• Email
  • Instagram
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Faith
  • Wellness
  • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

Anna Mae Groves

A vessel sharing positivity through beauty, wellness, and personal style.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Faith
  • Wellness
  • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES
    • Email
    • Instagram
You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Preserving My Peace

Preserving My Peace

September 2, 2020 By Anna Groves 46 Comments

How I preserve my peace in a world full of turmoil

4 years ago, I had to step away.  From Facebook.  It was election year and not only did it seem like people had lost their minds and hearts and manners, they were beginning to pull me into the fray too.  Maybe not outwardly… I wasn’t on Facebook arguing in the comment sections, but I was there in my heart.  My spirit was sapped, my emotions were all over the place, and my peace was gone.  As I was praying, I felt very strongly that I was to leave social media until after the election.  So for 5 weeks, I did just that.  It was the best kind of freedom.  

When I came back again just after the election, I thought things were better.  I was wrong… people were more bold, even less empathetic, and were generally not acting like themselves.  I eventually decided to leave Facebook permanently.  Best decision I ever made.  I felt like Instagram was the safer place.  Not only because I could curate my feed into a fun little space with interior design, beauty, food and a handful of friends, but I didn’t have to see every time someone I loved “liked’ an offensive post or commented in a hurtful manner.  It felt like peace.

But there’s so much more to it than social media.  I realize that right now, stakes are high and emotional intelligence and connection is low.  Why would it be any different?  A pandemic, a racially and socially divided country, an economy that is anything but hopeful, an either/or mentality, a cancel culture, and an election year to boot.  

Everywhere I look, there seems to be a negative blanket on it all.  And it’s like we can’t get away from it.  Or can we?

I have been taking note of the times I feel the most at peace, and the times I am feeling high anxiety, and I have documented the pattern. Today, if you are here for it, I want to give you advice. Or, if you are doing great and really unbothered, then I commend the way you are able to compartmentalize and keep the negative stuff from permeating your heart! Everyone is different though, and there are some of us (especially we who have empathy as one of our top strengths) who just cannot bear the weight of it all without crumbling.

So here are 10 things I am doing to preserve my peace during this crazy time… and it is working!

1. Meet God in the Morning.

For those who know me, you know I do nothing apart from Jesus.  If you are not a follower of Jesus, then this portion may not apply, but feel free to keep reading!  Awhile back I posted about my anxiety and how I heard God telling me to meet Him in the morning.  See, I had already been praying, reading my Bible and gratitude journaling.  I could not understand what He meant, since I thought I was already doing that- “meeting” Him.  However, the next morning, I opened my eyes and simply talked to God.  “Good morning, God.” I greeted Him.  I asked Him to fill me with The Holy Spirit.  I spent a bit of time, first thing, simply singing to Him and thanking Him.  I asked Him to speak to me throughout the day. With that, God filled me up and there was no room for other things to sit inside of my spirit that didn’t belong there.  And when my eyes or ears witnessed things that were harmful, I was able to process them through His lens, and not my own.  From there, I could hear God throughout the rest of the day, and instead of letting things sit and stay in my heart, I removed the things that didn’t belong there.  I now had room for the important things: more compassion.  More empathy.  More love.  More peace.  So, yes.  Meet God in the morning. Not out of obligation or legalism; not trying to get something from Him… but simply because He is there waiting and He wants to spend time with you, too.  And in those moments He will fill you up for the day.  You’ll be able to see what comes at you through His perspective, and not your own.  

2. Get Off Facebook.

This is extremely unpopular.  But you want your peace, don’t you?  If you decide to do this, it will be hard.  But once you make this decision, stick to it.  Because, what is more important?  Seeing a picture of your friend’s baby or cousin’s puppy or sister’s date night? Or is it your peace?  I have taken so many breaks from fb. I took that one during the last election year, I took a few 21 day breaks, a couple of 30 day breaks and I even took an entire year off of all social media AND the news.  And it was freaking delightful.  Yes.  I missed birthdays, weddings, babies, and even deaths.  I didn’t know about that tragic news story.  I missed the funny memes.  I never heard about that party.  I missed the latest show. And just as I began to shame myself for missing all of those beautiful and sad and monumental and painful and fun and mournful moments, I heard God say, “Anna.  I saw it.  I was there.  I handled it.  And I didn’t need YOU to see it on Facebook for ME to do it.” 

