Turtles in Hats FTW

Three smiling turtles.... in little yellow top hats... looking at a mirror. Random and weird and probably bought by a turtle enthusiast. Or an eight year old, right?

Noppppppeeeeee.

This mirror was bought by my sister-in-law FOR my sister-in-law.

And the reason will make you want one for yourself too.

First, you gotta know my sister-in-law, Kristen. She is one of THE kindness, funniest and most easy going people you will ever meet. She's down for any adventure, she's a great conversationalist, and her one-liners are pure gold. I always tell her that if she wasn't my SIL, I would have forced her to be my friend anyway. She is that cool.

I think I've seen Kristen cry once in our 15 year relationship.... and while she was crying, she was laughing at herself crying. She just radiates happiness and love.... even in hard times. I image, because it is for me, that sometimes the hardest part about being vulnerable is actually doing/sharing the thing that you think might be judged or feel like a burden for. Once out, it's usually no big deal anymore. And Kristen knew there is nearly nothing she could do to make me not be her ride-or-die boo.

So that cry was about some heavy stuff. She was going through a tough season. Like everyone, stuff happens. But she was doing all the right things; taking action, leaning on her friends and family, asking for help, and doing things that moved her needle towards more happiness.

Ok..... turtles.....

So during this tough season, Kristen and her two besties were out and about shopping before dinner reservations and this gem of an item caught her eye. Weird turtles, smiling at themselves, hanging with their buddies, appearing to be living their best life together. It was funny and sweet all at the same time. It instantly brought good vibes her way. And after a season of feeling unappreciated, she wanted it. So she bought it. It was like her and her friends in turtle form.

Now, not only did she decide to buy it, but she then asked her friends to wrap it, and gift it back to her. Why have I never thought of doing that!?!? Genius!!!!!!! That would make this self bought gift feel even more gift-like. So of course they did! These friends are those kinds of girls. Your HELL YES friends. The kind that cheers you on with EVERYTHING... The ones who don’t tell you the negative “what ifs” but the ones who see endless amazing possibilities and know & want you to win! We all need those kind of friends.

So randomly days later, Kristen got her weird turtle mirror gifted back to her in some epic wrapping paper. And when she opened it, it instantly brought back the good vibes and laughs like it did when she first saw it. Better yet, now on top of that, she gets an added reminder of the endless love and support of those friends. That, for me, is where the magic lies.

Is it the most elegant piece you've ever seen? Maybe not. But the story that goes with it is so beautiful. It tackles such important parts of life- true friends, seasons of change, perseverance, good energy, resilience, and kindness to yourself. And now, every times Kristen sees the mirror hanging in her living room, she can't help but smile.

This story makes me smile (and want a turtle mirror) every time I think about it. Everyone needs moments like this. And often. So rally your HELL YES friends and do something special for yourself today. I have no doubt it will end in endless turtle-mirror happiness!