A little Pinterest closet perusal and some life ramblings...

 Hello lovelies,

I don't exactly know where to start with this post so I pray you to bear with me.  Thank you!

I was scrolling through my Pinterest clothing board when I had some thoughts race through my mind and I wanted to share them with you.  I've pinned these and other outfits that I'll showcase in this post over many months and years.  

When I began to look through these outfits, dreams, ambitions, and aspirations came in a flood.  You see, I usually save outfits that will serve a purpose whether that be for work or play, study or social.  I've been having a tumultuous time of things trying to figure out what's next in my life.  Where do I go?  What do I do?  Who am I?  (I know, so dramatically deep, Sarah.)  

Looking through these outfits reminded me of some of my aspirations and inspirations.  Would you like to be let in on a few?  Sweet!

Ok, this one was a very recent pin but nevertheless, it stood out to me.  I love the cozy yet practical style with soft, light colors.  It reminded me how I want to dress well and comfortably at home doing my daily duties with cheerfulness.  (That's the key-word, cheerfulness. ;)

I love the classic elegance of this outfit.  It looks comfortable yet so stylish!  It also says "grown up" to me too which is what I want to be.  Wearing this outfit, one might feel they could accomplish nearly anything with confidence.

This outfit just shouts Jo and Professor Bhaer to me.  It's studious, classic, and whimsical all at the same time.  Need me to write a solid essay?  Not a problem in this scholarly ensemble.

There's so much to love about this outfit.  I'm a sucker for tights, a good coat, and gloves.  Bonus points for the leather ones!  I also really like how many colors are incorporated.  The more the merrier in my opinion when it comes to outfits!  This is such a versatile yet classy style that would be wonderful for Mass in the morning, classes during the day, and coffee shop visits in the evening. 

Spring is just around the corner.  Wouldn't this outfit be positively smashing for a stroll in the garden or a trip to the library?  The light teal cardigan and the leather belt are some of my favorite parts of this outfit.

With spring, comes picnics.  I absolutely adore sitting on a blanket under the clear blue sky with a breeze rustling the leaves in the trees above.  No picnic is complete without the proper outfit, of course!  Something light and airy that is easy to sit in and feels historic is always my choice.

Now, this is where we adventure a little.  I've had a dream for some years now of being a cowgirl.  I know it's probably not likely in my future but a girl can dream, right?  I may have been raised a city kid but I have had some experience in the country with my friends and I'm not afraid of hard, dirty work.  Of course, this outfit isn't for that.  It would be awesome for a stroll downtown or a night at the rodeo, however!

See?  Good ol' dirt.  But who's to say you have to have boring grubby clothes?  Garden work still requires a cheery uniform!  

Another dream of mine has been to be a teacher.  This outfit definitely fits the bill.  All of the outfits up to this point have been skirts but I really have a soft spot for dresses, pinafores, and jumpers.  Also, puffed sleeves, yes, please!  

This is a fun one.  She styled hiking boots with a strikingly rich outfit.  And look!  Another dress!  Dresses are even better with a sweater or jacket.  These shoes prepare you for nearly any adventure while the outfit is beautiful and exciting.

Finally, an accessory I have yet to make and wear, namely, a shawl.  I do have some scarves that could work as shawls but I have grand plans to knit one (or two or three or more...)  Shawls add elegance to any outfit whisking you away back in time.  They also serve a very practical purpose.  Who doesn't like to snuggle up under an accessory that vaguely resembles a blanket?  I imagine wearing shawls to Mass, outdoors, around the house, reading, drinking tea, visiting with friends, to a wedding, and on a walk with someone special.

I know this post was probably a bit rambly and didn't really explain all my aspirations.  Still, I hope you enjoyed this little perusal of my Pinterest closet and some of the activities I envision with the outfits.  Finally, I wanted to say a word of encouragement.  

I know you may feel like you're at the end of your rope sometimes.  Life can get overwhelming or pretty empty, or both.  We have to remember to look at the bigger picture in small everyday ways.  (I know, that doesn't make much sense, does it?)  But that's the only conclusion I can come to.  I try to look at the big picture and into the future because I'm stuck on something in the now but that can just be intimidating.  I also try to focus on one day at a time but that feels horribly monotonous.  Instead, why don't we try looking at the little moments to come in the future?  These outfits helped me see this for myself.  Since I've associated dreams and goals, some as small as a picnic, others larger such as going to school, with these outfits, I was able to get excited about the moments to come in the future.  Of course, I'm not banking on any of these things happening for sure but little dreams are good to have to help you strive for the future as long as we don't get hung up on these dreams.  Just let them be a little motivation for you and try to live each moment in hope of the future.  Most importantly, live for Our Lord and always strive to please Him.  Even if He seems asleep in the boat of your soul as it's tossed relentlessly on the choppy waves of this life, He sees you and He is loving you in every single moment.  Just because our plans don't work out like we want them to right now doesn't mean Jesus doesn't care or doesn't have a plan for you.  

He's just waiting to unfold His plan for you to see.  Be patient with Him and with yourself.  He's brought you through so many ups and downs already.  He will do it again.  He will satisfy your heart and fulfill all of your dreams.  It may not look exactly like your plans, but believe it or not, it'll be so much better!

Sorry if that was too cheesy.  Sometimes we just need to take a step back, look at some beautiful outfits, and be reminded that no matter our goals or struggles, God's bigger than all of it.  

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah