Backwards Then Forwards


So, it's been two weeks since I was given the opportunity to work from home and I have to say I am loving it. When I get a call near the end of my shift, I relax... I am not tense thinking about how I need to get to the bus stop. It has changed my mood greatly, I don't even think I knew how much it would alter my mood until I was finally working from home. I have been getting up each morning, making breakfast for Valentina and talking with her before she leaves for school... then when she arrives home after school we talk about her day. It has been so good not to feel pushed for time or to feel exhausted after a long day. 

This year is fast coming to a close, if I am being honest, I have to admit it has been a very difficult year... from being injured and unable to exercise the way I like or need...  to gaining the weight back that I worked so hard to take off and keep off... to dealing with depression and having to work through it . Thankfully I no longer have the commute which makes that part of my life easier, I am looking into new ideas to get my health back on track, now that I have the time. I'm also grateful to have made a new friend this year who is great to talk with and hang out together.
This weekend I am going to decorate my tree, my friend was kind enough to set it up and put the lights on... the difficult parts. She really shaped it nicely, I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out once I have completed it... I still have shopping to do, thankfully it's only for Valentina now, she keeps changing her list, she better get it finished so that I can get out and buy some of them. I have taped all my favorite Christmas shows, I am enjoying getting into the spirit of the season, all I will be needing is to get my holiday music started. 

I have been reading many blogs and it seems that there is a theme going around, one that I too have been thinking a great deal about... this year has flown, most of it I have not had the best attitude, I'm a little disappointed in myself as I believe it isn't about the challenges we are given so much as how we deal with them. Since I didn't have the greatest mindset, I feel that I missed out on the good things that were in front of me by wishing the year away being frustrated with the pain and endless waiting to work from home. 
Here's the lesson I learned, I need to remember that even when I am going through hard times, they aren't forever... even though it sometimes feels like it will never pass.  I have to slow down, listen and start looking for the blessings... they are there, it's a matter of where I put my focus. It's true that if you look for the negative you will find it, so I am regrouping and looking for the good. The trials come no matter what... so I don't need to look for them. It baffles me that I have to continually learn this lesson over and over... 

I am reminded that although I feel like I go backwards at times, I usually end up moving ahead  further once I have learned what I need to learn... I have not been present in my life this year, I have started being more present and I am going to take that into 2017. I am hoping by living in the moment that when those tests come along and they will, I want to remember that they won't last, so I won't waste energy being frustrated with them. I may take steps backwards but I will always step forward again...
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79 comments :

  1. Launna, it sounds to me like you are learning and you have a good attitude. Keep on keeping on! Sending you warm hugs and much love.

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  2. I'm happy you're enjoying your first week working from home. 2017 will be full of good things, I'm sure.

    Jasmine ♥♥♥

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  3. Everything changes. Nothing lasts. And that can be a good thing and a bad thing. Either case it means that bad times DON'T last forever. You have to remember that.

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  4. That move to home really seems to have worked out great, and I'm really thrilled for you! We hope you post some pics of your tree, and know you'll have tons of fun getting it done. I think you're on target about moving backward when things don't work out, even though it can feel really stressful and frustrating. As we go through our healing process with depression, I think we look at things differently and know it's only a test that we'll pass, so we can move on to the next phase in our lives so we can experience all the goodness we're supposed to have. I'm so happy that in 2016 I found you and your blog which has been truly inspirational. Hugs...

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  5. Jessica P Commented:

    It really has been a hard year......but I'm glad that this year has brought some long-needed change for both of us. Let's hope it continues through 2017, it should, we have had enough of all the junk. We are both overdue for some happy life changes. xoxo

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  6. I have always loved working from home and I can't wait for the new year as that is exactly what I want and hope to be doing.

    I am so happy that you no longer feel that heavy stress or burden of feeling rushed and able to enjoy all the steps along the way.

    Yes !! The year has flown by and I think it was a learning one for all. May next year kick ass! :) So glad to have you back in the blogging world!

    xx

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  7. Your posts are sounding more positive, Launna and while the year has been tough on you on certain time, I think you'll be ending the year with on the high. Good on you, my friend.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  8. Great Words Launna, i also love the Quotes! It is really true!
    You are on a good Way <3 Lots of Hugs!

