It is so easy to find yourself stuck in the house, unmotivated, feeling dreary when the weather is cool. Seasonal depression is something not most of us fully understand but it is something that is very much present. For some reason we all might feel a sense of loneliness, anxiety, sadness, and even just being tired.
We don't realize it but the lack of sunlight can even be a cause for this. It disrupts your routine and your body and mind will just go into a sadness that you can't understand. It's awful for some people because you will be perfectly fine when it is warm outside, when you can see your friends for longer because it is still daylight, and all of the fun activities that come with warm weather. Once the weather changes it will completely throw you off.
Isaiah 41:10 says "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." This scripture is so important when you are struggling with the change of seasons. It feels absolutely helpless when you are in the midst of it but it is such a gentle reminder that He has you, He is with you, and it will pass. No matter how disconnected you feel from the outside world and no matter how much you want to lock yourself in your room, He is the thing that will give you the hope you are searching for.
During these times it is so important to remember that you are not alone, nothing has changed, and all it takes is pulling yourself out of bed in order for you to be doing the BEST that you can, and that is okay. Matthew 11:28 says "Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." It is so important to know that you can find refuge in Him. It is okay to feel tired, it is okay to do the bare minimum, and it is okay to have to lay yourself in His hands if it means it will give you the strength to get back up again.
When you find yourself wondering what it is that can get you out of this seasonal funk, do not be scared to turn to God. Do not be scared to turn to friends and family. Do not be scared to let yourself fall, but do everything in your power to pick yourself back up. And if you find yourself needing to, you can always come to Rubies & Lilies and talk to us here! We love you guys and we want you to put your mental health above all else. Thank you for reading and we hope that fall treats you well!
]]>Although we don't realize it in the moment, the clothes we put on have SO much to do with our self confidence and how we feel. I'm not just talking about the size you put on or if the color doesn't suit your skin tone. I mean that the clothes we wear have so much to do with our self expression and our overall identity. It is so important that your style suits you best.
There are a few ways you can make sure your closet is completely you. For one, go through it! Actually put in the work and throw out what you hate, what you haven't worn in years but is still just sitting there. Make sure that every item you have is something you're in love with. There is no reason for that shirt you bought three years ago which was cute at the time but you've never worn because you don't like the way it looks on you should still be hanging in your closet. So clean it out, organize it, and make sure everything you have is something you love.
Secondly, get on Pinterest girl! Finding inspiration can be hard and finding your own personal style is even harder. So search up styles, find outfits you want to try on. Make a vision board of what you feel like is YOU. This is so important to personal growth and knowing exactly what it is that you want. It's okay to take and pick styling ideas and make them your own. The beauty of it all is being able to create something completely unique through what you find.
Next, I would try shopping small! When you walk into Ross or a Marshall's or any big department store, you're going to see clothes you feel like you've seen a thousand times. Yes, it works sometimes, but it will not inspire you to branch out and grow your personal style. Shopping small and finding boutiques that carry such different styles is such a blessing when you can discover such awesome finds that suit you. You will be amazed at how special it can make you feel.
Lastly, put all of it in your closet and make sure you actually wear it. Don't let stuff pile up in your closet! Make sure the outfit you wear ALWAYS makes you feel beautiful! I don't care if you're going to Kroger or The Oscars, put something on that makes you feel confident. You can wear a ballgown to Kroger or a tracksuit to The Oscars, as long as you feel beautiful. Your body is the canvas and you can paint whatever you want on every morning! Make it count. Find your inner Carrie Bradshaw baby!
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