Can You Write Your Way Out of an Emotional Funk?

A month ago I came across an article on Facebook called You Can Write Your Way Out of an Emotional Funk. Here's How. by Dr. Susan David (an excerpt from her book, Emotional Agility). I thought it was an interesting article. How many times have you found yourself in a "funk" and not feeling like yourself? It happens to the best of us! The article got me thinking, people used to write in diaries or journal. Now a lot of society is too busy worrying about how they look on social media than about their emotional well being. The writing we do on a daily basis probably consists of emails, texts, social media status/photo captions, a few research projects, proposals, etc. None of that focuses on yourself or emotions.

The article explains the results of studies conducted by James Pennebaker, a professor at the University of Texas.

"In each study, Pennebaker found that the people who wrote about emotionally charged episodes experienced marked improvement in their physical and mental well-being. They were happier, less depressed and less anxious. In the months after the writing sessions, they had lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and fewer visits to the doctor. They also reported better relationships, improved memory, and more success at work."

In a way, this blog has served as a outlet for me to share. Though I don't write much about personal things or struggles I face, the writing process allows me to be creative. After my dad died in 2011 I found it was extremely difficult to share my thoughts and emotions. I was used to putting on a brave face and bottling up all emotions. There wasn't anyone at that time in my life to fully comprehend my feelings so I would often compose emails to myself, essentially journaling how I felt, what I was thinking, the emotions I faced after losing him. It made it a little easier to face.

Now, when I face things like sadness or stress I write about it. It helps me, why not give it a try?

Until next post...xoxo Becca

p.s. If you experience a lot of stress, watch Kelly McGonigal's TED Talk How to make stress your friend.

Growing Up

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Maybe Peter Pan had the right idea; to never grow up and live in Neverland forever sounds like a dream! As I headed off to work last week I told the hubs, I wish someone would have stressed why I shouldn't grow up too fast. Maybe if they'd said "Don't grow up, it's a trap!" I would have listened a little harder. I was always in a rush to be an adult. Even in college I rushed to graduate early so I could get that big girl paycheck. Let me tell you, adulting isn't what you think.

Looking back, what did you want to be when you grew up? Are you what you wanted to be? Here are a few of mine.

Astronomer: Obsessed with the stars! I remember knowing all the major constellations and being able to point them out in the sky. I loved learning about the planets, the solar system, the sun...I loved it all. One Christmas I got a telescope "from Santa" and remember being so excited and wanting it to get dark so my parents and I could use it. I also remember year after year in school I hoped the teachers would cover the galaxy, but they never did.

Paleontologist: I had a dinosaur place mat growing up (what a funny thing to remember) and I could name all the dinosaurs and tell you loads of facts about each one. The thought of discovering something so old buried in the ground was exciting. You can really see my nerd side coming out. :P Even now when we visit museums the fossils fascinate me. Like astronomy, I hoped my teachers would do a series on paleontology or archaeology. Archaeology was another area of interest for me.

Pictures taken on a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science in 2014

Writer: Around 4th or 5th grade I took an interest in reading and writing. Still to this day I can devour a novel in one sitting. Obviously at 9-12 years old I wasn't reading novels, but during the summer I would blaze through a book and move onto the next. Reading is so relaxing and allows you to enter a world not your own and use that thing called an imagination! After reading so much I began writing short stories, mostly fiction and adventure. I could have been JK Rowling! Dang it! I still love reading and research. Nerd alert again haha

Dietitian: To be honest, I have no idea where this interest stems from. I like food, I like being healthy...maybe the combination of how food fuels the body is what drew me to this profession. Around my senior year of high school and into college this is what I found interesting, but I did not pursue it as a degree and maybe I regret that now, I'm not sure. Nutrition and making better choices when it comes to food is still important to me. Not saying I don't eat pizza, all desserts, and anything covered in cheese, but making better choices more frequently than not is what I am getting at here.

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I hope you learned something about me today. Did any of those career paths surprise you? Tell me what you wanted to be when you grew up. Until next post...xoxo Becca

Friday Favorites: My Hubby

Every week (or most weeks anyway) I talk about my favorite things or my favorite finds. I've never talked about my favorite person though...that's my hubby! Know here as "the hubs" :) It is hard to believe we met about this time of year 11 years ago as freshmen in college. I really lucked out with him, he helps me with everything, believes in me, and stands by my side through think and thin. I don't think he gets the credit he is due so I just wanted to remind him of how awesome he is and that he's my favorite human. Lexi is my favorite 4-legged love ;)

Now for a walk down memory lane. I don't have access to all our photos so there are years that are skipped.

2007

2007

2008

2008

2009

2009

2010

2014

2015

2016

I love you babe! 

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Introvert Life

Where to begin? Regardless of your personality type (introvert or extrovert) you probably know where you fall on the spectrum. I have always been more reserved, an observer, a listener, and shy. To extroverts I'm "stuck up" and that's ok because while extroverts are loudly voicing their every thought, I am forming mine quietly and strategically working out problems.

