Life is but a dream

 

Happy Wednesday, World.. We have made it past hump day, so now we are at my favorite part of the week. 

 

I have to say, the past week or so, life has been many things, but not a dream.  Just one of those times you feel like you are waiting for the world to catch up to you.  I know this is a blog mostly about clothes and crafts, but I will have to throw some of that real life  b.s. in here every now and again. ;-)

 

Lately God is really testing my hope and my faith.  Although it is easy for me to want to resign to the path of least resistance, it is not at all in my nature.  My brain always wonders what will happen if we try to make things better. What happens if we try to make ourselves better? Each other? Our relationships?  Our days? Our cities? What if every moment we spent to make this often bleak place something of beauty and brightness.

 

As great as all these thoughts are, my frustration lately is that others do not see that.  I am not perfect, but lately I am frustrated at the lack of work and ethics in the world around me.  Shouldn't we work to make others lives a dream?

 

Anyway, I digress.  In short, please work today to do something kind for someone else.  Trust me, I have to pull myself from daydreaming about new dresses and necklaces just like everyone else.   Just remember how much a random act of kindness can really mean.

 

Now, on to the outfit. To cheer up my bleak moods of this week, I created a dreamy outfit! (Hey we all express ourselves differently, haha.)  I am in love with maxi dresses, and now that its finally warming up for a minute I can wear this lovely light blue one with a soft pink necklace. How is that for some color in my life.

 

Thank you if you read through this whole post. I don't write this to bring anyone down or to discredit but maybe to see if there are otherse who struggle with the same thoughts I have.  Let me know. Xoxo,

 

~Amanda

 

Be a happy goat (pt. 2)// 10 tips for beating anxiety

 

(My adorable nephew and I. We are happy goats for sure!)

 

Lately, some friends and I have been reflecting heavily on how to best combat anxiety, depression, and stress in your day to day life.

 

Anxiety has been something I have battled for many years. I am a high-strung girl by nature, and life's crazy circumstances have sometimes left me very anxious.   I am so happy to say though that this year especially I have found great ways to contain and even eliminate this anxiety from my life, I thought that today would be a great time to share my experiences with you!

 

OKCGlam's Ten Tips for Beating Anxiety

1. Boundaries. I am a terrible "YES Girl!" in agreeing to do everything. I have finally made peace with the fact that days, or a week, at home is OK! Especially working a stressful job it helps me to remember its ok to say no. Your real friends will get over it.

2. Healthy, happy, hobbies. Hobbies that make you SMILE. Not hobbies you feel like are a chore. I've been learning hula hoop tricks. I can't say why but it makes me happy! My blog makes me happier. Playtime. Things to focus on outside of work.

3. A better diet. My diet is no where near perfect, but i've found adding soy milk, avocados, and more fruit has made a huge difference. I also take liquid forms of b vitamins and iron that make me feel and look so much better. Watch out for high processed food and high sugar. These only add to anxiety!

4. Less caffeine. We all know I love my coffee, but with limits.

5. Things to look forward to. I'm still learning this one, but having trips planned with friends or music festivals or something on the weekend makes everything better.

6. Little rests. Sometimes I make myself sit down and do nothing for 15 minutes... no phone, just breathing, maybe even closing my eyes.

7. Religious/spiritual outlet. So helpful to remember whats really important..... It can be attending a church, consistent volunteering, walks in nature. Make it consistent and a ritual time to renew your soul is most important I have found.

8. Spring cleaning your friends. Ridding myself of negative and anxiety producing people has done me wonders. It takes incredible honesty though...I've lost several friends to this I thought i'd have for life. But I am so much better for it!

9. Super organization. I"ve started planning my outfits and meals out weekly. That means grab and go in the morning. It gives me a little extra sleep time or time with my coffee or even getting to work early! I still have far to go in organization but that really helps. I plan what I will eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all week so I have it (no mid week grocery trips). I prepare the lunches in tupperware so I just stick it in my bag and go.

10. Be nice to yourself. I've learned it is ok to splurge on yourself when you need it and in the ways you can. A bottle of bubble bath for me or a nice coffee can make a world of difference.  You are so precious don't forget to TREAT yourself that way!

 

My happy little goats, I hope this helps.  Report back any other tips you have or if these work for you! Hugs!

 

~Amanda