Attitudes are Contagious.

Today, I was just admiring my son’s smile. I remember waiting for the day when he would smile for the first time, and now when I see him smile, it is just contagious no matter the mood I’m in.

See, it’s different when you’re a child. The weight of the world isn’t always on your shoulders. You don’t have the “stress” always creeping up on you. You’re just simply… h a p p y.

It brings me back to a phrase my mentor once told me. “Your attitude is contagious, is yours worth catching.”

I don’t think we realize how our attitude for the day affects others. We try to shrug things off or not let our emotions get the best of us, but let’s face it… we’re only human. We have to consciously think about how not only our actions have a response, but how our attitude has an effect. Whereas children, they just are who they are and feel what they feel. They don’t know the repercussion of “cause and effect” yet.

I wish we could be more like children sometimes, aimlessly happy, because boy… did it make me happy seeing my son smile endlessly today. I’m running on “E” (empty), and he’s over there smiling at the smallest thing. Smiling when I kiss his forehead, crinkle a toy, or change his dippy. Just… being… just smiling, and he doesn’t even know how positively it impacted my day.

Well, his attitude is contagious. When he smiles, I’m happy. When he is sad, I’m sad with him and for him. When he is fussy, well, I try not to be stressed but let’s face it, no one likes seeing their child in pain or discomfort so I too might be a little fussy. And… When he looks at me in love… oh boy… am I in love and feel loved.

I think it’s important to remember, that someone is always watching. Even if it’s a short ten second interaction at the grocery store check-out, your attitude is contagious, is yours worth catching? Just remember a smiling baby 🙂 That will cheer you up!

Looking Back.

It’s amazing to look back as Fall is now here, thinking back to when this New Year Started.

Every year, my mother, her friend, and I come up with a slogan. This year, our slogan was “2022 Dreams come true.” I definitely have had my dream come true with becoming a mother. It just amazes me that we are already looking ahead to 2023. I am nine months into 2022, and so much has happened.

When I found out I was pregnant, I know I needed more space. I loved my little house and probably could have made it work, but parking down the hill was no longer an option (Especially in Duluth)! I found the perfect fit, really without even looking too hard, and before I knew it, I was packing, moving, cleaning my old space, and decorating a new environment.

I managed to totally reconstruct not only my way of thinking and deepen my outlook on life during this time, but I managed to create a space where I feel even more at home with the utmost peace. I wanted to dedicate my time and energy this year to create a space for my son. It was not easy… but it came down to sacrifice. I had to give up some hikes, trips, social events, and some things I would normally do for myself (even financially), but none of that mattered anymore. Saying “no,” and saying “yes” to doing what I know had to be done at the house, just felt like the new norm, and I became okay being a “homebody” every weekend. (Don’t worry, it won’t last forever! This girl still loves a good adventure!)

I’m sure there will be a time when we will now do those things together; so sacrificing one summer of fun to invest towards the beginning journey with my son, was totally worth it. I’ve created a space … a home … where my son can spend at least a few years growing up, making memories each day. Now, I can finally look back and give myself a pat on the back *which I do not do often,* and say, “job well done.” All of those sacrifices were worth it and definitely not in vain.

Below, is a picture of the final outcome of this love, sweat, and tears – his space, his nursery. It’s where we will spend many nights ahead with hugs, kisses, laughter, cries, dirty diaper changes, and long bedtime stories. I am so ready to take on this journey of becoming a mother. The world can keep spinning and time will surely pass, but I will never let the moments pass me by gazing into my son’s eyes. I will hold onto those memories forever and live completely in the moment – that’s my vow to him, and this is just one of the special spaces we can do it in.

Self Discovery.

I believe each day is a new day to learn something not just “new,” but new about yourself. You know the saying “I learn something new each day?” Well, let’s take this opportunity to discover something new about ourselves.

