Opening My Eyes To The Bigger Picture

I have had a busy week of walking and preparing for Valentina's upcoming birthday, she will be twelve... where did the time go? It seemed as if it was only a few years ago she was a baby. I know it is cliche, the older I get the quicker time seems to fly by, I remember when I was in my twenties and thinking how far away my forties were... Those years came and went in a flash, I have been contemplating how aging seems to be speeding up as I get older and how I now treasure each moment in my life more....

I desperately wanted certain things in my life and I thought without them I could not be happy... all the things I wanted never materialized and for a long time I was extremely sad because of it... then this last year I began to think more clearly and realized that what I wanted was never enough... I had actually dreamed and wished too small... I wasn't thinking long term, I was thinking of just here and now.
So, although many of my dreams for myself haven't come to pass... it doesn't mean that there are not greater and better things in my future...I am thinking long term now, not just today... that was always my issue... I couldn't get passed thinking how if I had this or that... then I would be happy. Finally today I can say even if I don't get my hearts desire, I can be happy with that. Sure I will be melancholy from time to time, I am human but I can see the bigger picture now.

I have even given up on finding someone, frankly the men I have been meeting are not quality men. If there is someone for me, he will find me... if not I will be content on my own. For I don't want mediocre, I want that crazy insane love... I know we all want that but many of us settle for the safe love and honestly that is not enough for me. I deserve as we all do... that guy who will see how amazing I am and want to give the best of himself to me... otherwise it is just a waste of both of our time.
When I think about myself in my twenties, I was so impatient and so sure I knew what was best for me... I now know I had no clue what was good for me... I would have been so bored with my life if I had supposedly attained what I thought I wanted, even five years ago, I can see now that I thought I knew what was best for me... it took time and distance to realize that I would have been bored, stuck and unhappy...

My life is not meant to be lived small, it was and is meant for bigger things... Actually we are all meant for bigger things, the real question is are we willing to take the challenge and see that our own little dreams for ourselves are never big enough... Today I want to take that challenge, no matter how difficult it might be... although the risk is great the reward is more than I can imagine. I can finally see the bigger picture, it was always there... I just had to open my eyes.
post signature
Follow along!
Facebook //  Twitter //  Google Plus //  Bloglovin //  Instagram //  Pinterest // 

91 comments :

  1. There are no manuals for aging with grace. I think the only thing we can do is to face each challenge life throws at us and use what we've learned in the past, and our moral compass to navigate the unchartered waters.
    You've grown since I first started following your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great post! I agree with you that it is important to look at the bigger picture. As we age we continue to grow and see things in a different light. Time seems to move faster, but our perspective becomes clearer. :) Glad that you are feeling happy with the way things are and that you know you don't want to settle for anything less than the best. Wishing all the best for you!
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful post, Launna! We really do need to look at the bigger picture! I find that as I get older, especially, I realize that the most important things in life are what money cannot buy. (friends, family, nature, love, kindness, etc.)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well written, through provoking post, Launna. I enjoyed reading, re-reading each line :)

    Thanks for sharing...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love this reflection. Time goes by sooo fast. I remember a time when I dated who my friends wanted me to date. It felt like being part of the bigger picture. You know, for when we all went out. How we all got a long. OH WHAT A MISTAKE. Of course, most of those relationships didn't last either.

    Thank you for another wonderful post. I hope you have a good week. And thank you for the insight you leave me on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's so interesting how our dreams change and grow as we get older. I truly can't believe how fast time flies these days. It's so important to want the best for ourselves and keep reaching for that goal. Have a wonderful week Launna!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Another great post Launna, so true... it's really important to look at the bigger picture!!!!
    I wish you all the best my Lovely friend!
    xo Paola
    Expressyourself
    My Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  8. :) a very inspiring and beautiful post.................dreams ah!!! want to fly to my own dreamland!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh Launna, you are so right: real man dosent hurt a woman..so, you havent met that REAL man yet. Dreaming is wonderful thing, and leads to live you dream life. Thank you for your friendship, you are just.... so awesome and real. xox Have a great week!!! <3

    ReplyDelete
  10. Very well said Launna! :) I agree with how time flies by, remembering my teenage life made me feel that I really do grow a little older. :) And my daughter is turning one on July already. whew! it's really fast! I believe that LOVE will find you at the right TIME and whenever your ready for that LOVE again. Just like me, I will never get tired of waiting for that one perfect moment of meeting the man whom I'm going to spend my eternity :)

    xx
    Rica | www.switbbydoll.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I don't think you can find love. Love finds you. I know some people who are desperately trying to find someone and are obsessed with finding love. But I believe this attitude is actually holding them back. They are too focused on trying to control something that you simply can't control. You gotta let it happen.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Launna, I get always very emotional when i read your blog! You're a great woman, hope you know that! Have a wonderful day sweetie!
    Kisses
    Maggie
    Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

