Inspiration

All posts in the Inspiration category

What a Year It Has Been

Published January 17, 2019 by Angela

Yes; that sounds strange being that it is only the 3rd week into the year 2019. I am referring to what was a year ago today that I slipped down my icy front steps and broke my right ankle in 3 places; left side, back, right side, or as the surgeon said, I managed the trifecta of all possible breaks.

something seems off here……..

What followed was 11 weeks of pain, panic, anxiety, depression, and devastation. I know that sounds overly dramatic, but it was that much of a horrible experience. The rest of the year didn’t fare much better, to be honest.

I was basically bedridden for 11 weeks, leaving the house only for doctor’s appointments 3 different times, and when I was mostly healed, two trips out with my kids for fresh air, food, and a feeling of normalcy. I probably went back to work sooner than I should have, still severely limping, but I could not bear one more day in my house; my bedroom; alone while kids were at school; fighting panic attacks.

I knew this happened to me for a reason, and I was determined to learn from this. I returned to work, and life returned to what it had been before; not terrible by any means, but certainly not fantastic either. I still didn’t fully appreciate how lucky I was (still am!) to have a great job, a house to live in, food to eat, health insurance, and four wonderful daughters. I am truly Blessed with everything I have in my life, and I am focusing on appreciating this fact.

So 2019 has some old challenges, and as I conquer them, new ones will appear. I need to get healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am still focused on one-day-at-a-time, while knowing what my end goals are for the year, and further beyond.

I cannot wait for the first update on this latest journey for me!

Turning One Day into Day One…

Published January 11, 2019 by Angela

…sounds pretty simple, yes? Apparently not for me. I am the Queen of excuses, the Ruler of Starting Tomorrows, and the Mother of Procrastination. I have an excuse for everything, most times two. There is always a good reason to start tomorrow. And we all know tomorrow never comes.

But today is here, and I am blessed and grateful to have it. It is a gift; and it is a gift I will not waste. I will do something positive for someone else today. I will do something positive for me. I will thank God throughout the day for giving me this day.

Focusing on the positives I have in my life, and I have so very many, may be just what I need to keep the anxiety and panic attacks at bay. That means I have to choose to not get angry about things outside of my control, or get frustrated with the people around me. That means choosing to be a better me. Which is completely in my control. I choose to be happy today. I choose to be grateful today. I choose to live this day to the fullest. Do you have goals for your day? May it be full of your greatest blessings!

Stereotypes and Beauty Standards for Girls

Published April 12, 2018 by Angela

I cannot even believe I am typing this post, but I had an experience on social media yesterday that completely baffled, shocked, and angered me. A bit extreme of a reaction? Probably; but I’ll blame it on being in pain, lack of sleep, and a bigger lack of patience.

body image meme

What happened? I posted on FB about someone asking me what I had learned from my 11 weeks off from work, due to breaking my ankle, and all the time I spent trapped in my house. My response? I learned to ALWAYS shave my legs, even if I’ve been single for a year, and it is the middle of January in Michigan.

First, my 64 year old aunt said she could not believe ANY woman or girl would NOT shave their legs every, single, day, and that she has her whole life, and always will. A couple other friends piped in that they too shave their legs every single day. This pissed me off because 1) If I don’t want to shave my legs, I’m not shaving my legs, 2) I suddenly felt like the teen wolf who was some kind of freak because I don’t shave my legs daily, 3) I was being judged by people who will never in their entire lives see my bare legs, and it affected them in no way whatsoever, 4) as a mother to FOUR daughters, the fact that any single one of them may feel they have to shave their legs every day because society thinks so really, really ticked me off.

I was not implying that I had not shaved my legs for a whole damn year, I was just stating that when a handsome 40-something Surgeon comes into the ER to look at your broken ankle, no matter how much pain you are in, you will regret not shaving your legs that day. You know, like your Mother always telling you…”Make sure you have clean underwear on in case if you get in an accident!” 😊

I’ve got bigger things to worry about then the hair on my legs, and the fact that my peers were so strongly opiniated on this completely floored me. Okay; I’ll stop bitching now, and move on to bigger and more important things. As a side note, I let it go on FB and did not say exactly what I think, in order to keep the peace. I’m usually pretty good at throwing some shade and making it seem sweet as honey, but I just let this one go 😊 I could have swore it was 2018…..

Are there things like this that bother you? What do you feel has too much importance placed on it in society today that keeps the stereotypes going?

Today I Choose to Just Be Grateful!

Published March 16, 2017 by Angela

I did not sleep very well last night, and woke up with a very sore back. But my cat alerted me to the 4 deer in our front yard, and it was a wonderful site to see at such an early hour. I am grateful I was awake for it.

I have been grumbling for 5 days about a flooded basement in my new home. It is time to realize my good fortune, and be grateful that I had the ability as a single parent to buy this house for my family.

I wake up most mornings wishing I could sleep a little longer, and not have to go to work. But I will always be grateful for the wonderful job I have had for over 20 years, that has done so much for me, and provided for my family. Many are struggling to find full time employment that will support themselves and their families.

I’ve been spending months complaining about the 50 lbs of weight I have managed to gain over the last two years; yet I make no conscious effort to change that. I have a rowing machine being delivered tomorrow, and am grateful that I am able to exercise and get myself feeling better, and healthier.

I am grateful to have the choice to choose healthy food for myself and my family, when so many have little to no food at all. My cure all for everything that ails me? Honey with the comb, which fits great in these tiny Ball jars to take to work!

Honey in Comb

I am grateful for so many things every single day; but it is not often enough that I take inventory of those things.

What are you grateful for today?