Ivette Aponte

When I first saw this picture, the only thing I noticed was my back fat.
Not the little hands holding mine.
Not the beautiful day or the peaceful walk.
Just my “flaws.”

I’ve been through something recently that really shook my confidence. It’s been a journey trying to find peace again and fall back in love with myself. Some days I feel strong, some days are just okay, and a few are really rough. But that’s life, right? Healing isn’t perfect.

Looking at this picture again, I realized how much beauty I missed because I was focused on the wrong things. The love, the calm, the sunlight — it was all there. I just had to look past what I thought was wrong to see what was actually right.

My hope and strength are anchored in Jesus, and I know I’ll get there. It’s not about if I get back up, it’s about when. And when I do… watch out world 😅💪🏼 There might be plenty more sports bra pictures coming your way! 😜🥰❤️

❤️

I have never felt more seen. 😂😳

Today I got to step away from full throttle work mode and just hang out with my sister all day. It was the relaxing change of pace I desperately needed. She is the cook of the family and today I got to taste her amazing homemade sourdough bread. Oh my goodness!!! It was AMAZING!!!! It’s probably a good thing I live an hour away because I would be over every day for fresh bread & leftovers!!! 😜 Had an amazing time. Thanks for hosting me on a work day sis! 🥰

🖤 Goodbye black tank tops, hello black sweaters. Growth. 😂😜

✨How do I combat stress & anxiety? Simple:
🙏 I give thanks.
💪 I lift heavy.

No better cure. Period.

Today’s therapy = me vs. a 40 lb dumbbell. (Spoiler: I won 😉)

If you needed the reminder today: you’re strong, you’re resilient, and you do have time for yourself. The one requirement? Show up… no matter what. Motivation is optional. 😘 Rooting for you! 👊🏻❤️

This moment with both kiddos riding their bikes together brought me so much joy today. Just an important reminder that it’s moments like these that really matter. Enjoy the little things in life. Core memory downloading… 🥰

Took a little social media break to step away from all the noise and emotions of this past week to reflect and reset. Turns out quiet time doesn’t really exist when you’re a mom. It’s the thought that counts though! 😜

But in all seriousness, it was the best kind of reminder about where my peace really lives — with God & in spending quality time with my little family… including temper tantrums, sibling quarrels, late night bed time routine procrastinations, and all the beautiful mess that comes with motherhood. Because had I been caught up in the noise, I would’ve missed going to the park for our first family bike ride together, volunteering at our church’s community service weekend, going to Sea World and feeding the stingrays for the first time, and going on my first rollercoaster with my son. 🥰💕

This is your reminder that it is ok to disconnect in order to get recentered. It is ok to shut out the noise of the outside world so you can focus on being present for the people in your inside world. Sometimes the mind & spirit just needs a break from the news overload, the emotional toll, and all the comments & opinions that follow. Take that necessary space. It’s ok. 🫶🏻

My heart is sad… so sad today. Seeing the flag at half mast as I drove by the gate on my way to work hit really hard. 🇺🇸😔

I grieve for the tragedy our nation endured 24 years ago on this day… but I also grieve for how broken our nation is today. So much hatred, intolerance, and lack of empathy are destroying us from within. I grieve for my beautiful country. 💔

Sometimes I just have no words to process what my heart feels and no words to share. Today is one of those days. So I turn to the source of all healing & comfort…. Jesus.

Music is my therapy and worship songs my medicine for a broken heart. One of favorite worship songs when my heart is heavy is “Yes I Will”. It is a reminder to never stop praising God no matter what we may be facing. When my words fail, my voice and the song of my heart will always reach God. God is good, we are surrounded in Him, and we are NEVER alone. 💕

My favorite Bible verse for encouragement is Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says ‘Do not fear, I will help you’.”

If your soul needs peace today or any day, I pray you will turn to Jesus.

On a different note, after I saw the flag I began to pray for my country as I was driving to my office building. At the exact moment I elevated my prayer I saw the most beautiful bald eagle perched high on a tree in glorious display. 🦅 I could not stop to snap a picture but I felt peace in that moment. A coincidence? Maybe. But I believe in the power of prayer and believe that was a sign of hope from above. 🙏🏻❤️

Plus you get the added benefit of getting those steps in! Now drink up! 😜💦🚽😂

We wrapped up the last week of summer with a family getaway to Santa Rosa Beach on 30A in the Florida panhandle. This beach spot never disappoints. Even though we got rained on a couple of days we managed to get in some site seeing, beach time, and even a photoshoot. That wraps up a pretty epic summer. ❤️🙏🏻🥰