The Adventure of the “Seal” and the Girl in the Red Bug

Life is so ironic at times. Today I had to go to the courthouse to pick-up copies of my Nan, Pap, and Dad’s death certificates, along with some other documents.

Within one department you can get birth certificates, death certificates, apply for marriage licenses and even pop into the courtyard to finalize that marriage license, with a quick ceremony with the judge.

What struck me as ironic; within those four walls, all phases of life were represented; the beginning, middle, and end. While I’m reflecting on the lives and passing of family members, a couple next to me is starting their journey together, filled with loving, hopeful smiles; with eager anticipation for the future.

How quickly, yet slowly it often feels, our journey here goes by. I wonder if the couple next to me realize this; time is of the essence. Most of us don’t, or at least I know I didn’t until the last several years. Our beginning, middle, and end go so quickly; being summed up on a few legal documents with a seal from the Court at the end.

We often don’t have control over our beginning, but what we do with the middle and end, is all on us. How we love, how we live, create the middle and end.

As I was reflecting today, a question came to me, what will my “seal” be? What am I doing with my middle (ok, closer to the later part of the middle, but middle nonetheless)? 

I want my seal to reflect my heart, my true heart. I want it to reflect the amount of love I have for those most important to me, for people to know they matter, they are significant, they make a difference. I want my seal to show my passion and gratitude for life, my sense of humor. 

At the end of it all, we all will be summed up with a few page summary on a legal document, with a seal.” So, go and make your seal count my friends, time is of the essence.

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of the Unknown Trail and the Girl in the Red Bug

Some days are truly magical; providing moments of pure bliss mixed with the simplistic beauty of nature; Saturday was one of those days.

We opted to mixup our half marathon training with a hike or trail run. I found a trail, that I thought was near Muir Woods National Monument. What I didn’t realize, the trail was actually in the park, and reservations were required for parking. With no parking available for hours, we found roadside parking and picked up a trail from there, exploring with no set destination or mileage in mind.

The trail felt like a hidden gem, not heavily traveled; a perfect opportunity to disconnect and experience nature’s beauty, while soaking in the cooler temps provided by the marine layer and breathing in the air of cleaner, smoke-free skies. The day was a true gift.

It was the first day I felt good…truly good, in a long time; at peace but energized; connecting with the trail, taking in all the beauty, the sounds, the smells. Running…stopping to pick fresh blackberries…chatting with a lovely young couple and their two beautiful dogs. Still following the trail with no set destination.

We continued following the trail to the entrance of Muir Wood National Park, exploring and taking in the beauty of the majestic Redwoods; nature has a way of connecting me to God…touching my soul, renewing my spirit.

What do you do to disconnect and reconnect? If you aren’t taking time to do this, I encourage you to do so. Allow yourself to feel magic, experience peace, find the moments of bliss! 

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Becoming a Better Me

Have you ever had the feeling of being dismissed? You know that feeling that you are just so insignificant that, well, you are just dismissed. I experienced this today. It wasn’t unexpected, or a surprise, this has been a common behavior with the person. 

But, what was unexpected and very much a surprise, was my reaction. I told this person exactly what I thought of them. Exactly the words I have been wanting to say for YEARS! And, I mean years. 

As I continued to reflect on this interaction, I realized I allow people to “dismiss” me, I allow this professionally and personally.Because I don’t like conflict, because I don’t like hurt feelings, because I want to do the “right thing,” because I truly don’t like people to be upset with me, I am a people pleaser. So, I  stuff the feelings of being dismissed; the anger, resentment, the hurt…all of it contained, but festering. Often wondering, why isn’t someone speaking up? What isn’t  someone saying, “hey, that’s wrong, don’t act like that to her!” 

What I realized today…the someone that needed to speak up was ME, not someone else, but ME. Not only was this person dismissing me, I was doing the same thing to myself. By accepting this continual treatment  I have actually been dismissing myself. Whoa! Now that is a realization to unpack!

If you know me, or meet me, you would think I don’t have a problem sharing my opinion, or speaking, my mind; and, I don’t. But, I will often times in my discomfort with conflict (real or perceived), hurt feelings, or anger, become that “bull in a China shop.” I have an edge to me. Often not getting in front of the circumstances, but waiting for the situation to get better or to be different, I become more reactionary, which historically doesn’t workout well for anyone involved. The statement, “hurt people hurt people,” is very true.

