Random THOUGHTS…Happy Friday Y’all

We’re 15 days into the new year and it seems it’s been a long one already. I’d thought I give a random post of all my thoughts random thoughts. There is so much going on around the world, in our homes, and on our jobs that can easily get us into the state of “How in the world did I end up here?”

Right now more than ever taking a moment to ourself is crucial to all of our wellbeing. Even if you can get five minutes in, it’s better than none. For example, turn the news off, do not consume that all day. Also turn off your social media notifications for a day or so. If you feel you can’t turn off your notifications just don’t respond, read, or look at them for a day. The goal is to give yourself a moment for clarity and to be with one in your own thoughts.

To sum up, please be mindful of what and how much you are consuming for the benefit of your mental health . This includes your conversations with family, friends, and coworkers. If you have someone at work like I do, who loves to talk about politics every moment of day, find a way to recenter. For me, I either completely ignore them, turn on my radio really low, and zone out. Eventually when I don’t respond or engage they stop or switch the subject. Another way I deflect is to simply say “I’ve had my fair share of politics I’m really not interested in discussing it right now.” Finally, my last resort, is to literally refer the conversation back work or another subject.

That goes for any subject matter that you are tired of talking about or hearing about.

Another random thought that has been heavy on me is to ask yourself what are you condoning, participating, accepting, and accommodating? Right now there are many things that we normalize and gloss over as if its ok, knowing deep down it’s not. Stop twisting yourself into a pretzel, to keep the peace in fear of being left out and talked about.

If it ain’t right, don’t sit well in your spirit, and you don’t want to, then exist gracefully. Just another random thought I’d like to share to help those feeling pressured to do certain things.

I’ve had to come to grips with this subject matter this week. Unfortunately, my mother in law passed away, and me knowing my role on when, where, and how far to extend my support had to become clear to me. I had to step back and say it’s not my mother, my husband has siblings, and I don’t have a say so. The most important was for me to make myself available. I was beginning to struggle on if I was being a good wife. But I had to realize my support is to my husband and my children, who lost their grandmother.

Finally, I come to know and understand that I can’t fix people or save people. I can’t and will not break myself down trying to fix someone else. Also if it has nothing to do with you, it doesn’t concern you, it’s none of your business, it doesn’t effect you or your family, it’s out of your control, or you can’t change it, then let it GO. Don’t be mad, angry, upset, bitter, or hold a grudge. Just be done and let go. And don’t look back.

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only that have some random thoughts that doesn’t seem to all fit. But thats ok, as long as you can acknowledge them. Those random thoughts will fit together one day. Bet on yourself first, this one time, and give yourself a chance.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Create Plans, Systems, and Habits For The New Year

It’s that time of year where people are talking about their new year’s resolutions. Instead of resolutions create plans, systems, and habits for the new year. I’ve never like this idea or really been able to answer the question “what’s your New Years resolution?”

Instead of a New Years resolution I think its more important and/or effective to create a lifestyle with systems and daily habits. Have a plan for your life in year. Break that plan down into half year goals, seasonal or quarterly goals, and then monthly goals. If needed you can even break it down into weekly goals until it has become habit. Setting goals, making plans, and listing somethings you’d like to accomplish in a year is more realistic and obtainable.

So often when we set resolutions they barely last a month or even a week sometimes. That’s because it hasn’t been thoroughly thought out, made with intention, and done at the spare of the moment.

Before creating a system or change you must ask yourself what is my end goal here? How long will it take me to reach my end game? What do I need in the process? If I have to make a detour what is my course of action to get back on track? What do I need to put into place to begin? What are the steps of this goal?

To make anything sustainable we have to be patient, persistent, and consistent. Yes there will be road blocks but we will overcome them. The systems set by our daily habits will allow us to get back into to gear when something happens. Life is going to continue but its how we push through that makes us strong.When we push through obstacles that gives us the confidence and motivation to continue on with our goals. Now we won’t give up or lose sight on what we sought out to achieve.

