Rainbow Bright

I couldn't decide what color to wear today, so I chose all of them. I hope your day has been bright! :)

How Many "Likes" Does it Take?

During church yesterday, our pastor mentioned how social media is effecting our youth in more ways than just through cat fights, and online bullying. He spoke of how young girls are placing their value in how many "likes" they receive on a post or photo. Some will even go so far as to remove more clothes to get more "likes". So I began to think, is it just our youth? Or are we as adults struggling with this as well on some level or another?

Just how many "likes" does it take to make us feel liked....or better yet, loved? 

I will be the first to admit my guilt in this area. I monitor social media accounts for work on a daily basis. The key is MORE likes, MORE fans, MORE comments. The more the better. It becomes overwhelming at times, and it's a huge amount of pressure to keep people "liking" my clients pages, posts, pictures, etc. I will also confess to the occasional scrolling through the list of people who "liked" my personal post and thinking, only 20 of my 1108 friends "liked" this HUGE moment in my life??? Or not one comment or like from that "friend" ever? Not even one? Certainly I am not the only one who desires to feel validated and "liked".

After all, we are sharing our lives with each other on social media. Shouldn't we be sharing the "likes" as well? 

I also heard of something else recently that just blows my mind. Did you know that you can buy facebook friends to make yourself look more popular? Really? So my conclusion is YES. Our need for approval as adults is most definitely shared with our youth. *If you disagree, please comment on my blog post! Ha! 

To be even more transparent, sometimes I struggle with thoughts such as: why am I blogging? No one is reading it because they sure aren't "liking" the facebook page for my blog, or commenting on my posts! But then weeks, and in some cases months later, I run into someone who tells me how something I wrote inspired them, or spoke to them. That validation is so much more powerful and meaningful than a stupid "thumbs up" sign. And seriously, if we all took time to comment or "like" every post that we read we would never be off of social media....and the time spent ON is already out of control for most.

During my self evaluation yesterday, I found that I probably still care a little too much about what the world says. I shouldn't let how many "likes" I receive determine how loved I am. The gift of love comes from God for FREE. No specific number of "likes" required. The truth is, this blog isn't about pleasing or impressing anyone. This is a personal journey that I am documenting, and if the only person it reaches is myself then so be it. God is using this blog to shape and mold me, regardless of the number of "likes" or comments received. Perspective gained, and I'm thankful for that.

A Letter to My First Born Son

March 28, 1995

May 2013

Brandon Kyle, 

I am so very proud of you. I can't believe that we will be watching you graduate high school in just a few short hours. It seems like only yesterday I was the one graduating. Little did I know, a few weeks later I would be starting a family. Although not the perfect timing, you were perfect. I remember your sweet little personality and how your eyes would light up when you smiled. Your imagination ran wild and you could entertain yourself in just about any situation. From cowboy, to professor, to musician and artist, your creativity has never ran dry.

Becoming a mom at 19 years old left me at quite the disadvantage, still being a kid myself. I am sure I could have done many things differently, and I know I made my share of mistakes. But, we made it through. Even during my time as a single mother, you kept me going. Leanna was just a baby and you were my bud. Your energy and ability to adapt amazed me. I could always count on you for hugs, and you made me smile in my loneliest moments. 

Although our personalities and interests may differ as you grow and change, I hope you know how special I think you are. You have always been kind and considerate of others, and that is a quality far more valuable than anything you could have learned in school. I know you will go on to do wonderful things. I encourage you to see the world, do what you love, and let God direct your path. If times get rough, He will always be there to help you get back on track. I am living proof of that.

I am so excited to see what God has in store for you. And....just so you know, there is nothing you could ever do to make me stop loving you. I will always be here for you. Always. 

All my love, 
Mom

The Flip Flop Fail

My sliver Havaianas. My go-to pair of flops for just about every occasion. We have traveled miles together.....until yesterday.

Yes my friends, I blew out my flip flop......and nearly blew my shop fast in the process. 

After my over dramatic "OH NO" my husband says, "Why are you so upset? You can find those anywhere." Maybe so....but I am not shopping right now. Well, we leave for our annual trip to Vero Beach on Friday. How in the world will I make the trip without my favorite pair of flops? By the way, this is sounding sillier by the minute as I type this out. Am I really this attached to a pair of rubber flops?

So, I am going to get really honest now. Within minutes, I had logged on to Nordstrom.com. I had the pair pulled up and placed them in my shopping cart, all the while justifying the purchase.....free shipping, they could be a summer gift from Michael, I have spending money in my Dave Ramsey envelope, etc. The moment that I hovered over the checkout button, something stopped me.

Am I REALLY going to break my shop fast for a pair of flip flops???

Well,  I avoided the checkout and walked away from the MacBook. This morning I sat and thought about the free pair of Tory Burch flops, that I was recently able to purchase with a gift card they sent me. God provided, and here I was again wanting more. Lesson learned, and I will be headed to the beach with my other 20 pairs. ;)

I think its important to share my struggles along with my victories, so this post had to happen. And as I toss my sliver slims in the garbage, I pick my self up....and shop fast on!


P.S. In the event that wonderful people of Havaianas stumble across this post, I am a size 39 if you wish to gift them :)