Motivational Quotes Monday: On the Beauty of Springtime

Happy Monday, friends!!! Do you hear those birds chirping? Do you see that blue sky? Do you feel that warm sun? It can only mean one thing: Springtime is on the way!! At long last, if you ask me!! To paraphrase The Beatles, it’s been a long, cold winter!! I’m happy to say goodbye to it!! This Wednesday is the first day of spring, so for today’s motivational quotes, I’d like to usher in the season accordingly!! Everything feels like it’s coming back to life and soon enough, everything will be coming up roses — literally!! So let’s open those windows and let the springtime fill our heart and soul. Here are five quotes all about the joy and beauty of the season ahead…

Springtime Springtime Springtime Springtime

Motivational Quotes Monday: On the Healing Power of Therapy

Good Monday morning, friends, and welcome to the first full week of March! Would you believe that we’re under a wind chill advisory this morning?!? You know what that means — I didn’t make it to the library!!! “It’s too cold to go out” has been my refrain for the last four months, and, frankly, I’m SO OVER IT. Anyway, for today’s motivational quotes, I’d love to chat about one of my passions: Therapy!! Yes, I know that sounds like an odd thing to say, but it’s true!! You all know that I’m a huge proponent of therapy and am a forever advocate of mental health treatment. I also have never been shy about sharing my experience. The last 10+ years in therapy have honestly saved my life, and I wish we could just erase the stigma of “Oh, therapy is for people who are weak!” No, no, no! There is no shame in getting help, and here are five quotes that will help you see that…

Therapy Therapy Therapy Therapy Therapy

In Which I Muse on Dixie Cups (Really!)

Dixie CupsNo, that title is not clickbait. And, no, you have not fallen down some psychedelic rabbit hole. I’ve honestly found inspiration in Dixie Cups! Just hear me out…

Over the weekend, I sort of slipped back into that annoying sleep cycle where I stay up too late and sleep far too late the next morning. I hate it, but my body seems to like it, apparently — ahhh, the life of a frustrated writer! Anyway, it was Sunday morning. Well, OK, it was more like 1 p.m. (I only know the time because of the timestamp on my camera roll), I’d just risen from under my warm, cocoon-like blankets and my hair was standing up all over the place — yes, that’s the top of my head you can see in the photos. Still half asleep, I rolled into the bathroom and began going through the routine.

Toothpaste? Check. Toothbrush? Check. Dixie Cups? Check.

But, wait, what was this glorious scribble on said Dixie Cups? I’d never seen cups like this before; I was used to the plain old boring kind — you know, the kind that aren’t anything special, but they get the job done nonetheless. As the famous saying goes, “form follows function.” The plain cups may be, well, plain, but they served their function.

Dixie CupsSo when these new cups waltzed into my life, I WOKE UP. Right away, actually. The designs were in vibrant colors, full of deep blues and pinks. The fonts reminded me of those old Batman episodes that featured lots of “POW” and “BAM” during the pivotal fight scenes.

And what was written on the cups, you wonder? Oh, just the most inspirational phrases EVER. Phrases like…

Good vibes only

Enjoy the little things

Don’t quit your day dream

Do more of what makes YOU happy

These Dixie Cups were exactly what I needed to see. The fact is, I’ve never felt more seen or more motivated while brushing my teeth! It’s the sort of “GO GET ‘EM” motivation that makes me want to conquer the day — or, at least what’s left of it! I literally sat there for a good five minutes going through the cups and reading all the different motivational sayings.

Dixie CupsI seem to be the only one in my household moved by these cups because when I told my mom and Janelle how cool they were and that I was going to write an entire blog post about them, they both just looked at me like “Ummm, OK…”

But, seriously, who wouldn’t want to wake up to these sorts of affirmations every day of the week, 365 days a year? If that’s not good marketing, then I don’t know what is! Way to go, Dixie Cups! You’ve made my days a little brighter!!! xoxo

In Which I Become a Cartoon Illustration

Cartoon IllustrationYes, friends!!! You read that right! It’s always been my dream to see myself in cartoon illustration form and, well, thanks to illustrator Melissa Hiebert, that dream is now a full-color reality!! I’m so excited to share this with you today, as well as an interview with the illustrator herself tomorrow — be on the lookout for that!

So! Here’s the backstory: We all know that Twitter can be a very unfriendly and cruel place. As much as I love Twitter, it can feel like a wild jungle sometimes with all the trolls on the loose! I’ve even written about said trolls, both in a blog post and for CNN Opinion, and it was that CNN op-ed that brought all sorts of trolls out of the woodwork. All. The. Trolls.

Oh, trust me, I had some dizzying days after that piece was published. Who knew people could feel so threatened by a strong woman standing up for herself and other women? You’d think I’d just committed a major crime, like, oh, I don’t know, influenced a certain presidential election, because all the nasty comments were “Look at that monster!” “Who does she think she is?” “Eww, you’re really ugly!” “Go away and shut up…”

Cartoon IllustrationAnd then? Well, I found this gem from a lovely little troll, who bestowed a very interesting title on me. I saw the tweet, seethed with rage for a bit and then had a revelation of sorts…

PURVEYOR OF THE MATRIARCHY IS THE BEST TITLE EVER.