Today was a valuable lesson. I felt freed, I feel relieved.I was able to take a deep breath, I was able to write! I released the feelings and emotions. Establishing  how we need, or want, to be treated is critical to leading a life of authenticity and more importantly, peace with oneself. 

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Saying Goodbye to 2020 and the Girl in the Red Bug

 It’s the end of the year...the time of year we all take a bit of time to reflect on years past and set those new year’s resolutions, that typically last three days into the new year.

As I read through blogs and social media post of New Years past, the theme seems to always be, “I won’t miss xyz year,” “peace out xyz year,” “this has been the worst year.” You get the theme, right!?

I have been guilty of those statements; so anxious for one year to come to an end and ready to jump into a new year with all the zeal and energy of a child at their first time at Disneyland!

But, 2020 has taught me A LOT! Mainly, no matter where I go, there I am; flipping a calendar page doesn’t miraculously make my life come together. It doesn’t magically make me healthy, organized, debt free, happy with a career, or 20 lbs lighter!

Each hour, day, month, year holds opportunity; opportunity to make healthier choices, opportunity to go for a run instead of watching TV, opportunity to call someone special and let them know I am  thinking of them; opportunity to create the lives we envision for ourselves.

And, after 2020, I realize each moment, each opportunity should be cherished and not wasted; don’t think “the next day,” “the next year.” Instead of saying, “I’ll start tomorrow,” say “I am starting NOW.”

Here is to a 2021 of saying yes; yes to what is healthy for you, yes to what brings you joy and makes your heart so full it almost bursts, yes to the life each of us envisions. Don’t wait, the time is now!

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventures of Facebook Memories and the Girl in the Red Bug

 Who else feels the bittersweetness of Facebook memories? 

Yes, part of my day consists of looking back on Facebook memories. Some memories make me shake my head and say WTF? Some memories make me think, “damn girl, you need to get a life (those are mostly related to the Real Housewives postings), and some memories bring me to tears. 

Seeing sweet, funny posts from family members and friends no longer with us; words of encouragement from them; and precious photos that randomly pop-up, make my heart ache, all while smiling with love. Bittersweet, friends, but, memories are like that, aren’t they and we should cherish each one and feel all the feels.

So today, as I head into my day, creating more memories, that are yet to be seen which emotion they will invoke from my future self, I will look at today’s memories and smile (and, maybe wipe away a tear or two). 

Hoping you are creating all types of memories today, cherishing each moment, and feeling all the feels. 

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventures of Home and the Girl in the Red Bug

Home..what is home? Is it a building with with four walls? Is it a city or town, where we reside, or perhaps have resided in our past? I venture to guess, the word “home” means different things for different people.

For me, “home” has always been a feeling. A feeling of belonging, of community, and fellowship; good, bad, or indifferent. 

I contribute my feeling of home, to my upbringing in a small community.

I have found, over the last several years, I long for that sense of “home.” That feeling of a Friday night football game, with the whole town running up and down the sideline supporting their team, the restaurant where you walk in and you are kindly greeted by someone who actually knows who you are. The knowing and caring of your neighbors. A day of hard work well rewarded.

It’s ironic, for many years, all I wanted was autonomy. I found myself fighting the very core of my upbringing. I refused to go back to my hometown, for many years, for varying reasons. But, as we have gone through, notably, the craziest year in most of our lives, I have found the need to go “home.” To drive by the homes of my childhood, to feel the feels of times and moments gone by.  To see the porch, where Santa left my first red bike, to see the window of my bedroom that housed a beautiful canopy bed, that I no doubt didn’t value and appreciate then, as I do now. To remember the yard with a beautiful, bountiful garden; to look at the place where we all came together to make the ugliest Homecoming float, ever. To see where my sense of safety came from, in what sometimes felt like a scary, lonely, chaotic world. I long to surround myself with the feelings of what make-up home to me; to wrap myself up in a “big hug” of home.

I encourage each of you to feel your "home," and then take time to wrap yourself in your big hug of it.

Wishing you the biggest hug of home..until the next time.

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventures of Learning Again

This weekend, I woke up, again with low-energy, major body stiffness, and feeling like my body was so inflamed, that I could hardly move. Sadly, this has been my daily feeling, for quite sometime. My movements are labored and everything seems to be a chore. 

