Inspiration

2018 Inspiration and Planning Ideas

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

I’m a planner and I love to know what’s ahead of me. Granted, I realize that’s not always possible, but having some vague plan in mind, tends to lessen my anxiety so I go with it.

Closeup image of notepad with pen.

I recently bought myself a new planner. Nothing fancy, as much as I love how they have all the stickers and the sticky notes and all that, I just don’t think I would actually use them. So I just went to my local Walgreens and picked up a Blue Sky, monthly/weekly planner. 

When I start to plan for the new year, the first thing I like to do is reflect on the year that just passed. As you can see in my- 2017 Memory Jar Review post.

I go back through my memory jar, my instagram posts and my blog posts and see what I accomplished. I also review my goals list and check off the things I accomplished, and narrow in on the things I still want/need to work on, or continue to implement. 

img_1114

Because even if I did accomplish a specific goal in 2017, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t carry over into 2018. For instance like personal growth- and working on my anxiety, that’s a goal that’s on going, bettering my mental and physical health is always a goal every year, as it should be. 

After I reflect, I review my old goal list, and check off, or add to it. And then eventually I’ll probably make a new list. 

After that I will look at the many many things on my list and realize that it is VERY overwhelming!

So this year I’ve decided that from that big list I will pick 4-8 things that I want to ABSOLUTELY accomplish this year. And so that way my brain knows what it needs to focus on. Categories can help- so for instance- Health/Self-care, Relationships, Career.

After that, this is where my planner comes into play. 

I like these planners (Blue Sky) because they have the monthly calendar and then the weekly where you can write in things per day.

However in hindsight, I usually end up needing more space, no matter what. So I’ll either use post-its or a separate sheet of paper/notebook or notepad for daily To-Do Lists or if something I’m working on needs a little more planning. 

I’m debating getting just a desperate notebook for To-Do Lists, because I feel like I make them so often, I end up with all these sheets of paper all over. So we shall see. 

It’s only January, things are definitely going to change as we go along.

I’ve started to do like weekly to do lists, and goals, and also I think eventually I may try monthly. Let’s be real January is a total hangover month. I’m still on 2017 time, so everything is trial and error at this point for me.

And that’s totally okay, because you don’t need a new year, to make a change. I kind of feel like I implemented some new things into my life last year around fall time, because I felt inspired to do so with the new school year starting up again. So you can always renew, revamp, and reflect. There are no rules. 

Last year I said my “mantra word” was CHANGE, and ALOT changed around me, and I adapted and am continuing to do so, and although I feel I made some changes for myself too, I want to continue to grow and change on my own this year as well. However, I’m going to add another word to my mantra this year and that is DETERMINATION. There are certain things I want to do, that are big, BIG CHANGES I want to make in my life, and in order to do them, I’m going to need that fire, that determination. So I’m going to aim to up that factor in my life this year, because let’s be real, we all get in our lazy funks. It’s winter after all, and there’s a huge snow storm outside. So nothing says “it can wait til tomorrow…” more. But here I am trying to stick to my Monday/Thursday posting schedule anyway, while the tv is calling my name- waiting for me to catch up on all the shows I’ve missed over the past few weeks. Determination, Michelle, DETERMINATION.

Another thing I find that inspires me is looking up videos on YouTube. Some of those ladies make the most inspirational planning videos! And they just give you the pep you need to get planning.

I’ll link a few below, that I’ve watched this year for inspiration. I’ve definitely pulled from them when doing my planning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4MRHvH4Qg0

I also like to have a visual to display so that I can see it. I never shared last years with you-(it was just a bunch of fun images with the word CHANGE), but after a while, it ended up getting buried in a corner of my room when I was reorganizing, but it’s back up and I’m going to add one near it to display images of my 2018 MAIN GOALS and the word DETERMINATION! 

vision board 2018

***

So to review the steps I use to plan:

Step 1: Reflect on the past year

Step 2: Review 2017 Goal List/Write a New One

Step 3: Narrow Goals Down (to the most important you want to focus on)

Step 4: Buy/Use a planner/To-Do List (to keep track of everything)

Step 5: Find inspiration (if you need help planning your goals)

Step 6: Choose your mantra word (the theme for your year)

Step 7: Create a vision board (to keep visible as a reminder of your goals for this year)

Step 8: Breathe & Believe in yourself ❤

MY MAIN BIG GOALS FOR 2018

*Get healthier- mentally/physically/emotionally

*Take the next step in my career

*Save money for my best friend’s wedding festivities!

*Get my permit/take driver’s ed (yes I know I’m way behind on this, in life- but hey I live in NY, technically- I don’t NEED to drive) 😉

*Work on relationships

*Self-publish a body of work (not on this blog, but elsewhere)

*Write my Pilot episode

Now that I have this locked down, I can go through and plan how to accomplish each one, step by step. I haven’t done that just yet, but…I will. The year is new, the year is young. 

Happy 2018! Now let’s crush it! ❤

Tell me how you plan for your year ahead in the comments below, and if you have any other YouTubers you find inspiring!

-<3-

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edit or otherwise.*

 

 

 

 

 

BLOGMAS RECAP!

michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

Before we roll into the new year I just wanted to do a little reflection/recap on #BLOGMAS.

lights blogmas edit

I actually did it!!!! 25 days, 25 posts- a post a day, everyday!

There were many times I doubted if I would stick to it. If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know there are many times I let life sidetrack me from my blogging goals. 

However, this was something I set out to do, to see if I could actually meet the challenge. 

In the beginning, I felt it was pretty easy to post, because I had a few posts already scheduled and ready to go. It was just a matter of checking in on things and then posting to social media. So it was a breeze- then it got harder as I had to post in real time. Every day, I had to set aside time to make sure I could write, edit, and post all in one day. And this is when I realized just how difficult it could be.

