Thank You Notes/Cards: Are They Necessary?

If you are reading this blog you’re wondering, why should you send out thank you cards for an event that you put together and paid for?  Well that question popped in my head as well after my wedding and after people were wondering why they haven’t received any 2 months after my big day.  And for some the answer is simple, yes, because it’s tradition.  But is there a deeper meaning to it than just tradition?  I mean who started this notion and why do I have to spend more money and time.  And the simple answer really is, think about those who actually took the time out of their busy schedules to help you celebrate your union, or whatever event it is that you are planning.

Think about it, all those who traveled near and far probably had better things to do then to go to a store, buy you a gift, get dressed, and come see your joyous occasion.  When I think back on my wedding my husband’s family stayed nowhere near where the wedding was taking place and not to mention I had relatives coming from the East and West coast via plane and car just to see a couple who had been together for 10 years already and created life.  It was a celebration for them as well as us.  Granted the last thing I wanted to do was sit down and hand write thank you cards with my horrible 7th grade handwriting.  But it makes one feel special when you thank them for anything that they do.  You never know how that person is feeling that day.  Beside my thank you notes I made sure to make up for the lack of penmanship and not remembering what everyone and who bought us something.  So therefore I included pictures from the big day of us, which I know some family members will enjoy.  Especially since I am horrible about keeping in contact with people throughout the year.  Yes, I know I am a horrible person.  I will get my life together and I’m working on it.

But just to give you a few pointers, once you open a gift make sure you write down who bought what.  This way each thank you note will be personalized.  Also if you know you are horrible with timing you can always have pre-made thank you notes, when someone gives a gift at the wedding they get a thank you note.  My cousin told me about that trick after my wedding was done.  Another way to remember thank you notes, is to have only electronic gifts.  Such as, Bed Bath and Beyond, Amazon, or whatever your favorite place to shop.  That way each registry tells you who bought it and it is delivered straight to your address.  This option also helps with addresses since everyone may not sign the guest book or have legible penmanship.  Of course, these methods do not apply to elders who are not tech savvy, so old-school it is.  Also there are ways you can send electronic thank you notes via email.  The point is, it is a tradition and thoughtful gesture.  Well I hope this helped you, remember your not sending thank you notes just to spend more money but to show gratitude to family, friends, and haters that helped you celebrate your occasion.

 

Thanks for reading… SimplyBetty101

Exhaustion: Mental, Physical, and Emotional Toll

Exhaustion can set in when you least expect it and be an inconvenience. If you have been running on excitement and adrenaline for the past couple of hours, days, weeks, or whatever your time span is. Once that excitement wears off and your mood starts to change so does your energy. And that’s when exhaustion sets in.

It’s not easy to predict or prepare for when your busy and only thinking of the happy ending. But what we don’t take into account is the actual time it takes to get to that happy ending. For example, how many times have you planned something to the second of how its suppose to go rather it’s a party or you’re getting ready for one and things don’t go as plan. Or you end up being late because something got thrown off. Whatever the reason time was not on your side. Same for exhaustion.

You can be running and running on whatever energy that is getting the job done and then… BOOM. Time shows up and you’re out of it. Or if you did get it all done enjoying it will either never come or come later after you have recouped from the exhaustion. I know people say pace yourself and don’t rush. But when you live in a time sensitive world not much can be paced.

Now of course, most of us would just take something before that feeling of sit down kicks in. Like an energy drink, coffee, or for you illegal or maybe legal users something like a recreational drug can help. I know you have seen the caffeine pills sold at the gas stations by the register. But if we are always hyped up on adrenaline then there is something that can make us sit down. If you haven’t figured it out yet, here’s a clue the name is in the title. Yeap, good old friend exhaustion again. See even if you’re hyped up on caffeine to help keep you going, unfortunately we are not Energizer bunnies. Ladies and gents your body will crash. Some in an okay stable way at home or close and the others in an ambulance. See your mind might be ready but there is only so much the body can take. And believe me when it breaks it breaks people to a full fledge halt.

So be mindful of your limits because exhaustion can come in any form. Rather its physical, mental, or even spiritual it will take you out and force you to rest. Even if you’re not ready or don’t want to. Just make sure you’re paying attention to your needs and not just your wants. Thanks… SimplyBetty101

Over-staying Your Welcome

So today I was wondering how long have I been here at my cousins house? Even though I’m only staying here to find a place for my own family, I was hoping that it would be a quick 2 to 3 day stay. But thinking on it I have been here a full 7 day week. Though I know she doesn’t mind I feel like I’m being a leech. Which is why I hope she never sees this post…lol the amount of killer eye she will give me is undeniable.

