Yesterday as I listened to the news, my heart was so heavy.
It was overwhelming.
And unceasing.
And I was struck by the fact that in this busy and fast-paced world full of storms and mudslides and hurricanes and swirling winds and uncertainty….
….so many hearts are grieving.
And full of sadness.
And worry.
And doubt.
News like this can sometimes almost overwhelm a tired and weary world.
But in the middle of all the overwhelming news of today, there have been so many bright lights. I see the stories everywhere and I’m so encouraged that there is hope and joy and healing just around the corner.
In my life, I’ve had so many people lift me up. I’ve had so many people offer encouragement and words of wisdom and incredible inspiration to me that along the way something amazing happened.
I’m so full of encouragement that I have extra.
Yes.
Extra encouragement available for distribution.
And so now, on this beautiful fall day….
….I wanted to share a little joy with you.
Yes, my wonderful, amazing friend.
You.
Just in case you needed some.
Just in case you were struggling.
Just in case you were a little sad.
Just in case you were worried or overwhelmed or nervous or lonely.
Just in case.
I wanted to share.
Nothing fancy.
Nothing earth-shattering.
Just a little encouragement.
Because yesterday when I walked outside and the sun was shining and the leaves were falling and the clouds were floating by in the blue sky and I could see pumpkins on the porch and the air held a hint of all the fall that was just around the corner in Texas…
…..and I stopped.
And paused.
I stopped for just an instant to take it all in and I as I stood there with all the beauty of a fall day surrounding me….
…..I was thankful.
Thankful for all the wonderful encouragement-pouring individuals I have in my life.
Thankful for another day to spend with my family.
Thankful that my sweet husband looked like an ad for Ralph Lauren in his knit cap.
Thankful for this blog and this space to write my heart.
Simple. Sweet. Wonderful. Thankfulness.
And I was trying to think of a way to send extra encouragement your way.
So I wanted take a moment to tell you….
…..yes….you with the coffee or the hot tea or cup of soup or the banana nut muffin.
You.
You. Are. Amazing.
A rock star.
Truly.
(Total aside: you probably already knew how amazing you are and you probably are thank goodness she finally noticed and let everyone know.) 🙂
And just in case no one mentioned it to you today.
I wanted to be the first.
I’m sending you thoughts and prayers of encouragement and hope and joy and the belief that there is good in every corner of this world that we live in. Storms may come. Challenges may overwhelm us. The winds of life may swirl. But this community is here.
We see you.
We want to encourage you.
We think you are pretty special.
And from one rock star to another…..
…..you got this, friend. 🙂
PS If you get a chance today….maybe spread a little encouragement in your corner of the world….there’s probably someone else amazing who needs it.
Such a beautiful post from THE most encouraging person I know.
THANK YOU and BLESSINGS!
I know I don’t really know you, but I just love your spirit and your writing! Thank you for being you.
AMEN!!!!!!!!
❤️ You are one in a trillion. Thank you for being your kind, mindful, intelligent, beautiful and oh so very thoughtful you. xx
Such a world we live in today...each of us needing lifted up by friends, neighbors. Thank you for being that person KariAnne❣️🥰🙏🍂🍁🍎
Well put Ms. KariAnne!!! I sure needed that this morning (and I live a far cry from FL). But you're right, there re winds swirling and concern and uncertainty everywhere but always with a spot -- or a full out eruption -- of joy within those swirls.
Good Morning, KariAnne, Thank you for this. I have no reason to be sad, but at times I am. I have been thanking Him for my blessings, but sometimes I just have to let things be. I am praying for those in Florida and for those whose troubles just don't seem to let up. I suppose we all have our crosses to bear. Thank you for being a ray of sunshine.
Great post.
Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful post!! You go rockstar!
What a special special sweetheart you are, dearest friend. Your post warmed my heart and brought a tear to my eye. What a beautiful way to start the day. Hugs to you from SC.
Oh, thank you! I just got power restored at my home but all food in frig and freezer is bad. But small price to pay as I, along with other family, are safe and sound with no major damage to our homes. Minor flooding and lots of debris around our homes is nothing compared to others. I have lived in FL for 47 years and this was the scariest I have been through in all those years. I am feeling very grateful today.
Thank you for the encouraging post today. I live in NC and though I won't go in to everything government agencies have not been helpful they have hindered the people from helping. The people showed up the first week and half, not the government. The 750.00 that was offered is a loan not help and no one still has power so they can't apply anyway. That is the real story here the people came to there aid and that should encourage all of this. People given the chance will always do the right thing. May God bless America.
