Resolutions

I think making goals in life are important. We all have different things we strive for and to write it all out really helps. Now actually setting out what you told yourself you wanted to do can be a bit tricky. It can be hard, the excuses flood in and then you're sitting at the end of another year wishing you had accomplished more. 

I look back at 2013 and see many great things I accomplished. 

With that though there is always the I wish I had done this or that but to be honest I'm pretty satisfied with this year. It's brought many unexpected changes and plot twists. 

God has really brought Andrew and I through many things and in return we have learned to trust Him so much more. 

I have a few goals this year and I always find if I write them down they are easier to remember and to actually accomplish. 

Goals & Resolutions:

(1) Have a healthy baby. 

(2) Pay off all our debt to starts saving for a house. 

(3) Run a half marathon. 

(4) Paint

(5) Journal at least a few times a week.  
(6) Go on a vacation.
(7) Be more intentional with my time.
(8) Explore my new state.
(9)Write more hand written letters.
(10) Letting go of things I can not control & keeping trust that God will always have the right solution.

What are some goals and resolutions you have? 

Love Forever, 

Chel Chel 

Changes

This year has been a season of growth, humility, sadness, anger, joy and mostly just a lot of change in a short period of time.

For the sake of time, feelings and assumptions I'm not going to share much of what I have gone through in great detail. I won't sugar coat my feelings but I'm not out to write down my thoughts in a vengeance.

I'm going to start my timeline in the summer. This was when a fast paced amount of change entered my life. Andrew and I were faced with many difficulties, decisions and a bit of fear of what God held for our future.

We were serving in Concord, California at a large church & my home church of the past sixteen or more years.

Andrew was the Tech Director. He ran the audio, lighting and media department. He did an extraordinary amount of work and really went above and beyond to keep a large church running every weekend.

We were faced with a tough decision. 

I want to pause and say I feel sad that a good amount of our church family probably felt we just up and left. That we jumped on a new opportunity and just ran away with it. This was not the case and this is really the only point I want to make very clear. Many aspects were thrown at us that were beyond our control and if we had it our way our resignation would have been more clearly communicated. 

Our time limit was coming to a very fast close. We were told his job was ending with no set reason and no set time frame. We knew in our hearts much earlier than this that we weren't going to be here forever and that was because Andrew knew he was supposed to be a worship leader. Music is something so deeply rooted in him and a clear gift from God to him. With that said we knew eventually we would move on. However, what we didn't know is that we would be faced 

with that choice so soon. 

We were given the opportunity to come to Washington to lead worship under dear friends and our Pastors Brian and Andrea. 

We knew this was the right choice, the right place and a total leap of faith. Not all the small details made sense but that's not how our God works. 

I was fearful but excited for the opportunity ahead. It was a place to start over, work under amazing leadership, and a place for Andrew to finally use his gift of music. 

Quite a lot else was happening in between all this. A lot of unexpected hurt and betrayals but I believe it was really the enemy trying to get my focus off of what God truly had for Andrew and I. 

I've come to this place where I have sure confidence in Jesus. This confidence knowing that He is there for me and will provide for me. I used to seek such counsel and approval in other people. Longing for their blessings. I think it was this control I had in me that if I pleased everyone then I was doing my part. The problem that arose though was me putting in effort and not receiving much back. It became hurtful and my strong loyalty to relationships became overlooked. I consider myself a good communicator and I struggled when I realized not everyone can do that as easily as it comes to me. 

As I look back now I can see the bigger picture. I can see how God was weeding certain aspects out of my life. Allowing me to go through things that I just could not understand at those moments but seeing now the amount of growth and health taking place in Andrew and I. You don't realize how unhealthy your environment gets until you're out of it and can look back. Our spirits were both being suffocated by so many different parallels in both of our lives. 

I can say now were the healthiest we have ever been. We're in a place where we are allowed to be ourselves, be creative and dream big. 

