dear 16 year old me.

dear 16 year old me,

learn to drink coffee. and fall in love with as many coffee shops as possible.

empowered.

maybe it is katy perry's new release. or maybe it is the change in season. or maybe i am just finally {whether i want to or not} growing up.

whatever it is, {i like to think that it is the perfect blend of the 3} i feel empowered. 

now there may be some of you that are completely rolling your eyes at me and i must say that i completely understand. whenever i hear a woman talk about how she feels "empowered" my typically response is to roll my eyes. (ps- mom: they still aren't stuck that way and i have been at it for 20 something years, I'm calling your bluff)

for some reason when i hear a woman becoming in power, my mind goes to this woman who decides she doesn't need to shower any more, wear s masculine cargo pants, and grunts. 

shows you how little i know. 

i am learning that feeling empowered is one of the greatest things feelings a person can have. it means that you have the strength and the back bone to move forward no matter what is thrown at you. 

half marathon training.

new experiences.

a regular "boring" routine.

new friendships.

new relationships.

whatever may come at "empowered" woman doesn't back down. she finds her security and lets her roots reach deep down into that anchor. and she doesn't move. no matter what comes her way.

it is an incredibly beautiful thing to watch and experience.

being empowered creates a softness but a strength.

i was recently reminded of a beautiful piece of scripture that i want written all over everything. 

" she is clothed in strength and crowned with dignity.."

proverbs 31:35

we are empowered in and through the Lord. he desires to give us strength. and we can hold our heads high because we have be given dignity through him.

i love the brink of when seasons change. you can feel the difference in the air and the excitement of a new season of life. 

it seems like the perfect season for change.

and to feel a little bit empowered... like a lion who is ready to roar.

{no} labor day weekend

this morning, while i was laboring over my 9 flight stair walk, i was reflecting over this past weekend and just reminding myself how incredibly wonderful it was.

nothing crazy happened, but i was able to unwind and relax. i also was surrounded by some wonderful people.

in a {nutshell}

-watched 8 hours of parks and rec

-watched 5 hours of college football

-consumed a bizillon calories

-shopped one incredible j. crew outlet sale

- baked a delish recipe from girl meets life

- and laughed... a lot.

now, go make some cake batter blondies, you will not be disappointed!