a beautiful life

Oh man. Atlanta summer is right at our feet. The daylight is so much longer yet the weeks feel like they are just melting away. The year is half over and I’m wondering where all that time went. I don’t write on here nearly as much as I used to, but I don’t have a single regret about how I’ve been spending my time over the past few weeks. I used to say things like “I don’t have any friends” and “I have no idea what I want to do”. I think I’m way past all that now.

And so, while I’m well aware that is a little bit of a cheat, I’d like to take a moment to share all the ways in which my life is beautiful.

It’s important that you take the time to pause and do the same. If you get wrapped up in all the things you do not have, you’ll miss out on appreciating all the things you do. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it can turn your perspective around. I’m very lucky to have these things and to have an avenue through which I can express myself. I never want to take it for granted.

An unconditional love. Yes, I’m a very independent and strong woman. So when I talk about this kind of love, it makes me feel a little dated and silly. But, I simply wouldn’t have gotten to this point without the support and guidance of someone who loves me like he does. Everything I feel like writing sounds very cliche in my head (he makes me feel safe, he’s my match, I can’t imagine life without him, et cetera). But.. they’re all true. Uhhhh… “You complete me.” [cries].

Laughter and lightness. If you’re in your mid to late 20s, then you know how difficult is is to make new friends. Extremely difficult. By some stroke of luck, I’ve managed to collect more friends than I can keep up with. Friends who understand me, who care about my day-to-day, who want to know what’s going on with me, who want to just sit around and spend their time with me. Seriously, just the sitting around and talking has improved my quality of life exponentially. The girls that I’ve been surrounding myself with are lovely, inspiring, and they brighten my days more than I thought possible.

The push. Being able to satisfy the irresistible urge to create is invaluable. Every week I find myself wanting to buy more and more canvases. I’ve become addicted to the start; the blank canvas that used to terrify me is now what I crave. I never know where it’s going to end up, but I no longer fear that it won’t be worthwhile. It always is. 

This city. I hope I never tire of Atlanta. It’s been almost five years since I moved here and I still feel like I’m falling head over heels. The more I get to know it and see it evolve, the more committed I feel to living here.

Little ol’ me. I tend to talk myself down, simply out of habit. I’m always thinking about all the things I could have done or all the people I could be if I tried, but that’s such an ugly way of thinking. Instead I’m going to congratulate myself on being amazing… because I am. I’m the common denominator in this beautiful life and I made all of this happen. I’m still going to strive for better versions of myself, but essentially I’ll always be myself. I am beautiful.

Heritage. The last thing I have (that I don’t have a suitable instapic for) and will always have is a foundation of support from my family. I don’t get to see them often, but when I do, I’m reminded that I am who I am because of them. They instilled this fire in me, this desire for a great life and a relentless pursuit of what will make me happy. Wouldn’t be anything without them either.

I’m sure you have a beautiful life too, if you stop to think about it. All the things you love and all the things you have.. you did that. You are the creator of your life and it is already as amazing as you think it could be. Instead of dwelling on what your life lacks, embrace and appreciate all the beauty and fullness that is already there.