Moving from our home state wasn't easy and we are still trying to figure out how to make it all work. I love being a part of Hillcrest Church and l look forward to growth, deepening our roots in Christ, and starting our family here! Which with hardship comes joy and we can't wait to meet our little one in May! 

I'm happy to be able to feel free enough to write again. I've had so much built up in me and to write in the thick of things would have only produced anger and more hurt. I encourage you when you're in a season of life that seems so negative and is weighing you down to really step back and allow God to bring you through it. Allow yourself to have faith enough to give up that tight grip of control. It can be a very unknown and sometimes scary place but a very freeing and positive place once you do. 

"I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word."Psalms 130:5 

Love Forever, 

Chel Chel 

P.S I am still on bloglovin! Just type in Chelzz Chats 

P.S.S. I am now on PoshMark! I've got lots of fun pieces and beauty bundles! You can finder here:http://www.poshmark.com/closet/chelzz08 and if you decide to download the app and join use code: HKZRW for a & $5 credit for you and me :)

Women, let's cut the criticism.

Dear Women,

I have to ask you some questions.

 Why do we constantly tear each other down instead of building each other up?

Why do we get upset when another women achieves something & instead of praising them we tear them down?

Why is it such a big deal to you that I choose to not go to college & you criticize me and tell me I'm ruining my future?

Why do we constantly give unwanted advice to new moms who are already terrified & yet overjoyed with a newborn?

Why do we make fun of unmarried women?

Why do we laugh at each other's beauty instead of embracing our differences?

Why are we tearing each other down instead of empowering each other?

Why?

Why do we pick ourselves apart so much that in return we choose to tear other women down?

I have come across a few articles and blogs talking about a few of these questions.

I'm frustrated. 

I am tired of having to feel like I have to prove my self worth to the world.

My worth & value is found in Jesus.

Period.

However, in a world full of women who decide to judge and gossip about one another it can be hard to remember where your worth is from.

Instead of just communicating & being honest with each other we would rather smile & fake it and then tear each other down behind each other's backs.

I have and am choosing change.

I am focused on not gossiping about others, about only speaking kindness or my words in love.

I want to inspire & empower other women in their journey.

I want to choose to toss aside the negative & focus and spread positivity.

I want to challenge you to do the same. 

None of us want to feel put down, judged, or criticized.

In all seriousness, spread the love today.

Deep down we all need it.

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

Wonders//Can you do that God?

 

Andrew and I were sitting in church Sunday night at Bayside Church in Granite Bay, CA.

Pastor Ray preached on Haggai and what was holding us back.

One of the points was about if we either look ahead or look behind us.

Andrew is the dreamer. Constantly he is sharing dreams and goals.

I do not.

As hard as that is to admit I can't help but look over my shoulder and glance into the past.

I have been sitting in that for while and it's holding me back.

Satan always gets in my head and tells me God can't really do that.

It's to big of a reach or to big of a dream.

I listen into that far to much & it disables me from really looking forward and letting God know the big desires and little desires of my heart.

 

I really feel God is telling me to write out my list of wonders since that message on Sunday

Well, I got a text from my GoTandem app yesterday that said: "God, you gave performed many wonders for us. Your plans are to numerous to list."

Psalm 40:5

I'm always asked a question too and it said: What's on your list of wonders?

 

God is so clear when you are constantly communicating with Him and diving into His word.

It just makes me laugh because I feel like for months things were so unclear and I was so frustrated yet I wasn't going to God with it and if I was it was half-hearted.

I'm still somewhat frustrated with this season and it's a very tough & broken place I am in to be honest, but I have so much peace at the same time because I have given God complete control and in that I feel incredibly free.

 

I think a list of wonders & dreams are a bit different than a bucket list.

I think wonders are something we think are to big for God when in reality they are not.

I wrote out a small lost of wonders but I believe I will add more as I press in more.

Some are to personal to share via internet but I will share a few.

[ For Andrew to become a worship leader and lead people into the presence of God]

[ For me to discover what my heart truly loves to do and not worry about the logistics of it financially]

[To be a Godly mother]

[For Andrew & I to have a small group]

[To inspire others to love themselves for who they are in Christ]

 

 

 

What are your wonders you think are to big for God?

