Monday Inspiration- Embracing New Seasons

by Jessica Franklin of HeyGorJess

As school is starting back up and the weather has been getting a little cooler, I am becoming more aware of more than just the physical change of the season, but the spiritual and emotional changes as well. This past summer has been one of the toughest “seasons” I’ve ever experienced. It stretched me in so many ways– so much that at times I just wanted to quit everything. I wanted to give up on my paid L’Oreal internship, drop out of my summer class, and just lay in bed all day because of some of the confusion in my life. I literally did not know how I was going to make it– but I never stopped believing that I would. I knew deep in my heart that no matter how overwhelmed I felt, that God was going to bring me through victoriously. Even through the pain and stress–I still felt him with me, guiding me through day by day. I knew that God was using my circumstances to make me stronger and better. To develop perseverance and character in order to make me a better and more mature “me” (Romans 5:3-5).

Now that the summer is over and we are moving into fall– I am happy to say that I made it. I passed my class (barely–but I passed lol), I rockeddd my final presentation to the L’Oreal executive team that I literally slaveddd over all summer, and God has brought me so much peace in all areas of my life. It truly is a season of transition for me now. I have made it through the fire of the summer, and I am ready for this new season God has in store for me this fall.

I feel like the seasons give us a chance for a fresh start, and for change–even though so many of us don’t like it. We fear it, dread it, and avoid it because we don’t know what it will bring. But remember–change is good, and beautiful even. Look at the colors of the leaves as they start to turn red and orange, and the arrival of your favorite pumpkin latte at Starbucks (for you coffee lovers like myself lol). Change brings so much excitement and a new joy.

So as this season ends, be grateful for your past one and take in everything you’ve learned, but be open for the awesome new changes this season will bring. Don’t dwell on the past, but welcome the future with an open heart. I am sure that if you let Him, God will do so much through it.

Until next time,

Monday Inspiration: It Will Be Ok

It's hard for me to completely open up about my life (and I hate to come off as being negative or that I'm complaining) but, I feel like I'm in one of the toughest fights of my life right now.  I saw this quote and it reminded me that things will be ok. So, I'm looking forward and staying encouraged knowing that I'm in good hands no matter how dim things seem around me. 

Have a great Monday!

Monday Inspiration: Trusting the Process

Hey ladies (and gents )! Been m.i.a for a minute, dealing with life's curveballs. I know that I'm supposed to act like things will be okay and see the bright light and rainbows at the end of it all but, can I just keep it real for a minute?  I'm in a really weird place in my life right now and it's been so unbelievably stressful! There is so much going on that is just up in the air and I really have no clue what is going to take place. I am a planner by nature so I don't do "up in the air" real well but, I know that my character and faith is being tested so I will just have to do what I can and hold on.  I'm battling fear and anxiety each day now because it really paralyzes me.  I know that I'm not functioning at my full potential some days because I am just so overwhelmed by what might or might not happen.  I'm just ready to get some real peace.  In my mind know that I've been here before (or somewhere similar) so, I keep reminding myself that it worked out back then and it will now.

(*end of vent*)

A few days ago, I read these words that the beautiful natural hair vlogger, Taren Guy, posted on Instagram. Truly on time for me. It is a reminder to me to stay calm despite of my circumstances. I hope it can inspire someone else.... 

"Always remember that you are where you're supposed to be... Sometimes it feels like your life just doesn't make any sense, or the struggles continue to pile up... But circumstances do not have emotions attached to them... No experience is deemed bad or good... You assign those emotions which make up your life experiences... In hind sight we see that things usually ended up working out... We see that divine timing is real... So use your past as a reference for the future when you start to doubt that everything's going to be OK... Take a minute to let go and really mean it when you do.. We don't need to earn what we already deserve which is the right to our destiny... Trust the process and let go."

She later posted a video about this same quote on Youtube.  Check it out!

Releasing and Changing My Thoughts

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.- James Allen

I have really become more conscious about the types of thoughts I constantly have, the things I say and the things that I fill my mind with.  In the past year, I have seen that it has such a major effect on my life; how I feel, how I view myself, my ability to reach certain goals are all impacted by the thoughts I choose to fill my mind with.  

