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Hello friends!
I hope everyone had a beautiful Easter weekend!
Due to an acting shoot on Wednesday, sadly I couldn’t make it home this year. But even though I wasn’t able to be in Ohio with my family, I still had a great weekend with my friends and my special gentleman.
We went to Good Friday service (IN PERSON!!), hosted an Easter brunch on Saturday with our friends, and spent the day outside with his family on Sunday. So starting off this week, my heart is absolutely full. And I hope yours is too!
We have now officially entered Spring, and with that comes spring cleaning…which, I may or may not be partaking in…haha We’ll see how busy this week gets with work, my shoot, this blog, etc.
However, INTERNAL spring cleaning, THAT I am all on board with!
It just feels like we’re sloughing off the winter, the quarantine, COVID (God willing), and hopefully, much of the negativity that has brewed and swelled up societally during lockdown. And so I’m jumping on the band wagon with the three mindsets I’m bringing with me into spring.
1.) Listen more, talk less.
Now, I’ve always considered myself a “good listener.” But one of the things that I’ve found since starting to mindfully and safely socialize post-quarantine, is that finally being able to be around people again, I’m like a puppy just let out of its cage for the first time! I’m scampering all over the room, tail wagging, jumping up on people, licking their faces (ok not really…), and just SO EXCITED TO BE AROUND OTHER PEOPLE! And, as is comfortable for many ENFP’s…I want to just talk, talk, talk, talk, talk….because I haven’t been able to for over a year!
But what I’ve been really trying to work on in the last month or so, is to listen more, and talk less. Sure, I feel like I’ve got a lot to say…but so does everyone else! Some are just not as shamelessly gung-ho about spewing every thought that crosses their mind, like this extrovert.
But there is a beauty in listening. It is an art form. Allowing others to talk, process, vent, share their joys – it’s a beautiful thing, and it’s how you foster a healthy relationship. Especially right now, during this current climate where things are changing so rapidly, everyone’s got anxieties, everyone is going through something — whether its work related, health related, family related, love life related, mental health related — people need a listening ear. And it’s a beautiful thing to be able to be that for a friend.
And bonus: God will often speak through the words of others. So…double whammy.
2.) Love Selflessly
If there’s one thing we’ve taken away from Easter Weekend, it’s the incredible, selfless love of Jesus. Looking upon Him, hanging on the Cross, we see that sacrificial love poured out in every drop of blood, every bead of sweat, every cell of his beaten, tortured body.
We are called to live and love like Jesus.
St. Thomas Acquinas reminds us that to love is to will and choose the good of another.
I think, with how cooped up we’ve been in the quarantine, and the scarcity mindset that produces, it can be really easy to slip into a self-centered existence. ‘Oh well I want to do this or that, I want to do what’s best for me, I want to put my self first.’
But that is the exact opposite of the call we’ve been commissioned. We’ve been instructed to love. Period. Love our neighbors, our friends and family, our enemies, and even the people who are the hardest to love.
Love looks a lot of different ways, but it always comes from the same source: Jesus.
This spring, I want to love what God loves. I want to love in ways that are difficult. Loving in ways that make me uncomfortable. Whether that is putting my own needs second, or loving through acting on behalf of a marginalized group, or giving of my time and loving the environment given to us by Jesus, I want to die to self and love how Jesus loved, and be an instrument to help others get to Heaven.
3.) See with eyes of gratitude.
Finally, and most importantly, I want to cultivate a spirit of gratitude this spring.
Something I’ve been wrestling with recently, coming off of quarantine, is almost this spirit of entitlement. Like: I’ve been locked up for a year…I DESERVE a vacation. Or I’ve survived lockdown, I’ve earned this splurge – this experience – this XYZ.
Or conversely, it’s easy to harbor a spirit of resentment….After a year in quarantine, restaurants are ONLY operating at 25%?! Come on! Or — Jeez, I know restaurants are struggling and are running with a skeleton staff, but COME ON! I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR MY FOOD FOREVER!
Gratitude.
I want to step into this new phase with eyes of gratitude. Recognizing how blessed I am to be able to be doing any of these things at all! When it comes right down to it: I’ve got my health, my family is healthy, I have incredible friends, I’ve been able to weather the COVID storm mentally, socially, with a job and my happiness intact.
The fact is, life post-quarantine (and truthfully, in general) is a privilege. The vaccine is a medical miracle, it is such a gift that restaurants have figured out how to accommodate guests safely, and are taking the necessary precautions to do so. Relationships have been tested and tried. The emotional/spiritual challenges have cultivated a mental fortitude, and people have learned to adapt and adjust on the fly.
When we view the world through a lens that everything is a gift, given to us by a generous and loving Father, it changes things. It changes you. Gratitude is the foundation of joy. It breeds contentment. Humility. Growth. And in an interesting way, it opens up your mind to possibilities and opportunities, that only by recognizing and appreciating that which you already have, can you multiply those blessings into new ones.
So there you go.
Spring 2021…I’m feelin’ it, people. It’s going to be a great spring. I’m puttin’ it out there, and I invite you to join me to make it the best one yet!
