I feel like having a little heart to heart with y’all.
Pretty sure I’ve never said y’all out loud… but it’s more fun than saying you guys, no?
Anywayssss – it’s been a while since we had a ‘real talk’ kind of chat here on the blog, but they seem to be the most engaging type of post, meaning they get the most comments… which I LOVE! Y’all are my people (ha sorry, can’t stop saying it now). I can understand why my food posts don’t get as many comments because you’re there to grab/pin the yummy recipe and go about your day.
I love sharing nourishing, healthy and wholesome recipes because that’s what TGF is all about – feeding our bodies high-quality plant foods that are vibrant and beneficial and give you that gorg glow. But it’s also about nourishing our minds and checking in with ourselves every single day to re-connect and re-align. Like a little self-love pep talk.
Lately, I’ve come to realize that it’s easy for me to get caught up in other people’s lives and look at what’s not happening in mine – unless I catch my thoughts early on to remind myself that I’m on my own path and need to enjoy where I’m at right now, which I’m working on. I’ve been so consumed with what my future holds that I end up letting myself down which only hurts me in the end…
I think it stems from overthinking and worrying about (don’t judge) where I will live when my lease is up in a couple months… worrying that I’ll be 30 years old and still living in my studio apartment with no ring on my left hand… worrying that there are so many blogs and ebooks out there – why will people continue to visit my blog or buy my ebooks? Will I be lucky enough to still be doing this in 5 years?
I constantly have to lift myself up and repeat that things always work out when they are supposed to AND in the most magical of ways. Saying that immediately makes me feel better.
Stop thinking.
Stop worrying.
Stop waiting.
Start living.
There is no rush to do anything. Things are always working out, but I need to be in the right head space to appreciate and remember the things that are working out, in order for all the good things to flow into my life.
- Appreciating the fact that I’m able to support myself through this blog, practice my passions, make my own work schedule, show my creativity through colorful recipes, practice my photography and promote the healthiest way to live #getthegloweffect
- Appreciating that people find the information that I put out there helpful whether it’s actually transitioning to the vegan lifestyle, learning about it or just eating more green things 😉
- Appreciating little Taz (my chihuahua) who is my everything and brings me SO much happiness and laughter. He’s my life line when I’m lonely and sad, my best buddy on long drives and teaches me that happiness is a choice, so I need to choose to be happy every single day.
- Appreciating my readers, my close group of friends and of course, my fam that supports me no matter what.
Life is so much easier when you just let it be.
I need to stop putting pressure on myself because it’s way too exhausting and draining. Seriously though!! IT’S EXHAUSTING. Why is there a certain pressure that likes to pop up in our late twenties, reminding us that we’re still unmarried and without babies on the way? Yes I want these things in my life and I dream about them every single day. Yes, I’m still young, I know… these things take time… BUT these things won’t happen until the time is right… I wouldn’t want them to happen before I’m ready anyway, so what’s the rush? There is no rush!
I can’t know when I will be ready or when these things will happen – all I can know is that life is pretty magical and the universe is on my side and things are always working out in the BEST of ways.
No one really knows what they are doing or where life will take them. Everyone struggles. That’s part of the human experience. The whole experience should be enjoyable and beautiful and weird and crazy but also full of love and laughter and adventure. Like attracts like so the vibes you are putting out there will come right back to you. Good energy is contagious. It’s so true.
So SMILE and BE KIND – it will take you places.
Strive to be someone you would want to be around.
Expect amazing things to happen.
I feel much better after getting this out there. Do you guys struggle with any of the same thoughts?! How do you overcome them?! Let’s get some good stuff going in the comments, mmkay?! I love you guys! Now I’m off to get ready for a food & fashion blogger event (with sunset cocktails!) on the Chicago River. Hopefully I’ll take some amazing pics and share them with y’all.. 🙂
Great and wise words…it’s a way we all feel at one time or another, but just don’t tell anyone. Or if we do, it’s to the wrong people who look at us like we’re crazy.
Finding “our tribes” is the key to life working out and that is such a challenge. I’ve got an amazing husband, home, pets and a mother that are all wonderful, but my work doesn’t match up to my personal life. It’s the one hole in my life, but because I work everyday, it’s a hole I deal with daily. I’m working to get there, know in my heart it will happen, but it doesn’t stop me from feeling inpatient or sad. I wish I could give up and lead the “normal” life, but something tells me every day not to.