With all the holiday things going on- the shopping, the planning, and other things in life like friendships, family, and work, it was difficult to stay on track. Towards the end, I was uploading minutes before midnight! But I made it!

I even blogged ON Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day. I had planned to schedule those ahead of time, but it just got so stressful and so busy, with baking and last minute shopping for the little things. This Christmas was absolutely insane, a lot of traveling around, and it just felt like I was going and going non-stop. I have a new little niece so we had a lot of new special traditions this year. 

So in between all that, I was typing up posts on the go, on my crappy cell phone. Making myself slightly car sick! Lol. Hey, at least you can’t say that’s not dedication! Right? 

Needless to say not only was my cell phone giving me trouble, my laptop decided to die on me too! So in the face of this challenge I had given myself, it felt like there were a lot of obstacles against me. But I pushed past every one. I borrowed my mom’s computer, my aunt’s computer, to continue the journey, I typed notes into my cellphone, I excused myself on Christmas Eve and Day to upload on my brother’s computer, all on minimal hours of sleep and holiday stress. Just so I could prove to myself that I could do this. And I did. Wherever I went I had BLOGMAS on the brain. 

I know it may not be a big deal to some of you reading this, but to me, it’s a huge deal. I often let this blog slide, when I have a lot going on in my life, because it’s my blog, I can pick up whenever or wherever I want. But giving myself a challenge, made me feel like I was  being held accountable for something. Don’t get me wrong I felt rude at times sneaking away to write or sneaking off to work on a post/use someone else’s computer to post. (NOT THAT I USED WITHOUT ASKING PERMISSION, lol, because that would just be rude.) I just mean that I did feel bad doing something for myself in the middle of the holidays where your supposed to be sharing it with others. But it was important to me, and I think they all (or at least I hope they all) understood. I didn’t let it stop me from enjoying time with my family. I did what I had to do for BLOGMAS and shut the computer down and resumed my family time. 

Another thing I had to come to terms with when posting daily, (because I didn’t always have time to plan and pre-write) was that I couldn’t over-analyze my ideas for my posts. I got an idea, if it was feasible in a day, I ran with it. It usually will take me hours to write, edit and post. Especially if it’s a short story. But with BLOGMAS I was in a bit of a constant time crunch. So I had to leave my perfectionism behind. At times it was hard, because I felt like it wasn’t my best work, but BLOGMAS was a learning experience. You don’t have to love what you write, everyday, but writing everyday is great for a writer to do. 

My posts were all Christmas related, which was not my initial intension. But it kind of just happened that way, I guess I was inspired by the season. 

Another thing that was new to me, was posting regularly to my social media websites for this blog during BLOGMAS. In case you didn’t know michelleleighwrites is on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram! Come follow along! I’d love to chat with you! 😉 And as someone who personally doesn’t post to social media everyday, it took some getting used to. But it was a cool experience.

I know I also mentioned this to you guys at some point, how my WordPress account needs updating and I haven’t been able to do that yet, so my photo memory is extremely limited, and so it was a challenge to post without images. I always like to have an image accompany my writing, I feel like it adds a visual aspect. I had to go in and delete images to make room for the few new ones I needed, or work with images I already had. There were many weird obstacles during BLOGMAS, and usually when things like that have happened in the past in life, I would just be like “Oh well, it’s not working, I can’t do it.” But not this time. I set a goal and I met it! I think there was only one day where I posted to social media a few minutes late, but it was posted on the blog, on time, so I was in the clear! Lol. 

It was a long BLOGMAS journey, but it kind of flew by and the more the time passed, the days grew and the numbers on the calendar kept climbing, and I kept posting and it just started to become part of my routine and it started to feel really good. There were times I thought to myself, “I’ve got this,” and there were times where I was like, “Oh no, I’m going to miss my deadline!” But I did it, I posted every day from December 1-25 and I am super proud I was able to commit to it and complete the task I set out to do. For myself, but also for all of you. 

Thank you for reading… (and if you missed any days of the MLW #BLOGMAS series, I will link them all down below for you to browse.)

BLOGMAS -Day 1- Christmas Bucket List

BLOGMAS -Day 2- Christmas Playlist

BLOGMAS -Day 3- Christmas Movie List

BLOGMAS -Day 4- A Broken Heart For Christmas Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 5- My VLOGMAS Favs

BLOGMAS -Day 6- (Mini) VLOGMAS 2016 Update

BLOGMAS -Day 7- Single in Season

BLOGMAS -Day 8- A Christmas Story

BLOGMAS -Day 9- A Christmas Morning Memory

BLOGMAS -Day 10- Winter Wonderland

BLOGMAS -Day 11- The pressure the Holidays put on us

BLOGMAS -Day 12- Snowed Inn Christmas

BLOGMAS -Day 13- “A Husband for Christmas” Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 14- “A Husband for Christmas” [Part 2] Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 15- “A Husband for Christmas” [Part 3] Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 16- Cynical Shopping

BLOGMAS -Day 17- My Perfect Winter Day

BLOGMAS -Day 18- “A Husband for Christmas” [Part 4] Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 19- “A Husband for Christmas” [Part 5] Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 20- Give me your Light, Oh Lord.

BLOGMAS -Day 21- Winter [2017] Favorites

BLOGMAS -Day 22- “A Husband for Christmas” [Part 6] Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 23- “A Husband for Christmas” [Part 7] Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 24- “A Husband for Christmas” [Part 8] Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 25- “A Husband for Christmas” [Part 9] Short Story

 

*STAY TUNED!

My 2017 Highlights/Memory Jar post will be up tomorrow!!! 

Have a very Happy and safe New Year’s Eve and if your feeling the romance tonight- check out some of my New Year’s Eve stories…

Kiss Me At Midnight…A Short Story 

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

*^ The second is a year after follow-up to the first, it follows the same characters.^*

For Old Times’ Sake

Once again Thanks for reading this year! See you in 2018!

