Let me preface this blog post by saying that my original plan was to showcase a couple of my favorite beach-ready looks, BUT the swimwear and cover ups actually sold out nationwide before I could share them with you. Oh well, I’m actually more in the mood for a heartfelt blog tonight. Sound good to you?
So as I’m sitting here writing this “Monday Motivation” post, my sweet yorkie, Riley, is snuggled up next to me. Riley underwent two major surgeries over the past couple weeks, and the second surgery was necessary to save his life. So scary, I cannot even go into the details. And through it all, Riley is so resilient.
And it’s moments like this that I’m reminded just how precious life is. Be it your pet, closest friends, a sibling, child, parent, grandparent…I truly hope that we can all pause and realize just how blessed we are. 
Anything and everyone can be lost. Today is a gift, tomorrow is not promised. And that is why today I paused to take a picture of my sweet dog, Riley. Yes, he’s been rocking that “cone of shame” for several weeks now. Pretty sure that Riley is officially boycotting the cone, especially since he’s starting to feel better and he can’t play with his toys with that crap on his head. Poor guy! So Riley decided to just lie there, next to his toy and soak up some rays! Gotta love their fun-loving  personalities! And there’s NOTHING like the unconditional love of a dog (or cat). I’m so blessed to have him in my life.
And on that topic of being blessed, one of my girl friends is a living testament to this following quote: “I remember the days I prayed for the things I have now.” Gosh that is so beautiful. Even just taking a moment to truly let that resonate…what powerful words. And to also think that someone, somewhere in the world right now would give anything to be complaining about what you’re complaining about. I know we hear this phrase all too often, but it’s true– someone is always much worse off than we are.

So then I ask you, what makes you happy? Did you know that that is one of the most telling questions you can ever ask someone…especially when you’re getting to know them?
Yesterday I asked one of my guy friends that question, and I prefaced it by saying, “Now don’t overthink it…just tell me the first thing that comes to mind.” His answer was music. What a great answer. Music is therapeutic– there’s a song for every occasion, every emotion. This particular friend is a professional athlete, so I’m sure he uses music to amp up before every game. 
So then it was my turn…and of course I knew my answer right away. What makes me happy is this beautiful life. The ups and downs, the family and friends (and Riley) who I’m so blessed to be surrounded by…this beautiful life. The people and things that are deserving of my time and energy. Now my life is far from perfect, but isn’t that what it’s all about? What doesn’t break us, makes us. 
And so I close this post with one of my all-time favorite quotes from the movie Cinderella. Yes, I believe in happily ever after, and some might say even fairy tales. I believe that all your dreams can come true. I believe that the Man upstairs has a plan…a plan so much more magical, full of life and abundance than we could ever fathom. So dream on and keep on living. Every. Single. Moment. After all, this life we lead is so beautiful.
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