HARVEST CONFIDENCE THIS FALL

By definition harvest means the process or period of gathering crops. Through our daily habits, self care activities, and wellness journey we harvest confidence. Planting the proper seeds for our mental, emotional, and physical health will give us the strong confidence needed to sustain this thing called life. Harvesting and planting the proper seeds are important because confidence isn’t a one and done. Confidence is a muscle we must water and exercise daily.

Plant seeds of boundaries within you. I don’ t mean cutting people off. If that’s necessary then do so. But I’ve learned to tell people (meaning family members) don’t call me talking about another family member. When they text how is so and so doing, I don’t even respond to that text. Now, when they text me and ask me how the kids are doing I’ll respond. If someone needs a ride and I have plans, I’ll let them know I have plans I can take you when I’m done. It’s more about not stretching yourself thin to the point you’re burned out.

Another thing I do, throughout the day, take a break. Plant seeds of permission to yourself to take a break. Yes, a day off is good. Vacations are good. Lazy days are good. However, small breaks daily can become more beneficial and effective. During the day at work, if I notice I’ve been going since I sat down at the computer, I’ll stop, and give myself a mental break. Get up. Step outside. Go to the bathroom. Get a snack or something to drink. Most importantly I’ll read a good passage. My go to for this is Hallmarks mahogany.com. The community writing group is amazing.

Plant seeds of protection. If I don’t want to do something or go somewhere I’ll say no. I no longer do so just to keep the peace. So often I’d say yes because I didn’t want them to think I was an ungrateful person or rejecting them by rejecting their invitation.

A great seed to plant is a cutoff seed. Sometimes I can go all day and not realize I haven’t sat down or watched a program on TV. After several loads of laundry, cooking, and taking care of my family, I’ll tell them I’m done for the day. I’m going to do something for me. This prevents me feeling overwhelmed and burned out. 15 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS TO BOOST CONFIDENCE

Lastly, seeds of investing in self. My night time cap is very important to my mental health. It allows me to put a period on the day and have a clear mental space in the morning. Same with my morning routine. Getting ready, making sure I feel my best to present gives me confidence to walk in any room and offer my authentic self.

Harvesting and plating seeds to build confidence takes patience. Start within. What do you mentally and emotionally to feel confident. Most of the time once that happens it’ll spill to the outer.

This fall plant you some seeds of confidence. The confidence you build will give you the motivation and inspiration to go after what you’re afraid to do right now.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

IT’S THE FIRST OF THE YEAR

Well, for me it’s the first of the year. Today is my birthday and I’ve always used my birthday as my “reset” day, beginning day, or milestone day. Every since I was a teenager I’ve always viewed my birthday as a deadline date to do something or start something . I never wanted a big party or extravagant gifts. For me, I’d wake up and make a goal about what I wanted personally for myself by the my next birthday.

A couple years ago, I turned 40 and that was my big day to cut my hair. I set goals on how I wanted to feel, where I wanted to be mentally, emotionally. My birthday is my first of the year. I love spending the day being me. Isn’t that’s what it’s for? To be in peace and completely me. My plan for the day is to wake up, get myself all dolled up, light my new candle, and sit outside and drink my coffee in one of my favorite mugs.

The simple things and the simple life is what I enjoy. I’ve learned to let things go. Let them be what they are. Not worry about what they could have been or what I hoped for. Time is very precious. I know it’s a cliche, but really it is. Just look it’s the middle of August. If I want to do something, buy somethings, go somewhere, eat something, then I’m going to do it. I understand the purpose of living each day. I won’t get them back.

”Sometimes you need to take a break from everyone and spend time alone, to experience, appreciate, and love yourself.”- Robert Tew

One of my goals was to be more self aware and emotionally strong. Not take things personally. Be confident in myself. Give myself without depleting me. Being honest in my communication. Standing on my boundaries without being dismissive. Not feeling like I have to explain myself. Being knowledgeable, comfortable, and confident in my decisions. Not seeking validation or approval to live or just be me.

I enjoy my birthday. I own my birthday. It’s the first of the year for me. My goal is to continue my quest of emotional intelligence. Using my path and journey to pour into family, friends, and my children. I feel great and grateful for the mental clarity that God gives me. I like me. I love who I am becoming and hope it’s infectious.

My hope for you is to find your own way of feeling free. Whatever that may look like for you. How do you reset, reflect, and recharge? Do you use January 1 or your birthday like I do? Or some other day?