 

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

 

 

//happy anniversary!

July 21, 2012 I married my best friend.

Andrew you are the best thing that has happened to me.

You make me a better person, you make me smile, you encourage me, you help me in areas of weakness, even if I fight you for it, I am thankful for it. 

You provide for me, confide in me, hold an umbrella over my head even if we get mad at each other.

We travel, sing, annoy, laugh, cry and enjoy each other.

You encourage me on rainy seasons.

You are a man of God, a man on integrity and character, a hard worker, kind, thoughtful, loving, mellow, calm, super & ridiculously musically talented.

You're a dreamer & you show me how to dream.

I couldn't imagine life without you in it.

This first year of marriage was hard, it was a lot of growing and stretching, a ton of learning, loads of communication and opening up but a ton of fun. 

I look forward to eternity with you. 

You are my spouse, best friend and lover.

I love you Andrew!

Love Forever {your wife}

Chel Chel

//Every flower must grow through dirt.

This has been a quote I have been reminding myself for the past month.

I have been pretty M.I.A. and it's just been a whirlwind lately of endless well crap.

I don't think I could explain it any other way.

 

I have to be pretty vague, unfortunately, because I am in the midst of some pretty rough life circumstances. However, I need to write and this blog is a place where I feel I can be open and connect with people I may have never met otherwise.

 

Lately God has really been growing me in the area of trust.

I have a really hard time with the word trust.

My dad left when I was 17 and never looked back.

That tragedy has scared me for life and so I struggle with trust & anxiety.

Anyways, in this season I have been stretched so thin I don't think I can possibly stretch anymore with out breaking into a million pieces. However, with God I'm still managing to stay put together. It's all Him seriously because to my standards I would have cracked a long time ago.

 

That quote above has become my tune. I'm trying to sing when I feel like my world is telling me to shut-up, keep my head down, feel worthless & not valued.
It's frustrating and something very few people can understand because the picture painted for them looks wonderful but the picture from the inside is a complete toxic mess.

I haven't experienced such a toxic season like this in my life.
All I have left is to choose to trust Jesus.
It's all I have left.
I have to put my complete faith in Him because me trying to control and maintain the situation is like trying to put a lion in a tiny box.

I know God has called Andrew and I to greatness.
I know if we continue to trust and obey Him he will serve justice where needed and will bless us for our obedience and faithfulness.
Until then Andrew & I stand firm knowing God sees & has got our back we just have to choose to trust.

Trust.
That word is so hard yet so peaceful when you choose to do it.

Stand firm in what you believe it & always do what's right.

"Every flower must grow through dirt."

Love Forever,
Chel Chel

 



//10 Things I love about myself.

I am a total quote person.  I find inspiration & such truth in so many & I really try to apply them to my life, Something I have realized is that I am really pretty good at liking myself. That sounds really arrogant at first but if you really think about it do you actually like yourself? Do you like who you are & what you've become? I'm that girl who loves to go on walks by myself. Treat myself to coffee or lunch. Go to the movies. Whatever really.  I have never minded hanging with myself. For a while I never thought it was out of the ordinary until I learned most people in our society have no clue how to love themselves. Well I want to share ten things about myself I really like & love. I want you to do the same. Maybe you can come up with 20 or maybe 3 or even maybe 1. But I challenge you to find things you love about yourself & be insanely okay with that.   {1}  I love my eyes. They are blue like the ocean and I love them! {2} I love that I'm loud.  {3} I love that I don't feel guilty for eating sweets. Life is short. Enjoy it. {4} I like my curves. I'm still learning to love them but for the most part I do like them because I feel very feminine. {5} I love my freckles. {6} I like that I have opinions & I am okay sharing my thoughts with others. I have no fear of communication.  {7} I like that I love to travel & explore this beautiful world. {8} I like that I love playing dress up & wearing make-up & being fancy but I love that I am okay to be bare-faced & wear workout clothes. {9} I like that I have become more of a private person. I am comfortable enough not having to prove my life through social networking. {10} I love that God gave me such a beautiful temple I strive to treasure it everyday. I encourage you today to learn to like yourself.  To believe in yourself & that you will allow God to show you the beauty He has given you. We are all unique and special & it's a shame more people don't realize how amazing they really are.

