Posted by Kim Jackson on 8:34 PM
“Accountability”. It’s a tough word to own. It’s not always easy to look at myself in the mirror and stare straight into the middle of my mess. To confront those things I said I wouldn't do again...that I did, again; the lies that I told myself to avoid confrontation with myself or with others; the self-sabotaging behaviors; the overcompensating for my weaknesses instead of owning them; the guilt. It’s downright scary to look myself straight in the eye and say "You messed up." It doesn't seem natural that I should accept my flaws instead of burying them if they don't fit in with the picture I want people to see. It’s disconcerting not to be...
Posted by GG on 6:00 AM
Peace Love and Pretty Things is about the celebration of the depths and complexities of a woman's spirit and the potential that lies therein. Our new feature, GEMS, will showcase women who are tapping into their unique talents and breathing life into their dreams.GEMS stands for:Grace andEncouragement forMotivation andSuccessThe women who are showcased as PLPT GEMS embody the boldness and vulnerability that are required to step out of the box and offer something intimately personal to the world. They are accessible examples of women who are doing interesting things, overcoming challenges, expressing themselves and making a difference in a unique...
Posted by GG on 1:38 PM
So, here I am. Awake. Aware. So many things that were out of focus have finally become clear. I’ve found my voice, and I’m not afraid to use it. As a result, things are falling into place in my life. All is not perfect, but life makes sense now. I am no longer a victim of circumstances waiting for my good to be given to me. I feel powerful – in the sense that my happiness now belongs to me and not to the world.
New found girl power aside, outside influences and old habits still threaten to barge in and crash my peace party. It's my choice to decide what influences I will listen to and what energy I will feed. My choice. My emotions. My reactions....
Posted by Peace Love and Pretty Things on 10:45 AM
I’ve received some news recently…news that has the potential to be scary and stressful, to drive me into a crying, hyperventilating frenzy and push my thoughts off the deep end—if I allow it to. Despite the disturbing nature of the news, there is a silver lining and a positive spin. So despite my mind’s desire to focus on the negative aspects of the situation, I am determined to focus on the positive because that is the only way I’ll make it through this situation. It will be a test of my faith, but a test I am happy to take and prepared to pass with flying colors. In order to stay positive, I’ll need to spend time in quiet meditation, pray, journal, practice yoga, exercise—all the things that help to keep me centered and focused. A favorite blog of PLPT’s, The Affirmation Spot, posted a great...
Posted by GG on 11:09 PM
Peace Love and Pretty Things is about the celebration of the depths and complexities of a woman's spirit and the potential that lies therein. Our new feature, GEMS, will showcase women who are tapping into their unique talents and breathing life into their dreams.GEMS stands for: Grace andEncouragement forMotivation andSuccessThe women who are showcased as PLPT GEMS embody the boldness and vulnerability that are required to step out of the box and offer something intimately personal to the world. They are accessible examples of women who are doing interesting things, overcoming challenges, expressing themselves and making a difference in a unique...
Posted by Peace Love and Pretty Things on 3:08 PM
I AM WHO I AM
I'd like to get to the point that I don't care what people think about me. Right now, a more accurate statement for me is that I've accepted that I can't control what people think about me. That's improvement. :) We spend so much time trying to show people this representative idea how we think we should be that we lose sight of who we really are. It is not our responsibility to prove to people who we are. Our actions are manifestations of who we are, and that includes the pretty things and the not so pretty things.
Our only responsibility is to simply "be". Keep the following thoughts in mind to stay true to yourself and true to your best life.
1. When you don’t reveal your true thoughts, feelings and beliefs, you are sabotaging your efforts to have sincere and loving relationships....
Posted by Peace Love and Pretty Things on 7:52 PM
You know that it's about to happen before it happens. Your heart drops, pulse quickens, stomach ties in knots, head pounds. You're nervous as you step out onto that ledge and let your mind go there. You imagine all the different scenarios and play out pretend scenes in your head. You lift one foot off the edge as your imagination spirals out of control, creating the massive event you believe might be about to happen and your eyes open wider in disbelief. You start to think about what you'll do "if" or how you'll feel "if" or just how you'll articulate in the event that you have to defend yourself. Okay, it's really getting crazy now...you're...
Posted by Peace Love and Pretty Things on 4:24 PM
So what if your manager didn't praise you for how well you did on that project? So what if your child is not a straight A student? So what if you don't have a brand new car like your neighbor? So what if you are 30 and have not conquered the world yet? So what if you are in debt? Should you feel unworthy, inadequate or ashamed? Of course not! I say, So What? You try it. So what??
Think about why these things bother you so much. Are you worried about what people think? Do you think someone else is getting an edge up on you? Do you think you are missing something? Do you worry that you will be left behind? Are you worried about losing something...
Posted by Peace Love and Pretty Things on 11:32 PM
I’m coming to the realization that my story is being re-written. There have been a lot of things removed from the story of my life lately—characters are being dropped from leading roles, things that looked good on paper now look a little messy-- basically any predictable part of the story has been ripped right out of the book and anything that I felt like I knew-- and had come to rely on being already written--has been removed from my line of sight. I'm obviously doing too much of the same thing and the universe says it’s time to switch it up. It feels like every time I make a plan it falls through and every time I make a decision it gets trumped....
Posted by Peace Love and Pretty Things on 10:59 AM
So often we get so caught up in creating a detailed outline for our lives that we forget about the miracles, the revelations, and experiences that are momentous in grasping the big picture. Personally, I had a few rough days this week where I felt overwhelmed by my mistakes and perceived shortcomings. To stay focused on what is most significant and adds meaning to our existence, Dawna Markova, inspirational author, suggests asking yourself four questions to get reconnected with your purpose. I sat down with my journal this week and here’s an abbreviated, non-TMI version of what I came up with:
1. What are you moving away from?
Regret. I am...
Posted by Peace Love and Pretty Things on 10:55 PM
As i find myself overwhelmed with the weight of life, I have to remind myself that it's all a part of the plan. Life has cycles, ebbs and flows, and change is inevitable. I do my best to listen to myself, to be honest with myself and those around me, and to generate as much positive energy as possible to counteract the negative that threatens to seep in. In moments such as these, I find the following affirmations helpful.*I share truth.*I feel release through communication.*It is easy to articulate my feelings.*I release my anger. I embrace joy.*I connect with my needs and let them be known.*My insecurity is replaced with wisdom.-butterfly goddess,...
Posted by Peace Love and Pretty Things on 12:56 PM
Everyday the friendly security guard in my building greets me with a huge smile and asks me how I'm doing that day. Today, I considered saying (with an equally huge smile) "Barely holding back the tears! And how are you?!" Somehow I found a way to resist the urge. I just smiled. I wonder if he noticed that the smile didn't reach my eyes. I just get really sad and overwhelmed sometimes. Then I feel guilty for feeling that way because I am so blessed. When I feel down and try to internalize it, I just feel worse and it leads to misunderstandings and misperceptions in my relationships.
Most people feel this way occasionally for short periods of...
