Mojitos & Milestones

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Well it happened today: the blog hit 30,000 subscribers!

I am so excited and humbled and just grateful that you would care to read my words. So with all my heart, thank you.

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I thought about what I could do for this post to commemorate it, and I’m not going to bore you with a list of “30 Things” or “A Walk Back in Time” or anything like that.

I mean, come on. Ain’t nobody got time for that. #snoozefest

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But I will share something that happened to me last night that really sums up this blogging journey.

I’m in Ohio right now, staying with my brother and sister-in-law. And I say “sister-in-law,” but really she’s just my best friend, who just so happens to be married to my brother.

But anywho, I booked a job here, and so I got to hang out with them for a few days.

Well. Last night, after the shoot, my sis-in-law (SIL) invited me to a girls’ night with her and a few of her friends.

I know. Wednesday night. Middle of the week. Sometime’s you’ve just gotta flip your hair and do something a little irresponsible. #YOLO

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Anyways, it was a really interesting mix of women. We had a 52 year old, a 40-something, a 30-something, a 30 year old, a 29 year old, and then me. In the group there were a couple mothers, a business owner, a teacher, a tennis wife, and then this sorry sack.

It was. so much. fun.

Seriously! We had representatives from four different decades, and three different life stages, and it couldn’t have been a better time.

SO much rosé….because…basic 🙂

After closing down the restaurant, literally…at midnight, we went back to this woman’s house. And we continued on with drinks and Drake and dancing and we even jumped in the pool with our clothes on.

But after the wildness quieted down a little bit, I found myself sitting with this woman on one of the pool chairs. It’s like 1:30 in the morning. I had been up at 5am for the shoot — I was tipsy and exhausted — but I rally and go hard.

Anywho, after talking for about 10 minutes, I found myself telling her my life story.

And not just the “radio-edit” version of my life story — you know, the one where I tell about my ulcerative colitis, but conveniently forget to mention my battle with anorexia. — Not that one. My whole life story. Warts and all.

She had kids that were starting high school, and wanted to know about this mystery book that she heard I was publishing from my SiL.

And I told her. Everything. Not a detail spared.

Two years ago, before I started this blog, I would have never had the courage to share my story, let alone bring up God in a conversation.

Before this blog, I had stuffed my story away in the dungeon and had vowed never to speak of it again. It was ugly. It was shameful. I felt it defined who I was: a dirty, rotten, deceitful former-anorexic that was a disgrace to her family.

Honestly.

But through this blog, I have come to reclaim my past. Reclaim my story. And see it for the beautiful restoration God has instilled in me.

My story is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a story of victory: His victory through me.

By the end of the conversation, we both were in tears. She told me how she had no idea that I had gone through such pain and struggles in my life. That meeting me at a dinner party, I just seemed to be the happy, care-free girl who had a bit of a mystery behind her smile.

There’s something really beautiful about opening up and being vulnerable with someone. Because the cool thing is, you never know how it is going to resonate with another person.

At the end of the night, as I was leaving, this woman pulled me aside and told me how much my story inspired her, and how she couldn’t wait for people to get ahold of my book.

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Such a meaningful interaction with a woman, I probably would have never had the blessing of meeting otherwise. I mean, I’m not a soccer mom in Ohio. And yet, we connected, and it was beautiful.

So really, I have you to thank for allowing me an outlet to share my story. Because the more I share it, the more confident and courageous I can be about putting it out there.

You have accepted me. You have loved me. You have given me grace as I learn to do those things for myself.

So thank you, with all of my heart.

Have a great weekend.

Love, Caralyn

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

333 thoughts on “Mojitos & Milestones”

  2. “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:10
    Keep telling your story 🙂 and giving HIM the credit.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Hi there Carolyn, that sounded like an amazing day and you found this amazing connection. That kind of thing is quite rare.
    It’s a pleasure to follow you and be a small part of the following joining you on your.. I dunno. Ongoing voyage. ☺️ xox

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Thank you so much for sharing! I just finished a yearlong discipleship program in Israel and one of the biggest lessons I learned was share your story! What a blessing to hear how sharing yours in this blog is helping you share it elsewhere too. God is incredible! Keep trusting him and sharing what he has done for you!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. First, congratulations on the follows! It’s so inspiring that you are connecting with so many people. I have to tell you how incredibly I think it is that it is easier for you to really own your story now and share the truth of your experiences and how it’s due to writing about it here. I am starting to experience that same thing just from the short time that I’ve been blogging, it’s opening me up and allowing me to feel comfortable being completely honest with people “IRL” as well, no longer hiding certain things. Cheers to you!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I am continually amazed at the way the truth sets us free. Free from bondage, free in relationships to minister better, and so much more. Thank you for your courage to share the ugly parts of your life. It has encouraged me to do the same and I know God is using it to set others free as well. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  16. My blog here on WP hasn’t even made it to 100 followers. Of course, that’s a lot for a person that has been so unlikable in the past.