Be well!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

5 LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

As I grow and enjoy my journey I’m learning to celebrate the small things in life and appreciate the moments that some may look over. Lately, there are some things that I realize bring me more joy than a piece of cheesecake, my favorite dessert. It’s more important to take a look back each night, week, month or year and appreciate the finer things that brings you joy. Here are just a few things that make me feel whole, comfort, and at peace each day.

Watching TV with my daughter nightly. It has become a ritual these last couple months for us to watch something of her choosing. Or sometimes she’ll get into a program I recorded and want to watch. But this is our way of chatting without it seeming like it’s a task or me trying to get information. We learn from each, get to know each other, and discuss things that probably won’t come up on a regular.
Dropping my kids off at school. I think I look forward to this because it’s my way of sending them off. I get to motivate and pour into them while in the car. I know this won’t last long as they get older and graduate. It’s sort of our quiet time to enjoy each other before starting our busy day and reconvening later in the day.
Monthly salon appointment. I look forward to this appointment because I get to talk to a bunch of women, divulge in beauty talk and products, and leave feeling like a brand new woman. It’s something I do for me that makes me feel good on the inside more than the outside. 9 DAILY FEMININE SELF CARE HABITS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
New Inspirational Journals. These gems I purchased from the dollar store has really allowed me to purge my thoughts, feelings, and desires without filter. I get to be my true honest self and not worry about being perfect or writing perfectly. After writing I feel lighter and ready to tackle the day. Journaling has allowed me to clear my thoughts for new inspiration.
Daily pampering. Each morning I have to take care of feminine self. Starting with my skincare routine, perfume, and jewelry. Just dolling myself up a bit keeps my spirits up. When you don’t get dressed or doll yourself up sometimes it’s easy to get into a slump. You don’t need a special event to get dressed up or glam yourself.

Those are 5 little things that brings me joy. Focusing on what makes me feel good inside and out keeps my mind open for new positive thoughts. If you’re feeling a little blue, I encourage you to look back at your day and make a list of things that make you feel good. The smallest acts have the greatest impact.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

MENTAL NOTE OF THE DAY

”Don’t let the storm in your heart overshadow the sunshine in your soul.”-c.r. Elliott

You are not your circumstances. Don’t own anything that isn’t you. Furthermore, don’t accept, participate, and own the labels others attempt to put on you. I have been guilty of this most of my life. The labels my family put on me I subconsciously accepted and owned. You have the right to live the life you want to live. Not the life others think you should live. Remember that you are not a victim you are a survivor. Isolated events that has taken place in your life doesn’t define your story. You are the author and finisher of your story. Don’t ever dim your light for someone else’s comfort. Shine bright and blind them. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

MENTAL NOTE OF THE DAY

”Mind is a beautiful servant, but a dangerous master.” – Buddha

We are very good at thinking negatively. Replaying the worst situations and experiences that has occurred in our life is easy to do. If the mind is that powerful, then we can retrain and reprogram to think of a beautiful life. Replay your dream day in the life over and over again and watch it come to reality. SELF CONFIDENCE BEGINS WITH THE MIND Dream up your family, home, vacations, and career you have been wanting. It will all come to pass. Just as all the negative that comes to pass when we speak it up. The mind is a powerful thing. Use it for the good. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

The More You Grow…Part II

We’re constantly evolving and growing. The more you grow and learn about yourself the better life you can have. Certain aspects of life are important to you and meaningful than before. So I’d thought I update a previous post from earlier. The More You Grow…

First as your grow having a life insurance policy is IMPORTANT!!!!! This isn’t something we want to think about when we’re younger or even think is important. Well its very important for everyone, even the children in the family. Making sure your family is ok in the event of something happening will eliminate unwanted stress. You can go online and get a quote, and guess what its not even expensive. The only thing that’s guaranteed for all of us is death.

Next, maintaining your home and cars. I was very guilty of this when I was younger. Routine maintenance and checkups on your vehicles saves you money in the long run, keeps your return on your investment high, and provides a sense of security. Maintenance on your home is more essential to you mentally and emotionally. Home is where you go to rest, relax, and release. It’s the place you feel most comfortable. So to ensure it’s updated, maintained, and inviting, allows you to focus on yourself.

Keeping regular doctor and dental visits are primary health care habits. We can do everything right and if we don’t get checked out something can go wrong. However, thinking preventive will keep you inspired to stay ahead. Making sure we’re the most healthy is essential to self care.

