Inspired

Basically as soon as I knew how to screenshot something on my iPhone I was hooked.  I began saving pics of pretty scenery, quotes I loved, outfits I wanted to emulate.  The word “muse” comes to mind but this is not the extent I want to relay.  To me, “muse” is long-term.  It’s someone who serves as constant inspiration for whatever your project maybe. These moments I compile are tiny hits of inspiration that are ever-changing and always being replaced or forgotten.  It’s the things in life that come across my path that cause me to make a certain “small” decision. It’s like this: I see a bright bunch of flowers at the farmer’s market and then choose my outfit based on that combination of vibrant orange and hot pink that I saw in those flowers.  Get it?

Boom.

Inspired.

I am a collector of beautiful things and by “beautiful” I mean something that provokes emotion in me, just as much as something that I see as physically and aesthetically pleasing.   Pinterest and Instagram has made this possible

As we speak, I’m sitting at a Panera drinking iced coffee and I can hear one of the male cashiers tell every customer to “have a beautiful day” at the end of their order.  This is something that inspires me.   The same man let me know he loved my dress while I was getting my coffee.  Some people barely squeeze out a “thank you” or a “bye.”  I always know that I am in that specific place and time because I was meant to witness that kindness and beauty.  (Huge believer in timing right here.)

Anyway, I feel like starting a regular recap of my own inspiring moments I collected with all of you.  Thursday night seemed like a good time to do this.  Right before we head into the weekend, the last night that isn’t particularly joyful for most since we have one more day of work.  Some times I might have lots of quotes, one time I may seem to be drawn toward landscapes, and I just know that my collection will include a lot of style, fashion, and even some gorgeous people.

I’m hoping that by sharing my inspirations, you notice those moments in your own lives and let them inspire you to do something wonderful.

Beauty is all around.

I’ve started here with my Instagram picks from the last few days.

6032B662-0E56-403C-8517-ACA3640B20B8

Umm, hello, I’m going here.  Something for me to reach for.

5afc6089-8486-47a4-bb0a-cd0f57612865-e1530832242794.png

This one is all about the caption!

E025C5C2-6C8E-4B8C-846E-A921785E3589

Every struggle is a chance to grow.

D2080B8C-0DC2-4B3D-88FD-380E8F75415B

Seriously.  My astrology sign cat is Indiana.  It’s fate.

5fd9de5c-aa4f-4693-ae14-ba0e692b54b0.png

Listen to yourself.  You will hear what you want.

2F515C93-AAE3-48AC-B1F2-5768A3E139FE

We can heal ourselves from within.  Oh yes.

94b60cae-0ddd-428f-811f-dda511861270.png

I’m betting on myself.  How about you?

df2eb420-185e-4ce2-be17-154620afeb1a.png

Yessssss.  No one is telling you what to do, say, think, or believe.  That’s all you.

Yours,

Whitney Victoria

Love Languages

(photo cred:)

Love, a language?  Oh, I am most definitely not fluent.

 I took the love language quiz again…I only remembered half-way.  I needed the full deets on my inner psyche.  It’s free!  You just have to create short profile.

It’s been pretty popular in years past and become a bit of a cliche but….In case you don’t know what a “love language” is, here goes: Your love language is the way someone needs to communicate with you in order for you to feel connected and ultimately loved.  I’m sure there’s someone in your life that just flummoxes you.  You know, like you just don’t know what really makes them happy.  You should take the quiz for yourself and then get them to take it. This is not just for romantic relationships; you can use the language results for children, parents, friends, co-workers, etc.

This is not to say you need to make someone else happy all the time by showering them with gifts (if they’re like me…).  I just think it’s a great tool to understand why someone did not respond the way you assumed they would to your actions and to maybe increase your connections.

Especially with the holidays happening like tomorrow, it’s something that might help you  have a smoother time conversing with relatives…hah!   Hey, you never know.  I found an interesting post about using it romantically if that’s what you’re looking for.

My results:

10 Receiving Gifts
8 Words of Affirmation
7 Quality Time
4 Physical Touch
1 Acts of Service

It’s insanely valid for me.  I know how much I appreciate getting a little note or present because it’s a physical sign that someone cared and was thinking about me.  It’s not about the actual material thing I receive. I’m 100% sure this is why I love giving presents to everyone around me!  I love it so much that I just want to share that good feeling it gives me.

Receiving Gifts

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are heartfelt symbols to you of someone else’s love and affection for you.
Words of Affirmation

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important— hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten. You thrive on hearing kind and encouraging words that build you up.
Quality Time

Quality Time

In Quality Time, nothing says “I love you” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes you feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed activities, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful. Whether itʼs spending uninterrupted time talking with someone else or doing activities together, you deepen your connection with others through sharing time.
Physical Touch

Physical Touch

A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, and thoughtful touches on the arm—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Appropriate and timely touches communicate warmth, safety, and love to you.
Acts of Service

Acts of Service

Can helping with homework really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. When others serve you out of love (and not obligation), you feel truly valued and loved.
I’d absolutely love to hear if you take the quiz and agree with the results!
~Whitney Victoria