Thoughts On Feeling Shiny Again
I’ll confess, some days I just want to be Kelly Wearstler. Or anyone really rich, famous, super stylish and gorgeous. Sometimes it’s Ms. Paltrow. Other days it’s Rachel Bilson. Today was one of those Kelly days. I woke up and felt a bit like the end of the year cannot come soon enough because good goodness I need a fresh slate, some new projects and a boatload of amazingness for 2013.
But then I realized that I don’t need to be Kelly or anyone else, because I’m pretty awesome in my own skin and you know what, on the surface everyone appears just dandy but inside we’re all a big ball of anxiety and insecurity from time-to-time so it’s okay to wallow a bit. We are so much alike despite how our wrapping paper may vary. After a few minutes of poor, poor me I decided that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I’d take it to the trees. I laced up my shiny new Kurt Geiger metallic gold sneakers (oh yeahhhh) and headed to the forest for a really long walk in the cold brisk air. The more I walked, the more I stepped away from how I felt and stepped into how I should feel. I left a lot in that forest today, and when I emerged I felt as shiny and new as my sneaks. That’s what exercise, fresh air, dogs, cyclists, birds, trees shooting off into the clear blue sky and fallen twigs that crunch with every step can do for you.
It’s okay to feel bad sometimes. Life can deal a seriously good deck of cards and a few minutes later, your hand can change. I think the key is to move your body. Do something good for yourself. Pamper yourself when you feel like your own enemy. Put on shiny shoes and walk – and don’t stop walking until you are YOU again.
I wish you a wonderful weekend and loads of happy.
(image: kelly wearstler)
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December 1st, 2012 at 2:54am
Love love this attitude … xxx
debra@dustjacket´s last [type] ..Paris ~ This Modern Romance
December 1st, 2012 at 2:57am
Last month, we moved to a new place + there just happens to be a forest behind my house. I swear it’s better than therapy. I wish I could give everyone their own private spot to wander and heal. The world would be a better place. Wishing you good energy that carries you right into the new year. XOXO
Kelly´s last [type] ..ever kelly (huge) holiday giveaway!
December 1st, 2012 at 3:06am
What a lovely post. I often spoilt myself with simple pleasures in order to stay on the shiny track. Oh some macarons tend to help too.
Carmen @ Forgotten Fancies´s last [type] ..Fancy photos: Fat Mum Slim Photo a Day Challenge
December 1st, 2012 at 3:37am
Beautifully stated Holly! That’s really what celebrities are for…to help you dream BIGGER and at the same time be perfectly content with growing YOUR own brand and business. Today I summoned the magical prowess of Ms. Wearstler herself. At her sample sale. Rocking her gear.
…but TOTALLY in my own skin :D
Happy Friday love!
xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!
December 1st, 2012 at 4:41am
Thanks for that reminder, Holly. Yes, walk until you remember who you are. Walk until your spirit is bright and shiny again.
December 1st, 2012 at 5:32am
I can relate to how you’re feeling. It’s important to resist overthinking where we’re at in life and comparing ourselves to others. We are unique, amazing individuals. It’s humbling to get to a place in our life where we can accept how great we truly are. I agree, a good walk is one of the best ways to clear our head and refocus. Getting out in nature has a way of healing us.
December 1st, 2012 at 5:55am
I admire your spirit and your ability to keep moving forward. We all have our moments, even those of us who are as successful as you are. We’re right beside you as you step out in your gold sneakers; you own army – ‘Holly’s Honeys’! Or Hotties!
December 1st, 2012 at 7:09am
You’re right you know. We are in control of how we feel.
Lynda´s last [type] ..Bespoke Textiles by Utopia Goods
December 1st, 2012 at 9:49am
I couldn’t agree more Holly. I’m always amazed by a brisk walks ability to clear the mind and invigorate the soul. Walking in the nature reserves near my house is where I feel most myself and also where I tap into my creative mind.
