You are a Badbum

WOW. I am completely caught up with life on this little blog of mine. I like using this space mainly for documentation purposes, but when I get the chance, I do like to write out my thoughts / goals / ideas / etc. So.... that's what I'm doing.

I am by no means a reader. I'm pretty sure the last time I read a book for pleasure was in elementary school, but I randomly decided to buy and start reading the book You are a Bada** by Jen Sincero. It's one of those self-help, get inspired, you're the bees knees, just go for it kind of books. I'm only about half way through, but so far I love it. It's done a darn good job at getting this gal moving and motivated. If you can look past the occasional curse word, I'd recommend you read it.

Since starting this book, I've become so determined to get things done. Every little nap Emmett gives me is my go time. Just this this past week I've been able to organize & deep clean parts of the house, knock out blog posts that otherwise wouldn't have been written, apply for an at home work position, get a gym membership to whip my post-baby body back into shape, and I've managed to spend quality time with my baby, my husband, my family, my bestie Hailey, and myself. Baby-free me time and the occasional friend time is honestly so important! It keeps this mama from going a little crazy. Hailey and I have decided to meet up once a week to workout together, and Jase gives me an hour or two a day to go to the gym while he watches Emmett. It's refreshing. It's been a happy, successful, fulfilling week for me. And the best part is that I can choose to have this attitude every day.

Here are some tips / advice / goals / good ideas {idk what to call them} that I've gathered and refined for myself. Read on if you feel that a little self-help could do you good.

Meditate. It may sound dumb, but I've come to enjoy this! Give yourself a couple minutes a day to think about nothing and stress about nothing. Zone yourself out.

Read. An actual book. Not status updates, tweets, or instagram captions. I suggest reading something that is motivating, inspiring, or uplifting.

Hydrate. Drink water, drink water, drink water. Your body with thank you in more ways than one.

Move. Move your body like you love your body! It does so much for you, return the favor.

Be present. Be here, now. Don't fret about the past, don't stress about the future. Choose to be happy and aware of the moment you're in.

Comparison. DON'T DO IT. It's known to be the thief of joy.

Pray. Pray because you want to, not because you have to. Talk about new things, small things, happy things, sad things, anything! Be excited to talk to your Creator!!!

Smile. It's true that happy people are the prettiest people.

Love yourself. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. And it's also so hard. Learn to love yourself and embrace the things you cannot change. For me, that's my birth marks and my stretch marks.

I love that each chapter of this book ends with that reminder. 

Love yourself. That's the ultimate goal.