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Love Forever, Chel Chel P.S. I am still wanting to do a beaty giveaway. I still check my blog often even though currently I am not writing as often. I am going to try & write twice a week to really get my thoughts out during this season of my life. Follow me on Bloglovin. At 30 I will be doing a giveaway. I am at 22 now =) To all of you who do read, I appreciate you.

//Freedom to Live.

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It's been a few weeks since I've blogged & I really never meant for that to happen. I went to blogging five days a week to three. Then from three to about two but usually one. Then it went to one every other week. I have been reflecting A LOT lately.  I have really been discovering who I am & what I want out of life. I know right now where I am is not all I want. Marriage & friendships aside everything else I would like to change. I know there is more to life than this & surely God hasn't forgotten about me. Sometimes I think He has though.  I'm down here writing SOS in the sand waving my hands up to the big clouds desperately trying to get His attention & screaming, "Help me! This can't be a part of the plan!" Oh, but it is.  This season of breaking me into a million pieces & wanting to rip my hair out is a part of the process. You see Jesus needs to break me first before He can use me for His glory. He is reminding me I am not in charge & I have to trust Him. Oh that word trust how I loathe you. I have become very bitter to that word. I'm learning though & in process I am angry. It hurts me sometimes that people make me feel like I am not allowed to be angry with God or anyone for that matter. I AM allowed to feel angry towards God & to people who hurt me. This doesn't mean my walk with God is falling apart it means I'm learning & trying to understand & trying to TRUST. Something I have a very hard time doing. I am letting God hold me right now even though I don't want to be. I am learning & I need that freedom to do so. For now that includes not updating my blog as often.  It includes me using my time to learn, grow and reflect.

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"I'm trying Lord. Help me to trust you & your plan for my life." Love Forever, Chel Chel P.S. I am still wanting to do a beaty giveaway. I still check my blog often even though currently I am not writing as often. Follow me on Bloglovin. At 30 I will be doing a giveaway. To all of you who do read, I appreciate you.

Skip the Diet

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Okay, seriously this has been sort of annoying me.

"Well I have to starve myself for this...blah blah then I can eat whatever I want again."

Aka still feel like crap all the time again.

Here's a secret. 

YOU DON'T HAVE TO STARVE!

Gasp!

You know I eat MORE than I did when I wasn't healthy.

I eat 4-5 times a day with smaller meals packed with protein, complex carbs and healthy fats.

I run 3-5 days a week.

Strength train 2-4 times a week.

There is no easy fix. 

It takes hard work. Trial and error.

Motivation to keep going!

When I look at my before and after pictures I am amazed at my results.

You're not going to lose 50 pounds in a month.

That's not realistic, healthy or a long term solution.

I eat about 80-90 percent clean.

Moderation for the rest of the not so healthy stuff.

Exercise.

Drink tons of water.

Sleep!

You have to decide how you want to feel everyday.

Nobody can make that choice for you.

When I eat healthy I feel better.

My brain wakes up.

My body works at full function the way it was made too.

I have more energy.

I feel alive & refreshed!

Empty calories ( fats & sugars) are killing Americans & leaving you feeling hungry because your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs.

I speak up because I know how much easier it is to grab the doughnut, fast food and soda because it's convenient. It's way easier.

It's not easy for me to meal prep my meals for all day while I'm gone at work.

However, I choose to because I know I am giving my body what it needs.

You can't expect something to work without giving it 100 percent & giving it exactly what it needs.

I encourage you to try.

Try for one week & see how you feel.

I promise you won't regret it.

No one said it was going to be easy but its worth it.