When you have an outline of your goal you’re able to track progress. You can adjust the goal if necessary. Increase or decrease your course of action, add or delete some steps in the process, and have a visual.

For example, if you have a weight loss goal, make a plan to lose 5lbs in the first month or two. Because you have a goal you know you have to eat a balanced diet and exercise to achieve that goal. Look at your work week, schedule of things to do with the kids or family in the week, and figure when it will be best to work out for at least 30 minutes 4 times a week. Anyone can say “I want to get fit” but what does that mean without a plan and goals behind it.

Along with setting goals and creating an action plan, having a system in place will assist you in achieving the goals you want. Having systems in place with daily habits that are pushing you toward your goal allows you to remain present in the moment. The systems of daily habits become the lifestyle change you are striving for. You can’t have one without the other. Create plans, systems, and habits to set you up for success this year.

Back to the weight loss example, you will need a system of when and how often I need to go to the grocery store to ensure I have what I need before, during, and after workout. Along with what will my daily meals and snacks look like. Waking up to making sure you don’t skip breakfast is a great daily habit to begin with. What am I going to have for lunch, what is my snack for the day, or what is the plan for dinner.

No matter what it is, you want to accomplish, create a plan for it. Vacation, remodeling the home, purchasing a new car, or whatever make an intentional plan. I know it may seem like a lot or it can be overwhelming in the beginning but once it becomes habit and who you are it won’t phase you one bit. Living the life you envisioned, deserve, and sought for is the best reward.

We have to make it a lifestyle and part of who we are. It has to be about us, for us, and by us otherwise it’s just empty words of hopes of what we’d like to do and accomplish.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Dear 2020,

It’s been real. It’s been a drama for sure. You showed us how not to make plans and be too sure about anything. So many of us had plans for you, 2020. It was going to be the year of wealth, health, new businesses , relationships, weddings, milestones, and new beginnings. Obviously you had other plans for us.

I don’t know what your point of all this was, to turn our lives upside down and inside out but you will not WIN!!!!!! We’ve had time to think, meditate, and reflect about what we want and value in life. Can you say hindsight 2020? And we thank you for giving us this time. We thank you for the heart ache, pain, devastation, unknown, and keeping us on the edge of our seats.

You keeping us on the edge of our seats has lit a fire under us. We know family and spending quality time with them is important. We know how important self care is and what we need, to be the best version of ourselves. We’ve found our passions and are ready to put our plans into actions.

We are focused, determined, and ready for you to leave. If you look around and see how excited we were to be in the season of joy, giving, love, and laughter. We began decorating, some of us even earlier than before. We’ve began celebrating and getting in the spirit of new beginnings.

You’ve taught us how to be resilient, patient, and present in the moment. Yes, we were guilty for living in our phones twenty four seven. Yes, we were guilty in believing working until you put yourself in the hospital was a sign of success. Yes, we were guilty in not spending quality time with family and creating memories. But we’re back baby. Better, stronger, wiser, and more ready than ever.

Dear 2020, you came in with a force and hasn’t stopped. As a matter of fact even at the end you are still trying to have a hold on us. But we’ve caught on and we aren’t going to let you ruin this last leg of the race.

Goodbye 👋 2020. You are no longer wanted here. We’ve had enough and ready for 2021, refresh, and new start. Thanks for stopping by and don’t come back!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

What’s On My Beauty Wish List!!!!

Yes, I love all things beauty, but I know and understand that you can enhance the beauty you already have on a budget or if you’re able to you can splurge a little. Here’s a couple of beauty items on wish list.

