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Monday, September 12, 2016

The right direction

Outfit details--- Sunnies: TOMS | Earrings: Charming Charlie (c/o) | Necklace: Kate Spade | Bag: Charming Charlie (c/o) (option, option) | Tank: Target (maternity for length bc I usually wear it as a tunic) | Skirt: Express (same style but other color here, super similar here, shop more pleated skirts here) | Heels: Renvy ---


Forgive me if I'm very self-reflective in my posts this week. Last week was the week from hell and it's taking all of my strength to remain positive and know that I am moving in the right direction. As a bonus birthday gift, Gina ordered me this amazing book, and I have been obsessed. Seriously. I'm honestly not usually into self help books, but I am loving this one. It's not overly zen or gimmicky, it's just very matter-of-fact, highlighting some obvious points that I already know are true but somehow choose to ignore or overlook. I would highlight all of the statements and quotes I want to remember, but the book would be one big highlight! It's that good, and I'm only on chapter 8.




One of the most recent chapters I read talked about how we all have an ego, and she's not referring to the confidence kind. This author defines "ego" in the book as "the shadow self, or the false self, or the self that's acting like a weenie." She goes on to say that when you decide to make a big change in your life, this same ego is "going to come at you, rolling pin raised high over her head, to beat you back into your old life." (Another reason why I like the book, because the writing is light and playful even though the subject is actually quite the opposite.) Basically, your ego is terrified of change. Think about this though. You finally decide after years of not exercising that you're going to jump back on the fit bandwagon. And wouldn't you know, your period decides to show up one week early, work requires you to book last minute trips, and you have a whopping 2 drinks at dinner one night and wake up the next morning like you drank the whole entire bar. You don't even have your big toe on that bandwagon because you were shoved off immediately.



That's basically what last week was like for me, and I am glad that I read that chapter before all that sh*t hit the fan because it was a good reminder to not focus on the distractions, but instead remain focused on my original goals. This post is timely because today is Noelle's birthday and she too is going through a big life change, and she too was pushed to make this decision by reading that same book, also bought for her by Gina  Do you see a pattern here? Yep, Gina for president!


I loved Noelle's post on Friday about how she left her job because she knew it was making her miserable and it was literally for her own good that she walk away. Not that many people could do that, especially with no real plan B. When it comes to a point where self preservation trumps a paycheck, you know it's time to go. I admire the courage it took for her to take that step. Noelle has the absolute biggest heart! The way she loves her man as if it's the first week they've been dating makes my heart so full! I am a sucker for that kind of love! She is the sweetest with the most feminine classic style. I hope you'll hop over to her blog and wish her the happiest of birthdays!

Happy birthday, Noelle! Cheers to the new and happier you!

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22 comments :

  1. That skirt is beautiful! :)

    I've heard great things about that book, wonderful that it's helping you through a tough time. I hope things get batter soon!

    Thank you for the link up!

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  2. Beautiful skirt ! You look great.Thank you for hosting x
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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  3. Such a lovely skirt, and so versatile. Great shoes and bag. Thanks for link up Hun. x Jacqui
    www.mummabstylish.com

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  4. Such a beautiful outfit! That skirt is so pretty and those shoes are to die for! I can attest to that statement that self preservation sometimes trumps a paycheck. I walked away from a very good job in NYC many years ago because I felt as if my should was being destroyed. And it was the best decision I ever made for my own mental health. Very difficult to do and a lot of "wasted" education, but it is done now and I am happier than I have ever been!

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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  5. It sounds like I really need to read this book! Off to check it out now. That skirt is so gorgeous!

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  6. Sorry you had a rough week but hopefully things are getting better. Love this pleated skirt and entire look! So perfect to transition into fall with.

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  7. This post is ringing so true for me right now. Last week was also rough for me and it's taking all of my strength to jump back on the optimistic bandwagon. I hope this week is better for you!

    http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/

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  8. I've heard of the book before and was interested, now I definitely am!! I hope this week is better for you!! I absolutely love this look though! Those heels are stunners!!

    Xo, Erica
    Casually Styled

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  9. Just ordered the book from the library. Excited to read it !

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  10. Sometimes reading books like that one helps you remember your only human and what were your original thoughts to begin with! Need to check this book out. And your outfit looks fab :)
    Thank you for hosting,

    xo
    Melissa

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  11. I am so sorry it was such a tough week. I love this post though because your blog friends have become your real, supportive friends. That's cool! Here's to hoping this week is better for you. You sure look amazing! That skirt is incredible.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  12. I've heard good things about that book and I want to read it--glad that you found it so helpful! I love this gorgeous look--that skirt especially... LOVE. I hope this week goes a million times better for you.
    Shea | www.shealennon.com

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  13. Ha!! Thanks for the laugh! I'm pretty sure being president requires you to take a lot more photos than I'm willing to take. :P You're too much, but I am SO glad you decided to read the book and that it's having the same positive influence on your life that it had on mine and on Noelle's! Loving this pretty, feminine outfit too, and aren't those Target tanks the best?? They are so thick and the straps and length are just right!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

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    1. P.S. I really need to give credit to Erin Hartman (@erinerinhartman on Instagram!) considering she is the one who sent ME the book in the first place. It was one of those things I thought I would read "someday" but having someone actually send you the book makes someday happen a little sooner in my experience. :)

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  14. Ugh you and Gina! Both of your posts have me in tears today! Well I guess it's ok because it's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to :) Seriously though, thank you SO much for this. It's making my birthday feel so special and I don't deserve it. That book is so fun to read! I agree that it's witty and light hearted but obviously still so profound. I keep referring back to it on days where I don't know what I'm doing or why I left my job! It's a good reminder. I might just read the whole thing again! And yes, Gina for president!

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  15. Sorry to hear about your week from hell. Those totally suck! It's great though that you have friends you can count on that send you things right when you need them. I've heard lots of good things about that book. I love books like that because it never hurts to have a little reminder. Another book I ready that sounds similar is called, 'Mastering Your Mean Girl'. Basically in that book they call what Badass refers to 'ego' as your mean girl. That voice in your head that basically tells you that you suck at life and all that crap. And also, you always make we want to wear skirts. You make them look so good.

    xo.
    Emily | Style Me Tactical
    www.stylemetactical.com

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  16. I'm the same, I'm usually not into self help books at all but still thank you for this recommendation. And if it's helping you, then that's just great. All the best, Kirsten xx

    www.thelifbissue.com

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  17. So sorry about your week from hell, Charnele also love this book I may have to get it too. Life just like to make us uncomfortable once in a while, but you can do it. You look stunning as always.

    xo
    PinkSole

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  18. Your skirt is so cute! I love your style and always have fun watching your snapchats.
    Marly
    www.GirlyLove.org

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  19. Way to stay positive! And I love your look!

    xo Jules

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  20. This sounds like a great book! Your outfit is adorable too!

    http://www.avecamber.blogspot.com
    http://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber

    I hope you are having a great week so far!

    Amber

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