Begin To Write: An Explanation

During the last week of February, my life began to fall apart- yes, that is a tad dramatic. I was getting hit both personally and professionally- one thing after another. It wasn't just one or two situations that spiraled out of control, but 10-12 situations, each of them getting progressively worse as time went on.

While I love my blog and I love writing, I really needed to take time for myself. I needed to deal with the situations and I needed to take care of myself- which means I did very little outside of the situations. Out of character, yes...but I needed that time to care for my mind and soul. It was a lot of cups of tea, reading and watching Netflix.

I am so lucky to have so many great friends who reached out to me during this time. They provided laughter, hugs, positive thoughts, advice and, at times, distraction. I was reminded how much I am loved and cared for.

Late last week, I was dealt a major blow...the worse of them all. This is an on-going situation, with no end in sight. But I am taking care of it and I have faith that it will eventually be resolved. Again, I am so lucky to have such a fantastic support system around me. I do have my ups and downs, but for the most part, I've been able to maintain a positive outlook.

I am working towards resolving all of the outstanding issues and, not only starting a new chapter, but a whole new book. I'm starting with a fresh page, a clean slate, a new beginning. I'm still in the draft stage, no plot yet, but it will eventually come to me and I will begin to write. 

Metaphorically speaking, of course.

On the literal side of things, I have begun to write again- hence this blog post. More will follow in the coming days.

Hey, It's Ok

 

To need a change. Hopefully one comes soon.

 

That I am dreading the predicted 'bad weather' we are supposed to get tonight. I'm done with the snow and cold and dangerous weather.

 

To not watch The Bachelor. I don't get the appeal.

 

That I'm looking forward to bowling next week! I am a horrible, horrible bowler...but it's for a good cause and it's a networking event- two things I like.

 

To be looking forward to a surprise birthday party AND the David Myles concert this weekend!!

Inspire Me- Thoughts About It

Today is my first day back in the office after four days off. I spent these four glorious days hidden away at the family's second home. I did some errands, shopped for my Mug O Comfort Swap Partner, read, did some work for a charity gala I'm working on...and that's about it. It was a quiet and most uneventful time off. 

On Thursday, I met up with two friends/former co-workers for dinner and drinks, before heading over to the Royal Wood concert. Royal puts on an AMAZING show!! He is insanely talented, engaging with his audience and funny. It was a small, intimate venue (the first time I'd ever been there) and it was just Royal and his guitar player. I had a lot of fun and truly enjoyed the show!

I would love to have more time off (and I will later this month); I could use a couple more days to truly unwind and relax.

As usual, I'm turning to a quote for some inspiration this week:

How true is this? Happiness is a choice. Our mind frame and how we approach situations we find ourselves in directly corresponds with out level of happiness. If we tell ourselves we are miserable and that a situations sucks, it will and we will be unhappy. But in the same situation, if we smile and focus on the good, we will be happy. 

 

A few months ago, I had someone question me and why I laugh- something I do All. The. Time. I told them I laugh because I am happy.  They didn't like that answer, and even told me I was too busy to be happy. I disagree...like I said, happiness is a choice. 

I have made the choice, and the effort, to be happy. Happy is my word for 2015 and something I am working hard on.

Happy thoughts and attitudes create happy situations and experiences.

Sunday Reading & Coffee

I always felt reading the Sunday newspaper and drinking coffee was a very grown up thing to do and something I should  be doing, so I did. While I no longer have a newspaper subscription, I still feel that a great Sunday includes coffee and reading.

With this concept, I decided each week- on Sunday- to share some of my favourite reads from the past week. So grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice) and enjoy these reads.

The biggest social media debate and controversy this week was whether or not a dress was white and gold (which I thought it was, based on the first photo I saw) or black and blue. This article explains what started everything and has pictures of the original dress, including from the store and settles once and for all the actual colour.

Sticking with the dress, The Science Of Why No One Agrees On The Color Of This Dress is an interesting read as to why people are seeing different things.

If you are wearing a great dress, you should be wearing a great lipstick; 21 Genius Lipstick Hacks Every Woman Needs To Know.

A show that I am currently obsessed with, and sad that the season finale aired this week, is How To Get Away With Murder. If you haven't watched this show, you should. The finale was mind blowing and I just have to share this Q&A, 'How To Get Away With Murder' Boss On That Killer Finale And What's Next.
 
Hope everyone has a great Sunday!!