It’s been a challenging year for me personally. Lots of unexpected change, and with change comes an opportunity for new growth. As British novelist Phyllis Bottome once wrote, “There are two ways of meeting difficulties: You alter the difficulties or you alter yourself meeting them.” The recent life challenges I’ve faced have drawn me out of my comfort zone in many ways. I’ve been embracing vulnerability and practicing being open to experiences that my former self may have turned away from. I’ve learned to take time to center myself before dealing with stressful conflicts and difficult decisions. These things inevitably surface in our day to day lives. Part of centering myself requires taking time to nurture my own spirit and acknowledging the goodness in simple pleasures that surround us. I’ve learned to create rituals that feed my sense of capability and desire for harmony.

Earrings are one of the simple pleasures that I enjoy most in getting dressed each morning. On one hand, this may sound like a superficial attraction. It’s not. For me, choosing a pair of earrings each day is a little ritual that I look forward to every morning. I look over my collection and grab whatever resonates with my mood. Morning can be hectic for us all. I tend to gravitate toward designs that are serene. To share my enthusiasm for the simple pleasures that come from wearing something hand crafted and beautiful, I’m hosting a contest for you, my dear readers, Twitter followers, and Facebook fans of Penelope Poet. Starting today, I invite you to enter this contest for a chance to win a pair of triple disc hoop earrings from one of my favorite American design studios, Nashelle.

The triple disc hoops are made of recycled 14K gold fill. They’re radiant in sunlight, and equally elegant for evening affairs. What I like most about the pair is the ever so dainty chiming sound they make. It’s like the musical ringing made by a tiny bell. Soft and quiet. Let these earrings be a lovely reminder to breathe slowly, walk lightly and be kind to yourself.

To enter, please use the rafflecopter form below. “Like” us on Facebook, tweet to your friends or simply answer a thoughtful question about what you enjoy most in your life. Contest ends Saturday, May 19th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two tone rose gold and stainless steel knot bracelet

Sisters can be as different as day and night, yet the bond that unites them is as strong as steel. This stainless steel mesh bracelet features two steel mesh strands: one a silver toned steel strand and the other a rose gold plated strand. The two strands intertwine forming a beautiful knot bracelet, representative of the sense of belonging, strength and unique character that each sister brings to the relationship. Bracelet measures 7.5″.

Sterling silver sun pendant with carnelian or citrine center stone

The ability to feel comfortable in our own skin is related to the disconnection that happens when we feel overwhelmed. By succumbing to an endless to-do list or keeping up with the chatter of our facebook profile, tweets and email log. One way to keep things in perspective is to prioritize the essentials and let go of anything that doesn’t necessitate action. Physical reminders can also help to replenish our sense of self worth and contentment. For me, getting outdoors is key to reconnecting with my natural, authentic self.

Making time to self-reflect is difficult to do amid all the mind chatter that goes on throughout the average day. Even so, taking time to destress and reflect is vital to feeling authentic. I came across an appropriate quote from Natalie Golderg, “Stress is basically a disconnection from he earth, a forgetting of the breath. Nothing is that important. Just lie down.” While we can’t always lie down — especially in the middle of Starbuck’s, or driving the kids home from school, we can find tool that allow us to transform a stressful scene into a one where we can breathe easily. That said, we can find ways to reconnect by using our senses. Musical, physical of visual, reminders work well for me as does fresh outdoor air.

Being outdoors allows us to breathe in the wide world around us. Taking a moment to allow some quiet into our day by going outside, makes it easy to appreciate simple pleasures — like the warm sun on our skin. The sun can serve as a powerful centering point. Thinking about our relative size to the sun can shift our outlook, turning overwhelmed feelings of inadequacy on their side, and reminding us that we are a part of something much larger. For a brief example, picture in your minds eye, our world (the entire earth). Think about its size in relationship to the sun. To stretch across the diameter of the sun, it takes 100 earths, and to fill the sun requires approximately one million earths. We are truly a tiny speck inside a colossal universe.

As a vast star and the center of our universe, the sun’s splendor provides light and life. The newest jewelry piece at PenelopePoet.com is a sun inspired pendant reflecting the qualities of a woman whose presence and character shine with radiance, glory, and warmth. Each of us have someone we know who is the like sun. Without the sun as the center of our solar system, life as we know it would not exist. It’s this metaphor that gave the new design its name Somonebody like the Sun. Twelve rays curl and stretch outward from a custom design set in sterling silver. This unique sun inspired piece offers buyers a choice of cabochon cut gemstones. Choose from a fiery reddish carnelian, or a brownish lemon yellow citrine.

In the middle of a tough day, soothing music can be a saving grace and create the pause needed to reignite our spirit. For your reading pleasure, below are some breathtaking lyrics from Daisy May Erlewine’s song, Shine On.

Knocked me off of my feet
But I think it’s time for me to start walking again,
Stop running away from things.
Next time you see me,
I will be singing a new song/
I am learning to shine on.

There is work to be done,
So you you’ve got to shine on.

Available to ship for Mother's Day gift delivery through Thursday

Designed by Nashelle Jewelry

Want to give mom a kiss she can take with her for Mother’s Day? Our Hershey’s Kiss Charm necklace is available through Mother’s Day. Use UPS 2-day shipping up to Wednesday at 3 pm PST. Orders placed on Thursday should use UPS overnight shipping ($35). Two sizes available. See how they measure up?

Jewelry Designs by Debroah J. Birdoes

Earrings designs made exclusively for PenelopePoet.com

Two rings, one band representing mom and daughter (or son!)

Stackable rings in silver, rose gold, yellow

If you’re in search of additional rose gold jewelry and accessories for Mother’s Day such as handbags, iPod cases, then check out this clever list from SkinnyScoop.com.