Thank you for sharing your words. The creatives (in my mind) seem to feel this struggle more often than most. It’s good to hear someone say it out loud for once. Love your blog, love your recipes (I’ve made some and posted pics to instagram–amazing!), love your creativity!
I loved this so much and really needed it today. Thank you!! XO
Thank you so much for sharing this! My boyfriend is in the Navy, which means we’re about to be in a very long distance relationship! I’ve been really worried lately about how everything is going to turn out, but this post helped me to just take a breath and realize that if it’s meant to be, then things will work out the way they are supposed to.
Thank you again!!
Yes! I have totally felt this way. I am almost 27. I feel like society makes out this image of how and when things should be done in life. If you would have asked me 10, 5, even 2 years ago, I never thought I’d be where I am now. I haven’t had a long term serious relationship since I was 21. I recently decided I need to make a career change (I’m currently a teacher) and I’m going to grad school to get a MBA degree(I want to be an entrepreneur-as crazy as that sounds) . I am having all these kind of quarter life crisis moments of, “If I’m not pursuing what makes me happy, then I need to start.”
I have finally learned to accept that I am where I am. Though I can work towards making each day and my future better, I can’t rush things. I used to think I’d be married by 25, but that is all because I thought that’s how it should be, when life doesn’t work that way.
There are so many other ways to feel fulfilled in life and I’m finally focused on that along with bettering myself. So, I totally get what you mean about comparing yourself and wanting to be in that complete content stage of your life.
You are definitely not alone! You should watch/listen to Preston Smiles and Lewis Howes on Youtube. Their videos have really helped me take a step back and become a better me.
Best wishes to you on your journeys! Thanks for sharing your feelings with us! 🙂
SO FUNNY that you mentioned Preston Smiles because I just stumbled upon his girlfriend Alexi Panos and then him a couple days ago!! Love it. You are right, there are so many other ways to feel fulfilled if we just feel them. I think we overcomplicate it because we think there’s no way it can be that simple, but it can.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
xo,
Shannon
Thank you so much, Shannon! This post was exactly what I needed this week.
I just got married about a month ago and moved into a downtown apartment with my husband, and while I am loving where we live it is a big change to be in a new city where we don’t have friends or family around. We moved because my husband got a job, which is wonderful! But I’m still on the hunt, and I’ve been feeling kind of useless as a wife since I’m just at home and not working at the moment. It’s so easy for me to get caught up in those negative thoughts and worry about what the future holds for me. But that’s crazy for me to be stressing about things like that – I should be enjoying my marriage and be thankful for the down time that I have in this stage of my life.
I’ve also been struggling with my diet and exercise recently. The past couple of months were pretty hectic with wedding planning and moving, but I enjoyed the busyness and was actually working out regularly and eating healthy, so I felt great! But now I feel like I’ve hit a wall and I have been eating junk and not working out as much 🙁 So I turned to some blogs for healthy inspiration and then read this post of yours!
I’m actually thinking about going Vegan for a week so I can get some more healthy inspiration (I’ve been vegetarian for about 5 years now and slowly trying to incorporate more vegan meals into my diet). I went Vegan for a week a couple of years ago and used some of your recipes 🙂 So I’m excited to try it out again.
I’m just so thankful that there are blogs like yours where like-minded people can come together for support and inspiration. Keep up the awesome work! 🙂
Hi Ashley!! So many exciting new adventures for you 🙂 I know that weird stagnant feeling where you are in this in-between stage… not knowing what’s to come.. so I can totally relate to that but yes, it should be the happiest stage of your life too!! I dream about that stage of my life. So happy you found this post though and I find when I’m busier I tend to enjoy the chaos too and actually get more things done in a day, workouts included! We all go through phases with working out and eating healthy but it can all start again with your next meal and next workout! That’s how I like to think about it – getting back on track and actually starting is all you have to do.