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  9. Sounds like everything is headed for a new normal, you can enjoy. Wishing you lots of warmth from friends and family this holiday season. Oh, its a bear out there to go shopping in the cold..at least out my way. Stay warm! Stay healthy!

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  10. I'm so happy to hear that working from home is suiting you down to the ground x

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  11. I would consider yoga if you can find one that's a real yoga class and not one that focuses only on the exercise part. A good class not only gives you a workout but it helps you to work on your mind/body connection and then ends with relaxation. A good class can be a powerful experience.
    R

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  12. So glad to hear working from home has been pleasant and more stress free.
    Simera |Beautetude

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  13. Hi Launna...I am happy to know that a decision u made has really worked for you.. i understand commuting stress at ur age... i see ur preparing well for the holidays and enjoying every bit of it..
    2016 was not a good year fr me and my family.. so many things changed dunno fr good or bad but that is how life is.. i m yet to go shopping fr clothes with my mom.. m not crazy abt clothes or material things i just want something new to wear for Christmas.. I hope u have a lovely weekend and week ahead xoxo

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  14. I am so thrilled that working from home is having so many positive ripples. It sounds like you are much less stressed in many areas of your life. That is wonderful!

    I also enjoyed the quotes about taking steps back and how they help us move forward. So true and important to remember. :) It sounds like the backward moved you have taken are already starting to move you forward in a better way. Yeah! Wishing you a delightful week.
    ~Jess

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  15. Oh Launna, I'm so happy for you and I'm glad to hear working from your home.
    Beautiful and iinspiring quotes.
    Kisses
    Maggie
    Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

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  16. I'm so happy for you that you are able to work from home now. I agree that we sometimes have to move backwards before we can go forwards. I often go sideways and upside down too--haha! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your daughter.

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  17. I am so glad working from home is going well for you, Launna. I can imagine the relief you are feeling and actually being happy to do your work. I'm pleased for you. It sounds like you're in a good place right now too. I sometimes feel like going backwards too, but remembering how much that destroys you and how far you have come is a good reminder not to do it. The year has gone so fast, I think this is the fastest that I've ever seen a year go by actually, which is scary, but we are learning so much with every one xx.

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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  18. I am delighted to learn that your life has been made easier as you can now work from home. Hooray!!

    The ending of your post was worded awesomely, moving back a bit to move forward more is sometimes necessary and you are definitely on the road to success.

    Did you get your tree up this weekend? I hope your weekend was wonderful!!!


    Amber
    All the Cute

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  19. dear this is how life looks like - goes on and on, never stops

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  20. I always love reading you!

    Federica Di Nardo
    http://federicadinardo.com

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  21. So glad for your great decision!
    I love these quotes and your posts are always so inspiring!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

    My Instagram

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  22. Hi Launna! It's always great to read your thoughtful and insightful blog posts, and I find they often shed light on things which I'm also going through. I'm so glad to hear that working from home has relieved you of a big burden. It's great that you're feeling optimistic about the festive season, and have a sincere friend in your life, as well as having gained extra time as a result of working from home and not facing the dreaded commute.

    I found myself thinking similar thoughts today, and had a sense of disappointment that I didn't achieve more of my big aims this year. I think we're bound to always feel that way, to some degree. However, we always make progress, even if it's not immediately obvious, and we need to stay mindful of that, as life is an ongoing learning process.

    Lots of love Saba xx

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  23. 2016 was a rough year for a lot of people - including me. I have a positive attitude though, that 2017 will be much better. Hope it is for you, too!

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  24. I'm so happy for you Launna! You really sound much more serene and relaxed, and ready to front the life with a good attitude!
    2016 was a though year for you, but seems your 2017 is gonna starting with the best prospective, isn't it?
    Mine was so and so, half bad half good, but I couldn't say it flewed away so fast...
    Anyway I think it's pretty normal to feel not completely satisfied at the end of the year(unless you've got some amazing event in your life or a great lucky strike), so usually I don't think at it at all: what it's done it's done, I've done my best (well, at least for the major part of times)and if I don't maybe it was because I had something better o more important to do, anyway I've learned and improved myself and it's enough for me! :)
    Have a lovely week, hun!
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it/

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  25. Que maximo postagem, obrigado pela visita, tenha uma semana abençoada.
    Blog:https://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmO8csZDARM

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  26. Hard times aren't forever, you're right, Launna, even though it seems they last too long in our life. I'm tired, I go on blogging slowly, but I hope I will keep up with it...
    I'm happy you are better and wish you a lovely evening :)))

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  27. Launna! A Clinique tem produtos maravilhosos, né?! Eu adoro demais! ;)

    Este ano não foi fácil, mas está terminando muito bem, não é? Você está trabalhando em casa, está tendo mais tempo pra você e pra Valentina, fez um novo amigo... 2016 vai acabar com um saldo positivo! E otimismo para 2017, ein?! Vamos acreditar que vai ser um ano incrível!

