Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries

Pants (Steinmart); Top (Kasper); Cardigan (Modcloth.com); Shoes (Kohl's)

The past month or so has been "the pits" in a lot of ways. I was in a head-on collision that totaled my beloved little convertible; the very next day we hit a deer in KDef's car (or, rather, a deer hit us); I shattered my iPhone screen; I lost a favorite pair of shoes (spectators, no less!); some of my favorite Halloween decorations sustained serious water damage; I've been overcommitted and underrested - I could carry on with this laundry list of lamentations for a bit. But I won't! I won't because it won't make me feel better to complain. I won't because it's boring to listen to other people complain. I won't because, in the grand scheme of things, these troubles that have caused more stress and anxiety than necessary of late are "first world problems," and I'm a happier me when I focus on the positive. Great shoes also help.

Artwork by Mary Engelbreit

I know people who thrive on complaining. Something is always terribly wrong in their "woe is me" lives and, frankly, I'm not sure they could carry on a conversation that didn't include a dramatic recitation of how cruel the world has been to them. I'm afraid I used to be one of those people. It was exhausting.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm no Susie Sunshine, and I get as frustrated by life's little lessons as the next person. In fact, on my desk is a canvas art print by Erin Smith that reads "As much as I try to be an easygoing, stretch your wings and fly type...I just can't stop trying to burst people into flames with my mind!" That statement cracks me up, and is certainly more reflective of my personality than a Mary Englebreit "Life is just a bowl of cherries" mentality.

But I'm trying. Putting the crappy things that happen in perspective and focusing on the positive is a much more pleasant way to live. Of course, we all have the occasional "get it off our chest, stomp around and rant 'til we're red in the face" moments. You better believe I did that after the (ahem) "gentleman" that hit my car lied to the sheriff about the cause of the accident (despite all physical evidence to the contrary). 

But guess what? I didn't get hurt despite two accidents in two days; I have a new (to me) car that I may just like better than the old one; I have a new iPhone and the service people who helped me out with it were prompt and gracious; the shoes I lost hurt my feet anyway; I love October and I love Halloween; and I just spent two lovely days with friends in Chicago where I got to sleep in and wake up without the aid of an alarm! Maybe life really is a bowl of cherries - we just need to savor the sweetness despite the pits. And wear great shoes. Always wear great shoes.

Photo by Faith Blackwell Photography; Dress and purse (Steinmart)

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!