Hi y'all! So today's post is about to get REAL. If you came here for a DIY or tutorial, well I'm sorry to say that's not happening today. No, today, I'm telling you my "Everyday Amazing" story which I was inspired to share by my good friend, KariAnne Wood's upcoming book titled "So Close to Amazing" which you can order here.
You guys. YOU. HAVE. TO. BUY. THIS. BOOK. I'm serious. I have laughed until my tummy hurt, I have cried, prayed, reflected, been confronted with my own personal shortcomings but most of all realized that BECAUSE of all of the above, I'm actually 'amazing'. Yes, I am amazing. Why? Well, because for one, I am a creation of God! Also, I rock at a lot of really neat things, and at the same time rock at being bad at many things, too! :)
If you're new to my blog, my name is Evey. This is me, well how people are used to seeing me...when I'm onstage at Home Shows, on TV and morning news shows or just on social media.
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| Photo by Stefanie Photography |
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| Photo by: Hector Rivera Photography |
The reality is, I have 6 (we're now up to 8 as of Dec. 2018) autoimmune illnesses, 2 genetic disorders and COPD. That means I spend about a quarter of my life in and out of the hospital. That means, I won't live as long as I'm supposed to. That means, I've coded 7 times in my life. That also means, I live my life to the FULLEST. It means I find the beauty in EVERY. DAY. It also also means I love every aspect of my life, and I try to experience as much as possible.
I had the opportunity to read KariAnne Wood's So Close to Amazing before it hits shelves on September 5th, and it has been everything I thought it would be and more. If you know KariAnne, you know she's an incredibly kind and selfless being. You know that she is bubbly, funny, very talented and has an incredible eye for design. She also has an incredible story. This well written memoir is both emotionally moving and very funny. It tells her story in a thought-provoking and beautiful and amusing manner.
It has inspired me to share the following video...I must warn you, it's long and likely the first time I've spoken so candidly about what it's like to live with chronic pain and illness, as well as what it's like to follow my dreams not just in spite of, but BECAUSE of the above. Hope it inspires you to follow your dreams but to also buy KariAnne's AMAZING book! Don't forget to check out the other reviews and 'So Close to Amazing' stories by some of my bloggy friends below via the linky party!
KariAnne: Thank you for writing such a personal, and incredible book! Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey to sharing your story with the world. Love you lots, lady!
Evey,
ReplyDeleteHow you live your life and share your stories is such an encouragement to everyone. You are a rock star of encouragement.
I am so glad to have met you through our amazing friend, KariAnne, who is also a rock star of lifting others up.
Love being on the blog tour with you,
Judith
Hi Evey
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story of endurance! laura
YOU are amazing and thank you for sharing your journey!
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much friend! I am so thankful for you and that you are part of this incredible journey. You have over come so much and you are such an inspiration to so many. I am so lucky to have you in my life.
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Hi Evey, I hate to hear about your health struggles but it's clear that they have framed your thinking such that you do embrace every single day. I am glad to be sharing this book launch journey with you and will keep you in my prayers for your continued health.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Lynn
What a beautiful and heartfelt post!
ReplyDeleteI've laughed and commiserated and pulled my chair up beside KariAnne's all through the book, too. It's one of my favorite reads so far this year.
Hugs to you during your hard days and health struggles. I admit to feeling a bit sorry for myself last week. I've struggled with back and sciatic issues for a couple years. I recently sprained my ankle and it's been painful and slow. Last week I felt so tired of pain and slowness and not being able to do things. When I get in this mode, I often remind myself of the many people who have much bigger health issues than I do.
Embracing the day and seeking beauty in the everyday and delighting in the daily details have all become focuses of mine. There is so much beauty in life and so many things to be thankful for even in all the hard stuff!
Thank-you for your words.
I have TOO many #soclosetoamazing moments! Ha!! A couple of summers ago we totally forgot that our accountant was coming to our house and completely missed the appointment. I felt so bad for his wasted time and effort and he was perfectly gracious about it.
ReplyDeleteI love KariAnne's beautiful pictures and funny stories. I really like the floral picture frame wreath.
You are truly amazing. You are piped into God's strength every day, aren't you? I always enjoy your comments in the group. Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteYou are so brave to share your story and your struggles. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteEvey thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. I knew a little bit of your story but I didn't know that you also did inspirational speaking. You see how funny life can be. God helps us to find who we were meant to be and what we were meant to do. Through all of your struggles you can help others to become amazing just like you are. And you are a very beautiful woman inside and out; even without makeup your face radiates life and love. Thank you again for sharing this with us. Like KariAnne says You got this rock star!! <3
ReplyDeleteYou're a beautiful woman. Thank you for such an inspirational post!
ReplyDeleteWow! You are such an inspiration Evey.
ReplyDeleteSend you sweet aloha and warm wishes for strength and vitality. Ill health certainly can motivate and force us to prioritize our nonsense.
ReplyDeleteBless your heart! I surely hope your health improves and I admire you for all the things you do.
ReplyDeleteGlad to meet you through KariAnne's group.
Thank you for sharing this post. I don't have a chronic illness, but I do have chronic pain... and it's nice to feel validated. People don't understand why I'm constantly tired. I'm all... c'mon guys. It takes a whole lot of effort just to function daily. You're welcome I'm as awesome as I am.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful Evey! I hope to see and read more from you!
ReplyDeleteFirst time on your blog, but I'll have to check out your DIY!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm checking this book out. Lupus SLE has caused me so many issues. Now I have Asthma, a range of mental issues (depression/anxiety/BED), hair loss, infertility, joint damage, and blood clots. That's just a touch of the issues it's caused. After being healthy most of my life and having my first pregnancy trigger this, it's a lot to handle. I will watch your video when I don't have a headache as it's hard to hear <3
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