I got on the scale ...and, YIKES I wanted to cry. But,I have spent a lot of time crying over my weight gain; and, low and behold, that has not helped me shed one pound or feel any better. I have cried more than one tear, about how I thought I had turned the corner on my issues with food, and really having a solid commitment to my running, and, to my overall health and wellness. But, here I sit, back at square one; most days feeling like an utter failure and wondering what the hell happened? How did I let my health and wellness take a backseat, once again!? Although the number on the scale can be pretty depressing, it is truly just a reflection  of my actions (or lack there of). Or, maybe more of a reflection of the priorities in my life.

Even though I still struggle with breaking out of old patterns, the upside, I know it’s possible - I have done it and know the benefits of it, not only from a physical perspective, but, more importantly from an emotional and spiritual perspective.

Today is a new day! What are you doing to make a difference for yourself?

New Adventures...OH MY!

As I shared in my last post, lots of big life adventures in the last three years! Some have been super exciting, some scary, some so very stressful, and one in particular has been the sweetest, most surprising adventure to date.

Actually, when it all comes down to it, meeting the love of your life, in phase two of your life, can be all the types of adventures listed above, but most of all, it has been a beautiful, unexpected adventure.

For anyone that did not read my introduction to the blog, Part Two...ish, here is the update on my sweetest adventure to date.

As many of you know, I was single for years. And, I mean YEARS friends. Although I was a self-proclaimed “hopeful romantic,” in all honesty, I felt that having a life partner probably wasn’t in the cards for me.

But, then here comes this guy...ok, well it was more like sign-up for Tinder; swipe left, swipe right, turn around three times, click your heels and viola, you have a match. (I mean doesn’t everyone meet that way nowadays!) But, seriously here comes this guy and wowzer!

Michael is a musician, artist, dad, grandpa, meditator, yoga guy in training, and half marathoner. I have been told he is quite easy on the eyes and I have to admit, I don’t disagree.

But more importantly than all of those things, is that we have become true partners in life. We will be coming up on two years together soon and it has been a beautiful adventure. An adventure of getting to know each other and creating a very conscious and intentional life. 

Life is definitely an adventure, and even a sweeter adventure when you have someone to share it with.

I would love to hear some of your life's adventures! Please leave a comment if you have stopped by.

Until the next time, 

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Return of the Adventures of the Girl in the Red Bug

It’s been a little over three years, since my last post as the Girl in the Red Bug. 

I retired the blog when I traded in my beloved Red Bug for a red Jeep. The Adventures of the Girl in the Red Jeep just didn’t have the same vibe or inspiration for me.

I tried creating a couple of other blogs; Half Crazy Kelly and Part Two...ish, but neither really seemed to take off. My heart always belonged with The Adventures of the Girl in the Red Bug.

So, I am back...Red Bug driving girl, ready to share my adventures.

I have had some pretty significant life adventures since my last post of May 2016; a move from Arizona back to California, a new job, and meeting the love of my life, in the second half of my life (more to come on that adventure!). 

I’m happy to be back to ~ Red Bug driving, adventure loving girl. I’m looking forward to sharing new adventures as I continue on this amazing adventure called life.

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of the Transformation and the Girl in the Red Bug

Transformation

NOUN

a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance

Transformations come in many shapes and forms (pun somewhat intended). They can be in, as the definition states, in form or appearance, but transformation can also occur in the heart, in the soul, in the very depth of your being. 

Often times, transformation can start out as one thing and somehow before you know it can, well.....transform into something else. This is what happened to me.

I have dabbled in running now, for years. I would start, not be consistent, stop, and start all over again. I registered and participated in 5ks, 10ks, and YES even a half marathon..half way train...or not train at all, then get frustrated, and pissed off, wondering why I struggled through the whole run. As I have written about previously, last year I experienced some wonderful highs; but with the highs came some of the lowest of lows. I struggled with the lows as I haven’t struggled before; those low moments really kicked my ass, but then...in came running. Running became my saving grace; my safe place.

As I began to run through my sadness and struggles, or as I like to put it, “run my crazy off or out, transformation began. With each run, I cried a little less, I smiled a little more. I began to look at food not as an emotional comfort to rid me of my heartache, but as something that nourished my body for running. I began to organize my days around my running calendar. Transformation occurred in so many areas of my life, with just the simple act beginning to, and more importantly, dedicating myself to consistent running. Slowly, with each pound of the pavement, I was becoming the runner I had always wanted to be.

