Great Expectations

Last night I went out with friends, one of whom was visiting from Virginia. She joked about how every time she comes to Utah she feels the need to get dressed up and do her hair (and get a boob job) just to go out with friends. Apparently there is much more pressure to impress here in Utah. This wasn't news to me. I have often wondered why we as women feel such a need to fit the mold, even at the high cost of our own sanity and happiness. Im sure that if I were to ask any of you reading this what you are supposed look like, what you should wear, weigh, read, say, do, etc. that we could come up with a pretty specific list.

Before I claim any sort of independence from such brain-washing, I need confess that I still have some pretty unrealistic expectations of myself. In fact, just last night my friend and I were trying to figure out why it had been so long since we had hung out. I explained that I had been feeling down and didnt want to contaminate her happiness with my depression like it was some sort of contagious flu! And i didnt want her to see me like that, even though she is the least likely to judge me for it! Why? Not only do we feel the need to get dressed up physically to present an image to others, but we dress up emotionally too? Heaven forbid someone see us without our emotional make-up that we think conceals our vulnerabilities, insecurities, and heartaches!

And so my call to the women of the world (especially Utah) let us forgive ourselves and one another for perpetuating such unrealistic expectations. Let us be and behave how we wish others would. Our greatest strength as women is our ability to love and nurture. Lets take care of each other and ourselves. Remember that all judgement is self-judgement and when we are tempted to be critical of others it is our own reflection we are seeing. We are perfect exactly as we are! Its high time we start believing it!

Summertime...and the livin's easy!

The Headboard Lessons

I recently found this beauty on the KSL classifieds. I knew right away that despite her cracked wood, gold spray paint and faded fuschia fabric she had potential!

With Scott's help (Ok, all Scott and a little help from me) we transformed her!

prepped, primed, and painted

glazing and distressing

Ta Da!

Scott put so much work into making this beautiful! We have a habit of personifying objects and Scott really cheered for the abused headboard! He lovingly reinforced the flimsy frame, sanded and smoothed the edges, and painstakingly upholstered the intricate design. I just got to show up for the fun parts of picking out fabric, painting and glazing, and now enjoying the finished product!

This was our first attempt at doing a project together and we learned a lot! First, we have big ideas and rarely do we stop to think about what we are getting into and how much work is involved. Where Scott is happy figuring things out on his way, I like to have a plan. Scott is willing to take his time with the details while I am anxious to just get it done! Scott is brilliant when it comes to math, physics, and structural construction. My gifts come in the form of beautification and the subtle nuances of artistry.

There were times during this project that we both got really frustrated with each other. Usually we communicate really well but for some reason this tested us! We both had an idea of what we wanted the end result to be, but very different means of making it happen. We wanted it to be a "together" activity but I found myself thinking that it would be easier to just do it myself. The simple reality is that there is no way I could have done it myself and had it turn out so beautifully. I needed Scott and his gifts. I needed his insight, his attention to detail, his patience and perseverance. And herein lies the life lesson--I cant do it alone. I dont want to do it alone. My way is not the only way. Sometimes its the process and experience that have the most to teach us, not the end result. Im grateful for a husband that already understands this. He sees my potential beneath layers of paint, years of wear, and rough edges. He is willing to patiently work with me as I struggle to be my best. I think thats what they call love.

Easy Shirt Re-fashion

Ive been feeling crafty lately and in an attempt to have better balance in my life I have dedicated at least two hours each week to working on a project of my choice. I have a ton of ideas and resources (read: junk with "potential") that just sits around waiting for the day that I finally have free time to give it life. I figure that two hours per week just for fun is healthy and it will help me use up all those crafting supplies that I always feel compelled to buy!

This weeks project is a t-shirt re-fashion. I love wearing t-shirts but sometimes they feel just a little too casual for work or going out. In less than an hour I changed this plain t-shirt into a fun spring top! I cut off the long sleeves, used the fabric to cut out circles, then stitched a few bunched circles together and attached them to the neckline. easy peasy!

Mini-Healing Session with Carol

  Among my favorite things about working  at the Center For Living Your Truth are the opportunities I have each day for personal growth. In this video with Carol Tuttle, I open up about some of my long held beliefs about not being good enough. I consider myself a confident and capable woman, yet like most of us, I am my own worst critic. Watch how little things can have a big impact!