Source: etsy.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

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Love Forever, Chel Chel || Remember I am having a beauty giveaway once I hit 30 followers on Bloglovin! You are all so great & I LOVE hearing from you and getting a glimpse into your world! ||

Mint & Lace

 Top: Forever 21 //Jeans: Forever 21 Plus (Size 12! Holler! Almost back in the 10's!) //Flats: Target Necklace: Target// Arm Candy: Forever 21// Nail Polish: Target NYC

I have been swooning over this mint lace top since I picked it up at Forever 21. 

My hubby took me shopping because I have been spring cleaning & getting rid/ selling clothes that he knew I was needing some more tops. 

I was grabbing left and right not necessarily paying attention to sizes.

 Usually at Forever 21 if it wasn't a size large I didn't even bother.

I mean before I started getting serious about my health I was barely a 14 making nice in the size 16 comfort zone!

*Scream*

I was in the dressing room trying on top after top.

Loved this black one that was similar to this one but it was black. I needed more color in my life.

It's spring, Hello?!!!

I tried this one on and LOVED it.

Of course the net thing I do is look at the price tag and see how much damage I'm doing.

Looked past the 19.80 or whatever price tag and saw it was a size....

*Drumroll*

SMALL.

Yup you heard me. Small.

I think my jaw dropped to the floor.

Now it is a flowy top but not in the chest area. 

That's always where tops don't fit.

I have an hourglass shape so getting things to fit around my waist isn't usually a problem.

Nope. That pretty top button right over those puppies!

I realize I am not going to be a small everywhere and that's okay.

My point here is that before I wouldn't have bothered to look at this top and I would have probably walked out of that store feeling bad about myself.

I just want to remind you that weight loss isn't an easy journey.

I mess up all the time.

I skip a workout.

Or I eat the stupid delicious brownies my husband makes me.

Or I still beat myself up because I'm not pushing myself as hard as I know I can.

Everyday though I try harder.

I try to be better.

Make better choices.

Love my body where it's at right now.

Treat it with respect.

When I take care of my body the thing's it allows me to do are amazing!

Alright, long rant over!

This top is a perfect piece for spring and I see much use out of it in the sunny California summers.

These jeans are very comfy and I recommend if you carry weight on your bottom half these jeans are very forgiving for both your figure and wallet.

These jeans are transition jeans as I keep losing so for 13.80 I'm not complaining!

Added some very neon accessories and I was ready for a great day!

Also, this lace back is going to be even more perfect for me after my hair appointment Thursday!

What pieces are you adding into your wardrobe this season?

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

|| Remember I am having a beauty giveaway once I hit 30 followers on Bloglovin! You are all so great & I LOVE hearing from you and getting a glimpse into your world! ||


Linked up with: Style Elixir // Pleated Poppy

Weekend Love.

This weekend was a blast!

It's been pretty warm here in sunny California but not to bad, yet. 

I went hiking on Saturday with some friends. We did a 5 mile hike around the Lafayette Reservoir.

It's absolutely gorgeous and you can see Mt. Diablo once you get to the top. 

There are quite a few big hills but there is one I call the "demon hill." 

You literally are almost crawling on your hands and knees up this thing!

It's tough but rewarding once you get to the top of it.

The demon hill

Aren't I cute?! There's a lot of carrots and PB in that chipmunk mouth!

It was such a great feeling knowing I can hike 5 miles and it's really not to tough for me to do.

I really needed it because the week before was Teacher Appreciation week and this past Friday I caved and literally ate everything in sight. I almost puked that night. Once I started I couldn't stop. It was horrible. I eat pretty clean so that about gave me a heart attack. 

However, I know tat one day isn't going to throw off my whole journey. The way I look and feel is more important to me than the number on the scale. People telling me I look smaller and my husband saying to me, "Wow you are getting so tiny!" make me feel like a million bucks.

Getting to buy new smaller clothes because everything else is falling off is what I keep working for. 

That's why I keep going.

Also, because when I eat good and exercise I FEEL good.

Friday was horrible. I felt gross and bloated & I can't believe I let myself feel like that everyday.

