The right direction

Outfit details--- Sunnies: TOMS | Earrings: Charming Charlie (c/o) | Necklace: Kate Spade | Bag: Charming Charlie (c/o) (option, option) | Tank: Target (maternity for length bc I usually wear it as a tunic) | Skirt: Express (same style but other color here, super similar here, shop more pleated skirts here) | Heels: Renvy ---

Forgive me if I'm very self-reflective in my posts this week. Last week was the week from hell and it's taking all of my strength to remain positive and know that I am moving in the right direction. As a bonus birthday gift, Gina ordered me this amazing book, and I have been obsessed. Seriously. I'm honestly not usually into self help books, but I am loving this one. It's not overly zen or gimmicky, it's just very matter-of-fact, highlighting some obvious points that I already know are true but somehow choose to ignore or overlook. I would highlight all of the statements and quotes I want to remember, but the book would be one big highlight! It's that good, and I'm only on chapter 8.

One of the most recent chapters I read talked about how we all have an ego, and she's not referring to the confidence kind. This author defines "ego" in the book as "the shadow self, or the false self, or the self that's acting like a weenie." She goes on to say that when you decide to make a big change in your life, this same ego is "going to come at you, rolling pin raised high over her head, to beat you back into your old life." (Another reason why I like the book, because the writing is light and playful even though the subject is actually quite the opposite.) Basically, your ego is terrified of change. Think about this though. You finally decide after years of not exercising that you're going to jump back on the fit bandwagon. And wouldn't you know, your period decides to show up one week early, work requires you to book last minute trips, and you have a whopping 2 drinks at dinner one night and wake up the next morning like you drank the whole entire bar. You don't even have your big toe on that bandwagon because you were shoved off immediately.

That's basically what last week was like for me, and I am glad that I read that chapter before all that sh*t hit the fan because it was a good reminder to not focus on the distractions, but instead remain focused on my original goals. This post is timely because today is Noelle's birthday and she too is going through a big life change, and she too was pushed to make this decision by reading that same book, also bought for her by Gina  Do you see a pattern here? Yep, Gina for president!

I loved Noelle's post on Friday about how she left her job because she knew it was making her miserable and it was literally for her own good that she walk away. Not that many people could do that, especially with no real plan B. When it comes to a point where self preservation trumps a paycheck, you know it's time to go. I admire the courage it took for her to take that step. Noelle has the absolute biggest heart! The way she loves her man as if it's the first week they've been dating makes my heart so full! I am a sucker for that kind of love! She is the sweetest with the most feminine classic style. I hope you'll hop over to her blog and wish her the happiest of birthdays!

Happy birthday, Noelle! Cheers to the new and happier you!

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