Ahhh, the New Year! A time for reflection, new beginnings, and a fresh start. It’s a blank page in a brand new notebook with a freshly sharpened pencil. And in my lifetime, no new year has been as anticipated as 2021. Not even the craziness of 2000 can compare! (Y2k anyone?!)
But sadly, the excitement of finally turning the calendar quickly dissipated. Like you, I’m still reeling from the horrific events of last week. We watched the attack on our Capitol in total disbelief, fearing for people’s lives, and what it meant for us as a society. And honestly, deflated because it felt like we carried over all the heartache of 2020 with us.
Truthfully, I wallowed in that sadness for a few days. Sometimes we have to give ourselves time and space to sit in our feelings, or they’ll just come back to haunt us. Usually bubbling to the surface at the least opportune time. (Therapist husband, remember?)
Full-Zip Hoodie (XXS) | V-Neck Tee (S) | Jogger Sweatpants (XS) // This set is an incredible new Zella find! So soft and comfortable, in a sturdy sweatshirt material.
‘Love’ Tee (XS) | Jogger Sweatpants (XS) | Slippers (down half) | Hoop Earrings
But then I thought of my friends and family. And I thought of all of you. And my spirits began to lift, because I know in my soul that we are good, kind people. Our country is a beautiful melting pot of good, kind people. That angry mob does not represent us.
It was a despicable, dark day, but it doesn’t define who we are, nor dictate what lies ahead. I truly believe lightness is coming, and that hope has me excited again for this New Year!
Full-Zip Hoodie (XXS) | V-Neck Tee (S) | Jogger Sweatpants (XS)
I’m not really one for resolutions though… there’s something so resolute about them. Resolutions don’t really allow room for error, or flexibility. It takes time to break habits, or change patterns and behaviors, and no matter how badly I want to make grand changes, I know I’ll stumble. And with that, comes a feeling of failure.
So in the last few years, I’ve allowed myself the time and space to slow down and reflect on my patterns and behaviors of the previous year, and changes that could make a positive impact on my life, and therefore, those around me.
Full-Zip Hoodie (XXS) | V-Neck Tee (S) | Jogger Sweatpants (XS) | Hoop Earrings
It usually boils down to one word… and it’s a word that comes barreling towards me and rolls over me like a freight train. (Be careful what you pray for, right?!) Several years ago, that word was RELAX. In every sense of the definition… relax my control, my grip, my expectations, my fears… it goes on and on. I needed to surrender.
The next year INTENTION was so loud in my head I looked around to see if someone was in the room (they weren’t). I was so busy juggling life, being a ‘master multi-tasker,’ that literally nothing got my full attention. That’s a startling and humbling realization. As a wife, mother, daughter, friend, business-owner… none of those roles ever really received my full, undivided attention. Not for long anyway.
For this year, rather than a single word becoming clear, the whole dang dictionary came flying at me! But how could it not after the year we had?!? I stumbled as a parent, spouse, friend, and business partner, with what felt like more missteps than victories. Instead of living with intention, I was just trying to keep my head above water. And forget relaxing my grip, I white-knuckled my way through 2020! Anyone else feel that way?
Full-Zip Hoodie (XXS) | V-Neck Tee (S) | Jogger Sweatpants (XS) | Hoop Earrings
Regardless of what life in 2021 holds, I need a new mindset. A new way to approach things. And here’s the thing… I’m a fixer. I want to jump right in with my opinion, advice, or a solution… whether it’s my kids, my husband, or the world in general.
My intention isn’t because I think I know best, but rather, I hate to see them hurt or struggle. But in the process, I bulldoze over their feelings with my band-aid. Which in the end helps no one, and results in frustration and resentment.
Mr. SP and I actually started parenting therapy last year, and what I learned is more often than not, my kids just want to be heard and have their feelings validated. (Don’t we all?!) They need a safe place to express their storm of thoughts and feelings. And y’all know, in the middle of a pandemic, there are a lot of those!
