encouragement

A Shift in Voice


I haven’t written in a while because I face a conundrum.  This blog was created to encourage mostly women to be confident and try new things and to promote an environmentally ethical and sustainably simple lifestyle.  I’ve purposely avoided writing about current events, politics, religion, or really anything controversial.  There may be the occasional strongly phrased post but it usually has to do with kindness, practicality, or common sense.  Right now I feel like this is a moment in history, or a period in our country when the normal “go with the flow” and “every little thing is gonna be alright”, laissez-faire mindset is no longer appropriate. 

Conflict is something I avoid at almost all costs unless I’m forced to deal with it.  I’d make a marvelous ostrich.  However, I now feel like there are some things I need to say and be open about even if they aren’t fun and delightfully witty.  This isn’t a change in the purpose of this medium, rather it is a shift to a more open dialogue and a more personal channel for me to express not just my ideas about herbal oils, but my concerns and feelings about our world today.  


I’m committing to you now that I will do my utmost to remain encouraging as that was one of the main foundations of this blog’s conceptions.  My goal is not to persuade you to change your views or lifestyles or choices, instead my goal is to challenge you to evaluate them as I have done, am doing, and will continue to do.  I will do my best to speak not from a place of ignorance or prejudice, but from an informed and curious place.  You may read some stream of consciousness pieces as I wrestle things on my own.  I hope you are encouraged by that.  My fellow millennials are in the throws of figuring out life and I want to pitch my tent in the camp of those of us challenging ourselves and getting uncomfortable so we can grow and learn and be better for it. 


 I hope you join me, and are challenged and in turn challenge me so we can grow and learn together.  Thank you for your support!

azer-koculu-45978

The Library

Yes they have books, but I'm not advocating getting a million books to read...though I strongly encourage it.  

No I'm just making a pitch for using a library for your internet needs

Reasons

  1. It is cheaper than paying for it in your house or phone
  2. There is a time limit so no life wasting (Yes I'm talking 'bout you Pinterest)
  3. It's out of the house...you may notice the world out there and be happy about it!
  4. The temptation to grab a new book to read is real...and strong...so strong
  5. You may enjoy a coffee and bagel on the way to, or from...maybe with a friend

Basically I'm saying...if you have to work a little harder to get that access...maybe you'll spend less time mindlessly scrolling through funny cat videos and more time purposefully using a valuable tool and finding that you have time for other fun and interesting and interactive things too!  

This is a challenge I'm going to try this fall...yes out of need because I have no house...but I've found it's pretty cool to be efficient and feel good after an internet session instead of drained.

Things to Be Thankful For

 
image.jpg

Season started in Arizona and I'm on week 3.  Lots of training, exhaustion, frustration, and pain in these weeks as we get ready to go, go, GO all summer.  When things get really rough in life it's easy to wallow and be bummed out and lose the pumped up attitude. When performances aren't what we'd hoped or the direction you're going might need to change, or you learn a new limitation you have...well...it's the pits.  ​

When you know that quitting is the worst failure but you just can't imagine going on...how do you get your mind set to persevere? How do you keep from whining? How do you put one bloody and bruised foot in front of the other?​

Here's what I do. 

I think over the joys in my life. What am I thankful for? What have I got to look forward to? ​

image.jpg

My List

1. My Jesus and His Mercy to me. Without Him I'm literally just dust blowing in the wind.

2. My Mom and Dad who pep talk me when I call home. After all it's their fault I'm as stubborn as I am! 

3. The skin that is still on my feet after a massive PT hike. {So that's what feet without skin look like}

4. Essential oils for healing and soothing my sore bod. Natural healing at its best.

5. My body that can heal from the beating it takes at work. {I won't limp forever right?}

6. Getting to stand up in my bestfriend's  wedding. The sweetest human alive got married. 

7. A sweet housemate who is sharing her ultra feminine home with me for a few month. With pretty doilies on the table!

8.  A wonderful library just down the road. #booksfordays

7. A solid church with a night service so I can attend. Hallelujah!

8. Shania Twain who sings me to work and back. { "That Don't Impress Me Much" anybody?!}

9. he joy of being artsy and learning hand lettering. Oh it's fun to create pretty words!

10. My electric blanket. 'Nuff said.

 

 

What is on your list? What reminds you to not wallow and whine?

 

Happy Tunes and Kindness

I asked y'all to shoot me some song selections over on Facebook this Friday to make an encouraging,  happy, upbeat, playlist.

Seing as how Pretty Subsistence is new, there wasn't much feedback...BUT we do have enough songs for a super quick pump-up sesh :) It's an eclectic mix and I hope you enjoy it.

Here's the PS HAPPY collaborative playlist.  We shall add to it with time and as new happy songs come along.  Feel free to post more in comments and I'll add to it!

This week I'm finishing my last minute details before moving to AZ for my seasonal firefighting job.  Lots of new people and encounters coming my way in the next 6 months and I've been trying to come up with a focus or mantra or something simple to stick in my brain for the slow/fast/hectic/monotinous/stressful/scary/nerve grating/joyful/sad/lonely/confusing/exhausting summer ahead.

Kindness has been popping up in my thoughts, either from noticing a lack of it around me, or feeling the need to apply it more in my life.  Then I came upon a quote over on  Pinterest, made it pretty on Canva and decided this would be my summer motto {and really applied year round}

Check out what Julianne Hough had to say over on her blog.  She's an ambassador for kind campaign which is a movement that takes a stand agains girl-on-girl crime.  Basically though, I like to follow Julianne because she seems like a sweet lady, exudes happy energy, and has some fantastic hair tutorials for us short haired girls.  She promotes kindness so I'm sharing her with you.

Anyway, if you'd like to join me in pursuing a posture of kindness this summer let me know and we can encourage each other through the failures and cheer on to the successes!

Here's to a happy week :)