-<3-

Move- Chapter 4

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

MOVE poster

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 3 HERE

Aria sits in her favorite café sipping on an iced coffee. She’s on her laptop watching some dance routines for some future inspiration. Lost in her own world.

A few moments later she’s jolted by the push of a pair of hands on her shoulders.
She turns to see a smiling Molly and her best friend Allie.

Aria sighs, relieved as she removes her headphones.

“Did I scare ya?” Molly says plotting down across from her. Allie follows, as she grabs Aria’s coffee and takes a sip.

“Just a little,” Aria says in a sarcastic tone as she rolls her eyes.

“So what’s up?” Allie says.

“I’ll tell you what’s up…Aria has a hottie mc hot hot, rich stallion after her.”

Allie’s mouth drops, her eyes widen with excitement.

“What? You’ve been holding out on me? What the heck?” she says.

Aria looks at Molly with a scowl which now matched the scowl on Allie’s face.

Molly lets out a laugh as she raises an eyebrow at Aria.

“I do not have any guy after me, do not entertain her fantasies.”

“Oh hunny, trust me, this is not my fantasy, my fantasy would be if that British Boy Toy would be all hot and heavy about me, but that’s just not the case. And since you did meet him first, I guess it will just have to be,” She says sighing dramatically.

Allie and Aria exchange glances and then laughs.

“You are so crazy, Mol.” Aria laughs. “Anyway…I was just researching some new dance routines, and trying to get some ideas for the showcase…”

“Changing the subject are we?” Allie says.

“Mmm hmm, that she is.”

“Ok, can we just…stop?” Aria says getting a slight blush on her cheeks.

Molly and Allie look at each other for a beat; contemplating.

“So tell me about this guy,” Allie says turning to Molly.

Aria sighs, grabbing her iced coffee back from Allie.

“Ok, he is sexy. So sexy that it could be kind of intimidating but he’s got this sweet personality that makes it all ok.”

“How could you possibly say anything, you don’t know him.”

“Defensive, much? Molly says with a knowing smile.

“No I’m just saying neither of us know anything about him.”

“We know he wants you…bad.”

“Oooh and that is all we need to know,” Allie says excitedly. “Do we have a picture?”

“No,” Aria says. “Yes!” Molly says.

Aria looks at Molly completely thrown.

Allie excitedly grabs Molly’s phone.

“Oh my god! Aria! He’s gorgeous. Aw, you guys look so good together!”

“What! Let me see that!” She says reaching and grabbing the cell phone.

A picture of Liam and Aria in the bar, leaning against the pool table talking, their eyes locked.

“When did you even take this?” Aria says mortified.

“I have my ways.”

“I wish you wouldn’t do things like this!” Aria says getting frustrated.

“Aria, he’s really cute though, and honestly from this picture, it kinda looks like he’s into you.”

“Oh he is. Trust me, I was there. His eyes were all over her.”

“They were not!”

“He calls her love.”

“Aw, oh my god forget it, I’m dead.” Allie says fanning herself.

“He’s just British, that’s their thing, it’s how they talk,” Aria says matter of factly.

“Yea when they want to flirt with a pretty girl… he sure as hell wasn’t calling me love.”

“I don’t see the bad, here, girl,” Allie says giving Aria a puzzled look.

“Look that’s enough of this ok. I’m too busy worrying about planning my performance for the showcase to even entertain the idea that some guy may or may not be interested in dating me. And I still have to find a job to be able to pay for the rest of the dance program, or the showcase won’t even happen for me. And I need this you guys. This is my last shot. So excuse me, if I’m not falling over some guy right now. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“I hear you. I’m sorry.” Allie says.

“He did offer you a job.” Molly says.

Aria shoots her a death glare.

Allie gasps and folds her arms.

“What…I’m just stating facts. He found out she quit working for Lucifer Lee and offered her a temp gig until she could find something. All this stress could be avoided, if she would just call him. He gave you his card.”

“So many details held back! My god! Well you just have no excuses now. Call him,” Allie says.

“No. I can’t work for him.”

“And why not?”

“Because…”

Molly freezes, her jaw dropping.

“What?” Aria says, confused.

Liam walks in, his eyes fall on Aria the minute he steps through the doorway.
Molly unfreezes and coughs “He’s here.”

“What? Who?” Aria says.

“Your boy… he just walked in.”

“You’re kidding me? Can’t you just stop playing games for once?”

“I am not playing games with you-”

“Oh he’s walking over,” Allie says shifting in her seat from excitement.

“Aria, hello love,” he says locking eyes with her as he flashes her a smile.

Aria is momentarily in shock.

“Liam hi, how are you?” Molly says taking over the speaking role.

“I’m well thanks, and yourself?” he says his eyes circling the table of women and landing on Aria of course.

“We’re good. Just having a little, girl’s lunch. This is our friend Allie by the way.”

Allie extends her hand.

“Hi, nice to meet you.”

“Pleasure,” he says shaking her hand.

Aria snaps back to reality.

“So Mr. Whitmore, what brings you to this part of the city?”

“Liam, love, call me Liam,” he says smirking.

Allie and Molly exchange swooning glances.

“I actually don’t work too far from here. So I was just grabbing a quick bite.”

“You must be busy. What is it that you do again?” Molly asks gazing up at him.

Aria shoots her a glare.

“I’m an art buyer. My company finances some of the museums and we curate art for them.”

“Wow that’s amazing… it must get pretty hectic,” she says looking away from his gaze.

“It can definitely get crazy at the office, but I have to remind myself to step outside every now and then,” he chuckles.

Aria smiles, “I hear ya,” she says, nodding her head.

“Yea Aria here, is just always crammed up in the studio!” Molly says.

“Studio? Are you an artist? Painting? Sculpting? What’s your fancy?” he says smiling.

As if you didn’t already know, you schmuck, he thinks.

“Oh no, neither. I dance,” She says shyly.

“Well that sounds to me like an art form. I’m sure you’re very good at it,” he says his crystal blue eyes peeking into her heart like an x-ray.

