I was telling kid 1 the other day that getting back to self was / is hard work. There’s who life tells us we are and then there’s the becoming- the journey back to self. Who we were destined to be. The parts of us that fear keeps us from.
With kid 1 in college , I’ve been more intentional about how I spend my time. This last year that’s looked like tapping back into parts of me that was once put on the back burner. I’ve been a mother since 17 so all I know is stretching myself a million ways and putting myself last. That was cute until I realized that depriving myself of the things I love and need doesn’t make me a better mother. Such a slippery slope.
The worse part is I sign up for the insanity and the kids adapt to it. Rarely are kids telling us “please run yourself rugged and slave after us”
As parents we set the tone on what love and sanity looks like. It really hit me when kid 2 said to me “All you do is clean, cook and pray. A dating life maybe ?”
I just sat there. No words. He was right. It was such a thought provoking statement. Everything I do is with my children in mind so for him to call out these facts I thought “welp Vanessa there you have it”
His statement reminded me that I had stopped doing the things I loved. Granted there were some seasons that required lots of solitude and celibacy , but it was time to have a better balance.
A huge part of coming back to self was letting go and surrendering. Baby that was hard hard work! I’m an Aries through and through and we love to lead. The joke was on me though because I never had the control I thought I had. Whether it’s work, a boyfriend or my family- I surrender all situations to God. Over and over again. Daily. That’s one of the biggest Aha moments. We should be delegating all things to him. Why be up worrying about it when I can release then receive what’s rightfully mine?! The ego robs us of our destiny and purpose. I can’t afford to get in my own way any more so I pass it on to him.
Flourishing baby!
One of the biggest blessings in surrendering is living out answered prayers. Like wow I could have missed this had I continue to hold on to habits that didn’t serve me well. These days I’m dancing around in my hallways , wearing my thigh highs everywhere and checking off my goals list. Rich.
Full bloom. What can’t I do?!
Let’s get into these looks though! Shot these at home with my photographer. It was so hard to choose because they were all so good. I love Ouimillie !!! Hands down one of my favorite boutiques. There’s so much there . The design, colors and texture plays are always on point. The staff are always so helpful(with a great playlist) and knowledgeable on every piece and designer.
I wanted Valentine looks that weren’t drenched in red and full of fun.
Outfit number 1
Scarf- Coach
Socks- kid 2’s
Floral dress, coat , and earrings – Ouimillie
Outfit number 2
Faux leather shirt , earrings and plush pink coat- Ouimillie
Pants- Banana Republic
Please stop by Ouimillie for an experience if you’re in Boston!!
This new series is called “At Home With” is a series featuring favorite designers / boutique.