Thursday, January 22, 2015

Re-Capturing that Old Feeling of Worth!

Hello Lovely! I've very excited to share a guest post with you all about the importance of re-capturing that old feeling of worth. Having gone through a divorce, I can tell you that I was pretty down in the dumps for quite some time, and honestly, it took a few years to really feel like "me" again.  Thanks to the Julie Ellis here are some things you can do to find that inner you once again!


We begin life with almost a blank slate. Sure, heredity plays a role in who we are – researchers now tell us that we all have propensities toward certain physical and mental conditions. It also tells us that “nature” can be moderated and changed by “nurture” – those experiences we have and those behaviors we internalize that may alter that heredity. Recently, for example, scientists have isolated a gene that is a predictor of addiction – drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc. Possession of this gene means that we have a predilection toward addictions. It does not, however, mean that we will necessarily succumb to addictions. That “succumbing” is a factor of our “nurturing,” or our environments.
Life Happens!

As we march through this great experiment called “life,” we develop a sense of self-image. If we have had more “good” than “bad” during this grand experiment, our self-images remain relatively positive – we see our worth; we know that we can solve problems; we know that we can overcome adversity. It is when those big traumas come that our “world” is shaken so profoundly that we begin that downward spiral of losing our sense of self-worth and begin to lose the belief that we can not only survive, but triumph. Consider some of the major events that can occur to shake our very foundational beliefs in ourselves:

1. We find ourselves in an employment position that is untenable. We cannot meet the demands of our supervisors/bosses, are continually stressed, and feel like utter failures.

2. We are fired from our current job and find that our skills are not in high demand anywhere else.

3. A spouse or partner decides to end the relationship that has been built over a long period of time.

4. Children rebel, blame their problems on us, and cut us out of their lives.

5. Major breeches with relatives leave us wondering if we have been the cause of this familial strife

6. Financial difficulties result in the loss of a home

7. Addictions take our livelihood, our loved ones, and our security from us

8. Criminal activity results in fines, penalties, and/or incarcerations

9. A physical ailment or injury leaves us disabled

Any one of these events can create the feelings that we do not have value, that our lives are worthless, and that we are destined to a future existence of depression, despondency, and dependency (the “terrible trio” as I like to call them). Turning this around, and learning to believe in oneself again, is not easy and is not an activity for the “faint of heart.” Yet, it is accomplished by many, each and every day, as they take step-by-step measures to restore their senses of self-worth!

1. There is a Power at work in our lives: Whether you call it God, First Cause, Universal Mind, or the Force, it is greater than you, and there are certainly principles that are in play. Connecting to this Power is the first step in restoration. These connections may be pretty dirty right now, but getting the corrosion off and cleaning up that connection must occur. Some people find this with organized religions; some find it in support groups; some find it through meditation and communal connections to nature. It really does not matter which option you choose. It matters that you pursue your connection and allow the principles of “truth” to become a force in your life!

2. Remembering the “Good Times:” It is critical that you go back and reflect on your life as a whole. There have been great successes, great moments of achievement, and great events for which you bore responsibility. No one is suggesting that you “live in the past.” Rather, it is important that you recall those moments and times during which your great value and worth shone and were recognized by others. Getting into that “feeling” of worth can be a huge motivator to change current circumstances for the better!

3. Build on small successes. Perhaps you have been able to find an appropriate living situation after a foreclosure; maybe you have secured a job, even though it is not your ideal; perhaps you have established a new, positive relationship; maybe you have been sober or have avoided the gambling venues for a month. Success begets success! Build on these small things as you insist that you really can progress!

4. Find support and use it: There is a reason why Alcoholics Anonymous has been such a successful program for so many. People with little to lose have joined, found relationships and support, and have moved on to many successes – personal and professional! Using the support of others is not a weakness – it is a strength!

5. Get “outside” of yourself: Wallowing in self-pity only exacerbates low self-esteem. You may not have a job; you may be on parole; you may have lost your family. But others are waiting for your help! Tutor inner-city poverty-stricken children; take care of animals at a local shelter; bring your music to a nursing home; visit patients who are dying of cancer. When you see the gratitude on their faces or you receive that lick or hug, you will know that you have worth and value to others!

Life Throws “Curve Balls”
The most wonderful thing about the human spirit is that it is resilient and ever-present! Even in our worst moments, we can dig deep into the recesses or our very being and pull out ideas and strategies to move ourselves. In doing this, we restore ourselves to our intended purpose – to live, to thrive, and to love!

Author’s bio:Julie Ellis believes that, only through experiential knowledge does one become an engaging and creative writer. Her degree in Journalism and a host of real-world study and experience has made her a permanent and popular blogger for PremierEssay.net.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

She Who Leaves a Trail of Glitter is Never Forgotten!

Hello Lovely!!
I started this blog in 2011 to tell my adventures of being a fabulous, outgoing girl who has gone through life sitting down and who wants to share the things that I love with other people! I want people to see that my wheelchair does not define me and if you get to know me, you will see that my life is filled with hilarious stories of overcoming challenges, endless exploration for my next favorite outfit, tasty treats and so much more. . .but most of all, I'm just me. I have the most wonderful boyfriend in the world, I love my family, fashion, makeup, music, movies and just living life to the fullest.

