We have a Winner......

The winner is .... Stephanie McCrary. Congrats Stephanie!!! Please leave a comment with your address so I can mail you your prize. Thanks for participating.

Weekly Giveaway

Don't forget to leave a comment for the Weekly Giveaway!!! Monday night at 6pm. See you then!!!!

SweetiePie Bakery

One of the Etsy shops that I am featuring is SweetiePie Bakery. These creations are absolutely adorable and created by a stay-at-home mother of two. She enjoys creating clothing, toys, and learning tools for little ones. Her creations are so cute and handmade. The pictures at the top are some of my favorite products in her shop. How cute are these??? The link to the shop is on the left-hand side of my blog. These would make perfect gifts or surprises for all your little ones.

Hello

Sorry I haven't posted in a week. I have really been concentrating on using the skills I am learning in my therapy. It truly is a whole new way of thinking about yourself, others, and the world. I have learned that so many of the "thoughts" I have in my head about what I should be are really just mistaken beliefs. I am slowly learning a new way to think of myself. I am not there yet and maybe will never be entirely, but I am working on it everyday. I am trying to "live in the moment" everyday. One thing that has been really hard for me is just to slow down and take my time doing things. Anything. I find that when I do, I pay more attention to the moment I am in. Anywho, thanks for listening.

Awakening

One thing that I am learning that is has astounded me is that I do not have to feel this way. I thought that my constant thoughts of perfectionism were normal. I did not realize the severity of it in my life. With my depression at its worst when I started, I was so used to thinking negatively and being angry that I did not even realize that I do not have to feel this way. I thought I would always think like this and that I was just really bad at dealing with it. I felt like if I did not worry constantly, then something bad would happen. I am learning now that I do not have to live this way. Even realizing this has given me a light at the end of the tunnel. I am feeling better everyday.

Etsy shops

Hey Guys. I wanted to tell you about the wonderful Etsy shops that are featured on the left side of my blog. These women made some great products. Some of these products will be included in my weekly giveaways. Make sure to take a look. I am glad to be writing about these type of businesses. These women have taken their talent and made a business out of it. I think they are amazing and very inspiring. I will be posting about each individual shop along with my other posts. Thanks!!!

In the words of Ice Cube-Gotta Say it was a Good Day

Sorry for the analogy, but that is the first thing that popped in my head, and I cracked myself up a little. Today was a really good day. The weather was amazing for one thing. I think that helps everyone a little. After I picked up the girls from school, we came home and right away went outside. I really spent quality time with them. I mean really good quality time. We played on the swing set, played baseball, and visited with some friends outside. Lately, my oldest daughter plays outside all night with her friends. By the time she comes in, it is time to start getting ready for bed. My youngest one fell asleep early too so my oldest daughter and I had about an hour and a half alone together. When my anxiety is high and my thoughts are racing, sometimes it is easy to forget how important this time is for both of us. I did not worry about anything else except just sitting and holding her and doing whatever she wanted. It makes a huge difference in both of us. It used to be her and I all the time for four years. Now, she and I don't always spend a lot of alone time. Now after she is asleep, I am relaxing on the couch. I can honestly say for the first time in along time, I feel good about the person I am. I know I will have good days and bad days, but I am learning how to cope with every thought and feeling. I am learning to accept them for what they are and not try to fight them. That is a battle that cannot be won.