It’s Friday High Five, No. 104

What’s Happening

Welcome to Friday High Five, No. 104—the final chapter of 2023! As I reflect on this year, it’s been an incredible journey for me. In September, I opened up about the mental and physical challenges I have been facing. Revisiting that post today, I’m struck by how much has changed—thankfully, for the better. In this final post of 2023, I want to share with you the positive transformations that have taken place and what I wish for the future.

Six months into therapy and medication for what I now recognize as symptoms of depression, I can’t claim a miracle cure or a quick fix. However, both have played a crucial role in helping me find a sense of calm and allowing me to sit with my emotions long enough to see the bigger picture. I’ve learned to hit the pause button instead of constantly running away. Ignoring my feelings only delayed the inevitable, turning my mind into a cluttered purse filled with unnecessary weight. It took emptying that bag and consciously refilling it with only what I need to truly make a difference.

An essential aspect of carrying only what you need is the power of saying NO. This has been a challenging lesson for me, as I’ve always aimed to avoid disappointment and please everyone. My therapist posed a crucial question: “Why are other people’s feelings more important than your own?” Recognizing this skewed perspective, I’ve decided to prioritize my well-being over the fear of letting others down. It’s time to say no and finally put myself first.

A major part of this self-care journey involves a significant change in my professional life. After nearly seven years working with a general contractor on kitchen and bathroom remodels, it’s time for a shift. While the experience has been rewarding, the repetitive nature of the work and the constant on-call responsibilities no longer align with my aspirations. With my kids out of the house, I’m eager to travel, set my own schedule, and explore new ideas.

In this new chapter, I’m returning to my roots as a picker in the resale game. The thrill of finding hidden gems has always been my passion, and now I plan to share my vintage discoveries with the world. I will opening a space at a vintage marketplace in March and venturing into online sales in the new year. Get ready for a curated collection of my amazing thrift finds.

This career change also aligns with my need for creativity. Repetition has never been my forte, and my current job demands a level of consistency that doesn’t suit my nature. Hunting vintage items brings new challenges every day, and styling and selling them provide an ever-changing canvas for my creativity to thrive, benefiting both me and you with more engaging content.

Setting health and fitness goals for the coming year is another priority. Surviving rather than thriving this past year took a toll on my physical well-being. Weight gain and being out of shape are a side effect of that, and I acknowledge the need to invest more effort in my health. Recognizing the interconnection between physical and mental health, I commit to putting myself first and focusing on overall well-being. Let this be imy accountability.

Another significant aspect of my journey involves addressing the nerve pain in my neck. Despite receiving epidural steroid injections for the past year, the relief is only temporary. I am scheduled to meet with a surgeon next week to explore potential surgical options. If it offers a chance to alleviate the pain, I’m ready to embrace it. The pain has affected my sleep and, consequently, every aspect of my life. I’ll keep you posted on the outcomes.

As I approach my 50th birthday in October, I’ve adopted the mantra that 2024 will be the year of me. Age may be just a number, but it does shift perspectives on how we want to spend our time. The urgency to make meaningful changes becomes clearer with each passing year. With this new mindset, I hope 2024 brings a wave of positivity and growth. Here’s to resilience, personal victories, and eagerly anticipating a brighter future in the coming year. Wish me luck!

Now for some Friday High five fun!

FRIDAY HIGH FIVE

1. Favorite Follows: One of my favorite local vintage shops in Columbia, SC is Refind you can see from the photos why it’s my favorite with its eclectic mix of inventory ranging from mid century modern to traditional antiques. I also share Refind because this is where I will be opening my new resale space in March when they open a new location in the Rosewood area of Columbia. I am so excited to be part of this grand opening. You can also follow the Facebook and online for location and hours. Make a visit, you wont be disappointed!
2. What I Read: This one was a recommendation of my therapist and hit home pretty hard. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene’ Brown (affiliate). I bought the book but also listened to this on Audible while taking my walks. Lots to think about here. I highly recommend it if you tend to be a perfectionist like me.
3. Shopping: I’m done with the skinny jeans! Lately I have been moving over to straight and wide leg jeans and I have to say Target is the place for cute affordable jeans. I love these wide leg jeans by Universal Thread (affliate) I just ordered. Great for us curvy women with a thinner waist and larger hips and thighs.
4. Artist Spotlight: Here’s another find that speaks to the current direction of my life. London based artist Bouke de Vries takes his experience in ceramics conservation and restoration in a new direction to create ‘exploded’ artworks in order to reclaim broken pots after accidental trauma. The work below entitles Memory Vessel shows how we can be in pieces but still holding it together.
5. Favorite Find: This community embroidery project started by artist Kirstie Macleod connects women around the globe a using a dress embroidered by 380 artists in 51 Countries over 14 Years and three months. Now complete the “Red Dress” is making its way around the world again on exibition. Macleod says the dress is about peace and unity, “remind(ing) us what is possible when we come together in community and collaboration, supporting and uplifting one another rather than trying to walk this life alone.”

Hope you loved this Friday High Five, No. 104 you can check out more below in the related links.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND HAPPY NEW YEARS!