August 2018 – Anne Eppley

The Journey Continues (Part Two)

August 31, 2018/0 Comments/in Blog /by Anne

My dad was admitted to the hospice house for the second time. Throughout this journey we’re on, I find myself continuing to reflect on many life lessons along the way.

The greatest of these is the understanding that being vulnerable is not a weakness, but a strength.

In the past, I did not want to show that part of myself to the world. I was too concerned about what they would think. But with wanting to “feel all the feels,” I really don’t have a choice but to allow the emotions to flow.

By showing my vulnerability, I’m being an example to those around me. It’s okay to show up as yourself, to show everyone the real you. This does not always come easy to me.

Stop Shoulding All Over Yourself

August 27, 2018/0 Comments/in Blog /by Anne

Do you find yourself using a word over and over again without giving it much thought? If you’ve been around teens (and beyond), you know their go-to filler word is “like.” “How was your day?” “Well, it was like Ok, but lunch was like great!”

(Side note…have you noticed how much the word “literally” is being used by teens? Adults are guilty, too. It is literally everywhere. See what I did there? Now that I pointed it out, you’ll literally start to notice it more. Sorry about that!)

What I keep seeing over and over again is how many times people (of all ages) use the word “should” without even giving it another thought. As a recovering user of the word “should,” my radar is always on. 😉

Time to Dream Big

August 20, 2018/0 Comments/in Blog /by Anne

I’m not sure about you, but I love geeking out on all things personal growth. So when a friend recently shared a personal growth book she was listening to I was quick to check it out. The book is Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis.

Between the title of the book and the fun cover, I was ordering my copy from Amazon in no time flat. (As much as I do my best to teach my kids the downfalls of instant gratification, I do love my Amazon Prime. Oops…)

The book takes a closer look at the lies we tell ourselves without even questioning them. Yep, our minds have been hijacked by all those negative subconscious thoughts again leaving us “overwhelmed and unworthy.”

The Journey Continues

August 8, 2018/0 Comments/in Blog /by Anne

In a recent conversation with a friend, I shared a very personal life lesson. Her response was “I don’t know how open and vulnerable you’re willing to be in your blogs, but this is something worth touching on. So many of us are going through this.”

I responded that I would go there, for myself and anyone else who could learn from what I’m going through. My personal tale is one I’m sure many can relate to.

I’m deeply immersed in watching the decline of my parents. It is one of the most challenging things I’ve ever gone through. It’s one that I knew was around the corner, but I had no idea it would get here so quickly.

Let’s Get Real

August 6, 2018/0 Comments/in Blog /by Anne

Many of my conversations lately have revolved around the desire to have more meaningful conversations. People are tired of the lack of “realness,” hearing “I’m fine” way too often, and conversations that never go below the surface.

Do you also find yourself wanting to connect with a friend and share what’s in our hearts and on our minds?

Creating meaningful conversation is not always an easy thing to do. It requires showing up as yourself, being vulnerable, and letting go of expectations as to how the conversation “should” go.

It’s getting real about what’s going on in your life–all parts of your life, including the parts that you would rather keep buried to never be seen.

While you may feel safe keeping things tucked away, growth happens when we open ourselves up to being vulnerable with others. And to be vulnerable, you will need to be willing to share “your story,” aka what makes YOU who you are.