Life Lately

Happy Monday! March is flying by. We spent last weekend out of town again for a job conference that Stephen wanted to attend. It took a turn for the worst Saturday morning when we sat down for coffee and I realized I did NOT feel well. At first, I thought I was just especially tired for some reason. It took about an hour for me to realize I was starting to get a fever. So instead of gallivanting downtown Charleston for the rest of the weekend like I had planned, I spent all of Saturday and Sunday indoors recovering. Monday I was much better and we did get to go out but it was not the fun-filled, carefree long weekend I had envisioned.

Speaking of things not going according to plan… this job search has been much more work than Stephen or I had anticipated. It takes work to find work! Who knew? It’s been a lot of Stephen getting home from work and locking himself in the study while he does job searching/emailing/phone calls etc. I think we had hoped to have at least more of a lead at this point. It’s hard not knowing what’s next. It’s also hard knowing all the work that goes into a move but not being able to do any of it yet. But here we are. I have to remind myself that even during times of transition—as strong as the temptation is to want to fast-forward life and just BE at the next ‘thing’ already—we have to be where our feet are.

Life Lessons: An antidote to envy

We’re at a time and place in the world where we have access to the lives of more people than ever. People living in every tax bracket have ongoing documentation of their personal lives available to the general public—or at least certain aspects of their lives. Maybe you don’t follow any millionaires on social but you might follow someone who for some reason or another (wealth, talent, status, state of life, etc.) invites the green monster into your life.

Social media doesn’t cause envy. However, it can inspire a temptation that already lives in our hearts. This doesn’t mean you need to delete all social accounts (although a break can be extremely beneficial from time to time). But it does mean we need to closely monitor this tendency. Here’s my suggestion for the next time you feel that unpleasant feeling of jealousy taking hold in a moment of weakness:

1. say a quick prayer for that person. You have no idea what battles they may be fighting or what difficulties they may be experiencing.
2. consider why you follow them. What is the good coming out of it? Would it be better for you if you didn’t see them in your feed?
3. take inventory. examine the GOOD that they have which you feel you don’t have or want more of. Maybe it’s an incredible husband, maybe it’s a lovely wardrobe, maybe it’s an impeccably curated home.
4. ACT. If there is a genuine lack in your life then take a small step toward filling that gap. Can you organize a room? Can you get rid of clothes you don’t love anymore? Can you say a prayer for your future spouse? Envy stems from the perceived lack of a perceived good. If the thing really is good and you really do lack it, take action to remedy it. This is going to feel a lot better than stewing in feelings of resentment. See the person as inspiration for the life you want and find creative ways to work toward that life.

Info & Inspo

I’ve been loving this recommended episode of Pints with Aquinas about homeschooling + parenting! Healthy Catholic Moms also had some good info about the best workouts to get lean. I have started incorporating a Soulcore workout in my week and love love love it. The exercise is great for stretch + core building and the reflections on the rosary are truly beautiful!

Looking ahead

March is the month of Saint Joseph! I have a BIG devotion to this man (more on that later) and we are starting the novena asking for his intercession TODAY to end on his feast (March 19). Later this week I will posit some simple ideas to celebrate the great protector of families.

Have a blessed week.

In camaraderie,

Miranda Kate