On Wholehearted Living

In 2015, I am going to see beauty in chaos, notice the sun kissing my tomato leaves, and appreciate the way the warmth of the light hits my kitchen table. I will notice again and again that cute little dimple in those soft squishy cheeks of my baby boy and linger on that sweet little girl's giggle letting it ring in my ear for just a little bit longer. Gosh, I love how his baby toes curl up on top of each other and squeezing that chub pad on top of his tiny foot. The house smells like warm crockpot goodness and it's a happy day not because everything is perfect but because I have a happy heart. Despite this thing over here that is trying to get my attention and that thing over there that I need to do, I'm learning how much of my life I have worried too much about things that don't matter. How much brain space I have wasted on thoughts that don't deserve to be revisited. In 2015, I am seeing life in a new way. Beauty in imperfections, comfort in worn in furniture, life in letting go. I will open my heart to vulnerability and change, and not be afraid to try new things. I will put myself and my thoughts out there, and not be afraid of being too visible! Hello, nice to meet you! :-)

On Who I am and What this Blog is About

My mom passed away in a tragic accident when I was 20 years old. Before that, I experienced growing up in a home with an alcoholic parent and a few very difficult relationships. I haven't always been open about difficult things that have happened in my life for a myriad of reasons. Mainly because I don't want people to pity me. No. I don't need sympathy. I need to be known.

There is obviously a lot more to my story. But the most important part of the story is where my experiences led me. The most important part of the story is that when I was 12, I fell flat on my face in front of Jesus, and that he lifted me out of a pit. The most important part of the story is that my life has been transformed by God, and that I can't keep it to myself. If you are to get to know me and my purpose in this life, I want to start there.

One of my favorite social sciences researchers, Brene' Brown, often talks about one of our deepest needs in this life. The NEED to make MEANINGFUL connection with other people. She talks a lot about living wholeheartedly and now I'm writing a blog about it. Hopefully I don't get sued. Hopefully by mentioning her I don't get sued. Dr. Brown, if you're reading this, I love you and your work tremendously, and please e-mail me! Anyway! I hope you will read this blog and be encouraged to be vulnerable in this life and have the tremendous courage to experience WHOLEHEARTED LIVING. This blog will be about anything and everything related to living wholeheartedly.