Along with physical health having a good spiritual foundation is the one ingredient that can’t be missed. Having a sense of gratitude and knowing that there is a higher power, provides the hope and faith needed to know everything is going to be alright no matter what. Whatever you believe and how ever you believe is up to you, your business, and is for you alone.

black typewriter machine typing on white printer paper

As you become more seasoned, you know the importance of having a great understanding of your finances. Where they are, what you want, where you need to improve, and have a clear plan on how you’re going to get there. You no longer fly by the seat of your pants.

By this time you’ve lived and know the importance of having a great work life balance. So many of us in our early years work work work, and missed out on family time and milestones that we can’t get back. Furthermore, most of us don’t even enjoy the fruits of our labor. Now you know that taking time to breath, pat yourself on the back, and enjoy family and friends is priceless.

As we grow the relationships in our life is essential to our well being. Knowing what we need from each one and how we can reciprocate the love is clear. This is for your romantic, friendships, coworkers, family, and anyone else in your life. Long gone are the days of having 20 best friends. We keep a couple and throw the rest away.

When it comes to holidays, you really don’t need a gift. As long as you are around family and friends, good food, love, and laughter you are content and happy.

Avoiding people, places, and situations is essential to your mental health and you now know that. You no longer view it as running or punking out. Not putting yourself in uncomfortable situations or circumstances is smart and wise.

These are just some things I’ve picked up along the way and thought I’d share. Someone may feel the same way and not know what exactly is happening. It means you’re growing my love and becoming more aware of who you are. Don’t be afraid or run from it, embrace it because it’s going to make your life easier and more enjoyable.

The one thing that is constant is change. And while we’re on this journey of life, we’re going to forever grow. Let’s grow in the right direction.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

WEEKLY BLOG: SHORT WEEK, SNOW DAYS, AND CAR REPAIR

This week my intentions were to let the days come natural to me. Once again, the kids had a 4 day weekend and getting in and out of routine hasn’t been the easiest. But even with the snow days 3 weeks in a row we adjusted on the fly well.

Sunday: The morning was great and started a little late. It felt good to get up and let the day come natural. Because the kids didn’t have school on Monday (presidents day) I knew we could relax a bit extra. My husband and I didn’t do our Sunday morning cafe coffee run because my mom came over and we talked the time away. After she left it was business as usual with cleaning, laundry, and having an early dinner. Because my husband also took off to have a 3 day weekend I didn’t want to be overwhelmed with work and not spend time together. The evening for me began early. After a workout I was able to enjoy some quality T.V. time.

Monday: So I was the only one who prepared to get up this morning and go to work. It’s presidents day and the kids are out of school and my husband took off work. However, upon getting up and getting dressed I had a light bulb moment, and remembered we were closed as well. I had to text a coworker to remember and she confirmed for me. Another day off. Yayyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!! I was super excited to be off with the entire fam and have nothing on the to do list. But since I was up early I proceeded to clean, have coffee, do laundry, and binge watch ID Discovery. The rest of the day was spent enjoying a peaceful relaxing day.

Tuesday: Unseasonably warm today. No wonder we’re expecting snow and ice again on Thursday. Back to business as usual with school and work, but made it a point to go out and enjoy the spring like temps before winter weather rolls in again. Had a very quiet and slow day at the office. Spent the evening walking outside enjoying the sun.

Wednesday: My morning was going great. Always a pleasure to wake up, fix hot breakfast for my kids and husband, and see everyone off. That is, until my husband calls me and says there is something wrong with our truck. He immediately took it to the mechanic and now my morning has hit a fork in the road. Instead of having a moment to myself after I drop the kids off, I have to meet him at the mechanic and pick him up. Because we’re expecting another round of snow and ice we knew we wouldn’t have answers today. They said they would be closing early and heading home.

I’m proud of myself because we came home to let it process and figure out our next steps before heading to work. Usually when something like this happens it sends you into a frenzy. I knew I was off tomorrow so it wasn’t a big rush to get it fixed right away.

Thursday: Snow day as expected. The kids are off and so am I. The temps are drastically cold and different from two days ago. After my husband left I decided to sit and have a moment to myself before the kids woke up. However, that was short lived, because we got a call about our car and what was wrong with it. I was really expecting the worst. But it turned out not to be that bad. But due to the weather we wouldn’t be able to pick it up until tomorrow. I was in gratitude mode all day. More importantly grateful for me keeping my calm and not worrying myself sick over the car. After a gloomy snowy day I was ready for the weekend. We received a call late that the kids would have school. WEEKLY BLOG: CALM AND STILLNESS

Friday: What do you know? At 5:30 a.m. we received a call from the school saying road conditions were too bad, and they were cancelling school all together. This is the third week in a row that they’ve had 4 day weekend. But there is always a brighter side. The teachers got a much needed break. We still had to pick up our car from the mechanic and I chose to truck it through the winter weather and go to work. The kids stayed home with dad and enjoyed yet another day off. I did my usual Friday grocery store run and went on a cleaning spree. You know sometimes you just get into a cleaning mode. Because it was cold out still, we spent our Friday evening watching T.V. and staying warm.

