Blog post,  Encouragement,  Jovial,  Life

Be Strong. With or Without Coffee… or Mascara!

July 6, 2020

While perusing Instagram one sleepless night, a fun post caught my attention. Wish I could remember the IG account to offer a proper shout out. Too many late night flips-through-pics have since happened. Anyway, the post was of a coffee mug (held by a women with a lovely manicure) the words ‘Be Strong’ printed in bold lettering across the mug, and the following caption under the pic: ‘because all things are possible with coffee and mascara.’

I’m sure many of you have seen this phrase posted or printed before, so nothing extraordinarily mind-blowing about the caption. Nor the coffee mug. But in that particular moment, seeing this specific post made me smile and laugh. A total — ‘got coffee, lashes loaded, ain’t nothin’ gonna stop me now!’ — fun + sass post!

We should all strive to begin each day with an Instagram worthy Be Strong moment, right?!

I remember the coffee, mascara, I am woman hear me roar days. Can’t believe my brain scrolls back that far (seriously!), but those days/decades did indeed exist.

My how time and purpose can change.

Reflecting upon my here and now… I breathe in where life has brought me: awesome hubby, home in the desert with a lovely and peaceful mountain view, Junior & Willie close by for snuggles, four healthy and awesome grandkiddos, their beautiful mommas and hubbies (or same as), my 95-years young dad thankfully doing well, and an army of loving, caring, supportive family and friends. All delicious blessings. Like a hot fudge sundae with a cherry on top kind of yummy goodness. (If you’re an ice cream sundae loving peep, perhaps you’ll appreciate the comparison. Maybe not. Either way, I LOVED the pure yumminess of hot fudge sundaes as a kid, so the analogy seems fitting. Even if lactose intolerant— lol!)

How sweet would it be if this life was filled only with ice cream yumminess-type moments!? (Again, metaphorically speaking. Definitely not wishing all of society to end up with diabetes. Nope. Nope. Nope!)

Without question, it is no longer a cup of joe, mascara + full make-up, hair + nails all done, smartly dressed, heels + a walk with purpose — watch out world here I come — daily charge. Hasn’t been for…Wow!… too many years. Truth be had, I am not entirely certain how best to summarize life these days, other than I am breathing… coping… existing… trying to find wellness… developing new found strength and purpose.

A quick peek would reveal nettle tea in place of coffee (no caffeine for this chick any longer, which is probably a good thing). Rarely does mascara, or makeup in general, find its way to my face. That’s a “special occasion” luxury reserved strictly for peopling days (a definite rarity). Hair and nails take a backseat, as well — more energy-sucking, self-care/pampering my healthy-self took for granted.

Let’s just leave the visual here: I have become quite the queen of au naturel, really messy ponytails, and color + pattern clashing, disheveled-chic couture!

Oh yeah, total sexiness (the hubs must feel sooo lucky)!

Been rockin’ the “quarantined look” in this house long before Covid lockdowns we’re a thing!

Illness has a way of re-adjusting one’s goals, priorities, walk-with-purpose stride, and give-a-hoot meter. A whole lot less sweatin’ the small stuff, that’s for certain.

Being able to get out of bed tends to trump any and all daily “goals,” and immediately catapults to the top of the gratitude list.

The once highly driven (with a side of sass) chick — who for years seemed in charge of her life, and body — still exists. A little buried, hidden under life’s challenges. Glimmers of that underlying, feisty blonde shine through the grayness, occasionally. Thankfully! (At least I am grateful. Others, maybe not — lol!)

Most assuredly, doing my best to live a ‘be strong’ life. All while licking the wounds of setbacks and plateaus that accompany this illness + healing journey. Trying (really hard) not to feel as though I am broken… or unfixable. Learning (and re-learning, on repeat) to accept and appreciate this altered, bumpy path. Moving forward (ever so slowly) with repurposed mojo, humility, and renewed sense of gratefulness and strength. And walking (shuffling) with a much softer stride (cozy slippers and Birk’s have kicked designer heels to the curb!).

[bctt tweet=”Illness has a way of re-adjusting one’s goals, priorities, walk-with-purpose stride, and give-a-hoot meter. A whole lot less sweatin’ the small stuff, that’s for certain. Getting out of bed now trumps all else!”]

So friends, while I sip my herbal tea (and think about drinking coffee and wearing mascara!) let me cheer you on — all who are totally boss and gettin’-er done. Go you! Conquer the world — and/or all things amazingness that incorporates your piece of the globe. Rock on with your bad-booty, ‘be strong’ selves!

And to my fellow: hoping to feel well enough to get out of bed, trying to get through the day without sobbing, maybe I can shower today tribe… you, lovelies, are the fiercest of the ‘Be Strong,’ slayin’-it peeps. Without a doubt!

Any given day, whatever you are able to do — or not — is the right amount of enough. Lean in… allow yourself peace and grace and kindness.

[bctt tweet=”Any given day, whatever you are able to do—or not—is the right amount of enough. Lean in, lovelies… allow yourself peace and grace and kindness. —tmm”]

[bctt tweet=”In all of your ways, lovely one, you are perfectly imperfect, perfectly beautiful, perfectly enough… just as you are. —tmm”]

In whatever capacity… however… whenever… Be. You. Live your best ‘Be Strong’ life. With or without coffee… or mascara!

Until my next Reflection…

Hugs, positive vibes, and all the delicious yumminess this life has to offer!

Be well. Be Strong!

Over here reflecting about life, illness + healing. Offering encouragement + empathy + support. Sharing smatterings of sarcasm + sass. Oozing with opinion. Speaking my truth. —tmm

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