Make the best out of the season you are in

The other day, I was thinking about when I was in my really rough season of life after losing my grandma. I was angry, bitter, hurt, broken, unhappy, unmotivated, had no energy and felt completely defeated. People would always tell me, "It will get better" "It won't be this way forever" "Allow time to heal you" "Just keep pushing through". As much as I appreciated the encouragement, it didn't do anything but made me more upset because I felt stuck. I felt like that time was never going to pass and I would feel that way the rest of my life.

When I talk to others who are going through bad seasons in life, I try to remember how I felt and what truly helped me through those bad times. I remember people talking to me about having joy and enjoying the ride kind of advice. I didn't understand what they meant by that until recently. Today, my husband and I are in a good place in life. Two beautiful and healthy kids, our own home, a job that provides, great friends and family all around us and our marriage has never been stronger. We didn't get where we are today by having an easy ride in life, though. Lately, I have been finding more joy in life. I have discovered more things that make me happy and make my life brighter. I am enjoying moments with my family more by being present rather then being absent minded and getting the day over with. I am enjoying this season we are in. Exploring as a family on Patrick's days off, teaching the kids all the things I loved to do as a kid, making our home cozy and a full of love (and food!). As I thought back on where I was 2 years ago, I wish I would have been able to found more joy in my day to day life. Ya, I was in a really difficult place mentally, physically and spiritually but I can't take back those 2 years of life. They say you learn as you get older and you get wiser... well, I guess this means I am getting older!

If your are in a bad season of life right now, I'm sure you will cringe as I tell you, "Make the best out of the season you are in". Yes, you are hurt. Yes, you are broken and sad. Yes, you feel like you can barely get by day by day... Well, you can make a bad season in life feel a little smoother. Show yourself some grace. Know that you are having a hard time in life and it's okay to have random breakdowns when something upsets you and frustrates you. It's okay to respond to something emotionally when you are on edge. It's okay to be very sensitive to everything. What is not okay is to stay that way. As you find ways to keep your chin up you will see some healing along the way. For the first time in 2 years, I feel peace about losing my grandma! I believe its because I started to find things in life that bring joy. My kids, my hair designing, my creativity of painting and drawing, blogging and making new friends. Even if something small like buying yourself a new outfit every month makes you feel good, do it. Even if your not good at doing makeup but it's fun to do something that takes your mind off things for a while, do it. Even if you suck at singing and dancing but it helps you get out your emotions, do it. Whatever it is that makes you happy and feel better about yourself and your life, do it.

Don't ever stop exploring what this life has to offer. Keep your chin up beautiful, your doing great!