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In 2012, Susan Cain gave a TED Talk called The Power of Introverts. If you have not seen it, watch it below. I'll wait...

During this TED Talk, Susan explains that as industry and international commerce grew the world shifted their praise to men and women who were social and outgoing, forgetting that some of the world's greatest thinkers, inventors, and missionaries are self proclaimed introverts.

Professional
My career has always required me to be extremely extroverted. I don't often speak up in meetings unless I am comfortable with my colleagues and/or I have a great deal of information or experience on the topic being discussed. Many would see this as an issue, but I listen closely and formulate the details in my head until I have worked out each scenario.

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I believe two heads are better than one, but brainstorming quietly and discussing individually and informally later isn't always a bad thing. Collaboration and communication are key to the success of an organization, but it doesn't have to take place in front of a crowd. I was very fortunate in previous positions to be surrounded by extroverts would understood my personality, work ethic, and created an office culture much like a family.

Personal
I often prefer to be alone, quiet, and in familiar places. Of course I love time with family and friends and being social, but to refuel I need peace. I read, I workout, I clean (read about my cleaning therapy here). I think most clearly when I'm alone with my thoughts. A quiet dinner or a few drinks with a small group of friends while having meaningful conversation is bliss to me. I much prefer this over a crowded bar or a concert.

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Whether you are an extrovert or introvert, you bring great traits to the table. To echo Susan Cain, introverts, share your greatest gifts "because the world needs you."

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Cleaning is Therapy

I am sure based on the title of this post you are thinking I am completely nuts. You're thinking: "Who uses cleaning as therapy?" "Cleaning is time consuming and a nuisance."  You didn't know I was psychic ;) However, for me it's not. Sometimes it is a chore, but for the most part it is calming. Cleaning is a project I can:

• Do on my own (hello introvert)
• Manage myself (OCD moment)
• See the results of my efforts quickly (instant gratification generation)

Last night, after a frustrating day, I cleaned and organized the cabinet under the bathroom sink. Projects like this take my mind off things and allow me to immerse myself in the task at hand. Afterwards I feel calm.

iheart organizing is one of my favorite blogs to visit because well it's all about organizing! :) I know cleaning isn't everyone's therapy, but here are two ways to declutter and organize the cabinet under your sink.

For every situation there is a suitable line from a song...

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What's therapeutic for you or your way of decompressing?

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Weekend Recap and Favorite Movies

What a fun and lazy weekend all at the same time! A good friend came into town Friday and I am so glad to report we got to hang out until 2am! Goodness I'm old because that was wayyyyy passed my bedtime, but she's totally worth it. :) Always nice to catch up with friends you don't see on a regular basis.

Saturday was rainy and nasty, but I made my way to another friend's house near Houston to see her and her boys. The littlest one is already a month old. When did that happen? So thankful for the girl time. Being around so many college students is a lot of fun, but there's definitely an age gap and getting to spend time with someone my age who has similar thoughts and life struggles was refreshing. Plus her 3-year old decided my lap was a safe place to snuggle and fall asleep. I'll never turn down sweet snuggles from those kiddos, because I know they're limited in number.

Sunday I took the hubs to the airport (he's gone all week for a training in Alabama) and went grocery shopping. I did manage to have an almost 100% clean eating dinner though. Pretty pumped about that.

Snapchat: r8d6g

This brings me to today's topic, favorite movies. Are you ever cruising through the channels and see a movie that makes you drop everything to watch it? This happens to me a lot, last night was the Sleeping Beauty. There is just something about a good classic movie that grabs my attention. Anything with Audrey Hepburn, all the Harry Potter movies, and the latest...The Hunger Games and Divergent series. Guess what, it's November which means Mockingjay Part 2 is just weeks away! With Christmas around the corner I'm already thinking about what Christmas movies I have to watch (It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas are my top two).

What movies are must watches for you?

Until next post...xoxo Becca

My Travel Bucket List

Happy Monday! We had gorgeous weather over the weekend. Hopefully a lot of you did too and took advantage of the cooler weather. I attended a Kentucky Derby themed bridal shower on Saturday. So fun!


Growing up I didn't travel much, there wasn't much time or money to go on elaborate trips. My family did day trips and a few road trips. I hadn't traveled internationally until I met my husband and his family graciously took me to Grand Cayman. I had to get a passport! I was so excited and now I want to see so much more of this world. Here's my travel bucket list, starting with some beautiful pictures of things I want to see and then a list broken down to domestic and international.

Almalfi Coast, Italy (source)

The Bean, Chicago (source)

Dubai (source)

London (source)

Napa Valley (source)

Savannah Victorian Homes (source)

Domestic:
Florida
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Chicago
Las Vegas
New Orleans (recently went, see my post here)
New York City
Philadelphia
Savannah
Colorado (went once, but want to go back)
Washington D.C. (went in 2005, want to go back)
Seattle
Northern California

International:
Cabo
Costa Rica
Montreal Canada
London
Ireland
Paris
Germany
Italy
Greece
Spain
Dubai
Sydney

I'm sure there area million other places I would add to this list, but these are the places that come to mind when people ask where I want to go.