An added benefit of my emotional transformation, was in my physical appearance. I have struggled my whole adult life with my weight. I have tried every weight loss program, with no success. I have worked out with personal trainers, done boot camp...you name it, I have tried it, short of wiring my jaw shut..nothing worked. But, as I began to focus on healing my heart,  as I began focusing more on the run and properly fueling my body, transformation happened. I quit the body shaming and started to value and appreciate my body for its physical accomplishments. I began to love myself, just a little more.

Now, I would love to say that running has completely vanquished all my sadness and struggles, that the tears I cry now are only happy tears, that each run is better than the last run, and that I am a size 2, but we do live in reality after all...I have learned transformation is a slow process. Transformation is a marathon, not a sprint - it takes work, dedication, patience and self-love; somedays, it is two steps forward and then five steps back. Transformation can lift you high and then kind of stomp you into the ground, she is kind of a fickle bitch that way....but, transformation is completely worth it. I look at where I started, see where I am now and realize I am proud of my transformation. It excites me, and motivates me, to continue with the journey. I want my transformation to be thorough and dramatic, I want it to be who I am...part of my definition.

Below are some of transformation photos. The picture on the left, was taken at the 12ks of Christmas in 2014, the second photo is the 12ks of Christmas in 2015, and the third photo was taken in April 2016, at the Hollywood Half Marathon Expo (my second half marathon this year).

What are some ways you want to, or have transformed, yourself? Share your journey!

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Priorities and the Girl in the Red Bug

Have you ever felt that you are less than a priority in someone’s life? I think if we are all honest, we have all had our “George Bailey” moment, at one time or another (excuse the It’s a Wonderful Life reference after Christmas has already passed). I know I certainly have! You know, those people that are kind enough to detail the list of where you fall in the priorities, or the ones that give you every excuse as to why you cannot possibly be a priority in their lives. I am assuming these people are trying to be kind in providing this level of information and not the a-hole that it appears they are, but it is truly hard to tell! 

I think when it all comes down to it, most of use want to feel important to others; like we matter, are a priority. But, how many of us lack that, or how many of us, perhaps, allow it ~ we willingly let others put us at the bottom of the list? Even further, how many of us put ourselves at the bottom of our own priority list? WHAT??!! Put ourselves at the bottom of our own priority list??? I would venture to say many of us do. 

So, if we are willing to put ourselves at the bottom of our own list of priorities, why do we think, or expect, someone else to rank us higher in their list? Now, when I say this I don’t mean we all need to become self-centered or narcissistic; but, if we consistently don’t put ourselves as a priority, we cannot expect others to.

Each of us should love and value ourselves enough to know that we should be a priority, not only to others, but more importantly to ourselves. I would encourage each of you to take a moment to reflect...when was the last time you made yourself a priority? If you have not done it recently (or for some, ever) make your fabulous, incredible selves a priority...you are worth it and deserve it!

What is one thing you can do to make yourself a priority to yourself?

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Letting that Sh#% Go and the Girl in the Red Bug

After two chiropractic appointments, one massage, and some very deep stretching, what it took to get relief for my back problem of last week, was letting some emotional shit, which I had been holding onto, go.

Our bodies are truly amazing, they are capable of things that we don’t even realize, often times, that we can do. But, I have found (more than once) with all the amazing feats that our bodies can accomplish and endure, stress or “emotional shit,” can cause a complete physical shut down, it will literally bring a relatively healthy, physically active person to their knees. Stress, or emotional shit, will eventually manifest in some way shape or form, if not dealt with in a healthy, constructive way. Some can take on a lot of emotional shit before the damn breaks, some cannot take as much before that break (I probably fall into the later category). The emotional shit manifestation can be something like I was experiencing with my back, it can lead to larger and more serious medical conditions (as studies have shown), it can impact personal and professional relationships; the negative ways we can be impacted are numerous.

Letting go is not easy for me. I, by nature, am an over thinker. I am also one of those people that when I care about something, someone, or a situation, I care deeply, often times too deeply. Those two personality traits, combined, can cause me to get stuck in the shit so to speak. But, Friday the most amazing thing happened, and it was nothing of my specific doing, I just felt an emotional shift occur, I was able to take a deep breath (something I had not been able to do for at least four months now and a constant complaint to my chiropractor) and let go, the pain in my back subsided. It was the most freeing feeling; and at that moment I had such clarity and confidence that although we all go through shit there is that bigger plan for each of us, and if we allow ourselves to be truly vulnerable and authentic, that plan will be revealed to us in time. My faith, was more clear than it has been in years. I can only contribute this shift to being a total God thing.

