Guest Blogger

Beam of Light – Katie M.

My sweet, sweet friend submitted this year’s first entry to the Give Light Giveaway. Boom.

Katie M.

Hi again friends! If you don’t know me, I’m Katie. I’m a late twenty-something trying to take daily steps towards something beautiful, both in myself and in life. I’ll never say no to sushi, chocolate, hugs, or a trip to a coffee shop. Make me laugh or laugh at my jokes, and we’ll be fast friends.

I am very excited to participate again in this life-giving idea of giving light. I decided to take a different approach from my last submission and draw out a few of the things that have given me light recently. You may need to zoom in 🙂

You can follow Katie on her blog Live Step By Step. She’s also previously contributed to 52 Beautiful Things here & here.

If you are interested in giving your own light, click here to learn more about how you can enter the Give Light Giveaway. I’m accepting submissions until December 31st.

Lessons in Solitude – Guest Post from Kirby Elaine

Life lessons come in many shapes and forms. When Kirby of The Joy List started following me on Instagram, I instantly loved her vibe. Her perspective is refreshing. Another person looking for good in the world, and perhaps more importantly, good in themselves! She was kind enough to share some of my musings on her blog, and I am thrilled to have her share her thoughts as a guest contributor here today. Beauty in solitude and returning to self.

Author: Kirby Elaine

Her Website: www.thejoylistla.com

Her Mantra: “love the life you live”

If you asked me three months ago what my greatest “achilles heel” was, I’d say loneliness. The vulnerability that came from sitting at home alone or walking through this world as one set of footprints was so foreign to me and not something I had any interest in exploring. Three months ago, I made a decision to begin what I am now calling my “Self Love Journey,” but let me say, this decision did not come without it’s challenges. For months I had felt a burning in my throat and sharp pains in the middle of my chest, and any time I placed my hand on my heart I heard a voice, a voice that so sweetly and simply said “you need to be alone.”

I tried to silence it, not wanting to give into the vulnerability of what actually being alone might hold for me. I filled the empty spaces with more food and more alcohol, I kept my mind busy with my bartending work and copious amounts of classes and scene work for Acting. And ironically, every time I sat down to write, I immediately found a distraction or reason not to. Ego control, anyone?

What I can now see so clearly is that I wasn’t ready for the whole truth, and writing is, and always has been a truth-seeking practice for me. I sit down and my fingers channel the truth of what lies inside my heart. So let’s just get down to it and say that my heart finally won the battle (thank you, my strong, beautiful heart). My solo Journey began, and what I soon found was that without the distractions and worries over others and how I was affecting every single person I came in contact with, and without the self-
doubt and self-sabotage, I was able to tap into the childish innocence I have always known was inside and that I have always valued so deeply as one of my gifts. Through the journey of being alone I have remembered and repaired the relationship of who I am to ME.

I am a lover
I am a lightworker
I am joyous
I am that girl who get’s excited over beautiful fruit at the market
I am the one who stares at each Sunset as if I’ve never seen one before
I hug people deeper and longer than maybe I should
I tell people I love them, all the time
I share my gratitude with myself and anyone who will listen
I don’t apologize for my new ways of thinking and living
I don’t shrink myself to fit was is “acceptable”
I laugh loudly
I speak up
I do things that others may not always like, and that’s ok with me, because no matter what, now I always lead with nothing but love, and I stand up for myself when I feel my boundaries have been crossed.

Three months ago I was a different Woman. Myself, yes, but I was scared and overwhelmed and weak from self doubt and guilt. Three months ago I truly and honestly didn’t know why I was even still here, I didn’t understand how I could possibly have a purpose, and within three months (less, if I’m being honest) I have found my life’s work, my life’s purpose, and each and every day I walk around with my head held high, buzzing in gratitude and anticipation for the gifts the day ahead of me will bring.
No matter how alone you may feel now, no matter how lost or weary, know that there is a way out, and it comes from Self Love. It’s time to fall deeply, madly, head-over-heels in love with yourself. It’s time to empower yourself to live the life you deserve, and if you ever need guidance, never be afraid to ask, we may be just meeting now in these words, but I’m always here – THAT is my gift to you.