December 1st, 2012 at 11:00am
Enjoy your weekend!Great post!I totaly agree!
elli by studio34E´s last [type] ..Πριν στολίσεις.. — X-mas inspiration from 5 bloggers
December 1st, 2012 at 11:19am
Oh, Holly, is it any solace that I sometimes have a Holly-Becker-day? That I sometimes wish I could play a much more active role in the ‘creative community’ but lack the time and energy because of a demanding, but meaningful and mortgage-paying job. Usually I’m fine with that, just sometimes…
December 1st, 2012 at 1:06pm
@Steffi – I hear that a lot and always blush slightly when I do!!! Oh well, happy Hollyday!!! :)
December 1st, 2012 at 1:07pm
@jiah – yes totally, so cleansing!
December 1st, 2012 at 1:08pm
This is such a beautiful post Holly.
Sometimes we all need a reminder that we all feel that way from time to time – and nothing beats a good walk to find yourself again!
We’re all shiny on the inside, we just have to let ourselves glow xx
Serena {Pretty Fluffy}´s last [type] ..A Pretty Fluffy Gift Guide: For the Dogs
December 1st, 2012 at 1:08pm
@susan – your comments are always so sweet! Whenever I see you’ve commented I always race to read what you’ve said. :) hope you are doing well!
December 1st, 2012 at 2:46pm
My book group recently finished reading “The Art of Racing in the Rain”. The main character faces many daunting things throughout the story, but he follows his racing mantra “Where the eyes go, the car goes” – set your sights on where you want to be. A good lesson for us all.
Tracy A.´s last [type] .."Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall." ~ Larry Wilde
December 1st, 2012 at 3:01pm
Thank you for this post. You inspire us all more than you know. Everything you share- whether about decor, art, color, creativity, or self- is always shared from the core of who you are. Thank you for putting so much of YOU into every post.
You rock.
December 1st, 2012 at 4:30pm
@Laura thank you!!! :)
December 1st, 2012 at 5:18pm
Dear Holly,
this post and the one with your blog advice have been touching my heart!
Your words have gone directely to my soul and I feel that they’re so true. I’ve been thinking alot about these words – that we’re blogging for ourselfs at first, that feeling wrong inside our body is a signal to be extra loving and have patience with us. That being passive will make us unhappy and that the best way to feel better is to DO somehting.
So I just want to say “thank you so much”. For your incerdible blog, for your oh-so-true words and for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us!
Have a great weekend,
Kyra
December 1st, 2012 at 7:09pm
thanks for the encouraging post!!!!
December 1st, 2012 at 8:49pm
This is such a timely post. The past 5 weeks have been brutal with health issues of my own and this past week with the addition of my BF in the ER with a stomach virus for 3 days and my dad having emergency heart surgery last night. I also am ready for a new year, a new start…
Pixie´s last [type] ..I Survived Sandy…
December 1st, 2012 at 10:16pm
Holly, you are the best you that anyone could ever be. From the list of names you mentioned I have only heard of Ms. Paltrow. I am sure a lot of us don’t know who those people are, however, we do know of you, which is much better. I would love to take a walk in cool weather. I am in the hot and humid heat of Puerto Rico and plan to move back to the states maybe next year.
December 1st, 2012 at 10:55pm
What wonderful writing as always and wonderful sentiment. It is always a treat to read writing like this from the heart especially from someone whom so many admire ! Thank to for sharing :) Jane
December 2nd, 2012 at 8:50am
What you say is so true as far as I am concerned. And sport does so good to me too!
December 2nd, 2012 at 1:22pm
Thanks Holly. I am in love with walking in the fresh air too, and know that it heals us to immerse ourselves in the arms of Mother nature. Trees have a yang energy and are of the element wood (obvious I guess!), and their energy is uplifting and inspiring. So it was not an accident that your felt uplifted. It was the communion of your energy with the energy of the trees. Thank you for the reminder to us all about how to reconnect with ourselves.
December 2nd, 2012 at 2:24pm
Common sense for a balanced life.
December 2nd, 2012 at 4:24pm
Thanks Holly. Today is great day to tea about confidence and self worth. Megan, over at princess lasertron did a post about self worth today. We all need to pause for a moment sometimes and remember how special we are. xo happy sunday
December 2nd, 2012 at 4:26pm
What beautiful words, and most likely what everyone else is thinking but not saying. Everyone has their self doubts but not everybody will let on to the fact. And it’s this than can make it feel worse when you feel like the only one. But we are all different and we have our own stories to create and each one is beautiful in their own way.