With all this being said, I know that no road is ever completely free of potholes, or rivets; being authentic and vulnerable are not easy; good days and bad days will still exist but with faith, and the ability to let go of the shit, the road will be a little more smooth.

So here is to hoping that we can each know, and be, our authentic selves, that we can show our vulnerability with an open heart and confidence that it’s OK. And above all else, let your faith (whatever that means to you) carry you through the shit.

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Training Interrupted and the Girl in the Red Bug

Week 7 of half marathon training is going rough....after an awesome 11-mile run on Sunday, Monday was a rest day, which was especially nice with the 3-day weekend. Yesterday, at some point, though I pulled something in my back and have struggled now with not only standing up, but also walking. The pain is terrible and I am extremely frustrated that it is interfering with my training plan.

I am trying everything to alleviate the pain; chiropractor, massage, some deep stretching. Here is a picture of what happens when you are doing "Legs on the Wall" and can't escape your dog bringing you her stuffed toy and laying it on you...I am sure she thought she was making me feel better.

Here's to hoping the stuff toy works and I am ready for my 12 mile run on Sunday! 18 days and counting...Surf City or bust!

Have you ever had your training program interrupted? What did you do to get back on track?

Until the next time,
The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of The Surf City Half Training and the Girl in the Red Bug

Well, here we are starting Week 7 of the Surf City Half Marathon training, we are roughly 19 days away from the first half marathon of 2016. Yes, I did say the FIRST half marathon of 2016 (the magic half marathon goal for 2016, is completing SIX half marathons - more about this later). 

Training for the half has been...well...a learning experience. Which is why, I suppose, it is aptly called “training.” There is so much that goes into training, on top of the running piece. Running almost seems secondary at some points. 

I am learning a tremendous amount during this time. The first thing is how inadequately I trained for my first half marathon almost three years ago. It is amazing, looking back, that I actually completed it, with as little training as I did. A proper training plan, and dedicated training time, is imperative when training for any type of run.

What else I am learning during training!?! 

• Clothing (ok, clothing is pretty BIG in my book, anytime, nothing like a cute outfit!). What’s a gal to wear? Currently, I find if I am doing shorter runs, shorts are OK; longer runs I do better with capris or long running pants. And, I’m not going to lie, I have a slight obsession with cute running clothes. I would almost rather buy cute workout clothes than any other type of clothing. WHO AM I??
• Temperature is a HUGE thing for me; this is an area I am still trying to “get it right.” What is the RIGHT amount of clothing to wear to accommodate temperature and body temperature changes during long runs, especially.
• Hydration is another area that I haven’t quite figured out yet. Hydration is so much more than drinking water during the run; much of hydrating properly comes long before lacing up the running shoes and hitting the trail or pavement.
• Fuel. Fuel, goes hand in hand with hydration. If you fill your diesel car with gasoline, it will not run properly, if at all; our bodies work the same way. Training has caused me to look more extensively at what I am putting into my body and how my body reacts to it. 

These are all valuable lessons that I am learning during my training; however, I have learned much larger lessons, than the mechanical parts of training for a half marathon. Lessons that I need to learn, or in some instances re-learn. 

Here are the BIG takeways for me,

• Running with friends makes running fun and easier to do. We sing, we laugh, we vent! I can’t think of a better way to spend my time. 
• Running groups ROCK! If you don’t have one find one, if you can’t find one, create one!
• I AM capable of dedicating myself to something and following through with it.
• The rewards of dedicating myself to this training have been tremendous...on every level. 
• I love seeing the changes that are happening with my body; I am able to run longer, I have more overall energy, and YES! my clothes are fitting differently - and, if you know me at all, you know this has been a struggle for me for years now!
• I love gaining new knowledge. I read, research, and experiment on things running related.
• Emotionally, it clears my mind and opens my heart.
• I am finally confident in saying, “I AM A RUNNER!”

Training for a half marathon may not be for everyone and that is OK. But, I would encourage each of you to find something that interests you...something that causes that little spark and let it ignite you, throw yourself into something outside of what you normally do and see where it takes you. I know that my little spark is taking me to Huntington Beach, in about 19 days, for a lovely run on the beach! WOW! I can’t wait!

