A Little Kindness Never Hurt Nobody

I've been thinking quite a bit about this topic lately and it just so happens that I made a guest appearance on Steffanie's (from The Urban Hare) mocktail periscope series and the topic was on being kind.

This topic has been on quite a few mother's (or parents in general) minds lately based off the current tragedies that have made the news.

(If you are unaware please refer to the articles here and here)

It is interesting, and quite frankly, annoying, that the parents of these children have become the subject of ridicule online as they mourn the loss of their child.

No parent wants to outlive their child. Ever.

The thought alone makes my heart ache.

So what's interesting to me, is that others can't seem to offer their condolences to these families but instead feel the need to tell them that the death of their child was their own fault.

Seeing the cruel remarks of those hiding behind a computer screen makes me sick, and it needs to stop. Now. 

These words are harsh and unfair, and truly will do nothing beneficial in the end. 

You see, It’s easy to throw other parents under the bus when something horrific happens because we want to believe that we are somehow better. 

It's easy for parents to believe that their "superior parenting" can prevent a tragedy and that bad things can only happen to an "irresponsible parent."

Want to know the truth?

Bad things happen to good parents, good families, good people... and when those bad things strike they deserve our empathy, and never our judgement.

I want to share a quick story with you:

Somewhere around 10 months ago, when Oaklyn wasn't quite mobile, I was able to set her on top of my bed without worry.

In the mornings, she would lay next to me as I would relieve myself from the night and pump to supply food for her. 

She would smile and grab her toys as we laid there together.

One morning I got bored while pumping and turned my head for a split second to grab my phone. 

When I looked back she was already off the bed, in mid air, about to fall on the floor.

Her little body hit and she instantly began to scream.

I jumped off the bed and frantically grabbed her.

We spent the rest of the morning rocking on the rocking chair as I probably whispered "I'm sorry" 100 times in her little ear.

The reason I share this story with you, is because it is an example, though far less tragic, that resembles what is currently happening.

I'm sure it would be easy for a lot of you to say that I should have just kept my eyes on her and that wouldn't have happened. 

I'm also sure that some may say I shouldn't be so glued to my phone and that my daughter wouldn't have fallen.

But what I'll tell you, is that it was an accident.

It was an accident I wish would've never happened, but it did and accidents happen often.

Especially when you are a parent balancing a million things every single day.

There is no such thing as a perfect earthly parent.

So to all of you other imperfect parents out there, I beg you, to stop shaming and blaming all other mothers and fathers that are just trying to do their best daily. 

My heart breaks for all of the families that lose their children to bizarre and horrific accidents daily.

We all often point fingers, but try instead, to take the high road and show kindness to those in need.

Instead of criticizing and ridiculing, try uplifting and rallying around others.

It's much easier to smile than frown, and it is much easier to share a good thought than to deny it. 

Try your hardest to be soft and kind instead of letting the world make you bitter and hard. 

If the words you wrote on social media appeared on your skin, would others still think you are beautiful?

We all say that we want to teach our children to be kind and uplifting, well the best way to do so, is to practice what you preach. 

So I encourage all of you to back up other parents instead of tearing them down.

Parenting is hard enough, we don't need bystanders making it harder. 

And always remember, a little kindness never hurt nobody.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy 

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Buy a Bag, Help Save a Child | Barri Handbags

Happy Sunday friends! 

I am so excited to be talking about Barri handbags on the blog today!

As you all know by now, I am incredibly passionate about the cause, O.U.R (operation underground railroad), and doing all that I can to help support it. 

That's why I was so excited to learn about Barri, a handbag company that gives 10% of sales to OUR to help save children's lives!

Not only are these bags absolutely beautiful, but they are supporting the fight against the third most lucrative crime in the world.

How amazing is that??

I wanted to spread a little more awareness about Barri today, because their kickstarter fund is currently live and has 3 days left to go!

With your support and help, Ashley, the founder, will be able to produce these gorgeous bags and donate to O.U.R. 

With three days left, they have a little over $3,000 until the goal is reached!

If you've wondered how you can help end fight child sex trafficking, this is a great way to help!

Simply click here to go straight to the kickstarter fund and see the video where Ashley explains the mission and purpose of her company.  

I was able to test out and touch these bags on Saturday and I can honestly tell you that they are amazing quality.

