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In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.
Ladies, welcome to February—the perfect month to roll out the Love Your Life issue! We’re delighted to feature articles showcasing ladies
embracing life. It is our hope that this issue will offer a new perspective to help you love your life through any season. No matter the length of the to-do list, the seemingly never-ending responsibilities, and the crazy schedules we all face—it is possible to love your life now! It is possible to thrive, even when life feels like an impossible, chaotic project.
I believe I can personally reduce self-imposed feelings of inadequacy and we all can entirely eliminate every hint of self-loathing. By following a few simple guidelines when things seem uncertain and messy, we can find much freedom. Let’s practice self-compassion this year, friends. And while we are at it, let’s altogether reject any temptation to compare ourselves to others. Let’s not compare our husbands, our homes, our children, our jobs, or any part of our lives! Comparison is a joy-thief and a liar causing us to overspend, overdo, and perform. When life seems crazy stressful, I like to remember to surrender, accept, and expect.
If I surrender, chaotic seasons can still bring growth. If I surrender control, I remain peaceful. I can remain tranquil with dirty laundry in the baskets and while serving a less-than-five-star dinner because I accept the to-do list as a mere guide. I have to reject its beckoning call sometimes. I accept it is not humanly possible for me to do everything. I accept my limitations. Finally, goals get reached, mountains get moved, and great things still happen because we expect good things. I am less troubled when things “go wrong” because I am able to choose hope and expect a good ending.
So, while I work hard to remember these lessons, I am ready to love my life now! I encourage all my readers to join me. Let’s make lists all year long about what we love about our lives. I’ll start:
I love my faith. I love that it has pulled me through some dark days. I am blessed beyond what I can even articulate. I love my strong-willed brood, and I love how they challenge me, make me smile, and motivate me. I love my beautiful children! I love my husband and know that he loves me. I love our commitment. I adore the freedom this commitment allows us in challenging one another toward self-growth. I love living in an arctic blast zone where people get out there and make life happen in frigid -23 degree temperatures. I love that our home is finished and we are all loving our cozy spot. I love my age. I wish I could bottle this age. I know what and who I am, and that is enough. I love to run, and I love that most days I can still make a good run happen.
February is the month of love; it’s time to love our lives. February is also a midway point. I am loving the light at the end of the tunnel! The journey continues: faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance.
– Jen Theisen
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