So the more I thought on how I want to approach relationships in this new year, these words kept coming to mind…
PAUSE.
LISTEN.
LOVE.
Rather than an immediate response and reaction when problems and heartache are presented… I want to learn to pause my own thoughts, and really listen to those of others. And in that pause, there is solace. Comfort. Understanding. Power.
Only after should I respond, but instead of a ‘fix’, it’s simply love. Validation. Grace.
I realize I don’t have all the answers, and I can’t heal the pain for everyone all the time. Nor can I protect them from hurt. But I can be a reprieve, and a safe place for them to discover the healing and answers on their own.
What a concept, right?! That my silence and acceptance can actually be the ‘solution’ they are looking for!?
‘Love’ Tee (XS) | Jogger Sweatpants (XS) | Hoop Earrings
This mantra applies not only to my family, but to the world around me. I have much to learn, and that requires listening first. I won’t always agree, or even understand, but I can provide solace in my willingness to stay present. There is respect in the pause, and in listening. And from that, I’m showing love. I think we can all agree we could use more of that.
Full-Zip Hoodie (XXS) | V-Neck Tee (S) | Jogger Sweatpants (XS) | Hoop Earrings
I know I have my work cut out for me, after all, I have years of learned behavior to unlearn! But I truly want to be a place of reprieve for my family…a bit of peace in the chaos that is life lately.
Do you have a word or phrase for 2021? Or are you more of a resolution and goal setter?
This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom and ShopStyle. I’m grateful to partner with companies that encourage their customers to spread love in their own communities, and allow me to dig deeper and share my heart with you.
*Photos by the darling and talented Audrie Dollins.
I think this is the best post you have written! I love it! Thank you.
Oh thank you, Carolyn! It came from the heart! xoxo, Cassie
I have missed you! Your words are always so thoughtful. You put into words a that I too have been feeling. My 2021 started off really awful with one of children and I learned in a very difficult way that I need to pause and listen. I always love but they may not have felt that love😭. Thank you for your honesty and openness. Also what is parenting therapy?
I’m so sorry to hear of your rough start, Nikki! It’s humbling to go about life thinking we’re doing fine only to discover our method hasn’t been working. Much love to you and your family! Also, parenting therapy offers new ways of communicating with kids…teenagers in our case! xo. C
So great. I love your thoughts on raising teens and it caused me to reflect on my own (too) quick responses to my two teen daughters. Thank you for the encouragement to not have to do or say anything, but to listen with grace.
Couldn’t agree more!! Cassie, your thoughts and words of intention are inspiring to me. Here’s to a happy and healthy new year!
Love this post so much! Love “pause” and “listen”! Need to try this with my teenage girl. Thanks for being so open and honest! Love all your posts!
Thank you so much, Faye! xo. C
This was touching and helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the nice words! xo, Cassie
What a prolific (writer/thinker) post here, SP. Photos from my favorite room @ your house.
I am adopting your words here, but will add my version, listen more, speak less, extend grace.
And you need (another) trip out of town, sista! ha,ha.
The Capitol craziness hit home when we saw a close up photo of our loved Congressman, taking cover during the shooting there.
Ok, new words for me in 2020 = Peace Out. . . .
LOVE your version of my Three Words, Sandy!! xo, Cassie
Well if 2020 taught me anything it was what’s truly important in my life and the things I can do without ! The distractions I can allow to side track me and slow me down. Where my FOCUS needs to be and changes I need to make.. though a very tough year for so many there were so many things I was grateful for throughout! No real word for 2021 other than perhaps GROWTH! To keep learning and growing in Wisdom and closer to the one who still controls it all:) thank you for your encouraging posts and blog💕.
