As slow as this month has been, it was also a little special for me as I finally shared a very honest post about my life-long struggle with acne. It was something I wanted to share with you guys for a while now, just haven’t had the time to actually sit down and put my feelings into words. I felt like it’s been such a huge part of my life, but something I rarely talked about. At the time of me writing that post, I was really happy to put up with all the side effects that come with my current acne treatment. Right now, I’m not doing too well both physically and emotionally and I’m looking forward to (hopefully) finally finishing my treatment at the end of March.
In January I also went makeup-free for a month, and that was definitely an interesting experience and I loved sharing my thoughts with you about it in this post.
I know that some of you probably noticed that things have been a little slow around here. Emotionally, I’m still struggling with my loss. It’s been hard. I had so many things planned for these first few months of new year; like opening up a blog shop, selling stock photos, expanding this blog. Right now, I feel a bit like I’m at a stand still and I wish I could just fast-forward to a time when I’m finally feeling better. Unfortunately, that’s not how life works.
I’ve been journaling and reading a lot and that seems to help, but I’m really hoping to start feeling “normal” again and go back to my regular routine. I’m always happiest when I’m busy; when I’m working and creating. Even though my head is bursting with ideas, most days I find that I have no energy to bring them to life and at times I feel so lost. Good news is, spring is almost here… and to me, spring always symbolized growth and new beginnings.
And… in case you missed any, here are the posts that were published in February.
BEAUTY
Lovin’ Lately
Let’s talk acne: my skincare routine on Accutane
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact
Skincare: the good the bad and the fab
What’s in my makeup bag: February
LIFESTYLE/WELLNESS
How to bring more mindfulness into your life
Morning affirmations to start your day with
Your inspo for the week: words to get you through a bad day
15 Simple self-care practices
Tips for repurposing your old candle jars
BLOGGING
How to start a lifestyle blog
How to improve your Pinterest profile in 10 minutes or less
What kind of posts are your favorite to read? This summer I’m hoping to go back to publishing recipes/food-related posts again (plant-based of course) as it’s a category I’ve been neglecting for ages now. Seriously, sometimes I wish there were at least 36 hours in a day.
18 Comments
Christine C.
February 28, 2017 at 10:56 pmI wish I could say that one day all of those feelings just go away, but honestly it just changes. My bouts of being sad and upset go in waves. I lost an Uncle to suicide and an Aunt to Cancer. They were like second parents to me so it was incredibly hard. It’s been years and I still have days where it just hurts so bad. I am sending prayers and positive thoughts your way!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 28, 2017 at 11:22 pmI’m so sorry Christine, can’t imagine the pain you went through! I do see the grief come in waves. Some days I’m in a good mood and then I pick up my phone and my Grandma’s number and picture will come up in my “favorite” contacts and it’s enough to make me feel broken all over again. I lost my Gran to cancer too and I try to find some peace in knowing that she is no longer in pain or suffering. I hope you’re doing well and I’m truly sorry you had to endure that kind of loss and pain.
Abbie E.
March 1, 2017 at 12:58 amPinterest is something I definitely need to work on!
Abbie E.
http://www.abulouslife.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 2, 2017 at 7:38 pmIt’s so worth looking into!
Primrose Bigwood
March 1, 2017 at 5:20 amLOVE this! Need to play catch up on some that I missed! Gorgeous shots x
http://www.stylepetal.co.uk
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 2, 2017 at 7:38 pmThank you!
Natalie Redman
March 1, 2017 at 6:34 amFab! Thanks for sharing. Always love your posts.
http://www.upyourvlog.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 2, 2017 at 7:38 pmThank you Natalie!
Claudia Justalittleblush
March 1, 2017 at 9:03 amI loved your post on acne. I was nodding along the entire time. Unless you’ve struggled with it as well, it’s probably hard to understand what the big deal is. At one point in my life I would wash my face in the dark so I wouldn’t have to look in the mirror and stress out about my face anymore.
The post was written so eloquently and beautifully. It’s probably my favorite :)
– Claudia
http://justalittleblush.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 2, 2017 at 7:41 pmSo happy you liked that post! Aww no, that’s so sad, but I can totally relate. I think that no one who never suffered from it could understand the effect acne can have on you and how crappy it can make you feel.
Thank you so much Claudia :)
Lisa Autumn
March 1, 2017 at 9:36 amOh this is such a good idea.. I love roundups. Unfortunately I only post once a week so it’s not a lot of content haha.. but I love yours!
xx Lisa
lisaautumn.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 2, 2017 at 7:41 pmAww haha thank you so much Lisa!
Pretty Low Maintenance
March 1, 2017 at 10:35 amI’ve been loving your posts on blogging how-tos. Your tips for photography, in particular, are some of the easiest to follow and I love your honesty. It’s so easy to think everything in your home has to be white, marble, and perfect when you start a blog, and you’ve definitely talked me off of that ledge! Thanks for being such a great resource for the blogging beginners!
-sonia
http://www.prettylowmaintenance.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 2, 2017 at 7:43 pmThank you so much Sonia! You have no idea how happy it makes me to know that you enjoy my blog tips! :)
Deanna Marie
March 1, 2017 at 7:23 pmIt’s so refreshing to see somebody so honest about depression/feeling low and how it can impact your productivity. I also struggle with this (especially at this time of year!) so I completely understand you!! There’s nothing wrong with taking time for yourself to recuperate. Sometimes, quality alone time for reflection is exactly what a person needs to re-energize. Thanks for being so honest and sharing with all of us.
– Deanna xo
http://www.luxandvitae.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 2, 2017 at 7:46 pmThank you so much Deanna. Taking some time off definitely helps, I just wish there was an option to put the life on hold for a day or two haha ;)
Elizabeth Hisle
March 2, 2017 at 10:53 amI just wanted to say I am so sorry that you have been feeling low. I hope your pain lessens soon, and don’t worry about your blog so much as your own health and happiness. Sending you prayers and good wishes. <3
waltzandwillow.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
March 2, 2017 at 7:47 pmThank you so much Elizabeth, so kind of you!