I saw it.  I was there.  I handled it.  And I didn’t need YOU to see it on Facebook for ME to do it.

-GOD

Whew.  OK.  You mean the world didn’t need me to know about everything in order for it to keep spinning?  Precisely.  And guess what I got in exchange?  The people who are most important in my life still showed up.  I still showed up for them. I got my texts and phone calls and FaceTimes.  I still got to see my friends and family.  And the bad news and good news that I needed to know?  REALLY needed to know?  It came to me.  Guys, our bodies are not capable of handling all of the knowledge and weight of the world, and we can’t be so prideful that we believe we need to know it all. Why do you think our anxiety is of epic proportions? We have believed the lie that we must “keep in touch” on Facebook. I am saying to you, my friend. This will change your perspective and bring you peace!

3. Switch Up the Way You Get Your News.

OK. I am not telling you to not be informed during a pandemic and election year.  However, I highly encourage you to edit the process in which you get your news.  My suggestion is this:  Don’t get your news from social media.  Don’t get it from FOX, CNN, MSNBC, or any of those easy to access sources.  Why?  Because the standard news sources, while bringing essential and important information, also bring sensationalism, emotion, and opinion right along with the things that we need to know.  And guess what?  We are adults and we are fully capable of forming our OWN opinions. We don’t need our news sources to do that for us, right?  I believe we have enough emotion to go around without the news adding anything to it.  So what do I do instead?  Rather than watching news on TV or scrolling though clickbait, which at any moment can take me from zero to one hundred…. from smiling to sobbing…from relaxation to anger…. I decided to get my news another way.  While I realize that there is no news source that is truly 100% unbiased, I CAN get my news without emotion and sensationalism.  So here is my suggestion:  Get your news directly from The Associated Press, Reuters, or Wall Street Journal.  All of these news sources report the news while avoiding generalizations or labels.  I downloaded the AP app, and schedule a time (not first thing in the morning, and not even daily!) that I scan the news.  And guys, I am telling you – it is amazing how much peace I have doing this rather than being spoon fed opinions and emotions by other sources.  

4. Get Covid Updates Another Way.

Again, I want us all to be informed on the latest with Covid-19 and we really need to be! It seems like every few days there is something new.  So instead of getting sucked into the news, about once a week, I go to the CDC website for their latest recommendations.  I realize that these are only recommendations, but many of our government agencies align local guidelines with what the CDC suggests, so I want to know what they are saying, straight from the horse’s mouth.   When I need to know what is going on in my state, I simply check the governor’s website once a week or so.  Most states have a daily update right there.  And when I want to know hard numbers, I go to a website called worldometer. This is a website that counts in real time the number of people on the planet, amongst other things. One of the recent focuses is of course, Covid-19. I like this website because it gives the links to the origin of its data and you can see the cited sources.  Again, no sensationalism or emotional reporting.  Just the numbers.

5. Unfollow Accounts that Upset You.

And I am not just talking about the ones you disagree with. I am talking about any account that upsets your heart. I do realize that being unable to look at certain accounts without getting triggered, angry, sad, jealous, outraged or depressed says more about you and me than it does the source, but it is just plain wisdom if you know yourself well enough to know that certain things sap your wholeness when you are exposed to them.  Yes- we need to work on ourselves endlessly to be better people and to withstand seeing things that tug on our emotions.  I am not saying to put your head in the sand!  However, in the meantime, it is good to protect and guard your heart.  I believe that if following certain accounts brings you joy, encouragement, excitement, laughter, entertainment, education or inspiration, even if periodically you see something you don’t like or agree with, that is fine.  It becomes dangerous to your soul, though, if an account constantly releases images, quotes, video, headlines, captions and articles that completely destroy your peace.  Even if you agree with the content being shared, it isn’t worth it.  Unfollow. 

