Karma Is Not Always A Bitch & Link Up On the Edge #65

October 19, 2017 / 68 Comments

You have all heard that old saying “Karma is a bitch.” The concept of what goes around comes around. What you put out into the world, you will get back in spades. You reap what you sow. In my own personal experience, this all is quite true. But I ask this: Why does Karma get such a bad rap? She’s really only a bitch if you were a bitch first. And I try really hard not to be a bitch. As a result, Karma seems to be responding quite favorably to me. (Except when it comes to chewing gum. More on that later.)

*This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What I put out into the world is this…kindness, positivity, love, strength, empowerment. I smile often. I laugh frequently. I offer words of support and encouragement to all those I encounter. I praise the success of others. I uplift those who are feeling like failures. I share my stories of struggle and pain in the hopes that it was not for nothing. I share as selflessly as I can so that someone else will benefit from what I have learned. I do all of this with a genuine and sincere intention to help, encourage, and empower. I have no other motive, really.

*Pants: Faux Suede Knit Pants in Brown c/o Chico’s.

I present to the world my true and authentic self in all of its rawness, with all of its edges and curves. With its soft spots and sharp corners. Sometimes, it may come out as a jumbled up mess. Other times, I am organized and concise in my message. But always, always, always, it is who I am at the very moment that I am sharing it with you.  

And good old Karma, she responds to me. She watches me as I attempt to make a difference. She sees me wake up every day with a driving passion to move forward and share my message.  She presents with me opportunities and new forums to expand my audience. And these opportunities are so important to me because I do not want to feel as if my struggle was in vain. Self-discovery, no matter which road we take to get to it, is such a hugely important part of this life. And we all get there in our own way and in our time. But some of us get really, really lost on that dark and winding road. And any glimmer of hope, any stories from others to help light the way, can make all the difference in the outcome.

This is my mission: to provide that light wherever and whenever I can to whomever may need it. I am sure you have all seen my article recently published in the Autumn Issue of Resilientista Magazine. If you haven’t, I will be sharing it in its entirety this weekend right here on my blog. Or you can check it out in its original format right here. The story that I shared in this article was an important one for me to voice. But it is only one struggle that I have faced and conquered. I have so much more to share. So when Celia asked me to be a regular contributor to her online publication, I could not say no. I will be contributing articles on mental health and midlife issues on a regular basis and I am so excited about it. If there are topics that you would like me to address, please do not hesitate to let me know.

While I will never proclaim myself an expert in issues of mental health or midlife, I will say that I am seasoned and experienced enough at this point to share what I have learned. I also am confident enough to state that I have survived some of the toughest battles a person can face in the darkest depths of mental illness. Battles that many do not win. And if I can offer just the tiniest glimmer of hope on the other side of those dark places, then I must do just that. I feel that it is my responsibility and my calling right now, right here, at this moment in my life. So please stay tuned for more on these topics.  What I can offer is all that I have learned, unapologetically and authentically in all of its rawness and realness.

And now back to Karma. I want to thank her for recognizing my efforts and for presenting me with these amazing opportunities. And I also want her to know that I am okay about the chewing gum. I will deal with it just fine.  With grace and ease and probably a few cuss words.

*Bracelet: Luna Stretch Bracelet c/o Chico’s.

You probably all want to know about the chewing gum now…so here it is. I seriously step in chewing gum more than any person ever should. If there is chewing gum on the ground, anywhere, my foot will end up in it. I have stepped in it so many times, even with bare feet on a pool deck. (So gross!) This has been a consistent occurrence for my entire life. And I have never ever been a person to toss my chewing gum on the ground or stick it under a table (and yes I have put my hand in chewing gum stuck underneath tables and desks, too). I don’t even chew gum all that often in the first place. So all I can think, if you believe in the idea of reincarnation, is that in some former life I was a person who spit my chewing gum on the ground. And stuck it under tables. Or desks.  I probably even threw it out of car windows and stuck it in other people’s hair, too. And I must have done it quite often for the amount of times that it inconveniences my current life. All I can say is I’m sorry for my past chewing gum transgressions.  And I accept the punishment.

This is my husband after this photo shoot, walking casually and comfortably through the brush in his combat boots…after he made me hike through there in heeled boots. I don’t know how many times I almost fell. Karma, darling, karma! Just kidding. I love that he recommended this beautiful spot for photos.
Thank you to @thehallcenter for a copy of Radiant: Again & Forever by Dr. Prudence Hall that I received at the Forever Fierce Meet Up at Chico’s in NYC two weeks ago. I look forward to diving into these pages!

