The ugly A word.

|| A N X I E T Y ||

I’ve struggled with anxiety for years.. I didn’t know I was until it got worse.

It’s been a huge mountain for me to climb in the past 2 years & it has cost me experiences, opportunities & people. It’s resulted in late nights of crying uncontrollably, crying out to God, insecurity, doubt, & so much more. It’s something you can’t even wrap your mind around until you are stuck in the thick of it. & then it feels like a glimpse of hell.

Your mind can play major tricks on you & it can be scary as h e double l. It really can. You will feel as if everyone is judging your every move, you are hated, & you will overcompensate for more than you should. Your mind will cause you to believe your friends, family, & even acquaintances are upset with you. Fear can set in where you clean, worry, avoid & research ALL THE THINGS.

Obsessing is also a form of anxiety & I struggle with it incredibly bad. I’m a control freak & it shows in many ways of my life. I’m a people pleaser & really really worry if I’ve upset others. I watch my business very closely from start to finish every day & pour from a empty cup so much to make sure everyone is pleased. I’ll lay in bed at night worrying if I’ve shown Beckett & Luke enough love for the day. My mind is constantly turning like a hamster on it’s wheel.

Anxiety has also played a huge toll on my body at times. It can feel like an out of body experience. Achy joints, dizziness, fatigue, chest pains, clenched stomach, heart racing, hot flashes, etc.

It is so much more than some people realize which is why I felt it was so important to write about this as embarrassing as it can be to put it out on the line that I struggle so badly with this.. if it can reach one person that it could help, I’ll write it every. single. time.

With all of this being said.. I have learned how to cope so much better & you can too!!! Now of course I still have bad days & weeks.. over all, I’m doing better. When hard times strike I take a second to take deep breaths & really think about the situation. Learning your triggers help tremendously. When I’m stressed, sick, when Beckett is sick, & I’m overall overwhelmed my anxiety is over bearing. I have to stop to ask myself.. will this matter 5 months or 5 years than now? If no, I’ll allow myself 5 minutes and move on. As far as dealing with people.. I learn to be the best I can be. You are not Nutella.. not everyone is going to love you or see you for you. You aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea & that’s ok!!! I’ve realized my little family is the best team I could ever have. On my hardest days, they wrap their arms around me & love me.. regardless.

Exercise, sleep, water, healthy diet, positive thinking, deep breaths, uplifting people, & most importantly, GOD will get you through some of the hardest times of anxiety. You have to tell yourself “I’m stronger than I think, I have the ability to overcome this & my feelings are allowed to be here and they will pass.” + if medicine helps you, DO. NOT. BE. ASHAMED. to ask a physician for help. If you are sick you would get medicine to overcome it.. sometimes the mind gets sick too, & that’s ok!

Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s problems.. it takes away today’s peace. Anxiety does not define you.. you are so much more than it convinces you that you are. Let those thoughts & doubts go in one ear & out the other. When the days get greater than you can stand, kneel. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Cry out to The Lord with your worries, burdens, doubts + concerns and let Him help you change your way of thinking. ” When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19

If you are reading this & need someone to talk you through it. PLEASE email me taylorwrightblog@yahoo.com confidential & judgement free.

Salt.

Salt. Brings about a thirst in others for the Lord.{Matthew 5:13}

The enemy comes to kill, steal, & destroy. I came that they may have life & have it abundantly. John 10:10

I, myself, am made with flaws, but as Augusten said I’m stitched together with good intentions. The more I’ve reached for God the faster the enemy has tried to attack. I’d be completely lying if I said I didn’t let it get me really really down. It’s taken pep talks, prayers & love to lift me up and tell that devil NOT TODAY. He comes to wreck our plans & wreck them hard. He, in my case, killed confidence, stole joy & destroyed my motivation. God tells us in James 4:7 Therefor submit to GOD, but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

He is NOT important. His LIES are meaningless. You are WORTHY of God’s love.

During the mountains & valleys of life it is so easy to get beat down & feel broken, but sis.. you are loved. Even when you’re lost, hurt, & confused… JESUS LOVES YOU. He died FOR YOU. & HE makes NO mistakes.

I’ve told myself the ugliest lies about myself lately. Am I perfect? Absolutely not. Do I need to work on things? You bet I do. Do I make mistakes? Yup.

We all do. & God knows we will. He loves us REGARDLESS. He knows we are a work in progress. We are flawed, but still worthy of His love. How beautiful & refreshing is that?!

I cannot believe that I’m a mess most days. I doubt, I read into too much, I worry endlessly & feed into nonsense that won’t matter tomorrow. & HE loves me anyways. HIS mercies are NEW every. single. morning.

I say BLESS MY HEART & shame on me for putting so much doubt, worry, shame, & disgust with myself out there when I am surrounded by so much beauty in this world. How dare I stay wrapped up in little things & not soak up every single blessing of this world?

