Choose worry or faith?

There is not enough room in your mind 

for both worry and faith.

You must decide 

which one gets to live there.

— Unknown 

Great reminder. Hopefully I can remember this the next time I’m hugely stressed out, Lol. Just sayin’ ;) Hugs and good luck. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl 

  

Questions that feel like a hug…

Want the last bite? 

When do I get to see you again?

Want to call instead?

Need me to stay a little longer?

Wanna borrow my jacket?

Do you want advice or just a hug?

Why do you feel that way?

Need another blanket?

How can I love you better?

— Unknown 

My favourite questions are “Do you want advice or just a hug?” and “Why do you feel that way?” I would love to hear these statements more, and yet I catch myself trying to solve, rather than listen and support. Note to self. Just saying’ :) Hugs and good luck. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl 

Search for ways to love…

Marriage is not the end of the search for love.  

It’s the end of the search for the person to love. 

The search for ways to love that person has just begun.

— Tank Sinatra 

My favourite therapist says every relationship will inevitably hit the “relationshit” part the union. Early days are all fireworks and rose tinted glasses, but at some point the annoying habits and traits pop up. I don’t know about you, but I find comfort in knowing that certain differences are to be expected. As long as they’re not of the deal breaker variety, of course. Just sayin’ ;) Hugs and good luck. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl 

Dealing with the baggage…

Your trauma is not your fault, 

but your healing is your responsibility.

— Unknown 

I remember learning about the “victim mentality” for the first time and it felt so unkind to me. Perhaps what we really need is to be heard, acknowledged and supported for the trauma we’ve faced. And then we may be more willing to do the “work” of healing. It really sucks holding the bag on a difficult upbringing. Having said that, it’s been a breath of fresh air on the other side it. Most of baggage is neatly tucked away, with the odd flare/trigger, and life feels lighter and more joyful. Just sayin’ ;) Hugs and good luck. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl 

  

Energy givers…

Sunlight

Dance

Whole foods

Hydration 

Consistent sleep pattern

Nature

Music

Movement

Resting 

Fresh air

Declutteriing

Future planning 

— Unknown 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling pretty burned out, throughout and post-pandemic. The world seems to have picked right back up, and then some. Some people have completely opted out for 6 months; break from work, off all social media, and hard no to social engagements. I’m not planning a complete hiatus myself, but I will focus on the above list, and bringing more joy to life. I keep saying there is more to life than work, money, gadgets. Just sayin’ :) Hugs and good luck. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl 

 

I water you, you water me…

When two givers indulge in a connection, it’s like magic.

It’s alchemy.

I water you, you water me.

We never drain each other, 

we just grow.  

— Unknown 

Geez, I wish I’d figured this out earlier. I found my perfect mate after a few failed relationships, and looking back now, I can see at least two deal breakers with each of those partnerships. Whoops! There’s a great exercise you can do (I think it was from Keeping the Love You Find, recommended by my favourite therapist), that rates all of your past relationships, so you can see your choices clearly. Most importantly, this savvy post mortem allows you to identify any red flags up front and do not pass go. According to my therapist, tendencies and potential warning signs can be identified within two weeks of meeting someone. So when I met my husband to be, I had my “list” and I spent a few weeks and months doing my research on this new person, and our connection together. Even with the crazy chemistry we had, I had no interest in making a big commitment to another flawed relationship. Been there, done that, thank you very much. Chemistry, companionship, similar values, future goals, mutual respect and personal integrity, ability to talk about everthing and resolve challenges when they come up were my primary requirements (Ps. I also realized this sort of due diligence is a great idea regarding friendships as well). Just sayin’ :) Hugs and good luck. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl 

A little braver each time…

The willingness to show up changes us.

It makes us a little braver each time.

— Brene Brown  

I must admit that I’ve “shown up” at times because I had no choice; job loss, relationship break down, unexpected financial meltdown. When you’re desperate enough, odds are you find greater strength, resilience and creativity. Surviving the 2008 financial crisis, and resulting duress, might be my favourite accomplishment. Just sayin’ :) Hugs and good luck. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl