Thursday, December 21, 2017

Even more INSPIRATION


Where do you find inspiration?

Do you seek inspiration for peace? For gratefulness? For reflection?


This year, I have been following the #AdventWord daily inspiration on Instagram (you can check out my Instagram HERE). As we approach Christmas Day, these daily inspirations have given me a lot to think about...not only on this Christmas season, but also on the entire 2017 that got me here.

I have already shared my thoughts on Awaken, Journey, Gather, Simplify, and Heal HERE, and my reflections on Mend, Focus, Prepare, Messenger, Watch, Voice, and Wilderness are HERE. Are you ready for a few more?

Trust
Seriously, is there anyone you #trust more than your hairdresser? I had my 2-month hair appointment a week ago, and it felt so good to have someone else give me (and my tresses) a little TLC. Too bad I can't have her on call to do my hair for me every morning.
Ahhhh, all better!
Among
I love my cousins! There is oh so much fun to be had #among each other. Last weekend, we had our family's annual Christmas get-together (on my mother's side). Some people dread family functions, but not me. Of the five of us in attendance, four of us even ran a marathon relay together (Quad Cities Marathon, September 2016).
Thankful and blessed to have my cousins!
Light
There's just something about the #light from a Christmas tree that brightens my spirit. These miniature trees look nice unlit, but when the lights click on, they take on a new dimension and our entire porch comes to life. 

Let there be light
Dazzle
Look closely...can you see the #dazzle of my sparkly Christmas tree socks in the bright sunshine? Our temps were 47-degrees on  Monday afternoon...in Iowa, none the less! The sunshine was so blindingly bright, all the silver threads in my socks looked like they were on fire. 
I'm totally in love with the sunshine
Open
On Tuesday morning (at 05:00), the temps were in the mid-30's, and the air was calm. Five miles under the the sparkling stars in the wide #open air felt almost euphoric. I kid you not. True tranquility.
Too bad it looks like my arms are missing...
...and I gotta share a bonus word: Embrace
Happy are those who #embrace color and are not afraid to play with it. This kind of goes without saying, but I love color. One of my most-utilized hashtags is #gobrightorgohome ... and not just during the holiday season.
'tis the season for red and green, right?
It's hard to believe the #AdventWord challenge is winding down and will conclude in a few days. Some of the words have been a lot easier to work with than others, especially in trying to keep them in sync with my Instagram page (which is more running-based than personal). Sometimes, though, everything needs to overlap, and that's alright. Tis the season (have I said that already?).

Have you done anything special for Advent? Or December? Do you take time to reflect on your blessings during the holiday season? 
 
***By the way...are you following me on social media? You can find me at these various platforms:
Let's connect : Facebook Instagram  Pinterest Twitter

I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0. 

18 comments:

  1. Since moving almost 3 years ago I have not found a good hairdresser near where I live now. I've gone to like 4 different ones and probably won't go back to any.
    Isn't it crazy how great 30 degrees can feel in the winter after running in single digit temps?

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    1. Finding a good hairdresser is tough! My gal is pricey, but I've been going to her forever...like, maybe 14 years (?). She knows me (and my hair), and never steers me wrong when I want something new.

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  2. You have gotten a lot of inspiration out of this Advent word challenge! It's always nice to find meaning in the season. Merry Christmas, Kim!

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    1. I'm all about finding meaning in the season ;-) There's so much stress and anxiety and busy-ness, I think we all need to step back and reflect on the good ;-)

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  3. I am long overdue for a haircut. I do not have one that I always go to. That is so nice you can still get together with cousins. I think that is something special that we can still be close as adults. I am as well with mine.

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  4. Trying again. Blogger ate my first post. I'm lucky -- I've never really had a bad haircut, which is saying something, because it would be easy for someone to give me a bad cut. So yes, I trust the myriad of hairdressers who have done my hair.

    I try to embrace Winter, but it's really hard! Especially when it came super early this year.

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    1. Our winter temps definitely came early...but the snow has been a no-show until recently

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  5. I haven't had a trim/haircut in a year - absolutely crazy! My hairdresser moved 2 years ago and I've been in limbo every since - it's very frustrating!

    I love your red/black earwarmer band in your 'light' photo - is that from old navy?!

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    1. You better believe it the red plaid headband is Old navy LOL ;-) I may also have the matching gloves....

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  6. You've done such a great job finding meaning in this busy season. So many people focus on the commercialized aspect of Christmas, and with your Advent Word challenge you've done anything but that. Awesome!

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    1. Thanks! I'm glad I found the Advent Word challenge...it's been a fun distraction from all the usual holiday craziness ;-)

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  7. Lol, I love your dazzle! :) What a great post!

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    1. Thanks, Rachel ;-) I don't wear these socks very much (unless they're incognito under tall boots LOL)

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  8. This is such a cool post! I always take time to appreciate all I have during the holidays!!

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    1. The season is a great time to reflect on what we already have, rather than wanting more ;-)

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  9. I love your colorful outfit, Kimberly! Colorful clothes bring happiness. Excellent post!

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    1. I agree! Black is so overdone, we need more color in this world ;-)

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