Totally agree, Karen! 2020 really whipped me into shape! xo, C
This would have been a great post to drop the links. I love your intentions but the need to link t-shirts, sweat suits etc really cheapens it
Thank you for your feedback, Sharon! People come to HSP for multiple reasons, and links to fun styles is one of them, so I always include for those interested in what I’m wearing! It certainly doesn’t dilute my feelings or intentions for 2021. Much love to you! xo. C
Just wish you had left the links to the bottom of the post. Thanks.
Thank you for your feedback, Stacy. My goal is always to make the posts as user-friendly and efficient as possible, in respect and appreciation for your time! xo. C
I LOVE this post. And your positivity. And your words. I also don’t even mind the links. That’s like you asking us to go to work and not have meaningful conversations with our coworkers. 🙄Cmon now, people. If the links bother you, don’t click on them. LOL Hang in there, CSP- you’re amazing and God is working through you. Links or not!
Providing cute fashion inspiration is part of this job! Thank you for those kind words! xo, C
And in respect and appreciation for your time, I would imagine there would be multiple requests for links if they had not been posted, whether throughout or at the bottom. I’ve read several blogs about a variety of topics and I’m always amazed at how it always goes back to wondering where something is from. I wouldn’t think to tell you how to organize a post. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Bev! There is no one right answer, I just decided to keep the links under each photo like I always do! xo, C
Thanks for sharing Cassie, this is all so powerful.
Every time I see a blogger I follow speak out about how the attack on Congress was despicable it heartens me. Here in the UK we see events unfold and people waving an America flag and it can look like that is what Americans stand for. I know it is not – but only because a collection of individuals are telling me so. That, and the blessed election result, a relief to the rest of the world. So thank you for speaking up.
We all have a lot of work to do. I’m trying to make that a big part of my 2021.
Hugs to everyone x
Oh goodness, I can only imagine what the UK and the rest of the world is thinking right now. A lot of work to do, for sure! xo, Cassie
Grace and gratitude.
Love both! xo, C
My words for 2021 are Elevate and Expand. I started with Elevate and then added Expand. But after living the first ten days of this year, I am thinking Expand is my true word. It is time for me to expand my knowledge of things, my sustainability of the way I live and the things that are near and dear to my heart…which is why I am commenting. I have followed you for so long and have never really engaged. So here I am engaging, expanding, and hopefully I can grow from this!!
Hi Andrea! Thank you so much for engaging and expanding here! I’m honored! Xo, Cassie
Hi Cassie,
I appreciate you and your posts so very much. This one in particular really resonates with me. I recently read a great book that emphasized many of your same thoughts, concerns, and ideas about life and getting a handle on it. My three words are “I get to.” I’ve found that thinking in this way, specifically using these words, has helped me start most days with a positive outlook. I have sticky notes in strategic places so I am reminded that challenges and obstacles are part of my wonderful life. Of course I sometimes stumble on this path, but “I get to” is now my go to.
Thank you for all of your thoughtful posts and for bringing light to every day.
Julie, that is a truly wonderful ‘phrase of the year’! And love that sticky note trick. xoxoxo, Cassie
All my love and thanks to you, Cassie, for your post – but I also have to shout out Julie, with her “I get to”. Wow. That will for sure stay with me as much as the content of the Hi Sugarplum post!
“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” Mother Teresa.
YES to more love. And positive words like you’re sharing. Hopefully the more goodness and love we put into the world will outdo the division (and the disgusting terror we saw last week). Thank you for your words 💕
Such a powerful quote from Mother Teresa <3 xo,C
I have this quote hanging in my house. When I saw it framed, I had to have it.
Wise words. I need to listen more and “fix” less. Fixing is my go-to also.
Sometimes I just can’t help it but am learning to loosen my grip! xo, C
Love it! We too have been trying to hear our teen, but now she won’t talk. 🙁 It’s always best to ponder awhile than to react on the spot. Something a lot more of us need to work on. Thanks for sharing today.