Thanks for the uplifting post! Here in SC we are still getting trees cleared, as many homes, cars and roads were destroyed. I’m thankful for God’s protection over my family. Things are replaceable, people aren’t! Love your blog!
Thank you for uplifting thoughts and words every day. I so enjoy your decor ideas. Inspired, I will make a positive share today to my buddies. Also, in our storm ravaged country, I made two donations to help the needy to organizations I know and trust very much. I hope people will heal and recover, and prayers for the loss of all and the loved ones lost. 🤗🍂‼️
Thank you! I am thankful that the Lord turned Milton out to sea. Blessings to all of those who are struggling. You are not alone!
Thank you for this!! Keep spreading the sunshine Karianne!! Enjoy your day! ;)
Thank you for your kind words. Even more thank you for giving your friends a way to lift up those who are facing such devastating hardships. I trust this generous community of readers to offer lots of support thanks to your link to services. You have provided so much to so many❣️
The news is more than a little daunting! Life can be so difficult, even with every day things! I really needed to hear this today! Thank you!
Thank you for always spreading your joy. You are the best!
Yes, yes and yes...and thank you for the encouragement! Many of us are hurting and you have certainly given us hope!♥️
Thank you for your post. It brought tears to my eyes. We so often forget to appreciate the things around us. Thank you!
Karianne YES I did need this today! I love ❤️ your posts and all your positive sunshine even on the darkest days. Thank you💕💕💕
You are so sweet! Just the message we all need now❣️
Thank you oh so much Karianne! Agree 100%! Got ready with makeup & everything to go forth today. As you aptly shared, we are Rock Stars! Blessings to all!
Thanks❤️
I am thankful for you and the encouragement you gave to those who were in the path of the storm. My prayers and thoughts are with those people.
Thank you for remembering us...here along the coast of Florida...near the water. We have family in North Carolina and Tennessee. ..as well. God is working through the people....many we don't even know. Everyone, please remember to be kind...so many lost everything, including loved ones..🙏🕊
YOU are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!
Thank you Karianne! You are the world’s best cheerleader!
Thank you for this note of love and kindness!!! The FL storms have been such a burden on so many. We are strong and will recover.
Your beautiful heartfelt encouragement comments brought tears to well up. I was actually drinking coffee and had made banana nut muffins last night! I felt your words were aimed directly at ME. YOU are one of the most thoughtful, compassionate humans the Lord has made. I love you for it. Thank You, Karianne!
I some times forget to be grateful, thank you for the reminder! I am very blessed, how can I forget?
I can look outside and see the sunshine and beautiful flowers but when I think of what has happened to the people of North Carolina, Florida and other states, I too am almost overwhelmed! Thank you for the websites to help! You are one of the most precious people - thanks for all that you do! Praying for all those people!
What a beautiful little letter. A letter personally to me. That is how it felt. And to you, may Your days be filled with love and hope. And as you know, you definitely got this. ❤️
Boy I needed this. Thank you
What a great post. I am recovering from surgery this past Wednesday and your post was like a breath of fresh air. The sun is shining, there is a gentle breeze (ok, I live in So. California) and I have a loving husband taking real good care of me. Thanks for helping me through the aches and soreness.
Encouraging others is a gift and one that goes miles and miles! Thank you for encouraging us to think of other people who are blue or discouraged and to encourage them! Give someone a smile today and I bet you get one back!
HOW DID YOU KNOW? Exactly what I and so many needed to hear and be reminded of. To think of the good we can find each day? HOW DID YOU KNOW. The often worrisome or discouraging daily news. Of the sadness or the anger or some of the helpless feeling some are having. Anger that our leadership did not send in the shelter tents and blankets for 40° nights, the medical MASH units, the refrigerated trucks cooled by gas generators to keep the hundreds of bodies safe through the 70-80° daytime temps, the promises and help that don't happen, don't come. We remember friends and neighbors who DO help each other, DO share what they have and what they receive, DO share hugs and prayers. That even as bodies are destroyed, their souls are safe and taken care of. That a dog can survive 5 days 20 feet up in a tree until loving strangers hold her as she's carried down a rickety ladder that miraculously holds together until the rescued and rescuer are safe on the ground. That an at risk pregnancy became an at risk birth during the storm, getting to the hospital just in time and is doing well. That Milton was less strong than anticipated. That we are thankful for every good thing, small or large, and for friends and family. HOW DID YOU KNOW we needed to hear exactly what you said today? We're truly thankful for YOU, Karianne; you are a friend to many. Today the sky is blue and sunny, a crispness in the air. I'm saving your today's post so I can read it again when it's just what's needed. YOU KNEW what so many needed today.