I woke up today & told myself.. no more. Repent & refresh. LOVE anyways. Give this life all I’ve got & then some. I’ve said this a million X’s & I THANK GOD that he gives me another chance, but I don’t want to be a better me.. I want to be more like HIM. We aren’t called to be like Christians.. we are called to be like CHRIST.

It’s never too late to build a better tomorrow. Forgive. Love. Inspire. Create. If it’s to be more like Jesus.. it’s worth it.

American Eagle + Abercrombie Haul Pt. 2

This look won’t be everyone’s cup of tea HOWEVER.. I am obsessed 🙌🏼🔥

Oversized Tee: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx677ciyf7

Biker Shorts: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx7acciyf7

Tennis Shoes: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx7b4ciyf7

Acrylic Sunnies: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dms6cvciyf7

Shorts: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx9akciyf7

Shorts: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx9akciyf7

Shoes: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx9h2ciyf7

Shorts: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx9fjciyf7

Sunnies: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx9ntciyf7

SIMILAR ROCKER TEES:

Rolling Stones: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx9tdciyf7

The Beatles: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx9ufciyf7

Grateful Dead: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx9yfciyf7

Def Leppard: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx9zjciyf7

Aerosmith: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dmx92gciyf7

Amazon + American Eagle Haul PT. 1

I hit up the most recent American Eagle sale (you should too) + am obsessed with all of the cozy pieces I chose so I thought I would share. I have them paired with my most favorite new accessories that I found on amazon. I am a ride or die amazon prime girl, for sure.

Pearl Hair Pieces : https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dms6d5ciyf7

These are FAB + great quality! You get four pieces for under $10.. can’t beat that!

Pink Floyd T Shirt Dress : https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dms6akciyf7

This is the softest, coziest dress with edge! I sized up to a medium for length because carrying a babygal around and short dresses don’t mix. haha!

Acrylic Sunnies : https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dms6cvciyf7

These are seriously so fun!!!! Under $20

Horsebit Mules : https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dms6gcciyf7

Fraction of the price of the Gucci ones + I’m in love.. So great for summer!

Flannel: an oldie, but goodie out of my closet. Any bold, summer colored flannel would be great for this look!

Rolling Stones Tube Top: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dms6wrciyf7

I went with a large in this top because I am now larger chested since sweet, Beckett Rowe!!

Fleece Striped Shorties: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dms6v7ciyf7

I went with a size small in these cozy shorts… so stinkin’ cute + comfortable!

Cheetah Slides: https://rstyle.me/+d91F9q0KGWzuVkVOY7YMBg

These are true to size in my opinion.. such a great staple.

I finished up this shoot with some quick pics with my perfect diva girl! She is so stinkin’ happy + I am so blessed. This outfit will go live on http://www.shopadenanns.com THIS Sunday at 8 PM CST. Her outfit is Jessica Simpson, but I can’t seem to find it to link it. I’ll update if I can!

I hope you gals have a great weekend.. xoxo.

CHASING DREAMS.

Let me start by saying good things come to those who work.. seriously, owning a business is hard WORK. So many people get it twisted thinking it’s all fun and games. HA! It’s a lot of fun, but also a lot of blood.. sweat.. + tears.

I had a dream at a very young age to open up a salon + boutique. I set out to get my cosmetology license while starting up a boutique solely through Facebook at the time. I was working at a salon in my hometown when the boutique load just got very heavy + a lot to juggle. I continued despite my fears to chase my dreams when I decided to open up my salon and boutique!! That being said I didn’t pay myself for THREE and a HALF YEARS to get where I am today! I let go of the salon dream (which was hard and discouraging) and set out to do the boutique side of things only. At the time the decision was very hard, but I now know it was the best decision for Aden Ann’s to flourish.

I would be lying if I said it’s been easy. There have been times in the past six years that I have wanted to throw my hands in the air + say I can’t do this, but you know what.. I CAN. I think it’s so important to talk about the struggles of the business as well as the victories. Often owning a business gets lost in this fairytale world of the luxuries of being a entrepreneur. Sure, I get to make my own schedule + tote my babygirl with me. Sure, I can work from my home some days. Do you know what I can’t do though? Shut it off. This gig is a 24/7 kind of gig. I work from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep. It’s constant + trust me, I am SO thankful. The fact that it’s constant means it’s successful + I thank the good Lord above for His abundant blessings in my life.

Here is some tips I’ve learned along the way:

•Don’t compare yourself.. Like ever. Comparison is THE thief of JOY. No one is going to do it like you + that’s the beauty of it. We all are unique in our own ways + that’s what will make you successful. Set yourself apart.