Couldn’t agree more, Libby! xo, Cassie
Cassie, this is amazing and why I started following you in the first place! More of this please!! I love the perspective and will try to integrate into my own life. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Stephanie!! xo, C
This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
And thank you for taking the time to read! Xo, C
IMO best post you’ve ever written
Wow thank you SO much Rhonda!! Xo, C
I really appreciate this post. Your pause/listen/love reminded me of what our littles used to be told …. stop/look & listen. Now that they are actual adults, I am amazed at what they have learned and how they handle themselves in this crazy time. Everyone is so aggressive. Our 21 year old has been have quite A time at her break time home from college working at the local community indoor pool. Grown adults yelling (literally and stomping feet) over not getting what they want IN A PUBLIC POOl. My daughter used what she has been taught in her training at summer camp as a staff leader. LAST. LISTEN -to what the problem is. APOLOGIZE (I’m sorry this happened). Tell them you will find a SOLUTION. And THANK them for telling you. My sweet college aged happy girl getting yelled at, and she remembers this. It have me pause and made me so proud to hear how she had handled it. And, like you, I’m struck with the reality that people need someone to LISTEN to them. It’s so sad that our community/society has become so unhinged that we are screaming for attention. Rather than listening and TALKING it out! My 2021 word is LISTEN. Like you, I like to barrel ahead after I’ve heard a portion and find my own solution. But I am going to try to really Listen. And pause. Thank you for sharing your current thoughts on your blog It’s a blessing to know we aren’t alone in our goal to be better in this new year. Its a crazy world. let’s listen to each other. ❤️
Thank you for sharing, Carol! xo, C
I love this post. Outwardly, you always seem optimistic and happy and hopeful. But I know you struggle. And I relate to that effort. So much of what you say resonates with me. I’m also a “fixer” and I’ve always believed that the antidote to anxiety is action. But this past year (and, apparently, continuing into 2021!) I’ve had to let that go because I realize I can’t fix everything. Pause-Listen-Love is perfect for the upcoming year. Mind if I steal it? Hang in there. Keep sharing. Your blog posts and instagram feed keep a smile on my face.
I”m thrilled the mantra resonated with you, too! Learning to sit in the stillness and listen definitely doesn’t come easy for me, but there’s so much power in it! xo. C
Hi Cassie, great post. You may find the book The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungar Stainer useful for your three words. It helped my “fixing it” tenancy, empowered those around me and helped them feel heard.
Thank you so much, Robyn! I love that word, Empower!!
A very uplifting post.
I’m curious as to what made you decide to go to parenting therapy at this point…one out of the house and your daughter soon to follow?
Thank you, Carol! Our journey as parents never truly ends, even when they move out! (Although, our daughter is only 14, so we’ve still got a ways until both are through college!) And truthfully, the teenage years have been the most challenging for me, I hate to see them struggle. Parenting therapy has helped us work together and support each other and the kids! xo. C
Such a thoughtful and well-written post. Love your three words. I just retired, so was intending to focus on health. You’ve inspired me to think in broader terms – not just physical health but healthy relationships, too.
As always, thanks for sharing.
Hi Victoria! Yes, love that train of thought! Health all around in 2021. <3 xoxo, Cassie
You look just fabulous as always & your words…well your words ring very true on ALL points. Thank you Cassie for always giving me perspective/inspiration on all things that I struggle with in life. Truly mean that 🙂
Wow thank you so much, Janile! I’m thrilled your find inspiration here. xo, C
I hate to set you back on your effort not to fix, but as someone living in DC, your words have helped perk me up today. Thanks for the fix! 🙂 You don’t have to throw the baby out with the bathwater! 😉 I stopped following a lot of people last year, but this post is exactly why you are still on the roster. Thanks for always putting yourself out there and helping us all remain optimistic and stylish!