Well said Holly, we can all do with a fresh start, you have made me feel so much better about moving out to the country early next year, will confess i did have my doubts but here’s to long walks in the woods! Horah!
Roz Ware´s last [type] ..The Design Files: Natalie Bloom Studio
December 2nd, 2012 at 7:08pm
Wow, what a wonderful attitude!! I do so need to do exactly that but allow my sabatorial self to have the control. Thank you :)
December 2nd, 2012 at 8:37pm
Just what I needed to read today. Can’t wait to meet you, Holly!
Holly (Love,Thomas)´s last [type] ..Creative Bloggers Studio: An inspiring weekend in Hannover awaits
December 3rd, 2012 at 12:14am
Such a beautiful outlook!
Akaleistar´s last [type] ..My Latest Obsessions
December 3rd, 2012 at 1:34am
@debra@dustjacket:
Agreed! Did just the same today… woke up feeling glum and took the pup for a good long walk and play in the park!
December 3rd, 2012 at 2:57am
I have days where I just wish wish wish I was Jenna Lyons. She is so cool. But you are so right. It is great being me.
December 3rd, 2012 at 5:15am
Made me feel better just reading that someone else feels like I do sometimes….keep up the good work.
December 3rd, 2012 at 6:58am
I know what you mean. Sometimes I want to be Madonna, and sometimes I play a game with myself- If Madonna was my MOM, what advice would she give me? And if ever I want to wear something a bit crazy, I imagine Lady Gaga is my mom and nothing seems to outrageous. Madonna, Lady G and Kelly would all tell us- just be yourself, honey. xo
Desha Peacock´s last [type] ..Q & A with Gabby Bernstein!
December 3rd, 2012 at 10:02am
Such a good advice. And so simple. And so familiar. But sometimes we need someone to reminds us.
December 3rd, 2012 at 3:19pm
“on the surface everyone appears just dandy but inside we’re all a big ball of anxiety and insecurity from time-to-time so it’s okay to wallow a bit”. This is so spot on, the grass is not always green on the otherside.. loving the comments too.
December 3rd, 2012 at 4:06pm
I love this so much. You are so wise my friend…..and it all couldn’t be more true. All of it. And those sneakers? ROCK!! ( and now I want them.) :) I am so glad you walked right back into your amazing & beautiful self.
xoxo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last [type] ..Snippets & inspiration
December 3rd, 2012 at 7:48pm
I have certainly been feeling overwhelmed lately and know what you mean. It’s nice to know even fabulous bloggers like you need some “back to basics” me time. I think I’ll strap on my shoes and take a nice long walk tonight. Thanks for your inspiration Holly!
Sarah {Lacquer and Linen}´s last [type] ..Urbanwalls Giveaway!
December 3rd, 2012 at 9:36pm
You’re way more talented and pretty than Kelly. Never got her, or her designs and I never will!
December 3rd, 2012 at 10:34pm
You go girl!
December 4th, 2012 at 12:41am
Thanks for the inspiration today, Holly! I am with you – this time of year especially can pull me at times into a bit of a funk, but fresh air and nature are always a welcome change of pace. xo Laura
Laura Gaskill´s last [type] ..Sneak Peek: Chalkboard Wall & Simple Craft Project!
December 4th, 2012 at 1:03am
Thank you for my daily pill of inspiration.!
Rosa Paula´s last [type] ..Inspiração para a semana
December 4th, 2012 at 4:29am
what excellent advice…if only we could all be comfortable in our own skin.
Of course, I must say, i’d be happy to borrow Gwynnie (Paltrow’s) skin every so often for a little pick me up every so often! haha.
But really. This is such a great attitude to have!
Heather | Vivid Hue Home´s last [type] ..DIY Silhouettes
December 4th, 2012 at 7:19am
Love it Holly!
I’ve been in a real introverted slump the past few weeks, but I’m emerging out of it with a new attitude, a renewed vigour for what I love doing, and an approach that it’s okay to be myself. I’m also taking myself out for a mile a day walk each morning. It’s not much, but enough to feel better :)
mel.x
Melissa J´s last [type] ..(free!) (printable!) Desktop Wallpaper Calendar Organiser Reminder Thingamajig
December 4th, 2012 at 8:49am
I did the same thing this morning! Went for a walk on the beach and that made me feel so much better!