    I remember times when I could not find a single person to listen to me. I finally figured out that I needed to change what I am saying.

    You are saying things people need to hear, a real-life story of bondage gettting its butt kicked into eternity. No Hollywood theatrics, no BS, just a big dose of the real deal the way God can make it.

    Telling your story to another person should never get old. It is the surest way to make a stranger and ally and true friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Congratulations on 30,000 subscribers! I’ve said this before, but you are one of my biggest inspirations. Thinking of your blog, reading your posts – It keeps me going. It pushes me to be more Christ-like. It keeps me writing! You’re amazing. Thank you!!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Congratulations Caralyn! You deserve it. So glad you made that wonderful connection- isn’t it amazing the way the Lord works? Thank you for always sharing your story so honestly- you inspire me!! Hope your weekend is wonderful 😊❤

    Liked by 1 person

  24. God has a way of using our story for his glory 🙌 the more we talk about things the more we get set free, that shame just seems to come off little by little until one day.. it’s no longer there . *hugs* I can’t wait to read your book. Keep us updated. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Congratulations! You’re story is very inspirational! I hope you see many more accomplishments, ahead! I absolutely love this post and I read it with tears in my eyes! Please, never change and continue to love the person you’ve become! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  27. I just wrote you a lot, but it was erased for some reason. I prophesy to you, you will be the head and not the tail. God has delivered you for this very reason. Don’t forget to give Jesus Christ all the glory and honor for your testimony. I know that you will continue to reach millions of people if you make sure to give the glory to whom it belongs, Jesus Christ. You can never overuse His name. Congratulations for being a faithful servant of the Most High God. He will bless your mess and make it your testimony. I feel God saying to you, Go preach my gospel to the nations… I will continue to give you boldness and authority. I will definitely deliver you from all anxiety and fear. Go forth in my power says the Lord strong and mighty. You are indeed blessed, my daughter. Watch this blessing I am about to pour out on you! Do you think you could show me how to get more traffic to my blog for the sake of Jesus Christ and the coming Kingdom? I don’t know much about affiliates or advertising..? Let me speak this priestly blessing over your life: may the Lord bless you and keep you. May His countenance shine upon you and give you peace like a river.

    SINCERELY

    Prophet Ryan Zombro

    Liked by 1 person

      1. How does Patreon work for you? I am trying to figure out how to get more traffic and some financial support, can you please give me some valuable information?

        Like

      3. I can’t seem to figure it out. How do I get it connected to my WordPress account? I am a total newbie to these things, so I would appreciate all the advice you can spare? I need someone like you to help me get paid for my work, but I am clueless. I just want to write, not deal with the crazy technology.

        Like

  30. Congradulations Caralyn – you are an amazing woman and writer! 30K wow that’s an accomplishment – You must be doing something right! Keep on living life and sharing it through your posts and articles. Major Respect! and God Bless

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Congratulations! I think the first post of yours which I read was about a wedding you had to go to and your initial concern about how people might respond to you because of your decision not to put on an act. I can’t remember when that was – it may have been 12-18 months ago.
    The various posts that I’ve read recently show a completely different person. I see a confident and compassionate woman of influence and I admire you and what God has done in you, enabling you to walk as a victorious overcomer.
    I love the graphic above about being God’s masterpiece and a work in progress. Hope you don’t mind me sharing this.
    Once again my congratulations on your amazing achievement. 😃

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Caralyn, thank you for visiting my blog, and congratulations on 30,000 subscribers. After all these years I think I have 30 ( haha). Your story has touched many hearts.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Sorry, I can’t read all the comments but I’m glad you can. You give me hope and encouragement for my blog. 30K is an amazing feat. Congrats!

    Liked by 1 person

  39. God Bless, You! You have found your true self in this life which can be a rare thing. You are a living testament to the power and Love of the Lord. There is not one person on earth, in the flesh, who has not been broken and flawed. It is because we overcome our addictions, challenges and false perceptions of who we are that we learn to fly. I congratulate you for your success and your walk which brought you to it. Always see yourself as God sees you and you will stay on the right path.

    Liked by 1 person

  40. When I looked at that first photo of you Caralyn, my heart filled with happiness. You look like you are having so much fun! I’ve had a very bad week, but you brought a genuine smile to my face today. Thank you, God bless you, have a lovely weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Dear Carolyn, I agree with the woman. Your story is inspiring. I am glad that the more you share it your confidence and courage grows, to share it more.
    By the way congratulations on hitting the 30,000 subscribers mark. I look forward to that on my blog.
    Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Such an amazing milestone! Congrats and thank you for sharing so many aspects of yourself with us. I know some of your posts are hard to write as they are so emotionally raw. Thank you for reading my posts as well, the support is very much appreciated.

    Liked by 1 person

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