Taking Inventory, The Perfect Accessory? + #LetItShine Link-Up
Denim Vest: Old Navy | T-Shirt: JCrew Factory | Lilly Pulitzer Beale Maxi Skirt in Sea and Be Seen | Necklace: Target | Clutch: Similar
I don’t know if it’s just this time of year – the fact that my birthday is coming up and the fact that we are quickly approaching Lilly’s first birthday, or what… but I’ve been very, contemplative, if you will, lately. I feel like I go through these phases every once in a while where I just get very analytical about my life.
I always end up taking a serious inventory of what I’m investing my time in, my money in, how I’m investing in my relationships, how I’m doing as a wife, a mother, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a Christ follower, and such. It’s not that I feel like I’m doing a bad job or anything, I guess I just want to make sure I’m being the best “all of the above” that I can be.
I realize this sounds like Noxema commercial or something, but I’m being serious. I keep being reminded of the fragility of life and the preciousness of our time together and here on this earth… and I don’t want to waste a minute of my life or my time investing in something that just, for all intents and purposes, doesn’t matter.
Even though the majority (certainly not all) of what I blog about is totally material and frivolous in nature, I don’t ever want you guys to think that those things are what I place my value and worth in. Because they aren’t. Sure, I like nice things and purses and makeup and clothes as much as the next girl. But, I don’t lose sleep over not getting the skirt I wanted from a sale, or the fact that someone else has more blog followers than me, or the fact that I sometimes wish I could just spend money without having to worry if I can afford it or not.
And as I was looking as the weekly inspiration for our #LetItShine link up this week and thinking about the “‘perfect” accessory… the more I realized that my perfect accessory isn’t a necklace or a bag or earrings or shoes. Not that I’m not a fan or those things or anything… The fact is, I’m blessed beyond measure. When I look at the person that I was a little over four years ago, I realize more and more how broken I was. How depressed I was. How incredibly selfish I was. How broke I was. How [insert terrible adjective here] I was.
As I’ve matured and come to grow in my walk with God and as I’ve come to terms with how jacked up I am, I’m realizing that my “perfect accessory” is actually things that aren’t really material at all. Things like my family. My dogs. Evening walks when it’s nice out. Burger sundays. Smiling. Seeing the best in people. Giving generously. Laughing uncontrollably. Watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show. Reading for fun. If an accessory “completes” a look, those are the things that make me feel “complete.”
I hope I’m making at least a little bit of sense.
What about you? What’s your “perfect” accessory?
Welcome to Let it Shine! Welcome to the new, revamped Funday Monday! After two years, we decided to rename our link up to something we felt was a better fit. Welcome to Let it Shine! Why the name? Because, we want this link up to be just that: your chance to let it shine! We will be sharing our favorites each week here, and on social media! The biggest change? Monthly Inspirations! Each month we will share some fun post ideas, one for each week. Do you HAVE to follow the inspirations to link up? Absolutely not! If you’d like to be considered for a feature, those will be picked from the inspirations.
Check out the August lineup:
Last week, we talked about beauty tips….and we got some GREAT ideas! We’ve both filled our to buy lists with fun new products!
/ Wedding Day Beauty Prep / My Favorite Highlighters / Sunless Tanner /
Another place we will be showcasing our favs? The Let It Shine Pinterest Board! We will also be posting ideas for the weekly themes… so be sure you’re following! 
Linking up to Let it Shine? Don’t forget to link back to our blogs or share our button, thanks y’all!
Now…..talk amongst yourselves……….
I’m swooning over your skirt!! I don’t know how I missed it before!! Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful colour combination dear 🙂
I love that your family is your perfect accessory! For me it would be my son… Even on my worst hair day, or after a night with no sleep when I have him in my arms smiling at me. I feel perfect! Nothing could improve on that moment.
I am so in love with that maxi skirt and beautiful pearl necklace! Great look Molly. And such a great way of thinking as well. Family, friends and love really do make the perfect accessory.