Stay hungry my friends, I promise that this life has SO much for you ❤
In light and love,
Kirby

Kirby lives and works in LA and describes herself as the following: hugger. writer. actor. improviser. dancer. dreamer. lover of animals. advocate for a healthy mind|body|soul

You can follow her on her blog or on Instagram.

Home is Where the Heart Is

Forgive my tardiness. Yesterday seemed to get away from me. It is with great excitement that I post another guest contribution from reader Melody. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on love and responding to the “Where Your Heart is Challenge.”

Here is her response.

Home is where the heart is. It’s cliche, but it’s so true. Today is Valentine’s Day and I love Valentine’s Day. As a little girl Dad always made sure that Mom had roses and a big box of chocolates, while my sister and I were gifted a single red rose and a tiny heart box of chocolates, It wasn’t the flowers and candy that made me love Valentine’s Day though. It was the town I grew up in.

Loveland, CO is the Sweetheart City, and it lives up to it’s name. I’ve lived all over the United States and small towns everywhere put up Christmas decor on their streetlights; declaring to the community there is a reason to celebrate. And while that happens in Loveland at Christmas, what truly made it special to me were the February streetlights, happily decked out with giant red hearts. You could pay to have a special Valentine’s message placed on one for all the world to see. My memories are crowded with images from childhood. Sitting in the back seat of the car driving down Eisenhower next to Lake Loveland, I would dream of the day I’d see my name on one of those beautiful ruby hearts.

I haven’t lived in Loveland for 18 years now. My parents moved to Oregon 11 years ago. And every February my heart grows a little bit heavy with the missing of my hometown. Last March I returned to Loveland for a funeral. I stayed with family friends and saw lots of friends and I was reminded that there is no place on earth my heart feels more at home than in my beloved sweetheart city. The friends I have there are extensions of my family, the mountains sing to my soul of freedom and peace, and the streetlights proclaim loudly that love is here and love is good.

With memories and relationships rekindled this has been as year filled with Loveland stories for my friends here in NM and my husband. And so as this Valentine’s Day approached I was excited to once again try to make my kid’s memories as special as my childhood ones but also filled with wistful dreams of streetlight hearts. We gave the kids their gifts and cards this morning and faced the usual morning rush to get to school. I left 15 minutes later than I wanted to but that was ok. As I rounded a corner a couple blocks from my home I did a double take. There on the streetlight was a red, hand painted, cardboard heart reading “Moose loves Moosette” I took a deep breath and choked back the tears. My Valentine fulfilled my childhood dream. And it doesn’t matter that I’m not in Loveland this Valentine’s Day. Home is where the heart is; and today I found that my heart could be home wherever I am because the love I carry from the people and places I have loved is always with me.

Happy Valentine’s Day from New Mexico!

Giving Light – Christine C.

And to round this fabulous contest out – I’ve got one more, very simple entry.
Thank you to all who participated. I am tickled that others have chosen to join me in the search for beauty.

Without further ado – 5 Beautiful Things from Christine.

1. Summer nights at Wilderness Ranch
2. Support of family and friends
3. Christmas Trees with white lights
4. A good glass of cabernet
5. A fireplace and a good book on a snowy day

I will be announcing the winner of the contest in the next few weeks. Christmas holidays are starting to get a little overwhelming.

Love to you all.

THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR THE GIVE LIGHT GIVEAWAY HAS PASSED. I AM FINISHING UP POSTING CONTRIBUTIONS. STAY TUNED FOR OTHER CONTESTS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO 52 BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN 2017.

Giving Light – Vanessa A.

Small Bio: Vanessa A.- a 30-something wife and mom of 2 wild and crazy boys. I consider myself an imperfectly kind and honest person in pursuit of health, happiness, simplicity and meaningful relationships. Feel free to reach out on Facebook or email.