“She is. And she’s very flexible,” Molly says.

Aria kicks her under the table.

“Ignore her, please.” Aria says smiling up at him.

Dear God, he thinks floating in her smile.

“Order up for Liam, Liam Whitmore,” the barista calls out.

“Excuse me ladies,” Liam says turning to head over to the counter, as he takes out his wallet he greets Lynn with a smile.

Aria turns to Molly sharply. “Are you insane saying something like that to him? He’s a total gentleman, he’s just being nice and cordial and you have to make it sexual? Why?

“Trust me under that suit and businessman exterior, I am sure he can make your toes curl. Why don’t you just do us all a favor and find out?” Molly says.

Liam smirks overhearing, as the heat rises up his neck to his cheeks.

Liam Whitmore are you blushing? he thinks.

“What is your problem? Are you trying to humiliate me?” Aria says covering her face in embarrassment.

“No. I’m trying to get you out of your own head. You’re far too stubborn. You don’t know how to trust a good thing when you see it, or feel it.”

“She’s right about that, ya know,” Allie chimes in.

“I don’t feel anything, so just stop. You’re being inappropriate.”

“What’s so inappropriate here…he’s an adult, you’re an adult, you’re both gorgeous, sexy human beings, he obviously likes you and you must like him too, otherwise why would you be getting so hot and bothered over this?”

Liam listens, his smile growing.

“He and I are obviously from different worlds. He’s clearly established in his career and I am years out of college and still just trying to figure my shit out and I cannot do that if I am falling for some guy that will never fall back. Dancing is my life. I want this so bad, and it has to be my priority. So please for the last time, just let this one go. I am begging you.”

Out of college. Thank you Jesus, Liam thinks, but is silently thrown by her need to distance herself from him.

Allie looks at Molly who looks at a very exhausted and stressed Aria.
Molly softens.

“Ok. Okay, I’m sorry. I will stop,” she says holding up her hands in surrender.

“You promise?” Aria says looking at her sternly.

“I promise,” Molly says nodding.

Aria sighs and finally relaxes back in her seat.

“You know I love you right, I’m just trying to help.”

“I know, but sometimes I just need you to just listen to me. It’s not the time for me to be getting involved with a guy. No matter how gorgeous or kind he may seem.”

Liam stands by the coffee station adding sugar and milk to his cup, as his brow furrows at the realization that Aria may find him attractive but isn’t interested. At least not right now.

He walks over to their table, “Well it was a pleasure ladies.”

“Pleasure running into you too,” Molly says smiling.

“Enjoy the rest of your lunch.”

“Thank you, try not to work too hard,” Aria says smiling up at him.

“You too, love.” He says smirking and walking away.

Challenge accepted, he thinks.

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supergirl Strikes Gold with Cat Grant “Dive” Speech

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

As you may know my current Netflix obsession is the CW’s Supergirl. The show’s second season has just been recently added and I have been a very happy girl. In the premiere episode we see a conflicted Kara/Supergirl as she is now faced with many open doors. Finally getting a hold on her role as a heroine, she must explore her options in new areas of her life; her career and her love life. The man she has been in love with; James Olsen-has expressed how he wants something more than just friendship and her boss Cat Grant has decided to give her a promotion allowing her to choose any position she wants. The world is her oyster and she is completely stuck. She’s scared. She’s confused. So Cat gives her the encouragement she needs, the push that only Cat Grant can give, in her fashionable Cat flare. When I sat there hearing these words, they felt real to me. I could relate to that fear and that uncertainty. The need to want to stay within your safety zone. That fear of change. What she said made me think, made me question my own life. And once again I felt such a connection to this show, and I think that is something beautiful.

“Dive. You’re standing on the shore afraid to dive into the new waters. And you’re afraid because you don’t want to say goodbye to the mild mannered, love-lorn Kara Danvers; the sweet and dutiful assistant to Cat Grant. You are standing there looking out at your options- the icy blue water, the fast flowing river, and the choppy sea and they all look very appealing to you, because your dying to go for a swim. But you know that water is going to be cold, and the journey is going to be hard. And when you reach the other side you will have become a new person. And you’re scared to meet that new version of yourself. Now we all get used to our own personas, and we’re used to our own comfort zones, but trust me, in order to live we must keep daring, keep diving.” 

– Cat Grant [Season 2, Episode 1- Entitled “The Adventures of Supergirl”]

Speech @ 5:07

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl-oghg04_Y

 

Stream Seasons 1 & 2 on Netflix Now!

Cat Grant is played by Calista Flockhart and I can promise you this speech is just the first of many epic moments of wisdom and empowerment.

 

-<3-

Scatter Brain

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

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I recently have been feeling like I have a lot of things going on and I’m getting overwhelmed.

I know what else is new? Right? 

But I’m stuck.

It’s that time of year where it’s getting hotter. I work closely with the school system, so it’s nearing summer break and all the kids are starting to lag and slow down and I feel by some extension that I am too.

There is this improvement list I keep thinking about.

Things I want to do and be better at, for myself-my career, my health, for my students, for my family, for my friends…

I teach 5 different creative activities and although it was my choice, I feel like I’m not doing as well as I hoped. I always have this vision and then it gets crazy and scattered and I end up scrambling in the last weeks.

And yet I am still also needed in a lot of other areas in my life- I’m in three more weddings- two of which I am maid of honor for, I’m going to be a Titi (An Aunt) in the fall I’m going to have a niece! And I’m planning for family occasions that keep popping up…the list always has something new added.

So I feel like I’m trying to be everything to everyone and still tryin to have some sort of social life and make time for myself. 

My relationships in my life with family and friends are everything to me.

And I want to show up for everyone… for everything.

And lately, I just feel kind of all over the place, and pulled in many directions.

I feel like I’m dropping the ball, and I don’t know what to do.

