Elegant Revelations
Every once in a while I find a list so inspiring that I repeat it in my mind, print it out and make notes. I recently read this list from another blogger. I thought it was so inspiring that I had to share it.
Every once in a while I find a list so inspiring that I repeat it in my mind, print it out and make notes. I recently read this list from another blogger. I thought it was so inspiring that I had to share it.
We are in an age where sharing everything has become the norm and keeping things private has become weird. It is so easy to get caught up in sharing too many details about one’s life.
I wrote a small blog post about this last year, see here. I try to make sure I practice this on a daily basis. Learning to find the balance between sharing your life and keeping things private is very hard sometimes.
We as women can have a tenancy to want to share and discuss everything with our girlfriends, co-workers, and family members. I have had my “oops I should have not said that” moments. I hate that! But since I am getting older I am learning to pause in between my thoughts before I speak.
There are some things that should be left unsaid. I had someone recently tell me that I didn’t post as much on Facebook anymore. I was very happy to hear that. For the most part I post photos or statuses that inspire. When I joined Facebook in 2011 I was venting things and emotions that I should have kept to myself but as I can see I am learning.
I read this recently from Jennifer L. Scott’s book about “the Air of Mystery”. She said, “Poise resides in the space between our thoughts. If we pause, we are less likely to say something that is not in our best interest. We will not engage in a “Twitter feud” because we will have paused and assessed. Your secrets will stay safe. We must remember that poise is in the pause. Pausing when agitated. Pausing when excited. Pausing before saying something that isn’t wise to say.
I could not have said it better myself. I am going to make an extra effort in keeping an air of mystery. Because there is beauty in mystery.
This past weekend I went and visited some stores that I haven’t been to in awhile. One was Steinmart and the other was Tuesday Morning. I found some great goodies there and great deals!
Public speaking always seems to be a dangerous job but one can accomplish this task with great elegance. I am always nervous when I speak in front of people but then I do some “self-talk” and remind myself of who I am and what goal I am trying to accomplish.
I am narrowing down to the last few chapters of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic. In this week’s reading Jennifer L. Scott gave 5 tips for public speaking:
1) Own the space:
Whether you are on stage or standing at the head of a table, get comfortable in the space as quickly as possible. Act as if you belong there (because you do)!
2) Good posture:
All eyes will be on you. Your good posture is important now more than ever. Stand tall.
3) Project:
Make sure everyone can hear what your’re saying by speaking clearly and projecting your voice toward the back of the room. Rather than speaking from you throat, picture speaking from your belly. Let your words come out with strength and volume.
4) Don’t be afraid to move:
Avoid deer- caught-in-the-headlights syndrome by moving. It’s okay to gesture with your hands and to walk around (if appropriate). If you are being filmed, ask the director to define the parameters of your movement.
5) Make a connection:
Whether you are pitching a job to potential clients or touting the merits of you best friend at her wedding, the entire point of public speaking is to make a connection with your audience. You have been asked to speak because you have something to impart that could benefit your viewers. Don’t make speech about you, make it about what you can give.
If you want to read some more of my posts from this fabulous book see below:
Polish Your Poise
Polish Your Posture
Speaking Well ~ Polish Your Poise
Elegance in Punctuality
In 2014 I wrote about how I love to thrift store shop (see here) and how most of my home is full of second hand finds. I am still on the hunt for great things and my love for “thrifting” has not stopped. A couple of weekends ago I visited my favorite flea market the Beech Grove Emporium.
I found some wonderful things and just wanted to share my finds….
Inspiration is everywhere! We have so many websites and apps now that help us in making life beautiful. I have to admit that Pinterest and Instagram are my favorites!
There are a lot of creative people in the world and I have my favorites on Instagram. So I thought I would share who I am following on Instagram and once you check out their page you will be inspired too!
I have talked about this store before but I am just such a huge fan of Von Maur that I have to share my “wish list” from them. I went in a couple of weekends ago to look around. I found a few great items that I want.
I always create a mental wish list in my head from this store and take photos. By the grace of God I have been able to complete every wish list there! It is fantastic! The customer service is wonderful and the products are good quality. Here are a few of my current favorites….