I have decided that my favorite thing to do is write a positive, motivational post at the beginning of the week. It feels good to start the week out with energy, positivity and a reminder of all the good and happy things that we have to be grateful for.

I wasn’t sure if I should share this for many reasons that I won’t get into but on Friday afternoon one of my sorority sisters was shot and killed in Atlanta. Here is a link to the story with all the details. It was a random crime in a busy parking deck in the middle of the day. Unimaginable. The point of me sharing this is not to make you sad but to honor the memory of a beautiful woman and to send strength to her family, husband and friends.

She was two years younger than me and we were not close friends but this news still came as a shock and weighed heavy on my mind throughout the weekend. Last week I got a bit of (much-needed!) wake-up call in regards to achieving goals. On Saturday I Tweeted, “My current mantra on repeat…stop showing fear and go get it. Making things happen.” Because really, what am I waiting for?

I received a response to my Tweet from Lexy at Fire Meets Fire who linked back to a video post she just did about taking 100% responsibility for your life. The message was incredible. It’s from Jack Canfield.

Everything about you is a result of your doing or not doing… Your income. Debt. Relationships. Health. Fitness level. Attitudes and behaviors.

I’ve often said that you are either creating or allowing everything that is happening in your life.

I think everyone knows this in their hearts, but often times people convince themselves into thinking that external factors are the source of their failure, disappointment, and unhappiness.

External factors do not determine how you live. YOU are in complete control of the quality of your life, by either creating or allowing the circumstances you experience.

TAKE 100% CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE.

I shared this with my yoga class at the beginning of their practice this morning and was nearly in tears as I took them through the start of class. I hope that this message speaks to you in some way. I thought it was wonderful.

Pretty heavy stuff for PBR, huh? Sorry guys. Again, I’m not trying to make you sad but rather remind you to take control of the life you live and GO GET IT.

Annnnnd back to our regularly scheduled programming!

Brandon and I made brunch when I got home from teaching. I made the biscuits while Brandon whipped up a batch of his perfect scrambled eggs. (Can I just mention again how thankful I am to have a husband who likes to cook?)

A peach and sliced Cherokee Purple tomato from the farmer’s market on the side. I really don’t think that it gets better than a homegrown tomato and a flavorful peach. Summer is definitely my favorite season for eating.

Guess who got a bath today!?

While she loves to swim, Sullie is SO not a fan of baths. Especially when I do them outside and spray her with the hose. She pretty much looks at me with the most pitiful eyes ever and acts like I’m torturing her.

She goes CRAZY after baths. I really need to take a video! I did get her out on the front steps to take some pictures of her cuteness after she ran puppy circles around the house. 😉

Brandon actually suggested a vegetarian dinner tonight! He said he was in the mood for Indian so I cooked a batch of Chana Masala. It’s so easy but so delicious, filling and healthy. I served it over brown rice with naan.

I also admit that Brandon talked me into dessert so I baked a batch of white chocolate toffee blondies. This is my first time making this recipe. If it turns out well, I’ll be sharing it. Now…must go taste test!

Have a great week! Take responsibility for your life and GO GET IT!!!!!