I’m honored to take part in giving light and sharing beauty today. As I reflect on the five beautiful things listed below, I’m incredibly grateful 🙂

1. Growth and Self-Discovery

I learned a while ago that I cannot control people or change them or force them to do things, despite my desire to intervene and be “helpful”. Thankfully, I have had the pleasure of observing others grow and come to their own realizations about life and happiness. Lately, I see this growth in those who are closest to me:

– My husband Matt has finally found his groove with consistent exercise. Despite my own, very inspirational () health and fitness pursuits over the years, Matt found his niche on his own and he is happier, healthier, and less stressed. It’s a beautiful thing.

– My oldest son Grady is discovering how to be driven and focused through a cool game/task app called Habitica. In fact, the whole family has enjoyed tackling tasks through this app by earning pets and armor and destroying “basi-lists” and other monsters.

– My youngest son Drew is growing his expressions of helpfulness, generosity and empathy. These things come naturally for him but as we have embarked on our annual kindness calendar, he has been able to let loose and really enjoy his giving spirit.

2. Christmas Decorations

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas…

Growing up, I really didn’t have Christmas traditions with my family. Now that I have a family of my own, we have developed our holiday rituals and routines, and one of my favorite things to do is enjoy Christmas decor all December long.

…But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be… on your own front door.

3. Meditating

I have intended to implement a meditation practice for years but have had a hard time remaining disciplined. Well, it turns out that finding a helpful app gave me the extra boost I needed. I tried out Headspace and landed on Stop, Breathe, Think . Since I began using Stop, Breathe, Think a couple months ago I have meditated for over 3 1/2 hours total (most of the time it’s around 5 minutes per day). There are a lot of great features including finding the right guided meditation for your current physical/mental state. I’m grateful to see my desire for a grounding meditation practice finally come to fruition!

4. Feeling Better

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My dietitian/nutritionist friend Esther invited me to participate in a 16 week program to replace sugar and fast carbs with more healthful foods. I have been struggling to tackle my chronic migraines since age 17 so I figured this program was worth a try. Right out of the gate I learned some key things that have helped me succeed in limiting added sugars, approaching food in a new way, and in turn reducing my headaches and migraines significantly. Not only do I have fewer headaches, I have more energy and feel a whole heck of a lot better overall. Feeling better for the win!!!

5. Life is imperfect, a sense of humor is required

I often try to catch the occasional beautiful moments that happen between my children so I can post them on Facebook for everyone to see my perfect life. Obviously, I don’t intend to display only the good side, but sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it, perhaps it’s easier than baring the raw, honest self. Rest assured, me nor my life are perfect.

In this short 20 second video, I attempted to capture what I saw as a beautifully perfect moment only to have an imperfect funny surprise.

(tip: turn up your volume to view)

Thank for coming along for the ride as I shared my small pieces of beauty for today.

THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR THE GIVE LIGHT GIVEAWAY HAS PASSED. I AM FINISHING UP POSTING CONTRIBUTIONS. STAY TUNED FOR OTHER CONTESTS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO 52 BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN 2017.

Giving Light – Cathy H.

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My name is Cathy and I live in Lafayette, Colorado. I work at an elementary school helping children with special needs. I am happiest when I am spending time with my family, gardening, hiking or being creative.

Here are my 5 Beautiful Things

1. Details

I find beauty in the details of things, like the intricacies of a flower. When I slow down and take a closer look at things I am wowed by its beauty. So often we only see the outline of things and miss the amazing details of God’s creations.

2. Children’s Art

Working in an elementary school exposes me to a lot of children’s art. I never get tired of looking at these masterpieces. It always brings a smile to my face.

3. Hiking

I love hiking and being outside breathing in fresh air and feeling the sun on my body. Every season has its own amazing features. Whether I’m walking in my own neighborhood or hiking in the mountains, I am content.

4. The Sky

There is so much beauty in the sky – the clouds, sunrises, sunsets, all phases of the moon, the intense colors. Amazing!!

5. Laughing

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There is something so good about laughing until your stomach hurts. We should all laugh more.