That’s awesome you want to go vegan for a week! Can’t wait to hear how it goes 🙂
xo,
Shannon
I JUST had this EXACT epiphany two days ago! Literally. I’m 26, about to move into a new apartment with my boyfriend (ZERO plans of marriage anytime soon) and have been thinking about my timeline, goals, etc. I have realized that it is important to have goals and know where you want to be in the future, but to not let the expectations/comparisons of others stress you out. The path that is right for you isn’t the path that is right for everyone. Everything is exactly as it should be – trust that. =) Thank you for sharing!
**Side note, you were one of my inspirations to start sharing my smoothies/meals on instagram. I saw that you liked a few of my photos the other day and freaked! haha. @merriman42 !
Hi Jackie! Well said – all we can do is trust and know that everything is always working out and yes!! I remember liking a few of your pics 🙂 thanks for stopping by and keep sharing your yumminess!
xo,
Shannon
Finally getting a chance to read this! No truer words have been spoken. I think it’s totally ok to have goals and want more, but we also need to take a moment to appreciate what we have here and now. On the subject to timelines one of my favorite quotes is “you can’t rush something you want to last forever”.
You are an amazing person and I KNOW great things are coming your way!
xx
Hi love! That quote is perfect.. so funny when you started talking about all of this last night.. I love that kind of stuff 🙂 you are so kind and genuine and I’m so thankful we could finally meet in person. Talk soon!
xo,
Shannon
I didn’t marry until I was 35. This year I will be 50 but you know, I don’t think about age as a marker. I feel young! I am just realizing my dream and that’s okay with me. I never think wow, I am so slow to just figure this out. The important thing is to keep striving. I used to tell girlfriends stop looking for a man and one will come to you. The moment when you decide you don’t need one in your life, is the moment you meet a man because that’s how they are ha ha. No, seriously I think it’s confidence. Once you are comfortable and confident in your own skin, you become way more attractive. I think you already have that going for you!
So true Kathy! My mom married at 35 as well. It’s like once you stop caring is when things start happening so I’ve sort of given up on it, not in a bad way, just in a go with the flow kind of way and it’s much easier. Yeah, I think confidence has a lot to do with it too. And timing and being aligned and all that good stuff. Love it all! Always love when you share some insight and definitely look up to you so thanks!
xo,
Shannon
Love you, Shandog! Everything WILL happen when it should, and everything will be figured out. No need to stress. You are one of the most beautiful people inside and out that I have ever met, and I’m so lucky to call you one of my best friends. I admire how you have chased your dreams, never gave up, and here you are– a success and doing what you love! I can’t wait to drank some wine with you tomorrow night. Okay I’m going to bed now because it’s 1:40am, yikes. Night!
Love you Jness! You are so right, no point in stressing at all – it’s way too exhausting. Our friendship and memories mean so much to me (especially our wine nights, duh) but so excited for you and your new adventures and all the good things to come! Muah!!
xoxoxo,
Shannon
This is exactly what I needed to read, Shannon! I think social media is the cause to a lot of the insecurities that take place amongst young adults, at least for me! I am 27, with my 28th birthday approaching in December, and I don’t have a house or a ring, either. . I have a man, and a savings account working towards a house, but otherwise, I’m still a 27 year old living at home with my parents. I’m not ashamed by any means, but I definitely find myself comparing to my old classmates, and sometimes ask what am I doing wrong to not be where they are? But the truth is, I’m NOT doing anything wrong. Everything is happening the way it is supposed to. While I’d love to have an engagement ring, or be married, or have a house, I don’t yet because I am not 100% ready for it (mainly financially).. and I have to remind myself that it is totally O-K! There is no competition or race to get everything done before others. If I were in your shoes, I would probably worry about the future, too, but my advice to you, again, is to live in the present. Keep doing what you are doing now, with your blog, instagram, PDF’s, youtube channel, etc., and your fans will continue to support you because all that you do is awesome! I am so glad to have stumbled across your blog recently, because you’re truly helping me as I am (2 weeks) new to veganism!
Keep doing your thing, everything else will fall into place when it’s supposed to! And when all else fails, go snuggle with Taz! 😛
xoxox
Holly (yes, I am the same girl from instagram!)
Holly, you are so right, social media does not help AT ALL haha. It makes comparing that much easier but such a relief to remember that everything happens as its supposed to. I do have to focus on the present and just be at peace with it and enjoy the process.
