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Perseverance

Perseverance

When I think about life, I know it can be hard and completely unfair at times! I have experienced hardship firsthand, and I know that we all have unique struggles that color and create our story. That is the beauty of life! We all struggle, but we also all have the opportunity to persevere and shine! If blood runs through your veins, you will at some point in life feel defeated, be defeated or defy. One thing I believe the majority of people have in common though, is the understanding and necessity of perseverance. Somewhere along the way, you have had to dig deep and push on. You have survived! You have succeeded! But where did you learn those life skills? If you were blessed with great role models, you likely learned it from your parents, or sadly, if you were raised in an opposite environement, maybe perseverance was a means of survival. Something I cannot relate to, but deeply respect. Regardless of the how, most of us as adults will take pride in teaching our children the same values. Perseverance is all about working hard despite disappointment or failure. It teaches us to keep trying even if takes days, months or years to succeed.

Find Your Tribe, Love Them Hard

Surround Yourself With Those Who See The Greatness Within You

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I've seen the saying "Find Your Tribe, Love Them Hard" on t-shirts, banners, and social media ~ among other places ~ at times I smiled as I read it, other times I've payed no attention to the meaning.  But today I had more time to contemplate what it stands for in my life!

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I am surrounded by beautiful people who love and accept me just as I am.  If you know me well, you know at times that means I am fun and wild - full of endless energy, other times I may be cranky and a downright pill especially if I am stressed or hangry.  In between those are moments of laughter, tears and all the emotions that go hand in hand with being human and living life to the fullest!  Yet, I can be myself!  I do not have to hide my feelings, or worry about being imperfect.  In fact it is my imperfections and desire to have real, raw, friendships that draw me to those I call my closest friends and family.  They catch me when I fall and I will always be there to catch them when needed.  They are my tribe and they are AMAZING!  

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Are you surrounded by amazing?  If you cannot answer yes, then I urge you to step back and ask yourself why not?  Those I am closest too are all unique, from different walks of life and different experiences. Some are career oriented, others love fitness, some are stylish, some are downright crazy, fill in the blank with all that separates us and most of us don't match completely ~ that would be boring!  Instead I love to embrace what makes each individual special and I appreciate what each person brings to my life!  Recently I asked 10 of the people I am close to, to send me one word that comes to mind when they first think of me.  I did not tell them why I was asking or prompt them in anyway.  Instead I wanted to see how the people I turn to for support, fun and pretty much everything see me!  In no particular order they all responded within minutes with the following:

Strong ~ Determined ~ Honest ~ Generous ~ Passionate ~ Spirited ~ Caring

Self Driven ~ Loyal ~ BadAss

Now I can tell you honestly each of the ladies who responded have seen me at my worst as well, but that isn't what defines us.  We are human, we all fail or falter at some point!  I am sure at times they have each described me not as lovely!  I can laugh as I picture them doing so.  However, I was touched and love looking at myself through someone else's eyes.  A tribe is meant to extend grace and love.  We accept each other even when we don't agree ~ which if you know my friends - is often as many are opinionated, fiery, and strong themselves.  Qualities I love about them and wouldn't change!  

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Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful woman who have her back! 

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I have recently committed to a fitness competition.  Something that is completely out of my comfort zone but I am giving it 100% effort.  It has haunted my bucket list for years and I decided I am going to just do it!  Thanks Nike for the motivation, ha ha.  They make it sound so easy right?  When I started telling my "tribe" my plans I was genuinely surprised at the support.  I have been met with daily texts telling me their own successful workouts, 2 ladies have challenged themselves with a specific weight loss goal and others are checking in periodically with motivational quotes and making sure I am not cheating with wine ~ my worst enemy!  Those are my closest friends ~ but I have also been met with those I knew growing up who are working on goals of their own who have inspired me to keep working hard and never limit myself.  Creating a network doesn't always mean it is your best friend.  Sometimes it is a co-worker who holds you accountable, a far away friend training for a sprint-triathlon, a fitness expert you don't even know who blogs about hard work and determination.  Do not limit your tribe or yourself!  Maybe you inspire someone else and don't even know it!  

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 * Photo credits and a huge thank you to Stacey Rasmussen who did an amazing job with a spontaneous friends session when I was home in WA recently.  I love small town America where I grew up ~ wheat fields, train tracks ~ she captured one of my best friends and myself perfectly and I wanted to share her talent! *

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Surprise Give A Way

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Mann Made Designs is owned and operated by a lovely family in the small town I grew up in Davenport WA.  Kelsie puts her heart and soul into the business and her pieces are loved by all!  You can find them on Instagram, Facebook or order on Etsy.  I love supporting small business owners and display Mann Made Designs in my own home.  If you comment below I will enter you to win the BRAND NEW "Find Your Tribe Love Them Hard" sign you see above!  Please note you MUST comment to be entered.  Feel free to share with your friends.  Winner will be chosen on Sunday July 31st!  Make sure if I don't know you personally, to check back to see if you won!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MannMadeDesigns4