I can’t imagine what it’s like living in DC right now…my heart goes out to you and your city. Much love from Texas and all the rest of us! xo. C
Such a good post – I’ve read it over 3 times! I just had a zoom session with my therapist and we talked about this relating to my 20 year old son who will be going back to college. She told me to “validate, validate, validate” his feelings and tell him you love him. And that’s it. Thank you for opening up and showing that others struggle with the same things.
Oh man…it’s even harder when they’re away from home and struggling! I just want to swoop in. Maybe validate should have been my word! I need work on all of it! Much love to you, mama! xo. C
My word for 2021 is EMBRACE!!
The new, the things I can control and things I can’t! My family, my work, my dreams and my new adventures! Happy New Year:)
EMBRACE is a fantastic word of the year!
Thank you for this post! I wish for 2021 to have more of your writing like this. Fashion is always appreciated but these words are more important to be certain. I have a 16 year old and share your concerns and struggles on parenting this age. Certainly a different set of obstacles than little ones but every bit as important and not highlighted very much in the blogger world.
Thank you for this, Kelly! Maybe I’ll do an update type of post in a few months?! xo, C
Love this! Thanks for sharing it with us. Now I want to hear more about this parenting therapy. ☺️
Is this something y’all would be interested in?! xo, C
This is beautifully written. ❤️
Your heart comes through loud and clear and it makes me proud to be a follower.
Hi Kathy! This is one of the nicest comments I’ve ever gotten, I appreciate it so much! xoxo, Cassie
This may be my favorite post of yours. I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing so openly. What a bright light you are for many!
Thank you so much, Maggie! <3 C
Hi Cassie,
I too was saddened by the violence that happened at the capital. Odd thing was, I was there. I’ve supported President Trump from day one. I went to the rally b/c I felt like there had been election fraud and I wanted Congress to recognize how so many Americans feel. I wanted to watch the electorial count be decided and see if any of the states that had actual evidence of fraud reject their electorial votes. I listened to the whole speech given by President Trump. He never mentioned violence. By the time we walked to the Capitol we were so far back we couldn’t see much but as far as I know there was nothing going on. We had to leave the rally at 3:30 to get to the metro to get back to our bus. As we were leaving DC we saw more police cars than I could count going into DC. I guess my point in this comment is from being at the rally all I saw was peaceful, prayerful people who love our country and feel like the election was stolen. The violence that happened was terrible. None of my conversations w/anyone that day mentioned causing violence. I guess there are bad apples in any large group like that. I’m scared for our country too b/c there doesn’t seem to be any coming together. With every action by each side they are driving us all further and further apart.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Kathleen. I’m so grateful to hear you and others around you were safe. Praying for healing in our country. xo. C
This was such an excellent comment! I appreciate a blog that can be a blog, not a political machine. I appreciate Cassie’s perspective that she is not stating her political opinion, merely a human one. This has always been my favorite blog to just enjoy the serious as well as frivolous posts, but I do not feel that every single area of our life needs to be controlled by politics ie. Cassie is not telling us what to think or believe politically. I am thankful for America where you can march peaceably at a rally, and we can all still enjoy this comment section although others have a differing opinion.
Thank you so much! I absolutely believe we are all entitled to our own opinions and beliefs, it’s part of what makes our country so great. Goodness and kindness knows no political parties or religiosity…which ultimately puts us all on the same team. I appreciate your kind words! Xo. C
So beautifully written! It is something we really need to hear right now. We can have different opinions, which we should be able to express freely in a civilized positive manner, but in the end we should still love and respect one another. God bless America!
