Anchored Down by the Past

(In picture: Swell Caroline Earrings, KJP Bracelet, Lilly Pulitzer Dress, J.Crew Bangle, Polo Ralph Lauren Sweater, Tommy Hilfiger Sweater)

Hey Preps!

No I do not need therapy.  I promise I only have a mild (huge) obsession and collection of anchors.
A San Diego native who was shipped to the Northeast, and then decided to attend college in the South...I couldn't tell you where my collection even started, or why I initially fell in love with the global symbol for stability.  Maybe because I feel like my life is never completely stable (which it shouldn't be yet), and is ever changing that I have developed a love for the symbol that completely contrasts my current spot in life.  Not to get all philosophical, but maybe like my love of anchors, I am constantly trying to get to the future without enjoying the present.  Why?  Because knowing what my future holds allows me to prepare for it...which means stability.

And there you have it...I have just confessed to being a total control freak. Kalyn, the weirdo girl who is preparing for the zombie apocalypse (not really).  But sure, I want to be successful, and I want to know if I will be right now.  I want the biggest girl job you can find me, no baby-steps along the way, please.  I'm a leaps and bounds type of girl (now gentlemen...no I do not mean in relationships so don't even snicker at that).

Then I feel as if I am also the opposite...not only do I want to see what the future may hold, but I also tend to dwell in the past.  I think of all the things I would have done differently...I regret a lot; even on teeny insignificant things...and through my life I have actually become a little bit less outgoing, and a little bit more cautious when it comes to friendships and relationships.  Do I think guarding your heart is a good thing?  Yes.  Do I think getting to know someone slowly is a good thing?  Absolutely...but there comes a point where you know that your guard has been up way too long, and you wish you knew how to lower the walls that are stopping you from developing a really special bond with someone.

Social Media these days has had a huge impact on the way we as society function.  We constantly compare ourselves to what we see on our Facebooks, or go through our old pictures thinking about the good ole' days.  It's pointless.  It really does no good except make us want more and not appreciate the life we are currently living.  It anchors us down.  

I am anchored down by my impatience of the future, and the reminiscence of the past.  I know that, and am trying each day to overcome the weights that bind me from truly enjoying my life (not that I don't).  I have been hurt, and will probably be hurt again...but why am I putting all my blame and energy on a past relationship that didn't work out?  Why am I spending time worrying about the future...when I know I will one day get to where I want to be if I work at it hard enough.  We put so much pressure on ourselves when we are worrying about things we can't help.  I can't help that I have been hurt in the past...so instead of using that as an excuse...I need to focus on the present, and enjoying my life.  We can find reasons to feel anxious or upset...but we can also find even more reasons to be thankful and excited about each day as it comes.  When you are truly happy...that is when your future takes ahold of you, and blesses you in ways you can't imagine.

Don't ever forget where you came from, or the lessons you have learned along the way.  People are put into our lives to teach us.  Look back on the good and bad, and know that you are better from it...and take baby steps instead of leaps and bounds to truly grow as a person.

The first being to admit what is anchoring you down, so you can slowly lift it off the ocean's floor and begin to sail again.  

(I am such a nerd with all my analogies...just call me your 2013 Plato...

my anchor analogy, his cave allegory...basically the same level).

God bless y'all!

One Happy Cat Lady

(Outfit of the Day:  Polo Ralph Lauren Rugby Polo, Lands' End Canvas Corduroys, Sperry Top-Sider Boots, Swell Caroline Anchor Earrings, Kiel James Patrick Bracelet)

Hey Preps!

I used to joke with my friends about one day being a cat lady (actually I still do), then one day I was with my sister at PetSmart, and the animal shelters from the Pittsburgh area were there with some of the animals that needed homes.  That's when I met Lilly.  She was a little black ball of fuzz and as I watched her play with her brothers, play by herself (yes, she's miss personality), and eventually get so worn out that she fell asleep in the litter box; all in a 15 minute span.  I knew I had to have her.  

So here I am, the proudest cat lady there is.  I love her to death.  However, last night...we had our issues.  I typically don't let her sleep in my bed...but since she was doing no harm fast asleep on my pillow when I decided I needed to hit the hay, I didn't feel as if I needed to kick her out of my room for the night.  Then it started...everywhere I moved, she had to snuggle right up against my face, snoring, and poking me with her whiskers.  I dealt with it for a little bit, but then the sweetie decided to purr at two in the morning.  She was just being her happy self, and I couldn't take it so I moved her downstairs...only for that to result in two hours worth or her crying outside my door.  No sleep for me.

This morning, I get into work, and I jam the copier four times.  No caffeine.  No sleep.  Not accomplishing what I need to.  I just wanted to throw my hands up and walk out the door.  Mondays I tell ya...

Constantly I find myself making excuses as to why I am allowed to feel sorry for myself.  I love personal training, but get taken advantage of at the facility I work, the area I live in isn't fulfilling for me, I have so much on my plate...blah blah blah.  Today I just told myself to quit it.  No more complaining.  

We often find ourselves in ruts because we may not be 100% happy with ourselves or our current situations.  Dwelling on those negative things can only create disheartenment.  If we are always focused on what is wrong in our lives, we are never going to be able to appreciate each day as it comes, or see the lessons in each situation we endure.  In life, we should focus on becoming a little bit better each day.  We should be able to see the beauty in the ups and downs...and start keeping our chins up a little bit more, and nixing the complaining before we even start.

I am not sure what you are going through right now in life, it could be hating your job, struggling with making a decision on what to major in, wondering whether you should make the big move, or recovering from heart break...but trust me, I have been through it all.  If I have learned anything, it's don't dwell on the bad stuff.  Sure, it's hard not to when it is something so huge...but when you do, you are doing nothing beneficial.  

Instead, focus on the good things in your life...look at the positives in your situation, and if you are not far enough removed from them yet, know that there will be a lesson you learn, or an opportunity you are given because of that situation.  Each time you fall down and get back up, you get a little bit smarter and a whole lot stronger.  

Just be the genuine person you are.  Laugh a lot, and know that every little thing...is gonna be alright.

Even if I end up being a cat lady for the rest of my life!

Have a blessed day y'all!