP the deadly hill.

The mom was pushing a double stroller- two kids full. The dad was pushing a double stroller- one kid riding and one attached to his front in a carrier. I had a moment of Remember When . . .

I smiled bright. The mom probably thought I was laughing at her. But, my feeling was quite the opposite.

I stopped for a second to give praise. "Way to go. You two are doing great! I remember those days not too long ago. We're down to a wagon and three walkers. We are almost there."

The dad took a look at my brood. My oldest three on foot and the baby (who is NOT a baby any longer) riding in the back of the wagon. His question was sincere, "It goes fast, doesn't it?"

My response was real and honest. "It sure does. Try to enjoy as many moments as you can."

I remember when I thought we would never be out of diapers. I remember when ever outing we took felt like we were packing for a trip to Disney (which we've never really been, so I don't fully know- ha). I remember feeling like days would never end; like I'd never get a good night's rest; like I'd never be able to have a moment to myself; like I was completely alone, yet always surrounded by little people.

Don't get me wrong, I have amazing memories from those years, too. But if we are real about life, we must know that we can't LOVE every second of every day. So we must appreciate as many of the moments as we can. It's not going to be perfect, but when the time is gone and we are left 'remembering when . . .' there is a sense of accomplishment, pride and certainly longing for wanting to go back and make sure we made the most of our time.

Where at you at this Monday morning? What times can you remember from the past that will help you appreciate where you are today?

A job that was once overwhelming that now feels just right?
A marriage that was struggling that now has renewed love?
An illness that was once debilitating that now is managed?
A family that was in turmoil that now has moments of glory?

Take time today to 'Remember When'. After all, time goes by so quickly that we occasionally forget to see growth made.

And for those of you stuck in a struggling, overwhelming or debilitating time of life, many warm thoughts are offered up for you. That soon you will be able to look back on this time as just another stepping stone to your journey that makes you even stronger than you know you are.

I'll leave you with a song! Alan Jackson's, Remember When, is too perfect not to mention. A must for you to listen to if you haven't heard it. The journey of life can seem long- yet looking back, it's easy to see how it too quickly passes us by.

#summergratitude Remember When #taketimetoreflect

Notice strength gained from past experiences

 #growcanbeslow #sharehopewiththosestruggling

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Count Your Blessings

Lil' Luna

Go on. Count them. One by one.

Right now.

Say them out loud or to yourself. It doesn't matter if you shout them from the rooftop, whisper them in your head or write them on a paper.

The important thing is to just do it.

While I've been able to avoid major heart ache recently, I have a few friends and family who have not been as lucky. Life has taken them by surprise in the most painful way.

We can't fix our loved ones struggles. We can't take them away. But, we must fight to remember that we are lucky and blessed. The one thing we can do for them is not take for granted the very idea that we have the opportunity to live life fully.

So, after you count your blessings and note how many you have . . . take a moment to send warm thoughts or lift up a few prayers for those who are having to deal with unthinkable struggles, pain and heartache.

Let's all come together in this thing we call life. Let's be more understanding that we might not completely understand what others are going through. Let's be patient and caring and reach out.

It's hump day- a chance for so many to head closer to the end of the work week and closer to the approaching holiday. Let's be grateful for jobs, family, food, friends and time.

For the rest of this week and into our weekends, let's make the very most of our time to live. Gratitude can become a habit if we make it. We must shift our lens on life and find the silver linings when possible.

If your kids are driving you mad- be grateful your kids are able to run, jump, holler & play.
If you're stuck at red light after red light- be thankful for time to look around at the beauty lurking at every corner.
If work isn't everything you wish it could be- be thoughtful of those who aren't able to work or can't find employment.
If your house is a disaster- count your blessings . . . you have a house and people to fill it and mess it all up.

Change your thinking. We can't fix life for those struggling right now, but we can certainly remember not to take our own lives for granted.

Warm thoughts, many prayers and hopeful wishes go out to those special people in my life dealing with the greatest challenges I could imagine. I believe in you all and am a better person for knowing you!

