Bring It On

This morning when I let Piper out, I spied a splash of red in our barren bush that sits on top of the hill in our yard. It grabbed my attention and so I looked a little closer and realized it is a cardinal. A stunning cardinal.

Spring.

I am ready.

I am ready for bursting flowers and vibrant green again. I am excited for thunderstorms and sunshine on my face and the promise of wedding bells in our very near future. I can't wait to envelop Darian in my arms because she is actually standing in front of me instead of on my computer screen that flits in and out because of a poor connection.

Carefree rides on the motorcycle, the wind whipping all of my cares away.

Barbecues on the deck.

Short sleeves even though we have a love/hate relationship these days.

My worn pink flip flops that are actually Darian's. I bought them for her one summer and then she left them here accidentally and I stole them. At this point, she will never get them back. And frankly, she wouldn't want them.

Juicy watermelon from the farmer's market along with cantaloupe, all squared up in a bowl, marinating together.

Ball with Piper while I hang on my swing that is falling apart and the stuffing is hanging out but, hey, it still swings so oh well.

Long evenings where the sun sets past my bedtime.

Meandering walks down Holcombe Cove Road.

And that road?

It is just as quaint and peaceful with its winding curves and cattle grazing fields as its name implies.

My Manifesto

The values that guide me in my effort to show up and be seen are authenticity and courage.

I stand for kindness to all people.

In my heart of hearts, I believe that people do the best they can and that if I walked a mile in their shoes, I would be no different.

I am on this planet to love with open arms, to be true to my family and to those I call my friends, and to make my piece of the world a better place.

I will love myself by treating myself as a friend. This includes making healthy choices: not eating when I'm not hungry, choosing movement, finding time for fun, and putting down my phone and being present in my everyday life.

I will dare greatly by setting healthy boundaries:
Not everyone deserves to hear my story.
Gossip is demeaning when it's about me and when it's about others. Be quiet.

Choosing courage over comfort.

Choosing vulnerability--being me--rather than pretending or people pleasing for the sake of approval.

Choosing to have the difficult conversations rather than to push those I love away.

Choosing to face life head on when the road gets difficult rather than numbing the pain with my phone or mindless games.

Finding beauty in the simple things--a budding flower on my windowsill, a blazing sky, winding roads, cattle grazing, my child's laughter.

I will live my life with laughter, with kindness, and with open arms.

Every day...