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

50 the New 30?

When did the choices get so hard?

With so much more at stake.

Life gets mighty precious 

   when there's less of it to waste.  

                                   Nick of Time ~ Bonnie Raitt

                                                                             
                                                                                                                                       

     2015 is a milestone year for me. In exactly 37 days, I will turn 50. WOW! 50 years old! Sorry to those 50 years or older, but 50 sounds OLD! Yes, yes, I have heard that 50 is the new 30, and all of that. And, I might even agree with that statement to a degree. We are living longer, we are more aware of health and wellness; but really, 50 the new 30. Sorry, that is simply a load of crap! That is a statement created by those 50, or older, to feel better about being 50, or older.

     In all reality, 50 is different from 30, especially for women. At 30, women hear, "you know your biological clock is ticking?" At 50, women hear, "are you having hot flashes yet?" A simple, somewhat joyful, somewhat sad fact of life. At 50, we have hair in places we don't want it and no hair in places we do want it. I don't recall that happening at 30. There are plenty of other shifts and drifts that happen from 30 to 50 as well....so, 50 the new 30, uhhhh....NO!

     So, what is a girl to do with 50? Well, this girl plans to eat healthier and exercise more; laugh more, worry less; be more inquizitive and less knowing; wear snappy shoes and fabulous hats; embrace life and celebrate more. That is what this girl plans to do. So, maybe with all that, 50 is the new 30 after all.

                                       Until next time,
                                       The Girl in the Red Bug

So Long 2014

     2014 has come to an end, and I can't say that I am sad to say goodbye. It's not that 2014 was bad, it wasn't;  but it was a year of constant flux. Flux that was entirely self-induced, but flux nonetheless; flux self-induced,  or not, is still flux.
     I spent much of 2014 pondering happiness,  more specifically,  my happiness. What makes me happy, not someone else's views of what makes, me happy. Another aspect I looked at, in 2014, were the relationships I have in my life. Are they authentic relationships? Do they make me a better person (or give me the desire to be a better person?). Do they bring me joy and laughter? Do they offer me opportunities to be encouraged,  and to encourage? If the answer to these questions was not yes, then I felt it was time to step back and ask myself whether the relationship was one that I wanted to continue with, or not. In doing this, it also allowed me to look at the relationships that I, perhaps, have been, neglecting, or not giving the level of attention I should have.
     Throughout the year, I experienced moments of joy and moments of hurt and sadness (as I think most people do in the span of a year). But, through everything, I learned a tremendous amount about myself. Through the flux of the year, I found a job that I am very happy with, and for that I am thankful each and every day. I feel blessed with opportunities that have been put in front of me. I feel that I am focusing on the right relationships in my life and I will continue on fostering those positive relationships.
     So, with all of this, I am happy to say so long to 2014 and thank you for the lessons learned.  And to 2015, I say welcome friend!
     What were some of your lessons learned in 2014?
                                      Until the next time,
                                        The Girl in the Red Bug

The Adventure of Operation Sass and the Girl in the Red Bug

¹change  verb \ˈchānj\

: to become different

: to make (someone or something) different

: to become something else

This is Webster’s definition of change. When I read the formal definition of change, I find it exciting! Exhilarating! But, then why is it that change can be so scary and dreaded at times?

I’m looking to make a change with my hair...granted not a life change by any means. Actually, I am beginning to think that a life change is easier, less stressful and something I don’t put as much research, or thought, into as I am this hair cut. I digress...I want something dramatic, that is going to make a statement but yet is simple and easy to take care of; sassy yet feminine. The sass factor is huge for me! I am all about the sass!

I have looked at, literally, hundreds of pictures and I have selected the style that I think is going to give me the sass factor I am looking for. I have scheduled the appointment to implement Operation Sass (a name I just came up with!). I am excited for a new change and to sass things up a bit. As I have said before, for me, Fall is a time of new beginnings and change for me. Fall does not symbolize an ending for me, but yet a beginning. I am ready for a SASSY fall!

What are you going to be doing to sass-up your Fall?

Until the next time,

The Girl in the Red Bug

Fall and the Girl in the Red Bug

Fall is absolutely my most favorite season! I love it! Many people have a sadness surrounding fall; the sad goodbye to the lazy days of summer. Not me! I have always loved fall. To me, fall symbolizes things new and exciting.

When I was a child, fall was the excitement of starting school, seeing all of my old friends, and making new friends. Fall was the thrill of new school supplies and a snappy new clothes. It was the first football game of the season on a crisp evening. Fall always meant the end of the summer television repeats and finding out what new television shows were going to be my favorite. Beginnings, beginnings, beginnings.

As an adult, fall brings me many of the same feelings it did in my youth. I still love buying school supplies and the first football game of the season. But, I have a deeper appreciation for fall now. Living in Arizona, I definitely look forward to the cooler temperatures and being outside more (that is without spontaneously combusting from the heat). I look forward to running again. I look forward to shorter days; to what feels like a slower pace, although I have also learned that is an illusion (time goes quickly regardless of the time of year). I look forward to Pumpkin Spice lattes and sweet treats made with apples. 

So, here is to fall and the fabulous beginnings it brings. What “beginning” will you be making this fall?