Author

Rachel Marie Martin

Rachel Marie Martin is the author behind Finding Joy and the book The Brave Art of Motherhood. She is fiercely passionate about living an authentic, joy-filled and driven life and because of that writes powerful truth for others hoping to be the catalyst for change.

perspective

dear anxiety…

by Rachel Marie Martin April 6, 2022

written by Rachel Marie Martin

Dear anxiety,

Sometimes you are loud, like a roar, a tornado and I find myself twisted in thoughts and worries.

Sometimes you are silent, stealthy, and I slowly become aware that my heart is racing and my mind worrying.

Sometimes you make me question my strength or the love of others.

Sometimes you create doubts and worries.

But anxiety, you don’t win.

I’m just putting that out there.

Even though I know your tactics and the fallacy of “run through that scenario in your mind again and again” and how you try to rob peace. You see, despite the worries and the doubts I’ve learned I’m strong.

Stronger than you think you I am.

Yes, I stumble at times.

Yes, I feel alone at times.

Yes, I have sleepless nights at times.

Yes, I worry at times.

Yes, I have moments of fear.

But, I also have good.

I also have joy.

I also have hope.

I also have love.

I also have optimism.

I also have clarity.

I also have sleep.

I also have progress.

I am brave.

And brave is no longer allowing you, anxiety, to define worth, capabilities, and potential.

It is brave that I set down the past, despite the cry for you to hyper-analyze it, and love the present and work hard for the future.

You see, I’ve found the antidote.

Grace.

Hope.

Peace.

Persistence.

Kindness.

Authenticity.

Joy.

Bravery.

You are strong, but I am stronger.

-me

*words by Rachel Marie Martin of Finding Joy

April 6, 2022 2 comments

Rachel Marie Martin Original Quotes

Best Motivational Quotes for Women

by Rachel Marie Martin March 31, 2022

written by Rachel Marie Martin

One of the things I enjoy the most is creating short quotes that remind us of our strength. Over the years I’ve created a large collection of these words and often get asked if I have them together. This list is a selection of what I like to call my Brave Girl quotes – or best motivational quotes -ones that remind women of their strength, even in the face of adversity, and the courage it takes to keep going. Remember – your trying, your showing up, your giving – it all matters.

“She was strong. Not because she always wanted to be, but because sometimes she was forced to be. Her strength was often hidden from others. It was the strength that kept her going even in the hard times. At first she didn’t see her strength, but as time passed she began to celebrate that she was truly a warrior. Brave”
Rachel Marie Martin

“She didn’t give up. She was a fighter. She was a believer in the good. She was a kind soul. She was a giver. She was a dreamer. And even on the hard days she kept going. So often no one saw. No one knew of her brave. But it was there. She saw her future. She learned from her past. She was grateful for her now. She was both grace and grit. An inspiration.”
Rachel Marie Martin

“She dared. She took the first step even without the answers. She called the friend and mended the relationship. She stood her ground even though she was afraid. She believed in the good even though life felt hard. She stepped out of comfortable and embraced the risk. She knew that her life mattered. She knew her voice mattered. She knew her courage mattered. So she dared.”
Rachel Marie Martin

“She was brave. Maybe she didn’t see it. Maybe she dismissed it. Maybe she forgot it. But in it all she was brave. Not because of the big things, but rather for all the moments where she kept on showing up. She kept on trying and she kept on loving. That is brave.”
Rachel Marie Martin

“She was on a journey. It didn’t look like the journey she had planned. In fact, sometimes she felt lost. That part was hard. And yet, she kept trying. She kept putting one foot in front of the other. She kept moving. She kept having faith in the future. She didn’t stop. She kept going.”
Rachel Marie Martin

“And she felt her heart get lighter that day. She stopped comparing. She stopped letting others put their too-small-boxes over her potential. She stopped listening to the critics and started listening to the hope of her dreams. She started to see her strength. Her bravery. Her beautiful heart. and in that moment the impossibilities felt possible.”
Rachel Marie Martin

“She rose up. She may have felt beaten down. She may have struggled. She may not have had the answers. She may have been afraid. And yet, she rose. She stood up. She tried again. She dared. She gave back. She believed in the good. She was the meaning of brave.”
Rachel Marie Martin

*“She was knocked down. She got up. She decided to not be bitter but to be brave. To keep fighting. To see the good. She didn’t let the hard stuff win. She did.”*
Rachel Marie Martin

*“And she let go of yesterday so her heart could find joy today.”*
Rachel Marie Martin

*“Even in the midst of so many changes and unknowns she took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and dared to make today good.”*
Rachel Marie Martin

“She exhaled. She clung to hope. She stood up for what she believed in. She was strong. Maybe it was a quiet strength, but it was there. You could see it in her eyes. They were filled with determination. They dared to have faith in the sacredness of tomorrow. She lived bravely.”
Rachel Marie Martin

“And she stopped comparing. She stopped grading her life based on the success of others. Instead she shifted her focus. She saw her strengths. She embraced her quirks. She began to love the reflection in the mirror. And then she found happiness again.”
Rachel Marie Martin

Thanks friends! You all inspire me.

