Benny

✨Just a little reminder…as much as we all enjoy comfy clothing that are especially functional with young children, let’s not forget there are MANY options beyond yoga pants/leggings + and tee-shirt. I’m guilty of this too in moments especially at the park or at a play place with Isabella, but more days than not you’ll find me in a dress or a nice pair of jeans/shorts and a top. I’m still equally as comfortable and it’s practical for playing with my toddler, but it’s so much more put together!

A couple weeks ago I was in Target shopping alone and a man in his early 60’s came up to me while I was shopping in a casual dress + sandals (no makeup, just skincare but my hair was neat and blow dried) and not at all trying to be creepy he said, “I just wanted to tell you that it’s so refreshing to see a woman dress like a lady and not schlepping around”. I knew exactly what he meant because I often see women in what looks like pajamas or something that looks like no thought or pride has been taken in their appearance. It’s sad because it’s become the norm and labeled the mom uniform. With Lily my mom uniform was actually either a dress or jeans with stretch, a tee with a blazer over top & belt. While pregnant with both girls you all saw me share my favorite comfortable thing to wear: dresses. They are so versatile and there are a ton of options.

I’m a busy mom of 2, always on the go driving here and there and on my feet from the time I get up until my kids are in bed, and I know life can be hectic especially as a mother, but making the effort involves planning an outfit the night before or having several options hanging clean in your closet.

Putting on a bit of makeup, earrings and properly caring for your hair (even if just a ponytail) takes an extra 5-10 mins max. If you don’t have 5-10 mins then you don’t have a life. And I can guarantee most women’s screen time for the day will prove you do in fact have the time. It’s about making the time and prioritizing, waking up a bit earlier and realizing that others do take notice and will address you accordingly. Just ask anyone headed to a bank appointment for a business bank loan. They are dressing their best! ✨

Although we live in modern times, I will forever look up to the fashion and presentation of women of the 50’s. We as women have come a long way since then in terms of progress and I’m proud of much of that, however as it pertains to presenting one’s self, I feel like we’ve taken a step backward as society. Slobby dressing and attire that shows of more of the body than it covers has become the norm sadly. What are your thoughts? Comment below!

Self-confidence comes not because you’re fearless or doing things perfectly, it is found in stepping outside of your comfort zone and realizing you’re okay, you’re learning and that consistency of learning and trying is what creates confidence.

One of the things I’ve recommended over the years to my coaching clients is to embrace B- results. You won’t look like a professional athlete in the gym just starting out, do it anyway! Starting a business or trying a new hobby will have many messy moments as you figure it out, pursue it anyway!

if you’ve spent any time at all reading biographies of the successful business owners, or just successful people in general, who have made it to where they now are, their past is filled with mistakes, ups and downs, detours, disappointments, challenges, painful lessons, and also excitement. We build up our own confidence when we prove to ourselves that we try something no matter what the outcome might be. We further that confidence by taking a step towards doing it again over and over again through consistency. Overtime we become better, we become stronger, we become more knowledgeable and educated and what we are doing. the joy of life is truly found in the journey, not the destination, that’s just an endpoint or goal.

He is Risen! Happy Easter friends! ❤️

Sunday’s Thought… As we go into a new week and also after we consider the success or opportunities we’ve prayed for over the years, I want to ask you this…have you been consistent? We want the business, the workout results, the health improvement, the savings account to grow, the promotion, etc., but can we truly say we’ve been consistent to make that happen.

