Thoughts from Sandestin

Rolando and I spent the weekend in Sandestin celebrating our anniversary. We always find time to celebrate in our own subdued way. For most of our marriage, we’ve gone camping or rented a cabin in the Smokey Mountains where we hiked, slept in late, and I went without makeup.

This year, we didn’t have as much time, so we booked a condo at Sandestin. We’ve never been here before. It’s beautiful with its pristine putting greens and multi-colored golf carts. The sidewalks are edged to perfection–not one errant blade of grass anywhere.

While we relaxed and had a good time, we knew a high-end resort is simply not us. We’re nature people. When we go casual, it’s jeans not resort wear.

I’m kind of in a writing funk because my latest book, Mud Holes and Magnolias: Lessons on Faith from Mama’s Stories, launched this past week–quietly, on Mama’s birthday, October 24th. More will come on this over the next few weeks…

This project took quite a bit of time and energy, so this week the writing feels like slogging through the muck.

But…I’m still mesmerized by the old photos I dug through (like the one at the top) during the book project and thought I’d ask y’all to ponder this question, “Where or when was I the happiest?”

For me, it was when I was in late elementary school, before those dreaded junior high days of contrast and comparison. Before I realized fully what I didn’t have and began the game we all play–keeping up with the Joneses.

The featured picture is me at the cusp of the crossover into the comparison game. It took quite a few years for me to be comfortable in my own skin. Okay being me.

Me preferring Winn-Dixie to Publix,  boots over heels, casual never formal, and the outdoors and competition over pretty much anything, except books.

I was labeled a tomboy and, from the old picture, I’m sure you’d agree. I’m not Lady Diana and, while I loved her, I never wanted to be on a pedestal, worshiped and envied.

I ended up being much like my Great Grandmother Ellzey (in the picture)–a woman of substance over style. Someone who could survive hardship and still smile. A woman who loved her family more than all the diamonds in the world.

How about you? Where is that place where you were the most you? When you answer that question, you may find you can work less and cut back because you’re chasing something that, when you catch it, won’t satisfy.

You may be aiming for Sandestin when a log cabin in south Alabama will do you just fine.

My encouragement for you this week is to be comfortable with who you really are and spend little time trying to become someone else.

P.S. More photos from Sandestin on my Instagram. You are following my Instagram, aren’t you?