I am who I am. Today. Now. This is me. I can be totally satisfied with the thought of who I am - or not. It is up to me. Being just a little human girl, as my then 5 year old daughter put it (yes, about me! she always had somewhat mothering feelings towards me, as long as I can remember her), so yes, being just a human girl, I am not totally satisfied. I think it's OK. It's just in our nature to not be totally satisfied - it helps us to move forward.
I can be not totally satisfied, and yet totally okay with myself just the way I am today - I can be both, at the same time, and I can be it now. Not tomorrow ("tomorrow, I will like myself better"), not some day in the future ("in a month, I will truly master the art of accepting myself") - but now, with all that is imperfect in me and yet at the same time perfect, I can be totally okay with all that I am. Now.
They say, who needs an anchor if one has sails. When we want to sail, then yes, we need sails. But when we want to rest, we need an anchor. We need them both simultaneously. We don't use them both at the same time, but we need them both at the same time. As my brother reminded me a few years back, when I felt run down, eagles don't fly all the time. They need time to rest, to hunt for food, to raise a family. Then they have strength to fly.
And I am okay with that. I am totally and completely okay with who I am today, right now, this very moment. I am imperfect and perfect all at the same time. Because that is what it means to be a human.
Photos by Justin, taken during a sunny walk in Gig Harbor, a little maritime village nearby.
The last photo is taken the same day from our window.
Bell bottom jeans, sunglasses - Lane Bryant (last year)
Peacoat - 2-3 years back via Nordstrom
Scarf - a gift from my parents from Russia
Shirt - thrifted
Boots - Aquatalia (old)
Purse - Cole Haan (very old)
Malachite jewelry - festival (even older)
Linking up with 52 Pick-me-up: Sky Blue,
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Oh Natalia ♥️. I am happy to see you in the morning for first coffee. Yes its 6.22 am in germany, and so satisfied, because your amazing pictures and words make me happy.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, kisses Tina
YOU've made me smile too!! :)
Deletemy wonderful and wise friend!!!!
ReplyDeletei have nothing to add!
you look fab with all the orange and the sun on your beautiful face!!!!
big hugs! xxxxxxx
And big hugses back! :)
DeleteLoved reading this brilliant post Natalia. So much encouragement in those words my friend and you look fabulous. xo
ReplyDeleteI am so glad, thank you for saying this, Elsie!
DeleteThe casual look is you! Love your confidence.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sam. I don't wear jeans much, but these are fun!
DeleteI love your boating/anchor metaphor!
ReplyDeleteI heard it recently and was reflecting on it. So glad it resonated with you, Anna!
DeleteIsn't that feeling of absolute happiness with one's lot in life brilliant? Some people never find it.
ReplyDeleteLove the 1970s vibe! xxx
It's the most important, I believe. I knew you'd like the 1970s vibe - I'm all into it these days. :)
DeleteBeautiful photos and a perfect message. I keep thinking to myself, hurry up and do a project!, but usually when I jump into something from this state of mind, I quit. You said it - time to rest. I love your light-coloured wide-leg jeans. I don't often see them on you but these look great.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right - it's really all about our state of mind, or feeling inside, it's not about deadlines! :) I love bell bottoms, wide legs or even boot cuts for myself - I don't know why I don't wear them more often.
DeleteGreat message - to enjoy our now-selves. And glorious photos too. You look wonderful in those warm colors. xox
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I am so happy you enjoyed the message, Patti! Thank you. :)
DeleteThat photo of you standing confidently on the pier, smiling in the sunshine is just wonderful. I do so enjoy how and what you write, Natalia.
ReplyDeletehttp://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you so much, Jacqueline! You can't imagine how much it means to me, about writing. Or maybe you can! Thank you for your kind words, always.
DeleteYou look like fresh air. And I love your super hero pose.
ReplyDeleteyou are so much more than just a human girl. ( love the phrase!). It is wise to accept who you are and enjoy the life that we have that is as wonderfulm as we see it to be. Further, you create a good example by doing so.
ReplyDeleteI love this look, the warm colors of the blouse, the classic pea-coat, with the orange spicy scarf, and the sporty bag... a great ecletic mix.
and that pretty face. that pretty human face..
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
Your words enhance your beauty. I love the warm colors of your outfit and the beautiful Pacific NorthWest trees. The sailboats are a lovely punctuation mark at the end. XXOO
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful in picture, word and soul. Natalia, this is such a lovely post. I even got misty-eyed. You fit in so perfectly in the quiet marine setting. So tranquil and at peace with yourself and your surroundings. I believe this is the first time I've seen you in blue jeans. How awesome you look. I love the wide-leg trouser style on you. And of course, your choice of colors is magnificent and enhances your beauty. Well done, my friend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words Natalia! I always focus on my imperfections and need to be more positive about myself. I love the colors in this outfit.
ReplyDeleteAlice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Beautiful post, Natalia! And beautiful colours combination of your look!
ReplyDeleteTerrific outfit! You're sporting one of my favourite colour palettes ever - and what a breathtaking backdrop. It looks a great deal like various spots around the Pacific Coast of BC (too).
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your in-depth and very insightful comment on my post about eclecticism this week, sweet lady. I truly appreciate it - and you!
Big hugs & happy start of March wishes,
♥ Jessica
Wise words ,acceptance of the way you are , is a great gift one so few seem to accept.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos that reflect your wise words too. You are wearing my favourite colours on you. Enjoy the first of your Spring dear Natalia.
What a wonderful text! Not being completely satisfied is what drives us forward, yet it is important (at the same time) to be satisfied with who we are and to accept it. That "acceptance" doesn't mean we are not willing to improve ourselves, it means we've simply grown wise enough to know that loving ourselves is as important as loving others. Loving one's self is an act of self- emprovement and it doesn't mean focusing only on ourself...quite the opposite!
ReplyDeleteYou describe it perfectly with that sail and anchor methaphor...and I also like the metaphor your brother used...the one about eagles not being able to fly all the time. It is so true. There is time for both, time for work and time for thinking. Both is need, action and meditation.
Your outfit is brilliant....you know I love seventies style. That blouse is so perfect and I do like those flares on you...you look very stylish and pretty.
The location goes so well with the text---and the photos are so serene and wonderful.
Beauty comes from withing. To me you are beautiful and I am not talking clothes.It is your path and only you know how to walk it.
ReplyDeleteI have answered in my blog for you.
Tons of love
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you've brightened my day, dear lady, just because I'm loving so much your post! watching your warm colors ensemble, that cute scarf and beautiful shades in the sun!
ReplyDeleteAnd reading your words about some ideas that I'm feeling so true, yes, it's right, I'm not perfect, and I'm not satisfied, and that's ok and perfect too!!
besos
Happy Mothers day to you too.
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Gorgeous casual 70s-inspired outfit, Natalia, and you are so right - we might not be perfect, and our lives might need work, but feeling content is such a wonderful place to be. Good for you! xxx
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