And now let’s get right to your favorite posts from last week:

Susan of Over 50 Under 20 shared some fun styling options for four really adorable dresses in her post I Confess Part 2. Hop on over and let her know what you think!

Susan of Over 50 Under 20

Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style shared an amazingly heart-warming post Sentimental Clothing that Reminds us of People or Places. As a person who attaches sentimental meaning to certain items in my wardrobe, this is probably one of my favorite posts ever from Jodie. If you want to read her stories about the meaning behind certain wardrobe items, hop on over and check it out. You can also find my story in the comments of that post.

Jodie, Nancy, and Charlotte of Jodie’s Touch of Style

And Ingrid of Fabulous and Fun Life shared her adorable boho top in her post Versatile Clothing – Adrift Toya Top. I love the different ways she has styled this top. And you have to go check out the amazing sleeves!

Ingrid of Fabulous and Fun Life

Thank you all so much for visiting every week and joining my link up! I love seeing what you all are wearing, sharing, and discussing.


Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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68 Comments

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 19, 2017 at 10:42 pm Reply

      Wow, Jodie, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! I know how fickle and mean Karma can be, so I always try to stay on her good side! Ha. But for real, I just try to stay true to myself. And I am most comfortable being kind, caring, encouraging, and empowering. It suits me better than anything negative! And you totally rock, too, so I am sure Karma delivers you some pretty amazing rewards in return!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 19, 2017 at 10:56 pm Reply

      Susan, thank you so very much for that validation! I have no time for the BS…I shoot straight to the heart of things…all the time! Some people don’t like it all that much. But I will continue to be unapologetically me! And I appreciate your continued support so very much!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Mimi

    October 19, 2017 at 11:08 pm Reply

    Shelbee, what a genuine and heartfelt post, and I am so pleased that Karma has seen to bestow this gift upon you. Lovin’ the boots too! Mimi xxx

  • Mary Colleen

    October 19, 2017 at 11:11 pm Reply

    Such a fun outfit! I love the pants and the purse. They would both be very welcome in my closet. 🙂

    This post was fun as always, but I guess I get troubled when people talk about Karma, even in I half believe it sort of way. I am not a believer in Karma, it does not make sense in the world. For example, I contracted Lyme’s disease in Grad school, and while God has used it in many good ways to grow me, it is still a terrible thing to experience (I still have it). I guess, according to Karma, Karma should have left me alone to actively do more “good” in the world rather than laying on a couch all the time. I didn’t do anything terrible to end up a vegetable on a couch for several months. This is definitely not to put a damper on this post, or to show hostility to you. (So if you are reading this with an angry voice just put it up a slight octive and make it perky.) 😉 I just have experiences that make that believe a very troubling one to hold.

    Of course, this does not mean that you should stop being good, one of the things I love about your blog is your authentic voice and the way you care for others. Please, keep being kind! I just thought I’d share a few of my thoughts on the matter, coming from a different side. (And you are a great person at handling different viewpoints it seems, so I feel safe to do so.) 🙂

    Mary
    https://www.themarycurator.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 10:43 am Reply

      Mary, thank you, thank you, thank you so much for sharing your viewpoint and feeling safe to do so in my space! I am so sorry that you have had to experience such a terrible thing such as Lyme disease. I imagine that must be very difficult especially knowing that you are a very kind and compassionate person. When I speak of things like karma, I do so with a light heartedness of sorts knowing full well that it is definitely not a universal belief. Bad things happen to good people all the time. Just as often as good things can happen to bad people. It is the mystery of the world we live in. And I can offer no explanation on those matters. But I will never stop injecting goodness and kindness and positivity into the universe. It is the only way I know how to be and any other way just makes me uncomfortable. So when good things happen to good people, it is just comforting to believe that in some way the good people deserve that. And I have had lots of bad things happen to me along the way…for whatever reason, but they have brought me here to a place where I can now share what I have learned through all the troubling times in the hopes that I can help and empower others. So again, thank you so much for this comment. And I was definitely not reading it with an angry voice because there is nothing angry that comes out of your space either! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 10:29 am Reply

      Carrie, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! I appreciate your support so very much! I fought so hard for so many years for permission to be authentically myself that I cannot be anything but real and authentic now. It is so nice to now be appreciated for that. Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elizabeth Ramsey

    October 20, 2017 at 1:20 am Reply

    Such a fabulous to live by! Enjoyed the first article and can’t wait to see your future contributions – they sure picked the right girl for the job and I’ve no doubt that your authenticity and willingness to be vulnerable will prove to be a great resource and comfort to many out there.