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of the New Year’s Eve Tradition and the Girl in the Red Bug

How many of you have New Year’s Eve traditions? Several years ago, I decided to make a change in how I spent my New Year’s Eve. I had been in the routine of staying at home on New Year’s Eve, often times falling asleep without even knowing when the old year went out and the new year rang in! But, I didn’t want to fight the crowds at a club, go to a party, or potentially feel the effects of those choices for a day or two after. So, I decided to say goodbye to the current year, and ring in the new year in a healthy way...a 5k. 

Each year, I participate in the Midnight Madness 5K, located in Phoenix. I have loved doing this run since I started. I love the energy, love the people, love the joy of doing something some view as a little crazy when asked, “Hey! What are you doing on New Year’s Eve?”

This year, I added to the tradition...I also completed a 5k that started shortly after midnight, what a great way to say “Welcome 2016!” They say that whatever you are doing as the new year comes in, is what you will be doing in the new year! I love this! I love knowing that my year will be filled with running, with friendships, and new running locations. What a gift!

What are you looking forward to in 2016?

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Surf City Half Marathon Training and the Girl in the Red Bug

Today started Week 4 of my Surf City Half Marathon training, 8 miles in the books! This is the first time, in all of my running, that I feel really good about the training plan I have in place and the fact that I am actually using the training plan that I have in place. Amazing what that will do!

When I ran my first half marathon in 2013, I only half way trained, so I am very excited that I am sticking with the training plan this time and REALLY training. And, a difference that I am also seeing this time around, is that I look forward to my runs. It’s a time to catch up with my friend, and running partner, and also a time to clear my head of things that weigh me down. I love seeing the progress that comes as I complete each run. It is not only gratifying, but it inspires me and keeps me motivated for the next run.

I am looking forward to making running “stick” in 2016, and for the adventures that will come with it. More updates on Surf City Half and Hollywood Half training to come...stay tuned.

What is something you are going to make “stick” in 2016? 

I wanted to share one last thing with you, here is the view of part of my run today! I always love the view of this train track!

The Adventure of Saying Goodbye to 2015 and the Girl in the Red Bug

Here we are coming to the end of another year. It is the time of year where people reflect on where they have been and where they want to be. Did they accomplish the goals that were set at the beginning of the year? Did they keep at that exercise program? Did they eat healthier? Were they nicer to others throughout the year? Did they pay it forward? The list is never-ending! 

I am not exempt from this year-end self-reflection and the realization that I did not accomplish many of the goals I had set in place. Honestly, I am not sure where 2015 went. The one thing I can say....I am thankful to be closing out the 2015 chapter of my life. This, by far, was a challenging year for me. Perhaps it was the whole turning 50 thing? I really don’t know. I do know that I won’t be looking back as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve night.

During 2015, I was stretched in ways I didn’t expect. New friendships were formed, old friendships were revisited, and some friendships were lost. Through each, an opportunity to learn and grow. As we know though, with growth often comes growing pains. That is my 2015....The Adventures of the Girl in the Red Bug and the Year of Growing Pains. 

Growing pains can be oh so painful....but, they can also bring moments of pure joy and laughter. Growing pains can knock the wind right out of your sails, but they can also make you soar higher than you thought possible. They can make you dream and hope for things that you have had hidden away, under lock and key, in the deepest part of your heart. The key to growing pains, that I have learned, is to focus on the growth, not the pain. Easy to do? No....Necessary to move forward? Yes. Life is about continual growth, becoming the better version of our yesterday self.

So, nope I won’t be looking back at midnight on New Year’s Eve night, and I won’t miss this year one little bit. But, I will honor this year for it’s growing pains; focusing on the growth and releasing the “pain” and saying goodbye to 2015. I welcome 2016, hopefully a little wiser, with an open heart and ready for adventure!

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Sticks & Stones and the Girl in the Red Bug

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, 

but words will never hurt me”

How many of use remember this childhood saying? Perhaps we have even used it with the children in our lives? How many of us actually believe this? I strongly disagree with this saying; well at least a portion of it. I would almost venture to say that words can hurt us, equally, if not more than those sticks and stones.