The deadline for accepting entries for the Give Light Giveaway has passed. I am finishing up posting contributions. Stay tuned for other contests and opportunities to contribute to 52 Beautiful Things in 2017.

Giving Light – Jenny S.

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Hiya, I’m Jenny! I love pancakes, photography, sarcasm, lists, and people. Usually I make my home in Colorado, but this past year went on a grand adventure in Scotland to study, eat shortbread, and chase down a bunch of sheep. If you need another blog to get hooked on feel free to check out mine, www.jennystoecker.com, and follow me on Instagram.

1. Travel

The fact that I can get on an airplane and be in an entirely different country in the same day blows my mind. To me, travel is a reminder that there’s a great big world outside my little bubble and boy is it beautiful.

2. Celebrating Failure

I don’t know a lot of people who enjoy failure. I for one would much rather succeed, but I’ve been learning that there is beauty in celebrating things that don’t go my way. I’ve been loving this lyric from The Oh Hellos “… and the sun, it does not cause us to grow, it is the rain that will strengthen your soul, and it will make you whole.” So, I’m figuring out how to celebrate seasons of rain because I know they will lead to growth in the long run. (Also yes, my celebrations often involve ice cream or and churros…)

3. Sunsets

sunset

I tried to go with something a little less cliché, but I just kept coming back to this. This past year I moved over four thousand miles from home and became a sunset junky. In the midst of unknowns, the consistency (and beauty) of the sunset made me feel comfortable. It reminds me that whatever happens today, the sun will set and rise afresh, bringing with it new opportunities.

4. Winter

winter

I lived in Edinburgh, Scotland this past year. In the winter it gets light at 9am and dark at 3pm and in the summer it gets light at 4am and dark at 11pm. When I first moved there I, being a Colorado girl through and through, was worried about the lack of sunshine that comes with the winter. That is until one of my professors said something that changed my mindset. “These seasons are just like one big breath in and out. Summer is full of hustle and bustle, whereas winter is a time to recharge (and drink a lot of hot chocolate).” From then on, I have never appreciated winter more. Which conveniently plays into my final reflection of beauty…

5. Time

I love schedules and to do lists and I don’t love excessive blank spaces in my planner. However, I’m learning that having the time to process, recharge, and dream big is a beautiful gift that in the past I’ve been too busy to experience.

If you are interested in giving your own light, click here to learn more about how you can enter the Give Light Giveaway.

Giving Light – Joyce D.

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Bio: Hi, I’m Joyce. I love to travel and I’m learning that I love to write. In 2012, my husband Daryle and I started to really assess our dream of “traveling more” and what that meant. The result was an all-in life-changing 14-month journey to 23 countries and 23 US states. Life will never be the same.

Follow Joyce’s Blog: Learning To Travel Follow Joyce on Facebook

1. A smile

smiles

From someone I love because it means they are happy and of course that makes me happy, on a strangers face because it immediately sparks a smile in return and resultant grounding in the present, or in an uncomfortable situation where it say’s “you are not alone”.

2. Sunrise

sunrise

The idea that a new day full of possibility is dawning, unlike any other day, before, after, ever. And that I am catching it at its very beginning.

3. Coming Home

The feeling of coming back to somewhere I feel absolutely comfortable and “at home” whether it’s my apartment after a day at work or my country after a year abroad. Being on the road made me really value this idea of home and comfort and having a place to recharge to go out “into the world” again.

4. Wildlife

wildlife

Knowing that these exotic, untamed creatures are still out there in the wild inspires me to dream and reminds me that all of the world is not so tame as what I see on a daily basis. It also reminds me of the importance of freedom and my favorite Tom Robbins quote which has resonated with my soul since it first jumped off the page – “Somewhere in the archives of crudest instinct is recorded the truth that it is better to be endangered and free than captive and comfortable.”