They had awesome durability, the colors were gorgeous, and the hardware was very well crafted.

They are made of all high quality materials and are produced in fair wage factories. 

Ashley has tons of experience in designing handbags and after looking at them in person, it definitely shows!

So lucky for all of you, if you donate to the kickstarter fund you will receive 15% off your preorder purchase and be guaranteed a bag from the beautiful, b. brave collection. 

I loved talking to Ashley about her company and hearing how passionate she is about it. 

I absolutely know she is doing this with a purpose and doesn't want to start just another handbag company.
 She wants this one to be different and special!

Besides already deciding to support O.U.R, she also has a goal to support and uplift women everywhere.

She wants to create a community within Barri to help women know just how special they are.

Each bag has a metal plate inside to help you remember your worth, daily.

The plate reads: | b. inspired | b. kind | b. active | b. change |

Each bag also comes with a purse fob in front with the word "freedom" inscribed to always remind you of the cause you helped support with your purchase.

As you can see, a whole lot of time and effort were put into creating these bags!

If you have the means, please help support this awesome company with their kickstarter campaign! 

If you don't have the means, please share their facebook page, follow their instagram, or simply just tell your friends and family to spread the word!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Become an Abolitionist

Hunter and I had the opportunity to attend a screening of the film, The Abolitionists, last week. 

To be completely honest, we went not really thinking we would get much out of the movie and used it as more of a date night.

However, we left with a completely different feeling!

Both of us left that night completely inspired to do our part in making a difference. 

So... what is the movie about?

The shortened version is this... 

Today there are over two million enslaved children forced into the sex industry around the world. 

If you ask me, that alone is completely sickening. 

So the movie is about rescuing these children and saving them from the horror they are living.

On December 10th, 2013 Special Agent Tim Ballard (aka Hunter's mother's cousin's son... ha did you get that?) turned in his Homeland Security badge and  resigned from his employment with the United States government. 

He had spent over a decade rescuing these poor children from child sex tourism both domestically and overseas. 

Though his job was difficult, he was proud that his country was one of very few in the world who was actually doing anything about this problem. 

However, mired in red tape and bureaucracy, Tim left to begin saving the children that he saw falling out of the purview of the US government. 

These children constitute over 90% of the children lost to child sex slavery and he could do nothing to help them while in the employment of the US government.

This is a story about the lost children from other countries and the rescue team’s exploits as they investigate and liberate enslaved children from around the world.

Okay, so you're thinking one of 3 things right now... maybe a few of them actually... but I'm sure you're thinking something along the lines of...

1) "Wow sounds interesting! I'd actually love to see this movie! Tell me more about where and when I can see it!"

2) "I'm a parent myself and I really don't want to watch this. It sounds like it would make me sick. How else can I help?"

3) "I'm not very interested."

So, here are my answers!

If you're number one, yay! 

You really will not regret it!

Click this link to buy your tickets today :)

Also, tell all your friends to go see it!

It will only be in theaters for one day at the moment, which is May 16th.

If we can fill those theaters it will receive a theatrical release and play longer!

If you're number two... I understand!

That's actually exactly how I felt after reading up on it before I saw the movie.

It's hard, as a mom, to think about the terrible situations these children are in.

However, the movie is very well done!

It is made in a PG-13 manner because they wanted to make it appropriate for young moviegoers to see what is happening around them as well. 

It is meant to caution them and wake the audience up while not scaring them away from the theater due to the darkness of the subject matter. 

The goal was not to sicken people but rather to inform them and motivate them to do whatever they could do as individuals, within their own sphere of influence, to stop this plague of human trafficking.

Not to mention, 15% of the profit of movie sales from theaters will be going directly to Operation Underground Railroad which is the organization that creates the missions to save these children.

However, if you see the movie at a Larry H. Miller theater 100% of the proceeds will go to "OUR"!

If you still don't feel like seeing the movie is a good fit... you can donate by clicking here!

And if you're number three... please hear me out!

This is something that isn't just happening overseas. 

It is happening right here in America too, and we need to protect our children from it.

In fact, Utah is actually the number one state where child sex trafficking happens.

Terrifying!

Please join me in taking a stand against this!

Check out this site to be even more inspired. 

Please join us in taking a stand against this horrifying crime that generates over 32 billion dollars yearly. 