Thanks so much for your beautiful words.... each and everyone of you! It means so much to me (even if we never meet each other) that I can go to this blog and always be uplifted!!!
Karianne. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration and hope that you gave us today. I’m struggling with health issues, as so many others are. Also praying for the storm victims and thankful my family in central Florida was safe during the storm. You are a blessing and a comfort in such times as this.
Dear sweet KariAnne...THANK YOU! Again, KINDNESS beyond measure!! Again, ABUNDANT GRACE!! Your words are very touching today...🙏💞
Please add Samaritans Purse to the list of how to help hurricane victims. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene/?utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YYND-B24V&utm_content=HurricaneHelene&msclkid=aad5dd99e4011ead31c6ba905875902c&utm_term=samaritan%27s%20purse
You are a ray of 🌞. Thank you the encouragement ❤️
Thank you, KA. You are such a good person and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to read your blog. You truly are always consistently a ray of sunshine in a sometimes very stormy world. God bless you.
Thank you!!! I’m gonna go find someone to shine a little extra love to……….great advice in this tipsy world today
Lovely post, but I hope that Diana gets the correct information regarding all the help available. The $750 from FEMA is NOT a loan. It is immediate relief; it does not need to be paid back. This initial money is meant to help out with immediate necessities, whether that is food, diapers, gas, … whatever you deem necessary right now. I hope people are using legitimate sites and sources for their information and not relying on rumors. It’s so sad that people would add to someone’s tragedy by spreading rumors that may keep them from receiving the help they’re entitled to.
Marti, great comment. I have a friend with the National Guard helping out in North Carolina. He said there are hundreds of our government agencies on the ground helping along with active service members. Emergency money has been released. He admitted that people are suffering without basic services but he’s asking if people making negative comments would remember that it’s an overwhelming task and won’t be back to normal overnight.
What a wonderful post! You too are a rockstar, my friend! ❤️
Thank you so much for this encouraging post!! We all need all the encouragement we can get!
Hi KariAnne, Keep shining all around the world! We all need to appreciate the simple joys around us, and be grateful. Love and cheers, Margaret (N.Z.
Thank you for this upbeat message. It feels like the world is on fire these days, and it is so important that we hold each other up.
You nailed it my friend! I needed this. The news is filled with sad and scary events. But when I watch TV and see the dozens that turn out to help when there is a natural disaster my heart is filled. Even in my neighborhood, there are so many good and caring people, I am heartened that things will be okay. Thank you for the ray of sunshine for the weekend, even for the month! 😊💙🤍💙 Karen B.
Thank you, Karianne, for the wonderful and uplifting words and to Marti and and Betsy for setting the record straight about the good and extensive federal assistance pouring into the areas reeling from these horrific hurricanes and for all the people who are volunteering their time to help their neighbors in the clean-up and recovery. I undertook a lot of planning for meetings and special events during my working days and I can't imagine the organization and effort it takes for the people working for FEMA and other agencies to coordinate these relief efforts. As I sit here in my comfortable apartment in what I call the Boulder Bubble, in which our weather has been absolutely autumn storybook perfect for the last couple of weeks, I feel so thankful. I've always said I was a short-term pessimist and a long-term optimist. Things can only get better if we all think critically, winnow rumor from fact, and look around us for the goodness and beauty in our lives. I'm particularly thankful for the mail-in ballot I received yesterday as a Colorado resident for what I think may be one of the most efficient voting systems in the nation. Thank goodness for sensibility.
Sure enough I’m the one who really needed this today! Thank you for sharing and giving me a little joy and hope for today.
Oh, you amazing, adorable soul! I had the tab open for this post but I didn't get back to it until now! Thank you for the encouragement. Always the booster and, once in awhile, one who needs boosting herself! So YOU, my sweet friend, whether you need it today or later, you are the MOST AMAZING one I know. You are a blessing in red lipstick and smiles! Never let that escape your precious noggin! Happy day, dear one! 🥰