joy | Living My Full Life

This week has been kicking my butt. I’ve been extra busy. We’re all busy. You get the point. It’s just been one of “those” weeks. The kind where I feel like I don’t have a moment to breathe, I’m multitasking to the point of exhaustion, and nothing actually has my full attention.

I’m learning to roll with the punches, though. Life is full of ups and downs, and that’s okay. It’s normal. I’m also slowly learning how much is too much in terms of work and extra things I commit to.

I could have said no to some of the things I did this week, but I didn’t. And that’s okay. I’m learning this whole work-life balance thing as I go. I am also learning how supportive my husband is. To be able to hug him for a good 10 minutes while tears stream down my face and not feel one bit judged is such a nice release.

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In the midst of a tough day or week, I try to remember that I can choose joy. It is completely up to me to focus on how hard something is, or to look around me and decide to be happy because of everything else in my life. My focus determines so much of my attitude.

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I can choose to dread juggling the busyness of pet sitting numerous dogs in a day on top of my regular job, or I can choose to be present with my clients and soak up all the puppy love I can get. I firmly believe that spending time with animals is good for the soul.

I can choose to stay stuck inside my head with negative thoughts, or I can choose to listen to a Christian podcast or radio station and hear God’s word.

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I can choose to stay inside and catch up on laundry, or I can choose to get out in the sunshine with my camera in hand.

I can choose to panic when I feel sad or anxious, or I can choose to remember that all emotions are given from God and that it’s a good thing to feel all of my feelings.

I can choose to keep pushing myself to get things done around the house, or I can choose to snuggle with Lola and take a nap.

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I can choose to spend my days off by myself, or I can choose to visit my family and relish our time together.

I am learning to choose joy and thankfulness in every moment.

What brings you joy when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

Have you ever looked at someone’s pictures on social media and thought that they or their life in general always seemed put together and well ordered? It makes sense that we share pictures with the world that are appealing, but I think it also leads to comparison–the thief of joy.

While I don’t think people would think that about my pictures or life (or I at least hope not!), I thought it would be fun to share pictures I’ve posted here on my blog or on Instagram and reveal that there’s more than meets the eye. Hopefully you’ll get a good laugh 😉

The above picture was taken on Christmas day. Jimmy and I had his family over for dinner and to exchange gifts. When this picture was taken, we had just finished dinner and were relaxing. Then this conversation happened.

Father-in-law: (looks at me intently) “Are you pregnant?”
Me: “No…”
Father-in-law: “Are you sure?”

Jimmy and I had Christmas pictures taken in November. I got bangs for the first time in years a week or two before we got the pictures done and I kind of regret it. My bangs pretty much never look like they do in that picture. Actually, my hair doesn’t look like that very often, either! That was strategic blow drying, curling, and a rare good hair day.

This picture collage is from when we celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday. I look pretty happy in the picture on the right, but I had the worst menstrual cramps that night. I almost didn’t go, but I’m glad I sucked it up because it was a lovely evening with family. The second Jimmy and I got home I was laying on the couch with a heating pad and eating a cookie. So cliché, but it made me feel better.

This picture is from my Instagram. The caption said something along the lines of how I had a nice day with my mom. In the picture, my mom and I were on the way to an audiologist appointment because I have hearing loss and was being evaluated for hearing aids. We had a great time hanging out, but it wasn’t a fun appointment to go to, haha.

Another Instagram shot! Jimmy and I spent a relaxing Saturday morning at the laundromat… because Lola peed on our bed and we had to wash our comforter in an extra large washing machine.

This family picture was from our vacation in the Outer Banks. Lola ate something on the last night of vacation (Jimmy claims it was a diaper on the ground…we couldn’t see because it was dark) and she got so sick. She had diarrhea in the rental house and we had to clean it up at 4:00 a.m. before we left. Fun times ;).

This post was fun for me to write, and it also got me thinking about how all of the imperfections and crazy times in life are blessings. I look at every picture and see “what went wrong” but I also see what I’m thankful for.. a father-in-law that teases me, a husband to take pictures with, a working female body, my mom being willing to go to tough appointments with me, a bed to sleep on, the blessing of being able to go on vacation and have a sweet dog who eats diapers sometimes.

It reminded me of this pin I saw on Pinterest recently. We have so much to be thankful for!