August 11, 2015

STYLE STORY: SWAN SONG


This is my swan song.

No, I'm not retiring from Grace in Style, but I am retiring from allowing the world to take away my joy.

Recently, I noticed that the smile that's usually an ordinary expression on my face, was being pulled down at the corners. It was not a pleasant realization since this had never been a big issue in the past. I listened to my own advice from a couple weeks ago and stepped away from the comforts of life's busyness into an uncomfortable stillness. In that blank space, I was able to perform a heart check up, and boy, was it uncomfortable!

I really hated what I saw. My heart was reflecting more of the world than I had thought.

There were corners of darkness, swept away and hidden from the light; in those corners I saw the lies of consumerism, an unhealthy obsession for a certain body type, the desire to be liked by everyone, the eagerness to be like others, etc. I was allowing what I saw on social media and advertisements seep into my brain. It's so easy for the darkness to creep in when even the tiniest sliver of the barrier against this negativity is let down. 

It came to the point where my smiles were too often forced, laughter didn't come as easily, and I just didn't feel like I was living the grace-filled, joy-filled life I was intended to live.

Thankfully, there is the Light of grace and mercy that overwhelms me time and time again with the ability to overcome the darkness in any corner of the earth. It's in times like these that I am again reminded that "I can't brag about my love for God because I fail Him daily, but I can brag about His love for me because it never fails."

So this is my swan song.

I will choose joy each day. I may fail, but thankfully I have a good & faithful God to pick me up when I fall. And I'll just keep trying and choosing joy no matter what this world throws my way.








Photography: Jackie Accornero

27 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh that skirt is to die for and $20! So sad I gave up shopping after the Nordies sale for a few months, I might have gone a little crazy. And yes to choosing joy!

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    1. Haha! I feel ya! But shopping bans only make you stronger ;-)
      Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great week!

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  2. This post is so beautiful. It's so easy to let the world get you down, but picking yourself up and choosing joy is such a wonderful thing to do! And this skirt is a stunner. Love the tied up peach top with it.

    http://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

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    1. Thank you so much for the kind words as always!! :)

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  3. I love the print on this skirt! I've been seeing it everywhere and will probably need to get it asap. Gorgeous pictures


    Happy Medley

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  4. Beautiful outfit. I really like the skirt. I need it in my life. :D

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  5. gorgeous outfit! Love that skirt!!

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  6. BEAUTIFUL skirt. I love this so much

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  7. It takes a conscious effort not to be sucked into consumerism and the shallowness of certain aspects of life but it sounds as if you're now trying to find a balance which is great. The skirt is stunning - such an unusual print. It's fun without being twee and I love pieces that transition easily from one season to another.

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

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  8. What a cute skirt! I love quirky animal prints. Plus, it sounds like it was a bargain at $20!

    -Katie
    http://hellokatiegirl.blogspot.com/

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  9. I love the Boohoo top, and the Aldo heels!!! I don't particularly like the swan skirt...but, I am just more of a "solid colours" kinda girl! You look fabulous in it though!!!

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  10. That is a beautiful skirt. I really like the swan print.

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  11. Your skirt is simply stunning. I love the fun pattern and the way you've styled it with the pink tied top. You look amazing.

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    1. Joanna your words truly echoes my recent thoughts and reflections. It is so easy to get sucked into the ugliness of the world, like you I choose joy and knowing my own truth. Thanks so much for sharing this. I really loved reading it.
      xo Jenn
      www.cranberrytantrums.com

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  12. Wow this skirt is amazing! So bright, fun & classy!

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  13. I absolutely adore the Michael Kors heels!!! They are gorgeous! And the Tbags Ruffle Off Shoulder Top from Boohoo is super cute!!

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  14. Gorgeous! Absolutely, gorgeous!

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  15. This skirt is EVERYTHING! Love the photo of you laying in the grass.

    Sincerely, Jennie

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  16. That skirts is totally swoon worthy. Michael Kors heels?! AHH!! Love this blog so much!!! Couldn't help but follow you so I can stay updated on all your latest posts :) If you want, you should stop by and follow along as well! I would love that!

    I blog over at stylishmuse.com | Bloglovin'

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  17. What a lovely skirt! These are gorgeous photos- you look stunning!

    http://channelthechic.blogspot.fr/

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  18. I think this is one of my all time favorite of your outfits. I've always found your smile to look sincere and so infectious!

    Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  19. What a beautiful outfit, and especially that skirt!! CAn't take my eyes off of it!! Very, very, very on point =)

    http://www.mycubiclechic.com/

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  20. I love your skirt, you look stunning!
    x,Abril

    The Color Palette

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  21. SO pretty!! That skirt is beautiful!! Great pictures!!

    xx,
    EE

    www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

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  22. this is a beautiful outfit! love the skirt!!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

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  23. LOVE this skirt <3 I agree, don't let the world take your joy.

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  24. it's great you took time for yourself to re-center and remember to love yourself. the internet can make it easy to slip away. great skirt :)

    stop by and chat ♥ http://storybookapothecary.com/

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