We tend to love ourselves from the outside in, using exterior forces such as weight, success and praise to determine our capacity for worthiness. We ask arbitrary questions like, “Did I avoid cookies today?” ” How much have I accomplished from my to-do list?” “Do you think he will ask me out again?” as gauges for self-love. These random means of measuring undoubtly shift and dare I say, fall short which keeps us asking, “Do I really deserve to love myself?”
As I get ready to celebrate my 12th wedding anniversary and 17th year together on Monday August 13th, I reflect back upon why we’ve worked so well. In a way, we have done all the wrong things – we have gone to bed angry before (contrary to what is suggested couples do), we have used hurtful words in times of argument, and have rehashed issues long after they were dead.
Back to School is quickly approaching… can you believe it?! It is literally around the corner (sniff sniff), and if you’re on the fence about what to buy and where to buy what your kids need- you’re not alone.
As you know, I am an Brand Ambassador for RetailMeNot.com, the largest coupon site in the US with exclusive discounts and cut-out coupons DAILY. What makes RMN the most incredible shopping resource, is the amazing brands they offer and their huge discounts. Literally, all your favorite American and Canadian brands are there, such as Target, Victoria’s Secret, Land’s End, Old Navy, Dominos Pizza, Macy’s, Forever 21, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Nordstrom, Best Buy and MANY MORE. Plus they just launched their new FREE app, so you can now save on the spot, in store.
I couldn’t think of a more fitting quote, than after watching Dawn Harper take silver last night at the Olympics. One of the most “underappreciated” female hurdlers, she has candidly spoken about the extreme hard work it takes to master your craft- the sacrifice it takes to win gold. But she has also spoken of the purpose, passion and pride that comes with hard work, and overcoming hurdles.
I’m back! And I’ve missed you ladies like crazy! I hope that over the past three weeks, you have kept yourself busy and enjoyed the warm weather a little. Our summer is flying by too quickly, the fact that we’re already into August, makes me weepy.
During my three-week blogging break, I had a chance to relax and unwine unwind and rest my brain, so that I can continue to add value to the blogging community. It is no easy feat to manage an engaged audience as smart as you, and continuously provide fresh captivating content. In order to do so, this mama needs to engage in stimulating activities, such as reading Fifty Shades Of Grey War and Peace.
Hello all! Checking in from vacation.
Week 1 was spectacular, because, admission: I took last week for MYSELF. The kids were in camp, hubby was at work, and then there was me– goin’ nowhere fast. It was quite blissful. I did things like walk around aimlessly, spend the morning at the spa, and talk on the phone for an hour with my girlfriends. Things I hadn’t done in a long while.
Girls, I am taking my annual 3-week July blogging break starting today. I do this every year for my mental wellbeing, and for the quality of this blog. It is not easy to continuously keep things fresh, relevant and interesting, so every July, I rest my blogging brain to come back recharged, refreshed, and ready to give you more.
Over the next three weeks, I will be working, relaxing and traveling. The end of my 3-week blogging break will bring my favorite time of the year– our annual blogging conference in NYC, called Blogher. There are no words for this weekend of networking, partying and sharing with some of the smartest, savviest chicks I know. I simply cannot wait.
While growing up, I devotedly watched and replayed all of Disney’s princess themed movies, and the message I took from these sugar coated love stories, was that some day I will meet a man who will rescue me from all of my sadness and make me happy. I would like to quickly explain the reason why I put so much hope and energy into this idea as a little girl– my childhood was tumultuous, to put it mildly, and when the world around me seemed so out of control, I found it easier to escape into a daydream about how and when things would one day be better. Today I look back upon this naïve philosophy and shake my head at myself. It had never occurred to me that I didn’t need a man to rescue me, but rather, I could save myself.
Rapunzel here! After yesterday’s “YIKES” post, I have since let down my hair. I had a girl’s night last night, and the conversation, coupled with a few drinks, a guy sitting next to us with a “murse” (man purse), and gut-busting laughter did me good. After all, it isn’t how far you fall, it’s how quickly you get back up. I can thank my mother for teaching me about resilience.
“Have you ever looked at your life, your daily routine, your kids, your job, and thought… I just wanna throw on a pair of heels, and dance the night away? I confess, I have.
I was just reminiscing with a girlfriend the other day. We used to live in the same apartment building when we were both first married… us on the 5th floor, her on the 4th. And boy was it fun! We all worked hard during the week and partied on the weekends. We slept in till ungodly hours with no distractions. We hung out smoking in each other’s apartments, watching movies, chilling with friends. It was the life… except… we didn’t appreciate it. We desperately wanted to get pregnant and settle in, trading late night partying for late night bottle feedings.
I help busy women (like you!) prioritize self-care so you can experience less stress, more calm and greater joy every day!