6. Talk to Someone.

 If these tips don’t lessen your anxiety and bring you immense peace (they certainly did for me!), there is still more that you can do.  Get some counseling.  This is a time of great turmoil, and as a result, it may have become more stressful than what you can handle on your own.  There are many ways to get counseling. Recently I discovered a subscription service that offers you a live Christian counselor. It is called Faithful Counseling.  I believe that talking to a professional is extremely helpful, whether you’re trying to manage anxiety, or need help for your family or marriage. With this service, you can connect with a licensed professional therapist by phone, email or messaging, and I love how they allow you to decide how little or much you want to incorporate spiritual practices into the therapy process and invite God into the conversation.  For $60-$80 per week, you get unlimited sessions with your counselor, and you decide what that number is, depending on your needs and availability.  You also might decide that you are feeling great after a couple of sessions, and can cancel at any time.  I love that the pricing is comparable to most copays.  Here is the link if you are curious about Faithful Counseling services.

7. Diffuse Essential Oils.

This may sound trivial, but they really do help! If you go to Dr. Axe’s page he has an entire article on stress relieving essential oils. I personally have found Lavender and an oil called Stress Away by Young Living really helpful, as well as Frankincense. You can diffuse them or place some directly on your skin. I am always fascinated by the way they help me to feel peaceful and relaxed so quickly.

8. Get Your Sleep.

As you all know, I think sleep is essential. I love my Organifi Gold Tea (my code is ANNAMAE) for helping me fall asleep fast, and of course, I am always talking about magnesium.  Another thing to do is drink a small cup of tart cherry juice which helps with sleep and pain relief.  I have a post about about anti aging that includes some tips for getting your beauty sleep, and that definitely applies here. Sleep helps you to recharge, and it is one of the best things you can do for stress.  Keep a notepad and pen by your bed so you can write things down if you start to worry. You no longer have to try to sleep with it on your mind- it is now on the notepad and you can put it on your to do list or prayer list in the morning! Another tip is to turn on your Bible App and have it read scripture aloud to you as you fall asleep. Do everything you can to get yourself 8 hours of sleep so you can wake up in peace.

9. Get Your Mind Off You.

Volunteering at the community garden in our city.

If there is one thing that counselors will tell you, it’s that the fastest way to joy and peace is to help someone else.  I suggest finding a shelter, a community garden, a church or a food bank to get you started.  Thinking about others and taking action when it comes to their needs really helps.  The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive, and it really isn’t just some pithy statement.  It is the truth!  We are built to be others-focused, and when we do that, we feel so fulfilled. It is a huge part of our peace.

10. Go Running (Or Just Get Outside).

After all, since you will have hopefully removed Facebook from your life for awhile, and maybe are no longer being fed the news on a screen, you might just have time to get out and breathe a little.  Some vitamin D and air in our lungs never hurt.  Grab a friend or go alone… in fact, some of the most special times I have ever experienced with God happened while I was running outdoors. Give it a try!

I know that this is not an exhaustive list, but I really hope this was helpful to those who need it.  I am not here to boss anyone around or tell everyone they need to do what I do, but I know that I am not alone in wanting to walk in peace on a daily basis, and this is what has helped me.  I am glad you stopped by, and I hope you are able to implement some of the things that I have suggested!  Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a post!

*This post contains affiliate links, and I may be compensated when you use them. I hope you think that’s a good thing! As always, I only share companies that I am passionate about.


Filed Under: Faith, Lifestyle, Uncategorized, Wellness Tagged With: anxiety, how to get your peace back, how to stop worry, pandemic, peace, relaxation, stress relief, worry

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deb says

    September 2, 2020 at 10:27 am

    Great suggestions. I need to take back my peace. Thank you for sharing.

    • Anna Groves says

      September 2, 2020 at 10:46 am

      Yes Let’s take it back!

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:12 am

      Absolutely!

  2. Carolyn says

    September 2, 2020 at 10:29 am

    Love love love this Anna! ThaNk
    YOU for sharing your heart and getting real with the people. You are a rare and BEAUTIFUL Gem. SHEDDING light and Hope And love with Style and Grace.

