I went to bed the night before Hurricane Helene feeling a deep sense of calm and knew in my soul that we were going to be okay. I spoke to one of my best friends who lives in Asheville the next morning and everything was fine there, too. We were actually laughing because we were so thankful we didn't make the big vat of chili we thought we were going to need the night before while prepping for power outages and possible flooding. Hours later, I had lost all contact with her. I felt complete and utter despair watching all the videos being uploaded to social media. It was horrific. Asheville had been my home away from home - a refuge when I needed to escape or in need of some deep spiritual healing. I’m not taking anything away from other areas affected by the storm, but many areas were either evacuated or on watch and for the most part, people were ready. Western North Carolina had no reason to believe they were going to experience anything more than a few days without electricity or some minor flooding so nobody was prepared. I have not been able to post to social media, as it was really hard to see other people posting about their every day fabulous lives like nothing had ever happened. I guess it just hit me really hard and I needed a minute to process. Thankfully, there are individuals and organizations puling together resources to help and I realize not everyone has the financial means or resources to contribute, but if you can, please PLEASE don't sit on the side lines, frozen and feeling helpless. Drop off supplies. Donate money. Give your time. Once I started giving, I felt more at ease and less in shock. It helped - tremendously. Still heavy In the heart, but so grateful to the heroes out there helping and to those who have done the research and have people on the ground figuring out what is needed and how to get it to the people who need it. Your work and effort is trickling down and you’re giving others the opportunity to make a difference so thank you. Xx - BeAnne
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I worked a lot this summer and to be honest, I was very close to burnout. Outside the time we got to spend with my family at the lake, we didn’t really get a dedicated vacation to commemorate summer. With all the talk of Halloween and pumpkin spiced lattes on social media and the holiday decor already lining the shelves in our local markets, I knew I had to act fast. Or should I say, slow. We’re hardwired to constantly be on the lookout for the next best thing, the upcoming holiday, the next occasion, or party. We’ve been conditioned to do more and to stay busy and productive, but we’ve lost the art of presence and have zero tolerance for rest and quiet restorative practices. I took a stand this weekend and took my daughter on a spontaneous girl’s trip to Savannah. I almost panicked at the last minute and didn’t go because I had too much to do. Oh, the irony! I knew we desperately needed the time together, but I didn’t really know until we were in the car driving. It was just two short days, but they were the BEST days. I will even go to say, magical! There’s too much to share here so if you want to know the details, let’s schedule a chat or even better, a coffee. And no, not spiced (yet, anyway). Something magical happens when we choose ourselves over responsibility … time with our kids over work … pleasure over pain … fun and play over the endless list of to-do’s. Don’t let life pass you by … don’t put off the thing … the vacation … the special handwritten note … the time to be fully present with ourselves and the ones we love. Life is too short. Nature doesn’t rush … trees don’t compete … birds don’t worry … nature exists in perfect harmony … patiently awaiting and fully present to all the mysterious unfolding moments of each passing season. Enjoy the last days of summer. Be present with the light filled days. Float in the pool. Wear your flip flops. Go out for ice cream. Don’t worry. The rest will come. Xx - BeAnne This is what Freedom looks like ... see the smiles? It's everything!! I often reflect on my own personal freedom and the older I get, the more important it becomes. Do you feel a sense of freedom in your job? At home? In your relationship? In your body? I would say most of us have experienced the opposite at some point in our lives and it doesn’t feel good. It’s limiting and restrictive and robs us of our potential. It took almost 50 years to get here and there was a lot of mindset shifting, relearning, and reprogramming, but the feeling of absolute freedom is incredible. I encourage you to untether yourself from others and teach your kids to do the same. Nobody should have control over you OR your happiness and yet we give it away every day. And some aren’t even aware because they are too busy or distracted or attached to their devices. Take some time to get still and be quiet. To be in solitude with the moment as it comes. The breath, quiet, slow and low. The body, relaxed and at ease. When you are in that place, ask yourself what holds you back from living your best life. Investigate, dig deep, and listen. Intuitively, YOU know. We don’t have time to be small or live in someone else’s shadow. Live your own life. Be your own person. Do more of what brings you joy. Laugh. Cry. Be adventurous. Challenge yourself. Get uncomfortable if it means letting go and growing. I’m on the other side routing for you and cheering you on. Just keep moving towards the things that light you up and don’t let anyone steal your joy. Let your inner circle get smaller if it brings more peace. Be around those who lift you up and support you. And most importantly … set boundaries! Humans need boundaries. Kids need boundaries. Animals too. It keeps us safe. Don’t be afraid to say no or not now or that doesn’t feel good to me. It’s okay! Have a beautiful long holiday weekend and know that you are loved and that freedom is an inside job. Happy July 4th!! Xx - BeAnne I’m not here to distract you with all the shiny things. I’m here to keep it real and if we’re being honest —> summer is HARD. And it shouldn’t be. Summers are supposed to be fun. School is out and it’s time to play. The pool and beach and vacations are beckoning us to unwind and get some much needed rest & relaxation, but that’s not reality, is it? Any perimenopausal working mamas out there with children home for the summer? The stress is real and every day is a struggle to find balance. When you’re working you feel guilty that you’re not with your children and when you’re with your kids, you feel guilty for not working. You’re getting up early and you’re going to bed late and there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. It’s stressful and exhausting and you are NOT alone. All we can do is our best and then get up and do it all over again. I do know that being fully present with your kids is the most magical gift we could ever give to them AND to ourselves so let that be the goal. Every. Day. Let the house go. Forgo makeup. Work in your gym clothes. Eat out for dinner. Set some house rules. Create a little structure. And let the rest go. You might not be able to change your circumstances, but you can control your behavior. Focus on the good and practice gratitude. It’s a powerful tool my friends. And give yourself some grace. Take a time out. Like literally … put yourself in time out. I do it all the time and it’s awesome. Sometimes mommy just needs a break. Do whatever it takes to stay healthy so you do not burn out. We all know we cannot give from an empty cup. Put your oxygen mask on and breathe slow and low. And remember … you are a LIONESS. Today and every day! The Lioness is a figure of strength, but her strength is rooted in her gentleness. While she is an expert hunter able to outsmart her prey and take down a target twice her size, she is also a devoted mother, protecting her cubs and teaching them the skills they need to survive. Can I get an AMEN?? Have a beautiful weekend and take care of your cubs!! AND you. |
AuthorA wise woman once said, "fuck this shit" and she lived happily ever after. Archives
September 2023
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