The Simply Luxurious Life newsletter 109

Published: Fri, 07/13/12



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Have you ever found yourself asking the question, "Why am I so nervous to try _______? Why am I so afraid to do this?" Or maybe you've even asked the question, "Why am I so fraught with analysis over this when others seem to be doing it with ease?"
 
I have found myself thinking these thoughts many times, and what I've come to discover it that the real questions we should be asking ourselves are, "Why do I want to do this? Why is it consuming my thoughts?" A few years ago I wrote a post focused on the idea that what we are fearful to try, but continue to contemplate, is exactly what we should do (see link to the post below). 
 
So often our unconscious is directing us toward the life we wish to create for ourselves. Sometimes we can't make sense of the information at the time, but if we take the time to quiet ourselves, and reflect on the "why" behind such thoughts, we begin to discover what we yearn to do, feel, and experience.
 
For example. I am a tad nervous to travel back to Paris. Why? Because I want to make it the most memorable experience possible. Because I want to soak up all that I can in the four short days that I will be there. Because I have dreamt about visiting this city again and again for twelve years since I was last there, and promised myself I would enjoy and experience it even better than I did before. The challenge? (1) Learning the language - I have been refreshing my French for the past five months. (2) Dressing comfortably, yet stylishly to be respectful of the culture I so adore. As you can tell, I am planning, over-planning and planning some more.
 
While this is a fear many of us may say shouldn't be that big of a deal, what is important to each of us tends to be things that consume our minds, our attention and unnecessarily so - what causes us to worry or fret.
 
What I'd like to ask you to think about today. What is it that makes you a bit nervous to try? What is it that continues to flood your mind and beg for your attention no matter what you do? What is it that continues to keep you strategizing in your head?
 
Whatever your answer is, consider that this is exactly what you should do. What you think about, what grabs your attention without being forced is a hint at what you are passionate about, at what you are curious about and what perks up your soul. Do it. Try it. Go there. Take that risk.  No matter what happens, you will learn something about yourself, and I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be a great experience.
 
 
 
 
This week's newsletter if full of summer style, opportunities to challenge yourself and ways to continue to bring simplicity and more fulfillment into your life. I want to take a moment to thank the many kind and lovely comments and emails I have received this week. My readers continue to inspire me in the stories they tell, the vulnerabilities they choose to share which to me makes them seem so very strong. With regards to that, the new "Ask Shannon" feature seems to be well received as I continue to get emails from readers from around the world asking questions on topics ranging from relationships, decor, style and fitness. Please, if you have been contemplating whether to email, know that it will remain between you and me. I am willing to listen and will do my best to share advice that will be more than worth your time.
 
The Pacific Northwest has seen a few days this week in the triple digits which means staying cool is a priority. With early morning walks in the cooler temperatures, the soft rustle of fans blowing throughout the day, chilled glasses of wine in the evening, and choosing the stylish comfort of dresses each day to run errands, the challenge of combating the heat seems to be conquered. The beauty of sweltering heat is that it asks of us to be creative. See it as a challenge to continue to enjoy your day and try things a different way. Who knows, you may discover a new routine that you want to incorporate for months to come.
 
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, are able to keep cool and enjoy these few weeks of warmth that we will be dreaming of when the chillier winter months arrive.  Until next week, I'll see you on the blog.  

-Shannon

Articles from Around the Web to Inspire, Motivate and Enjoy

This & That: No. 6

A Stylish Idea
 



    July  13, 2012               Issue #109

    "Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."

    -Marie Curie



     
    Readers' Favorite Post
    Why Not . . . Challenge Yourself? Part Deux

    Weekly Themes

    Monday Inspiration:

     
    Wednesday's Why Not . . . ?:

    Thursday's Style Inspiration:
     
    Extra Posts
    Fashion & Style Q & A - Guest Post

    Mid-Week Motivation: Staying Cool, Stylishly

    A Peek at My Tumblr
    A Glimpse at my Pinterest Boards
    Shannon's Pick of the Week
     
    Joie Marru silk top (nude or black) - $198