    Elizabeth | http://nattygal.com

  • Rena

    October 20, 2017 at 5:20 am Reply

    Another great topic and food for thought. How gratifying it must feel to be reaping the rewards of your hard work and I can hardly think of anyone more deserving. Thank you for inspiring through your words, actions, and deeds. And thank you for the link up.

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 10:20 am Reply

      Rena, as always, I appreciate your continued support and friendship on this blogging journey. Thank you so much! And as I keep taking on more writing obligations, the more tired I become, and I keep telling myself to push on through because this is what I wanted! But I got this! Have a great weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nancy

    October 20, 2017 at 6:45 am Reply

    You know I admire you! Such a strong woman! And you work so hard, and it’s paying of! Wonderful, congretulations! You deserve it. What a great photo of your hubby. And those pants!(yours) wow, I love suede and had a suede trousers once. I love them.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 10:16 am Reply

      Nancy, thank you so much! You know my admiration for you is equal! Strong women unite and empower each other. And these pants are so soft and comfortable, too. And they make it appear as if I actually have a little bit of a butt! Which I don’t…so I like the illusion! Have a great weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 10:14 am Reply

      Laurie, thank you so very much! I definitely speak from my experiences and what has worked for me. I know that what has worked for me may not work for anyone, but I tried so many things to find the right methods that I have an arsenal of coping mechanisms for many situations that I can share! I appreciate your continued support so much! Have a great weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann

    October 20, 2017 at 9:43 am Reply

    Congratulations! You are going to be an awesome addition to the online magazine. As a contributor you will touch the lives of so many and make such a difference – yay!!!!! This is exactly what the world needs more of!
    I LOVE that your husband suggested that spot for your pics and that you got his picture. It’s nice to see the men behind the blog,lol.
    The story about the chewing gum is cute, I’m sure it is a messy situation. You probably have become an expert at removing it from shoes!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 10:08 am Reply

      Kellyann, thank you so much…for your support and your always very kind words! I am super excited to be contributing regularly to Resilientista Magazine. It is such a great publication with a mission to help women live their best lives…so it is completely in line with my mission. And my husband is definitely a keeper, that’s for sure! Now if I only I could get him to clean the chewing gum messes! Have a great weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura

    October 20, 2017 at 11:32 am Reply

    Your first paragraph literally made me laugh out loud! She is only a bitch when you are one first! So true! Love your thoughts and lovely fall outfit!

  • Cheryl Tuckerr

    October 20, 2017 at 12:38 pm Reply

    This is another great post Shelbee! I sort of believe in Karma but not really Karma. I believe you get treated how you treat others for the most part. I don’t think if you are a mean person you will get hurt or a disease but that people respond in kind to how you live your life. Does that make sense? I always love your posts because of your content and then your cute outfits. This one today is amazing. I love you in a hat! And your setting is beautiful!
    Happy Weekend!
    Cheryl
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 1:05 pm Reply

      Cheryl, thank you so much! Yeah, I guess the concept of karma may be a bit too narrow for what I believe, too. I do believe that you often get back what you put into the world. But not always. There are times when bad things happen to good people. And times when good things happen for bad people. It is just the mystery of our world, I guess. But I just need to keep living my best, most positive life. In the end, that in and of itself is the reward! Thanks so much for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend. By the way, I love you in a hat, too!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jonet Wooten

    October 20, 2017 at 12:52 pm Reply

    Dear Shelbee, First, love this post and how you’ve turned the karma concept into a positive. I believe kindness spreads and has the power to create a chain reaction of love.

    Please thank your hubby from our family to yours, for his bravery and service. Our son was just medically retired from the Marines, so we understand the sacrifices you face. May God keep him safe. Xo Jonet

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 1:02 pm Reply

      Jonet, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! You definitely have to put kindness out there in order to get it back. And thank you and your family for the sacrifices you have made. I do hope the reason for medical retirement is due to a minor issue. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • kim

    October 20, 2017 at 1:40 pm Reply

    Love your smile! that is one of the first things I noticed about you. I like you try to spread kindness wherever I can. I feel you never know what a person is going thru. I am so excited for you that you will be contributing to that magazine. How exciting! Have a good weekend!

  • Jennie

    October 20, 2017 at 2:14 pm Reply

    Love all the layers and the color combination. Your pants and leopard bracelet from Chico’s are beyond fabulous! Fabulous message, as usual. Thanks for sharing!

