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Defined

DenaMarch 10, 2014

livelovesimple.com

“It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.”
–Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility

In other words, talk is cheap. When I look back on my life, and define this time in it, I know what I want to say. Yet at this moment, I cannot. There are a few changes to be made. I am getting closer every day. Where I am headed…

  • More self-love and less self-criticism.
  • More doing and less thinking.
  • More making and less wishing.
  • More camping and less shopping.
  • More fishing & gardening and less grocery stores.
  • More living and less internet.
  • More exercise and less Netflix.
  • More bravery and less fear.
  • More risk and less insecurity.
  • More dresses and less jeans.
  • More swimming and less sitting.
  • More hiking and less Pinterest.
  • More supporting and less jealousy.
  • More kindness and less judgment.
  • More honesty and less confusion.
  • More writing and less talking.
  • More listening and less assuming.
  • More hugs and less Facebook.
  • More bonfires and less news & media.
  • More local and less global.
  • More love and less resentment.

Last night, I was trying to complete this post by defining myself in this moment. I kept grasping for words and falling short. I walked away for a little while to clear my mind. I picked up the book I am currently reading and this was the first thing I read — How can we write the truth about ourselves? There is the vision our friends have of us; the vision we have of ourselves; and the vision our lover has of us. Also the vision our enemies have of us. And all of these visions are different.

The Universe was speaking right to me as she often does (when I am ready to listen). She was there to remind me that I cannot be defined. I am as fluid as running water, which nourishes all things without trying to.

All of this takes me back to the start of this post. It isn’t what we say or think, but what we do. It’s time to stop trying to define, and just be; time to let go and let God. xo


“Defined” is the March writing prompt of The Mommy Blogger Collective. In addition to a monthly writing prompt, the collective hosts a monthly blogger featurette. This month we are featuring Gillian of Comes in Colours. A few words from Gillian — Hey, I’m Gillian and I blog at Comes in Colours! I am passionate about motherhood and passionate about photography. I am married to my middle school sweetheart and we are now raising our two boys, Roman and Asher, in northern Colorado. My life is real and far from perfect but my blog is a place where I celebrate motherhood through pictures and words. Connect with Gillian on Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin and pop by her blog to say hello.

/// The Mommy Blogger Collective /// Christina, Courteney, Dena, Erica, Erin, Gillian, Katie, Misty, Nicole, and Renée. ///

Comments (12)

  • Christina

    March 10, 2014 at 9:55 am

    It’s so true. Defining ourselves is ever-evolving. Beautiful post 😉

    1. Dena

      March 11, 2014 at 11:17 am

      Thank you. <3

  • Renee

    March 10, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    So good. And the quote from the book you are reading?! Don’t you love when that happens? When you come across the most perfect sentence at the most perfect time? Love it…its almost freeing, when you think about it. To know that, with so many different “visions” of you, you just can’t control them all. So all that matters is how you see yourself and how you continue to do the best you can to make yourself proud. xoxo

    1. Dena

      March 11, 2014 at 11:18 am

      Exactly. Thanks, love. <3

  • brittany

    March 10, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    I have printed out your more/less list to hang on my wall to help get me to where I want to be (along with a few personal additions) . Thank you for all of your inspiring words – beautiful post!

    1. Dena

      March 11, 2014 at 11:18 am

      Thank you for your kind words, Brittany. I’m so happy that it spoke to you. xo

  • Nicole

    March 10, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    Bravo! I wanted to stand up and applaud! I hear you mama and totally agree on it all! xoxo

  • Gillian

    March 10, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    oh i love, love that last sentence. you worded it SO absolutely perfectly and it feels a lot like what i wanted to portray in my post as well. your list is so great as well, i love the sentiments there. wonderful post, dena. also, thank you for your sweet words on my blog today – you are such an encouragement to me! <3

    1. Dena

      March 11, 2014 at 11:18 am

      thanks, love. xo

  • Suzy

    March 11, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    I love when the universe sends messages like that to you. It can really change things in an instant.

  • cynthia

    March 13, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    What a tough “assignment”! In my mind I am defined mostly as “Mama” right now (which I love) but I know there is so much more…

  • Misty

    March 15, 2014 at 2:49 am

    Oh that’s quite a list there. Most of it applies to me and my goals, too. Mostly I feel that lists like these give me such direction and purpose. Other times, I feel like they give me a headache. Too much pressure and creating more expectations for myself…more chances to fail at things. Whoa, talk about pessimistic. But notice I said that “MOSTLY” I feel good about these lists? So we’ll just go with that 😉 Great post!

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