    Ótima terça!

    Beijo! ^^

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  28. Yes Launna, you are so right...these things comes and thank God, goes. This year has been weird, dosent it? But next year is all about healing, growing, and you are stronger again. I´m so happy, that you have this chance to be home! With Valentine and without stress about bus or so. Dont worry about workouts,you will have time to do that. Heal yourself first well and then join with me :) First things first: your health. Hugs! xoxox

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  29. I missed visiting your blog, dear Launna. Life has been really busy, as I'm sure you understand, but I hope to be back to blogging and visiting now :) Looks like this year has been difficult for a lot of people, including me and you and I guess that's ok. Some years are better and others are worse than others :) Let's hope 2017 will treat us better!

    Bella Pummarola

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  30. Hi Launna, I belive this year has been a mixpot of happiness and sadness for me too. I'm sad that many things didn't turn up well for you but I'm so optimistic for your future days as I see good things already happening in your life <3 And I hope the trend continues <3

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  31. your posts are full of wisdom reflexions
    hace a nice week dear
    kss
    =)
    New post in my Lifestyle Blog

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  32. Awesome that you are less stressed now that you work from home. And yes, you get time to do stuff which otherwise would have been left undone.

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  33. Decorating your tree this weekend with friends will be just the thing you need to help shed off the stress, worry, pain and fear of 2016 and lay the joyous foundation for 2017!! I KNOW you will have an amazing and blessed New Year my sweet friend! <3 - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  34. So happy to hear that you're enjoying working from home! My big goal for 2017 is to be present, so I love that you talked about this too. I so agree - there's no point in looking for trouble, just deal with it when it gets here!

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  35. I look forward to seeing photos of your decorated tree. Sounds like the perfect stress reliever for you.

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  36. BEAUTIFUL WRITING !
    this is great that working from home is giving you opportunity to stay calm and relax .have a refreshing morning walk and spent quality time with you family .Above all you can be in you comfort zone to meditate.
    Life is really short and unpredictable and every enlightened heart know it's truth and never waste time in regrets or worries instead of it he tries his best and rest leaves upon destiny .

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  37. I agree this year has flown! Good luck with your shopping list for your daughter. My son keeps changing his list too, little does he know, I'm done, lol. :) I'm glad you're loving working from home. Have a wonderful Christmas, if I don't talk to you before!!

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  38. Dear Launna, I wish you a sweet evening. You're right, I'm tired, but I resist... thanks to your strong character and lovely posts that always help me :)

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  39. Launna! Aquele demaquilante bifásico é muito bom. Eu gosto de vários produtos daquela marca! ;D

    Ótima quinta!

    Beijo! ^^

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  40. Storms don't last forever thank God. Sounds like you have a cozy lil set up and I'm so thrilled for you. I'm sure Valentina loves it too. Enjoy every minute of it Launna, :).

    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/

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  41. I still have to up my tree up. I'm happy you are working from home now and spending time with your daugther. There is good in every disappointment, we just have to look on the bright side. Merry Christmas in advance dear Launna.
    www.effortlesslady.co

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  42. I'm so happy for you Launna. Alhtough you had a tough year, it seems like 2016 had a sweet farewell reserved for you at the end. It's so nice that you're being able to spend more time with Valentina and having some extra time for you too. I'm really truly glad that working from home has made such a positive impact in your life.
    As for Christmas, I saw your tree on Instagram :) I found it gorgeous and beautifully decorated. Getting in the spirit and facing this time of the year with a positive energy is the part of the Holidays. Not the presents or the outfits and all that. That is fun but it's not what truly matters.
    Have a lovely weekend, dear!

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  43. How awesome that you get to work from home! I would love to work in my pajamas LOL!