Totally agree, Rhonda! <3 C
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your thoughts and parts of your life. It is strange how much you a stranger have helped me this past year. My husband of 48 years has cancer, so most of this year we have been dealing with test, results, surgery and hopefully recovery! During this time when I have felt powerless and a failure in most every part of my life and during a pandemic where just getting out is a danger to him. What if I get sick what would we do!!! Just scared all the time. Every morning I could look for your post and find moments of calm. So thank you💕
Oh wow Cathy, I am SO honored that you look to this blog for your moments of calm. <3 Prayers to you and your family and for your husband's healing. <3 Cassie
This is a very powerful post and message, especially for parents. To listen, seek to understand, empathize with and validate our kids and their fears and feelings with love and compassion, and to not offer solutions or jump to fix. After 17 years of being a parent I am finally learning this, and I wish I had learned this long ago. I am now learning it out of necessity (through therapy) to help my daughter recover from an eating disorder brought on by the pandemic – which has been the worst thing I have experienced as a parent, but possibly may end up being the most blessed thing, as it is changing the way I parent, and relate to my loved ones. Thank you for sharing and encouraging your readers. All the best to you in 2021!
Thank you for sharing this, Leslie, and prayers to you and your family <3 xo, Cassie
Wonderful post Cassie, thank you for staying true to who you are. You can’t please everyone, don’t try. You do you!
Thanks so much, Trudy! xo, C
Hi Cassie, I’ve never commented before but this post moved me to write. Thank you so much for your heartfelt post! It was really meaningful to read and so timely. You gave me a lot to think about and I am really going to try to put your three words into practice this year. I have three teenagers at home (two high school juniors and an eighth grader) and would love to hear about the parenting therapy in a future post.
Hi Keri! I just talked a little more about parenting therapy on Stories… lots of y’all were asking!! <3 Cassie
Beautiful and inspiring words. My word is Discipline. So many ways to fulfill this word. Discipline my thoughts, actions and words regarding my health, spirit and relationships. Here’s to an awesome 2021 and the hope that surrounds it. ❤️
Yes Kay, I LOVE this!! xo, C
Cassie, thank you for the very honest and encouraging post. I can relate to everything you wrote and it is inspiring me to come up with my own word or words for the year.
It is a profoundly humbling experience!
This was a wonderfully inspiring post. I have been struggling with my thoughts and reflections on the past and setting engaging goals for the new year/ future. Your words as well as the words of some of your commenters have been enlightening for me. I typically try to pick behaviors or “doing” goals to work towards each new year. This is opening my eyes to having a mindset change which could lead to overall change and improvements. I appreciate you Cassie and this group for their insight. Praying for you and the new year, Hillary
Thank you so much, Hillary! xo, C
I am doing this-I love it!! Pause, listen, love! What more do we need? 🙌🏻 Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading, Christine! xo, C
Great post 😊 Like others have said, I sensed that you were reeling last week, you said enough to let us know that and didn’t continue to post as if things were ok. As a supporter, I am really happy that you have spoken up here – it was very affirming ❤️
I try to be positive and upbeat always in this space, but sometimes you just need to regroup! xo, C
Cassie,
I found you years ago on Instagram while searching for hair tutorials. I’m still here and so thankful for the encouragement , fun and kindness you share with your followers. Thank you for being a place I can always go to find a little joy! I appreciate the vulnerability and sincerity of your post today. It’s been a rough year and a rough start to 2021 that’s for sure. I’m grateful for your words and thoughtfulness. Thank you for being willing to share with your followers ! Blessings to you and your family !
Thank you so much, Susan! I am thrilled you stuck around, after finding my terrible hair tutorial, I’m sure!! xo, C
Cassie, I agree with the others that this may be your best post yet. Obviously it touched a lot of us. It’s wonderful to read everyone’s words. I had LISTEN last year, and I need to keep it in the mix this year (still a work in progress), but I am adding PAUSE and LOVE on either side of it, because I think that makes the most sense. My word this year is RECLAIM. I feel like this past year I lost a lot of things about myself and I want them back. I hope you and your family continue to be happy and healthy in 2021! Thank you
RECLAIM is a wonderful word of the year, Jennifer! I may need to add that to my 2021 list, too! xo, Cassie
I appreciate the sentiment of this post, but the fact that you barely gloss over an attempted coup and use a sponsored post to talk about it is disappointing.