I have met so many wonderful people through my blog and have been able to experience so many wonderful opportunities had it not been for I Look Good Today!

Recently I was contacted by my absolute FAVORITE nail polish company, Julep, to give them a description of what my "signature" nail polish would be and what I would name it.

If you don't know about Julep, you are missing out!!! Julep Maven is a monthly nail polish and beauty subscription box. They make all their own products, so subscribers get a good value each month – over $40 retail worth of product for $24.99 a month.

Each month Julep releases a new collection on the 20th, and you can decide which box you want, you can upgrade to the entire collection, or you can skip that month. (They recently changed their skip policy – If you’re a new subscriber, you earn a skip every 6 months).

If you’re new to Julep polish, it’s vegan and 5-free. I personally LOVE the formula! It lasts far longer than any other brand of nail polish I have ever worn (And that is a lot!), it has this wonderful shine and it just goes on to perfection!

You can check out the colors they currently have available at http://www.julep.com/shop/nail-polish.html.

So to say the least, being asked to describe my ideal color and being able to name my color, I was absolutely flattered and excited!

All of Julep's nail polishes are named after women. Although I think having a nail polish named Jamie would be amazing, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted my nail polish (If I am lucky enough to be chosen for this opportunity.) to be called Jasmina (Pronounced Haus-me-na).

When I was in high school taking a Spanish class, our teacher gave each student a Spanish name that they would be called while in the class; mine was Jasmina. I remember going home and telling it to my family, and it just stuck.

So, what would my signature color look like you ask? Well, if you have visited I Look Good Today for any length of time you would know that my favorite color is. . .purple. I have purple nail polishes, but I have never found an iridescent purple with silver micro glitter in it.


My boyfriend's nickname for me is Twinkle, and the thought of an iridescent purple nail polish with silver micro glitter on my fingers, to me, embodies me perfectly - I love purple and I try to "twinkle" with happiness each and every day .

In order for me to have the opportunity to get my own nail polish color, I need your help! Visit http://www.julep.com/nyfw-sweepstakes?ref=138q to win a shopping spree in NY! Hello! Shopping spree in NY? Yes please! The more people who sign up with the above link are more chances for me to win my very own custom nail color.
I challenge you to look in the mirror each day and say to yourself, “I look good today.” This small statement for me became the reminder that it didn’t matter if I was sitting in a wheelchair while all of my family and friends were walking. I am comfortable with ME, and I truly believe that when we tell ourselves that we do have something special inside of us, that small reminder each day helps you to hold your head a little higher and believe that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

I promise you, people will take notice when you leave your trail of glitter wherever you go. . .perhaps on your fingertips with my Jasmina nail color from Julep!

 
 

 

 

Friday, May 2, 2014

Friday Flashback

Good Morning Sunshine.

This week has been full of wonderful little moments that made me smile. Probably the best moments were spent with two of my favorite patients at our hospital. They were here for a clinic appointment and we had made plans for a lunch date. When I came into the lobby to get them, they saw me, screamed  my name and ran to me with open arms to give me a big hug. They kept telling me how much they missed me and loved me and the of course wanted to share all the glorious things going on in their little girl worlds. Hearing their giggles and seeing their smiles gives my heart such happiness. I may not be able to have children of my own, but the patients I become so close to are like my children and I just love them to pieces!

So how was your week? What made you particularly happy?
 
{Hot air balloons floating right outside my apartment. My boyfriend was coming over early one morning and called me to come outside quick. I'm so glad he did or I would have missed this awesome site. I would give anything to go up in one. One day I definitely will!}

 
{I am absolutely addicted to the TV show Resurrection. With only one episode left I am completely on the edge of my seat wondering how these people are coming back. Have you seen this show? If not, I would highly recommend it!}

{A blue Sapphire necklace to accentuate my blue bow sweater.}


{The little sweethearts that bring such joy into my life with their little girl smiles, hugs and giggles. It was a hug fest with them for sure. . .and I loved every second of it!}




Wednesday, April 30, 2014

When Thinking About Life Remember This

Hello Sweetie. I found this quote today and it really resonated with me.

All of us have to go through our own challenges in this world. We all have to deal with the cards life has dealt us, whether we want to or not, right?

Depending on the situation you are going through, it can be very taxing on not only your emotional health, but your physical health as well.

I can tell you that my divorce was THE HARDEST emotional issue I have gone through in my entire life. This was harder for me than any surgery I have had. . .one of which nearly took my life.

I WAS A MESS!

The strong girl that everyone has looked up to in the past was gone. I couldn't find "Happy Jamie" no matter how hard I tried to find her.

It is amazing what time can do though. Life could rebuild itself and I could build a new future.

I had regret of a failed marriage. I thought I had everything with my hubby. There was guilt that I couldn't make it work. That I couldn't "fix" our marriage (Yes, I'm a fixer of problems.).

I had regret of not trying to seek help for he and I a lot sooner.

Most of all I had regret of not being true to myself and allowing myself to lose who Jamie really was.

