Thank you to those of you who reached out in support of my thoughts and emotions last night. I greatly appreciate it. I look forward to these changes and blogging in my true style once again. Time for  me to write without over-analyzing. 😉 Hope you like it!

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When I woke up and checked today’s topic I literally laughed out loud. God sure does have a sense of humor. Perseverance. How….fitting after last night’s sharing.

I never once doubted continuing the 30 Days because I do care about it so very much. I had realized that in order for my passion to continue I had to practice perseverance in being true to myself. Following through can present quite the challenge when its easier to just let things go or ride along in the sweeping currents of others’ wishes and decisions. We have to fight…for the right…to paarrr-tay LIVE OUR LIVES.

As a new mom, “take care of yourself” appears numerous times in the onslaught of advice from others. At first, I blinked with unbelieving eyes because how in the world could a spare moment to care for myself exist when playing booby bar mom to a newborn? Let me tell you – those first 2 weeks were some of the hardest of my life…ranking right up there with the week my father hit me and said he had “tried to love me my entire life but never could” on our family vacation. I loved baby M so much that I lost all sense of self.

Just as I dug my heels in to regain control of my life after my senior year of college, I straightened my shoulders and looked those lost feelings in the eye and said “back off!”. I persevered. It was hard and I felt guilty at times, but I knew caring for myself meant the best for my happiness and my family’s well being.

In reality, anything worthwhile involves struggle. What would our lives look like if we always took the easy road? We have to adopt a will to persevere in those trying times because things will turn around. Our issues only even have a chance of turning into something wonderful with our determination to plow through them backed up by the 1,000 armies of belief in change and hope in good.

No matter what you face today – overcoming eating struggles, feeling unworthy, facing uncertainty for the future, battling a trialing relationship/health issue/work situation, etc – persevere. Remember that you will make it through and that the hard work will be worth it. Listen to your heart, gut, instincts, and God to guide your life…not someone else’s. And not a lesser version of your own either.

• What ways have you seen the benefits of perseverance in your life?
• If you don't want to get too personal, what are some small acts people can do to keep on keeping on?

Check out these awesome blogs for their personal sharing along the 30 DSLR road!

• To Be Determined
• Eat Drink Breathe Sweat
• Ulterior Harmony
• Two Feet Ten Toes
• Days One By One
• Miranda’s Jeans
• Making A Change
• Simply Maren
• Running to a Healthy Life

Goood morning! I sincerely hope today finds you all well. I feel fabulous because I took today’s message to heart already.

In life, we all search for happiness. We want fulfillment and to live with contentment. In order to find such a life, we have to take the first steps in finding joy in each day. From the small moments of a child’s laugh to the bigger “wow” moments of exciting vacations and celebrations, we must reach out and grab joy each day.

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I don’t think I need to tell you why finding joy in everyday moments of life can increase overall happiness. We all have that logic. Instead, I want to ask you to find it for yourselves today. Don’t avoid it for fear it will get in the way of to-dos. Don’t convince yourself another moment will come soon enough. Don’t hesitate on whether you deserve that moment of joy. Just take it. And walk away with a smile.

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This post is more brief because I did just that this morning. In lieu of waking up by no later than 6:00 to spend an hour writing a 30 Days post like I do every other morning, I just now rolled out of bed. I grabbed my joy today by spending two extra hours cuddled up in bed with my husband. Talking to him, snuggling him, and loving him. Do the same in your day.

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What will bring YOU joy? It’s yours for the taking….so take. 🙂

Quotes to Reflect On
The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.  ~Benjamin Franklin

*To be added to the email list and receive links to the posts in the morning, please let me know of your interest in a comment below.

*For more 30 Days Inspiration visit these bloggers who shared their personal 30 DSLR messages and let me know if you share anything relating to the 30 DSLR on your blog!

• Miranda’s Jeans
• Ulterior Harmony
• Coffee is my Carrot
• Two Feet Ten Toes