21 Days of Simplicity - Day 18

Today I'm Grateful:
1) For the clarity of past mistakes
2) For calm deep within my soul
3) For the word, which guides me through each day
4) For every single blessing bestowed upon me
5) For an open heart & mind
6) For the great taste of water
7) That even through hard times joy resides within us and our homes
8) For gut busting laughter
9) For the sweet scent of perfumes
10) Music


On yesterday I told you about a few things that I've learned to let go of in my new walk of life. Today I'd like to share with you a few things I've gained within this new walk and way of living.

Things I've Gained/Learned:
*A true sense of Peace
*A stronger and truer connection to God
*I am not in control
*I trust He who is in control
*Patience (I truly needed it)
*A soul deep kind of calm
*A stronger appreciation for the little things
*An even stronger connection to those in my life
*Being silent can be very helpful/healing
*This too shall pass (I now know this completely)
*Love of God, self and family is the only thing worth holding on to
*Appreciate every given moment
*Seek out like-minded people
*Simple living is freeing
*Be You (no matter the consequences)

21 Days of Simplicity - Day 17

Image Credit Via NOLA.com

Today I Am Grateful For:
1. The hugs and kisses of my babies (my daughter, my niece and my 2 nephews)
2. A fun day of swimming with them yesterday
3. Sounds of birds singing beautifully
4. The heat letting up just a bit
5. My life and all that it holds within it

Good Morning!

Another new day of living in simplicity and I must admit this journey has been the easiest I've ever embarked upon! I guess as you get older you do gain a little wisdom. For almost 2 years now I've been learning to let go of unnecessary emotions and fears. I've been learning to truly let go of those things I have no control over. I've also learned that there is very little that I am in control of, which at this point in my life is perfectly fine. When I was controlling things it lead to stress, anxiety attacks and even a heart attack at the tender age of 31. So, it's safe to say I was messing up big time.


I'm learning that to live in simplicity you must also hold great faith within your heart and soul. I am in no way saying I've mastered this, but I can honestly say He is bringing me closer to where I need to be. Over the past 2 years I've let go of many things that where/are harmful to my life and spiritual being. It is with love and deep confidence that I encourage you to do the same. It may be something big or small, but the size is not what matters most. What matters most is the negative effect it may have on your life. Let it go.

Things I've Let Go Of In The Past 2 Years:
1. Fear of dying or fearing the dead who go before me
2. Worrying - This can be more harmful than anything
3. Let go of things - Things are nice, but they don't bring true joy
4. The past - It's where it should be
5. Negative Self Talk
6. Caring what Others thought of me

The list goes on and on, but I don't want this to be longer than it is. :)
Tomorrow I will share with you a few things I've gained from living within my new walk. Simplicity and Faith have both played huge roles in the peace given life I live within today. I hope in some small way, by reading my words this will help someone who is tangled in a life of just existing. I pray that my journey may offer you a little insight into how you may live a life that YOU choose. Because, at the end of the day my friends it is YOU who can choose to live in peace, joy, simplicity and faith. Never allow your true destiny to slip out of your hands. We only get one shot at life on earth, so why not make it phenomenal?

Peace & Love To All

21 Days of Simplicity - Day 16

Photo by Tabitha@ichoosebliss.net

Today I Am Grateful For:
1. A beautiful night's rest
2. The comforts of home
3. That my home is a smoke free zone
4. For the fun I had with the kids last night
5. That my sinuses and bronchitis are getting better now that I'm Home

Day 16: A Celebration!

*NOTE* I am NOT sad over Corey's death. I am celebrating his life the way he would want me to. Please don't feel you have to leave words of sympathy. Please leave words of joy. ☺

The three items in the photo above are just three of the Mardi Gras gifts I'll be giving away from my trip home to New Orleans next week! I came home a day early for two reasons. The first was my bronchitis acting up and being around those who smoke did me any good. The second reason was because hubby and I found out that our best friend, the guy who introduced us to one another passed away. At that point I needed to leave New Orleans, because all the news from there revolves around death and I just couldn't take it. I know that death is every where and it can and will hit any family, but within the past 4 years we've lost so much and so many due to one hurricane. Yes, a lot of the people we've lost passed due to the polution and aftermath of hurricane Katrina. But, she will not get the best of me! She will not steal my joy!

Today in all of my simplistic beauty I am celebrating the life of a young and beautiful soul named Corey P. Corey introduced me to my hubby. For years he had been saying I have the right person for you, but I wasn't ready. He never gave up, because he knew hubby and I were meant to be. Because of Corey I was married to my God Given Soul Mate. He was always there for us and we for him. I've already shedded my tears out of pain. Today I shed them out of joy. The joy and gratitude that 17 years ago God sent me an earth Angel in the form of a big brother/best friend. He will be missed, but NEVER forgotten! So, I lift my glass of Sunny D in honor and in memory of the sweetest guy on earth. Our newest Angel Corey P.

May Your Wings Comfort Me in My Times of Sorrow.
♥