Hi friends! I normally dive into words with all the feels. Today I figured I would change things up a little and talk about all the things I have been loving, learning and discovering in this quarantini (as I like to call it). Trust me, powerful words are coming soon so be on the lookout!

One: Be the friend you want

Something that is so special to me is the relationships in my life. Friends, family, etc. I nurture those relationships and tend to them often. It is not a one way street and I believe that is what makes them so great. I have incredible people in my life. It sometimes feels unreal to be so fortunate. Friends, I am the friend I want my friends to be to me. Should I repeat that for the people in the back?? You have a CHOICE to who you allow in your life. A choice. Choose wisely. You cannot control the way people treat you. You can control the way you react.

Friends, do not be afraid to give someone the boot if they aren’t bringing good into your life. I used to always feel the need to justify my reasons, give them another chance, or apologize to them because I felt I did something wrong. Yeah, not anymore. I am not saying when you meet someone new sit down with them and list out all the things you expect from them. I am just encouraging you to speak up when someone does something you don’t like. Explain to them your reasons, expectations and why it made you feel the way you did in a calm, cool and collected manor. (This is big… pay attention!) Then give them the opportunity to meet those expectations. When expectations are unmet that is when disappointment occurs. We are all human and make mistakes regularly. Give people a chance and always communicate through it. If they aren’t willing or don’t want to do the things you want and need, then they shouldn’t be in your life. I know that sounds harsh. It is really that simple though. Just a friendly reminder, there are people out there praying for someone just like you to come into their life.

Two: It’s okay to slow down

This quarantine has forced me to slow down. To not make plans. To go with the flow. I am a type-a planner. I love making plans. It gives me something to look forward to. It makes me feel more in control of my life and what I am going to do. I just want to know who I am hanging out with. I am not someone that needs an itinerary of our day. I like having a general idea so I can be prepared for whatever activity we do. Sound familiar to anyone?? I am learning to slow down, enjoy the spontaneity of life and not being in control all the time. This is good!

Three: Robo Vacuum

I have two big, furry, fluff balls of dogs. I always joke around that I am going to go into the rug making business with all the hair they shed. I am also a clean freak and the hair drives me bananas. I had a gift card and finally cashed it in for a robo vacuum. YALL. It is amazing!!! You just turn it on and let it work it’s little heart out. If I needed to do a quick clean, I would get my regular vacuum out because it is faster. I start it in the morning when I get up and everything is clean by lunch time. If you have been on the fence, go treat yo self!

Four: Essential Oils

I love love love essential oils! I diffuse them everyday. They smell amazing and put out a good energy into my apartment. I use them when I am not feeling good or have any kind of issue. I love holistically healing something before medicine. I have been playing around with different recipes and some are on repeat. I have found I love anything with orange or peppermint. So fresh, so clean!

Five: Washer and Dryer

I am incredibly thankful to have a working washer and dryer. I am thankful to have dirty clothes and two machines that wash and dry them for me to wear again. I don’t have to wash them in a tub and air dry them. I put in soap, throw my clothes in, turn it on and they are being cleaned. It is a luxury we all take for granted and each time I start my laundry I can’t help but have a grateful heart.

Six: Prayer Journal

I started a prayer journal a while ago. One of my friends encouraged me to write out my prayers and overtime go back and see how many prayers have been answered. Yall. Our God is good… so dang good! I thank him daily for the answered and unanswered prayers. Just a friendly reminder, your plan is already written and it is beautiful. Enjoy the good, bad and ugly moments of life. They are what God uses to make us into the person we are destined to be.

Seven: Cooking at home

I love cooking! It is one of my very favorite things to do. It is also a way I show my love and when someone cooks with me I feel loved. Quality time is my #1 love language. I have been able to eat out a few times since things are slowly opening back up. I enjoy the experience of eating out. I just love cooking and sitting around a kitchen table eating the food you poured so much love into. I see a lot of girls nights cooking dinner in my future.

Eight: Less Coffee

I have been drinking way less coffee since being in quarantine. I have switched to hot tea, Arbonne Fizz and Digestive Health packets in water or just good ole’ ice water. It has been so refreshing. I do love a good cup of coffee every now and then though.

Nine: More sleep

I have been able to catch up on my Z’s being in quarantine. Oh it is so nice. The lovely bags under my eyes are disappearing. I have felt more alert, productive and WAY less stressed. You always hear how important sleep is. I feel it is the first thing to be put on the back burner when my life gets busy. My skin, energy, mood, etc. is all better with more sleep. I have to keep it a priority in my life.

Ten: Walks

Walking is my second way I feel most loved. It is good exercise, you talk the whole time, and enjoy quality time with whoever you are walking with. I go walking with one of my best friends every week and we started adding more friends to our walks. It’s the best and overflows my cup. Also, the dogs love it too. When they are tired they aren’t so cray cray which makes for a happy dog mama. It’s a win win all around!

Thank you for always spending some of your day with. I hope you take time to stop and reflect about the things you are grateful for during this quarantine. Find the joy and be the joy. This is your time to shine, sister!

Amanda