Sometimes, we tell ourselves half-truths for so long its hard to distinguish the truth from a lie. Today we are going to examine 3 lies holding you back from self-care. Most of us are good at “treating” ourselves. However, is that really what your soul craves? Are we calling it self-care when all we are doing is reaching for what is most comfortable or familiar? What is it that you really need today? And are lies holding you back from reaching for it? [Read more…]
Should You Limit Teen’s Friend Time?
Parenting is such a balancing act. It starts off with the dilemma whether to schedule or not schedule? Pacifier or no pacifier? And quickly moves on to other burning questions from the toddlers years to the teen years. One big question is should you limit teen’s friend time? And though it is discussed way less online than say how to limit tech time or dealing with teen disrespect, it an issue that will impact many other areas of a kid’s life. Witnessing the various outcomes of limiting or offering unlimited friend time with families and reading a life changing book radically impacted the way I view the question, “Should You Limit Teen’s friend time?” [Read more…]
Overcoming Heartache and Emotional Pain
“Mom, why are you taking a picture of your arm?”, my daughter asked. I was sitting on the couch capturing a photo of the huge bruise on my arm. My arm was black and blue from an unexpected surgery I had gone through the week before. ” It will help me as I recover emotionally to remember that I have gone through this surgery,” I tried to explain. I knew, that soon the bruises would fade, but the emotional pain and heartache I (and my family) had gone through would last much longer. [Read more…]
Signs You Live in the Country
Since laughter really is the best medicine, I have to include some “just for fun” posts. No vibrant life is complete without a healthy does of laughter. It is one of the things I love about my Country Boy. We LOVE to laugh together. And as a city girl transported to the country, there is typically lots to laugh about at my expense! So if you ever wondered about life in the country here are some signs you live in the country. [Read more…]
Coping When Kids Leave Home Part II
Earlier this week I shared Coping When Kids Leave Home Part I. Today, I would like to share the second part of that post, Coping When Kids Leave Home Part II. As I mentioned, it is more than just seeing your kids less. It is a new season. It is a reason to celebrate. You and your child made it through the growing up years. They are ready to leave the nest and start a new season in their life. However, as a parent it is challenging to see our kids move forward without us. How do we let go of one season in our relationship with our child in order to allow a new one to bloom? [Read more…]
Coping when Kids Leave Home Part I
Fall is fast approaching. Fall is a season when many parents say good-bye to their college age children. Last year, my Country Boy and I said good-bye to our second son as he moved out for college. I knew it was coming, but man oh man it didn’t make it any easier. Here are a few things I learned in the process of coping when kids leave home. I hope that you are comforted by the realization that you are not alone as a parent, as you go through this stage. Whether your child is leaving to join the military, moving to start life on their own or to college, it is a new season. [Read more…]
Are you an Extrovert or Introvert?
Are you an extrovert or introvert? Personality is a funny thing. Whether you are raising children or puppies, you will see glimpses of personalities very early. When it comes to developing a vibrant life, a key is to understand your own personality. As we appreciate our differences, we are more likely to take our emotional and mental needs seriously, leading to even better health!
Most people have heard the terms extrovert and introvert, but often there are misconceptions surrounding them. Understanding if you are an extrovert or introvert is of pivotal importance. So let’s clear up some of those myths. [Read more…]
The Reluctant Cowgirl’s Launch Party!
It’s Official!! The Reluctant Cowgirl is now launched! So welcome to the launch of my new business, The Reluctant Cowgirl!
Since it’s a party, I will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card. To be entered into the drawing, comment on this blog post by scrolling to the end or hitting the comment button to the right of the title. Drawing ends at midnight on Sunday, July 23rd!
The Reluctant Cowgirl is about encouraging and equipping you by offering practical advice for a vibrant life.
Posts under the Survive tab emphasize moving beyond surviving. Sometimes life feels so overwhelming we are barely treading water. Find those posts here or by clicking on the Survive tab above. The Grow tab is focused on moving forward. Check out some of those posts here. And the Thrive posts here encourage you to go to a deeper level to discover your special gifting.
You can read more about the mission behind The Reluctant Cowgirl on the About Me page here!
I also want to give a HUGE thanks to my husband and family for their support. And to my daughter for her creative imput! A BIG thanks to my friend, Heather for all her tech (and emotional) support! And also to my friend Kim for creating my beautiful header!
Ready to take the Vibrant Life Challenge?
Sign up for my FREE email course, 5 Days to a More Vibrant Life (scroll to the bottom if you are on a mobile device:)
Welcome!!
How Denial Prevents Growth
“So, Miranda, have you been exercising?” Ugh! I hate that question. If you visit a cardiologist, plan on them asking you that. I know its coming, but I still freeze every single time. Like a deer caught in the headlights. What do I say? Exercising is hard for me even on my “feeling good” days. I would rather be doing something else. Sometimes I will get into a good routine for a couple of months, and then I start struggling physically. I’ll have to back down on my exercise routine and before you know I’m not exercising again. So honestly, the answer is usually, “No.” And I have found that as hard as it is for me say, “No”, that it is better to be truthful and realistic. Denial prevents growth, and I don’t want to live there. So let’s examine how denial prevent growth? [Read more…]
Creating Personal Summer Goals
Summer is my time “off” from homeschooling so the first week of June is always a sigh of relief. However, around here the list of summer duties can be never ending as we plant and tend our garden and fields, can vegetables, harvest hay, make jam and get kids to summer activities while also making time to relax. Inevitably, I begin adding more and more items to my to do list. By August, I wonder where the summer went! I’m sure you can relate! Creating personal summer goals can allow you to use the summer hours wisely, accomplishing and enjoying what is most important to you this summer.
Summer can also be a perfect time to practice creating goals if “learning how to set goals” is one of your summer goals:). Three months is long enough to satisfy a long term goal planner but still brief enough to feel doable to a short term goal planner. Learn more about your unique goal setting style here. [Read more…]