There are also several other ways you can help... like attending events!

Here is a link to a few that sound pretty cool!

My little family will be attending the Rescue Run 5k in Lehi on May 21st and we are so excited!

I would absolutely love to see you there!

All money raised by the run will be donated to Operation Underground Railroad.

In just two years, they have already saved over 419 victims!

Just imagine how many more we can save if we just bring awareness to this subject!

To register click here and make sure to use code: INSTAGRAM to get $5 off your registration :)

I really hope you go see this movie in theaters on May 16th and attend the run!

I'll be there walking with my Oaks ;)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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I Have Worth

I have worth.

And you do too.

I'm really excited about this post.

I'm really excited about this shirt.

I'm also really excited to share this company with all of you!

Have you ever felt, down?

I bet you have.

It may have been because of something someone said to you, a mistake you made, a promise that was broken, a trial experienced, a lack of self confidence or even doubts in your head.

I think we've all been there at some point in time.

Eventually, these negative thoughts get the best of us and we say things to ourselves like, "I'm the worst" or "I wish I were more like (insert name here)."

I've said it, I've been there, I've done that.

I can recall feeling insecure more times than I can count in my lifetime.

I've always hated walking into a room and feeling like "everyone" is staring at me.

I've also wished I looked a little different a time or two, or ten.

I've wondered what my purpose is and I've doubted my self worth.

I think one of the lowest points in my life was when my PPD was the strongest.

I would lay awake at night wishing that somehow I could go back in time and feel like "myself" again.

I thought I couldn't do it, ya know, be a mother.

I thought my blog would go no where.

I thought there was no way I'd ever make the Varsity Cheer team.

I thought nobody would like me.

I also thought I never stood a chance with him.

Then he became my husband.

I made a change in my life as of recently.

One I haven't quite mastered, but that I am working on nonetheless.

I've decided to beat my doubts and fears with thoughts of self worth.

It sounds easier than it is.

It also sounds kind of like a "duh" thing to do, but I challenge you all to try it.

So what do I mean?

When you're having a negative thought about yourself, think of 5 extraordinary things about yourself.

No, you are not being conceited. You are recognizing your self worth.

A couple examples from my week:

-I went running and timed myself. I looked at my time and immediately told myself I'm just not a very good athlete. I quickly then told myself I'm a good chef, I am good at decorating, my husband loves me, I am successful, and I am a darn good mother.

-I went to the grocery store and Oaklyn was crying in the checkout line. I handed her a sucker and the older lady behind me said I shouldn't be giving her sugar at that age. I immediately doubted myself and the way I parent my child. (Insert 5 encouraging thoughts) I smiled at her, and went about my day.

Those are only two examples but sometimes they are bigger issues and other times they might even be smaller.

Either way, this has helped me tremendously in recognizing my self worth.

I have come to realize that I don't need to dress a certain way, make a certain amount of money, have specific talents, or be interested in what the crowd is.

I am me, and that is more than enough.

Don't let the world tell you when or how to feel good about yourself.

Try your hardest not to buy into the lies displayed by the media.

Don't judge yourself for looking different. Most magazine covers are photo shopped anyways.

I firmly believe that "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God..." 

We are all entitled to our Father’s blessings.

 He did not bring you to this earth to walk alone, without guidance.

 He knows our skills and celebrates in our victories with us.

He will also take our supposed inadequacies and help us turn them into strengths if we let Him.

Remember that you are worth much more to Him than you will ever know.

But all religion aside, trust me in saying that You Have Worth.

Far more worth than you might imagine.

You have potential, strengths, talents, and beauty.

Every single one of you.

This cute "I Have Worth" Tee is from CampLight Apparel and I am loving the meaning behind it.

Every purchase from CampLight Apparel helps feed malnourished children in Haiti.

So not only are you purchasing a shirt to help you remember and recognize your worth, but you are helping others in need.

I fully support this company and their mission.

Go ahead and check out their different designs Here!

You can also use the code: JOYOFLIFE at checkout for 15% off your purchase :)

And remember I am "personally" handing each of you the #myworthchallenge!

Let me know how it is going and use the hashtag #myworthchallenge on social media to post a picture of yourself telling everyone why you have worth so I can follow along! You can also comment down below! I'd love to hear about your experiences and celebrate in your triumphs with you :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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