I work out for me. I eat healthy for me. Because I'm worth it & so are you.

___________________________________________

Mothers day was awesome!

Top: Forever 21 Jacket: Forever 21 Jeans: Forever 21( smallest size in plus section! ya!) Shoes: Toms Wedges

I started off going to church ( the early morning service! Who am I anymore!)

The kids did a rockin job signing! They did 4 songs and a couple of my kiddos from the school sang!

They melt my heart!

Oh and my hubby designed all the lights.

He's cool like that.

Eggs Benedict!

My Mom picked me up from church and we headed to one of my favorite local spots called Chow.

I treated my mom and sister and it was a nice time to sit dow and talk.

This restaurant is all organic which is awesome.

It's always pretty busy but that's because it's so good!

I defiantly recommend if you live in the bay area.

Instagram: @chelzz08

We then headed to the reservoir and we did the inner trail which is almost 3 miles and way easier than the outer rim I did the day before!

 We power walked and ran a little bit.

It was so HOT though. I braved it & took my shirt off.

I seriously didn't care. It was hot & honestly I am proud of where I am right now.

I'm not perfect and not super tight everywhere but I am proud of my body.

It amazes me how far I can push it & what it's capable of doing.

My mom is awesome too! I've inspired her to run and she can run a mile in under 12 mins!

She rocks!

We came back to my place and laid by the pool for a bit to get ours tans going!

( I spray tan so I sat in the shade most of the time)

I took the BEST nap and relaxed with the hubby for the rest of that day.

It was a nice sunny and warm filled weekend with family.

I also feel much better than I did Friday!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Love Forever,

Chel Chel 

|| Remember I am having a beauty giveaway once I hit 30 followers on Bloglovin! You are all so great & I LOVE hearing from you and getting a glimpse into your world! ||
Linked up with:Samis Shenanigans

My spiritual high is higher than yours.

I have been sitting here laughing at how hilarious yet true this guy is!

I have been thinking lately about being content in all areas of my life.

That includes my spiritual life.

I suppose I am a typical "Christian."

I pray.

Read my bible.

Go to church.

Attend events.

Served on missions trips.

 I can say though that those are all great things.

However, I think Christianity has gotten so over media-lized.

Everyone posts their verse of the day.

(yeah, I have the same Bible app you do, read that one too. Thanks!)

Tweets about how God is moving in their lives right in this very moment.

Getting married at 18 because God gave me His blessing over my life.

Instagraming their Bible's at Starbucks.

Look how spiritual and full my life is!

Blah blah blah!

Okay I am sorry that's all dandy but it's not always real.

The inter-web is not a real social place.

People face to face in REAL life are.

People have real issues and problems that can't be fixed with a verse of the day.

I get a little upset when people try to make out their lives to be WAYYY more spiritual than mine.

Just because I'm not facebooking it every 5 minutes doesn't make me less spiritual.

God knows my heart.

He knows I try to love people where they are at.

He knows it & I know it.

I have a personality.

One that doesn't include talking about God 24/7

GASP!

I have other things to talk about!

I have other dreams & goals and life to handle & yeah God has obviously a big role but it's not my every single thought all day long.

It's just not.

Sorry.

Actually I'm not sorry because I don't feel "guilty" not pretending I am so overly spiritual person all the time.

That would be a lie.

I'm not a liar.

I feel like more people should learn to have relationships that are actually meaningful and don't include shallow Christian fellowship.

That's not real & it's not fulfilling and I don't think God intended that. 

Growing in God includes learning and making mistakes and remembering He gave us grace.

It doesn't need to be tweeted a 100 times a day. 

We already have it. It's there to take, so just take it.

I encourage you to not always show your social media friends how "Christian" you are but actually taking the time to develop a meaningful relationship with our Creator and with the people around you.

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

|| Remember I am having a beauty giveaway once I hit 30 followers on Bloglovin! You are all so great & I LOVE hearing from you and getting a glimpse into your world! ||

Friday, Where have you been?