These moments we go through in life are not in v e i n. The moments we go through are simply there to make us stronger & wiser. They are there to shape us into who we are meant to be. They are there to remind us, that life is never easy and things aren’t always handed to us on a silver platter. However, it’s what we make of those situations and moments, that can define the outcome. It’s how we respond in a tricky situation to navigate. It’s how we react to others when we don’t necessarily agree. Given, that we all over-react, over/under analyze, get emotional, and in the end, drive too far away where we might get lost; we have to realize we are only human. It’s okay to make mistakes and have regrets, but it’s our response and action afterward that matter in the end.

So, it’s important to take time for yourself – to just relax, breathe in the fresh air, and actually listen to your mind, body & soul. It’s even more important to surround yourself with those individuals who inspire you and pull you back from wondering. Those people in your life might remind you just who you are. In a previous post, I believe I referenced these friends as “Earth Angels.” Surround yourself with those individuals and don’t let go.

Learn from your mistakes and discover something new about yourself each day.

My Little Man.

Well, tomorrow I am officially 34 weeks along, and oh boy, is this Little One ready to come out! I just need him to hang tight a little longer.

I look forward to the days ahead of sleepless nights, poopy diapers, holding him in my arms, and hearing his little coos and cries as he grows older.

I yearn to be the mother to my son that he deserves – someone who loves him endlessly and might be a little “overbearing” at times because I love him so much. The word “fervent” comes to mind, which means displaying a passionate intensity. I desire to have fervent love for my son, every day, for as long as I live.

I wish for him to follow his dreams in life. He might not know what to do or what he wants, but I will be the mother to always put my foot forward and push him in “hopefully” the right direction introducing him to lots of things along the way. We will grow and learn together, that’s all I can hope for.

Pregnancy for me has been a roller coaster, but overall, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. It’s an amazing feeling, and it makes those “not so good” moments, worth it in the end. I will remember these days, lying in bed, feeling him move while holding my belly, and just knowing everything will be okay.

Elijah Everett, I can 100% say I’m ready for you. ♡

Let it Be.

Trying not to over-think when you are an extreme analyst is impossible, but what is possible is to slow down your train of thought and let your mind to be at peace with the present in order to accept the things you cannot control.

I’m not going to sugar-coat this, it takes hard work. I feel like at times people have told me I am the literal definition to a T of an over-thinker. It took me this year and some life changes to realize this for what it truly was. I came to terms with all of this and I realized it was something I didn’t just have to work on, but in order to thrive, I needed to work on it or at least put my mind in a place of serenity when I feel it’s drifting.

I have a hard time letting go – things, people, thoughts, places, memories, emotions… well… you name it. This also means when someone talks with me or does/says something I disagree with, I really have to catch myself and accept things for what they are. I don’t want to dispute or fight back; I just won’t let myself anymore. What’s the point? People have different viewpoints and perspectives; that’s what makes us unique. Yeah, sometimes people just straight up act like idiots and they deserve a, “What the hell man,” but this is deeper than that. It’s about not gaining control; rather it should be about letting things be as they should and just happen. However, I do think there are healthy disputes, there is just a right and a wrong way to say what you’re thinking or what you disagree with.

I think that has always been my biggest struggle in relationships – romantically or even just with friends & family. I’ve typically been the person to give my “two cents,” and now as much as it pains me, sometimes to not over-think and “chime in,” I ask myself how will this benefit the other person and the conversation. Is what I say and my opinion really worth it? Or, why am I bringing it up in the first place? Is there an end goal to this?

This year, I have trained my body and my mind to stay at peace in difficult situations. I will say, being in Duluth and surrounded by nature, certainly helps. I think the environment you create for yourself dicates a lot of your daily thinking. If you can create that peaceful environment for yourself, you would be amazed how it changes your life on a daily basis. Just ask yourself, what does that peaceful environment look like? Self-care is important, remember that. It has a great deal to do with how you respond to daily-life interactions, because if you start your day off right in that environment you created for yourself, your attitude will positively reflect those around you.