  • Lana

    October 20, 2017 at 3:06 pm Reply

    What a great post Shelbee! I also try to put good out into the world. There’s so much bad going on – so we need to counter balance with some good! Your pictures always make me smile because you look so happy and confident. Have a great weekend!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 3:22 pm Reply

      Lana, thank you so very much! I really truly am a very happy person from the inside out. And it is impossible for that not to come through in my pictures! I appreciate all of your support and kindness. Keep putting your good into the world, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    October 20, 2017 at 3:09 pm Reply

    Very beautiful words. One thing I was told at work and why I am not liked is because I am raw, organic and unfiltered. I said that is who I am, too old and too stupid to change. Being your genuine self scares people because when you are it forces them to look at themselves and they are afraid to.

    Love the location of the shoot. Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 3:20 pm Reply

      Patrick, thank you so much for this comment! And good for you for remaining true to your raw authentic self. My husband just said to me the other day that I force people to be the truest versions of themselves and that can be scary for some. And it is so true. I tried to resist my true self for way too long and there is no going back. I am comfortable and unapologetic about who I am. I hope you have a fantastic weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Natalie A

    October 20, 2017 at 5:37 pm Reply

    I love your scarf and bracelet! Your photoshoot looks like it was so fun! Congrats on your article in Resilientista Magazine! I look forward to seeing more of your articles and posts! Thank you for making a difference!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 9:55 pm Reply

      Natalie, thank you so very much for this lovely comment! I am definitely on a mission to make a difference no matter how small it may be! I appreciate your support and your kind words so very much! Have a fabulous weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Gigi Kiersten

    October 20, 2017 at 9:33 pm Reply

    I have personally benefited from how encouraging and uplifting you can be. You have been nothing but super nice to me and you are always open to giving advice to a relative newbie blogger. You and Trina were on the two biggest of supporters of coming from behind the camera. And with this blog, I always feel that even with your success your not to type of person to hold that over their head. You celebrate everyone’s success and you uplift those who fall behind once in a while. So thank you for all that you do, hon. *hugs*

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 20, 2017 at 9:53 pm Reply

      Gigi, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! I am so glad that I have been able to support you in your blogging journey and get you to the other side of the camera! I love seeing your personal style and your beautiful face appear on your blog! You have been been equally supportive of my blog and so kind and generous with all of your feedback and comments. I have never been and I am too old now to become some snotty stuck up holier-than-thou better-than-other-people kind of person. It is like I am genetically programmed to be happy and kind and any other way just does not suit me! Thanks for everything, my dear friend. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Helen C

    October 21, 2017 at 12:04 am Reply

    I totally agree with your karma theory: if you do good to other people, it will probably come back to you; if you treat people badly, someone will take revenge!
    🙂
    Sty kind and strong!

    P.S. I have a question. How do you deal with hate emails or comments (if any)?

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 21, 2017 at 10:35 am Reply

      Helen, thank you for commenting on this! And that is a great question…I have only had a few instances of nasty comments/emails and they are what launched my weekly #SpreadTheKindness posts. I have met these comments with only love and kindness. Because my thoughts are this: if a person is so filled with hatred that they need to voice it publicly to a stranger on the internet, then they need to be met with all the love and kindness that I can muster…because it is lacking somewhere in their life. So that is how I deal with negativity. I come at it with positivity.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 21, 2017 at 10:24 am Reply

      Rachael, thank you so much! It makes my heart happy that you find my posts uplifting. That is what I am striving for, after all, so that kind of validation means the world to me. And yes, the chewing gum…how else could it be explained?! hahah. Have a fabulous weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Julie Nix

    October 21, 2017 at 7:28 am Reply

    Shelbee, I love your post and that you are such a kind soul! Helping others is one of the great things this life affords us, and you do get what you give! On another note, I love you look in this post. The clothes look fabulous on you! Happy weekend!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 21, 2017 at 10:22 am Reply

      Julie, thank you so much for this wonderful comment. The funny thing is even if I didn’t gt back what I put into the world, I still feel compelled to always put out kindness and positivity. It is the only way I know how to be! I hope you have an amazing weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Style Crone

    December 6, 2017 at 7:07 pm Reply

    This a lovely, honest post. We always seem to feel best when we show our authentic self to the world. Wonderful styling in your outfit. Your versatile hat can be worn with so many things as you have so beautifully shown here. Thank you for sharing with Hat Attack!

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Shelbee on the Edge