Tatcha Treasures for Poreless Skin Care Set. Hydrating and Cleansing 3 Piece Set Including The Water Cream, Satin Skin Mist, and The Deep Cleanse. $74.00

Mario Badescu Mini Mist Facial Spray Collection $17

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Mini Gloss Set $49.99

OPI Hello Kitty Nail Polish Collection Trio Gift Set $31.50

https://amzn.to/37CpBbh

Philosophy Hope Is In Your Hands Hand Cream and Cuticle Set $29.99

EOS Lip Balm, Hand and Body Lotioin Skin Care Gift Set $18.97

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Women 2PC Gift Set $77.83

https://amzn.to/33MrocJ

These are just a few items on my wish list this year. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and may your holidays be full of joy.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

40 Random Facts About Me

So tell me a little about yourself? We all have been asked this question and it stumps most people. So I thought I would do a challenge and list some random facts about me.

  1. I enjoy shopping for toiletries more than I do clothes and shoes. I can be in the soap and toothpaste aisle forever trying to figure out what to try next. Also it takes me a minute to pick out my laundry detergent as well.
  2. I am a huge sports fan. Don’t particularly have any favorite teams or players. Typically I root for the underdog. Basketball, football, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling I find myself watching quite a bit. 🏀🏉🤼‍♀️
  3. Love to burn candles. Seasonal and non seasonal. Burning candles does something with the mood and energy in the house. The aroma is a bonus.
  4. I’m an avid coffee mug collector.
  5. I’m always in my head, analyzing, thinking, and wondering. I always have to find a deeper meaning or connection.
  6. My all time favorite movie is My Cousin Vinny. Sister Act parts one and two come in a close second.
  7. Favorite dessert hands down is cheesecake. 🍰
  8. Favorite subject in school was math. Anything numbers or accounting related I can do forever and won’t get tired.
  9. Absolutely isn’t a fan of social media. Yes I know I need social media to promote my blog but I feel it will reach who it needs to reach when its time.
  10. Favorite channel on television is ID Discovery. Any crime genre shows like Law & Order, Criminal Minds I enjoy mostly.
  11. Love to read inspirational and motivational quotes on Pinterest. It’s literally my fuel on how I get through the day.
  12. Thoroughly enjoy encouraging others, talking with them through their pain, and loving them through their obstacles.
  13. Favorite food is veggie fajitas. 🌮
  14. Absolute beauty junkie. Anything that has to do with hair, nails, skin, makeup, or body care I’m am a sucker for. Lip gloss is my favorite beauty product.
  15. I mostly stick to reds and pinks when I do my at home manicure, however I am more adventurous on my pedicure.
  16. Every since I was a little girl, pink has been my favorite color. 👚
  17. Long bus or train rides is my idea of fun. I can sit in that seat and escape as I look out the window. Not fall asleep, not get bored. But be so in peace.
  18. When I was younger I had an insanely large collection of stuff animals. 🦄
  19. Up until my college years I adored everything Mickey Mouse.
  20. Very interested and intrigued with other cultures. Their food, rituals, language, customs, clothing, and how they live I can watch, read, and learn about endlessly.
  21. Favorite singer/artist has always been Janet Jackson.
  22. A dream of mine is to learn sign language.
  23. Favorite season is fall. Sweaters, lattes, brisk cold air, and the smell of cinnamon is everything.
  24. Favorite ice cream is butter pecan.
  25. I am a creature of habit. When I go to restaurants I will seemingly order the same dish. I’m already hungry the thought of trying something new and being disappointed, isn’t going to go well.
  26. Love the smell of coffee. ☕️
  27. My childhood nickname that my family still calls me to this day is Molly. My aunt gave me that name at a very young age.
  28. Attended an all girls high school in the city of Chicago where I was born and raised. That was the best experience of my life. Yes, I went home everyday. It was a normal high school, I seem to get that question a lot.
  29. My first car was a 2 door Ford Escort. 🚗
  30. Favorite thing about the holidays is to decorate for Christmas.
  31. When its time to make a decision I will always go against the grain and choose the opposite of what everyone else did.
  32. My favorite dishes and drinks from restaurants I will try at home to make myself. I typically won’t stop until I have perfected the recipe.
  33. When I was younger, up until college I used to say that I didn’t want to get married or have kids. Now being a mom and a wife is the air I breathe.
  34. I love to take walks outside and escape for a little while. When I walk outside I have freed myself from everyone and everything, and literally feel like I’m the only thing and only one out there.
  35. My zodiac sign is Leo, and I was born on Friday the 13th. 🐆
  36. When I was a teenager I worked at the party store and on Valentines Day one year I filled so many balloon orders that my fingers began to bleed from tying them all day.
  37. As I’ve grown older the less I’ve enjoyed eating meat. Not for any particular reason but I can go days without eating meat and won’t realize it.
  38. I have enjoyed living a more simple life and lifestyle as of late. I realized 20 eyeshadow palettes, 20 pair of pants, or 10 coats just wasn’t doing anything for me.
  39. Have always been a morning person. I’d rather wake up early and start the day than staying up late.
  40. I’d rather vacation on a ski resort than on a beach. ❄️

