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Learning To Say Yes To Life


Having my child rearing days behind me
and 
not having  a crystal clear vision of my
next chapter
my new personal motto is

Say Yes To Life.

I don't always even have a clear vision of what this means
only
now when my first impulse is to 
say no to something
 because it seems it might be uncomfortable for me
I take a deep breath,  refocus
and 
say Yes to life.

In the month since I have been doing this
I have 

been to a Korean spa
(where clothes were not de rigour … and I ended up actually  shocked how liberating
nudity can be … when everyone is naked … is anybody?).

I have attended fabulous dinner parties
events at country clubs
reconnected with old friends
and 
now I have been to
 Cancun.


There is a quote floating around everywhere it seems that

"Your Life begins 
Where Your Comfort Zone Ends"

I  actually find this quote
quite annoying.
Because you see I do enjoy being comfortable.

But I  also know the truth in these words
especially as I am journeying to my next chapter.

I know as my heart aches for a time that was 
in raising children
it is now my responsibility
to find ways to fill my heart
with my what's next
and 
to do that
I must navigate the uncomfortable for me
and

Say Yes To Life.


I wonder how many times in life we truly allow good to come into our lives.
Maybe it's just me.

But sometimes good fortune makes me really uncomfortable
like if  I accept it
the balance of life will take something I love away.

But  I have realized
this balance is just perception
and 
to change the life I  have for the better
means 
I have to be open to change
have courage for the new
and
Say Yes To Life.

When a dear friend
texted me out of the blue
if I wanted to go to 
Cancun with her the next week
because her husband couldn't make the trip
my first internal response was
of course not.

Then I stopped
and
 asked myself why not.

I had absolutely no obligations with children
for the first time in over twenty two years.

My husband was all on board 
and
excited for this fabulous opportunity
that had come my way.

My work in my studio 
was all up to date.

There was no reason to say no.

So I accepted this generous offer.

Not only was it a great opportunity
but
I would be traveling 
with one of my friends
who I have always said 

has the most beautiful 
zest for life.

Kris and I crossed paths years ago
in our passion for our family
and
soon after our homeschooling journeys began.

But when it comes to some things
we are an odd coupling
I plan for ages
while Kris just gets out and goes.

Even traveling we are an opposite pair
at the airport she will chat everyone up
while I am anxiously
checking again to see if I put my passport back in 
it's rightful place.


Traveling with Kris
was the perfect thing to do
for me right now.

It was kismet
the perfect way for me to

Say Yes To Life
in an impromptu way
I had never allowed myself before.


Even before the offer of the trip
I had told myself many times I wanted to be more like Kris.

To go and live life
with zest and passion.

Her passion for her family
and 
life
knows no bounds.


She will say yes
to so very much in life
especially when it comes to anything travel related.


This is my favorite capture of Kris
out there
in the mix of life.


By saying Yes
and 
taking a chance 
in the  uncomfortable for me ...


I was so richly rewarded …


with beauty
and 
the realization
there is ever so much life 
out there
still to be lived!


I was reminded 
that new deepening friendships
are ever so important
at this time in life
as my beautiful children
move on with their own lives
and 
I and my husband with ours.

To everything there is truly a season
and
 I'm pretty excited with 
this new one
and 
the magic in life yet to be found!


Even simple discoveries
like tiny restaurants off the beaten path
with the most stylish presentations.
I am on a hunt to find these
never seen by me
carafe chillers.


My spirit and soul
have been renewed
by the sheer beauty in the world I found.


Time spent with a good friend
reminds me of 
all the good still to behold
in the coming seasons of life.


My heart is full of gratitude
for the beauty I  got to see
and
the time shared with an inspirational friend.


Sometimes when you 

Say Yes To Life

you end up in  just the very place
your soul 
needed to be that day.


As always my friends

I wish you love and joy
as you style your life












32 comments:

  1. I seriously don't know if there are words to share with this incredibly beautifully written post. Saying Yes To Life is such a profound and yet simple way to live, isn't my friend? The sheer joy of being my able to say yes and feel that liberation is truly inspiring and hopefully more and more of it will come to all of us. By the way, your photo's speak VOLUMES in and of themselves.
    Now my next comment, when are the two of us going to just throw everything aside and say YES to a get together?

