Is this my life

First of all I have been googling songs for the past hour because I heard this song today while at TJMaxx (LOVE LOVE LOVE that place) and I am not sure who sings it or if  the Lyrics are even right in my head.  All I do know is the Lyrics are PERFECT for this post.

The past year, I have really begun to realize where happiness comes from. I have always been a pretty happy, go lucky person. I dont stress about much or let too much bother me, but at the same time I am SUPER sensitive and put up a tough front in order to hide that.  In past years I have allowed things, people and situation to choose my state of mind. Not intentionally of course, but we are all human and get side tracked by the more negative things happening.

Boy has this year been so life changing though. First it started with my first trip to Africa, this experience is one I will NEVER forget and honestly this trip is what  jumped started a whole new way of being for me.

Secondly, was allowing myself to separate from those who were bringing me down. At Matilda Jane, we have such a great force of women who inspire, teach and motivate me everyday. The last thing I needed was to leave work and hang out with anyone who was anything less then the three characteristics I mentioned above.

Thirdly, it was really just taking a step back. These past 5 years, I have said multiple times, “Is this really my life.” I have been so blessed and not a day goes by that I do not thank my lucky stars for where I am now. But, sadly there are times I forgot all the positive things in my life, because the darker things seemed to shine brighter.  More importantly, however, I think these darker moments have made me see the importance of happiness MUCH MUCH MUCH more clearer.

Lastly, was hearing the news about Chelsa. I have been healthy my whole life, as well as my my mom, dad, brothers, nieces and nephews. Sometimes when I feel like complaining I think of her.  I think of everything she has been through, and everything she will go through, and I tell myself I really have nothing to complain about.

 Now, I love when someone asks me how I am, because I love to reply with ” Great, no complaints here” and I can say that with 100% confidence.

This year I hope everyone else make this same promise for the new year.  No more diets you never follow, giving up soda and spending money, but more about promising yourself to be happier you.

( LOVE this photo. They were so excited to see us)

More importantly, I came home today to the best package I have ever received. It wasnt a new pair shoes, although that is normally the case. It was a booklet of information I will need for our Journey to Africa that starts next Friday. This trip really could not have landed on a better day, Black Friday.  Thanksgiving is a holiday that I feel gets skipped over every year. It is stuck right between Halloween and Christmas and doesn’t get the respect it deserves.

This year though, after a festive dinner with family and friends we travel across the world to share the thankfulness we all have to have been chosen for this trip. Everyday I want to text Denise and tell her “Thank you” for allowing me this opportunity. There are so many AMAZING people attending this trip it is almost overwhelming.   The chance to have any kind of influence on these children fills me with more joy then I could imagine.  I know that with the 25 people attending this journey, this trip will not only be successful, but we will bring back more joy, stories to share, and ideas for a better future then we did when we left.

Goonight Ya’ll

XOXO
Kayla