    ReplyDelete
  13. i hear you--i have given up too! maybe you'll meet a man for you with a son for me! hehe. i've got my dog and a family that loves me. all i need right now.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Launna, happy birthday to your not-so-little one! :) times goes so fast! I agree. I'm still in my twenties but I can't stop thinking how it feels like I turned 21, blinked and five years passed so so so fast. I am also trying to dream and set up long term goals for myself. I truly hope you find the guy are looking for :) no settling down! good for you girl!
    XOXO

    Milu
    www.hellolupi.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. You are a great woman, Launna, and deserve a great man. He will find you :)))
    Times passes by so quickly, you're right, our kids teach us so...
    A big hug from Italy!

    xoxo
    www.bellezefelici.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a beautiful post, and since I'm in my 20s, a lot to take in and think about!! While I'm young, I definitely understand what you're saying about how the wants in our lives are constantly evolving. I was very different 5 years ago at 21, than now at 26.

    I'm happy to hear you have a positive outlook on love. You definitely should be deep in love rather than simply fond of. I hope the right man steps into you life, but in the meantime, keep loving yourself, and do what you love, and your happiness with flourish!


    Amber
    All the Cute
    Today’s Post: Cropped Top & High-Waisted Denim Shorts (Earrings giveaway post, too!)

    ReplyDelete
  17. hi! birthdays always put me in an odd mood, they are a reminder to me how time flies by :) On the other hand, we get wiser with age and know better who we are and what we want I believe. And as for love, I agree with you. why settle for save if we could have more ... love will come when least expected i truly believe ;)

    x Josune, Your Beauty Script ❤

    http://yourbeautyscript.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Launna. Kids grow up so quickly it's shocking really. Where does the time go? I think it's great that you are waiting for love to find you. It will happen I truly believe that. I hope you had a lovely Mother's Day.
    Beautetude

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love that quote from Rick Warren at the beginning of the blog post.. it's actually one of my favorites.. and SO TRUE!! Love the inspirational quotes you use! <3 - http://domesticgeekgirl.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. We all deserve big things in life as u rightly said bt generally we are also scared to take steps towards something big and settle for less nt everyone wud hv the courage bt one can certainly make a beginning somewhere.. Happy Birthday to Valentina & yes may u have a fab week ahead ♥♥

    ReplyDelete
  21. You are so special, Launna. You deserve the best and I'm certain you will be very happy. No one can stop you now. Have a lovely week!

    Jasmine ♥♥♥

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like your thoughts & inspiring words. I feel better after reading, you´re wonderful, Launna :-* Kind regards from germany :-*

    www.thepinkheartgirl.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
  23. Amiga devemos pensar alto a cada dia e tudo de bom acontece,
    deixa o passado pra traz e viva o momento com DEUS,
    tenha uma semana abençoada.
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog:http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow ,love the last Words from your Post <3
    You are wonderful Launna :)

    lovely Greets and kisses

    ReplyDelete
  25. Such a wonderful post as always sweety, so true and inspiring! And happy birthday to Valentina!!! <3

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh, happy birthday in advance to Valentina! I'm sure you'll have a day full of happiness and new lovely memories. I'm in my twenties and I'm incredibly impatient for greater things to happen in my life but I think it's super important to always have a dream to fight for no matter our age.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love the last quote. Amazing post . xx
    http://www.ninasstyleblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Very lovely, thank you for the post.
    XO JNESS
    http://jenessasheffield.com/

    ReplyDelete
  29. It's a pity the quicky times goes on! that's the proof we've to live everyday as if it's the last day we live. But we (I) easily forget it.
    kss a lot dear
    new post: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es/2015/05/ruta-por-los-pinares-de-hinojos.html

    ReplyDelete
  30. Lindo texto! Mega inspirador, principalmente pra mim com meus 24anos que estou mega impaciente, tentando traçar alguma coisa para meu futuro, me achar! Amei suas palavras! Obrigada de coração!
    Beijos da Paulinha!
    Ps: http://overdoselite.blogspot.com.br/2015/05/resenha-destrua-me-wrecked-1-j-l-mac.html

    ReplyDelete
  31. this is wonderful Launna. Its true no matter how difficult we need to force our self to see the bigger picture. We shouldn't settle for less instead we should aim for the best. thank you for the sweet thoughts http://anotsosecretlife2011.blogspot.com/ =)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Such a well thought post. I agree with you that we all deserve greatness. I feel like what you put out comes back to you. You are sending out positivity and grace and deserve all that In return!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Another empowering and thoughtful post mami...I love this and I can totally relate to it.