I like to use the phrase “small potatoes.” I learned that phrase from someone at a previous job, and what can I say, it just stuck with me. It is very rare now that I find myself in those “large potato” or maybe fat potato situations. So in comparison, will I let these “small potatoes” affect my day, conversation, or even mentality? Absolutely not. Not anymore, it’s not worth it. Not worth the time, and certainly not the energy.

So I encourage you, if you are an over-thinker like me, let go of those “small potatoes” in life. Moments are fleeting, and it’s important to enjoy them while you can.

To Hell with It.

I had just painted a piece that reminded me a little bit of Heaven, and I’m not quite sure what took over, but I became a little angry afterward. I felt darkness and just wanted to paint the opposite. So here’s what happened, and I was a little surprised. I’m usually a bright soul, but in every light area, there is always a shadow of darkness.

Meditation Set-Up.

This is one product I am SO excited to share with you (especially if you are a mama), or in general, are just looking to create a more serene lifestyle.

Creating a peaceful environment is not only important for you but also important for you and your babe – especially if you are an expecting mother. Pregnancy can already be hard on you mentally, physically, and emotionally. Meditation has worked wonders for me and has also helped me develop a deep connection with my unborn son. I encourage you to link up locally to your mama groups, as there are lots of mom, meditation circles all over! Utilize your resources, Mamas! Send me an email if you would like some recommendations or need help in this process.

I have done a lot of research on meditation pillows, and these are the ones we use in class. Super comfy and actually reasonably priced compared to some of the ones out there on the market!

Meditation Pillow
Pictured is Gold.
Retail: $42.99
Discount: 10% off
Grab a coupon code for new customers only
Just Google this as codes change all the time, but a great way to save!!
If you change your address & have just moved, Wayfair will also send you a code in the mail with USPS address changes.
Final Price: $42.99 or $38.69

Bolster
Pictured is Midnight Blue.
On Sale: $79.99 – $80.99
Discount: 10% off
Same as above. Grab a coupon code on Google as a New Customer!
Final Price: $72 – $72.90

Link for Pillow:
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/house-of-hampton-asaad-square-pillow-cover-insert-tp2449.html?piid=28962462

Link for Bolster:
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/node-fitness-cotton-25-x-12-rectangular-yoga-bolster-natural-ndef1001.html

^^^ Get Yours Here. ^^^

Happy Meditation Days Ahead. ♡

Be Still & Know that I Am There.

As I sit here on the front porch enjoying my morning coffee with the sun beaming on my face, I realize that these are the moments where I know everything will be okay. I hear the birds in the background, and I look out on Lake Superior feeling the lake effect whisp against my skin.

Where I live in Duluth, it’s on top of the hill. It’s funny when people ask me: 1. “Why would you ever choose to live in such a snowy and cold city with short summers? 2. And you live on a hill! How do you ever make it up there in the winter months? You’re crazy. I would be in the country.

Although I love gazing at the milky-way hearing no traffic, only nature in the middle of nowhere, I seem to be drawn to Central Duluth a little bit more. I enjoy living on the hill because it’s when you’re elevated a little higher you can see the lake and have just such a break-taking view. I’ve always surprisingly lived in peaceful homes in this location amongst the city traffic, and I try to create a serene environment all around.

I think no matter where you live, you just have to dig a little deep. Even if you’re in an urban city, there is still room for peace. Even though I hear the cars go up and down the steepest hill in Duluth, MN, the boat horns blaring throughout the day, the church clock tower ringing, people yelling on the streets, neighbors fighting, or emergency vehicles sounding 24/7 – there is still room for peace. You just have to dig deep and create a space around you that brings you back down to Earth. It is then, when you are grounded that you can tune into the nature around you. Yes, even in the winter time 🙂 I believe this is so important for everyone, especially living in today’s world where we can’t even keep track of the “names” of all the new illnesses or natural disasters around us.

Home is where the Heart is, and right now, my heart is definitely on my front porch listening to not just the morning traffic, but meditating to the sound of God’s Creation while sipping my water-downed pregnancy coffee before I start my chaotic day.