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This week has been one of the longest one's I have had in a while. When my husband and I were dating I was working three jobs. Yes three. Retail @ J.Crew Nanny After School Extended Day My schedule was crazy and I never had a minute to relax. Never a moment to myself. I quit the first two jobs 2 summers ago which was a few months before I was engaged. ( I can't believe that much time has past! ) I went from a crazy schedule to my very part-time after school job. It was perfect though.  I had my mornings & early afternoons to work out, hang out with friends & rest. Then on to eventually planning a wedding.  Which I NEVER want to do again. I loved having a wedding but I understand now why people don't deal with the fuss. Anywho so I was enjoying this time of rest God gave me. I was able to focus on me and grow a lot. Well this past week a lady who works in the school kitchen had surgery so I took her hours. Not really thinking it was a big deal because hey I used to work three jobs! KILL ME. I am SO tired! My husband has almost no symphony for me and I know most people work an 8 hour day. However, I forgot how long those days can be. How it really sucks the life out of you. How quickly my joyful attitude has changed because my brain hasn't recharged in enough time. I miss my rest time! I just want to remind you that rest is important. I am blessed to have more hours of work, don't get me wrong but focusing on yourself is important too. Focusing on your family, kids & friends is important. Taking time to do something you love is important.  Work is important but, take time to enjoy life because it really goes by so quickly. Happy Friday! Love Forever, Chel Chel || Remember I am having a beauty giveaway once I hit 30 followers on Bloglovin! You are all so great & I LOVE hearing from you and getting a glimpse into your world! ||

Linked up with: TheSweetSeason

Contentment + Cara Box

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Lately, I have been thinking more about being content. 

Content with life.

All aspects.

It's not easy to be content when you look around and start to compare your life to the one's around you.

I could sit here right now and become very discontent.

Real fast.

I could being discontent with the cars my husband and I drive.

The fact that one of them is in the driveway with a broken clutch.

With our apartment because it's older.

With work.

With finances.

With raises I feel we deserve.

With my clothes.

With my hair.

With my body.

With wanting a baby.

With wanting people to respect me. 

and on & on & on.

I could go and start letting negativity pour and marinate my mind.

It's a sick thing we do to ourselves. On purpose. 

We let ourselves get this idea in our heads we need more and that will make us happy.

Wrong. Oh so wrong that thought is. 

We get so worked up over what other people have & they get all worked up with that we have!

I am learning to be content. About 98 percent of the time I could really say I am content. 

I'm married to an amazing man.

I'm taking care of my body & health.

I have a wonderful family ( which includes a lot of people now.)

I have amazing friends who love & support me & help me grow.

I have a job that fulfills me inside.

I have clothes to wear.

A roof over my head.

A car to get me places.

& even enough extra money to feed my Starbucks addiction.

I literally just chose to become content instead of discontent. It's a choice you make.

Other things I'm discontent with are only because I haven't made the choice to change it.

I have been blessed with so much when others are blessed with so little. It's okay to dream & want more but don't let material superficial things overtake the joy in your life. There is so much beauty in this world. I choose daily to live my life & discover the beauty around me.

I participated in the April Cara Box Exchange which is such an awesome thing! I love getting to know other bloggers and being able to send treats in the mail. I also look forward to this because it instantly brightens my day!

Check out Stevie's box I sent her! She seemed to really enjoy it!

My box came from Krystal and she sent me an awesome box! I was flooded with joy & warmth through her encouraging note and all the thoughtful things she sent me!

The water bottle I have used on almost all my runs now. It's the perfect size.

The chocolate was gone in 5 seconds. Let's be real! I have a chocolate problem

I started growing my herbs she sent me!

The candle smells amazing and has been burning on the coffee table ever since. 

The towel has come in handy because we ran out of paper towels.

The amazing little poof will be with me in my next bath time.

Thank you again Krystal! You really made me smile!

Happy Tuesday!

Love Forever,

Chel Chel

P.S. I didn't forget about my beauty giveaway when I reach 30 followers on bloglovin! I only have 10 more to go!