As this year comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on all that has happened. While some of it was hard to handle, such as my dad passing away, I am incredibly grateful for the many blessings God has provided my family and I. I, like many others, had a pretty rough childhood. I was lucky to have family that loved me and did the best that they could but our circumstances ... Read More
Living With PTSD – Overcoming Daily Struggles
I can tell you the exact moment my life changed forever. I can tell you the exact moment that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) over took my life. The nightmares started that night and the irritability dug in deep to my soul. I would never be the same. It’s been 13 years and I still struggle. It not only affects me but also my kids, my husband, my friends and the rest of my ... Read More
Show Love and Kindness – Be The Good In The World
This week has been a difficult one! I woke up Monday morning, Belgian time, and got my kids up. We started our normal morning routine and then I open the news feed on my phone, what would become the worst mass shooting in modern America, had taken place only minutes before getting my kids up and ready for school. My first thought…. “What has this world come to?!” It didn’t ... Read More
I Am Not Unlovable…I Am Worthy
It's no secret that I regularly see a therapist. I have a lot of personal struggles that I deal with and she brings a new perspective to each issue. She helps me to navigate my feelings and I am learning to really love myself. However, I am still struggling with feeling unlovable. Sounds crazy to say that I am learning to love myself but that I struggle with feeling unlovable. ... Read More
Running For A Cause – Overcoming Anorexia and Moving Forward
I am not one of those people who enjoys working out. I don't look forward to getting that run in or torturing my body with that high intensity workout. Seriously, I wake up and dread each and every workout. Even when I was in the Army I would drag myself to physical training like it was going to kill me. It just was not my thing. All of those feelings about running or working ... Read More
![Everything you need to get through the holidays as stress free as possible. 🎁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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@heartandstripes 👈follow⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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These are a few of my favorite things when it comes to handling the stress of the holidays... 💌⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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[1] Lists! Seriously I make lists for everything....⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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[2] Do the one thing you enjoy! I absolutely love baking during the holidays so I bake a bunch of sweets and make goody boxes for my husband's coworkers, my kids teachers and the neighbors. It's the best way to mark off a bunch of gifts while doing something I enjoy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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[3] Time management! We all get so busy that most of the time we forget to make time for ourselves. If you manage your time right then you will be able to get all your tasks accomplished as well as have time for you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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[4] Don't wait to the last minute! I am notorious for waiting until Christmas Eve to wrap all the presents. So many times I am even shopping the last couple of days. That makes the holidays much less enjoyable and causes a whole lot of stress! I made a change to that this year! I have wrapped presents as I bought them or they arrived in the mail and it's been so nice to know it's done. I am also done with ALL the shopping...RELIEF! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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[5] Have fun! Stop stressing about it all being perfect and just make some fun memories with your kids/family!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When I say these tips have been a game-changer...🎮 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I really mean mind-blowing, life-altering, soul-quenching.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Dramatic? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Not at all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I have been able to spend more time with my family and feel a whole lot more relaxed. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And if you doubt me...take the next few days and follow these tips. You will know I am not kidding!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Which is your favorite? 👇](https://scontent-ort2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/266121212_595101011580867_1646191867174649713_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=uFG5Feb9RaAAX9mRBeM&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=AM6HXa8EAAAA&oh=00_AT-X-BABvQAQu39jVunNA0NTMxc3x8xLunOLs82I4DGd3Q&oe=62B7969C)
