Candles & Cowboy Boots

It's my birthday! And what better way to kick off the celebration than with a visit to Nashville, Tennessee! 

All About Nashville

Nashville was an absolute blast. Our trip was filled with visits to Honky Tonks, live country music, and tons of museums all within walking distance of the bustling Broadway streets. My mom and I visited Aroma Labs and spent over an hour creating our very own perfumes. And the best part, I bought my first pair of cowboy boots!

Not to mention, the food was amazing! We ate family style with about 12 strangers who soon felt like close friends at Monell's. Devoured the largest turkey burger I've ever had in my life at the Pharmacy. Tried the "viral" and extremely delicious pastries at D'Andrews Bakery & Cafe. And feasted in luxury and style at V Modern Italian (where I embarrassingly tried to blow out a celebratory sparkler placed in my complimentary, birthday dessert by my super sweet waitress... but we don't have to talk about that).

Broadway Street in Nashville, TN.

How could I forget our hotel accommodations? The Gallatin Hotel was stunning—colorful, homey, and unlike any place I've ever stayed. When my mother and I entered the hotel lobby we were met with a large sign that read, "Stay Joyful."

During the remainder of the weekend I reflected on this last season of my life, I realized just how much I’ve been missing. What have I been missing, you might ask? Joy.

The Moment that Joy Returned

Oftentimes, we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to take a moment to breathe and take hold of joy.

Joy in each breath, in the company of family and friends, and in the memories that remind us of just how far we’ve come. Joy in the fact that there's still breath in our bodies, which means there's more life for us to live.

This weekend, I rediscovered my whimsy, allowed myself to be silly again and with it came a returning smile I hadn't realized I'd lost in this last season of my life. I could feel peace returning to me. While everything in my life didn’t magically become perfect over the weekend, I felt a sense of peace; my heart was settled. I wasn't just happy, I felt compelled to embrace this moment with positivity by choice and in that decision I found joy.

I Choose Joy

You see, joy is an act of resistance- a deliberate decision we make to focus on the light even when we are surrounded by darkness. It is not something that just happens to us. It must be embraced, sought out, and protected. If I want joy, I have to be intentional about finding it. Not just in the grand turning points of life, but in the small and seemingly mundane moments, there is joy to be found there too.

So as I add another candle to this year’s birthday cake and strut through the streets of Nashville, I am reminded to take life seriously AND to bring JOY with me! To actively search for joy in the middle of chaos and discomfort and transitions. You must take back your joy. Lay hold to joy. Embrace the joy filled memories. Seize joy, and don’t you dare let go.