Joy in the Little Things!
So I have been thinking a lot lately about what my purpose is and where do I find joy..... I have made some big changes in my life that have shifted my thinking... it has been super scary but very exciting at the same time. One of the things is quitting my nursing job for this season in life. I want focus on being a mama and on my AK Essential Wellness business.... this was SO hard for me to do...
I have never quit anything in my life... all the previous jobs I have had either came to an end because they were seasonal and I was in High School and College or I just transitioned to a new department or position....
I have learned so much these past 10 years working as an RN at Alaska Native Medical Center, and really I grew up there.... so many huge life events and shifts from when I started as a new grad RN at 24 yrs. young. :)
I will keep my license current and will work with patients again but for now I feel that I had to chose my priorities and do them well..
It has been difficult though... I have found myself questioning my decision when I am feeling exhausted, haven't showered, have had no adult conversations in 12 hours.... and changed one too many poopy diapers...
I started writing gratitude lists first thing in the morning a couple months ago and have quickly found how many blessings I have and my whole mindset shifts when I focus on all the good in my life and look at even the most difficult of situations as opportunities to grow and learn.
HERE IS WHERE I FIND JOY and ABUNDANCE!!!!
I LOVE the BEACH!!!! I love to smell the salty sea air, and to beach comb at low tied in Southeast Alaska. I grew up on the ocean, and its my most favorite place.... I grew up walking the beaches at every low tide I could as a little girl with my two brothers... looking for treasures.... glass balls are the epitome of OCEAN TREASURES!!!! I love to find unique shells that have been vacated by beautiful sea creatures... I love the salty sea air on my face, and watching the waves crash, while seals and sea lions splash... I like to refer to these memories as my "Eden Memories".... its where everything is well, and I find so much serenity and joy.
I LOVE watching my babies play and giggle together... My heart nearly skips a beat when they hug each other, or when Selah says, "it's ok Gray, we can do this together"..... there is no better place I would rather be than with them.
I LOVE having my first cup of coffee in the morning and reading some news or turning on my favorite podcast and waking up in peace and quiet by myself... I look forward to that every morning...
I LOVE hiking mountains with my girlfriends or my handsome husband... I love being outside more than anything and love the fresh air and great conversations..
I LOVE splashing in mud puddles with my two littles and or blowing bubbles outside and watching them chase the bubbles and laugh.
I LOVE bedtime. For one, I know that I will soon get to have my own downtime in a matter of minutes... but more than that I LOVE to review the day with them, read books, talk about what we are grateful for and pray. Its such a gift to hear what an unfiltered, raw and so honest 3 year old has to say about what she feels, loves, is sad about and wants to pray for.
I LOVE having tea with my husband and chatting about life, goals, and dreams on the coach... Yes, we have more coach dates these days, but I love them.
I LOVE driving in the car and rocking out to country music with my kids and singing our hearts out... best time ever... or I often ask Selah, "do you want to chat or would you rather sing?" she always tells me what she prefers, and I tell you what this little peanut loves to chat just like her mama and I get more out of her in the car than anywhere else...
Yesterday in the car she said, "mama, do you miss your friend Amy?"
Me: "Yes, I miss her very much."
Selah: " She is in heaven and I think that she is having a good time... we can see her some day mom."
Me: " Yes, we will see her"...
This about made me run off the road... my eyes welled up with tears at her rawness and also I just miss my friend...
I am so grateful for all these little moments that create a full life. These are just a fraction of what brings me joy. My life is full and abundant and I get to live it well. I get frustrated at times, feel insecure, question decisions I have made, compare myself, and then I get to pause, breathe deep and connect to myself and I know that I am right where I need to be. This is what brings me joy.
Blend for Joy!
2 drops of Clary Sage
2 drops of Lavender
2 drops of Lime
Diffuse and enjoy,
Holly
This beautiful picture was taken by my talented friend and artist, Savannah Plank!