Thank you for your feedback, Jay. The post isn’t about the state of our world, which I can’t control, but rather the state of my own thoughts and behavior…which I can control. Much love to you in this new year. C.
Such a thoughtful post, Cassie. I’m so appreciative of you and your blog and IG during these past months. It’s been a bright spot for me. I think you’ve done a wonderful job juggling your content but also what is going on in our world. I appreciate the fun posts but also ones like these.
Thank you, Kelly! It’s a juggle for sure, but shifting the blog’s content to better help this community taught me a lot last year! Namely that y’all are amazing!! xo, C
Your words to listen and validate your loved ones feelings resonates with me. In 2020 I realized that our son who is a sophomore in college was depressed. He would
Lash out of I made attempts to advise/fix his issues. A therapist taught me the importance of listening and validating and not trying to fix things. 2020 was painful but we grew as a family. Thank you for your words XOXO
That is amazing, Vicki!!!! xo, C
I’m not a resolution kind of gal either. I try (not always successful) to pause. We as women want to fix everything for our kids. We would pave the way with gold if we could. Listening, not reacting is so difficult. I still practice with my 32 year old son. He is successful. Has a bigger house than I ever had, but I want to tell, fix, do. Ugh. He asked me to help him order some decent, fashionable shoes today. I count that as a positive step. I’ll take what I can. Haven’t seen him since November 2019 at my moms funeral. We live 2000 mikes away from each other. He is my only child. But there’s his wedding this fall and a visit very soon. I have hope. And I’ll look fabulous at his wedding. Lol.
Help with shoe shopping is truly a big step!!! I am so sorry you haven’t seen each other in so long, that sounds so difficult. Congratulations on his upcoming wedding!! xo, C
This is a beautiful post. Thank you for your openness and sharing it with all of us. I started off 2021 full of optimistic hope since the vaccine is rolling out and soon a new president but then last week happened and it was just so shocking. But your post helps and I’m back to my words for the new year; hopeful and optimistic. I love your 3 words.
Those are two beautiful words of the year, Rhonda! <3 xox, C
Cassie, your posts have been a bright spot in a very sad year for me & so many others. Thank you for your honesty & beautiful words. Your blog community is very blessed to have you & each other. And if Mr SP ever wants to give us some advice/therapy, I’m in!😁
Thank you so much, Jeanne! This blog community is the bright spot in my day, every day! <3 xoxo, C
Cassie,
Thank you so much for sharing this. When I read it , I thought I was reading about myself. I’m a fixer just like you and this post certainly made me pause as to how I can try to address it. Thank you !! ❤️
Instead of trying to do and fix everything, just sitting in the stillness is sometimes the best course of action! I do need to practice what I preach more in 2021! <3 C
Cassie…you are truly a gem of a human! You spoke to my mama heart today with this post and I found myself tearing up! Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing with us! You’re the bomb!
This post definitely came from my own mama heart, so thank you!!! xoxo, C
Such a wonderful, thoughtful post. Thank you so much for sharing your insight. It’s not always easy to share intimate thoughts, but it is so appreciated and we can all learn from each other.
Thank you.
Thank you, Donna! I certainly love from all of you every day!! Xo. C
Your heartfelt words were reassuring that we are all having so many feelings, and have been for a while.
As for last week, that just piled on top of a year (or 4) of more ugliness than I thought most people were capable of. My word this year is a repeat of my word last year- mindful – of my thoughts, words, actions.
2021 has already started out with a family death (not COVID), and my MIL fell today and broke her hip. With hospitals like they are it just makes a bad situation worse. Luckily, as of tonight, they say we can visit her after surgery- time will tell bc things seem to change by the hour. I may not be happy about some outcomes, and I’ve been unhappy before, so my hope and prayer is we ALL find peace.
Thank you for opening your heart ❤️.