What I have learned is that we all must keep our faith, no matter what that means for you.

We must do what is best for ourselves. I'm not giving you an excuse to be selfish and hurt others for your gain, but I'm saying you need to make good decisions that will bring positive outcomes in your life.

Finally I learned that we are so much stronger than we ever give ourselves credit for, and we must NEVER give up.

I was completely broken.

I had my physical form, but I couldn't find ME inside.

I thankfully had a great support system that held me up when I couldn't hold myself up.

One day you find that the clouds do part, the sun starts shining again and your life gets back on track.

Would I change this experience? YES.

Would I have rather not had to go through it? ABSOLUTELY!

Am I proud of the person I have become because of it? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!
Whatever your challenge is, know that you are not alone. No matter how lonely you feel, people DO understand what you are going through.

Remember that things WILL get better, no matter how clouded that future has become in your mind.

Most importantly never look back with regret. Your amazing future is waiting!

Monday, April 28, 2014

Pretty in Pink

Hello Lovely. Today I was feeling particularly Springy with so many flowers in bloom, the birds singing and the weather just absolutely perfect for outdoor activity. It makes me feel like love is truly in the air. . .that could also be because I have the most amazing boyfriend a girl could ask for!

I was very excited this morning to pull out my Everlasting Love Lace Dress from Forever 21. I originally bought this for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner with my boyfriend, and just like I have fallen in love with him, I am head over heals for this dress.

I do not like anything too low cut in the front, so for me personally, this rounded neckline is perfect. What you can't see in the picture is that this dress also has a keyhole button closure and cutout in back to give it just a little something extra.

I will never forget the reaction I got when my boyfriend first saw me in this dress. I was coming out of my bedroom and he was waiting in the living room for me to head to our Valentine's Day dinner. When he saw me he paused for a second, got a huge smile on his face and let out this amazing, "WOW!" I was hoping he would like it, and was thrilled to receive such a response from him!

We all need that one dress that makes us feel great. It fits right in all the wrong places, it accentuates our femininity and it gives us that confidence booster that yes "I Look Good Today!"

This is MY I Look Good Today dress. What does yours look like? If you can, post a picture in the comments or tell me all about it below!

Friday, April 25, 2014

Friday Flashback

Happy Friday Beautiful!

This week I returned from a week long vacation to visit family in PA (My home state) for my cousin Kyle's wedding. It was a beautiful day and one that brought so many family members together that I hadn't seen in over 20 years! I always love seeing what everyone is wearing and the decorations at receptions. I absolutely LOVED the centerpieces at their wedding. So elegant, yet very simple.


While I was up in PA, the weather took a drastic change. When I arrived it was gorgeous. . .mid 70s, no humidity; definitely a nice change from the balmy weather this Florida girl is used to. This weather is what I was expecting for mid April and that is how I packed. To my surprise, the weather on Tues of last week dropped to in the 30s and snow. . .SNOW! Yes I have seen snow many times, but is has been nine years since I had seen it. I know for my northern readers you probably think I am crazy being so excited to see snow after you have endured a very brutally cold winter, but I was like a little kid seeing it for the first time.


Fast forwarding to this week, it was full force getting back into the swing of work and of course celebrating my birthday! I cannot express the gratitude I have to everyone for their birthday well wishes. I thought I'd share a few highlights of my special day with you. . .


{A special bday photo sent to me from two of the sweetest girls I know.}
 
{A birthday dinner with my bff. We started with a cheese board: goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola and buffalo}

{To finish off this AMAZING meal was a special brithday cannoli from Ciao Italian Bistro.}
This morning my boyfriend surprised me with many gifts that were meant to bring back memories we have shared together. I loved everything, however I am still in AWE of this this gorgeous hand blown glass bowl!


I would love to hear about your week. What you have been up to? Did anything inparticular make you smile?

Thursday, April 24, 2014

A New Year, A New Me

Hello Gorgeous! Remember me?


I know it has been a very long time since my last blog post - last July to be exact. However today, on my 36th birthday, I wanted to hopefully get back in to the blog that brought so many amazing people into my life.

Since we last talked, my life has been a whirlwind of change! As you know I had been married and I shared wiith you many stories of our life together. Well, part of my absence here is due to the fact I was dealing with my divorce. I have to tell you this took me through the darkest time emotionally I have EVER faced in my entire life. I'm sure a lot of you might think that is interesting knowing I live life from a wheelchair and things might not always be "easy" for me. However, no challenge I have ever faced with my disability compared to the heartache I felt making the decision to leave my husband - a man I had been with for 12 years.

As time has moved on, the clowds have parted, the sun has shined through and I swear I am stronger, happier and more couragous now than I have ever been in my entire life. I look back in amazement of how strong the human spirit truly is!

I am of course LOVING my job and the little lives I get to be a part of each and every day. I mean, how could you NOT love these little cuties?



My social life is amazing. I have a wonderful group of friends and the most amazing boyfriend a girl could ask for. I'm excited to tell you all more about him later.

So being that it is my birthday, I have one wish. I hope you will join me once again here at I Look Good Today so we can continue to touch people's lives and bring some sunshine to each other's day!