To the point where I just want to throw myself on my bed and sleep to forget it all.

I’ve been going and going since what feels like forever, and I’m still going.

I don’t know how to get over this bump in the road.

There is so much I want to do for myself, and I feel like my career has been put on hold for so long, and I know that it is my fault.

But I’ve made strides to better my situation in the past and I feel like now I’m just stuck and safe.

I get worried that my dream of being a writer will never happen for me.

I know I have to push myself, and when I lack motivation, I need to learn to push past it.

But it’s difficult. For sure.

I don’t know where to start.

How to change.

I’m always buying, and doing for something else, that it’s easy for me to forget or slack on going after what I really want for myself.

I need to learn how to prioritize.

I need to learn how to use my time wisely.

I need to plan accordingly and not let myself get stuck in my comfort zone.

I need to realize that the change is within me, and no one else.

I can’t keep saying I’m stressed and overwhelmed and then just shut down.

Because what good is that then?

I can’t just keep going through the everyday routine without any progress or change.

But I don’t know how to do that.

And this is not a “feel bad for me” post, this is literally my way of trying to sort this mess out.

I know I will, I’ve done so in the past.

One day things just clicked and did what I had to do even though it was scary…even though it was hard.

So I’m hoping I get my click into place day soon.

Thanks for letting me vent, friends.

And if you can relate, tell me in the comments how you push past that feeling stuck feeling!

XO

Michelle

 

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

A little bit of everything…

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Hi friends,

I have to admit there’s a lack of inspiration for me right now. Maybe it’s exhaustion, maybe it’s hormonal, maybe it’s laziness, or stress. I don’t know. But I’m in a funk and I just need to work through it. It’ll pass, I know it will. It always does.

But in the mean time, I don’t want to slack on this blog either so…let’s chat.

I’ve been thinking about where my life is going, lately. A lot of reflection is creeping in, and not exactly warranted. I say that because I’d kind of rather not go there. Because I know along with that reflection will come some harsh realities. Things I need to be working harder on. The list is long. And I have a tendency to really overthink and get myself all anxious which is of no use, because then I tend to retreat and shut down, getting nothing done.

When I think back to how hopeful the new year seemed, and where I am now, it seems like too different worlds. But I think that’s kind of how it always is. I make these big grand lists of things I want to change or do or accomplish and then I lose track and momentum and end up falling into old habits. I know we all do it, but I just wish I could avoid getting into these slumps. They suck.

Granted I think I have made some progress in personal growth this year so far, but I still think there are a lot of things I could be doing to feel even better about my life and where I’m heading.

I just turned 26 and so naturally, I’m thinking about my future and what I want for myself. I want to be a writer for television and film. And yet I’m still in a part-time job, it’s writing and film related but not a career for me. I want to get married and have children and start a family some day, and yet I’m still single and living home. It’s difficult when you start to look at your family and friends around you and suddenly feel like you missed something. Did I miss the course in life planning? Because I feel so far behind. It’s so easy for me to compare myself to them. So many people around me are getting engaged, married, pregnant. And here I am, doing the same ole same.

I don’t want this to sound like I’m feeling sorry for myself. If anything I feel like I’m kicking myself for not being more of a risk taker. I don’t hate my life. I don’t hate my job. (I actually really enjoy it!) I don’t hate being single. But I just know there’s more I want out of life. But where I am, is safe and comfortable. I’m content. But I’m not. Does that make any sense?

It’s like I reflect and feel like I’m missing so much. I’m not going for it. But then I look at where I’ve come from a few years ago, and I feel like I’ve tackled a lot of my anxiety. But now there are new challenges I must tackle, in order to allow myself to step into the next chapter of my life. And I think that’s realizing that I have to push myself out of my comfort zone and start accepting change. I’ve spoken about my fear of change HERE on this blog.

I was in church a few weeks ago, and I remember the priest giving his sermon and saying how God does not work on time. We work on time. But God doesn’t. So if we are asking for something and we want it to happen right now and it doesn’t, that does not mean it won’t. It just means that God knows it’s not the right “time,” and therefore maybe your not ready yet.

So I think I’m going to keep that little tidbit in my back pocket, for when I start to stress out about the future. And I hope if you can relate to this stress and fear of change that you hold onto this little fact too. Things will happen when they are supposed to. I know there are so many uncertainties; career, relationships, etc. But I have to just trust that God’s got me. He knows what’s in my heart and what it wants and when the “time” is right all will fall into place. I just need to do some rearranging and prioritizing on my end. Wish me luck! 😉

To my fellow 20 somethings, Don’t Stop Believing!

xo

Michelle Leigh

 

-<3-

 

*Blog Update*

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

So I know that my posts have been kind of out of sync with the usual schedule, but I’ve been a bit frazzled lately. There’s a lot going on and I tend to get overwhelmed fairly easily. You ever just need to take a beat and check yourself? As someone who deals with anxiety often, I noticed I have to do that, in order to keep my sanity and keep up with everything that I have to do. Because of the bustle that surrounds my world lately,  the blog inspiration has been lacking. I struggle when this happens, because I hate posting just to post.

But with that being said I thought maybe it’d be cool to give you a little blog update. I have some fun posts in mind, it’s just a matter of getting my shit together and writing them.

I HAVE NO TIME! I’M TIRED! I’M STRESSED! I WANT TO SLEEP FOR A YEAR!

Rant over. 😉

Coming your way we have the Welcome Home “Soundtrack” and Author’s Commentary. If you haven’t read Welcome Home you can start it from the beginning HERE.

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Also I am attempting to dive into a new short story series….I’m still working on the title (I have a bunch of variations that I can’t decide on) but here’s a quick little sneak peek at the summary-

Liam Whitmore is a wealthy business executive who goes through the motions of working in his corporate world day after lousy day, making deals and kicking ass at it. However he often feels uninspired, and unable to do what he really loves. Until one day he meets a younger woman named Aria Lenz, struggling to become a dancer. Her simplistic yet driven nature strikes up a spark of inspiration in him, and he makes it his mission to get to know her. Little does he know, it’ll be the hardest “transaction” he’s ever had to make. They’re worlds apart- will he finally get through to her, or will his fire fizzle?