Oh no, I am so sorry about the passing of a family member and your MILs injury. Prayers to your family for healing. xoxo, C
Thank you so much for sharing this. As I sit here at 1am worried about how I am doing as a parent and trying to distract myself to fall asleep again, I came across your newest post. It’s nice to remember that in all of this we are not alone in our struggles.
I feel like parent struggles can be such a taboo topic sometimes?! Where is that baby/kid manual again??? xoxo, C
Love this so much. Love you. Mostly I love how real you are always, to your readers and irl. When you’re honest and vulnerable, it gives us all permission to be vulnerable and connect authentically.❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Suzie! I am honored that you trust me enough to think that I can give you permission to do something like this. xoxox, C
Wow! I have reread this post so many times, too many to count actually. It was so profoundly written and from your heart! I wrote a few things down in my journal to reflect on. I love how vulnerable you are and I think we could all take something away from this post! 2020 was quite the year, but for myself I realized that I needed to pause, on purpose and reflect! Thank you for sharing this with me!
I am just so humbled this post is resonating with so many of you! xoxo, Cassie
This hit home for me….love your words, “There is respect in the pause, and in listening. And from that, I’m showing love”. Going to print this out!! To pause and listen…to my kids (3 in college), my husband, my friends… Thank you for responding and “listening” to me this summer when my hubby and I visited Anna Maria Island. Oh to be there now… Happy New Year!❤
Patti
From Georgia🍑
Patti, what I wouldn’t give to be in Anna Maria Island right this minute!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for following along with me and the blog! xo, C
My husband died nine years ago when my kids were 15,12 and 4. It was some rough times. They are all doing well thankfully. I say this because I have been through some really hard times, and this last past year was so hard. Really really hard. Harder because of the effect it had on my children. After what happened at the Capitol, I felt so overwhelmed. By death, illness, politics and the racial problems in our country that were so clearly displayed by the difference in treatment of protestors. I went to Instagram, and while I understand we all need to be aware, seeing it all the time while not being able to do anything made it so much worse. I went to facebook and all I saw were the various political opinions and the arguments that ensued. I am in Orange County California. It’s bad here and all we can do is stay home. To be bombarded with all of it while having no ability to do anything but stay at home has taken it’s toll on me. So, when you were quiet I understood and respected it. I don’t expect people to react the same way. I saw people comment that if their favorite influencer didn’t address it they would leave. How intolerant of individual abilities to process. We don’t know what is going on in the lives of others. If some of us want to look at pretty clothes and lipsticks it is not because we don’t care. Maybe we care so much that we know we need to protect ourselves. Last night I finally made the deliberate decision to protect my brain and mental health. I logged out of facebook and am starting over on Instagram. Every person I follow will be a deliberate choice. Your kind heart radiates through all that you do. I don’t need a statement of anything from you to follow along. I’m sorry if this is long, but I wanted you to know I appreciate you, your work, and your voice, however you choose to use it.
Well wow Jill, if this isn’t one of the most beautiful and thoughtful blog comments I have ever gotten. Thank you so, so much for your kind words. I definitely do not have all of the answers, but yes I’ve been needing to protect my heart lately. There is no rule book for any of this, and we are all just doing the best we can! I am so sorry about the death of your husband, prayers to you and your children. Best to y’all in 2021. <3 <3 xo, C
So good and really spoke to me!!!Thank you!!
SO thrilled to hear that Lori, thank you! xo, C
Love your words Cassie and I’m glad this world is still full of loving, kind people! Not sure I could get out of bed if I didn’t believe that! Treasure is my word for 2021….treasure my faith, finances, myself….but also treasure others even when they are different than me. I have realized I have so, so much to learn and I’m like you…I want to fix things!! But its true…our kids and others often just want to be heard. Cheers to 2021!
That is a great word, Shelly!! I’m going to adopt that one, too! Much love to you and your sweet family, friend! xo. C
Now more than ever, I would add the word “Prayer” to your list We are powerless as a nation and as human beings without it.