Wednesday Words

So I've been completely M.I.A. these past 3 or so weeks. Following my near fatal (kidding) bout of bronchitis, I threw my back out. I was bending over in the bath tub giving the pups a bath on 3/8 and my back locked up and then popped and I honestly haven't felt like myself since then. I've been back and forth to my chiropractor 10 times or so (and several hundred dollars later) and I've recently been able to sit comfortably and walk without pain. My chiropractor eventually told me that my back was out of alignment, with my upper spine twisted to the right and my sacral spine flattened out completely, rather than curving towards my belly button. I'm still not bending over at the waist like I'm used to, but I'm definitely on the mend. 

I have to admit that this process was really frustrating and difficult for me. I've never before had a situation where I felt like my body was failing me. I had a few "poor me" moments that led to tears, and I had some really humbling moments like the time when my husband had to help me into and out of my skinny jeans (trust me, this could not have been less sexy!). It was also super annoying to explain to people in my office why I was "walking funny" - Shout out to my BFFs at work for understanding and helping me whenever they could! 

The moral of this story is that I can definitely say that my "broken back" situation provided many opportunities for me to learn and grow. My patience is strengthened, my love for my body and my desire to care for it has increased ten fold, and my gratitude for my loved ones is immeasurable (I definitely whined and talked about my back for what felt like years).

Thanks for sticking with me through some major silence over the past few weeks. I'm so ready to get back on track with Novelty and the rest of my life!

Wednesday Words

I'm working on all of the above. I've been drinking coffee, so that one is checked off the list. 

Wednesday Words

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Wednesday Words

I am always looking forward, almost to a fault. The truth of the matter is this, you can't change the past, so there is no use dwelling on it. Look forward with hope, optimism, and excitement!

On Balance

I've been lethargic, eaten too much candy, shirked most of my responsibilities, had my car rear-ended, purchased gifts for myself alongside nearly every gift that I bought for others, and generally have had enough with my self.

Friends, it's time for some change in my life.

I'm the type of person that runs at full speed with arms wide open into routine and then routinely complains about how bored I am with it. I cannot sustain this life. So, I've turned over a new forest (forget that old adage about a leaf and tree-I'm getting really serious now).

I've taken some time from blogging to focus on work craziness, family obligations, holiday nonsense, and my husband and pups. I've also taken some time away from yoga and healthy eating habits, I've also been tardy to every occasion that I have attended in the past 6 months to a year (this is not a new realization).

I didn't intend for this to be a confession, but here we are.

I feel that if I admit all of my nasty little habits and thoughts that I can exorcise them like demons and move on with my life.

The short version of this post is that I don't feel that I've been living up to my potential in any area of my life and I want to make changes, move forward, and grow. The new year has presented itself as the perfect starting point for me. If you follow me on Instagram, then you may have noticed my use of the following hashtag: #Balancing2015 . Balance  has presented itself to me as the number one quality I need to cultivate and strengthen in my life and I've already begun my work.

In addition to that, I was reading an article about how terrible multi tasking is (in Darling magazine), where I felt really struck by an idea presented by Pauline Brown (North American Chairman of LVMH) regarding life quadrants. The gist is that she categorizes her life into 4 quadrants and strives to work on each one throughout the day. Hers were family, friends, self, and work. I loved that idea and have decided to jump onboard with this thought process. My quadrant is below, and you can bet that I'll continue to reference it here as I navigate my way through the rest of the year.

Stay tuned, this could be a train wreck or the year that I finally get my life (in order).

Happy New Year!
xx
C

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Wednesday Words

Wednesday Words

Wednesday Words

Wednesday Words

Wednesday Words

Wednesday Words

Wednesday Words

Wednesday Words

Introducing TLC Tuesdays

You may remember this post from a couple weeks ago where I talked about small daily goals that I've been thinking about. Well, I was sorting my laundry to go into the dryer last night when I thought of a new series that I'd like to introduce on Novelty. At first, I though "Little Extra Care" but really, my heart loves alliteration and everyone knows what TLC stands for (Tender Loving Care-just incase!) so that is what won out.

I've always been the type of person that puts in a half-assed amount of effort. Just enough to get the job done but never enough to be outstanding or to feel that I've really worked toward something. Well, I've started to realize (about 25 years too late) that it's the effort that you put into the small, unnoticed areas of your life that make all of the difference. For me, that means taking the extra time to make my bed every morning, to not wear the same pair of contacts for 6 months [SO guilty here], and to take stock of my life every once in a while to ensure that I'm headed where I want to be.

I thought that others out there may be interested in putting a little extra effort into their lives and that's why I'm starting this series. So guys, next week will begin the first official TLC Tuesdays. I don't hear from my readers often enough, so if you have a topic that you'd like for me to explore in this series, I'M ALL EARS and eyes now that I've changed my lenses!



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Wednesday Words

When I read this quote, I thought to myself, "That is exactly me". I'm more of a jack of all trades, master of none type of girl. I will tell you this though, I am GREAT at spelling words, making pancakes, spending money, talking, and painting my nails. Maybe this isn't me after all . .

I challenge you to write down 5 things that you are great at-doesn't have to be anything huge or even a positive quality (eg. spending money)!

Wednesday Words

That is all . . 

Wednesday Words

Paying it forward is one of the most important principles in my life. I feel that if I have the ability to help someone or improve their life, then I should do so.

Wednesday Words

We've lost a beautiful soul, rest in peace, Mrs. Doubtfire. 

Wednesday Words

Wednesday Words

I could not agree more.