As has been the case lately, my blog today is a mix-up of what I’ve been thinking about and doing.  Going along with trying to give an inspirational quote everyday (almost), I just decided to write a little about how this quote truly applies to every moment of our lives.  Thanks for reading!

“What consumes your mind controls your life.”

I’ve said it before on this blog, that your mind can be your biggest enemy.  If you allow it, it’s the place where your deepest conflict lives. It’s where you feared things were going to happen that never really happened. It’s where your expectations always get the best of you. It’s where you fall into the same habits of thought over and over again.  If you keep allowing these crazy self sabotaging thoughts to enter in your mind, they will keep you from having the peace and joy that you desperately want in your life.  You have the freedom to think anything you want; you can think yourself into disappointment, and even depression if that’s what you choose.

The bottom line here is that you are what you think! And you can’t change anything if you can’t change your thinking.  It’s your choice!  Today, try to catch yourself in the self-defeating thought patterns and be conscious of choosing to think differently!

On a much lighter note…these pictures were taken at the New York Public Library while I was visiting last week!

Patience and Fortitude are the marble lions that stand in front of the New York Public Library.  They have been a part of the library since it’s dedication on May 23, 1911.  

They were originally called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox, after the library founders, John Jacob Astor and James Lenox.  During the 1930’s the mayor, Fiorello LaGuardia named them Patience and Fortitude.  These were the qualities that he thought New Yorkers would need to survive the economic depression.  

The library is such a beautiful, massive building and I felt so small having my picture made in front of it!  I love how the majestic lions are decorated with beautiful wreaths at Christmas. 

Another famous New York attraction, adjacent to the library, is the ice skating rink at Bryant Park.  There is also a fabulous holiday market with every kind of gift imaginable.  The air was crisp and cold and I enjoyed watching the ice skaters while drinking hot apple cider.

I’m wearing a fabulous embellished military inspired jacket by Free People.  I bought this jacket in Nashville at one of my favorite boutiques, Parish Nashville.  I just couldn’t resist the embellishment…it elevates a very utilitarian piece into a work of art!  I wore it here with a black cashmere turtleneck because it was so cold, but I’m actually planning to wear it today with a red plaid flannel blouse.  This jacket is great for a fun casual look!

Photography by Jeanne Rene Barousse

It’s Day 7 of my 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!  Todays prize is a pair of Ugg Fleece Lined Socks!  To enter, leave your email in the pop-up, follow me on Instagram and tag 2 friends!  Good Luck!

I’m linking some of my favorite things from Free People!  It was very hard to narrow it down to these few pieces because I love it all!