A Fresh Start

A fresh start. That's what we all need. That's what the new year promises. A chance to work towards a better version of ourselves with renewed energy and an inspired perspective. I've waited for inspiration for my writing as long as we've all been waiting for a vaccination to end this world-wide pandemic. I figured I'd start by refreshing my blog. 

This blog has always been a creative outlet for my writing and design. My goal began with having a place to compile some fun and inspiring words for my kiddos. Now my kiddos are older and advising me to revamp and refresh. And they're right! It's hard to feel inspired when your surroundings feel like they are caving in on you. My blog, like my home, was in a rut.   

I have spent the last few days reorganizing and decluttering pantries and closets, cupboards and bedrooms. For me, organizing is therapeutic and resets my brain. This time, however, it has taken on new meaning; a letting go, of sorts. Sometimes we hang on to things too long. Maybe we're afraid of change, but change is the only constant in life. If I learned anything from 2020, it's that life as we know it can change on a dime and things become out of our control. But, life goes on and we adapt. Sometimes the ways we adapt teach us new and better ways of doing things, turning challenges into strengths.

I am truly grateful for the challenges we faced this last year, and I do realize that those challenges were different for everyone. But the pandemic that brought on those challenges is the same. 

I am grateful for the lessons I learned (patience is a BIG one that I'm still working on, but better at). 

I am grateful for more time with my family. We spent a lot of time hiking, playing games, and watching movies.

I am grateful for technology. Even when the world seemed to pause, we were still able to work, learn, "visit" loved ones, and watch all those streaming movies.

I am grateful for a living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, who was inspired with the "Come Follow Me" program in a home-centered, church-supported way of learning. We were prepared to continue learning and growing spiritually through a very trying time.

I am grateful for the chance we have to start fresh and try to be better ... every day.

So with this fresh start at the beginning of a new year, I hope my writing and designs will continue (or start) to inspire you and give you the boost you might need in your day. In a world full of uncertainty and negativity, we all need some positive inspiration to become the best version of ourselves. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Now is the best time to start becoming the person we eventually want to be." 

What are you doing to make a fresh start this year? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.

Fresh Start, Now Is The Time

There's Always Light. Always.

In a world so full of hate, anger, violence, and greed our children need to know, now more than ever, that they have a safe and loving place to come home to at the end of the day. As I watch my children grow up and set out on new adventures, I want to make sure they know their home is a safe haven from the turmoils of the world and they will have love and support to help them find the silver linings in life. Always.

I originally started this blog with the hopes that my children would have a compilation of uplifting and encouraging words to guide them through rough days. It's not always easy to have a positive attitude, to look for the good when things feel so wrong everywhere you look. But, even on the hardest days, there is ALWAYS something good. Find that good -- that light and let it brighten the darkest and loneliest corners of your day.

Here is some light I want to share: First, I want my children to know I love you. Always. Growing up in the days of social media is tough! Don't ever let the number of followers you have or the number of likes you receive on a post determine your worth. Ever! You will always have a support system and people who love you within the walls of your home. You will never be alone. No matter how dark the world may seem.

Second, I want you to know I'm proud of you. Always. I have watched each of you struggle at different times through different situations. You each have a determination to find answers and work through your situations. You've done so prayerfully and faithfully which is why you always find the light at the end of your individual tunnels. You amaze me every day and I couldn't be more proud of your good hearts and your good spirits.

Third, I want you to know that I believe in you. Always. You are children of a Heavenly Father who loves you. He knows your name. He has a plan for you. He believes in you. When life gets rough, He carries you through. Love who you are. Stand tall and believe in yourself. When you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Don't ever let anyone keep you down. If you fall and have days of doubt -- and we all do -- pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and get back to work.

Just as we can all find a light in the darkest hours of our day, you, my beautiful children, are the light in mine. I am grateful that I have been entrusted to love you and teach you and guide you, although I often feel I am learning more FROM you. Keep shining your light. Don't ever let anything or anyone dim what's inside of you. You will inspire and lift many. I love you! Always!