The Simply Luxurious Life®  

September 20, 2010

Be Willing To Tumble


Ruin is the road
to transformation.”
–Elizabeth Gilbert - Eat, Pray, Love

The journey, the process, it takes for a butterfly to reach the physical appearance of a “butterfly” is nothing someone would expect, at least at first glance.  Who could have imagined the idea that a caterpillar in all of its uniqueness, endless legs and limited crawling abilities that such an exquisite gravity defying creature would one day emerge?  The mere fact that it encompasses itself in a casket-like cocoon is quite a paradox in and of itself.  From a literal appearance of death to a beautiful rebirth into this absolutely amazing creature is an awesome thing.

It has been said many times that in order to truly achieve, one must know struggle.  In order to know happiness, one must know sadness, otherwise the appreciation of said happiness isn’t possible without its foil. In order to know success, one must know failure because if you already begin with success, what is there to pursue?




It is in the moment of striving for something and not attaining it that many wonder Is this worth my energy? Am I doing the right thing? Am I pounding my head against a brick wall that will never reveal the beauty which I seek that is on the other side?  It is in that moment of questioning, that your weaker self speaks up asking you to stop, to settle, to remain where you are. Don’t listen to it.

Whether it be a relationship that just doesn’t feel right, a job that leaves you restless and frustrated or a way of thinking that is being projected onto you that doesn’t sit well with your gut, you must take the risk of moving on in order to find your true purpose.

However, prior to making this decision, it may take a dark moment to wake you up to the fact that you must get out, that you must take the risk.  After all, in such an instance, it really is better to be sorry, than to be safe. In other words, take the risk.


Allow the ruin that has happened to be your materials that you use to build steps to your beautiful transformation, as Elizabeth Gilbert demonstrates in her book Eat, Pray, Love.
While I know that there is much more to come in my life, both challenges and successes, I know in looking back that the struggles, the tears, the questions of why were something that thankfully I used to propel me to a better place. 



It is so easy to lie in the rubble and settle, to feel sorry for yourself and ask others to come down to meet us, but what good is that doing?  Take a moment, absolutely, but then stand up and open your eyes to the possibilities you may have never even considered had this moment of ruin not occurred.  Consider yourself fortunate that you have an opportunity to create something that previously you were ignorant to. 


“Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, you’ve taken some pretty tough circumstances and used them to grow. Now you’re developing into something lovely and fantastic beyond your wildest imaginings. During times like these, it’s good to remember how grateful you are – not only for the easy things in your life – but for the tough circumstances as well.  They’ve shaped you into something amazing.”

Have a most amazing Monday and a beautiful start to your week. Thank you so much for stopping by.


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August 20, 2010

I’m Craving . . .

. . . a bit of time to do some planning . . .

. . . Julia Robert’s latest film (Stella McCartney jacket, Diane von Furstenberg shorts & Robert Vivier heels) . . .

. . . lovely accessories (thank you to Nikki of Style and Charm – click photo for details on this Anthropologie necklace) . . .

. . . time to let my mind rest . . .

. . . and a lovely meal at home.

Ahhh . . . we’ve made it. It really is Friday. What are you wishing for? What do you hope to enjoy and take part in this weekend? Whatever you are doing, enjoy and thank you for stopping by.

 

Images: (1) House Beautiful (2) Daily Mail (4) Fashion Served (5) Brown Turtleneck Sweater

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August 13, 2010

Eat, Pray, Love

Eat

Pray

Love

Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts, begins showing in theaters all across the country today (DVD released November 23rd)  and whether or not you’ve read Elizabeth Gilbert’s New York Times Best Selling book, I have a feeling you will be able to garner a bit, if not more, inspiration from simply watching the movie.  However, I also have a feeling, you may be compelled to read the book, if you haven’t already done so.

I remember  when I first read Eat Pray Love (I’ll be honest – with the help of Oprah’s attention to the novel).  I finished in just a few days because while her experience may not be something I will ever encounter, she brings to light so many feelings and emotions that sometimes I too have wrestled with regarding how one’s life should be lived.

So bring on the food, bring on the love and bring on the self-reflection.  Who all will be enjoying the film this weekend?

 

Images: (1) Source (2) Candy Lights (3) Source (4) Source

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August 7, 2010

Julia Roberts – Elle US – September 2010


I don’t know about everyone else but I have been giddy with the choices for covergirls on all of the September issues so far (Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen, Drew Barrymore, Emily Blunt). 

Now, all that I wait for is the knowledge of the elusive Vogue cover. Will it be Halle Berry as so many suspect? Either way, Julia Roberts on the cover of Elle US is a treat.  Having read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, I at first didn’t feel I needed, or wanted, to see the film as I was worried it would ruin the book, but upon hearing that Roberts was the lead actress, I immediately changed my mind. Being released this coming Friday, August 13th, Eat Pray Love is sure to inspire and give you an opportunity to look into your own life to see if you are heading down the path that allows your true person to shine.

Julia evokes images of the three overriding themes from the book in Carter Smith’s photo shoot for Elle.  To read a bit more about the article that accompanies it, click here.




Three covers to choose from, which would you prefer?

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