Lauren xo
Sophisticated In Style
It’s so easy to take all those things for granted, and forget how blessed for having them in our lives.
Natalia
http://leavingthecorneranddippingmytoes.blogspot.com/
I get what you’re saying, and I agree 100%. Thanks for the reminder. 😉
lovely thoughts on the most important things, my best accessories are the kids and their giant stroller that is tacky and orange- because they are with me!
Marie @ In Our Happy Place
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”
Who doesn’t love a good Annie reference?
Thanks for the reminder to stay focused on the things that count!
You always look so genuinely happy! How do you do it? I admire that….
xox, Crystelle CrystelleBoutique
Amen.
Love this.
Well said Molly! Thanks for the great reminder:). God Bless you! Karen S.
Thank you, as always, for being real, Molly! I can totally relate to feeling contemplative lately. For me, it’s a combo of my husband turning 29 last week (are we really almost 30?!), some friends going through some difficult stuff, starting to think about planning for growing our family of 2, and a study of the book of James that has me seriously inventorying my life and my own “accessories.” My perfect accessory is definitely my husband. He is an incredible man, and I am awed as I have had the privilege of watching him grow in his walk with the Lord over the last 5 years. He encourages me, inspires me, motivates me, and has made me grow like I never have before. Not to mention, he is great eye candy! 😉 Thanks for letting us in on a glimpse of your life – I love reading about women I can relate to!
This speaks to me, Molly! You are so awesome 🙂
You actually made my entire day! You are right on. It can be stressful with social media and looking at what others have but true happiness is within! Our families and friends are the true blessings, not all the accessories:) I was worried about taking a few days off from blogging this week to unplug and just be with my family. Stopping by your blog today reinforces that my husband and I need to unplug and simply enjoy our children!!! Life is too precious! You are adorable!
Audrey
http://www.audreysalutes.com
I love this blog post especially since I’m doing a 6 day spiritual and physical detox. It’s important for us to take inventory of the intangible things such as our health, love, family and quality moments. That’s the things that matter that we sometimes overlook and take for granted, thanks for sharing, this post really set a food tone for my day 🙂
Great post Molly! It’s actually been one of those weeks for us too. Sad news for several friends which just makes you stop, take stock, and feel grateful. I think it’s important to take a regular inventory to see how we are doing as followers of Christ. I know often think about making sure my blog reflects my beliefs. Happy Monday!
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
You’re making complete sense, Molly! It’s funny because I feel like you took the words right out of my mouth. I’ve been very “contemplative” lately as well and evaluating my priorities and how I can serve Him better thru different aspects of my life. Thanks for this post and love the vibrant colors on you! ~Cynthia
I’m often wondering the same thing and try to keep everything in perspective and appreciate each and every day. Such a great way to start the week! Thanks for hosting the link up!
Jill
dousedinpink.blogspot.com
Thank you for the lovely message today Molly. I often feel that blogging is so frivolous, but I have connected with so many amazing women through my blog. As long as I am glorifying God, I will continue. Blessings! Susan
As moms (and bloggers) we are always assessing ourselves, and wondering these same things. It sounds like you have great perspective. You are doing an amazing job! Thank you so much for hosting the link up and featuring us. We hope you have a great week!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Molly you’re such a sweetheart and always seem so cheerful (the gorgeous colours in your outfit testify to that!!) but it’s reassuring to know that the best of us sometimes struggle with everyday life (NOT that I’m wishing struggles on you of course). I’m so glad to hear you’re in a happy place now… I similarly look back at a year ago when I was at breaking point with my old job – leaving it to go full time with the blog was the best thing I ever did – but it was so scary at the time!
Aaaaaaaaanyway here’s to a positive start to the week: thank you for brightening my Monday morning with that killer colourful outfit!! And thanks as always for being a lovely host 🙂
Catherine x
http://www.notdressedaslamb.com