Praying for you!
And just as a quick aside: If you missed last Thursday’s post, I shared my talk from the conference in Erie! You can watch it here below — and you can find the annotated time stamps with a break down of the talk good!
0:55 – Caralyn’s talk begins
5:29 – History leading up to anorexia (how/why it developed)
9:38 – Is anorexia about being “Skinny?”
15:26 – The depths of the disease
18:08 – Spiritual Warfare & Eating Disorders/ “THE LIE”/ The Voice of “E.D.”
22:20 – The Intervention
26:02 – Inpatient Treatment
27:36 – A Demon Released
32:28 – Jesus’ Breakthrough/The Start of True Recovery
36:45 – The secret to a sustained recovery
42:38 – Caralyn’s Emotional Breakdown on Stage (I AM HER)
45:05 – How to truly heal from anorexia
47:04 – The beginning of BeautyBeyondBones ministry
47:30 – Why she wrote BLOOM
48:47 – The big takeaway from the talk (and also where the lights went out haha)
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND “MY BLOGGING TIPS“***Click to order your copy!
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63 responses to “3 Mindsets I’m Bringing into Spring”
A beautiful post thank you so much
Thank you so much. Hugs and love xox
Congrats on the shoot/job!
LISTENING: I’m your opposite, an introvert. I found myself having anxiety in crowds and finally hit upon a solution. Have a list of questions to ask someone\, listen carefully, and ask follow-up questions. Anything to keep them talking!
LOVE SELFLESSLY: Thank you for this. Been getting very frustrated lately; turning into a grouchy old man! “Why don’t other people have consideration for ME?!?” I need to flip that per your advice! And love is a choice despite emotions. Again, thank you!
SEE W/ GRATITUDE: Every night a lie down and thank God for the day, life, health, etc. My problem is to be more consciously grateful in the course of my day, not just at the end.
Thanks for this tonight, Caralyn! It’s a good reset for me!
Hi Jeff!! Thank you for sharing your heart on this. That’s such a great thing to do – I used to go into first dates with a list – and “arsenal” of questions if you will. One guy – on our 5th date – told me that he thought he was on a job interview during that first date he was getting interrogated so much. Haha oops! But you’re right – that’s the art of conversation – keep people talking about themselves! Oh gosh .. you?! Grouchy?! I don’t think it’s possible! Amen – love is a choice! Yes – the in-the-moment-gratitudes are something I need to work on too! Thanks Jeff for stopping by! About to send ya an email! Have a great night! Hugs and love to you and your girls!
Yeah, me grouchy. Frustrations w/ work. I keep seeing myself as a crusty old fart instead of being more forgiving and less tolerant.
More to come viemail.
hahhha oh my gosh that made me laugh out loud! well, hang in there! You continue to be in my prayers 🙂
*Sigh* You are un mine too! Sleep well!
🙂 ditto!!
Happy Easter and thank you for giving me some things to think about
thank you so much Alice! I hope you and yours had a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend! Hugs and love xox
you are in the zone, well done, always give yourself the necessary time, and don’t be afraid to say no occasionally, keep on trucking, amen
thank you so much! those are some great little nuggets of wisdom too! Saying no – which the people pleaser in me finds exceedingly difficult to do!, and allowing myself time! those are great – thank you! 🙂 hope you have a great night! Hugs and love xox
bless your Spirit, amen
🥰🥰🥰 and yours too!
Wow! These are three big goals! You are walking a most blessed path! I look forward to hearing about the journey God takes you on as you allow these practices deeper access into your soul.
Thank you Joseph! Yes – go big or go home, that’s what I always say! Haha amen! God is good! Hugs and love xox
[…] 3 Mindsets I’m Bringing into Spring […]
Thank you Tonya for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Precious post from a precious heart. I love your heart for the Lord and as always you too, my beautiful friend. You are such an encouragement to me! I am so happy for you. God bless you! Hugs! XO😃❤
oh Tonya, you’re too sweet, thank you my dear friend. I hope that you and yours had a beautiful and blessed Easter weekend! Love you, as always! thanks for being a great friend! hugs xox
Thank you so much!! 😃❤
🥰🥰🥰
[…] 3 Mindsets I’m Bringing into Spring […]
Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
This is such a beautiful and timely message; as usual of course. I like to comment that God in His awesome wisdom gave us one(1) mouth to speak truth; however, two(2) ears so that we are to listen twice as much as we speak. Hugs & Love!
Hey HJ! Thank you so much! oh my gosh i love that! YES! TWO ears and ONE mouth! if that doesn’t *speak* volumes, I don’t know what does! 😉 glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
It’s funny how many friends I have who are ENFPs. I guess opposites do attract.
interesting! Yeah I find that whole myers briggs thing to be quite fascinating. i may just have to do a post on it! Thanks for stopping by, Greg! Hugs and love xox
A psych major friend in college (John from my blog is based on him) was talking about the Myers-Briggs personality types once. He looked at me and said, I bet you’re an ISTJ. I don’t think I’ve ever taken the actual test, but several abridged versions and tests based on it, and they always say I’m an ISTJ.