~Rachel

March 31, 2022 1 comment

This isn't what I thought Life Would be Like

There is Always Light

by Rachel Marie Martin March 30, 2022

written by Rachel Marie Martin

I don’t know who needs to hear this right now, but I know someone does.

If it’s you, then I want you to trust that these words are meant for you at this moment. I believe in the synchronicity of the universe and trust that there are moments when we are reminded that we are not alone or to keep up the faith.

This is about light and hard stuff and why there is always light, in other words, hope.

Life can throw us a bunch of curveballs.

It can be hard, it can be challenging, it can feel lonely. And in that space of dealing, we can feel like we are the only ones with the struggle or the loneliness or the unsettled feelings. Those curveballs, whether they are unexpected or part of the wave of existence, can knock us off of our track. They can make us feel like everyone else has it together and there we are – struggling and feeling the complexity of life.

First, my friend, you are not alone.

You are not the only one.

You are simply, in this moment in part of the wave of life.

There will be the crest again.

There will be the light, the sun, the joy, the freedom.

And all of your trying, all of it – even in the small – it all matters. Don’t go to bed tonight discounting your story, instead be simply proud of your story. Be proud of the showing up, the trying the giving. Especially in these moments where the wave feels deep and the prospect of light dim.

It is there.

Sometimes we can’t see the light. Yet, it is still there.

It will return.

Trust me.

You make a difference.

I know on the hard days it can be hard to believe it, but I truly believe that the hard days illuminate our strength and our love for others in the journey. These days shine a light on tenacity and bravery and in the end become the places where others say, “Wow…if she (he) can do it…then maybe I could too.”

So keep on fighting.

Keep on believing.

Keep on taking steps.

Keep on being real.

Keep on taking care of your heart.

And always, always remember just how deeply important you are to this world, to your family, and that your story – it matters.

~Rachel
#findingjoy

picture by me of the lighthouse on Tybee Island (in Georgia) on a very foggy night. Despite the fog, the light still shone. May you remember that in your own journey – there is always light. It may not be there now, but it can return.

March 30, 2022 0 comment

on getting older

Random Thoughts about Getting Older

by Rachel Marie Martin March 28, 2022

written by Rachel Marie Martin

Insights. About aging. Friends. And random stuff.

1. I used to describe myself as an extrovert. But, now, as I get older I find myself needing just a bit of “quiet” during the day. Then that reminds me of my mother (who is great) and then it makes me think, “I’m becoming my mother.” And then that reminds me of my grandmother who needed just a bit of “quiet” every day. Then all of that makes me freak out and I actually think, “Am I really that old now?”

2. The other day my husband and I walked on our deck and he was feeding the birds and I was watering plants. All of that further solidified my question in point one. Also, in case my mother is reading this, it would be an honor to be considered like her – she truly has the patience of a saint AND she was a goal-getter. You know those working women of the 80s who broke the mold? My mom was one of them.

3. To further solidify the truth about aging – I don’t get most of the memes my kids show me. I just smile, nod, and they say, “you don’t get it, do you?” And I tell them, “Nope.” But bless them, they still try. Or maybe they’re trying to actually see if they can find the one that I ACTUALLY get. So I show them memes about the show Friends or Seinfeld. Then they tell me that technically those aren’t actually memes.

4. I’m horrible at texting and messenger. My friends send me notes. I see them, then forget to respond. And then it becomes awkward because I haven’t responded and I should have responded. Then they call. Or I call. And then, there I am, the friend who tries, but just is horrible at messaging. I still love them. I’m trying. I’ll get better. But sometimes, get this, my inbox is giant.

5. I have certain people in my life who I know are LONG texters. They are wonderful, great, and valuable. That being said, I also know that if I engage in a text conversation with them it will not be short. It will be LONG. And it will involve a creative exit. Again, I love them. I just am, again, really bad at texting.

6. I buy clothes that are fun. They are colorful. I have good intentions. And then when it is time to get dressed I choose one of probably six pairs of black yoga leggings, capri length, to wear. And a teeshirt and maybe a jacket. I mix it up with the jacket color. If I come down wearing jeans my husband is like, “wow! You look great!” And then I still wear the yoga pants. My kids, if I’m wearing something different, either ask me if I’m going out or have a zoom call.

7. I have my grocery store memorized in my head. And the price of bananas per pound at all stores. Except for Target which sells them by the banana.

8. I cry at strange things. The sunrise. Family watching a movie. Survival shows where the cast calls their families. I also cry when my adult kids leave the house. They all know it. When they come to visit they often tell me on the way to the airport that they are prepared for my tears. I tell them how I can’t help it and they tell me they love that about me.

9. I’m a busy person. But sometimes I use busy to avoid doing the things I should be doing. In fact, if you come over and you see me showing off my alphabetized spices or pantry or a bag of weeds I picked from the yard please know I’m probably avoiding writing and email (or looking at texts because I’m overwhelmed). So that being said, I’ve learned to look at my busy and wonder if there is something I’m avoiding instead. We do have a rather weed-free yard. Just saying.