I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little better. So often we don’t know where to start but this is a good challenge to do. This will open your eyes and awareness to some things you may not have realized. I encourage all to try it, and do so without thinking. Over time it will increase, change, and evolve because we do.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

SINGLE LIFE IS A BLESSING, ENJOY IT

If you didn’t know it before, I’m here to tell you, single life is a blessing. Embrace and enjoy every minute you have with yourself. There is this misconception that being single is a bad thing and you’re not complete if you’re not in a relationship. Being single is a blessing and gift from God. One can actually have an amazing run at living the single life.

For starters, when living the single life you have time for yourself, to yourself, and by yourself. You don’t have to worry about sharing your time and making sure they feel wanted. Being single is a blessing because you can come and go when you please.

Single life is a blessing because you can invest as much time as you want into your career and achieve your goals so when you’re ready for a relationship you can have time for the relationship. Another benefit to being single is learning, loving, and getting to know you. The more you have time to be with yourself, the more you’ll be able to know exactly what you want in a partner and how you want to be loved.

One being single can have an amazing life. Just because a person is single doesn’t mean they are depressed, bored, and unhappy. When you’re single you can be your own companion and love yourself the way you want to be loved. Having dinner alone is actually a good thing. Taking a vacation and enjoying your time and fruits of your labor alone is a good thing. Yes, single people take vacations all the time and have an amazing experience. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY To All!!!

Relationships are hard work. I often tell people being married is a full time job, it is just as important if not more than the one that pays you. You have to constantly work at the relationship to have a long sustaining meaningful one. Sacrifice and compromise is one thing you don’t have to worry about when you’re single.

Single life allows you to be independent and won’t feel the need to have someone to make you feel whole, accomplished, or complete. Fulfill yourself with those things.

Being Single Is A Blessing

Once you know how to love yourself you’ll be able to show someone how to love you and you’ll be able to receive love. How you treat yourself is how you teach people how to treat you. Love on yourself so good that you’ll find amazing love with a partner one day.

Remember just because someone is married or in a relationship doesn’t mean they are happy and the relationship is good. On the other hand, just because someone is single doesn’t mean they aren’t living a great life or has less significance than someone in a relationship.

Being single is a blessing and gift from God. Don’t let your single life go to waste. Enjoy it.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

HAVE COURAGE

C-Compassion allows us to connect with others and have meaningful relationships. The greatest act of courage is to show or have compassion for someone who have wronged you.

O-Offer your authentic self no matter who you’re around and where you are. The greatest gift we can give is our true authentic self. It takes courage to say “this is me”. Some people will love you and some won’t. That is perfectly ok.

U-Understand the source of the anger, hurt, or pain for yourself and others for that matter. Knowing the why will lead to the healing.

R-Rest. Take a break from time to time. Recharge and reset. We are human, we will get burned out at some point. It takes courage to say, “I need a break right now.”

A-Accept where you are and embrace it. We all want more, to reach higher places, and to grow. However, we have to be able to appreciate what we have now and where we are. Love that 2 bedroom apartment and appreciate it, so when you’re blessed with that 3 bedroom house, your gratitude will beam through the windows.

