Dearest family, friends, readers, and members of the Pretty Southern squad:

 

Y’all, it’s been a time.

The last three years since the pandemic hit have put us all in a tailspin. Only a few rare humans among us can say these have been the best years of their lives, and if you’re one of them, please share why because we all could use more good juju.

If Grey’s Anatomy taught us anything, it’s that you don’t mess with the juju.

Yet, here you are, still standing, and reading, after these tumultuous years. I wish I could hug you through the screen to tell you how thankful I am to have been on this journey with you.

Nothing about this life has been easy, but your friendship and support have made it a lot more fun.

And I sincerely hope things only get better from here.

Will things get tougher? Absolutely. That’s the only guarantee in this life is that there are ebbs and flows, good and bad. The difference is what you make of these circumstances. Us Southerners call that gumption.

While it would be easy to be pulled asunder thinking about all the hardships this life has wrought, we have to pivot to positivity. This is a conscious choice we have to make every day: to seek joy, make the right choices, and share the love that’s so needed in this world.

It’s especially hard to show that love to yourself.

We’re all our own worst critics. I need to do better at eating healthier, writing more, reading books instead of scrolling on social media… those thoughts plague my conscience every day, and I can only begin to imagine how that’s worse for all the parents out there.

So I started with five (just 5) minutes. And then it grew to 10, then 15, then 25… some of y’all reading this may even be familiar with the Pomodoro Technique.

Inherently, it’s about creating space to accomplish what’s needed — and loving yourself is the very best accomplishment. Like everything else in this life, it’s an endeavor that takes work. Self-love in its purest form is an absence of ego, for it allows you to selflessly share your love with those around you.

And while it certainly doesn’t come easy, once you hit that place of knowing “ah, yes, this is exactly where I need to be, and I’m so happy I’m here.” it will allow you to freely embrace what’s next to come.

Over the nearly 12 years since this little blog came to life, I’ve been so fortunate to feel those moments. It’s been the little things, like writing this post at almost midnight while the rain pelts down on my roof.

Thanks to you, I’ve found a sense of purpose in this world, to help make it a little bit better and brighter.

I hope this post sparked a bit of joy for you, because it was such a pleasure to share these words with y’all.

With so much love on this Valentine’s Day,
Lauren