    Xx

    • Anna Groves says

      September 2, 2020 at 10:46 am

      Thank you so much Carolyn! ♥️

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:12 am

      Thank you Carolyn!

  3. Kim spruth says

    September 2, 2020 at 10:31 am

    Practical and beautiful wisdom! I am here for It! Thank you, anna!

    • Anna Groves says

      September 2, 2020 at 10:45 am

      You are so welcome Kim! ♥️

      • Lisa jarrIel says

        January 23, 2021 at 9:44 am

        This is so good, Anna. GReat advice that i need to IMPLEMENT asap.

        • Anna Groves says

          January 24, 2021 at 9:49 am

          I’m so glad it was helpful! Something I need to revisit myself and make sure I haven’t drifted back, from time to time!

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:12 am

      You’re welcome, Kim!

  4. Carrie says

    September 2, 2020 at 10:54 am

    Very practical! I love that you address the cause and then a solution and a workaround.

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:13 am

      Thank you!!

  5. Lisa says

    September 3, 2020 at 8:57 am

    Love this! (Especially #1)
    Thank you !

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 5:40 am

      You’re so welcome!!

  6. Nancy Hickman says

    September 3, 2020 at 10:11 am

    This aRticle is so helpful. Thank you for providing real, down to earth, hoNest suggestions on how to navigate this world today and remain grounded and sane! Very worthwhile Read and so helpful!

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 5:40 am

      So happy it is helpful!!

  7. Sarah says

    September 3, 2020 at 11:08 am

    Thank you for this post. Meeting God in the Morning gave me chills. I would love to start this practice. Do you have suggestions for resources on how to start? i realize this may seem like an odd question. I was raised catholic but many aspects no longer resonate with me or feel like it’s right choice. So i am exploring to find a good fit which is currently a little more challenging during COVID. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 5:52 am

      I’m so sorry I am just seeing this!!! I like the Bible study Presence of God by She Reads Truth and I am also loving the book AW Tozer The Knowledge of The Holy.

  8. Evan Ryan says

    September 4, 2020 at 11:26 am

    Love this. Sleep and exercise are so important, and a lot less news 🙂

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:29 am

      Yes!!!

  9. Jenn says

    September 6, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    LOve!

  10. Sylvia says

    September 20, 2020 at 7:12 am

    I just discovered you this morning through “in my own style” and I am so happy for it.
    I did exactly that – got off of facebook and a lot of negative feelings fell away.
    i am still working on my relationship with god but you said it all so beautifully.

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:14 am

      Just seeing this but loved to read it! Thank you!

  11. Kathy says

    September 20, 2020 at 7:16 am

    I found you through “In my style”. I’m so thankful. This is perfect. Thank you for sharing your heart.

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:14 am

      Thank you!!

  12. Nancy Hammond says

    September 20, 2020 at 8:14 am

    I love your thoughts.

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:15 am

      Thank you Nancy ♥️

  13. Mira says

    September 20, 2020 at 12:34 pm

    Very good advice. Many thanks. God’s Son, Jesus, is my savior and I am very grateful every day for his love.

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:15 am

      Amen!

  14. Margaret says

    September 21, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    I really enjoyed this read. I’ve been considering taking a break = maybe permanently – from facebook, although I did share this there because I think it could be so helpful to so many!
    i think you may have a new follower. have a blessed day!

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:16 am

      Thank you Margaret!

  15. Margo says

    September 21, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    I stopped waTching the news a few months back when the anxiety had gotten the better of me. I dont watch network tv anymore at all and i dont miss it one bit. There has been littLe outlet for EMOTIONS this year. Retired, my husband and i are together 24/7 which can be overwhelming at times. I like your advice and know that i need to rekindle my morning with God.

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:18 am

      I’m so glad you liked the advice here and that you’re thinking of talking to God in the morning again ♥️

  16. Pamela rugaard says

    September 25, 2020 at 11:12 am

    So blessed by this today, God is so faithful. How He leads me where I need to be and he led me to you. My hubby and I have stopped watching. Tv news. And I have gone silent on FB for awhile. I meet God every morning to start my day and ask “please help me find my joy today”. We are both retired and try to fill our days with positive things. I wish you were closer so I could personally hug you and tell you to keep this up. We are in Nashville. So blessed to have found you.