There- it’s out in the universe. So I have no choice, now I HAVE to get writing. Haha.

Talk Soon!

-<3-

 

 

 

 

Ed Sheeran ÷ Deluxe Album Review

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Ed Sheeran left us for a bit. But he is back and making us feel all the feels. Here are my first random thoughts during my first full listening party. Join me as I try and make sense of them all. Also I discuss some of my favorite lyrics. Ed does this amazing job of creating lyrical masterpieces.

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#MYLISTENINGPARTY

View All Ed’s Lyrics HERE

You can stream Divide on Spotify and on Ed’s YouTube channel. Or BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT!

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Eraser

Rapping like old times

Great guitar riff

Sway-it’s dancing and a description for how I feel inside

African Safari vibes

Fav Lyrics:

“I think that money is the route of all evil, and fame is hell.”

“And I found comfort in my pain.”- Heavy

 

Castle on the Hill (previously heard)

A song about his home

That Rasp!

“Whohoo”- love that note!

Fav Lyrics:

 “And I miss the way you make me feel, it’s real, we watched the sunset over the castle on the hill.”

“Had my first kiss on a Friday night I don’t reckon I did it right.”

“I was younger then, Take me back to when.”

“One friend left to sell clothes. One works down by the coast. One had two kids but lives alone. One’s brother overdosed .One’s already on his second wife. One’s just barely getting by. But these people raised me, And I can’t wait to go home” – I adore this storytelling section and that last line is the beauty. Home is made of people who affect your life and help you to create who you are.”

 

Dive

Different

“Woo Yeah!”- my audible response a few seconds into it! Pretty sure I was snapping along too.”

Sexy/Sassy

Deep Vocals

Guitar solo- Yes! That’s going to be BADASS live on tour.

Tears

Fav Lyrics:

“Maybe I came on too strong, maybe I waited too long…”

“So don’t call me baby. Unless you mean it. Don’t tell me you need me. If you don’t believe it. So let me know the truth. Before I dive right into you.”- Just let me go, I’m feeling all the feels. SO DAMN GOOD! #Goosebumps

 

Shape of You (previously heard)

All kinds of HELL YES!

I heard this song and it was an instant favorite, still is.

Total Dance Jam

POP

Chanty and I love it! Love those drums!

Would be a kick ass Zumba song!

Fav Lyrics:

“The club isn’t the best place to find a lover. So the bar is where I go.”

“I’m in love with the shape of you. We push and pull like a magnet do. Although my heart is falling too. I’m in love with your body. And last night you were in my room. And now my bedsheets smell like you. Every day discovering something brand new. I’m in love with your body. Oh I oh I oh I oh I- I’m in love with your body.”

“Come on be my baby, come on…” Clap along Sing along? YES Please! Slay ED, SLAY!

 

Perfect

Ballad

Lyrics! So sweet

Love letter

It’s got that oldies vibe

Fav Lyrics:

“Cause we were just kids when we fell in love. Not knowing what it was. I will not give you up this time. But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own.”

“When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath. But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight.”

 “Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know.”

“Now I know I have met an angel in person.”

“I don’t deserve this, you look perfect tonight.”

 

Galway Girl

Hip hop

 Violin/Flute/Fiddle?

Fav Lyrics:

“Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand Said, “Baby, I just want to dance”

“And then she kissed me like there was nobody else in the room.”

 

Happier

Soft

Tells a story

Chanty- “hay ya hey ya hay yea”

Beautifully heartbreaking.

Fav Lyrics:

“I saw you in another’s arms. Only a month we’ve been apart. You look happier.”

 “Ain’t nobody hurt you like I hurt you. But ain’t nobody love you like I do.”

“But ain’t nobody need you like I do.”

 “Everything’s reminding me of you.”

 

New Man

Creeping- He admits it.

Jam

Swag

Jamaican

Sunglasses—-YES #truth

DJ-mixer/rap style YES!

There’s always the F-off song. This is it.

Fav Lyrics:

“But still, I’m just keeping it real, still looking at your Instagram and I’ll be creeping a little I’ll be trying not to double tap, from way back, cause I know that’s where the trouble’s at.”

“He wears sunglasses indoors in winter at nighttime, and every time a rap song comes on He makes a gun sign, says chune, boydem light up the room.”

 

Hearts Don’t Break Around Here

Daises. Baby. Lately. Roses. LOVE THIS.

Beautiful.

“Oh Yeah yeah yeah yeah”- I love this! I feel like he does this all the time and it love it!

Fav Lyrics:

“Took my heart upon a one way trip. Guess she went wandering off with it. Unlike most women I know. This one will bring it back whole.”

 “Love the way that you conquer your fear.”

“She is the lighthouse in the night that will safely guide me home.”

 

What Do I Know?

Campfire

Children talk

Backup Vocals- Chanty/Hums

Loving the chanty vibes

The world needs this song right now- Election inspired I’m sure

 

Fav Lyrics:

“I’m just a boy with a one-man show.” –Ain’t that the truth Ed! 😀

“Love can change the world in a moment.”

 “Spread love, understanding, positivity.”

 

How Would You Feel (Paean) (previously heard)

Paean: a song of praise or triumph. (Ed has said this was written for his girlfriend) Gosh I can’t- how freaking sweet.

That Piano ❤

This is most like the ED SHEERAN we’re used to.

LOVE

Vulnerability

Human

Wanting/ Needing Acceptance

Guitar Solo @ 2:57 crushes your heart. It reminds me of John Mayer playing “Gravity.” This has to be Mayer. I’m gonna check on this. Yup. Thought I read that somewhere, and even so I spotted it just by listening. Has to be this song that he played on.

