Finding Fun

They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I've decided to take that statement and give it a twist. See, the thing is, life if always moving forward. Like a river. It's gonna keep on flowing whether you want it to or not, so I figure I might as well enjoy it all along the way. Even when there are a bunch of lemons in the boat. I guess you could say it comes down to the 'glass half empty or full' perspective. For a number of years I found myself looking for the things that were wrong- with myself, my work, my house, my mate, etc. And if you look for them, you will find them. And if you make them your focus, that's all you see and you wind up being unhappy with your life. At least I did.

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

Knowing that, I've decided not to look for the lemons anymore, and instead focus on finding the joy or fun in life that exists even when it's not my best moment. It could be as simple as appreciating my bed at night. The fact that I have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Or being grateful for a beautiful walk in nature. And when I go through something challenging and I put myself in this appreciation mindset, I usually see how a situation is actually working in my favor (even if it isn't what I would have chosen). 

This mindset doesn't mean that I don't have hard things that come up for me. They still exist and flow in and out of my life. I'm just choosing how I react and engage with them differently. And sometimes it takes me a few days to find the fun. The circumstance feels so negative and unwanted that I feel I can't possibly find the good in going through it. But, I always do. And when I do, I feel better. And when I feel better, life is more fun. So yeah- back to floating down the river of life... I've decided I'd like to enjoy the ride.

Eco Outfit Details

SWEATER, Cotton On Body (gifted) #ethicallysourced #ethicallyproduced

CUT-OFF SHORTS, Levi's #upcyleddenim 

BRA & UNDIES, Cotton On Body (gifted) #ethicallysouced #ethicallyproduced 

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that living life through the lens of finding fun lead to an impromptu swim in Slide Lake. ;) Many thanks for Cole Buckhart for capturing the moment! 

Trust Yourself

I was recently chatting with Betsy Hosp, the author behind an upcoming book called Power of One Woman. She had asked me some questions for her book, and in the process sent me time traveling back to my youth. To my teenage years where I was exploring who I was and who I wanted to become. I don't know if you felt this way, but for me thirteen was a hard ass year to get through. Never had I felt so unsure of myself and how I wanted to present myself to the world. Plus hormones. Despite the hardship of that year, and trying to 'fit in' while being true to myself, I learned a valuable life lesson. I learned to trust myself. And, in some form or another, have been doing it ever since. 

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

I say 'some form or another' because it hasn't always been straightforward. There were times I felt far from myself and unsure of what I wanted. Yet, it always came back to me. I think when we are quiet enough and sit with ourselves long enough, we hear the guidance we are seeking... from non other than our very own selves. 

I believe there is a greater part of ourselves that is plugged directly into the Bigger Picture (what some may call Source, the Universe or God), and that part of ourselves (souls, spirit, etc) has our wellbeing in mind, and knows exactly what we truly desire and is orchestrating events around us to bring those desires into fruition. All we have to do is tune in and let that part of ourselves do the guiding. I apply this across the board! From picking out the clothes I want to wear, to the food I want to eat, to the words I type in a blog post or email. You know what I'm talking about, right? It's that inner tug you feel that nudges you to say yes or say no. Or an inspired thought to reach out to someone, or pick up a copy of the newspaper where you later read an article that speaks directly to you. 

I truly believe we all know what we want. We do. Put all the BS and excuses aside. If you keep expectations, judgements, and social norms out of it, you can more clearly follow yourself and trust that you know exactly how to create the life and the YOU that you are craving. 

Eco Outfit Details:

WORKOUT CROP BRA TOP, Cotton On Body (gifted) #ethicalsourcing #ethicalproduction

SHIMMER CROP TIGHT, Cotton On Body (gifted) #ethicalsourcing #ethicalproduction 

Cotton On is a brand that came onto my radar last year. They're an Australian brand that is quickly expanding across the globe. As an Australian brand, it was no surprise to learn they have a strong ethical and environmental commitment as a company. They ensure ethical and transparent production with their manufacturing partners as well as considered environmental actions to cut emissions and participate in recycling in their distribution logistics. 

Cotton On Body asked me to collaborate with them for their August sustainability campaign, and I'm excited to showcase their eco efforts. While they are not an 'eco brand' I commend their commitment to actively incorporating eco and ethical standards as part of their brand DNA. By 2018 they've vowed to source all cotton aligned with the Better Cotton Initiative. When big brands make commitments like this, it really moves the needle. Nice work Cotton On Body! 

