is 'everything is good' actually a bad thing?

You know when your friends ask you 'how are you?' and the answer sometimes is an automatic 'good!' Well I try not to do that -- I usually give a specific answer with lots of details and examples (I love story-telling and sharing after all). Lately though, I've been surprising myself by giving an answer that is, very genuinely, a simple 'everything is really good.' Gosh, it feels so weird to report smooth sailing. No dramatic stories, no complaints or anxieties. Not many internal of external struggles. A new level of continuous stability that I've never felt before.

What do you do when life is so calm and quiet? I am really grateful for this peaceful stage right now -- the fact that I enjoy my work, feel content with all of my relationships, and genuinely like the person I'm growing into and the communities that I'm a part of. But it's weird. In a city that is constantly stimulating and full of drama, am I becoming a bore? Is 'everything is good' actually a bad thing, an indicator of complacency? Should we always be struggling in life? What are your thoughts? Tell me if I'm being crazy here. :)

(Photo via here)

thank you, body

I don't know if it's just part of the process of getting older, but I am appreciating my body more, noticing the little miracles-- and not just in a superficial appearance-related way. Like... thank you knees, for helping me climb my 4 floor walk-up multiple times a day. And thanks, skin for not getting winter-dry or really needing any lotion. Thanks hair for growing so freaking fast that botched haircuts can quickly fade away. 

I had been praying to see myself the way that God sees me as: His beloved creation and daughter. What's neat is I am seeing the beauty in my body's small abilities, the gestures I usually take for granted. I can walk for miles and carry bags of heavy groceries. I can do 10 push-ups in a row. I can walk gracefully in 5 inch heels. I'm thinking less of how I'd like for it to change (growing those extra 2 inches, losing 5 pounds) and excited for how it will inevitably evolve in the future (creating children, etc). Little miracles, all God's creation. Pretty cool.

(Photo sources 1, 2, 3)

spring, you couldn't come fast enough!

You guys, I think the weather is getting to me. It's so tough to leave work and be surrounded by pitch darkness. Remind me not to sleep in this weekend so that I can actually enjoy some sunshine, okay? In the meantime, here are some things to help shake away the winter blues.

A denim jacket over a white dress... perfect warm weather outfit in my opinion. (via Let it Be)

Whoa, spring bouquet popsicles! Almost too pretty to eat.

Isn't this photo of Phuket, India beautiful? I can't wait to travel this spring. (photo via Anne's Flickr)

This painting makes me feel alive... it's serious and moody, but full of energy too. (By Stricher Gerard)

Have a good week!