10. My kids clean the house as a present for me. And I love them even more. They’ve learned that is my love language. The fact that they know this is my love language makes me love them even more. I tell them I have infinity love for them.

11. I love brilliant writing. As a writer, I guess that makes sense. But, my goodness, I love a good movie, book, or podcast. And, as always, would love recommendations.

12. Coffee is a fave. My one daughter worked for over three years at Starbucks and it was a gift. Plus I now think that I’m a bit more knowledgeable about the difference between drinks and what is good ordering etiquette. Beyond that she told me how grateful she was for kind people and for patience. We are all human, and truly the greatest gift is the gift of kindness❤

13. I love people. I want us to love each other. I believe in people. I believe in you. I believe in our dreams and our hopes and how we are stronger when we are united. I believe in speaking up and helping out. I believe in community. That’s why I write. Or at least one of the reasons.

14. I’ve discovered kids grow fast and yet there are some days where it is exceptionally slow. I have memories where time seemed to feel like it was moving backward and then there are moments where I am wondering, “how in the world is my oldest going to turn 25 in June?” And that, that, my friends, makes me realize that despite feeling super young at heart that I’m not really that young anymore. And you know what? That’s okay. I’m grateful for each trip around the sun, each breath, each day.

15. I’m grateful for each of you.

~Rachel

ps. oh yes, and black and white pictures are my absolute favorite. #findingjoy

And one last thing – I now realize that I am an extroverted introvert. Which is perfectly perfect for me.

March 28, 2022 0 comment

Feel like you're failing?

“I forgive myself”

by Rachel Marie Martin February 27, 2022

written by Rachel Marie Martin

Those three words – “I forgive myself” – were the words my counselor told me to tell myself.

Now, you need to know this was immediately after I told her I tended to ruminate on past stuff. I’m a classic ruminator. You know, the going over and over things and wishing I had responded differently and so forth.

I can get stuck in my head.

I can go over things again and again.

I can be really hard on myself.

And she saw it.

She knew it. She probably could see the tears I worked so hard to hold back. Tears of a perfectionist, tears remembering the stumbles, tears of a girl who has a hard time letting go.

So she called it out. She told me to forgive myself.

I started to cry, honestly. How does one just do that so instantly? How does one let go? And yet, wanting to move forward meant instead of holding the bar so high for myself I dared to be kinder to myself.

“I forgive myself.”

That is what I have been telling myself lately.

It seems simple, but my friends, it is profound.

The irony?

With my friends, with you, with others – I would tell you to give yourself grace, to be kind, to not be perfect – and yet, sometimes in my own life the standard I hold is just crazy. Giving myself grace has been an amazing gift – it is like the breath I’ve needed for so long. In those moments of forgiveness there is a breath of space.

Margin.

The margin to grow, to learn, to move forward.

So friend, my sweet words to you are to be kinder to your own heart.

To celebrate your steps.

To let go of what you need to.

To forgive yourself for those times when you get stuck in your own thoughts.

To love your journey.

You matter. You make a difference.

And you are important.

Be kinder to your own heart.

~Rachel

She is brave. She fights for her heart. She dares. She loves her family. She is courageous. She tries hard. She gives. Even in the unknown without answers or a clear path she keeps showing up. She believes her story matters. She is strong. She is hopeful. She is imperfectly perfect.

February 27, 2022 3 comments

motherhood

“I love you”

by Rachel Marie Martin February 22, 2022

written by Rachel Marie Martin

Every morning, no matter what, I tell my kids, “Have a good day. I love you.”

My little kids normally respond, sometimes wave as they leave my van and walk into school. My older kids normally don’t say anything, maybe a goodbye, sometimes an “I love you” back, but most of the time they walk out the door, down to the bus.

I still say it to them.

Day after day after day.

Because they hear it.

They might not say anything.

They might not ever say anything.

But every single day when I show up, when I tell them “I love you” is another day where I add to their “tip jar” of love.

So much of life is taking out.

So much of it is “why are you late with your homework?” and “stop fighting with your brother” and “for crying out loud don’t leave your clothes on the bathroom floor.” And then there’s the peer pressures – the keeping ups, the measuring ups, the trying to fit in. Then there’s the hormones. There is so much taking out of that jar.

That’s why I say “I love you” everyday expecting NOTHING in return.

Yes, nothing.

Not, “hey hey, why don’t you say ‘I love you’ back?” or getting frustrated.

Because they NEED me to be the love in their life. They need me to show up and be there and to love them when they are at their worst.That’s the gift we have to give.

Don’t let a day go by where you miss “I love you.”

Fill their jar, fill their hearts.

That’s what this world REALLY needs.

~Rachel

ps…I have older kids now and there are many days when I simply text them those simple words, “I love you.” Sometimes just knowing someone thinks of you can truly change a day.

#findingjoy

You can read the original post here on Facebook.

February 22, 2022 0 comment

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