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Love the Little Things

All of us working folks totally live for the weekends, or live for the next big life event. The thing is, while you are waiting for these things, your life is happening. Life isn’t about Saturdays or some big milestone moment, it is about all the little things that make you smile and bring you joy. The little moments are the ones I want to remember. That is why I take pictures of a random Tuesday dinner, or a picture of Mac just hanging out on my lap. That is why I make sure to write down all the little things that I want to remember about Zoe each month. Sure, it is great that she can now grab a toy or smile. But do you want to know what I really want to remember?

The huge belly laugh from Chris when he makes a funny joke while we are watching TV. The way that Zoe scrunches up her shoulders when she smiles. How Mac swats at your hand when he wants pets. Hanging out with my sister and helping her shop for clothes for her new job. Having lunch with my mom while I was out on maternity leave. I want to remember that conversation Chris and I had standing in our kitchen with a glass of $6 wine. Or the time that Zoe entertained me for 20 minutes just smiling at the mobile of her crib go round and round.

All these little daily moments are the ones that add up to a great life. So just remember that when you are hating life on a Wednesday morning as you are driving to work. Because tonight when you get home, something little might happen that will forever bring a smile to your face when you think back on it. And that is what life is all about my friends. Love the little things.

February 8, 2017 by Nadine

about me, inspire, thoughts

Humble and Kind

When I was younger, I was taught to respect not just my elders but people in general. I was told to say please and thank you, to not speak over someone, and to appreciate what I had. That if I didn’t have something nice to say, then I shouldn’t say anything that all. If you wanted something, you needed to work hard and earn your way to get it. Are parents still teaching their kids these simple values anymore? I have to wonder when I see entitlement and ungratefulness everywhere.

With all the things that have been going on around our country and the world lately, I think Tim McGraw’s song, Humble and Kind, means even that much more to me. Even if you don’t like country music, please read these lyrics. These are the values that we all need to be living by.

You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the key’s under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church ’cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Don’t expect a free ride from no one
Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin’
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
“I love you” ain’t no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re goin
Don’t forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

June 23, 2016 by Nadine

about me, inspire

It’s Never Too Late

I think that we have all had that stage in our lives when we were trying to figure out who we are. In high school, teachers were pushing you to figure out what your major was going to be in college. In college, your professors were stressing that your major was going to set you up on the right path for the rest of your life. Then you graduated and took a step in the real world and thought, what the shit am I supposed to do now?!?!

You are trying to cope with the fact that you have no experience and are going to be taking some entry level job where you are more than likely going to be treated like shit. But that is ok, because everyone does their time right??? Then reality sets in that this isn’t what you wanted to do at all. And you aren’t even doing anything to do with your major. You spend most of your 20’s trying to figure out who you are, make it by paycheck to paycheck, and hope that life has more to offer than this.

Then you hit your 30’s and you look at yourself in the mirror one morning and think, wasn’t I supposed to have my shit together by now? You don’t feel like an adult, even if you have a few lines around your eyes telling you otherwise. You are still trying to figure out what it is that you want to be when you “grow up.” Sure, you might not be living off ramen noodles and Charlotte Russe, you can actually afford the $12 bottle of wine now. But, you know that this isn’t exactly what you pictured either. You are still living for the weekends and wondering what your purpose is in life. Where you can put all your passion and energy.

Where am I going with all of this? Well, there really isn’t a point other than to remind ~~myself~~ all of you that we all feel the same way. I think I can speak for most of us when I say that we are all still a little lost. We aren’t entirely unhappy, but we know deep down that we are destined to do more. If you are a 20 something reading this and you are feeling lost in your purpose, know that you aren’t alone. If you are a 30 something reading this and feel like life is passing you by too quickly and you still haven’t figured it all out yet….know that you aren’t alone.

You guys, it is never too late to make your dream a reality. You just need to reach deep down and know what your passion is, then start curating a plan to make that dream come true.

It is never to late for your dreams. You are the only one who can make them happen. So stop sitting there wishing and pining, and start planning and doing. Do something today. Take that first step to the rest of your forever. You can do it.

March 10, 2016 by Nadine