•Allow yourself a pity party (or 10) THEN hop up, dust your shoulders off + TACKLE the day!!

•PLAN. I’m still working on this, but having a PLAN helps so much more than you think. Planning out goals + checking them off as you achieve them is such a refreshing motivating thing. Example: If you want to sell twenty shirts.. CRUSH IT. Post + pump your product up.. let the world see just how wonderful your product is + try to meet your goal.

•Time management is key. You MUST do something nice for yourself at least once a month. Carrying the heavy 24/7 work load is stressful so you need a release.. you are allowed that for goodness sake.

•Most importantly, never ever ever give up. Your dream is important + SO. ARE. YOU. You CAN do this. Get that mindset & get ready to crush it, sis.

Things that have helped motivate me:

Designer Inspired FAVS

Of course everyone loves to rock the hottest new trend, but not everyone wants to spend a fortune. I know I don’t. So here are my favorite amazon designer inspired picks that I own.

Mom life is hard to juggle all of the things so I HAVE TO HAVE a back pack. This one is great quality for a “inspired” bag.

Designer Inspired HandbagDesigner Inspired Handbag

This wallet matches perfect to the back pack above, comes with a clutch attachment + is a good bang for your buck!

The easiest throw in the bag zip up wallet.. perfect for on the go + your credit cards!!

This designer inspired watch band is faaaaabulous.

Here are some in my cart items that I’m going to pull the trigger on this week:

YOU VS YOU

This is about 8 ish weeks of consistent workout + only about 2/3 ish weeks of healthier eating.

Let me back space. I had a high risk pregnancy due to a miscarriage before so I wasn’t “allowed” to workout for about 10 months. After my miscarriage I was very depressed & down on myself… so I did what I like to do, eat! I didn’t workout for a total of 13 months with a terrible diet.

Am I in THE BEST shape? Absolutely not. Am I trying? Absolutely! All it takes is effort, motivation, + determination.

I have struggled HARD with postpartum + being back in the gym has helped me gain back a lot. Exercising isn’t just physical it’s definitely mental too.. I hope this can motivate someone today! YOU VS YOU. 💓

Finding myself through mamahood.

I never really knew who I was until Beckett. Yes, I knew what inspired me, motivated me, + what I enjoyed… kind of. That all changed when she came into my world, of course. I just really didn’t know my fears & my soul until I held her in my arms. My life changed the second I laid eyes on my beautiful 6 lb babygirl. I thought that postpartum might kill me, seriously… I did. It was SO HARD. Some days are still SO HARD. It took me until this month to realize that I was really just changing from the inside out. She has made me so much more aware of life & cherishing every moment. I want to show her light, love, adventures, & motivate her to chase her dreams with no regret. She is such a beautiful girl… her personality is contagious. I can’t be around her without just wanting to be a better person. Her love is radiating. You never understand what people mean about your love for a child until you experience it.. true bliss.

So mamas, even on the hard days… remember this. Remember, YOU are their all. Remember, life before them.. dull. Remember, the sloppy kisses. Remember, the belly laughs.. the love in their eyes. Remember your life changing for the BETTER & soak it all up. They are only this little for so long.

Elephant in the room

Hey! It’s been a while. I had put the blog on hold to really focus on my situation and family. I’m finally at a healing point where I feel like I can share in hopes that I can help women suffering in the dark with this. Beckett Rowe is almost 7 months old & I am FINALLY pulling out of the “dark”. Don’t get it twisted when I say dark… these have also been the BRIGHTEST 7 months of my life as well. Ummm, how is that possible?!

Let me back up and tell you what led up to THIS as well..

3 months before Beckett was conceived I experienced an unexpected miscarriage. I was told for years due to endometriosis it would be hard to conceive & I was THRILLED to be pregnant with a little babe. We had to go in earlier + more than normal to track allllll the things to make sure our baby was on the right track and healthy. Everything was looking great! We went in at 8 weeks to hear the heartbeat to find out there wasn’t one… that’s the only way I know to put that. It was world changing, heart breaking + rocked my world. I didn’t really even know until now how much it rocked my world. I had NO signs of miscarrying + I was stunned. I had to wait two days go in for an additional ultrasound to make 100000% sure then have a D+C to have my baby removed. That was brutal. It still is brutal, honestly. It still hasn’t 100% settled right with me & I don’t know that it ever will.. I can’t wait to hold my babygirl or baby boy in my arms one sweet day.

Fast forward 3 months.. I took a test thanksgiving morning to see a “yes”. TEARS OF JOY followed by intense fear. I was scared to death & I wanted to do EVERYTHING in my power to protect this child given to me. I was scared to go to the gym(was advised not to do much), couldn’t vacuum, terrified to drink caffeine, guarded my stomach like crazy… I was really over the top y’all. We had a scare at 9 weeks due to my placenta then at 28 weeks due to dehydration… God protected my angel girl. I went in at 37 weeks with preeclampsia & had to have a c section four hours later. I was told I had very little amniotic fluid around her & the cord was wrapped around her neck multiple times. THANK YOU GOD for getting my beautiful Beckett Rowe to me safe & sound.

