10 Months Sober: It Is Well With My Soul

I haven’t blogged in a while. A series of unfortunate meant-to-be events have halted work on the Tiny House for the time being. We are changing projects, and possibly careers, relocating again, and making even more of these terrifying real-world decisions. It has me petrified. Why didn’t we learn more about all of this in school? I have yet to use calculus in any real life application…a lesson on how to make great garage sale signs or an in-depth study of the IRS would have been more useful at this point.

In the midst of all of this change, continuing to blog has again seemed pointless.  What I am thinking, and what I have to say, is gloomy and not uplifting. It is stress, and groaning and confusion. It is without direction. It is not helpful to anyone. These are not the pretty things people want to be reminded of…certainly not while thumbing through Facebook or reading a blog. My struggle will not teach you how to downsize your own problems, or install a compost toilet. These struggles are senseless; the transitioning, futile. 

AND  I THOUGHT WE HAD THIS ALL FIGURED OUT?!

But this is reality, and God does not waste hardships – instead He uses them to teach lessons, ignite a change, and bring us closer to Him. Purpose exists.

I suppose it’s worth it to say, that because it is not on social media, I have been pretending this period in our life is non-existent. These struggles are not being blogged about, not being acknowledged on Facebook or Instagram. There is no hashtag for my shit. (If there was, it would be #WhereDidIGoWrong or #HasEveryoneLostTheirMind …most likely) So for the most part, no one knows - we just aren’t talking about it. I’ll just close my eyes, bow my head, and the storm will pass. I will come out the other side superior, and improved upon – like a mucky rock turned polished Kendra Scott gemstone.

But that’s not how this works. That’s not how any of this works.

Instead, I am choosing to live in the reality of these moments. I am accepting this is our life right now, and I will be happy when it is all over – but I will also be happy now. I am not going to wait until we are settled, or until there is resolution, to be happy. Grander earth has quaked before…it is well with my soul.

We are approaching 10 months since leaving our previous employer, ditching consumerism, beginning this spiritual revolution, turning our lives on a dime. I count these days like alcoholics tally their time spent on the wagon. We are almost 10 months sober. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• ·         Don’t let the opinions of others keep you from being you: happy and marvelous.
• ·         We are so easily brought to our knees. Pray while you’re down there.
• ·         Owning too many things is disruptive to living comfortably.
• ·         Simple is better.
• ·         Worrying accomplishes nothing. Do something better with your time.
• ·         Motivation, inspiration, perspective, and bathing – these things do not last. Seek them daily.
• ·         Receive the love someone gives to you, instead of being disappointed when it’s not the love you thought you needed.
• ·         I am not alone, in struggles or victories. Someone can always learn from the story.
• ·         Don’t expect others to consider you.
• ·         Stay flexible.
• ·         Trying to be normal will get in the way of being amazing.
• ·         Don’t place blame. It takes root in the heart, and you can find a better use for that space.
• ·         If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, you will always be disappointed in the fish.

Just trust in Jesus. 

Amen.

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Valentine's Day is Almost Here!

I go back and forth on this holiday. Don't get me wrong, there is a big part of me that really wants to buy into the consumerism of it all. I am one sappy store display away from throwing my money at a Hallmark cashier in exchange for a giant plush bear and crappy mystery chocolates. The urge practically doubled  tripled once P was born. Can you imagine her face when she spots this enormous stuffed puppy holding a musical light-up heart box? (Insert heart-eyed smiley face emoji HERE!) I must buy ten.

But, seriously... we don't need that. We don't get much joy from it and I will likely end up chucking it all in the donate pile come spring cleaning next month. I must suppress the urge to go overboard.........

All of that being said, Valentine's Day in modern America typically boils down to one thing: expressing your love. If you choose to do that with a candlelight dinner, candy & stuffed bears, a sky writer, a barbershop quartet - whatever. It's fun to surprise one another, to be silly in expressing our love, and to have an altogether valid excuse to do something cheesy. 

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, and expressing your love (or, Like Like) here’s a collection of perfectly honest and cheese-worthy Valentines designed by yours truly. Feel free to download, print and send a little love this weekend.

XOXOX

Obviously, Troy may be getting this one.

For anyone, really.

But really, that's what lasers are for.

Our new Keurig makes it a close race, but hey...

Nothing says love like America's favorite barnyard animal

No man is perfect. I'd rather someone who takes diaper duty, anyway.

Like, it's more than just liking you. But, WHOA - not love, we're not going there yet.

Because: romance.

I KNOW YOU WHAAAALE, I KNOW YOU WHAAAALE

Inside all of us, there's a scared little lamb...afraid to take a chance.

Because stubble-free says a lot about your relationship. 

Best used in a "Mandatory Valentine" situation.

Because finding the silver lining is romantic.

A La Phoebe Buffay: HE'S HER LOBSTER!

Let 'em know you're in it for the right reasons now.