G-Goodness is in you. Share it with the world. You have a special gift and something to offer. Once again, it doesn’t have to be grand, the smallest gesture has the greatest good.

E-Energy is contagious. Be the energy you want to receive. When you smile at someone they smile back. Someone is having a bad day or moment, compliment them, encourage them, and make them smile.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Your Prayers Were Answered The First Time

Have you ever prayed for something and felt like you’ve been waiting for a while or it was never answered? Because we humans are emotional creatures, many times our prayers have been answered but we’re too in our head to realize it.

This lightbulb just went off for me recently. For many years I constantly said to myself and others I didn’t want a 9-5, Monday thru Friday job. The thought of doing the same thing over and over again, having no time during the week to handle business, and essentially a weekend that‘s non existent was something I wasn’t interested in.

Welp, I ate those words. Now don’t get me wrong I love being in the professional world, contributing to an office, and using what I’ve learned and went to school for. Balancing books, spreadsheets, financial reports, and budgets makes my heart flutter. However, I had so many other interest I wanted to pursue.

Recently I was honest with myself and husband in saying I no longer wanted to do a 9-5 because I wanted to pursue some other ventures. I knew I could pursue my gifts whilst making sure my family didn’t feel any effects financially.

Pre COVID-19 my attitude and emotions toward my professional job changed. I enjoy what I do, however staying until 5PM was beginning to weigh on me. I began feeling like my time was better suited at home taking care of my kids, husband, home, and personal ventures. Yes, many others would love to sit idle and make “free” money. So often I would tell family and friends I feel unproductive and I’m wasting time by sitting here.

They would respond in telling me that it’s easy, free money. Well I wasn’t happy just sitting there doing nothing knowing deep down my mind was elsewhere. So my happiness and eagerness every morning dwindled as time went on.

Now COVID-19 had come and the world went to a shut down but we continued to work through it. I was given the pleasure to choose what shift I wanted because only one person could be in the office at a time. Well that was a nice gift right there but I couldn’t receive it as a gift at that time. So anyway, I chose the 7am-1pm shift. I am a morning person. I was excited to have time to work, take care of my family, home and still have time to pursue what I wanted.

I fell in love with this shift and after weeks into the months I couldn’t envision myself going back to a nine hour day. I remember standing in my kitchen telling my husband I would love to stay on this shift because I was seeing my vision for the life I wanted to live begin to form.

God Heard You the First Time

Well literally God answered my prayers with in a week. My boss came to me with a proposition of remaining part time on my shift so he can bring back an old friend full time. When he approached me I felt insulted and unappreciated because he used the fact that I valued being a mom to get what he wanted. All the while it was what I wanted as well. Because it was packaged in old wrinkly wrapping paper with no bow I didn’t realize the amazing gift that was being handed to me.

Needless to say I felt every emotion. How dare he to proposition me like that. Mind you I just told my husband I wanted to stay on this shift of 7-1. So I reluctantly agreed and instantly went into my feelings.

I was angry that I was doing a full time job on part time hours. While the other person enjoy doing nothing. Remember what I said a little while ago, about how being there until 5pm, I felt like I was wasting time.

Eventually duties began getting taken away and they let it be known their preference on who they wanted to handle certain duties. Once again I’m in my feelings y’all. Because these gifts aren’t being wrapped in pretty packaging with bows I wasn’t realizing God was giving me the shift I wanted, taking away duties so I wouldn’t feel like I was doing another person job, and answering my Prayers.

Now school has started and I need to be available before and after school. Well I was once again given the gift of “let me know when you want to come in and what hours you want to work”.

No joke I literally make my schedule and work how many hours I want. At one point I was given a compliment of how I get more work done in 5 hours than a normal person does in 8 hours. I was grateful for the compliment but because these gifts I was “given” was wrapped in old paper I couldn’t fully appreciate it.