We got to bring our perfect bundle of joy home & I was seriously in love. In LOVE. I had the normal struggles of moving around with c section, breastfeeding (she is now formula fed), and being a new tired mom. Day 5 came & my world was flipped upside down. I was hit with THE WORST postpartum anxiety. I don’t even know how to explain the feeling I was struggling with… tight chest, shaking, complete fear to just say the least. I felt like a failure. It was supposed to be THE HAPPIEST time of my life. I worked so hard to get this perfect baby here healthy & why would I feel this way?! I watched her constantly.. barely eating or sleeping because I feared if my eyes left her something may happen. I made up the most bizarre scenarios in my head that could happen that I would have to protect her from.. which now I realize was my OCD + a little PTSD coming into play from the miscarriage. Yes, I’ve seen therapists over this & no, I’m not ashamed to admit that. What I experienced & still experience some is SO REAL + so much more normal than people realize. Hormones suck. The love of a mama is intense. Being a new mom is life changing. I take an anxiety pill daily.. that’s ok. I had to have help to get my fear under control to be able to pull myself together to be THE BEST mom to my angel girl & thats ok. I know I’m a good mom & if you are struggling with the same, you are too!!!! God has called me to tell this story time & time again, but I have lived in so much fear. “What will people think?” Now, I no longer care. There needs to be so much light brought to postpartum because it is out of a mom’s control. I love Beckett Rowe Wright more than I could ever put into worlds & I would do anything in this world to keep her self. I’m a helicopter mama & I’m proud of it.

If you are struggling in the dark & need to talk… please email me taylorwrightblog@yahoo.com . I won’t say a word & no one should have to struggle alone.

Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale!

I wanted to share with you some of my fav items I already own, have just recently purchased, or plan to purchase off of Nordstrom’s’ Half Yearly Sale.

Nordstrom is my GO TO for all things brand name that I LOVE… + who doesn’t love a really really good SALE .

Women’s Nike Outburst Sneaker

I currently have these sneakers + I love them! I feel as if they are TTS. (True To Size)

BP Side Slit Tee

My fav basic tees and they are SO AFFORDABLE!

Textured Double Breasted Coat

I’ve been looking for a funky fun jacket… so this was a YES for me!

Faux Leather Spanx

If you don’t own a pair of spanx… are you even living?! Haha. These are a great price!

Steve Madden Slippers

Under $20 and comes with extra things?! YES PLEASE!

Dri Fit Sports Bra

Love these sports bras! This is a great price for them!

Moonlight Pajamas

THE COZIEST pjs!!!!!

Mac Bronzer

This is MY FAV bronzer.. I always go back to this brand!

Becca Lipgloss Set

Just ordered because you can’t go wrong with Becca or Chrissy Teigen.. right?!

Living Proof Set

Living Proof is AMAZING + this price is a steal!!

Facial Spray Duo

I use both of these! They are so affordable with great results!

Barefoot Dreams Blanket

These blankets are a splurge, but they are THE COZIEST I have ever owned.

True Grit Pullover

True Grit pullover for your man 40% off!!! No brainer!

Adidas Track Pant

These pants are 40% off + a easy comfy look for the man in your life.

Polo Joggers

Another pair of men’s joggers at a crazy good price!

Britxton Hat

Ordered this one for Luke!

Billabong Shorts

These are 40% off + look so comfy!

Rainbow Jammies

Just ordered these for Beckett Rowe!! So stinkin’ cute!

Tea Leggings

These are my absolute FAV pair of leggings to put on Beckett… So I, of course grabbed these!

Tea Striped Legging

+ these too!!

The Honest Company Diaper Bag

I currently am carrying this diaper bag & absolutely love it! The back pack style makes it so easy + it has lots of storage!

COMOTOMO Bottles

We use this brand, and really love them!! These are great for breastfeeding babies as well!

Chenille Baby Blanket

Beckett’s currently OBSESSED with cozy blankies!! I ordered this one because it is a great price! I think it will be amazing quality!

Unicorn Toy

Beckett just got this toy for Christmas + loves loves LOVES it!!!

Chewbead Links

We have these + they are a HIT! She loves to play + chew on these on the go!

Ugg Chukka Sneaker

How cute are these?! We love our uggs.. they are THE BEST quality. I just ordered these because they are 50% off!!!

Lara Ribbed Legging

I think we have these in almost every color. They are THE BEST!

Coco Leggings

Another super cozy pair of leggings for your babygirl!