the deliberate life

Wordless Wednesday: Blossoming

Fitting It In

I want to thank everyone for their kind feedback on my previous post. Deep down, I think we know that there are countless others with the same struggles as us, but it still helps to hear, "me too!" from someone else.

When I sat down to look at how my typical day goes, I realized how many gaps there are in my schedule that could easily be designated as "me time." One of the biggest culprits is my lunch break. I often work through my lunch, but on the days that I don't I find myself sitting at my desk looking at craft blogs and Pinterest, or going shopping. During lunch yesterday I wandered into Jenn's office and found her painting at her desk. A light went off in my head. There was plenty of time in the day for creativity, I just needed to seek it out.

Today I came to work armed with a wooden plaque I've been wanting to work on for nearly a month and my sketchbook. I cleared off my desk, turned on some music, and finally got to work. It was the perfect little break in the middle of my day, and it's left me feeling both relaxed and re-charged.

Of course, I won't have time for this every day, but it's important for me to be prepared for when I do find myself with a bit of extra time.

Prioritizing my Life

(I just love this saying too much not to share)

Whenever I have let a significant amount of time lapse between blog posts, I always feel the need to explain myself. It's so much easier to make excuses rather than just admit the truth. The truth is, I'm not wonderful at making myself a priority. I've started to notice that when I do make time for the things I want to do (writing blog posts, crafting, painting, etc.) I feel guilty. It's something I'm sure a lot of women struggle with, and though I don't have a husband or children, I do have a boyfriend and pets that I like to take care of and shower with love and affection.

What I need to realize (and you do too, if you're struggling with this) is that I'm such a better version of myself when I choose to make time for myself. I'm happier, and I feel much more at peace when I make myself a priority. This doesn't mean that I have to ignore the boyfriend or the fur babies, because truthfully, sometimes all I really want (and need) is to snuggle on the couch with all of them. It just means that it's also OK for me to go to the other room to work on a blog post, or to start a new painting.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and if it's something you struggle with as well.

Opening up to Vulnerability

"Growth"-Acrylic and Sumi ink on canvas.

I've been painting up a storm lately, mainly due to a lot of inspiring conversations with my friend and coworker, Jenn. She's been encouraging me to share more of my artwork with her. When I finished this painting last week, I couldn't wait to share it with her, and then with all of you.

    However, when it came time to write the blog post, I froze up a little. I tend to share quite a bit of my personal life on my blog, but there's something about sharing artwork that makes me feel so vulnerable. I think what it comes down to is that I feel that because of my job, people have high expectations for my artwork. It's a struggle that I need to overcome, and the only way I can do that is to share and to allow myself to feel vulnerable. Because, as Brene Brown always reminds us, it's when we open ourselves up to vulnerability, we also open ourselves up to the greatest potential for joy.

Wordless Wednesday-Scenes from the Weekend

Worldless Wednesday-Take Note

Friday Currents

 

Currently on repeat: The Rhythm You Started by Sophie Madeleine

Currently reading: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (almost done!)

Currently planning: Living Room Redux

Currently anticipating: Dinner with Amy in a few hours!

 

I hope you all have wonderful, relaxing weekends. Our plan is to paint the living room because we're getting a brand new couch next weekend!

Wordless Wednesday-Life is Sweet

 

Friday Currents

 

Currently on repeat: Whole Wide World by Mindy Gledhill.

Currently reading: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

Currently planning: Granny Square with Circle Center tutorial by Blair Peter

Currently anticipating: Amy's visit!

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In an attempt to post more than once in a blue moon, I'm going to start doing some regular features here, including Friday Currents. I hope you enjoy them!

 

 

 

On Love

Us at my Nerdy 30 birthday party last year.

Growing up, I think we all form this idea of what love looks like. We think it’s magical moments full of candy and flowers, and over-the-top romantic gestures. Kevin and I have been together for over 6½ years, and our relationship looks nothing like this, and that’s a good thing. It's the inside jokes, shared passions, endless support, and tiny acts of love that make our relationship what it is.

We'll celebrate tonight with a simple dinner cooked at home and an exchange or cards. It's what we've done for every Valentine's Day so far, and I hope it's all we continue to do in the future.

Happy Valentine's Day, my love!