Janae Says...

I want to submit some questions and ideas for your consideration. When have you ever changed your mind about something?  When you did change your mind, was it someone else who changed your mind? Or was it in your own due time? If someone did influence you changing your thoughts about something, what was their approach?  Were they “face palming”?  Did they say, "OMG" or "SMH" or "LMAO"? Did they tell you, “You’re wrong”? Did they tell you to “check your privilege”?  Did they tell you, “You make me laugh”?  Did they call you ignorant?  Did they call you, “honey” or “sweetie”?  Did they repost some passive quotation or meme that implied something about you?  My guess is that if someone did change your mind or got you to consider another view, it probably wasn’t done in any of the above ways.  Humans are naturally defensive. We put on armor when someone “comes at us.” We believe so strongly about things that we often have trouble understanding an...

I am not a person who gets easily offended. I always fall in the middle ground on these types of things, especially where political correctness is involved. Is it good to be more aware? More sensitive? Kinder? More loving? Sure. Of course it is. Do we have to get offended and upset over every little thing, and take everything personally? Isn't everyone tired of feeling offended by now? But I'll admit that yesterday, someone said, "Oh geez, you're one of those people!" and I actually did get a little bit offended. The context was that we were equally disappointed with the cookies from a popular local soda/treat place. I shared my Yelp review, and received the above response. I am one of those people who - loves food and restaurants - enjoys writing - gives credit where it's due - gives suggestions when they're needed - believes customers should have access to honest and balanced reviews So yeah, I guess I'm "one of those people....

As I've looked at my calendar through the last month, I've found myself very humbled and grateful for all of the friendships I have in my life. On April 25, I had dinner with Ashleigh. On April 27, I had dinner with Joyce. On April 28, I had dinner with Brionna. On April 29, I got waffles with Brittney. On May 6, I went to Heber to see Rachel. On May 14, I have dinner plans with Brianne. On May 18, I have dinner plans with Kristine. On May 19, I have dinner plans with Mariah (an old roommate). When I lay it out and see the names of so many different friends who all add different kinds of beauty and perspective to my life, I feel overwhelmed and grateful. I know a lot of people in life feel alone or feel like they don't have friends or feel like nobody cares. I don't know what I did to deserve so many awesome women in my life, far beyond what's even listed here! But man, I am so thankful. I often have female friends reach out to me via t...