patience in anger :: peace and deep breaths
image via here
The older I get, the more and more I realize how true .....and ultimately peaceful this concept is. When I am really riled up, I can tend to be a hot head and I definitely speak my mind! What is in my mind ....should not always come out immediately though.
As I deal with frustrating situations with my children or spouse, weird people, unfairness, irresponsibility on my part as well as others, loss, change....or whatever it is....I am learning that it is totally ok to say "I need a moment" or "I need to go work for a bit until this anger subsides".
If I compare the two instances side by side, I always regret the heat of the moment things that are said.....but when I have taken time to step back, think, pray, and try to understand the situation it always ends in a completely different way.....and in a way that I am much more peaceful about.
Take that moment.
xo,
Barb
work to do
image found here
This is going to be a raw and real moment between you and I.I am known for speaking my mind, for being passionate, for taking risks, for not holding anything back....and all of these things are good and have their place....but like I have always told myself and others....strengths are also weaknesses....and we need to learn to exercise the strength side more than the weakness side.This quote literally hit me in the depths of my soul. What if my words were tattooed all over my body? Would I be a thing of beauty to look upon? Or would I want to hide from others.... to cover every inch of my skin with layers of clothing because my words are so putrid and ugly?I am striving (boy am I striving) to let my words always be seasoned with power, love, and intentionality.....but there are many days where I utterly fail. Thank goodness for grace and the fact that my words are not permanently engraved upon my skin.I've got work to do.xo,Barb
hope over fear
There are times in life where fear can make us feel desperate and hopeless. We grasp for control, which we think is security and freedom, only to find that it brings a cage of bondage and despair.Hope is a powerful thing, and wills the mind to overcome adversity. When you talk to your soul, what are you telling yourself? Are the thoughts of fear, inability and insecurity winning? Or, are you propelling yourself forward with thoughts of courage and hope?Turn fears and disappointments into opportunity for good....and set your mind on this: hope over fear.xo,Barb
peace :: priorities
If I have seen and learned this once...I have seen and learned it a million times. The constant fight to keep what is real, pure, everlasting, and significant before and above the superficial, fake, dust to ashes, status quo.Culture tells us to rage, primp, plump, add, take away, live for the moment, fit in, stand for nothing, fall for everything....and I for one will fight against all of that until the day I die.Give me peace like a river that floods my soul..... any day.{image via pinterest here}xo,Barb
in the heat of the moment, remember
image via pinterest
These past few weeks {and the next two weeks} are so full. We are charging toward the finish line of Knack Book 2 and it is both exhilarating and painful all at the same time. I compare writing a book to the marathons I have competed in. That finish line is such a beautiful sight, the emotion runs strong, and the tears flow because you are so excited and empowered by what you have just accomplished...while at the same time your entire body hurts from the huge task you just asked it to complete. Marathons are physically and mentally challenging and tap into every ounce of strength that you have in both of those areas.....and a book is no different. By the time a project of this magnitude is finished, both the body and mind are tired yet strengthened and exhilarated by the work that has been accomplished.
I am so proud of this work. I am super proud and thankful for the team of women who have helped accomplish this work. I absolutely know I could not have done it without them...and am at a loss as to how to put into words my grateful heart.
It is awesome to look back and remember, and even better to look forward with a renewed strength and confidence in what can be done when you set your sight, heart, and mind on one of life's marathons.
Live with what you love
Sometimes, no matter the size.....houses are not homes......and that is a sad thing. Let your home tell your story and the story of those you love. Surround yourself and others with things that matter....and be intentional about .....home.
Work Hard Stay Humble
One of my very favorite quotes, that is just so true! These wonderful 18 x 24 signed prints, by artist and friend Clarke Harris, are now at Knack! ( in store only)Stay humble my friends.....