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:23 am

      This touched my heart. Thank you!

  17. Valarie says

    September 25, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    Great post ! Brings peace just reading it ! Love your suggestions and love your instagram and blog ( im a new follower)

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 5:39 am

      Thank you so much!!! So glad it was helpful. Using this as my guide especially now 🙂

  18. Kristen says

    September 26, 2020 at 6:41 am

    “With that, god filled me up and there was no room for things to sit inside of my spirit that didn’t belong there.”
    I pray this for my daughter at night as she goes to bed – since she was little she has called It the “bubble Prayer” and sometimes she asks for it by that name. I will add you to my Bubble Prayers!

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:22 am

      Thank you!!! Love that 🙂

  19. Vero reyes says

    September 26, 2020 at 10:18 am

    Thank you so much !! Im glad to know i have god by my side ??❤️

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 5:38 am

      Amen!

  20. Marla Foreman says

    September 27, 2020 at 10:38 pm

    Absolutely love this post. Thank you! I already do most of these things (even have quit Facebook right along with you 4 years ago).

    what irks me about politics is, I don’t feel iT’s something that arguing is going to change. If you Are Voting for somEone different than me, I feel like there is no chance in the world That i will ever be able to change your mind, by arguing or by anything else. But then if you don’t PUBLICLY pick a side and Join the fray, you are labeled as “part of the problem.” That is what absolutely kills me – people need to be allowed to opt out of discussing politics if They don’t want to. Especially in this day and age. SomEtimes it’s a matter of keeping your sanity, as you described.

    AnYway, thank you so much for bEing a sAne voice on the internet. I really apprEciate you for that 🙂 This is actually my first time visiting but because of this article i will be back!

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 5:36 am

      Hi Marla! Absolutely. So important- My husband Rob always says to me: “I get to be me and you get to be you.” Trying to change others’ behavior and outcomes is insanity. That’s up to God and them. But doing what God asks ME to do and loving people and sitting down with them is what we can and should do each day. So much peace in that. Thank you for being here!

  21. Christa says

    September 29, 2020 at 9:17 am

    Thank you! @agelesstyle sent me by and i do so many of these things for exactly the same reasons. Being reminded to be A more critical consumer of daTa /eMotion that comes our way at so many levels is so appreciated and for me, an ongoing process. Thank you.
    Christa
    @maxadriane

    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 5:27 am

      So glad it was a good reminder for you! Needed even more now!

Primary Sidebar

Latest Posts

Father’s Day Gifts from Nordstrom

How to Style Long Denim Shorts

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

how to style tshirt tshirt style tips

How to Style a T shirt

Archives

Categories

Footer Widget Header

SUBSCRIBE

Join Anna's List!

Footer

  • Email
  • Instagram

The Links

  • About
  • Home
  • Contact

Categories

  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Faith
  • Wellness
A vessel sharing positivity through beauty, wellness, and personal style.
I LOVE this Grilled Peach Salad with Lemon Blackbe I LOVE this Grilled Peach Salad with Lemon Blackberry Honey Dressing! #sponsored Everything’s from @aldiusa which means fresh, affordable, high quality ingredients for summer grilling and entertaining! I picked up the Crofton acacia wood bowl and wood block in ALDI Finds aisle, too! #ALDILove 
 
Here’s what you’ll need for the salad: (Serving Size: 2 Cups) 
1 package Simply Nature Organic Arugula & Spinach Mix  
6-8 small peaches  
4 Simply Nature Organic Chicken Breasts, cooked to your desire  
1 cup blackberries  
1 Emporium Selection Goat Cheese Log 
1 cup Southern Grove Shelled Pistachios, roughly chopped  
2 tbsp Simply Nature 100% Avocado Oil 
 
For the salad dressing:  
1 small lemon, zested and juiced 
2 Tbsp Specially Selected Raw Honey  
1/2 cup blackberries  
3 Tbs Priano Balsamic Vinegar 
1 1/2 tsp salt  
1/4 cup Simply Nature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
 