You are so sweet and OMG congrats to going vegan!!! YAY! I expect lots of follow-ups from you to let me know how it’s going 😉
xo,
Shannon
This post is so relatable on so many levels! I am dealing with that right now with my weight loss. I have made so much progress, but sometimes, I just want all the extra weight to go away. I just have to remember that I am making positive changes, and I have come such a long way, which is all that really matters. Respecting yourself and staying true to yourself is always more important than trying to speed up the results. It sure is frustrating to feel like you aren’t where you want to be in life yet and aren’t sure if you ever will get there. I figure that as long as you have something to look forward to everyday, whether it’s doing something you love or having people that you love around you, you are doing just fine. One day you will look at this time in your life and feel grateful that you kept going. That’s what I tell myself anytime I feel like giving up or am feeling confused.
Yes, love everything you said Natalia! Looking back at how far you’ve come always helps and feels good. I’ve learned that we can’t speed anything up because it’s happens when its supposed to but we can slow it down with negativity so being open and positive is all we can do! Thank you for reminding me of this.
xo,
Shannon
GIRL! I fricken love you… every single word felt like it was written at me, no joke! The being married, having babies, where will I be when I’m 30 gosh my mind does the same thing it’s constantly trying to plan and if I can’t find a way to reel it back down to reality of the fact that I can’t control everything it just keeps goin like the energizer bunny!
When you can finally calm the mind and make it accept that everything will be ok and JUST BE… Literally those two words are SO under estimated LOL it’s so hard to just be… but when you can, it’s the most relaxing thing in the world!
I’m sure it make you nervous about the living situation but it will work out, the answer will come to you when it’s meant to the universe is funny that way… we have been looking for months to figure out where to live because we are both stubborn and don’t want to be married or try for a baby while living at home still (which we should be grateful for cause it’s rent free but it’s still holding us back from moving forwards ya know) … anyways nothing feels right, house locations, land locations nothing was like wow let’s live here it was all like eh’ … and we just got some news that a house by where we live now might possibly be going up for sale in the near future! We have talked over and over about staying close to where we are now because it has everything we need! So now it’s a wait and see thing but our fingers are crossed that everything comes down to the right timing…maybe that’s why nothing else felt right…
Anyways, my point to this whole long thang, is that when the timing is right you will know what to do about your lease! And when the time is right for marriage and babies you will know without a doubt it’s right! I know you have a strong intuition girl, you just have to let it do the thinking and trust it, until then take a deep breath and be grateful for this very moment cause you’ll never get this moment back!
The universe has your back, it won’t give you anything without knowing for certain that you can handle it!
XOXOXO
I fricken love you back!! Haha no seriously tho… the universe works in funny ways and the answers always come when you least expect it because that’s when you’re not thinking about it. Hahah such a silly mind game… ugh… but I love it! Can’t wait to hear about that house, it sounds like things are lining up and would definitely be the reason for why the other houses just didn’t feel right to you guys. Wishing you the best and sending you lots of love! Muah!
xoxo,
Shannon
Love this post Shan! I can totally relate to everything. Thank you for reminding me that life is magical and we are all on our own path and everything happens for the best reason, despite our lack of control.
Thank you my love! Feels so good knowing that life is full of magic and works in mysterious ways – but always in the best of ways. Muah!!!
xoxo,
Shannon
Excellent write up lady! Great challenges equal great destiny! When you love and truly accept yourself for who you really are, all you have to do is show up as yourself and God takes over the rest. Believe in yourself and your gifts with humility and gratefulness and it makes for magic!
I’m going through the same thing right now. I have so many goals & dreams and I get discouraged when I don’t see those things appearing in my life. I have to remember that it’s what I’m doing TODAY that matters and to literally force myself to do the things I know I need to do. I want to be a positive light and radiate love to this dark world. 🙂 I’m starting to connect with more like-minded people (like you!) that will community, love, and support.
This is a great post and I can relate to pretty much every point you made and feel myself being impatient and like “when is it going to happen already”?!? I feel like I don’t trust myself enough with my intuition to just go with it and let it flow and happen if/when it will happen and this is reminder to do that, so thank you 🙂