Further confirmation…

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Fav Lyrics:

 “We got questions, we should not ask but-.”

“How would you feel if I told you I loved you?”

 “Taking my time- spending my life. Falling deeper in love with you. So tell me that you love me too?”

 

Supermarket Flowers

LYRICS!

Heartbreaking

Recalling Memories—> history

Comfort

Simplicity in the vocals and the piano

“Who ooo who”- love that shit! 😉

Church like

Different

Love letter to his mom?

Fav Lyrics:

“Mom there’s a tear every time that I blink.”

“Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up but I know.  A heart that’s broke it’s a heart that’s been loved.”

“Hallelujah- you are an angel in the shape of my mom.”

 “When God takes you back he’ll say Hallelujah you’re home.”

 

Barcelona *Instant Fav

Up beat

A good change of pace from the prior heartbreaker

Saxophone

Breathy chant/beat box beginning

Sexy

One man band

Flutes/whistles

Guitars

Rasp!

LOVE

Spanish- YES!

Mamasita/sangria

Tropical

Feel good

Would be awesome live on tour

Dance anthem/Sing along

I want to go to Barcelona with Ed Sheeran right now.

Fav Lyrics:

“Well get up up on the dancefloor, move, it’s a Saturday night. I fell in love with the sparkle in the moonlight. Reflected in your beautiful eyes, I guess that is destiny doing it right.”

“You’re like something that God has sent me. I want you baby-solamente.”

 

Bibia Be Ye Ye *Instant Fav

Bibia Be Ye Ye- means All will be well/Everything will be alright

Different

Nice follow up to Barcelona

What a night!

Travel influence

Spanish/Twi vibes

LOVE

 

Nancy Mulligan

Irish/Ireland

Irish jig/River dance

Pub

Beer

Storytelling

Inspired by his Parents?

Claps/Chants

I’m there in a pub with Ed.

Only Ed can jump from an ethnic tropical vibe to a river dance vibe and make it work.

Fav Lyrics:

“From her snow white streak in her jet black hair. Over sixty years I’ve been loving her. Now we’re sat by the fire, in our old armchairs. You know Nancy I adore ya.”

 

Save Myself

Piano & Vocals

Letter to self

Sadness

Oddly Inspirational

Fav Lyrics:

“They gave me the heartache and in return I gave a song. It goes on and on.”

“So before I save someone else, I’ve got to save myself.”

“Human beings are destined to radiate or drain.”

 “Before I blame someone else, I’ve got to save myself.”

“Before I love someone else, I’ve got to love myself.”

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As I mentioned Ed had left us for quite a bit, but as he echoes in first track “Eraser.”- “Welcome to the new show I guess you know I’ve been away. Where I’m heading who knows. My heart will stay the same.” And I think that describes this journey perfectly. He’s always Ed, no matter the chances he takes, he’s still that talented one man show, we all know and love.

My first initial thought was this album is love- all the colors of it. Current. Past. Present. Heartbreak too. He’s storytelling, and at times he finds inspiration in other people’s stories too. Which is such a beautiful thing.

He’s still his usual self, he still has killer lyrics and rap moments, still hits those riffs, still has those guitar ballads, still rocking that epic loop pedal. But then there are the different elements. We get some more production in this album, we get a bunch of different instrumental sounds- violins, whistles, etc. He’s experimenting without losing what makes him so unique and special. And I love, love, LOVE how he mixed a bit of the Irish vibes and the Spanish vibes in one album. He had mentioned he was traveling throughout the writing process of this album and I feel like that shows in all the unique sounds and lyrics he created.

I also really like the track list placement. The order of the songs flow really well. The sad songs are followed by upbeat songs, the travel inspired songs are clustered, and then we get a bang of an introduction with Eraser and the sweet love letter to oneself at the end. What a beautiful message. You can also see this album is a reflection of where Ed is at in his life. Or so I would think. It’s quite different than the others.

Granted we get our Ed, but he’s softer, raspier, more hopeful, and there’s a maturity. He keeps themes of love, home/family, and parents, as he has in the past, but I also love how children has become a theme. He’s probably looking into the future and where he’s going to be soon- married with kids. Soldier on Ed, whatever you do, we’ll follow and listen.

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16 tracks Ed. 16 tracks. Solid. Epic. Welcome back, sir. You are killing the game. You are truly a talent- a one man show. Here’s hoping I’ll get to see you on tour this time!

 

*I do not take credit for Ed’s images.*

 

-<3-

 

 

 

 

Is there a right way to grieve?

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

They say writers often write the things they cannot say.

Or that they write in times of grief and tragedy.

In times of great joy or confusion.

I suppose I’ve done this many times.

Do you ever think to yourself – what does grief look like?

I am sure you have painted a picture of it in your head.

Your picture, the colors you’ve chosen to blend together, the emotions you choose to feel, or the feelings you just happen to come by.

But can we as human beings who are flawed by nature,  truly give an accurate description of what grief actually is and what is should feel like?

The truth is it’s different for everyone.

We struggle in different ways.

I always struggle with doing what I feel is the right thing to do.

Should I do this?

Should I be there?

Should I say this?

Or do that?

I usually strive to always go with the answer yes and follow through.

But in times when I don’t the guilt arises.

Grief and dealing with those emotions of loss and feeling confused and hopeless are never easy. For anyone.

They are never just so.

Never perfectly one sided or crystal clear.

They are murky and layered with struggle and obstacles.

I guess what I am trying to say is we need to step away from our little self inflicted pictures of what should be done and see that everyone handles things differently.

You do what you have to do.

You do what you feel is right.

And god is the only one who can judge that.

I have strong beliefs in always doing the right thing, and I fall short many times, but the right thing for me may not be the right thing for someone else.

If someone is struggling with something, or coming to grips with something difficult it is not my place nor anyone else’s place to judge them.

I wouldn’t want someone to judge me.