Photos taken at Slide Lake in Jackson Hole, WY by the talented Mr. Cole Buckhart. 

Future Positive

In the game of golf there is a term I love called Future Positive. It refers to your mental state as you play the game and more specifically right before you hit your next shot. Each time you step up to hit, you can either tell yourself, "Don't mess up this shot" (which is focusing on what you don't want to do- mess up the shot) or you can tell yourself, "I've got this and I am going to hit it straight." We get what we think about, so I try really hard to catch myself when a negative thought comes floating by. And instead of latching onto that thought and making it my own, I release it and replace it with a positive one. I do this in all aspects of my life.

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

Let me give you a real life example. Summer is a busy time and lately I have been feeling overwhelmed with everything I have and want to do each day. My instant thought is, "I have too much to do and not enough time!" I stop and recognize how that thought is not making me feel good, and then I choose to replace it with a new thought: "I have enough time to do it all, and everything is working out perfectly for me." This thought calms my mind and limbic system. It helps me then approach my day from a positive mindset instead of a lack mindset, and guess what... I do get everything done and it works out perfectly. 

Can you relate to this? Stay positive my friends, it will change your world like you never imagined!

ECO OUTFIT

Parker Vintage Cutoff Jeans, AGOLDE, $128 #100%cotton #naturalfibers

Mallory Off the Shoulder Lace Top, Walter Baker, $74 #100%cotton #naturalfibers

Berri Platform Slip-On Sneaker (similar to ones shown), Matt & Nat, $54 #vegan 

Photos taken by Cole Buckhart at String Lake in Jackson Hole, WY. 

Let's Celebrate!

I recently hit a milestone with a new company I soft launched (more soon!), and because life is busy and even though you've accomplished this one thing, there is still so much to do- I almost let the moment pass by without celebrating it. Almost. Then, I realized that life is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated. Taking time to acknowledge myself and my team and celebrate what we brought into reality is important. And so is taking that time to allow yourself to feel good. 

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

So, I was hiking with my dear friend Lindsay Linton and we were discussing this very thing, and it occurred to me that I don't want to have to wait to celebrate when something major happens (though that does feel like the right time to throw a party!). I want to celebrate every day. Find something every day worth tipping my hat to in acknowledgement and allowing my heart to swell for a minute while I embrace the positive feelings around it. In a way, I think I am already doing this when I write my appreciation list each night before bed. I simply reflect on the day and write out around ten things that I appreciate from the day. Now I am feeling inspired to find something each day to, in the moment, celebrate. Wanna join me? Let's share our celebration stories in the comments below. xx

Photos from the Teton County Fair in Jackson Hole, WY by Cole Buckhart. 

Ruffled Denim

"Face fear and it ceases to exist" is a favorite quote of mine. Whenever I am starting something new, or headed out to an event without a wingman (or wing-woman), I feel those first pangs of discomfort. They warn me that I am about to embark on something that could possibly be uncomfortable. I've learned to acknowledge that warning (usually my ego talking) and say, "thank you for your concern, but I think I'll try this thing anyways, and see what happens." 

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

I'm learning and growing all the time. I'm beginning to believe that that is what life is all about. Expansion of ourselves through experience and desire. If you are on the Abraham Hicks boat, you'll resonate with that. I've been exploring their view on life and it feels really good to me. To see every day and every opportunity as a way to expand who we are. Good experiences and bad- they offer us value if we are ready to receive it. Sometimes that is way more easily said than done, but I still like to keep it floating around my mind. 

The water may not always be calm, but if we dive in, I think we will find the experience more exhilerating than we could have imagined. 

You can't experience new lands from the confines of your comfort zone. -Jen Sincero from You are a Badass at Making Money

ECO OUTFIT:

STRAPPY CROP TOP, Cossac (gifted) #madeinEurope #local #sustainablefabric 

FRAYED HEM JEANS, I used a pair of hand-me-down jeans and this DIY Tutorial to create my own pair of on-trend jeans. :) 

TREE NECKLACE, Haumeya (gifted) #social 

Cossac reached out to me to collaborate and I instantly felt that the brand might be too cool for me (haha)! I'm thrilled Cossac is in the eco fashion space creating cool girl pieces that are super easy to wear and made ethically. I have a feeling we will be seeing more Cossac in my wardrobe... As long as I up my coolness factor.  ;) Definitely check them out! 

Photos by Mr. Cole Buckhart at String Lake in Jackson Hole, WY. Many thanks to Cossac for sponsoring this post.