I could write a book on the last couple of years, starting with that summer. I'll save you the reading time and just say that somehow I made it and I'm still not sure exactly how. I will say this and I usually do, when people ask me how I stayed strong instead of losing my mind over and over throughout this whole period. I didn't do it on my own. The words, the actions, the patience, the courage, the knowledge and wisdom, didn't come from me. I prayed for guidance and through people here, I found answers, strength and wisdom. Little by little I found my way back to Facebook, to those trivial threads that reminded me that we still go on. To homeschooling mamas who reminded me that I still had a responsibility to my children and that I needed to keep my act together for their sake. And to a great group of single mothers from different states all across the country who shared their stories and gave me advice and were the only ones I could reach out to when I needed to speak or burst. This great group of women also helped me to remember the "old me" in all the great ways that make me feel special and why my friends and family love ME for who I am and the qualities that I bring to the table. Once you are confident in who you are in general, it allows you to feel free enough to strive for better for yourself and others. When you feel encouragement from those around you, it makes you want to pay it forward (hopefully!) and when you do, you feel like there is nothing but the sun shining down on you.
The first day of Spring is around the corner. I have goals and personal challenges I've set for myself recently and unlike New Year's resolutions, these are areas that will take a lot longer than a year to reach. Well, some won't take so long. ;-) I've made it a point to hold off on makeup purchases other than replenishing skin care and toiletries as needed. If you show me a nail polish or a lipstick color, I'll probably have something similar or I can "create" one myself by mixing and matching to blend and come up with something close. I've purposed to finish the last dollops of lotions here and there. I've made my way through the selections of shampoos and conditioners. I have quite a few lipsticks and balms that are sheer enough to wear around the house or great for everyday use and they're all half-used...so why not finish them up?? So that's the plan. The money I've saved by not spending on makeup, I've decided to splurge elsewhere instead. Fresh cut flowers make me happy, why not treat myself to a bouquet when I see some gorgeous colors that catch my eye? Healthy and organic foods are more expensive than junk, so I choose wisely and try to plan my menus now. (Still a work in progress on that front!) Dessert is even a new goal for me....how do I indulge in the best way possible and make it count? I've come up with a few ways......
The biggest challenge for me right now is finding an answer to this question: If I love to share my passion by setting an example for looking my best when it comes to the face, why shouldn't I share the same when it comes to the BODY?? I always say that you can't just do nothing for years and then all of a sudden want procedures and oodles of products to correct your issues. Well, the same goes for the body. Skin care and body care are the same in that what we put in our bodies reflects on the outside. Also like skin care, what we do to enhance the outside also makes a huge difference in our overall appearance. So my biggest challenge is to be that example I hope to set for others. Practice what you preach and all that good stuff...so stay tuned. :-)