#summergratitdue Count your blessings #onebyone

Look- ordinary can be amazing #ifweletit

Loved ones may be struggling #liftthemupoften #care

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Sometimes a Little Bit of Nothing . . .

Sometimes a little bit of nothing . . . Is a LOT of something.

The Unveiled Wife

Mondays used to be #marriagemonday before the #summergratitude series started. I have to admit I've missed the chance to brag and bitch about my better half. So here goes a little bit of both- marriage and gratitude.

It's important in marriage not to get stuck in monotony. You must fight to keep the marriage flourishing and alive. This, my friends, is much easier said than done.

Last week my hubby and I must have been tired or just unwilling to participate in lively living. We had a five night streak of movies. Yep, for four straight nights the RedBox got to eat our $1.28. Then, on night five, we opted for a free check-out from the library.

We sat every night for a whole week not talking or working or completing any of the necessary life tasks that should happen after our children hit the sack.

Let me tell you, it was amazing.

We didn't have meaningful conversation. We didn't sit and hold hands or snuggle. We just sat. While we weren't 'together', we really were. We were doing just what we both needed to do.

Isn't that what marriage is all about? Being on the same page?

However, this doesn't always happen. Sometimes we aren't both in the same place or feeling the same way. That's okay, too.

The idea of marriage is that we take our spouse right where they are at, and love them. Sometimes that love is hugs and kisses. Sometimes it's conversation and listening. Sometimes it's just being in the same room, quiet, but together.

I must admit, though, that sometimes marriage is also squabbles and jabs and mean mugs. That's part of it, too. We can't think that marriage is all bliss. But, we must cherish the moments that feel right and remind us of why we are in this long haul together.

This Monday, take time to feel gratitude for your spouse. After you feel it and figure out what you are thankful for, make sure to tell them and show them. It's the little things that matter most and that will make a lifetime of big love!

#summergratitude Nothing CAN be something #ifyoufindthejoy

Notice the gifts loved ones share #tellthemwhyyoulovethem #appreciatesmallmoments

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Smile More :)

 

Glavo Quotes

 

 "Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :)

and remember, 'It's Okay'!"

-It's Okay Books

 

There are many times in the two last years, months, weeks and even days that I have realized . . . I'm not practicing what I preach. I'm forgetting to enjoy every moment of this journey; I haven't loved completely; I'm not smiling enough; and I'm certainly beating myself up over mistakes.

 

Why?

 

These simple principles that make up the 'It's Okay' philosophy aren't that difficult to live by. OR- are they?

 

I do love my life. I have everything I could have ever hoped for. I'm surrounded by children, family and a loving husband. I have friends galore. We are healthy. It's summer.

 

But, I have to admit that sometimes I'm still lonely amidst all the chaos. I get sad when things don't seem to be going my way. I feel angry when things are out of my control. I have moments of insecurity, inadequacy and guilt.

 

How can this be possible?

 

Well, I suppose I am human. And I have normal emotions just like everyone else.

 

I think lately I've gotten caught up in the, "They look so happy . . ." envy. Looking around I've been making a lot of assumptions instead of remembering the very base of where this 'it's okay' journey started. I've forgotten that we all have good days, but we all have bad days, too.

 

I am happy. The only question for myself is, "Why don't I act like it more?"

 

The week is almost done, but I still have a few days left to smile. And, I plan to smile as much as I can.  

 

I vow to laugh at the next juicy fart that squeezes its way out at dinner.

I promise to smile when my kids are running a muck; acting like kids are supposed to.

I plan to not flinch or scowl at my husband the next time he grabs my ass in front of the kids.

I look forward to reaching out to friends in moments that I'm feeling lonely.

 

And . . . I WILL play more! This week I've already been in the pool (and underwater - even going off the diving board) one time, but I'll make it more. No more side-line viewing. It's time to take this marvelous life and journey I've been blessed with by the reigns and enjoy the heck out of it.

 

Do you need to smile more, too?

 

Gratitude is the key to happiness. We must not just notice the good things surrounding us, but we must take time to appreciate them. Smiling is a simple gesture to show we care; to show we are enjoying the journey of life that is ours.

 

#summergratitude Smile more!

