Have you ever really thought about the things that you take for granted? I mean really thought about it? Taking certain things for granted isn’t a fault in character, at least in my opinion it’s human nature…
THE STORY
…I think when we get comfortable in our circumstances or life situation, we become somewhat complacent which in turn leads to taking things for granted. I also believe that our life experiences affect what we personally take for granted. For example, if you or a loved one has at some point been stricken with a life threatening illness you might be less inclined to take your health for granted. Or perhaps if in the past you’ve experienced marital/relationship issues then you’re maybe more likely to value every single day with your partner. If you come from a background of poverty then you’re most likely thankful every day for a roof over your head and a meal on your table.
I’m not saying that we can’t or don’t value things in our lives without having experienced a loss or deprivation of some type in our pasts. But it does take effort to be mindful of what we do have on a day to day basis. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I know that I tend to take the big things for granted; the things that we really don’t necessarily think about because they have just always been there or at least it seems like they have. Think about all of our modern conveniences. You turn on the faucet, you expect water to come out. You dial your phone, you expect the call to go through. You flip a switch, and the lights had better damn well come on. You get in your vehicle, turn the key and it starts. Right?
Why all this deep introspective stuff? In the last week there has been an inherent shift in how I feel and how I view the world; no, I do not have to tell you why now do I? And I believe it’s a shift for the good. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always known that I was blessed to live in this country. But I have taken it for granted. I just assumed it would always be as extraordinary as it has always been. I will never again take for granted the rights and privileges we have fought for over the course of hundreds of years. Through excellent leadership and sometimes through lackluster and even downright laughable leadership, I never once felt that who we were at the most fundamental level would ever change. But we have.
And I have as well. This shift in how I view the world has also made me more appreciative on a smaller scale. I have become more mindful and aware of the good things in my life, the moments that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. My daughter snuggling the bulldog when she thought no one was watching, kissing my husband goodbye in the morning, a stranger holding the door for me, the pleasant conversation with the cashier at Walmart…all of these things matter. If there is one thing I’m grateful for from this past week, it’s for opening my eyes and my mind to all of the things in this world that I’ve always just assumed would be there, and for reminding me to truly appreciate them each and every day.
THE OUTFIT
Have you ever heard of Angels Jeans? I ain’t gonna lie…I hadn’t until they contacted me for a series of collaborations. And I have to tell you, I’m glad they did. Today I’m wearing a pair of their Curvy Skinny Jeans, and they are both comfortable and flattering. I do want to point out that they run pretty true to size. Since they were skinny jeans I went up a size, which I often do with skinnies, and they were a bit loose. Not so loose that it would warrant a return, but I definitely should have gone with my regular size though. With that being said, they are super flattering and have the just right amount of stretch so you don’t get the sensation of being sawed in half by the waist band of your jeans. A definite plus in my book. They also have fancy stitching and/or subtle (keyword being subtle) bling on the back pockets. So they are perfect if you’re looking for denim that’s just a little bit dressier than normal.
The top too is from Angels Jeans. Right up my alley don’t you think? Along with my newfound love of pastels I’ve also been crushing on navy blue as of late so between the boho style and the color I know it will be getting a lot of love. It was time to bring out my lace up over the knee boots…which I lovingly refer to as my pirate boots because, well, they kinda look like something Johnny Depp sold on Ebay after he finished filming Pirates Of The Caribbean. What better to pair them with then a boho top and skinny jeans? An eye patch perhaps, but today I stuck with the boho top and skinny jeans.
THE TIP
If you’re on the market for jeans with a little extra somethin’, definitely take a minute and check out Angels Jeans. While it’s always a good thing to have your old standby’s, it’s not a bad idea to have a few pairs of jeans that elevate your denim game from the usual.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Jeans: c/o Angel’s Jeans; Top: c/o Angel’s Jeans; Boots: Similar; Coat: c/o Shein
**Jeans and top were provided c/o Angel’s Jeans. All opinions expressed, as always, are my own.
