AND EVERYTHING WILL STILL BE OKAY…BECAUSE OF GRACE | NASHVILLE LIFESTYLE BLOGGER

I normally have a pretty good green thumb, but lately, priority to my succulent babies (and quite a few other things) has fallen behind…and I’m learning that’s okay in this new season. I’m learning to let go of perfectionism and give MYSELF a little more grace.

This past summer, I walked into Safe House Tattoo with a simple, five letter word in my mother’s handwriting. I knew very well that what I was about to do would be permanent and I knew that out of anything, my mother’s words written on my arm would never be something I’d regret, but always cherish.

G-R-A-C-E

Simple elegance; the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful; the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it.

I chose this word as a reminder to wear grace like a piece of heirloom jewelry. To extend grace to others in the day-to-day. To hold close the reminder of God’s amazing grace.

…and did you know, it is also my middle name?

But what I didn’t realize about this powerful five letter word? The fact that it would bring my perfectionism to the surface every.single.day and remind me to take a deep breath and refocus the unrealistic expectations I carry. To take a deep breath and extend a little more grace to MYSELF.

As I round third base of my pregnancy journey and head full speed into home plate, I’m quickly realizing that some things can be put on hold or looked at with better perspective.

Out of office auto responders can be sent out to emails flooding my inbox.

5 pounds gained over the “suggested” weight gain range for pregnant mamas isn’t something to worry about while currently growing a human…it also isn’t failure.

Unfinished housing/blogging/work/social media projects can easily be picked up and finished later.

Coffee or lunch dates with girlfriends can be RSVPed to as a “No” without having to explain the need for a nap instead.

Dried up succulents that desperately need to be repotted can hang out on the window sill just a little bit longer.

And everything will STILL be okay. Because of grace.