@barberbar_cl checking out the goods and and wearing one of our windbreakers. Don't let yourself get too carried away with the everyday tasks. You need to do things for yourself as well. Cover up, stay warm and be comfortable.

 

We had to repost such a human feeling that this brings. A rarity these days. "My dad use to grow a beard almost every winter when I was a kid. He would have it for the cold season and then shave it as the snow melted and summer was coming. This year I decided to do the same, only I decided to shave before the winter was over.

Growing a beard was an interesting experience, especially when it got to the point where I started to look and feel like a different person. I started to feel unlike my usual self, and in a lot of ways my external world would interact with me differently.

It was humbling to have a constant physical reminder that I am growing and changing. I was forced to see that time was passing, and that every moment I was experiencing this life whether I chose to acknowledge it and be present with it or not. One of my personal struggles is to ignore what I want and need in life in order to keep peace with others or to avoid conflict or hardship. I try to shift the focus to everyone else to make sure they are okay. I tend to believe that if I ignore what I want and need but everyone else is okay, then everything is all good. If everyone else is alright, then I can just be chill and create the illusion that I have peace and am well.

I am thankful for this last season and realizing that I can't keep ignoring my pain, emotions, guilt and ultimately everything I need in life. I can't go on creating an illusion, I need to dig in and embrace all that life has to offer. It is the only true way to keep the peace and truly and holistically love those around me.

Today I gain another year, and am so thankful for the people I have in my life that patiently love me and journey with me. I am so thankful for this life and I look forward to what this next season has to offer... sans beard.
"
Repost @yayteejay
Photo by the beautiful and talented @lindseyadventures