I love this flower, and I can remember the day I took this photo, although it was back when we lived in Alexandria, Virginia. I took shots of the other blooms, too…the ones where the petals looked just perfect…no missing edges…no rips…no tears…no dark spots. But, today I want to share THIS ONE with you {and, of course, I’ll toss in some of the others,too!}. You know I’ve shared with you before that I sometimes don’t have a clue as to what I am going to write about, and, then, I start looking through my photos and stories start coming to mind, inspiration starts filling my heart, and words arrive for me to share with you.

So, yes, today, this is just what happened. I was just going to share this photo on my Facebook page but realized this sweet bloom tells a story. So often we are so worried about how others will perceive us, how we look on the outside, and how we come across to people. And, yes, of course, we all know those favorite quotes of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, and “beautiful on the INSIDE and out”. How often do we really take time to think about this though when we are faced with feeling distraught or hurt over situations in life? And, how often do we let our heart smile back at us when we feel rough on the edges, torn to the core, and bitter and brown?

Ah, don’t you worry, my sweet friend, this is not a depressing post, but one of positivity, love, and hope, and it’s just for you on the days when you need it most. It’s ok…so very ok…to be all the things I mentioned above. Just remember though that you have this beautiful soul that has so much to share. Sometimes when we feel sad and rough around the edges it is hard to remember that we have something right in our very core…in our heart…that is made with strength, courage, hope, and faith. It is that very spot that tells us to “keep on keeping on”. And, sometimes we don’t really feel like smiling at the world, but these are the moments I encourage you to do this…SMILE at YOUrself! Now, why in the world do you need to do this, and what kind of difference can it possibly make?

When you smile at YOU…when it comes from your heart…the place that has mended itself with new hope, the spot that has healed when faith showed up again, the place where you are so open and vulnerable…you are reminded that you are strong, brave, and courageous. Let these reminders help you through the tough days, the sad days, the days when you just feel so stinkin’ frustrated. I have days when I feel like throwing my hands up and just declaring, “Now, God, I can’t do this…this is too much!” Somehow, one day I found myself thinking back to various times in my life, different situations and how I had pushed onward, how I was so determined despite maybe having feelings of fear, inadequacy, a waning faith, or whatever seemed to be causing me to doubt my ability. And, you know what? I found myself SMILING!!! Yep, that’s right…I was SMILING at ME!! It was as though that little girl inside was grinning so big and reminding me, “See, you can do it…you have done it…you are brave, courageous, and strong even when you think you are not ~ here’s proof, sassy girl! Pull out your faith cards, chat with God, and know that you will walk through this…you can!”

Before you think all this self-talk is a little wacky…maybe even deserves to be labeled a bit “cray cray”…think about this. What happens if Facebook goes away or doesn’t load on your computer tomorrow so there is no feedback for your thoughts and feelings? What happens if the phone lines are down, and you can’t chat with your mom or dearest friend when you need support the most? What happens if your husband has to stay out of town longer just when you needed him home more than anything? Find that place within you that will give you the hug you need, offer you encouragement and support, and love you right through the moments with a faith that won’t let you say those words…” I can’t…”. It’s different for everyone, but for me…and, you know this if you’ve been following my blog and my life journey for a while…for me, I chat with God and am so very thankful that each day I see little reminders of just how much I need this relationship we share. I promise you this…I’m not pushy about religion, spirituality, beliefs…and, I respect what others believe and think…but, for me, I love seeing how He is helping me to grow, to learn new things about myself, and showing me how to make changes within my heart and soul that affect my every day. It’s the faith and the hope that give my heart the ability to SMILE and offer encouragement when I need it most.

Embrace the rough edges, the tears and rips, the ugly spots…they teach us…they make us stronger. And, I promise you this…when you look back, these will be the very things that remind you “Oh, yes, YOU CAN!”

SMILE at yourself, beautiful girl, and let it warm your spirit and soul!! 🙂

*Visit my Facebook page each Monday for your “Cuppa Positivity with Ann~Margaret”*

Sending you warm, beachy hugs today!

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