Show appreciation with a beautiful curve in your mouth #maketodaycount

Don't waste life with a frown #lovelife

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Notice Growth!

I Am Not Perfect

Where does the time go?

Time flies when you're having fun!

Blink and it will be gone.

There are so many sayings that indicate how quickly a life will pass before your eyes. Sometimes the truth in all the statements sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

I remember as a young child how LONG it took for Christmas or a special birthday to come. I always wanted time to go faster and I was always waiting for the next big thing . . . middle school, high school, a car, a trip, college, my first job, marriage, a kid . . .

Woe, woe, woe. Slow down there tiger. Once that list is done- life seems to go by in truly a blink of an eye. Whoosh. It's gone.

All of a sudden your metabolism slows way down, your hair starts to turn gray, you find comfort in being home on a Friday night and little people you once knew as kids are now grown adults.

Now I know that I'm not THAT old, but I'm at that point where I've realized that a year is nothing. Planning for the future has taken on a whole new meaning. It feels like there will never be time to get life done.

The statement, "When ____________ happens, then I will be able to _____________," has become a joke. Something else will always come up. There will always be more to do!

It's okay. It's time to embrace the growth that has happened and appreciate where we are today. Let's stop fretting about the future; always looking for the next best thing to happen.

Today is the day to look back with appreciation. The past is behind us- some of it is pretty ugly. BUT, it's what got us to where we are today. And, surely, we have made amazing amounts of growth in the last 10, 20 or 50 years.

Where ever you fall on the age spectrum, it's time to be proud of who you are today. Without the failures from the past, we wouldn't be able to make the accomplishments we do today.

Take time to think about where you've come from and where you are currently. Notice growth. Know that if things aren't wonderful today, change is right around the corner with endless possibilities.

 #summergratitude Notice growth #timeflies You're who you are today cuz of past milestones accomplished #beproud Look forward #butlive4today

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Today's A New Day!

Brand new, fresh start day. Take each moment as it comes. Remember . . . live, laugh and certainly, love!

Sunday night as we headed home from a father's day celebration (minus my fishing hubby), my #3 exclaimed, "Tomorrow is a new day. We can all start over- EVEN MOM."

There you have it. My six-year-old used my own saying on me. Darn kids. Smarter than we want them to be.

It's important to remember that today is a NEW day. It's a fresh start; a brand new chance to live gratefully.

Jon Gordon is a fabulous author that taps into the idea of positivity. I get his weekly newsletters and Monday's advice was a perfect fit for what I needed to be reminded of, 14 Simple Strategies to Be More Positive.

His #1 . . . Practice Gratitude. "You can't be stressed and thankful at the same time. Gratitude is like muscle, the more you exercise it the stronger it gets. Take 10 minutes each day and make a list of what you are thankful for. You will fill your body and brain with countless and priceless anti-depressants."

When my irritation for life sets in, I forget to notice and appreciate the wonders that are surrounding me. It's truly all about how we tackle nuances and struggles that come our way.

My sophomore year of college my car got stolen from a gas station. Now, I'll leave out the part of my small-town mentality that leaves the keys in the ignition. Regardless, when I walked out after paying, it was gone; along with everything that had occupied my entire dorm room.

I vaguely remember thinking that maybe someone needed the car or my stuff more than I did. WHAT????? What was wrong with me?

I suppose I've always been a sucker for positive and grateful thinking. It certainly doesn't mean I practice it all the time; there are days I wish I could go back to my younger years and truly believing that life is a magical place filled with endless amounts of good.

Life will be as good as I make! God put me on this earth to appreciate creation- people and all. That challenges me to live each day well, laugh as much as possible and love endlessly. Quite a challenge, but like Jon Gordon stated- I just need to keep exercising my grateful muscles.

Before you turn out the light tonight- ask yourself, "Did I live well, laugh often and love much today?" If not, remember 'it's okay'! Tomorrow is a brand new, fresh start day.

#summergratitude Today's a new day! Yah.

Tackle it with as much life, laughs & love that you can muster.

#noticegood #practicegraitude #smile

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

Visit www.itsokaybooks.com to learn more!

 

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