Lord knows , it can be hard to put certain situations and feelings aside, and not think negatively, angry, scared or upset. I have learned to feel whatever emotions come my way, deal with them the best way I can for a moment and release them. 

For many years, I harbored a lot of negative emotions and it took a series of unpleasant events in my life to really be able to sit back and realize just how toxic my thoughts were.  I was full of worry, anxiety, guilt, depression, deep hurt and unforgiveness.  I had to learn from it all and just let it go.   These thoughts were killing my spirit, taking me out of character, affecting my physical well-being and preventing me from reaching my full potential.  I was sick mentally, emotionally and physically, and I had to change.  I was hurting those around me and, at one point, I just didn't care anymore.  I had to change my thoughts which would in turn change my actions.  

I have yet to create a vision board (I'm late, I know) but, I have taken some of the quotes that I repeat in my mind on almost a daily basis and placed them on my bathroom mirror.  This way, when I wake up and I am getting ready to face the day I can be reminded of the positive quotes and scriptures that will uplift me and help shape my thoughts and actions each day.  It is important to feed your mind and spirit daily with affirming, inspiring thoughts so that you will be better equipped to deal with any of life's curveballs (and they do come!).  

This is one of the many techniques that I have incorporated into my daily routine and it has helped me become a more calm, level-headed person who is ready to deal with just about any situation.  Don't get me wrong, I still struggle with disappointment, fear and anger from time to time but not nearly as much as I used to. I am also grappling with some life-changing decisions that need to be made and it scares me sometimes.  As tough and strong as I put on that I am, sometimes I really don't know what is going to happen and I am almost terrified. But I do know that it will all turn out just as it should.  My whole outlook on life is changing for the better!

What words and thoughts are a part of your life ?  Do you think that it has affected the way your life is going?

More than the Cooler Weather Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D)

 The Fall season is in full swing and I couldn't be happier.  The summer months here in Atlanta seemed extra hot and I'm just glad to finally have some reprieve! These 70 degree days are so perfect for the cute sweaters, boots and blazers that I've been wanting to wear.

However, for some people the sight of falling leaves and cooler temperatures bring on the blues.  These people may deal with depression, feelings of hopelessness, unexplained fatigue and difficulty concentrating.  These are all symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, also known as S.A.D, a condition that usually occurs during the late fall and winter seasons (some forms occur during spring and summer). Like other forms of depression, S.A.D. affects women more than men.

Other symptoms include:

• Social withdrawal
• Appetite change
• weight gain

Treatments include:

• Light therapy (phototherapy)
• Getting more sunlight
• medications 
• psychotherapy
• exercise

If you think that you may have seasonal affective disorder, please see a doctor and get back to enjoying all of the seasons of life!

*information from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195

Becoming Limitless

I saw the movie, Limitless last weekend and it was a great movie! I'm not really a movie person but, this one kept my attention the entire time.  Without giving away too much of the movie, it was about a man who took a pill that gave him great focus, attention and super human abilities. 

Would you take an experimental supplement or pill that claimed to give you the power to do almost anything imaginable?

Share Your Journey to Wellness!

From Getty Images

 
Do you have a fitness routine, natural beauty regimen or lifestyle change that you would like to share?

I am looking for stories from ladies who have changed their lives by committing to changing the way they eat, workout or in the products that they use, in pursuit of total wellness. Maybe you were able to conceive naturally after adopting an organic diet or lost weight by working out consistently.  If this is you, send your stories to: candice.selby@gmail.com and be featured on Simplistic Chic!

Your Thoughts and Your Reality

From Getty Images

"That which you focus your attention on becomes your reality."~ Author unknown

Your thoughts and attitude control your current state. If you are not where you want to be right now do not dwell on what is missing, wrong or what could have been. Instead focus your energy on thinking about and visualizing where you are going to be, believe it and act in faith! You have more power and strength than you know! Trust me, I know this is easier said than done but, practice makes perfect and I am putting this into practice everyday.

What consumes your thoughts daily?