Saturday: Not too much planned. My boys had hair cut appointments and I chose to spend the afternoon cleaning up the ice melt that was tracked in from outside. I was able to have a great moment of brainstorming ideas, blogpost, and edit. I was able to get a workout in early because we wanted to take the kids out for dinner. However, they opted to order in and didn’t want to go. We, of course, took advantage of the moment and decided to go have our Saturday night date night since they didn’t want to hang out with us. It was refreshing after being snowed in the last couple of weekends. We capped the night off binge watching Netflix.

My take away from this week was everything will work out. Take advantage of the time that I have to spend with my family. Don’t let things out of your control ruin your day or week.

Have a great day and week!!!!!!

P.S. Weekly blog is designed to show the realistic life of a working mom balancing life, family, marriage, and myself.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

HAS 2021 BEEN WHAT YOU EXPECTED?

We’ve approached June 1, 2021 and its hard to believe. Has 2021 been what you expected it to be? Coming off a crazy year like 2020, we had many hopes and expectations of what we wanted and thought 2021 should be. Has 2021 been a great year for you so far? Or has it been a great disappointment?

To be perfectly honest, I had absolutely no expectations for the year 2021. I actually had a feeling of more of the same. I wasn’t expecting a huge shift in anything. However, I did go into the year with one goal, and that was to be grateful and positive no matter what came my way. How have I done so far? I must say I’m proud of myself. I’ve been very good at keeping a level head and trying to encourage myself and others.

On the other hand, I wanted to be fearless and take chances. And again, I’ve taken some steps professionally and business wise that I have been putting off. I’m proud of myself. So far for me 2021 has gone by fast and isn’t waiting on us for anything. If I can get through a COVID-19 school year, with the kids in seat, I can do anything. WHAT I’VE LEARNED THIS YEAR ABOUT MYSELF

Has your 2021 been what you wanted? If it hasn’t you still have time to plan, create, and set yourself up for success. The one thing we can’t get back is time. What are you waiting for? Turn your dreams into reality one step at a time. Do something everyday towards your dream or goal. It could be something as simple as reading an article or doing research.

If you want to go back to school, relocate, change careers, lose weight, or start a business, do one thing each day to make it reality. The more you work and grow, the more motivated and encouraged you become. Furthermore, we can’t just dream, we have to put some action behind it.

On the other hand, if your 2021 has been everything you hoped, then continue on the path you’re on. Continue to grow and live the life you set out. Even if no one says it, you are an inspiration to others. Enjoy the process and may you accomplish everything you set out.

2021 isn’t over, however time is moving like lighting and it isn’t going to slow down. I wish we could add hours in a day or tell time to slow down and wait until we’re ready. Go after and get whatever it is you want or want to do. Remember it’s a journey without a destination. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon. And lastly, the journey is yours and no one else’s.

Have a great day, week, month and rest of the year!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?

Do you know who you are? I was in Walmart picking up what supposed to be one item. Well walking through the aisle I stumbled upon the mugs. I found this mug that caught my eye and I had to pick it up. It was a black mug with one word on it “Introvert”. FACTS ABOUT INTROVERTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Boy that made me smile and without hesitation, I told my husband I have to get it. Before I knew, the words, “this is so me and I love it”, came out my mouth.

Walking to the register I thought to myself, what is so me? Well, I smiled on the inside because there was a comfort in me knowing who I am and what makes me, me. Yes, I am an introvert, I’ve told y’all before. I love everything about me being an introvert. I embrace who I am.

Also I loved the mug, because I am a mug collector. A good colorful inspirational mug makes me happy. It’s even better when I’m drinking my coffee or tea to have a reminder literally at my fingertips. It’s the little things that makes your personality shine and pop.

What is or are the little things that makes you smile? Do you know what makes you happy? Can you answer the question, what makes you happy? How does your personality shine through on a daily? On one hand, it doesn’t have to be big. So often we get stumped on a question like this because we think the person is looking for some grand answers.

The million little things that makes you stand out is what makes you so special and unique. Embrace every little thing no matter how quirky, colorful, small, or big it may be.

We are human beings with many emotions, which means we’re going to have some big and small things that makes us happy and who we are. Do you know who you are?