Tell me in the comments where you want to travel to!

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Happy Birthday Daddy-O

When I first started this blog I wasn't sure how many personal things I would share other than day-to-day life and events. As this day approached I decided it would bring comfort to share this story. After all, it has had a huge impact on my life.

Today would have been my dad's 65th birthday. Happy Birthday Daddy! He's now my guardian angel and I am so thankful to have him still watching over me, but from a much better place.

There are so many milestones that take place in your life and of course I wanted my dad to be there for all of them. My wedding was a big milestone and I was thankful to have him walk me down the aisle. I am also thankful the hubs got a chance to meet him and for my dad to meet the man who would take care of me. I knew my dad approved and was happy the hubs was a good man. Shortly after our wedding my dad's health started to decline. At our 1st anniversary (in April 2011) he was proud to have made it that long, at his 61st birthday (late June) we were all surprised. In mid-October 2011 he lost his battle with cancer.

For 10 years I watched a man I idolized battle different types of cancer and I learned a lot. What I learned along the way (and am still learning)...  The cliche answer is "live life to the fullest" which is very true. I learned how strong my dad really was and how much of a fighter he was. Each weekend for about the last year of his life I would pack up Lexi and head to my parents' house to spend time with him. We had a lot of great conversations that I appreciate more now that he's gone. My 24 years worth of memories with him come back to me at random times. The sadness still comes and goes especially at big moments like purchasing my first house and graduating with my masters degree, but I understand grieving is part of the process. If I could give anyone advice about losing a parent at a young age it would be to embrace the memories. Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday Daddy!

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Why Blog

As many of you now know, I have a blog. Thanks to my hubby he has shown me great support in building up my readership through Facebook. If you haven't had a chance to "Like" the Lexi & Lady Facebook page, I ask that you do it now. The question I have been asked from family and friends just finding out about my blog is why? Why did you start a blog? So here I am to explain a little about the why...

I'm a person that thrives when my plate is full and I'm under the pressure of deadlines. Being stressed to the max seems to be where I find both thrill and comfort (weird I know, but I have other friends like this so I know I'm not crazy). Until recently I always had a full plate, whether it was work, event planning, grad school, or countless other things that filled my calendar. Then I hit a slump....I was bored and wasn't utilizing my skills and creativity. Friends and colleagues kept telling me how much potential I had and I needed to find a way to use my abilities more. I also began noticing more and more people were coming to me for advice, ideas on gifts, fitness topics, and recipes. Friends started asking me to go shopping with them to help find the perfect outfit for an occasion. All these things are little passions of mine and I was glad to do it.

After realizing how stagnant my world had become, I decided to investigate this world of blogging. Believe me...I am a newbie and it is scary as hell to put yourself out there. But I reminded myself of all the things people kept telling me and I knew I had more to share with the world.

This little space in the blogosphere is my creative hub, the place where I can communicate with people about my passions or maybe spark someone else's creativity. It's a place that challenges me to be brave, creative, and step outside my comfort zone.

I'm glad you've made it to Lexi & Lady and hope you continue to follow my journey and share in the excitement of something new.

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Welcome

Hi all and welcome to my cozy little place in the blogosphere. My name is Rebecca and I'm a born and raised Texan. Growing up in a small town gave me a lot of advantages in life, but I dreamt of something bigger. After college I began working in higher education because I loved being around students and watching them become successful. Got married. Got a puppy. Got a house. And then I decided I wanted to share daily life, struggles, ambitions, and everything in between.

This blog stems from a long conversation I had with a close friend about having a quarter life crisis. I would venture to say everyone has heard the term mid-life crisis and immediately pictures a 40-50 year old purchasing a motorcycle or a sports car. Until now, I never thought about what happens when you're in your mid to late twenties or thirties, you're no longer a college student living it up on cheap liquor, but you're likely not settled into your dream job yet either. What are those in between years and how do we define them? This is when my friend introduced me to the term quarter life crisis. Here's a clever BuzzFeed to give you more insight, 10 Signs You’re Having Your Quarter-Life Crisis.

So it got me thinking, am I having a quarter life crisis? What would I want to share with the world about my late twenties and early thirties? Well life! DUH! This blog will feature life as it unfolds, the lazy weekends at home, the projects I’m working on, the experiences I get to share with family and friends, and how living in the quarter life has its advantages! So stick around!

xoxo Becca

After Graduation | December 2008

Our Wedding | 04.10.10 | Photo by Aric of Solaris Studios

The day we got Lexi | 06.09.10 | 3lbs. 6oz.

Found our First Home | October 2011

Bought our First Home | October 2011

My biggest supporter! Graduating with my Masters. | May 2013