Love/Hate relationships

 

The older I get the more this becomes apparent. The more that I see the effects of social media makes me want to break up with it once and for all. I may have spoken on this topic already. The changes never stick because we aren't retraining our brains to think differently. Whether you are addicted to the scroll or constantly being made to feel bad about yourself from the constant comparison.  We can't stop we love to look at the pretty pictures. The places we want to go. The houses we want to have. The clothes we want, the body we want. The social life that seems to be more interesting and entertaining then our own. The personality that we wish we had if we could just get over the anxiety. The creativity we wish came so naturally.

What does all this do?

Leaves us wanting. Forces us into discontentment. Nothing is ever enough for us. It's a struggle even for the most content person. It's been around for ages. Since pre-school days. You wanted the toy that the other kid had even if you had a handful already. "Keeping up with the Jones's" was relevant in the early 90's. It made those housewives and middle age guys go crazy. 

We desperately need to put on this armor every morning. Finding joy and contentment in our present life. "Comparison is the thief of joy". That phrase is pure truth. It threatens to steal our identity, our mental health. Isn't that worth protecting. 

I encourage you to take your time to really take a look at your habits. Really try to understand what your triggers are and take those social media breaks. A life of peace, contentment and joy is worth way more than keeping up with everyones' false, perfectly curated content.

Philippians 4:11. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” 

Matthew6:25-26  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 

 

 

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  

 

Mint and leopard

 

 

 

 

This is my first time Christmas shopping so late! I usually start in August because we have Christmas and everyone’s birthdays are so close to Christmas. Literally back to back over the span of two weeks.

I never seem to get my act together on Black Friday deals, small business Saturday, or even cyber Monday. I always get bombarded with the emails and text leading up to it though. Then it just makes me feel paralyzed. I feel pressured to shop just to shop. Just to get a good deal. But is it really even a good deal?

The only deal I end up getting is movies.

It’s even been getting harder and harder making a list for myself. It ends up being more work for me to make sure people get me what I want. I used to do a whole slide show with links to make it easier. Then Amazon wish lists  or Pinterest boards.

I almost just want to ask for money or gift cards so I don’t even have to think about and it relieves stress on them.

What stresses you out during the holiday season? 

 

Friday Feels

Well, we just got word over here that we are officially not going back to school for the rest of the year. There are a few things that I didn't do beforehand that I'm happy with my decision now. 

One: I'm glad I didn't sign little man up for preschool. I knew it was only going to be for a few months anyway and I didn't want to waste the money. We have already been homeschooling him since February. I'm thankful for that. 

Two: I'm glad I didn't sign up for a ton of extra curricular activities it would've been another waste of money. 

Three: I'm glad we moved when we did. I couldn't imagine having to do that now. Or not being able to say goodbye to our friends before leaving. I know for some military families that is the case and it's so hard. 

Home schooling hasn't been all that bad so far. I think it's a lot easier when someone else has put together the curriculum for little miss. Which makes me just a glorified study hall monitor. It takes me back to my home school/charter days. I'm not even sure how I made it through jr high and high school.

On a side note I am putting together a blog post of all the ways we are getting through this quarantine life. Here's to hoping it ends sooner rather than later. This is nuts!

Fashion Friday

We are a little over 3 weeks out from my first EP release ever! I've been so preoccupied planning my release party and getting everything ready for the release. I get so super focused on things that I can't see anything else. I''m trying so hard to not get distracted or procrastinate either. Those are definitely some of my flaws. Which can be hard while being a stay at home mom!  I can't wait for it all to be happening thought. I'm so close to exploding from all the excitement! I really appreciate all of you guys keeping up and supporting my dreams!

Fashion Friday {2019 is about to be epic}

2019 is already looking like it's going to be amazing! 32 days away from my EP release which will be out on my actual birthday! I'm so excited for this to finally be real. I can barely contain myself. Especially since I've been keeping these last few songs top secret. It's going to make it that much more special when they finally come out! If you aren't already following me you can find me on instagram @ashleyreedmusic and on spotify. 

So be on the look out Feb 12th is the day!! 

Fashion Friday

Top: Loveculture, Dress: LoveCulture, Hat: Forever21, Boots: Amazon