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

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

Hi friends! I have missed you!! A lot has changed since we last connected and I am excited to catch you up. A lot of growth, joy, and smooth sailing. I keep saying I am a little nervous about 2020 because for the first time I am going into a new year in calm waters. No natural disaster, divorce, or finding myself. It is kind of weird and really amazing all at the same time.

One of my friends and mentors at work suggested to write a one page letter to recap my year. Grab your drink, wrap up in your favorite blanket and buckle in, sister. This year has been incredible!

December 21, 2018 I went in front of a judge and made my divorce final. I was relieved, confident in my decision, and proud of myself. I kept promises to myself I have always made and stood on my two feet. My mom went to the courthouse with me and we got breakfast tacos after to celebrate. Later that day I met some of my family and friends for Mexican food and tequila shots. For my friends that couldn’t be there, we FaceTimed while we all celebrated new beginnings. As proud and happy as I was, I was also terrified and knew I had a long road of healing ahead. I was determined 2019 would be MY year. It was my comeback. I would finally do the things I have always said I wanted to do. Friends, I did. I did it all and then some.

I made a goal at the beginning of 2019 to take a trip a month. I went to Orlando, Vegas, Nashville, Marco Island, Lake Charles, two cruises, took long weekends all around Texas, and decided I would be a “yes” person. If I could afford it and didn’t have plans, I was going. I had so. Much. Fun! I didn’t make plans. I would just show up. I am already making my bucket list for 2020.

In 2019 I created friendships that will last a lifetime. I am convinced I met my bridesmaids through divorce. I built stronger friendships with some friends, made new friends and now have this amazing group of women I get to call my best friends. Y’all. My friends are builders. They lift me up, encourage, challenge me, and push me to be better. They also shoot me straight and get into my chili when it is needed. They let me vent and complain, but don’t let me be a pity party. They help me work through it and find a solution. They are Jesus loving, super sweet, and strong women! Everyone needs friends like mine. We are a friend group where everyone has a seat and we will always make more room at the table.

I had my best year at work. I made decisions for myself. Stood on my own two feet. Went to a lot of therapy and did some serious work to heal and work through insecurities and pains. I finally created boundaries in my life and stood by them without having to explain myself. I met someone and he is pretty great. My faith is 10X stronger than it was at the beginning of 2019. I finally feel good in my own skin and learned to love exactly who I am. I acknowledged and accepted I am not defined by past experiences in my life. I was made in the eyes of God and he knew that the world needed me. My heart, mind, spirit and soul. I was selfish with my time and made it a priority to fill my cup. I said no instead of telling people I would let them know. In 2019 I rebuilt a new Amanda and I really like her.

As I round out 2019, I look forward to 2020 and all it will bring. It will be a year of growth, new experiences, new memories and a lot of laughter. I am so thankful for my story and this life I get to live. Friends, enjoy your family time and soak up every second you are alive. Look back on 2019 and smile with how far you have come and your strength to keep on going. Know you are taken care of and you have a lot of people that love and adore you. Believe in yourself, love yourself and be yourself. You are a bright light, sister! Shine on my friend! I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Amanda

Hi friends! I cannot believe it is already mid August. Where has this year gone?! On another note I have a feeling like something really good is around the corner. I have been feeling this for a while now. I don’t know what it is. I look forward to it though. As much as I am looking forward to whatever that thing is, I am also terrified on the other hand. See my friends, I have built some major walls and have been told by my close friends and family that I am very guarded. Yup. Hi, that’s me!

Two things I have really struggled with post-divorce is trusting other people and believing the things they say are true and from a genuine place. My initial thought is that they aren’t. I haven’t always had these feelings, but recently they are more common. I have been told this all apart of the healing process.

See I met my ex-husband when I was 19. I wasn’t looking for anything and actually told him I would never date him. Jokes on me! The dating world was different. Guys talked to girls first. Dating apps weren’t a thing. You talked on the phone and took time to get to know someone. The guys courted the girls and it was not super traditional, but definitely more than it is now.

On that same note, I have been raised by a loving mom and dad that have been married 30 plus years and still flirt with each other. It grosses me out sometimes, but my husband better flirt with me like that. I grew up with a dad that loves his girls and would do anything for us. He makes us feel special and cared for. He listens to us ramble about our day. He will air up our tires if they are low and help us pick out outfits for any and every event. He is the ultimate fixer and I swear can fix any problem or anything you bring to him. He still opens our doors and is a southern gentleman. See yall, my dad set the bar. He set the bar high and also raised us not to settle for anything less.