Because they would say things like, you’ve got us to a good place but we want her to handle it now, I felt some type of way. Or, you really good at what you do, but she knows how I like things done. Then I got, if you ever want to go back full time let me know because you come first. All the while I was thinking, if I’m your first priority, why are you choosing someone else over me? This was God giving me exactly what I wanted. When I spoke to my husband that day in the kitchen, God heard my cry, and delivered.

God was answering my prayers, while polishing my character and making me stronger. Letting me know, it’s not always going to be pretty. Trust in the Lord and His Will shall be done.

OMG!!! I am blessed and had to look back to see how every prayer was answered. I literally got everything I asked for. I love being a mom and wife, taking care of the house and making sure they have the time, energy, and love they need to succeed. I also love having the ability to pursue my interests and hobbies that makes me, Me. I love being able to work outside the home and provide.

Guys this has taught me to get out my head and get out my feelings because if not I would’ve missed or even lost some blessings. Just because things aren’t answered how we want them to, when we want them to be answered, and who we want God to use doesn’t mean that our prayers isn’t answered.

God hears you the first time. And so it shall be.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

10 Things I’m Thankful For In 2020

-Waking up to the sun shining in my window
-The fact that I get to say I have a job and get to go to work
-After falling ill, my health is in good condition
-We have been without lack of food and water
-I have family and friends that love me
-I get to enjoy going for a walk, blogging, listening to music, and playing in makeup
-Basic necessities; home, car, insurance, working arms and legs, fingers and toes
-Those veggie fajitas I had for dinner
-Kindness of the stranger who paid for our dinner at Applebees and then McDonalds
-Access to the Internet

This year has been EXTRA. As we approach the holiday season, the best time of the year, it is a constant reminder that we’re still in the year of 2020. How we used to gather and celebrate some of us aren’t able to.

Between working from, to the kids doing virtual learning, and the stress of worrying about my husband whose an essential worker its been trying. But I must say we have been BLESSED beyond measure this year.

As I think back when this all started in February and March, we were scared, confused, and trying to process it. For me I have a 14 year old who’s on the spectum and I couldn’t imagine how I was going to get him through virtual learning along with two other children and working from home. But of course with the GRACE of God we did, and everything worked out just fine.

Just me having the ability to work from home was a blessing. But then at the end of March we experienced a terrible hail storm that totaled both of our vehicles. We were on lockdown for real after that. We couldn’t do anything because at the time appraisers weren’t coming out and body shops were closed. I remember going outside everyday looking at my vehicles sweeping up glass in the driveway.

When it happened my husband and I made the decision we weren’t going to panic, stress, or make any spur of the moment decisions. We literally looked at each other and said “well I guess God said we need to sit at home”. We did and enjoyed every minute of it. If this was even a year ago, I would have panicked and stressed myself out so much. But there were circumstances that were out of my control and I just had to let go.

We’ve all been stressed this year, up and down, and waiting on a moment to just breathe a sigh of relief. But even in the midst, there is so much to be thankful and grateful for. I challenge you to look around and point out the countless things you’re grateful for.

It doesn’t have to be huge. It can be that gallon of milk in the fridge, the fact you got to watch your favorite tv show, or you got to clean the garage.

Use this time to express and share gratitude. Instead of worrying about what it used to be, look at how good it is now.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

It’s Ok…

It Is Ok

To Cry
To Laugh
Take a day off
Not answer the phone
Eat Cake
Say you’re tired
Feel anxious
To Change your mind
Let go and be done
Feel Sad
Feel Nervousness
Experience an episode of depression
Want to splurge and purchase something
Need a vacation
Want a vacation
Like being alone
Move to another city, state, or country
Switch jobs or careers
Disconnect from the world from time to time
Say No
Say Yes
Ask for what you want
Feel how you feel
Be who you are
Protect yourself…or others
Be different
Look different
Try something different
Want to just do nothing
Be confused
Start over…more than once
It is ok to not be ok

It is OK!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.