Feeling Fine

"And the only way to last and the only way to live it is to hold on when you get love and let go when you give it." - Stars

I've been feeling mighty fine lately. Sure, I've got the same old problems and struggles I've always had, but my attitude has changed. I think this change is due in part to three main factors. First, I've been conscientiously working on bettering myself. Secondly, I was inspired by another person's actions, but not in the way they intended. And finally, Fall is in the air and who couldn't be happy about that!

If you remember, I wrote a post about hitting rock bottom a few months ago and resolved to dig myself out of my funk. I have really worked hard to follow through on this, and I feel that I have made great progress. I've been shopping much less and spending more time with my loved ones, I've completed tasks that I had been putting off for months, and I've just been doing some overall housekeeping in my life. Given my success, I decided to put myself through the ultimate test this weekend and go to an Anthropologie store for the first time in over a month. My goal was to do an exchange of merchandise and not spend any money. I didn't meet my goal, but I did pretty darn good. I walked out of Anthropologie only spending $40. I got this dress to show for it, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I can see myself wearing it through every season, on it's own during the warmer months and layered with sweaters, tights, and boots during the colder ones.

A few posts back, I mentioned having a conversation with a very closed minded person. Initially, I was very upset by this person's lack of understanding, but over the past few days I've made peace with it. I've realized just how fortunate I am. There are so many mean, bitter, and angry people walking around out there. I'm sure they feel they deserve to feel this way because of all the wrongs that have been committed against them, but I've got a news flash for them: We've all had wrongs committed against us. The thing that defines us is how we choose to react to them. There's a quote that says something to the effect that expectations are resentments under construction. I couldn't agree more. It's so much easier to live life being kind and understanding rather than mean and judgemental.

I'm pretty sure the weather this week has helped with my attitude as much as anything. It's been in the upper 50's at night and the 70's during the day. Oh, and there's been no humidity. No humidity is a glorious thing! My hair has actually looked decent for a change, and I love going out for walks now. This type of weather reminds me of when Jerry and I first started taking pictures together. I looked it up and our first shoot was September 4, 2010. I could have never forseen the changes my life has gone through since that day, but I'm so thankful for all of it, even the bad parts. It's such a rare gift to give and receive love freely, with no strings attached. It reminds me of another quote I love: "And still, after all this time, the Sun has never said to the Earth, "You owe me." Look what happens with love like that. It lights up the sky.”

Stars - Hold On When You Get Love And Let Go When You Give It