“Words can build you up

Words can break you down

Start a fire in your heart, or put it out”

                                           Words by Hawk Nelson

This is a chorus from one of my favorite songs, aptly titled Words. If you haven’t heard the song, I highly suggest you take a listen. The song lays out exactly what words can do, the power of our words and the affect they have on us and others.

I was recently sharing with a friend some “words” that had been said to me over 20 years ago. I was surprised the details I remembered, the specific words, and the feelings that arose in me in remembering the words; and the hurt that is still associated with the words and the lasting impact they have had on me. I am pretty sure I would take sticks and stones any day!

In relating this story, I was able to reflect on times when words have hurt me, broken my heart even. But, then I was also able to reflect on sweet words I have heard, ones that have brought me pure joy and lifted me up; words that fill my heart to a point that it may burst. Yes, words are truly stronger than sticks and stones!

I hope that you taking time to not only speak sweet words to others, but to yourself as well!

                                           Until the next time,

                                                The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Finding a Soulmate

Soulmate - a person with whom one has a feeling of deep or natural affinity. (As defined by Wikipedia)

There are books, songs, and movies written, or created, about finding (and losing) our soulmates. There are quizzes created in magazines and on Facebook on "How to Know You if You Have Found Your Soulmate." I being the Pessimist of Love ( a title I have held for quite some time now) just don't know how much I buy into this whole "soulmate" mumbo jumbo. The thought there is just that "one" and we will know it instantly when we meet them, I am just not sure I buy into that theory.

But, then I look at the actual definition of soulmate; a person with whom one has a feeling of deep or natural affinity. This definition is much different than the books, movies, and quizzes portray. After reading this definition and tossing it around, I realize I really do buy into the whole "soulmate" mumbo jumbo.

My Soulmates (yes, that is plural people) have been in my life since childhood. These fabulous women have been my rocks throughout my life. They have seen me through my highest of highs and my lowest of lows. They have shared my joys, my laughter, my sadness and yes my tears. They love me and accept me with all my oddities and quirkiness. I love, and respect each of these women, with all of my being. They are beautiful, graceful, spirited, fun-loving, strong women. Each of them brings something unique and individual to my life, which enhances my life and just makes me a better human being; my Soulmates truly are my heart and soul.

So next time you are getting ready to take one of those Soulmate quizzes, take a look at the people in your life. Who laughs with you until you snort out milk through your nose? Who cries with you until there are no more tears? Who knows your heart and soul? I bet you will find, as I did, you don't need a quiz to tell you who your Soulmate is.....

                       ~Until the next time,
                          The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Taking off the Armor and the Girl in the Red Bug

Several weeks ago, I was watching the only news program I watch, Morning Joe on MSNBC. They were discussing Hilary Clinton preparing to make her official announcement as a presidential candidate for the 2016 presidential run. They were discussing the challenges that Hilary Clinton will face as she begins her presidential bid. One of the commentators was discussing her "prickliness" for lack of a better term. Joe Scarborough, the host of the show and a former Republican Congressman, who knows Hilary Clinton personally, said that he has shared with people that really Hilary Clinton is just a mid-West gal, that she is very nice and genuine. But, when she puts on that "armor" people don't get to see the "real her." 

This segment got me thinking, how many of us put on our "armor" and don't allow others to see the the "real us?" I know there are many instances that I  am apprehensive, or even, dare I say, unwilling, to let others see "the real me," the authentic, quirky, crazy me.Why is this? Why don't we feel comfortable with sharing our individuality and uniqueness with others? Why don't I feel comfortable sharing my individuality and uniqueness with others?

So often, what hinders me in sharing my  "real self," is judgement from others; not fitting in, past hurts - really it can simply be defined as overall fear of rejection. Still at this age, fear of rejection plagues me. I wish I was confident enough to say it doesn't, but it does! That negative self talk still exists.

This simple news segment made me realize, as with Hilary Clinton, I am potentially missing out on amazing life opportunities. Although, I am making a conscious effort to guard myself, or reduce the potential of rejection or hurt, when I put on that "armor," in that same instance I am limiting the positive moments, the opportunities of meeting new people and experiencing new adventures. Fear of being our authentic selves limits us. It limits us to the lives we should be living.

I would encourage all of us, to remove our armor - one piece at a time - and  let others see the fabulousness of our uniqueness. I would love to hear how you are removing your armor. 

                                                         Until the next time,
                                                          The Girl in the Red Bug