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    1. Trina thank you so very much for your sweet, heartfelt words … they are always gifts to my soul!

      We really must say Yes to getting together … and arrange our own adventure!

      I saw little Molly Doll's Halloween picture on IG … boy does she own that name! Your love of your family continues to be an inspiration to me!

      Much love to you and yours!
      xoxo
      Tamera

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  2. Beautiful pictures, beautiful words, and beautiful sentiments. Now, please find those carafe chillers and let us know where to get them!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Charade!

      Aren't those sarape chillers fabulous … when I find them … I will definitely share!

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  3. Wow what stunning photos. You were indeed very lucky to get a chance to go.

    I love your poolside outfit. Very classy.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    Replies
    1. So happy for your visit Suzanne! Thank you for your kind words my dear! I was truly very fortunate for such a marvelous trip!

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  4. SAY YES TO LIFE....Love it and absolutely agree! Looks like it has been an amazing trip!

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    1. So happy for your visit Pam! I would imagine you would agree with the Say Yes To Life motto … from what I see of your life … you do just that!

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  5. Tamera, your pictures are absolutely stunning! I'm so glad you had the opportunity to take this trip, and that it was so renewing and rewarding for you. Brava!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Susan … my trip was definitely what I needed!

      I so enjoyed following along your trip to Hong Kong … via IG. I can't wait to read all about it on your blog!

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  6. Tamera, What a beautiful friend you are! This post will always be a wonderful memory in my life. You are so very generous with your heart and time. I just know this chapter of your life will be a page turner! You remind me to see so much beauty in all things and offer grace to each other and ourselves when we cannot see the beauty. Thank you for a wonderful time in Cancun! Gracias!

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    Replies
    1. My heart is so happy you enjoyed the post my dear friend! It was a pleasure to write … as I have been so moved with your zest for life … especially with regards to traveling. I could see people start to glow inside … when they felt your honest interest in them … especially the many that you took the time to learn even more of their language with … you can make even taxi rides a lovely learning and human experience.

      Our trip will always be a reminder to me … of the beauty on so many levels … that can come from walking through the uncomfortable for me … and Saying Yes To Life!

      thank you for a most wonderful trip my dear!

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  7. Oh I hear you loud and clear Tamera! It's funny...I've been noticing that my friends (and I boldly claim you as one) with children are 'forced' into new life experiences...the babies come, the children go to school, the children leave for college, they return home, they fly the nest for the final time...on a relatively regular basis. I, on the other hand, haven't had the outside influences that can instigate these new chapters. I can definitively state that through reading your blog, I am recognizing and acknowledging that I too should encourage personal growth and change. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that Tamera. I am still finding my way on this journey I've chosen, but your words and your photos are so profoundly positive for me! xo

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    Replies
    1. Sue your words touch me deeply. They are so poignant and true … that having children does force new life experiences … and it seems to be a forever learning curve of letting go … and holding on … down to the final exits from home. i myself, must work to continually keep my heart open and flexible … and dig deep to see the beauty in the transitions …because … sometimes this whole process … seems just so painful. For me … this trip was so very much what I needed … at exactly the right time … I truly believe there was some divine intervention in this powerful serendipity. the trip gave me a solid tangible marker in my life … A memory of such unexpected beauty … and realization that I can get through these painful transitions … and that so much more beauty still exists in the next chapters of life.

      Sue thank you again for your beautiful heartfelt words.They are truly gifts to my soul that I treasure.

      much love,
      Tamera

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  8. Wow, what a wonderful post !
    If you don't mind I will follow you, saluti from Italy

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  9. Such a beautiful post Tamera. Saying yes and no are both difficult things to do. I'm glad you said yes to such an amazing trip. Stunning visuals and such a calming scene. Sometimes it's when we let go and let our intuition and the beauty around us guide the way so many amazing things start to happen. XO

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    Replies
    1. Feda thank you for your very lovely visit my dear! I am always in total awe of your photography and creative artistry!

      You are quite right about letting our intuition … and the beauty that surrounds us … be our guide … in a path to the truly amazing!