Every morning, my husband and I watch a re-run of the show “Touched by an Angel” which showed the love of God through angels that walk with us every day. You dear, are emulating that show in a powerful way. God bless you, your recovering health, your family and your ministry. You are one of God’s angels and I thank you.
Oh wow – that’s such a special morning ritual you guys have! i love it! and gosh, thank you. i am humbled by your kind and generous words. gosh, thank you. God is good! Hugs and love xox
Respect and appreciate your words,vision and depth of your soul. Peace
Thank you so much!! 🙂 I appreciate your kind words! Hugs and love xox
Another beautiful post! I agree with all three mindsets! This ENFP sure needs it as well! God bless you Caralyn!
Thank you Temiloluwa! Yay a fellow enfp!! Hooray! God bless you and happy Easter Wednesday! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful as always dear! Reblogging 😘
Thank you so much! I appreciate you passing it along! Hugs and love xox
I agree with the 3 points. So necessary! You are glowing too! Blessings 🙏
Thank you friend! Oh gosh you’re kind to say that 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Your positive and grateful attitude is infectious. And, yes, listening is a lost art these days. Most folks going through hard times don’t necessarily want our advice, they just want us to listen to them with an open, compassionate heart. Keep up putting out the great vibes and may God bless your efforts.
Thank you Rollie!! I appreciate you saying that. So true – at the end of the day, all people really want is someone to see them, hear them, really know them. Hugs and love xox
Spring time is one of my favorite seasons.
Mine too, Amanda! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Great post as always. Been hard for everyone, as you have mentioned, in different ways. Connecting with people again will be an amazing expereince.
Can only speak for myself but I will value things so much more, I was always caring and grateful for health family friends etc but even I will be even more thankful after this all clears up. Maybe collectively thats what the world needed, gratitude. Dont think there will be as many people complaining in queues/lines about waiting, will be happy to be in a line. 🙂
Thank you so much! You’re right – socializing will be so life giving!! Thanks for sharing your heart. I definitely agree! Hugs and love xox
Amen!!! I am on board with listening deeply, caring intensely, and cultivating an attitude of gratitude. Hurrah for your opportunities to minister to others on various platforms, and to be used as a vessel to set the captives free!
Thank you so much Silvana! Oh yes! Listening is a beautiful thing! Amen – God is good!! Hugs and love xox
Hi. My takeaway from this piece: See with eyes of gratitude! Love it! Have to work on it! A new priority.
Yes! Eyes of gratitude! Thanks so much for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Miss Caralyn,
He is Risen!
There are so many moments that give witness to God’s work in your life that it is hard to speak on the whole of it. And yet it is the whole of this journey that brings you to the Beauty Beyond Bones. As I write it is the eve of the Feast of Divine Mercy and in that the miracle that brought you to the beginning of a spiritual and phyisical journey.
Your beauty trailed down your face as you wept openly Caralyn. What a beautiful moment, what a beautiful public moment of vulnerability that gives witness to mercy and prayer answered.
God bless,
Teri
Hi Teri!!! Wow, this is such a beautiful reply, thank you so much! Gosh, I am so moved by your words – I’ve never thought of my tears in that moment like that before, I literally refer to my crying face as my “ugly cry” – but there’s the enemy again, trying to cut me down. Oh wow – your words, Teri. I will now never look at my tears during that moment in the same way. My goodness, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a blessing to me! Thank you again for stopping by, and I hope you had a blessed Easter! He is risen indeed! Hugs and love xox
Excellent advice we can all take to heart. 🙂
Thanks Ian! I definitely need to take my own advice as well! 😉 hehe Hugs and love xox
[…] 3 Mindsets I’m Bringing into Spring […]
thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
I love your freedom to be real about your story Boney!
Aw, thank you so much! that’s kind of you to say! yes! it has taken a while, but I’m now finally free to share my heart! Hugs and love xox
I went through an addiction in my life also, being able to talk about it is a great sign! You go girl! Tell your story!
thank you again!!! your encouragement is so appreciated, especially coming from someone whose been there, it really means a lot! Hugs and love xox
Ha!! Had to laugh, Caralyn…I think we’re “soul-sisters” (certainly in Christ) because I have had the very same thoughts while we’re creeping out of COVID…especially that puppy thing. It’s easy after a self-absorbed year of unsocialized time to jump out ready to do something for “me” when we need to be thinking first of God’s glory and then others. And a big AMEN to the word gratitude as well. How thankful we should all be to read your blog and say, “Thanks God!” May He bless you richly in this coming year!
haha oh good! i’m glad this gave you a chuckle! 🙂 thanks again for stopping by! God bless you too, my friend! Hugs and love xox
I love your 3b Spring goals! And I am doing the happy dance that you were back in PERSON to worship with JC!!! I just know it was equally as wonderfully for Him to have you there!!! Hugs & Welcome home. ❤️
You’re not kidding, you’re on a reading roll, Dawn! thank you so much!!! I agree – Virtual Mass has been such a blessing throughout the lockdown, but there really is nothing like worshiping in person – at the alter – in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and in the company of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Hugs and love xox