Hi friends! I hope you are staying sane during this time. This whole thing is nuts. Businesses came to a halt, everyone quarantined to their homes, people forced to slow down. It has been stressful and calming all at the same time. It has brought people together. Kids are playing outside again. Families are eating together. People are getting much needed rest. It has forced people to sit in their feelings and process. It has allowed people to figure out a way to do business, virtually connect with people, learn new things, tackle projects, read a book, and the list could go on.

Building back our lives after the hurricane and then going through a divorce shortly after, I got used to the chaos and trying times. In a weird way, I find comfort in it. The thing that always happens in trying times is things are put into perspective. You remember what is really important in life. It brings you back down to reality. I am most thankful for that.

Maybe you are struggling right now and worrying about your bills, job, etc. I am here to remind you, it will be okay. You, my friend, will be okay. See, you are resilient. You are brave and smart. You will figure it out. I have faith in you and so do a lot of other people. Most importantly, God will take care of you. I know sometimes it feels like he has turned his back on you and left you out to dry. I felt that way before. I can’t tell you how many times I would shake my fist at him saying,”HELLO!!! I am here struggling… are you even listening?!?!” He is. I learn the most when I am forced to figure it out. I believe sometimes God makes you struggle so you will lean into him. He will make you find him, seek for him, talk to him, call for him. He wants a relationship with you. Next time you feel he isn’t there, hang on and seek him harder. He is there, I promise. He may flip your boat and rock your world. He will never let you drown though. Just think about all the things you have prayed for in the past and how many of those prayers were answered.

Friends, I have missed you! I feel like this whole pandemic has allowed me to rest my mind, spirit and body. It has also allowed me to think and dream about what I want my life to look like, goals I want to accomplish and to stop to smell the roses. It has given me the opportunity to remember and focus on the things that matter most. At the end of the day, your job or the amount of money you have in your bank account or the things you own won’t matter. It is the people next to you. Your friends and family. That is the real gold in this world. The relationships and memories you share.

After my divorce I have felt feelings of “going backwards” in life. The income I was used living on was basically quartered. I went from living in a beautiful home to a one bedroom apartment. I really had to budget and cut luxuries I was used to having. My lifestyle changed and I wasn’t the biggest fan at first and still am not at times. Here’s the thing though…I have never been closer to my family. I have incredible friendships with so many people. I have built strong friendships with a group of women that are strong, classy, super sweet, encouraging, supportive, real, and fun. They truly are my very best friends. I have never been so confident in my own skin. My faith has grown exponentially. I am more at peace with my life and have a crystal clear picture of what I want my life to look like. That may change and if it does, I will pivot with it. Friends, I felt I was going “backwards” in reality I was capitulated further than I could ever imagine. My life is so rich and I am so happy! It is overflowing with life’s truest riches. You become who you surround yourself with. If I have come this far in just a few years, where will I be in 1, 2 or 10 years with the people I have in my life now and the ones I haven’t met yet? It is mind blowing and exciting!!

Friends, don’t be afraid to chase your dreams. Don’t run from chaos and hide in fear. Figure it out and find a way to keep going. Some days will feel like you are going backwards and some you will feel like you are sprinting forward. Just keep going. Have faith and believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down. All that matters is how many times you get back up.

Thank you for spending some of your day with me! Spread the joy and always remember I am cheering for you! Until next time, friends!

Amanda