    Tibs Tells Tales

    ReplyDelete
  34. Passando pra ti deseja um dia glorioso.
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

    ReplyDelete
  35. What a wonderful post! You are so right!!! Thank you for making me feel stronger!!!
    Happy day and all my best
    Elisabeth

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love that you are able to see the bigger picture for life. It takes us so long to get to that point, and I'm sure there's a reason for it, but life would be so much simpler if we knew then what we know now... right? :) I'm here to wish you a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Happy Mother's Day to you. I admire how you take care of Valentina and how concerned you are.
    I too believe that God does every thing good for us we just have to be patient.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Missed you Launna. Thanks for your never ending daily inspiration!
    Loved the one with eyelashes about dreaming...
    Have a wonderful day!

    THE KAWAII PLANET

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello dear!
    I thought that Valentina were older. I don't want mediocre men either, they only give you problems. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi Launna, your week does sound busy what with walking and preparing for Valentina's upcoming birthday. As you say 'she will be twelve... where did the time go? It seemed as if it was only a few years ago she was a baby. I know it is cliche, the older I get the quicker time seems to fly by,'

    When you are young you don't think about time ... sure you can't wait for that birthday, holiday, Christmas to come but you don't think about time in the same way as 'we' do when we get that little older.

    The busier we are the quicker the time goes ... hope you have a good week... and many thanks for your visits to the low carb blog - always enjoy reading your thoughts and views.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  41. Good things come to those who wait -- and you are willing to wait and to work for them. It will happen. I know it sounds so cliche but when you least expect it -- everything will change. In the meantime you have a wonderful life and a wonderful daughter -- and a ton of friends cheering for you.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hello my dearest Launna!! Wowwww!! When is Valentina's birthday? I am a May baby as well!! :p Haha! And Launna, omg, i sooo agree with what you said!! "For I don't want mediocre, I want that crazy insane love... I know we all want that but many of us settle for the safe love and honestly that is not enough for me.".. This just got me!! I completely feel you, and neither do I want a mediocre love!! And Launna, you're definitely going to get the best man, mark my words, dear!! <3 <3
    Thank you so much for always cheering me up and making my day with your lovely comments!! <3

    http://anshul90.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I hope you find the man of your dreams!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wish you all the best :)
    and thank you so much for your support!! I deeply appreciate it ;)
    My Lyfe ; My Story
    @MyLyfeMyStory
    @MyLyfeMyStoryBlog

    ReplyDelete
  45. Live your life the way you want to. Love will come when it comes, when the time is right. Have a nice day Launna! <3 xo

    ReplyDelete
  46. Some things I want have not materialised. I'm grateful I have joy and no worries.
    Birthday wishes to your big baby girl :d How's the grandbaby doing?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Beautiful post Launna. Like always you write so inspiring, thank you for sharing that. Happy bday to your girl :) She the same zodiac like me :)
    xx
    cvetybaby.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. this is great! Happy Birthday to Valentina!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Have a lovely day, Launna,
    your posts and your comments are a great help a support for me :)))

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Passando pra ti deseja um dia maravilhoso
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/

    ReplyDelete
  51. This is the most beautiful piece I read today Launna! I'm going through a phase in life again where I enjoy what I do, but I'm struggling from the grip of financial situation haha (I'm literally pouring my life out here) and I'm again contemplating on getting a job back. Being a blogger isn't easy I realise, especially if you lean on it to support your life. I realise Brands play you under its vices, delayed payments and inspite of working hard they treat us as a replaceable product. Well, God must be working on me too haha! Have a lovely day!
    Xx,
    Nilu Yuleena
    BIG hair LOUD mouth

    ReplyDelete
  52. Your week sounds busy dear. Gratulations with your lovely daughter! Many happy and healthy years to come! Hope you had a great Mother's Day! You can always keep dreaming dear. Sometimes it is good to have them!

    xoxo
    www.its-dash.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I just spoke to a friend about this the other day. about aging. it's not easy, is it. but it does make you appreciate what you have more.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Great post dear,those quotes are so inspiring

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wise words, as always! Oh and you should do it for Valentina and then show me the photos!!! I had this idea for my birthday in March too but I couldn't do it so I'm doing it now for Spring :) Thanks for your visit! Kisses

    ReplyDelete
  56. great perspective! love the name Valentina, happy early birthday to her :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. Launna, I love the way how you are writing these inspiring words. You are a good person, and the love you give, comes back to you :-*

    www.thepinkheartgirl.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
  58. Amiga passando pra ti deseja um dia maravilhoso
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/

    ReplyDelete
  59. Dios cambia toda la tristeza en felicidad, saludos.