And it is so easy to point fingers and blame in times of hurt and pain.

But we all have walls.

Whether we believe it or not.

We all have things we don’t always feel we can handle.

We often dive into the realm and needs of self preservation.

When someone leaves us, will we be able to handle it?  Or handle seeing that person go through such and ordeal of deterioration?

Humans have mastered many things, but dealing with grief and loss isn’t one of them.

I suppose generations will not change that.

There are things we will never understand.

Reasons why people get stricken with long term illnesses.

Why them?

Why now?

Why this family?

And we will never know.

And in these times we  struggle and despair.

We are confused, we are angry, we place blame on God, on others, on ourselves.

But is that any use?

Unity, love, family, that is what we need to focus on.

Even if you’re not there, if your heart is there- god knows it, they know it, you know it.

And prayers for a safe return home to you are sung throughout those unified hearts.

-<3-

 

 

 

The tears were real during last night’s 2017 Golden Globes.

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Last night was full of beautiful long dresses, sparkling jewels, and a dapper host in Jimmy Fallon. But the true inspiration were in the messages within the powerful speeches given by some of the most talented women in this industry of film, tv, and music. As a writer and someone who feels that creative pull and that need to be artistic, these words sung out into the world by the women I admire, in a field I hope to have embrace me in my future, were taken to my soul and felt. They were inspiring and they were hopeful.

Viola Davis presented Meryl Streep with the Cecil B. DeMille award. Her speech was funny giving us insight into their friendship, yet powerful as she explained how much Streep has meant to her and her career.

“Her artistry reminds us of the impact of what it means to be an artist, which is to make us feel less alone.”

“You make me proud to be an artist. You make me feel that what I have in me — my body, my face, my age — is enough.”

Meryl Streep‘s acceptance speech was about having empathy in the face of this world we live in today, as she criticized Donald Trump, calling his real life faults a performance that broke her.

“Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, and if you kick us all out, you’ll have nothing to watch except for football and mixed martial arts, which are not the  arts.”

“We have to remind each other of the privilege and the responsibility of the act of empathy…As my friend- the dear departed Princess Leia said to me; “Take your broken heart, make it into art.”

Emma Stone‘s speech was about perseverance in the face of rejection.

“This is a film for dreamers and I think that hope and creativity are two of the most important things in this world and that’s what this movie is about. To any creative person who has had a door slammed in their face either metaphorically or physically… to anybody anywhere really who feels like giving up sometimes, but finds it in themselves to get up and keep moving forward- I share this with you, thank you so much.”  

It’s times like these when you see that sometimes, Hollywood breaks the mold, and special gems are born to shed a light and pave a way.

 

And onto the fashion…

[I don’t care about brands they could wear Target for all I care…but these gowns were gorgeous…so if you really want to know who they are wearing, I’ll leave that to E!’s Fashion Police. ;)]

 

Mandy Moore in stunning navy. She was the first one I saw who really made me fall in love with the fashion of the night. The neckline is something different for her I think but she still looks absolutely classic. The earrings match perfectly and I love her simply sleek middle part.

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Emma Stone sparkling in stars. She never disappoints, ever.

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Gina Rodriguez, my Latina queen. She is my favorite of the night. This dress was like poetry in motion as she walked on that carpet- the tassels just swayed. And what a beautiful color against her gorgeous skin tone. SLAYED.

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Also on the sparkle trend is new comer and young actress Millie Bobby Brown. What a little sweetheart! I love her sleek hair and her bright lip, I love that she still kept herself looking her age in a cocktail length dress.

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Hailee Steinfeld. Can we just take a moment. Anyone who rocks a flowy lavender number, just gets me. What a red carpet steal! And the top and netted plunging neck line make it edgy.

 

74th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals

Lily Collins was next on my favorites! I adored this entire look. Her hair, her makeup is AMAZING, and that dress.  Total princess. She came for the best dressed Trophy.
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This one never changes. Her face is still as young and fresh as the 90’s- #NeverBeenKissed. I love her beachy waves, and her smokey eye, I love her dark nails and her dress is just BADASS. It’s still really feminine but funky, in that Drew Barrymore way. What a class act.

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The yellows were also a bit of a trend, here we have Viola Davis sporting a bright yellow and Reese Witherspoon in a pastel/baby yellow. Both beautiful, both stunning. Viola Davis is someone who I cannot quite get over when I see her on screen. Every time she speaks, I am willed to listen. Reese Witherspoon is a heart, she’s a Hollywood gem and I will never not love her and her sweetness.

 

I had to include a black dress in here….because well let’s be honest, black is never going to be replaced by anything else. It’s chic, it’s sophisticated, it’s sexy, and so is this gown that Kristen Bell is rocking. I love her understated hair and that smokey eye/nude lip makeup combo. It really was the way to go, she really let that sparkle talk. #ThatNecklineTho  Also I love how it is long sleeves and her diamond cuff bracelet lies on top of the sparkly sequins. Paired with that black velvet clutch…now you have a fashionista. I have a new found love for all things velvet. Hello 90’s.

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And last but not least, I wouldn’t be a fangirl if I didn’t acknowledge that Jimmy Fallon is adorable and did great (what with the 12 minutes of air time he actually got, haha) and Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel actually walked the red carpet together. What? Is this new? In all honesty it made me happy. Earlier I joked as I said “You know you’re getting old when you are actually happy to see your ultimate celebrity crush happy and walking the red carpet with his wife.” Haha. Although “Trolls” didn’t win, it looks like Justin and Jessica won the night as cutest couple. 😀 (Although how bout Ryan Gosling being such a gentleman and thanking Eva Mendes in his speech! #SWOONINGEVERYWHERE)

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are a major miss in these clashing patterns, and Biel shows how the night’s daring low-cut trend can backfire at the Golden Globe Awards on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

 

*I do not take credit for any images, links to videos/other articles, or videos used.*

-<3-