Stop

I am having a a wee love-hate relationship right now with social media. 🤣😂

Long before the term influencer and branding were hashtags on instgram and long before selfies, I was all over the latest social media trends. Hopped on board twitter from the beginning when it was boring and only a few people on it. I have been a blogger over on Blogger since 2006! Was one of the first of my friends on instagram when it was all about posting cool photos.

Social media is an amazing tool now for all sorts of avenues, especially promoting a business and/or a cause. Yet, for me something has shifted.

Now I feel a pressure that I have never felt before. Now I have found I am comparing myself to all the "influencers" out there. Now I am thinking I am not good enough.  Now I am feeling I am not branding myself enough or in the right way. Like I have no idea how to pose with my one leg straight behind me and my other let slightly bent  and hip out without falling over.You know what I am talking about! 😉 How do ya'll do that?!

I don't like the fact I am comparing myself one bit to what I see on social media. I always have loved getting to know people and love seeing their lives posted on social media. I used to have a penpal back in the day when we actually wrote ✒letters✉ to people!😉 So this what I call  modern day penpals!

Somehow though I have lost sight of that simplicity that once excited me. I have lost sight of my own dreams and goals. I have lost a bit of my confidence. I rebel against all those perfect photos we see (Yes I try to post the perfect shot too)!

So I am trying to take a step back and tell myself to👉 🛑STOP🛑 comparing myself to what other people are doing! Remember I am on my own journey! Remember I am a confident, strong, fierce woman. Remember I am just where I need to be. Remember why I started doing what I am doing in the first place!  Have fun! Laugh more! Continue to be who God created me to be. Continue to learn and grow. Continue to be authenic! But STOP the comparison tape📼

#beconfident #beauthentic #bebrave #stopcomparing #bossbabe #canadianentrepreneur #selflove #instagood #bestrong #befierce #bereal

Cross in Hand

I was touched when a kind man from my church presented this cross he hand carved for me!  It is beautiful. He took the time to explain how it fits perfectly in my hand so I can pray with it and feel closer to God in a fresh way.  I need this reminder. Lately, I have been experiencing a crisis of faith. Before I go further, I want to clarify it is not because I changed churches to Anglican! I am not totally sure what is happening within but I am just unsettled at the moment. At the core of who I am I still believe God is truth. At the core of who I am my faith is strong. However I am just a little frustrated and am in the season of questioning. Some of my views have changed as I have matured in my faith.  I have not compromised or water-downed my faith.I am tired. Tired of the spiritual battle that ensues. Tired of the “hoopla” as I call it, that can be part of many churches. It is interesting I am tired of the “hoopla”- all the programs that are creative ways to teach about God in our current world. My first career was working for a Christian youth organization that world renown evangelist, Billy Graham founded. His mission was, “anchored to the rock, geared to the times.” Yet something shifted within me. I just want simplicity now. I just want to be. Isn’t that what God wants. “ Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)” ... Why ….Change brings new opportunities . Please let’s not judge.I am being vulnerable and honest about my spiritual journey. It helps me process.  I am clinging on to the promise this cross represents. Sometimes that is all I can do. Sometimes that is enough. When I do not have the words, my act of holding onto this cross is enough. God knows and sees my heart.

***Thank you Ross and Joan Scott for this beautiful act of kindness! I love it! Precious to me!***
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#womenoffaith #spiritualjourney #handmadecross #woodencross  #bestill #godseesme #clingingtojesus #faithful #womenoffaith #ponderings #faith

Elsie May

I love using my creative brain putting together outfits that have a purpose, that have a theme, that are a bright light in a dark world, that inspire others. I am an artist, a creative soul. My wardrobe is my canvas. An opportunity to express myself. An opportunity to reflect happy to those I come in contact with who need happy.  As artists, we open ourselves up for judgement. We are vulnerable. But it does not give anyone the right to make us feel less of a beautiful human person, created for a purpose on this planet. Created to make a difference in our world. ❤
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So I am embracing happy today with confidence and pride wearing my Grandma Whalen's old housedress I found in my storage unit this past summer!😉 ❤
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I knew I had to keep it, especially since it had her name Elsie May stitched on the tag. This dress brings many happy memories of her! Elsie May had nine children and in her later years of life she would visit each family staying for months. At each home, wearing her housedress and apron, she would bake her bread, knit her slippers, cook Jigg's dinner for us and sit and talk with us over tea and gingerale when we got home from school! ❤
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Elsie May was a strong, fiesty woman who never held back her opinion! She would definitely be telling me to "stop my nonsense" and wonder why on earth I would wear a housedress to work! But this woman was full of love and faith. She always told me (and the rest of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and great great grandchildren) she loved me and was praying🙏 for me. Her door was always open for anyone to stop by for a chat, tea, gingerale, cheese & crackers and Peppermint Knobs!
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So I wear this housedress today in honour of my Grandma,  Elsie May Whalen! I miss you. I accessorized with pearls and my tassel pearl earrings from Paris! And of course my makeup is Beautycounter😉
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Never let anyone tell you you are less of a human for what you wear.  We are fierce, creative women who have a message this world needs to hear, even wearing Grandma Elsie May's house dress! 😊
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#ootd #motd #style #accessories #beautycounter #fashionstyle #whattowear #vintage #vintagedress #igstyle #creative