5. Small Comforts

small-comforts

My husband sleeping next to me, my cat crawling into my lap in the morning, a particularly comfy shirt or the perfect cup of warm delicious coffee on a cold day. All these things need to be savored and appreciated, no matter how busy I get because they ARE life. These things keep me grounded in what is real and what is important. Touching and feeling my life, not getting swept along and missing it.

If you are interested in giving your own light, click here to learn more about how you can enter the Give Light Giveaway.

Giving Light – Alice M.

Hi! My name is Alice. When we were a family of 2, 5 years ago, we moved to Colorado so my husband could attend school at CSU. And I was lucky enough to meet Katie! While in Colorado we grew to a family of 3, and have since moved to Rhode Island and become a family of 4!

Here are 5 things that bring light to my life…

1. My Family!

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My family is my heart and my soul; my guts my breath, my everything. There really are just no words…

2. The Time We Spent in Colorado

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I had previously only lived in Virginia and living in Fort Collins opened my life up to how wonderful it can be to explore and live in a new place. Our time there was beautiful and forever changed me.

3. Down time! Who knew!?

Few things rejuvenate me more than just having down time…either sitting on my couch in my cozy clothes watching something or relaxing with a book in a coffee shop. It doesn’t happen much, but when it does, it’s a beautiful thing!

4. Making new friends, and my beautiful friends I have known forever and met along the way.

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I’ve been very lucky to have great friends; I am beyond fortunate for the friends we have made as the result of our moves who I know are now life long friends. Also for the wonderful people who love my children.

5. Christmas Lights!

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Okay, maybe I’m being influenced by the time of year, but nonetheless, Christmas lights make me silly happy! And so far no where we have lived does Christmas lights like Richmond VA!

If you are interested in giving your own light, click here to learn more about how you can enter the Give Light Giveaway.

Giving Light – Katy C.

Hi, I’m Katy. I love the movie You’ve Got Mail, and seriously loathe Ikea. I’m an Arkansan by birth, but a Colorado transplant by way of a raft guiding job. I like mornings because just think of all the accomplishments that happen in the morning. Made the coffee, brushed my teeth, ate breakfast, made my bed (!!!), washed dishes, and on and on and on.

I’m desperate to make space for peace and calm in my life these days, so when I think about beautiful, it’s all things calm and simple that I see:

1. A bed that’s made

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I’ve never been good about making my bed. It just never really crossed my mind to do such a thing. This past year I lived in Spain with three exceptionally tidy Spaniards, and it was then that I had a window into what it’s like to live in a home that doesn’t look like a tornado just blew through it. One Spanish morning I woke up, and so very out of character, I made my bed. And what a world of difference that simple act made on my day. Since then I’ve never looked back, and tending to my bed is the first thing I do in the morning. Paying homage to the ritual, and feeling a sense of accomplishment so early in the morning. It’s my daily peace victory.

2. Organization

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Just like learning to make my bed, another recent, out-of-character habit I’ve developed is organization. Google calendars has changed my life, and I cannot stop talking about it to anyone who has ears. If something is not on my Google calendar, it does not get done. Another organization tool I’ve found is this Happiness Planner that one of my friends gave me for my birthday. It’s a weekly planner/journal that incorporates goal setting around finding ways to bring more happiness into life. Go buy one today. I do not see how you could regret it.

3. Walk Around the Park

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I live across the street from a small park. On days when I don’t feel like running or doing much at all, I decide that a short, slow walk around my park is surely in the cards. Slip on the flip flops, keep my head up to look at the trees.

4. Bon Iver’s New Album – 22, A Million

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This is peace and calm. Listen to “8(circle)” and feel the calm.

5. Core Power Yoga

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I’ve always wanted to be a yogi, but slowing down and deep breathing does not come easy to me. Give me a few minutes into any class, and I’m flying a silent rage. (Hello, red flag, this girl needs to yoga). This week I discovered Core Power Yoga, and I started their free, trial week. I feel like I’ve found my place there, because it’s yoga meets strength and cardio. Like a sneakily disguised yoga class. Not to mention the feel good that happens because of heated rooms that make you drip sweat even on a snowy day. What is it about sweating that feels so good?