1. Preheat grill to 400 degrees.  Slice peaches in half and remove pits.  
2. Brush halved peaches all over with avocado oil, and place sliced side down on preheated grill. Let cook 3-4 minutes, moving as needed to achieve more grill marks. Flip over and cook 3-4 more minutes. Meanwhile make salad dressing.  
3. Take peaches off the grill and assemble the salad.  Place greens in bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. 
4. Slice peaches and add to top of greens. Lay sliced chicken on top.  
5. Slice and add the goat cheese, then sprinkle on blackberries and chopped pistachios. Drizzle with a little salad dressing and serve with additional dressing.  
 
While peaches are grilling, make your dressing:  
1. Pour lemon juice and zest in small bowl.  
2. Add honey and salt. Mix until combined. 
3. Add 1/2 cup blackberries and smash with a fork. Add balsamic vinegar.  
4. Whisk mixture while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until emulsified.
Lots of q’s about this dress- it has pockets…. Lots of q’s about this dress- it has pockets…. Because as you know, we carry lots of important things in our dress pockets 😂 A perfect vacay dress if you’re going somewhere warm- Tarte gifted it to me when I was in Miami (swipe) and I’m gonna bring it with me to florida when I go again pretty soon ! Linked in stories and LTK for you:)

#liketkit #LTKtravel #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3I8i5
Wanna know a fun fact? Something about Rob that I’m super grateful for?  
 
He was born 10 years before his three sisters. He was the best big bro and built-in babysitter… and it was the greatest preparation for being a father.  
 
Rob was always ready to change diapers, hop up in the middle of the night, feed hungry babies… he carried just as much weight as I did over the years raising our four sons.  
 
And can I be really honest? Of the two of us, he is the best parent. The most aware- always the one asking the right questions and making sure parents were present at parties.  The one who kept one eye open - not falling asleep waiting for our sons to come home safely on New Year’s Eve. The first one to check in, every single time.  
 
Rob Groves, I’m so proud to call you my partner and father to our four sons. Thank you for being a remarkable example. Happy Father’s Day to a real one!
I’ve said it to you before, but as long as there I’ve said it to you before, but as long as there is someone within earshot who is afraid to pursue their dream, it’s worth saying again and again and again: You have to start.  
 
I saw this picture last night and cried. I remembered that as a small child, I’d often pick up a pretend mic and speak to an imaginary crowd. I knew I was going to talk to people. I didn’t know about what, but it was a seed planted in my heart by God.  
 
It dawned on me last night that it came to pass. But not how or when I’d imagined.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 5, or a teenager, or in my twenties, or when I turned 30.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 37 and buying domain names.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 38, reading blogs about how to start my own.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 39, watching friends pursue their dreams while I was watching YouTubes about how to begin mine.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 40, writing secret blog posts but not publishing them, paralyzed by the inner critic telling me it was too late. That I’d look dumb. That the space was too saturated.  That mocked, “They’re gonna see you fail.”  
 
It didn’t happen when I turned 41, or 42 or 43.  
 
It happened after I STARTED. When God told me to put those lies in the trash where they belong and to just GET GOING, even though I didn’t know how to do everything.  
 
It’s year three. Every morning I get up and speak to thousands on this app. I recently shot a commercial for Toyota. And yesterday, I sat down in this chair to host a web series with the same company who I purchased that domain name from.  
 
I don’t know if you want to go to med school, make pottery or teach kindergarten. I don’t know If you dream of getting your masters, or your AA. Maybe you want to design clothing, take up photography, start coding, become a nurse, or you want to write that book.  
 
Whatever it is, it’s not too late.  But if you don’t START, it’s not going to happen.  So please, take it from this 46 year old with tears of gratitude and hope streaming down her face: GET UP AND GET GOING.
Mom and Dad. 🌺🌼💮🌸 By the grace of God, Mom and Dad. 🌺🌼💮🌸 By the grace of God, we really did that. #4Boys2Men 😭
23 years ago, I remember looking at Rob and whispe 23 years ago, I remember looking at Rob and whispering, “I want a noisy house.”  
 
