January 27, 2012

2012's first edition of "Hey, it's ok"

As I lay in bed recently, the prospect of sleep a million miles away, I was struck by the fact that at the moment I feel like, in some regards, I'm straddling the dived between heaven and hell (proverbially speaking, of course).

There is so much awesomeness on the horizon in my life right now and such a great deal that I'm excited and hopeful about. At the same time though, for past couple of weeks I've been going through stuff on the medical front that, to put it mildly, can only be called barbaric.

There's really never a good time for medical flare-ups and new problems to arise, but right now, with less than a month to go until our moving day, is really not a stellar time for this.

Nevertheless, I do not go down without a fight and believe strongly in perseverance and positive thought, so as best I can, I'm trudging through these hours. Allowing myself a few tears or an exasperated sigh when needed, but also remembering and trying to focus on all the reasons I have to smile.

{Call me an eternal optimist, but I like to believe that ultimately heaven wins out. Utterly darling vintage angel and demon figurine photograph via MissConduct on Flickr.}


That late night thought, and the symphony of emotions I've been juggling lately, made me think  though that it was time for this year's first edition of the occasionally occurring Chronically Vintage post series called "Hey, it's ok" (if you're not familiar with the series, be sure to check out the first two posts from last August and October, respectfully).

There are so many big worries and problems that come our way all the time, and as such I strongly feel that it's vital to not get to hung up about the smaller concerns that appear frequently, too. This series of posts is all about the universe (or least yours truly) granting you permission not to sweat the tiny things - especially if there's something massive troubling you at the moment, too.


*Hey, it's ok*


...if you're still eating your way through the leftover Christmas cookies in the freezer.

...to ruthlessly clean out your feed reader list from time-to-time.

...that you still love - and actively use - your record player, VCR, or retro boombox.

...if you're parenting style is the polar opposite of your own parents.

...for you to make a conscious effort to carve out some much needed "me time" for yourself at least once a week, if not daily.

...to secretly delight in the extra curves you develop if your weight increases a little.

...if you don't watch the evening news very often. Sometimes the last thing any of us wants to hear or think about is more bad news.

...to rush outside in your rain boots and jump in puddles, like you used to a child, after a big downpour.

...that you can't name three new songs that came out last year, but could list at least twenty-five of them from the 40s and 50s off the top of your head right now.

...to do whatever you need to bring the joy you deserve into your life.


♥ ♥ ♥

Life isn't always a bed of roses. Sometimes even on the sunniest of days you can spot a grey storm cloud poking its head out over the horizon.

The important thing, the really critical point however, is to cut yourself some slack, hold onto hope, and keep looking for ways to improve whatever is troubling you. I fully understand that this often much easier said than done, but it's rarely flat out impossible.

So while the forces above and below continue to duke it out in own little world, I'll try my hardest to do just that - and hope that if something heavy is troubling you right now, sweet dears, you'll be able to do the same.


  1. What a heart felt post! The beauty of when "bad" things happen is that "good" things are always on the horizon. Its so hard to see ahead when we are in our ruts or sulking over our bad luck over a pint of ice cream. But you are so right, its important to be opptimistic and take a moment to refect on all the good that is ahead. Lots of love and hugs, Bunny xox

  2. Jessica I'm saddened to hear you suffer with chronic health problems. I have suffered with several immune disorders most of my adult life. Most times I manage them reasonably well except when they feel the urge to take over and manage me...grrr! I was so pleased to read your "Hey It's OK' and I must confess I still jump into puddles and I can name many songs from the 50's and 60's and you're right 'no more bad news'.

  3. Beautifully written, Jessica. You're so insightful and caring. I do hope you feel much better and stronger so that the move is smooth and enjoyable, dear. (I can't say I'm secretly delighting in the extra curves though. :) )

  4. I am SO sorry you have been struggling so much lately. I hope your foot is completely better by now, though.

    Wow, less than a month until you pull out of Dodge (er, Toronto). I know it will all be worth it in the end, but I'm sure the added stress of preparing for a cross-country move adds to your ill health. I'm sorry I haven't been much of an encouraging friend these past weeks. These winter days are killing me!

    I love your "It's okay" posts. Really, we all need to cut ourselves some slack about any number of things. Thanks so much for reminding us of that. In my case, it really IS okay if I don't like winter weather. (I tell you that because I spent 3 decades of my life feeling like a second-class citizen because I prefer warmth to cold.)

    Love and hugs,

  5. Hi Jessica,
    I'm just catching up on all my mail since returning from holidays. So sorry to hear that you aren't well at the moment, but with the wonderful positive attitude that you have in writing this and previous "It's OK" posts, I'm sure that you will be feeling much more positive and hopefully be in better health in preparation for your move. Thanks again for a lovely uplifting post.