Category Archives: Inspiration & Thoughts

We could all use a little encouragement every now and then!

My Favorite Productivity Tip

to do notebook

It’s no secret that I don’t “let any grass grow beneath my feet” and this means I have no time for extra clutter and things have to stay mostly in order for me to be as productive as I am. As a matter of a fact, one of the main questions I get from other people working to do big things is — “how do you do it all?”

This is a big question. There are hundreds of big and small things that help me do so much and today’s little tip is an easy one to implement that makes a big difference. The mantra is — touch it once.

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Heroes & Heart Attacks

Nashville

I had ideas about what I might share here on the blog this week. As a matter of fact, I have a backlog of so many posts that I’ve not pushed live out into the world yet. There’s no shortage of words saved safely on my computer right now. 

Then, the week blows right past us and it’s Thursday and I’ve not set anything in motion for the week. Not to mention, it’s been one of those weeks that truly blows your mind. 

It all started with a spontaneous trip to Nashville this past weekend. This alone was exciting enough. I thought I might write about our fun, impromptu trip and post our seflies and food pics. Because most of our trips revolve around cool restaurants, to be honest. 

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Guilt and Creativity.

Pamela writing

I sit — wanting to write, wanting to get something I’ve already written ready to publish — and I can’t because my mind will only think about the things I should be doing instead. 

There’s real estate work to be done — a roof quote to get, documents to send, appointments to schedule. 

There’s house work to be done — it turns out the dishwasher doesn’t load itself and these boxes won’t unpack themselves either. 

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The Last 30 Days

wedding day

I sat at home alone on a Saturday morning and tears filled my eyes. At first, I wasn’t even sure why I was crying. After a little more exploration, I was quick to realize that it was all catching up with me.

In the last 30 days, I’ve moved from a house that healed me to a new place with an entirely different way of life. At the old house, we picked up a lot of Johnny’s Pizza. At the new one, there are no quick trips to the store and we cook almost every meal. At the old house, I worked from home all hours of the day. At the new house, cell service is sparse.

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A Time for Fun + What’s Next

#PJOandO at MagnoliaRidgeLA

I read a post from a fellow hope*writer about finding our inner child during this crazy time, and it stayed with me all day. I found myself asking silent questions in my mind like:

What did I enjoy doing as a kid?

What do I do for fun now?

Do I even know how to have pure, unadulterated fun?

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Hello, Pamela Jo — A New Name

Pamela at Rise

I changed my name on facebook and then I watched as so many people clicked and commented in support. I watched as I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders and an extra pep in my step. I was actually sitting on the couch, but you know what I mean.

I felt like I had control of something again. I didn’t feel like I closed the door on a chapter. I felt like I busted through and slammed it shut. Sure, I still have to figure out the business side of things and I’ll do that eventually. This one small step felt GIGANTIC and gave me back some power over my life.

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A Big, Picture Window

big picture window

I stare out that big picture window that I’ve been looking out every morning for almost a year. It takes up over half of the living room wall and extends basically from the floor to the ceiling. Big windows are one of the things that speak to my soul. I’m the kind of person who can’t be home without the blinds and shades open. I must allow the outside in. 

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The No.1 Thing I’ve Been Apologizing For

Girl, Stop Apologizing

What will I stop apologizing for?

I typed this question into the notes on my phone as I sat and listened in a Strength Finders training. I originally intended this to be more about strengths and personality and the basic characteristics of how we’re wired. Over the next few weeks it grew into something much more broad.

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Permission to Grieve

Pamela at Rise

I’ve thought a lot about what I’d share here on the blog this week. I’ve been working to keep an editorial calendar, like a big girl writer would — a calendar where I plan out what I share and have everything ready to go in advance. That way, when life gets busy like this past weekend, I won’t neglect this work. 

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