Look I appreciate the help and guidance but if I was in her position there is a limit for me. Now by no means am I one if those family members who doesn’t help nor clean up behind themselves. I have been fussed at for cleaning the kitchen and putting a trash bag in the trash can. Not that is was a real “don’t touch nothing,” her house is ran under certain rules. Also not to mention she is a bit OCD, she likes things done a certain way. And this is where my understanding comes in.

If it were me I do appreciate the help and love the company but at some point I would want to get back to my regular scheduled program of how I like my house ran. Children are still in school here which means they have rules on a daily basis and one cannot come in and throw off that schedule. One must be in stealth mode at all times and go with the flow. All while trying not to upset the balance of everyday life. And still be comfortable to do what I need for my family as well. I like the idea of being in the house with a kitchen that has love and laughter. But I also know that it is not my house and this is what I’m looking for. I love the uncoditional love and support my family provides but there comes a time when a girl just wants some alone time. Especially before hubby gets here.

So with that being said, people if you are staying with a friend or relative please understand body language and don’t over stay your welcome. Especially if your able to stay somewhere else. Now if you are in desperate need, then your circumstances are different. But please be less of a burden as possible. And if you just have that family that loves company then this does not apply to you as well. As always thanks for reading … SimplyBetty101

FOCUS BOARD: A MAP TO YOUR VISION BOARD

Hello readers, so you have an idea of what your life could or should be but what your currently in or doing is far from that dream… or is it?… So what you’re working constantly to make ends meet and barely getting by or maybe your living the comfortable life and have no worries, but is everyday fulfilling? Obviously not if you’re reading this and other blogs and articles on how to turn your life around but don’t worry I’ve been in the same position before and I have turned to advising and helping others.

So now that we have gotten your feelings out-of-the-way and pretty much made you reflect on life now it’s time to get serious. Now you have a vision of what you want in life and maybe even somewhat on how you are going to get there. But do you really have a concrete plan for that dream; I mean every detail down to the amount of time you would have to invest? Well I know you probably have done a vision board – you can watch my YouTube video on how to create a vision and focus board from link below — but do you have a focus board prepared? I mean do you have a plan that you can stick to on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis where you can check your progress and make sure your keeping on your path for a fulfilling life for yourself? Look, at this point there are no more excuses; you have made enough of those over your life which is why you’re looking for encouragement and motivation. Everyday when you wake up doing something you don’t want to that should be enough motivation right there.

I struggle with focus, hence is why it’s called a focus board for me, of course you can call it something else. But let’s be serious how many times did you have a dream or an idea but never acted upon it or finished it? But if you’re still breathing you still have time. Now this is the most important part of making a dream come to reality. However you want to keep up with your progress rather it’s a journal, focus board, reminders in your calendar via your phone and any other electronic device you have; do what works for you. Whatever the method is for you use it. It can even be a countdown on when your last day in that position to get you started. Maybe your tired of working for someone else or a company you no longer find value in. Heck it can even be a position within the company that you desire. Whatever your vision is believe me this is the best time to come up with a game plan to make that vision become reality.

There are all kinds of ways you can come up with a plan and stick to it. This is important because your going to need checks and balances. Yeap like the government…somewhat but better. You have to have something in place where you constantly check your vision and focus plan and balance it out with real life. Nothing is ever just given to you because you were born you. But the energy that you put out, the laws of attraction is going to help make your vision a reality. If you constantly look at your vision as an obstacle that can’t be done, you will end up sitting back and watching someone else live YOUR dream. But if you look at that vision as if it’s a project or problem you have to figure out or a different way of making it happen, then you my friend are attracting positive energy of completion. Look even if your vision leads to something else that was unexpected it just shows you that once you put forth effort doors of opportunity just open up for you.

Remember your life is a lifestyle regardless of what you want your life to be if it is for the betterment of your mind, body, and soul you can’t go wrong. I also guarantee you that the moment you start working towards your vision the overwhelming feeling of freedom will bestow upon you like it’s nobody’s business. And happiness will be an everyday thing that just comes without question. Now you have a reason and a plan for your vision board and not just a dream. Dreams you wake up from and visions can be spoken into existence.

Life is a Lifestyle… SimplyBetty101