I was pregnant with my oldest of four, and visiting my friend’s house.  She was pregnant with her youngest of four.  Her house was filled with joy… and noise.  
 
Welp, here we are- four grown boys later. That whisper became reality.  I got that noisy house, and sometimes when I start to complain, I remember- this was my desire, and God really did deliver.  
 
Thankful for my crew and 23 years of yelling, wrestling, “look at the camera!”, bickering, tears, holes in walls, super hero comparisons (still), “did you brush your teeth?!”, music versus battles, “STOP touching me!”, video games, one word answers, “MOMMMM!!”, boy hugs, and all of my most cringy mom moments. 
 
I hope you had an amazing weekend, and if it wasn’t very amazing, please know that I thought of you on Mother’s Day, and I hold space for you in my heart.
Rob and I are in a very strange season. What we be Rob and I are in a very strange season. What we believed was “next” is no longer. Many people around us are either trying to solve it like it’s a problem to be figured out, or asking us, “So…what’s next?”   
  
I get it. We also want to know.  But the truth is, we don’t know.  We are waiting to hear from God. It’s hard. It’s uncomfortable. It certainly hasn’t been fun. We feel discouraged at times. That’s where we find ourselves.   
  
But I am thankful. For friends who are fine to sit and wait WITH us. And a God whose greatest desire is to just BE with us in every moment- especially the ones that aren’t epic. The ones when life looks plain. When it seems there is no movement, no vision, no plan, no seemingly huge accomplishment, or mountaintop moment.   
  
What a miracle it is that Peace Himself sits down beside us, scoots in close, and whispers contentment, joy and that He is proud of us into our ears. Proud of us in the mundane. Proud of us in this stillness.   
  
I receive it. I hold onto it. Let me grasp it so tightly and fully that I don’t CARE what’s next, and instead savor who is next to me.   
  
Let right now be our next, and let us find the utmost peace right here.  
  
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.”  
‭‭  
Psalms‬ ‭62:5‬
#3MinuteMakeupChallenge You guys this was SO hard #3MinuteMakeupChallenge You guys this was SO hard 😂😂 you gotta try this and tell me how it went!  #makeup #quickmakeup #quickmakeuplook #FearlessFriday on a Wednesday
💇🏽‍♀️Did I leave you hanging???! I had 💇🏽‍♀️Did I leave you hanging???! I had an epic April fools day hair reveal to share but then decided maybe it’s too soon in the decade for more jokes 😂 Here’s the actual new hair :) 
 
I was using black box dye, and as my grays were coming in, they were very obvious, with a line of demarcation showing the grow out.  
 
As a solution, Brittany gave me “lived in color” to camouflage my gray -instead of covering it- by subtly and strategically lightening my hair so the gray “blends.” 
 
She said that camouflage instead of covering is the more modern way of coloring and I’m here for all of the dimension!  
 
First and last slides are day 3 hair, and I kid you not, I hadn’t done anything to it since Brittany styled it on Friday!! I wish I could curl my hair like she does!  
 
Also I like seeing the different tones in varying lights- at sundown (day 1 slide 2) morning light (day 2 slide 3) and golden hour (day 3 slides 1 and 4)  
 
The goal will be less and less red and more warm browns as we progress and slowly go lighter over the coming months!  
 
Love it!
Just found out it’s husband appreciation day so Just found out it’s husband appreciation day so here’s my appreciation post for Rob Groves! Best father, friend, leader and overall person I know! Dances with me in an empty party bus before the party ever starts, puts up with my “dancing”which is saying a lot, puts God, me and our family first, makes me laugh, is always striving to grow for the better, sings Tender Roni with me (which is all I ever wanted ever since 8th grade and needless to say it was worth the wait!) I appreciate him for waiting patiently until I’m done with my try ons, that he loves good food, does a good Daniel Russo, is the finest dookie picker upper, and that I finally broke the “can’t be pranked” door down (last slide). I Love you and I like you Rob Groves!
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Anna Mae Groves · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy