Spring Forward

Hi. My name is Louise and I am a cliche. Or a Hallmark card. I haven't decided which yet.

Here's the thing: when I am down, I am REALLY down. When I am up, I embarrass Pollyanna with my perkiness. Not bipolar, as  such, just super-affected by what is happening around me and my mood often reflects that. 

I have been so flat-out busy lately that my self-image has really taken a hit. "Beached whale" comes to mind. Sigh. 

Luckily as team captain of our wellness challenge team, I must lead. Me, being me, is leading by example. I bought a FitBit (complete with extra pretty wristbands) and don't want to let myself down. I have pushed myself out of my office and out on campus everyday this week on lunch. Today, I even got to take a longer break and a longer walk. Yay. Striving for equanimity in mood and fitness. This is a big deal for lots of people, I know. Let's support each other. That's what life is REALLY all about, right?

Phoenix rising

To say  that the past year has been a roller coaster in an understatement.
I lost my job and it took me a long-time to find another long-term one. I am thankful for my time as a substitute teacher, but it was definitely a draining experience. Not only that, but it was also a humbling, embarrassing, and humiliating experience. Over-qualified is a hurtful word and every rejection feels like a smack in the face.

My entire life suffered...my self-worth, my fitness, even my creativity. The blog went by the wayside as did so much else. Even six months into my new job, I am still struggling back to the surface. 

Not that I have been idle. Far from it. 

I did run the half-marathon that

 I thought that I couldn't. Huh.

New Ventures, New Adventures!

I have always been a thinker and often-times, an over-thinker. Many people are guilty of this (especially women.) Since losing my job, I have had PLENTY of time to think. Sometimes, I think about my worth or lack thereof. It is truly amazing how much of our self-worth is linked to our jobs. It defines us and I felt as though I lacked definition. That is until last night...

After a fabulous anniversary dinner date/trip to the library with my sweetie, it struck me: I AM AN ARTIST. Therefore, I have a job. I have been given a gift: time. I get to experiment in the kitchen, garden, walk, take photos, sing and dance, enjoy the sun, see my friends, and CREATE. Sitting behind a desk would limit these experiences, so why am I moaning. I should be reveling in it.

I have decided to spend the rest of the time I have been given doing just that. I will be focusing more on creating embroidery patterns to share and to sell. I will complete that blasted set model. I will embellish. I will make. JOY!

Thankful Thursday: You Can Do Anything Embroidery Pattern

Fall is the season that many people focus on what they are thankful for.

 I am trying to do that everyday, all year long. 

This has been a huge year for growth and learning for me. I have learned tons of new crafty things which makes me incredibly happy. I was made to make things. I truly believe that that is my purpose.

In the spirit of making things, it is also play season for me. I am the only full-time adult with a large group of students. It can become overwhelming at times. I am also a bit of a control freak, so I have never been comfortable asking for help. This year though I am breaking that habit. I designed this embroidery pattern to remind myself that you can be a super woman without being a superwoman.

 Asking for help does not mean that you are weak. It means that you know your limitations.

You can download the pattern to remind you as you face your challenges.