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  44. Yay so happy to be reading your writing again, Launna!
    I hope you have a wonderful Christmas time! ♥♥♥

    xoxo Suzy ( ˘ ³˘)♥
    THE KAWAII PLANET

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  45. I am so, so pleased that you are now working from home.
    Your day sounds good, and so much more relaxing ...

    I'm sure by now your Christmas tree and decorations are up and look great.

    This year has certainly flown by, bringing ups - downs - sideways and a lot of emotions in-between, but here you are in the last weeks of December.

    You will have a good Christmas with your daughter, I hope she finally decided what present she may like!

    In case I do not get the opportunity between now and Christmas I take this early opportunity to send my good wishes for this Christmas Season and all good things for 2017.

    All the best Jan

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  46. Atta girl! Ever onward. :)

    I'm glad working from home is working out so well for you. I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Christmas.

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  47. Well written post, Launna.

    Yes, working from home free you in many ways. It really helps

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  48. Have a great Christmas week my dear
    Kisses

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  49. Launna! Aqui no Brasil o clima é bem quente. Até o inverno não é tão rigoroso (não tem nem neve)! Bom, mas aquele protetor solar é maravilhoso. Estou adorando! ;D

    Ótima terça!

    Beijo! ^^

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  50. blessings.....& Season Greetings
    Some of the greatest dances requires going backwards and forwards, much of life is like that. There are times in life when one has to take a step back and reevaluate before moving forward. The key is not to get stuck in the backward movement and punish yourself for it, rather find the value, own it and step forward again.

    Working from has its benefits, one is as you mentioned the commute, another is the nasty petty workplace politics that wares down your spirit.

    What kind of work do you do?

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  51. Backwards, forwards, backwards, Launna. It's a heavy difficult period, my stomach aches. I need a rest. I hope I will nexy week a little. I wish you a wonderful, lovely, sweet Chrstimas, you deserve it :)

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  52. I start to work in 10 min, I will print your post and read it later.
    Enjoy the holidays and happy new year dear! xoxo

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  53. I'm really glad to read that you are enjoying si much the change of working from home, firstly it was going to give you more time on the day but it has been much more than that, your mood has changed and you sound very positive and happier this way, that's great!
    Have a great week sweetie and best wishes for Christmas to you and Valentina
    xxx
    www.travelera.es

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  54. Powerful words launna. Backwards and then forward, down wards nd then upwards. Always uplifted each time I read your posts launna. I do miss you. Wishing you a merry Christmas.

    Sophnspirations.blogspot.com

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  55. Salivating, while waiting for pics of your decorating! (lol) Hugs...

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  56. Amiga sucesso em tudo na sua vida, desejo a você FELIZ NATAL, obrigado pela visita.
    Blog:https://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmO8csZDARM

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  57. Great words, Launna. I am so happy to know that your home office is in place now and functional too. It is so important to "be present." I have kind of started throwing out all my past guilt and regrets. I just want to look ahead and keep going and growing.
    I wish you have the best year 2017. Merry Christmas and A Very Happy New Year Dear
    xoxo

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  58. Launna! Aqui as pessoas não têm grandes alergias. Por isso quase nunca tenho problemas ao usar perfumes! Bom, aquele que mostrei é bem gostoso! ;)

    Não sei se vou conseguir passar por aqui no final de semana, por isso já quero te desejar um Feliz Natal!

    Ótima quinta!

    Beijo! ^^

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  59. Merry christmas dear.
    I think you working fromhome will definetly help to reduce stress and atleast gain you some time
    Kisses

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  60. Stopped by to sprinkle some love and wish you happy holidays beautiful Launna!


    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/

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  61. I wish you a merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!!!
    Kisses, Paola.
    Expressyourself
    My Facebook
    My Instagram

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  62. want to wish you Launna, a safe and fun holiday to you and your daughter. So glad to hear too that things are working out for you with working from home. That was a definite gift!!

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  63. Just stepped to wish you a very merry Christmas to you and your beloved, Launna!
    Have fun and lot of love!:D
    xxx
    S
    s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

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  64. Dear Launna. How are you? Want to wish you wonderful holidays and the best for 2017!

    Love,
    Dascha

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  65. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Launna! I know that 2017 is going to be amazing for you. :)
    ~Jess

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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 ❤