I don’t really know why, but I’ve been kind of slumping into a self-doubt rut. One of the hardest parts of working for myself is that the highs are high and the lows are just lonely. It’s also kind of like college classes where you have weeks that are low-key and then a week jam packed with exams and papers followed by another slow week. During a lull week, I can get really down on myself… sometimes it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know things will kick up again, they always do, but it’s hard to remember that when I’m sifting through the boring everyday to-dos. And then when things really heat up? Sheesh, well I put so much pressure on myself for performance that I start to question everything that I’m doing.
I try to keep this all in check, but I’m not immune to those self-doubting moments. I have a few songs that I love to play on repeat when I need a little boost of confidence or even just a little jolt of energy. Isn’t it amazing how the right song (even if it’s just that one line that speaks to you) can change your entire mindset? Powerful stuff there.
There are some songs I listen to for specific reasons, but I jumbled them all up into one playlist. A little bit of everything and I’m kind of obsessed. Pick a song to play on repeat or go through the entire playlist (1 hour, 15 minutes) for positive energy while cranking through something on your to-do list.
PS “Girl On Fire” was honest to god a lifesaver of a song for me. When things were rough at my old job, I’d literally listen to it on repeat on my subway ride downtown and then blasting in my earbuds ALL day long. It’s kind of hard to listen to the song now because it brings back so many memories from that time, but it still moves me in a major way.
These are some of my favorites, too! I've found some of my most motivational music on The Hunger Games soundtracks – Eyes Open, We Remain, and Yellow Flicker Beat, in particular. And try Can't Hold Us Down, Fighter, and Here to Stay (Christina throwbacks!) and Sara Bareilles' Chasing the Sun 🙂
FOR SURE! I used to Natahsa Beddingfield's "Strip Me" all the time to hype myself up when I worked on Capitol Hill. Some days it was brutal! So motivational!
I am totally guilty of playing the song I need to hear on repeat… until I can no longer listen to it. I love Fight Song right now and I also love Unbreakable Smile by Tori Kelly. It's so cheerful and upbeat. Plus she has a great voice!
I love all these suggestions! I've been looking for songs to listen to at work that don't make me want to fall asleep. I will absolutely be plugging into these tomorrow at my desk! My favorite power anthem lately has been "Just Give Me A Reason" by Pink – I don't think I had listened to Pink since "Get Thid Party Started" in middle school but I love this latest song of hers!
Somehow yesterday felt like a week, last month was last year, and last year was a decade ago… but then time is simultaneously going by so fast too. The past ten weeks have gone by in a blink! Everyone warns you it goes by fast and they’re not wrong…. The days are long but oh how I wish time would slow down a bit? Or that maybe I could bottle up a tiny bit of these precious boys at every stage so I could revisit them down the road 🤍
I have grown to LOVE baby wearing. Not only do I think it’s such a nice and cozy way to bond with baby, it’s also incredibly practical, especially when you have a toddler to keep up with too! The @wildbird aerial carrier was a treat for myself- and I’m so obsessed with it. 👶🏼 Leave a comment “wildbird” and I’ll DM you the color I have as well as my personal review of it (including some troubleshooting tips).
Some top level things I like; - it’s easy to put on! - it’s so, so comfortable (for me AND baby!) - the little flap is seamless and provides extra support while baby naps and privacy when we need/want it
This affordable rechargeable LED lamp is cute and then made even cuter with this wicker lampshade! 💡✨ No cords needed- just charge and place wherever you want. (Will be extra perfect for dining outdoors this summer!) 💫 Comment “lamp” and I’ll send you links to the LED lamp ($38 for a pair!) and the lampshade (available in a few styles- including a darling blue).
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
About ten days ago, I noticed that today’s forecast was looking WARM. I told Mike, “We’re walking into town and sitting outside and I’m getting a beer. Put it on your calendar.” It ended up being warmer than forecasted (almost eighty degrees!) and let me tell you, it delivered. Today felt like the beginning of The Season™: dinners al fresco, beers/fries/ice creams, and late bedtimes. Indulging in it all because the kids are only getting older and we’re the grownups (somehow) and we get to make the rules ✌🏻
Dress is @tuckernuck & sweater is @kiltecollection
@pennylinndesigns and I hosted a “learn to needlepoint” class this past weekend and it was everything ✨ Needlepoint has been such a bright spot in my life over the past five years- and it’s gotten me through some difficult times. Because it’s helped me so much, sharing this hobby with others has turned into a mini life mission of mine. To sit in a room (my beautiful office space designed by @clare.sull!) with pro stitchers and needlepoint newbies alike was one of my dreams come true. I loved seeing women chatting, meeting, and bonding over this beautiful craft 🪡 Honestly, the needlepoint world is (sadly) filled with a lot of gatekeeping and competitiveness; this weekend proved that it doesn’t have to- and shouldn’t- be this way! It’s for EVERYONE. Whether you’ve never picked up a canvas in your life or you’re working on heirloom stockings for your family, there’s room for everyone at this table.
📍 Leave a comment saying “needlepoint” and I’ll send you my go-to resources for getting started with needlepoint!
I'm on week 3 of grad school right now, SO feeling this right now. Thanks, Carly! My personal favorite is Taylor Swift, Out of the Woods!
Unwritten is such a great song (& a great reminder in general!)
xoxo, SS
The Southern Stylista
Love these songs!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
Yes to all of these! Especially Fight Song! I love that song!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
These are some of my favorites, too! I've found some of my most motivational music on The Hunger Games soundtracks – Eyes Open, We Remain, and Yellow Flicker Beat, in particular. And try Can't Hold Us Down, Fighter, and Here to Stay (Christina throwbacks!) and Sara Bareilles' Chasing the Sun 🙂
Who Says- Selena Gomez.. will always be my jam. Who cares if I'm an adult? It's the best!!
Check out Jessie J's 'Masterpiece' – it's perfect for this playlist!!
FOR SURE! I used to Natahsa Beddingfield's "Strip Me" all the time to hype myself up when I worked on Capitol Hill. Some days it was brutal! So motivational!
emily
http://www.deltachic.com
I am totally guilty of playing the song I need to hear on repeat… until I can no longer listen to it. I love Fight Song right now and I also love Unbreakable Smile by Tori Kelly. It's so cheerful and upbeat. Plus she has a great voice!
Lynn-Holly | The Fisher Files
Love this!! "She Moves In Her Own Way" by the Kooks is another great one. You rock, Carly!!
xoxo, Mal
morningswithmallory.blogspot.com
My go-to motivational song is "Hold On" by Wilson Philips. The words really resonate with me, and I love the music.
I really love fight song right now 🙂
I love all these suggestions! I've been looking for songs to listen to at work that don't make me want to fall asleep. I will absolutely be plugging into these tomorrow at my desk! My favorite power anthem lately has been "Just Give Me A Reason" by Pink – I don't think I had listened to Pink since "Get Thid Party Started" in middle school but I love this latest song of hers!
– Riley
http://www.walkuphome.com
This is EXACTLY what I needed!
Love these songs especially "Fight Song." I could listen to it a million times!
live-in-bliss-blogspot.com
This playlist is amazing! I've been listening to it none stop 🙂
xx