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

I WAS GROWN BEFORE, BUT LIFE CALLED ME

Something happens when you hit 40. I’ve always heard people talk about it and say how something shifts, it definitely does and it’s noticeable. I was grown before, but now I really think I’m grown. Some can be adults in age, but not so much in their priorities, responsibilities, and life.

For starters, I no longer care about having a closet full of clothes and shoes. Let alone caring about the name or labels on the tags. My care has shifted to making sure my home is as cozy as possible. I enjoy walking through Menards, Lowes, and the Garden section in Walmart. Creating a home with positive energy, peace, comfort, and happiness tickles my fanny.

While creating a safe space to be free, I’ve adopted the less is more option. That is with everything. Clothes, shoes, makeup, skincare, knickknacks, decor, kitchen gadgets, and just stuff. I find myself throwing away a lot of “stuff” as I clean and do laundry.

The next thing I noticed, and this is what made me figure out the shift in myself, is I pay attention to what others say on certain topics, or what they don’t say specifically. I pay attention to a person actions towards others, positive and negative. I specifically watch to see if they cut corners, always wanting something extra, looking for a leg up, wanting favors, and just how they move in general.

“The best judgment of character is to watch how a person engage with others.”

Another thing that I noticed is my daily lifestyle habits are very important. You know when you’re younger, eating right isn’t at the top of the list. Also when you’re young and dumb, you think you never going to gain weight or you can lose it easily. Yeah Right!!!!!! Making sure I have healthy eating habits, exercising throughout the week, and oh, this is a big one, gettting my behind in the bed at night is a priority at the top of my list.

The eating and drinking habits of others is something I’ve come to pay attention to. I love it when a coworker or friend tell me they want to lose weight or going on this fad diet, while eating a bucket of ice cream. I will support and motivate anyone, but if you’re wasting my time by not being serious or taking your health serious then, I have to move on.

I’ve become more mindful on what I watch, read, and listen to. Because of the world we live in, I find myself constantly seeking motivational and inspiring content to consume to ensure I’m operating from a place of positivity. YouTube has tons of motivational content on all subject matters to keep your gas tank full. I can find long videos while I clean up or a quick video on the ride to work to keep me going. Pinterest has millions of inspirational quotes to get you through any situation. Of course we know Instagram has content that motivates us.

Side Note: The key to social media is to only click on the content that you seek, or aspire to indulge. That way the algorithm will only pull the content in which you want to see.

My insatiable desire to let everyone know they are worthy is mounting. It really pains me to hear or see of a individual feeling down, in despair, hopeless, and unmotivated.

“You are bigger than the storm you going through. Remember storms are temporary.”

The ability to comfortable in feeling my feelings and not feeling bad about it has lifted weight off my shoulders . Feeling my feelings allows me to process it, talk it out, and move passed it. Which is great for my mental health. I encourage everyone to feel their feelings so you can learn and move forward. Ignoring or pretending like nothing bothers you, only hurts you and prevents you from being the best version of yourself.

I used to love going to the store to “just” look, now I only go when necessary and frankly I don’t even like doing that. It’s not so much about spending money or trying to save money, it’s not wanting be in the midst of the craziness that happens when you go shopping. Also, thats how I know I‘ve accomplished my goal of being at peace and content with what I have. There is nothing wrong with “wanting” more, but you have to start by being grateful for what you have now.

Which brings me to my next point, in being more financially aware or frugal. When I want something, I really think about it for some time. I go through a serious of questions: Do I really need it? Do I have a place for it? Can I afford it? Lastly on the financial tip, is I’d rather save and pay cash for it, instead of having debt and interest. When you’re younger you view money differently. I know I’m grown because life has called me to look at money and finances completely different.

My desire to give folks my time and argue just isn’t happening anymore. First of all, my blood pressure tells me girl you need to sit down, and you know what, they just aren’t worth it. I’m was grown before and life has called me to let certain things go. The energy that it exhaust out of me is too much and most of the time its not going to change the outcome, circumstances , or how a person feels.

It feels good to not care what people think or say. This one took me a while. It wasn’t so much of what my friends thought, but wanting the approval from my family that I was doing right or making the right decisions stressed me out. Another one that took me a while to grasp, is to not take things personally when people are rude or disrespectful. The anger that they display has nothing to do with me.

Welp, thats a few things I’ve noticed that has changed in me. It feels good, I feel good, and I want y’all to have the same liberating feeling. I was grown before, but now I’m really grown and growing. Remember it’s a journey, there isn’t a destination, and I’m still hopping along.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.