I remember feeling so stressed in high school about not knowing what I was going to do with my life. Looking back, it sounds ridiculous, of course. I barely know what I'm doing now, why did I think I would, or even should, have it all figured out by 16? But I knew so many people who had their life mapped out that I felt like I was supposed to too. (Spoiler: None of those people's lives went according to plan, so in the end, it didn't matter anyway.)
"Forever, Interrupted" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
When Elsie Porter meets Ben Ross, the connection is unexpected but instant. They fall head over heels for each other, and six months later, they elope. Sadly, their marriage is short-lived. Only nine days after wedding, Ben is struck by a car and killed on impact. While grappling with her own grief, Elsie must also face her mother-in-law, a woman who didn't even know Elsie existed until now. Switching between Elsie's budding romance with Ben and the awkward tension with his mother now, "Forever, Interrupted" is a story about all different kinds of love.
Last November, I was wandering through a bookstore in Denver with my friend and came across a daily tear-off calendar called "I Am a Feminist" filled with "quotes that empower." After flipping through it, I immediately added it to my Christmas list (because when my family asks me what I want for Christmas, that's the type of thing I write down – calendars, kettlebells, a smoothie cup. Very cool.).
Lo and behold, I got it for Christmas, and it now sits on my desk at work, a nice way to start my mornings. I come in, put my purse and coat away, start up my laptop, and reveal the quote for the day. If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen these. I love them.
One of the quotes in February was, "You get what you settle for" and it's been in the forefront of my mind ever since.
Hello, friends! Wow, it feels weird to be writing on here. I haven't even opened Blogger in about a month.
I wasn't sure if I wanted my first post back to be explaining why I took a break or just jumping right back into it. I'm settling for a little bit of both, because while I'd love to explain, there isn't much to say. Essentially, I succumbed to the February blues.
In January, I was so pumped, and then I kinda hit a brick wall.
"A Spark of Light" by Jodi Picoult
As usual for Picoult, "A Spark of Light" is controversial and timely, dealing with issues of abortion and gun control. One afternoon, a man opens fire at an abortion clinic in Mississippi, taking everyone inside hostage. Hugh, a police hostage negotiator, rushes to the scene, only to find out that his daughter is inside, texting him for help. The book progresses in reverse, going back hour by hour, telling multiple characters' stories to reveal how each of them ended up there in the first place.
Recently, I was listening to an episode of Arielle Vandenberg's new podcast "The Only Child" with Lauren Paul on as a guest. The two got on the subject of Arielle's 30th birthday party a couple of years ago, about what an amazing, special night it was. "Transformative" is how she referred to it. Surrounded by friends who made her feel so loved that she wanted to cry. A night full of dancing and laughter. A great way to enter a new decade.
I listened to this, two friends remembering one of their funnest nights together, and started thinking about my own birthdays. I don't usually have much of a celebration. I tell people not to worry about it. I wave off questions about gifts or special meals.
The funny (or weird or stupid) thing is that I actually care a lot. I want my birthday to feel special, but because I downplay it, people probably don't know that I care. I don't ask people to show up for me because I'm afraid they won't.
My first Sunday Shares of 2019. We're 20 days into the new year and I'm already slacking on some of my goals. Remember how I wanted to get a better nighttime routine? I fell asleep on the couch every night during the week. Oops.
I decided to start the "Finding Your Spark" series to shine a light on different types of people who are following various paths – their OWN paths, whatever those may be. Sometimes those paths have been chosen; other times not. The whole idea is that there's no single way to live life and a person doesn't have to be "famous" to inspire others. These individuals have found what inspires them, motivates them, makes them happy. And they've run with it.
Read all posts in this series here.
Happy 2019, friends. While I can guarantee this is not the first New Year's blog post you've seen, so what, I'm doing it anyway, because New Year's is the best. As much as I love Thanksgiving and Christmas, I think New Year's is actually my favorite holiday.
