Strength

Strength

We don't always have to be strong. Sometimes, our strength is expressed in being vulnerable. Sometimes, we need to fall apart to regroup and stay on track.

We all have days when we cannot push any harder, cannot hold back self-doubt, cannot stop focusing on fear, cannot be strong.

There are days when we cannot focus on being responsible. Occasionally we don't want to get out of our pajamas. Sometimes, we cry in front of people. We expose our tiredness, irritability, or anger.

Those days are okay. They are just okay.

Part of taking care of ourselves means we give ourselves permission to "fall apart" when we need to. We do not have to be perpetual towers of strength. We are strong. We have proven that. Our strength will continue if we allow ourselves the courage to feel scared, weak, and vulnerable when we need to experience those feelings.

Today, help me to know that it is okay to allow myself to be human. Help me not to feel guilty or punish myself when I need to "fall apart."

Life Is Good.

Texas Wine Trail 2010

This weekend has been a fabulous break for me. As much as I act like I can handle everything with ease... at times I reach my breaking point & need to recharge. Sure, that happens to everyone, right? I just have a hard time admitting it. :)

So... what better way to take a break and recharge than to join Joe & his parents on the Texas Wine Tour? (Good thing we scheduled this awhile ago so I couldn't use all the work I have to do as an excuse!)

I am green as can be when it comes to wine. (Which is pretty ironic since my dad reps the #1 wine glass in the world and travels all over doing wine tastings. Anyway....) However, over the past 7 months I've learned some things. Part of that was during a free class at Twin Liquors, which we shared with ETG, Esther & Michelle, and this crazy guy named Fabian (good times!) Part of it is from the guide on the menu at Uncorked. And the rest comes from just trying it. So... this was a great chance to try all types of wine AND experience the Hill Country. Perfect!

Yesterday we hit about 9 vineyards, and it was very interesting to see the difference between the small town vineyards and the big ones off of 290 in Fredericksburg. I like the small ones better. My favorite wines were from Sister Creek Vineyards, Comfort Cellars, and my favorite - Pedernales Cellars. Actually, the Pedernales was our favorite all around, including the people, atmosphere and views. I highly recommend a visit! The most interesting wine we saw was a jalapeno wine at Comfort Cellars- so Texas, huh?

Driving around the Hill Country with the sun shining bright, full of wine and chocolate, with great company... Perfect recharge. And... I get to do it all over again next weekend!

(I even bought some wine... a first for me!)