My poor blog is abandoned though. I feel that I’m going through a no creative phase or lazy phase. I don’t know.. AS much as I love it and want to improve it I just don’t know where to begin from… Ahhh dramas….
Can’t wait for BYW in March! Bring it on Holly!
xo
December 4th, 2012 at 11:42am
Oh Holly, I am so sorry. I’ve had a year of big highs and of really deep lows, following directly any good thing that happened. If it hadn’t been for my running shoes and the hours I’ve spend running-walking on our beautiful trail that surrounds the city, I’d now be in a very bad place. Whatever the reasons for our pain, we do have the power to overcome it and find strength within us. It seems you are doing the right things and I am sure there are more wonderful things for you in the future.
December 5th, 2012 at 4:43am
thanks.. sometimes we need this kind of thoughts told from time to time to us to stop wallowing so much, hehehe….
December 5th, 2012 at 5:04am
Ah, Holly, I always love how honest you are and that you always strive to see the good in life, even when it’s not easy. The older I get the more I am realizing that life is meant to be very challenging and we are meant to find the joy in it, in all the big and small ways possible. It takes work to be blissful. haha. It sure makes life a lot richer in the long run.
kalanicut´s last [type] ..A Pin Test #9: A Holiday Star
December 6th, 2012 at 9:04pm
Holly, this is such a wonderful attitude, and so inspiring! I’ve had my fair share of tough moments this year, but I tried never to stop believing in myself. I love your advice on putting on your shiny shoes and just be awesome :)
xx Ivana
Ivana @ Macarons and Pearls´s last [type] ..In December, I’m reading
December 7th, 2012 at 7:44am
I thank you for your generosity, because each thinks that you are fortunate and that you succeeded… and you could show only this image but you go beyond, you share with us your moments of doubts, and you so show us that we can all move forward despite our constraints or our difficulties. I think that to go ahead and for cultivate its dynamism, it is simply necessary to stay itself, that is to concentrate on what we like for not to get lost along the way, and not to wish what is not for us even if it’s pretty…
And you are right, the walking allows to meditate and to empty the head !
December 7th, 2012 at 10:57am
I love Steffi’s comment about her having a Holly Becker day. It’s easy to forget that while you’re dreaming of being someone else for a day, others are dreaming of being you! I like that you’re open about having a bad day. Too often people perpetuate this myth of a perfect life by always acting happy and shiny and it doesn’t help anyone. I’m a big fan of telling it like it is! Keep it up and roll on 2013!
Emily Henson/Life Unstyled´s last [type] ..Really Really Really Early Xmas
December 11th, 2012 at 3:54pm
Thanks for this timely reminder Holly. I’m in the midst of a really stressful time relating to bad building work being done in our home which is also running 2 months behind (6 months in total). There is a lot of negative feeling at the moment, and on the one hand, I need to talk about it to stop myself going crazy, but on the other I am sick of hearing myself moan about it. I feel like my life is stuck until this phase is over and i’ve let that feeling grip me.
Your comment about stepping out of how you felt and in to how you should feel, and leaving a lot in the forest sounded so good. I know fresh air and nature definitely make me feel better and I have to stop feeling sorry for myself and get out in the fresh air as often as I can. Kyra also hit the nail on the head with her comment which said that being passive will make us unhappy and that the best way to feel better is to DO something. So this afternoon, while i’m not going to be able to go out and walk today, I can start to DO something. And tomorrow I will be out and walking.
Thank-you for your continued inspiration.
Bex.x
December 11th, 2012 at 6:40pm
WOW! This is so true. I as well have days where I think wouldnt it be great to be Gwen. I mean shiny beautiful Ms. Paltrow’s life in London and here I am wandering London trying to find a job, miles away from feeling, not feeling creatively excited recently, just figuring stuff out. But from the outside everyone thinks life is great. SO yes, thanks for writing this, it is quite true:)
Rebecca´s last [type] ..My Winter Beauty Bag
December 12th, 2012 at 3:27am
EXACTLY what I needed to hear right now! xxxx