Be Still. Be Strong. Be Happy. 1.05.18

I miss this space! So I'm back. Lots of varied criticisms (good and bad) have made their way back to me and it has been pretty disconcerting, to say the least. So, I took some time to think. Maybe I should give it up. Maybe I should change the subject matter. Maybe this. Maybe that. You know how it goes. I've been up and down and back and forth about it. My conclusion? These few things that I know to be true:

1) I enjoy this space and feel fortunate to have it available as an expressive outlet. It is surprisingly and absolutely cathartic to me.

2) My only aim here is to share my experiences and use those experiences as a way to help other people feel better- not worse. So, if someone takes it personally, in a negative way, I can guarantee that is not my intent.

3) Some things happen for a reason. My experiences have led me to this space. And my experiences keep me here. Over the past decade, I have been broken wide-open, multiple times. This space has helped me organize my thoughts about these experiences and helped me see the good in, otherwise, not-so-good situations. And it has helped me build myself back up again as, hopefully, a better person. This space is part of showing who I truly am, at this moment, and leaving the past and parts of the old "me" behind. Because when you put things, thoughts, ideas, etc., out there and state your intentions, accountability comes into play. There is no denying that. It's a pretty powerful force for change. I highly recommend it.

4.) I recently turned 52 years old and even though, so far, the 50's have been challenging, those challenges have led me to some crazy good things. My intent, now, is to make my 50's my best, most authentic decade yet. And I intend to keep expressing my joy in that and sharing what I learn along the way, with all of you!

So, here's the plan. My "Lately" posts will now become my "Art.Craft.Home.Life." posts, hopefully on a more regular basis. And, since yoga is now a more prominent part my "Life", it will most likely become a more prominent part of my "Art". And my "Craft". And on the "Home" front, ideas are brewing, so stay tuned for that!

Thank you to those of you who have encouraged me along the way! And thank you for reading today.  

Be Still. Be Strong. Be Happy. ~ Juli