When I look at the people I admire most because of their success in anything, it’s their dedication and consistency. It’s not luck, it’s hard work when you don’t feel like showing up, it’s getting up early, staying up late, being disciplined when others aren’t and saying no when you want to say yes, because you have your eyes on the prize. Stay consistent my friends, the results are coming! That success is on the way, but it has to find you showing up daily. 💕

✨Sunday’s thought…We all have gifts, talents, abilities, resources and time. Over the past week I’ve been reflecting more on our Pastor’s message last week in generosity and how to put this scripture into action within my immediate family at home, in our neighborhood, and in other ways such as hosting more events due to our home being a spacious entertaining space. I remember the many years I lived in small and not-so-entertaining-friendly homes/condos/townhomes. This is the time I personally feel called to serve in such a capacity. I’m doing this by having Lily’s friends here to play/for meals, our friends over for dinners/ play dates and I’m hosting my biggest event (a brunch) in a couple weeks with 25 ladies from our Women’s church group. It can feel daunting sometimes to step outside of our comfort zone, but always worth it! 😊

✨It requires time, effort, creativity, some financial cost and preparation but I think to myself that we have this home to offer and be a blessing. I haven’t always embraced a lot of entertaining, although I’ve always wanted to, but my perfectionistic tendencies have held me back. Maybe in a decade we will still have this beautiful indoor/outdoor space (or maybe we won’t). And while we do have a baby and an older child, it’s not always easy, but I do want to look back and know that I made the effort instead of excuses while I’m afforded this opportunity and space to do so.

✨There is a lot of joy and fulfilment that comes from serving others and being generous with what God has given us. In this self-focused world it’s important to take some time to write down a few ways we can give of ourselves this year. Many forms of generosity and serving don’t cost a thing, just some of our time. 💕

What ways do you wish to be more generous this year to serve others? I find writing/typing/sharing aloud helps hold us accountable.

Just a reminder…YOU are only in competition with your past self. Be one step better than you were yesterday in at least one area. Stay in your own lane, and keep your eyes only on where YOU are going!

Focus on the things that move the needle, not busywork or what everyone else seems to be doing better than you. Stop thinking everybody else has it all figured out-they don’t! I promise. 💕

✨All actions originate first from thought. Before we speak, act or react, our choices are first made in the mind. The way we choose to write a letter, get dressed each morning, decorate + organize our home, speak to our partner, reply to a text message or react to awful circumstances/ bad news all first begins with a thought of how to react. Therefore, I would say our actions stem from our level of self control and self-discipline. ✨

What are your thoughts? Comment below!

Consistency + time make all the difference! You’re not going to see serious results or reach that goal the first week, and it’s character building that we don’t! The joy and pride we feel because of an accomplishment is because of the challenges you’ve overcome and your decision to keep pressing on even on hard days. ✨

I’m a huge fan of accountability (sharing your goals to keep yourself on track but only with 1 or 2 close trusted loved ones). Most times you’ll end up listening to distracting opinions! Work hard in silence, then let your success be the noise! 🎉

45. When you’re middle-aged but just getting started! ✨ Ever-grateful for this life, my family, friends, this community and the opportunity to keep getting better, growing, and striving towards more goals I have in my heart! 💕

I remember when my mom turned 40. She sat atop the staircase of our home and cried. I was in high school. My brother was 3. She was young, vibrant (still is), but somehow felt her age meant life was over. And while times are different now and we view age differently, I have always vowed to treat my 40+ years as something to truly celebrate and not dread. I’m proud of where I’m at and while I haven’t got it all figured out, and still have many dreams + exciting things to work towards, I want to show my girls life is truly what you make it, and age is just a number.

Life is busy, it often feels like a race, summers can feel fun, yet chaotic with kiddos so it’s important to take time for yourself and just be still.

✨Sometimes I find myself so anxious to catch up on work, my favorite podcast, or my endless to do list & hampers of laundry that I choose checking the box ✅ over stillness.

✨Make stillness the priority, even if just for 5 mins before you begin your day, or before the kids wake up! Maybe it’s after all is quiet in the evening. That’s my favorite time. Don’t read, clean, workout or watch TV, take 5-10 mins just for you to meditate in a quiet, empty space even if it’s your closet!! Been there in smaller spaces we’ve lived in., or pray + hear the voice of God or think about the decisions you need to make. Notice how everything is clearer + your best ideas come while in the bathroom alone? For me it’s in the shower always!

✨This is one of the greatest forms of self care! Lately I’ve been driving while alone without music, no podcast or audio book, just the sound of my own thoughts and it’s peace I need in this noisy world.