It’s not an insult at all and, well, that’s exactly how I’ve viewed it ever since. I mean, think about it! It’s a veritable gold mine for my brand, obviously. I can see it now — shirts, cups, pencils, hats. A whole line of products emblazoned with the words Purveyor of the Matriarchy. It would be such an empowering and reaffirming message, especially in this disgusting time of toxic masculinity. After all, women are strong. Women are powerful. Women are brave. Women ARE the true Purveyor of the Matriarchy. And that is truly something to be proud of! Heck, I want to shout it from the rooftops!

Honestly, I don’t think this troll knew at the time that he was actually giving me an incredible gift. A truly incredible gift. In fact, it was actually one of the highlights of 2017 for me and I highly doubt that troll was planning on that. And I’m positive that he wasn’t expecting that I’d turn his little “insult” into a vibrant cartoon illustration!

As I wrote in that CNN op-ed: “In that tangled web of hateful tweets, someone called me the Purveyor of the Matriarchy. It was meant to be an insult, but I couldn’t help but see it as a compliment — a call to duty, even. I’m never going to be quiet, especially not on Twitter and social media. I’m not going away. And I’ll always stand up — and speak out — for women everywhere.”

I’m about to make my cartoon illustration my cover photo on social media and I can barely contain my excitement!!!! AHHHHHH!!!! I’m so grateful to illustrator Melissa and can’t wait to share my interview with her tomorrow!!!

Oh, and don’t you love how she worked my blog title into the cartoon illustration?? I love how it’s on my shirt — sort of like how I tend to wear my heart and emotions on my sleeve for the entire world to see!

What do you think, friends?? Do you think this perfectly captures my purveyor-ness?? I totally need to get those Purveyor of the Matriarchy shirts made!! Or at least get a hashtag going!!! Let’s tweet #PurveyorOfTheMatriarchy and get it trending!!

P.S. Think I should put that job title on my business cards??

Why It’s Important to Send Handwritten Letters

Handwritten LettersMost communication these days takes place through email, text messaging and social media. It would seem that traditional methods like a pen and a pad have all but become obsolete. There’s no denying that sending and receiving messages instantly is convenient in this fast-paced society, but these methods are also very impersonal. Handwritten letters, whether to your mom, dad, significant other or business contacts, will forever have meaning that far exceeds any other form of e-communication. Here are 6 amazing reasons why…

It Boosts Happiness

Writing has a therapeutic effect on people. When you hand-write letters, whether it be a love note to your fiance or a letter of thanks to your parents, expressing those feelings with pen and paper can help boost your mood. You’re essentially channeling positive energy as you pour out your heart to those closest to you. It can help you remember what to be thankful for in life and appreciate those relationships dearest to you.

It Makes It Personal

There is a time for auto-generated content and quick messages via text or chat and then there’s a time to send a personal message. Even in business, handwritten letters can take on a whole new meaning. Sending out a newsletter via email to your customer base may be fine for updating them on the status of your business, but if you’re thanking them for their support, it gives off a better impression if you write a note of thanks complete with your signature. Why? Well, your customers know that handwriting takes time and the fact that you’re willing to take time out of your day to draft a special message, stamp it and mail it to their residence says a lot. You don’t have to write everything, look for customized stamps to handle your return address or logo, but hand-write the rest.

It’s a Confidence Builder

Have you ever done something to someone you care about and wished you had the courage to let them know you’re sorry? A handwritten note can give you that confidence you need to say the words your mouth won’t let you utter. You can dig deep down and say, “I’m sorry. I wish I did more; I’m here for you now” and send the letter through the mail.

It Sparks Creativity

Writing requires you to utilize your cognitive, visual and motor skills to complete. As it takes more thought and energy to hand-write a letter than it does to send a text or chat message, it pushes you to tune other things out and really connect with your mind.

It’s a Physical Reminder That You Care

Handwritten letters are precious to receive. They require your undivided attention, creativity and innermost thoughts to complete. When your letters are received, it is a tangible reminder to the recipient that you care. It is something they can look back on years from now and remember a special time in their lives.

It Lets Unplug

If you’re focusing on writing a letter to your long-distance relatives or a gratitude letter to the love of your life, all of your attention will have to be devoted to writing. You won’t be able to draft a meaningful letter if you’re distracted by the television, computer screen or your smartphone. Thus, having some extra time to unplug can be great for your health.

People have been handwriting letters since the beginning of time. Though faster mediums have replaced the pen and pad, there’s still nothing as authentic and special as jotting down a message the old-fashioned way. Whether you’re writing a letter to friends, family members, blog supporters, customers or a significant other, the process can be very therapeutic.

Handwritten LettersSo, don’t be afraid to say thanks, “Thinking of you“, “I’m sorry” or “I miss you” through the snail mail. It’s gestures like these that let others know just how much they mean to you. Now, get out that pen and paper and get to writing those handwritten letters!!

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via We Heart It]