I got on a dating app a few weeks ago. It was fun at first and then I was so weirded out I got off. The conversations, meeting complete strangers online…aka I used every excuse in the book. I keep saying I just want to meet someone naturally like at the grocery store. Um I do curbside. HA!

The dating world is different now. That doesn’t mean I have to lower my standards. I just need to lower some walls and give people a chance. Putting the walls up and being guarded is my defense mechanism to keep people out and to protect myself to not get hurt again. They could be better and be the best thing since sliced bread. I just say no to any opportunity like that. I joke around and say I don’t even let them get on my sidewalk. I keep them in the street. Hi, yeah… you can stop right there. I am really good at keeping people at a distance or pushing people away. I swear it is a talent [insert eye roll].

I am actually going to go to counseling to work through this because I know I can’t do it alone. I need help. I want to be better. I want to let people in. I am just scared. I don’t want to get hurt again. I don’t want my life to be shattered in pieces again right after I feel like I just put it back together. It is like my life is this precious crystal ball with all the pieces carefully glued and taped back together. It’s not perfect and frankly looks like a Pinterest fail, but it is back together to say the least. I have spent hours, days, weeks and months putting the pieces back and I don’t trust anyone else with that ball, but me. I want to be able to trust someone again to hand them that crystal ball. I just know it will take time.

I am a work in progress and working to be better every day. Sometimes you need outside help to be better. Friends, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes it takes more strength to ask for help versus internally trying to figure it out. Be brave!

As always, thank you for spending some of your day with me. I am so grateful for each and every one of you. Go make someone’s day and spread the joy!

Amanda

Hi friends! This post has been heavy on my heart for the past couple of weeks. This one will be a little different. I just feel it in my bones that someone needs to read this, so this one is for you sweet friend.

I have no clue what you are going through and the daily struggles you are dealing with. You hide it so well. You put your biggest smile on your face and you are really good at saying everything is okay when it isn’t. You want to tell someone your struggles, but won’t. You are the strong friend. You are the one that keeps it together. You are too embarrassed to let people in on your struggles. I have been there. I know how you feel and trust me that is just scratching the surface of how you really feel.

Something the world is severely lacking these days is people being raw, real, unapologetic, and 100% themselves. Sister, the world needs YOU! The world needs your brokenness, your heartache, your smile, your tears, your spunky little personality, your joy, your laughter, your anger, your everything, your story. We need YOU! You, my friend, bring something to people’s lives that no one else can bring. God created you… only one of you. You are alive and have a purpose. Your time isn’t over.

Who knows what your purpose is… you don’t have to have it figured out. Soak up the moment and enjoy the journey. Enjoy right where you are…even if it is a dark time. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. You are no mistake! You are a blessing!

It will be hard for you to let people in. Let them in. Get vulnerable with them, say something deep and honest. It may throw them off guard… oh well. Try it! Nothing like a little curve ball and something to break up the mundane response when people ask how you are doing,”I’m good! I am so busy!”

Listen up! You are human. Life is not peaches, roses and butterflies all the time. It gets really tough at times. You don’t have to share everything, but share something. Let someone be there to listen and love you through it. You have NO clue how much of an influence you have on them. You have NO clue how much you are inspiring them.

You are brave. You are bold. You are important! You matter!

Just a friendly reminder…. God’s timing is perfect. He may be a little slow at times according to you. He will never let you down. He has your back. He loves you! Trust him and his timing.

Friend, hold your head high. Walk with class, grace and smile through the mess. You are a rock star!! You are one hell of a person! Know that there are a lot of people cheering for you and praying for you. I am!! Make choices and decisions that make you happy. That bring you joy… whatever it is. Don’t apologize for being you…ever. You rock on with your bad self and keep on doing the dang thing. You inspire me. You encourage me to be better. I am not the only one that thinks that. Trust me.

I don’t know why I felt the need to type this little note to you. Heck, I don’t know who needs to read it. I just know it was super heavy on my heart and I needed to write it. Heart tugs, so someone can experience a God wink.

As always, thanks for spending some of your day with me. Go do you boo! Have an incredible day and do at least ONE thing today to brighten someone else’s day. You will be amazed how big of a smile it will bring to your face. Bring the joy and spread it around!

Amanda

P.S. – Friend, you got this! Stay strong. Find the joy. You are beautiful!!