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  10. Wonderful,wise words Tamera, saying Yes and leaving our comfort zones can be oh so challenging. So glad you did , so we could all enjoy your stunning photos. I am sure whatever the next life stage will offer you will now grab it with both hands and enjoy each and every moment.

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    1. Thank you Jill for your kind, supportive words!

      Biggest of congratulations on you one year blogging anniversary! Talk about saying yes to life! Stepping into unknown territory with such grace and aplomb … is the epitome of saying Yes to life! I for one … am ever so glad you are part of our rich blogging community! Not only have I enjoyed seeing your stylish outfits … I have also enjoyed seeing the beautiful part of the world you live down under!

      Wishing you much blogging joy this coming years … and many more after!

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  11. Dear Tamera, waking up early this Sunday morning and reading your inspiring post has already made my day.
    Your thoughts and images of the sea, ahhh. Years ago I went to Ixtapa and to Puerta Plata and both of those trips made me feel newly refreshed and alive again! I left my comfort zone behind and explored the new possibilities life has to offer and you have reminded me of this importance again!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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    Replies
    1. Karena so happy for your visit my dear friend! I am touched that my photos brought back such beautiful memories for you! The Caribbean is certainly a magnificent destination!

      I hope your recovery is progressing well! I send you healing hugs!

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  12. What a fantastic message, Tamera, and one I share with you! Yes, not always easy, but oh so rewarding!! I enjoyed your images so much, and especially your beautiful Sophia Loren-style hat....truly as fantastic as you are! Tea this week? Have a beautiful Sunday!

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    Replies
    1. Andrea … you my dear … are a Queen of saying Yes to life! The way you open up not only your home to new and old friends alike … but even more importantly … you open your heart as well! The fact you are equally at home in two very different cultures … can only happen with so many Yeses to life! You are a Yes inspiration my friend!

      xoxo
      Tamera

      PS . Tea this week sounds wonderful! I will text you!

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  13. Dear Tamera, This was the perfect post for me this morning. It reinforces how I want to move forward in my life. You do so with passion and it inspires me.

    How glamorous you look in your large brimmed hat and radiant smile. Thank you for sharing with Hat Attack!

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    1. Judith high praise … from someone who always inspires me … from the very first time I found your beautiful blog! I was so happy to follow along recently ... as you made your way to so many magnificent cities in Europe … ahhhh …. what an absolutely enchanting way to say Yes to life! I can't wait to follow along on your continual journey … of moving forward … and saying Yes to life!

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  14. wow, it looks and sounds like the most fabulous get away. How wonderful. You are very brave - I try to embrace what life has to offer, but too often let the fear hold me back (fear of what I'm not too sure). Loved hearing all about your adventures and the impact that they had on you. So glad for you that it all worked out x

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  15. Thank you my dear! It is odd … isn't it that our fears can be faceless and nameless … and still have such an impact. That is precisely why I am trying to overcome so many of mine.

    I enjoyed your visible post … putting yourself out there for the first time can be quite unnerving … and you my dear … did it beautifully. As I left in my comment … I look forward to seeing your swishy skirt next!

    xoxo
    Tamera

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  16. What a wonderful opportunity, Tamera, I'm so glad you felt able to grasp it with both hands! You and Kris look so gorgeous and relaxed, and of course the photos are exquisite. Yes, it's good to take a deep breath and just go for it!
    It's great to catch up with you, thanks for dropping by my blog again. xxx

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    1. How lovely to have you visit my dear! Aren't blogs wonderful in the way we are able to catch up on each others lives. I always so enjoy following along on your English adventures with your family … as well as appreciation your fabulous personal style!
      So good to have you visit here!

      xoxo
      Tamera

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  17. You're such a brave soul.
    One day I hope to be as brave.
    Each time I read one of your posts there is a particular thought that hits me right between the eyes.
    This post: "But sometimes good fortune makes me really uncomfortable like if I accept it
    the balance of life will take something I love away."
    You're brave coz even though you think this, you are prepared to step forward into the light.
    You know what? ....that's kinda inspirational!

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  18. Kris sounds like the perfect complimentary personality for you Tamera, and your trips looks and sounds divine. I'm so glad you did this, said yes when your first reaction was no. I can SO relate to having that immediate reaction too and as i read this i felt so inspired. You are doing it my friend, you are really growing. :)

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