Live Out Loud - Ink & Changes

A little over a year ago I took an inventory of myself and decided it was time to reclaim my life. For 12 years I had been doing everything "right". Trying to run a business, be a mom, a wife and friend.

And I was dead inside. I had been making jewelry for 6 years at that point and finally had hired help. With the additional help I was able to breathe again.

During my kids' VBS week I decided to start running again after a 2 year break. And I wanted to train the way I've always dreamed about. I joined Weight Watchers and learned how to eat a reasonable amount of food in a day and finally lose the baby weight from my 8 year old "baby". I stopped filling myself with food and began to nourish my soul - and find ME again.

Those first few weeks I was happy to complete 2.5 miles. I would feel so good after and as the weight dropped off I was able to go longer and after a few months faster.

And then my world fell apart. I'll spare you the gory details but I cracked; my walls crumbled and through it all I ran.

Through all those miles the layers began to peel away. I sweated out my fears and anxiety - many miles I wept through but new dreams began to form. And old dreams reappeared and became attainable.

Sporty Girl Jewelry was born after several years as only www.hipmomjewelry.com. In February I had the opportunity to go to Africa to teach single moms a viable trade in jewelry making. Seeds were planted began to form new growth in my soul.

As I awoke from that 12 year hibernation I realized I no longer wanted to merely exist - but to live all out. So my year has been a little frenetic...

26.2? You bet. Go to Africa? Sure! A new tattoo? Why not?

And that brings me to the biggest news of all - Sporty Girl Jewelry and Hip Mom Jewelry have found a home together - in a real brick & mortar storefront. We officially opened for business yesterday. It is definitely a dream come true to have my own little piece of retail space. So if you are ever in Lawrence, KS, stop in and say howdy-do at Studio 163. 

What do you think of the new Live Out Loud & Free Charms? They will be added to the site in a couple days.

Has running or another sport helped you through hard times?

Has it helped you find courage for bold steps in life?