You Inspire

Over dinner the other night, I was telling Scott how inspired I was reading through your amazing words to live by – you can see all of them right here, in the comments of last week’s Jess LC giveaway. As I’ve mentioned recently, we’re in the midst of a full on Pet Shop overhaul, and it’s been busy – to say the least – behind the scenes. Days are spent alternating between our virtual makeover, painting your sweet kiddos (the best part!) and squeezing in a few moments for projects around this home, you know, simply because we love doing so. Oh, and rest. But taking the time to recoup at the end of our longer days and being still has (always) been hard for me, and my brain feels as though it’s on overdrive.

During the few days that your comments rolled in, I reveled in each one. I read some aloud (to get them to really stick), and I went back to them during the course of my work day. Things are good; we couldn’t be more excited about the direction of the Shop. But sometimes, it’s simply easier to get caught up in the work, and when you’re in your zone, it’s too hard to turn it off. (Especially when it’s close to your heart.) And as I read through your mantras during this busy time, I really felt like each one held weight for me, too. Although they may not have fit into my right now, they triggered friendly reminders for those other battles – small ones, big ones and the in-betweens.

Here were some of our favorites, and as tried and true as some of them are, they really hit home:

My motto would have to be “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.” (Dr. Seuss) – Sarah

If you have a chance to be kind and helpful, take it. – Suzanne

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. – Hilary

Walk the goddess walk. – Stesse (side note: this one’s a tribute to our good friend, Arielle)

If you have to eat a frog, don’t spend a lot of time looking at it. If you have to eat three of ‘em, don’t start with the small one. Meaning, don’t over-think or put off doing big/annoying/UN-appetizing things to do – just get it over with and you’ll feel much better for it afterwards! – Britani

If you never try, you’ve already failed. My fear of failure has stopped me from doing so much, and this helps to remind me that I will never succeed if I never try. – Melissa

Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t take a look around once in a while, you might miss it. – Zandi

My goal in life is to be as good a person my dogs think I am. – Lili

It’s not supposed to be easy. Sometimes when things get tough, I want to just quit until I remind myself that it’s not all supposed to be easy. Being challenged and uncomfortable is a great growing experience! – Emily

I told Scott how motivated you made me feel, and it was then that I realized our full circle moment. Our Just Keep Going print is our daily reminder to take one bite at a time, to put one foot in front of the other. Jess – the awesome woman behind the print – aims to build her life with intention while helping others along the way. And while unintentionally meaning to, I asked you for your favorite words of wisdom – and you helped me. xo.

PS: Let’s use your fuel and plan for a productive, fun and restful weekend. Okay?