Work

Choosing Joy

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?

The Best

Blog friends are simply the best. Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. The encouraging words mean the world to me and I will definitely be revisiting them when I have writer’s block or feel discouraged. It’s truly wonderful to be able to “put myself out there” and receive nothing but love and support in return.

Speaking of writing, I received a few questions about my book and the way I’m writing. I was thinking about doing a separate post to answer the questions and explain my process. What do you guys think? If you have any questions, let me know and I’ll do my best to answer them 🙂

Other things that are the best…

Lola

Lola wearing Jimmy’s t-shirt. I don’t know what prompted me to put it on her, but she looked incredibly adorable. I posted a video of her modeling it on my Snapchat, which reminds me to tell everyone that I’m on Snapchat. My username is allieksmith. Let’s be friends!

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Visiting Jimmy at work. His family’s welding shop has been extremely busy lately, which has resulted in Jimmy working some late nights. Lola and I brought him and my father-in-law dinner last week (my father-in-law even shared some with Lola!) and hung out for a while. It’s always amazing to see Jimmy in action.

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Spring has officially started. Though it’s currently snowing in Pittsburgh, I couldn’t be happier it’s actually spring. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the extra daylight lately. I also adore seeing daffodils poking through the ground when Lola and I go on our daily walk.

Well, I better get going. I have cookies to bake for a church fellowship tonight (I’m making these) and want get our house cleaned up for the coming week.

I have a dental appointment on Tuesday to have an old filling fixed. Not fun. We also don’t have dental insurance. Not fun. I’m glad Jimmy and I are blessed enough to afford dental care, though, because it’s important! I’d appreciate prayers that the appointment would go well 🙂

Do you love or hate going to the dentist?

I don’t mind getting my teeth cleaned, but any procedures beyond that make me want to cry.

What are the best things in your life right now?

My faith, spending time with my husband, practicing being present in my everyday life, snuggling Lola, writing, my church family, amazing blog friends, coffee, and the fact that spring is here.