Amanda Perry

https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/12/15/safe-winter-driving-learning-correct-skid-icy-roads/

Safe winter driving: Learn to correct a skid on icy roads If you find yourself beginning to lose control of your vehicle, take your foot off the accelerator and the brake.

I have the very best friends!

10 Qualities of a Really Good Friend:

1. They can be real. Fake is exhausting, and overrated. We're all kind of a mess. Friendship is a whole lot better when you can be in the mess together. Authenticity breeds a beautiful level of depth and understanding to the relationship.

2. They are a safe place for you to be real. Dirty yoga pants, bad night, fight with the hubby, trouble with parenting, depressed, anxious, ate too many tacos and now you have heartburn...doesn't matter what it is, you want friends you can be yourself around. If you can’t ever relax when you’re around them, they’re not your home.

3. They'll make time. Everyone is busy, but if you want true friendship, you’ve gotta carve out the time consistently. Consistency is key here. It's important you have friends who will do that whenever they get the chance, even if it’s squeezing in a ten minute phone conversation while they’re going through the car wash, or a text at some point in the day. If you never see or talk to them, it’s hard to know them. And if you never know them, it’s hard to build a relationship with them. In fact, it’s kind of impossible.

4. They like you for YOU. Listen and listen real good. If you have to impress, perform, or work hard to keep them around—stop it this second. If they don't love you when you stop, then GET OUT. Ain't no one got time for that. Your energy is better spent where it is valued.

5. You can trust them. You know your words stop with them and they have your back when you’re in the room, and when you walk away.

6. They're approachable. It's never fun to let a friend know they hurt your feelings, but it's gotta happen sometimes. Friends who listen, really hear you, and can apologize are so precious.

7. They show up. Birthdays, bouts with anxiety, grief, good times, bad times, celebrations... friends who show up when it matters leave lasting impressions.

8. They aren't super duper negative. There's a difference between being honest about the ups and downs of life, and spewing a firehouse of negativity constantly. You should feel good around them the majority of the time.

9. They're all-around good humans. Just like your mama said, you’ve gotta watch who gets your attention. If they’re nice to you, and then turn around and act like a jerk to the waitress—they’re not nice. Friends should make you want to be a better human, and they should see the value in others.

10. They pursue you right back. It's essential to find friends who check in, invite you out, and text first. They initiate. They invest. They pursue. Relationships and bridges—neither of ‘em work if they only go one way.

Written by Jess Johnston and Amy Weatherly

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Photo by KaLisa Veer

To grow, you have to embrace the discomfort. The transition is uncomfortable and scary, but that’s the nature of the beast.

Yesterday I was reminded of my past, it came out of nowhere and unexpectedly caught me off guard. The girl I was at 25 is unrecognizable to my 39 year old self. Yes, I have a past- we all do. But I am not defined by the mistakes I’ve made. Those “mistakes” might not align with other’s perception of the situation. I am thankful I made those mistakes, for I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it. I will never stop learning and growing. I will never stop learning about myself, my values, my character, my identity.

Making mistakes is how we grow as humans. No matter what has happened in your past, it has shaped who you are today. You have either become a victim to it or have overcome whatever obstacles you stumbled into. We all make mistakes, the key is to look at them as learning opportunities.

When you are challenged, you are asked to become more than you were. That means creating new perspectives, acquiring new skills, taking responsibility for your actions, and exploring boundaries.

Can we control the future?

Hell yes we can! I’ve been trying to stay focused on living in the present, but what I’ve found is helpful is to plan for the future before it even gets here.

Sunday’s are all about prep for me. Getting the house cleaned, laundry and dishes done so we at least start with a clean slate. We all know that lasts a hot minute with a five year old.

I’ve been trying to get meal prep done so our dinners aren’t thrown together at the last minute. I look at my week’s appointments and work schedule so I know when I can get things done like my workouts and business commitments.

This week I’m adding in planing my social media posts and themes. Anyone else has a head full of ideas, and then hit writer’s block when they go to create??

What are your best tips to plan social media content?

Saving to read later.

I'm a Mom and Mindfulness Teacher: Here Are My Surefire Ways to Get My Kids to Calm Down As a mom to a 4- and 6-year-old, I am very familiar with chaos, tantrums, and big emotions. These are my favorite ways to help my kids find some zen.

My baby is 5 today, like how???

Aksel you are an old soul, and the best gift I could have ever received. You came into this world three weeks earlier than expected. Momma had planned to slow down and enjoy being pregnant with you after working non stop during busy retail holiday season. To my surprise, I got to bond with you on the outside three weeks earlier. I wasn’t prepared for what our breastfeeding journey would entail, but somehow we worked through it and made it 2.5 years. You’re stubborn just like your mother. I love watching you grow and learn about this crazy world. Happy 5th Birthday Aksel!