    ReplyDelete
  60. You always find the right words to describe your feelings, you're right don't be scared to dream big :-)

    See you Launna xx

    ReplyDelete
  61. Happy birthday to Valentina! <3
    I think we can only be true to ourselves once we start looking at the bigger picture and face arising conflicts with new confidence and understanding--something that only comes with age.
    Launna, please don't be discouraged. You are a beautiful soul, and I know you will find your match! x

    ReplyDelete
  62. Dear Launna. Please pass my hugs to Valentina for her special day:). I hope you and her were the awesome one. Time does really fly:). My oldest boy is graduating on May 21, and we will be driving our cars to Michigan for 14 hours. Im tired already just thinking have to drive that far but we will spending a night at hotell somewhere when it dark:). Thank you for checking on me. I'm just feeling better a couple of day before today:). I was about to die of a food poisoned. I'm glad I'm still around for my boys and my hubby. It was awful. I couldn't blog ever since then even I tried it made me throwing up soon I started type something so was a real sick - comparing to pollens allergy is nothing! I'm just starting to reply on people today:). Thank you so much for your lovely caring and kind heart Launna. I really much appreciated it a ton. Oxoxo

    Have a lovely Friday and wonderful weekend with Valentina.

    Tanya
    http://attraction2fashion.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Btw do you like Punk music? I was listening it. Happy Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  64. There are no manuals for aging with grace. I think the only thing we can do is to face each challenge life throws at us and use what we've learned in the past, and our moral compass to navigate the unchartered waters.

    www.thesmallnoble.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
  65. Love the positivity, hope is all that we can hold on to in our pursuit of life. Happiness and love always!

    ReplyDelete
  66. first a huge early happy birthday to your daughter. And Launna, you inspire girl. You inspire big time. You got words of wisdom that speak to me. Hugs special lady....Tons of hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I heard recently that there was some kind of study that found time passes more slowly when you're experiencing new things. When I heard that, I thought maybe that explains why time seems to go much more slowly when we're younger.

    ReplyDelete
  68. happy birthday to the kid ma'am......I am in my twenties and even I think as you used to think......great article.....

    http://www.crazyaboutcolors.com/

    ReplyDelete
  69. Have a lovely day dearest Launna <3
    Xx,
    Nilu Yuleena
    BIG hair LOUD mouth

    ReplyDelete
  70. Happy birthday to your little one.. time flies doesn't it!? It seems to be a blur for me nowadays... - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Hope your daughter has a great birthday and I've always heard parents say how much the time flies and I guess I'll find out soon. Great message too about not looking back and feeling bad that you may have rushed some things in your 20's or have some regrets because like you said it's better to see the bigger picture and to not settle for the wrong guy. You definitely deserve the best and he will find you or you'll somehow find each other just at the perfect moment. :)

    xoDale

    ReplyDelete
  72. Interesting post Launna..so beautifully written!
    Happy weekend!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  73. Lovely post! :)

    dianadblogging.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. First of all I would like to wish your Valentina happy birthday in advance! Then I'd like to say how truly lucky I feel that I discovered your blog! It's so great to read wise words from someone who's been through more than you did, truly eye opening and you can learn so much if you read between the lines with your eyes open. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!


    Fashionably,
    Patricia
    http://www.wingsforliberty.com/

    ReplyDelete
  75. wish you a wonderful sunday sweety!!! <3

    ReplyDelete
  76. I edited the post and I added your quote, happy Sunday!
    http://enarasthings.blogspot.com.es/2015/05/duracell-ultra-power-proyecto-proxima-ti.html

    ReplyDelete
  77. I'm late on reading this but i won't say belated - just Happy Birthday to Valentina. Life never hurried along so much until I had my son. Wow.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Your writing is so inspirational, Launna. Thank you. You said some things here that I needed to be reminded of. Happy belated birthday to your daughter too! :)

    ReplyDelete

I love and appreciate all genuine comments, to save a little time, I won't be commenting on the comments on my blog (unless you don't have a blog), I will just visit your blog and comment there, if you have left a meaningful comment for me... I would much rather spend the time reading and commenting on a few extra blogs ❤