Republished from Happens For a Reason fashion blog by Marisa Barnard
January was an amazing first month of 2017 for me. I am so excited for the year ahead, yet I’ve noticed that my excitement has lead to trying to force situations and experiences into my life. Because of this, I thought it might be time to write a post about surrendering.
I have been trying to trust the flow of life for some time now. Although it can be extremely difficult in the moment, I believe surrendering to the world around you makes for a happier, less frustrating life.
Growing up as a perfectionist, I spent years micro-managing every aspect of my life. Now, I spend my free time trying to undo all that I have taught myself. Every situation I experience or person I come in contact with is an opportunity to use my new surrendering tools and rethink how I am going to react to a situation or person.
Have you ever forced a situation to happen or chased after someone? Did you realize that the more you force or chase, the more they run away? Well, if it doesn’t open, it’s not your door. It’s as simple as trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—it’s just not going to happen.
Instead of forcing something to work out, ask for guidance and surrender the situation to the Universe. Surrendering is neither giving up nor defeat. Although it may not feel like it, you still remain in control of your life, as you are consciously choosing to go with the flow of life.
With practice, surrendering can become empowering—you are choosing to surrender to a higher power/the Universe/the world and acknowledging that some things are just not meant to be (right now). Don’t forget that “no” doesn’t mean “no” necessarily, it means “not right now.”
Letting go may be upsetting at first, but the feeling of knowing that there is something greater for you out there is certainly more uplifting than trying to control and micro-manage every aspect of your life yourself. The rush of relaxation and calmness that surrendering gives me is far better than the anxiety that comes with trying to force something or someone into my life.
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This stunning jewelry is by Anne Koplik Designs, a handcrafted jewelry brand based in NY and designed with crystals by . You might have caught some of their pieces on the T.V. show Dancing with the Stars, as they have been the exclusive provider of jewelry since Season 5. If only I could constantly wear this jewelry and samba with Derek Hough!
Their jewelry has also been featured at the American Music Awards, Daytime Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, The Wendy Williams show, The Home and Family Network, Entertainment Tonight, and The Insider.
Anne Koplik has a wide variety of jewelry styles–I’m talking every color, crystal, and design imaginable on necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I got a sneak peak at their new line for Spring, and I narrowed my favorite choice down to a delicate choker with a sparkling pendant and earring set. You’ll be able to shop these new spring styles in the upcoming weeks. If you love this look as much as I do, check out more chokers here. Click here to shop the Victorian Alva Choker.
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Being a model (and a lot of times a hand model), I have to keep my nails freshly manicured at all times. Enter the gel-manicure which is hassle free (until it starts to chip) because it lasts for two weeks. Although I get bored with the color usually after week 1, I get my money’s worth and stick it out. I hate the process of taking a gel manicure off at home, I find myself going to the salon every two weeks on the dot.
After bopping around on the internet one day, I came across Red Carpet Manicure, which is the first at-home LED Gel Manicure system, and boy, is this product a game changer. Red Carpet Manicure sent me their Portable LED Light and a bunch of LED polish colors to play with. This light is so easy to use, and you can give yourself a gel manicure in the comfort of your own home (i.e. while watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). Not to mention, Red Carpet Manicure was also the official nail sponsor of the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion show! You can also find a bunch of other products, including nail kits, one-step gel polishes, and nail treatments on their website. Shop these products here!
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Thank you Anne Koplik Designs and Red Carpet Manicure!
Xx Marisa
P.s. These make great Valentine’s Day gifts for your sweetie ?
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