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Coffee Date Vol. 12: I Can Do Hard Things

June 11, 2018 By Ruthie Ridley 30 Comments

Coffee Date Vol. 12: I Can Do Hard Things... life lately, schedule changes, role reversal, out with the old, in with the new. Learning to be flexible.
Coffee Date Vol. 12: I Can Do Hard Things... life lately, schedule changes, role reversal, out with the old, in with the new. Learning to be flexible.
Coffee Date Vol. 12: I Can Do Hard Things... life lately, schedule changes, role reversal, out with the old, in with the new. Learning to be flexible.
I think sometimes as human beings we need to be told “You can do it.” We need to be reminded that everything we need to accomplish (goals, tasks, dreams, just life in general) is within us without us even knowing.
We have entered a very different season with Ben being in the police academy. He’s actually in pre-Academy right now until July, but it is pretty intense nonetheless. I have had to step into an unfamiliar role and he has had to dive head first into the program.
The program is intense and requires 100% attention and focus while in physical training and the classroom. When Ben gets home he typically has several hours of homework after a 10 hour day at the academy. Aside from what Ben is doing we have had to adjust to this new normal. I have very limited access to him via cell which I’m not used to, I’m having to make decisions on my own, again which I’m not used to and the hardest part is doing a lot with the kids by myself. Let me mention that I get a LOT of help from my parents and Ben’s dad, which I am very fortunate to have!! Things are just different now so I am feeling it!
We have been married for 10 years, together for 11. Ben and I did everything together and he also did a lot for me. He cooked most of the meals and took care of things around the house. He’s a very hands on Dad and is not intimidated by trying new things, going on adventures, partnering with me on the blog and other projects.  We watched our shows together every night.  I’ve been really blessed and spoiled! We also worked in the same building so I got to see him a lot!
This past weekend hit me pretty hard. Ben’s current schedule is Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (10 hour days). For the first time ever I did a party for one of the kids without him.  My parents were traveling so the thought of having very little help overwhelmed me.  It was a lot of work, but you know what, I did it! I have been overwhelmed over the past week or so and missing my best friend but this is what I am learning:
* You are stronger than you think you are.
* Things could be worse. ( Like Ben could actually be deployed but he isn’t!)
* You can do hard and uncomfortable things.
* Prayer is your lifeline.
* Don’t take on extra commitments that you cannot handle.
* Say no when you have to.
* Change stinks but it doesn’t mean it’s bad.
* Hard seasons are what grow and mature you.
* Surround yourself with positive, uplifting individuals.
We are just getting started! The actual police academy starts in July of this year and lasts until December.  Ben is doing harder things than he has ever done before and being stretched to his limits.  He can do it, we can do it, you can do it! I also realize that my hard is not your hard and vice versa! What hard things are you pushing through right now?  As always thanks for stopping by the blog! It means the world to me!

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All photos by Nicole Quiroz

Filed Under: Life Tagged With: coffee date, life lately

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Comments

  1. Fawn E Rosenbohm says

    June 11, 2018 at 7:56 pm

    I love that you said prayer is your lifeline. I totally agree! you guys are going through a crazy busy season but you have the right attitude about it all for sure!

  2. kelsey says

    June 12, 2018 at 7:04 am

    loved this!! Thanks for always being so inspiring! xo

  3. Cathy says

    June 12, 2018 at 7:27 am

    You got this! It’s so true, we are stronger then we think and we can always get through something. Congrats to your hubby and it will all be worth it in the end!

    XOXO
    CAthy

  4. Gladys parker says

    June 12, 2018 at 9:16 am

    Love your outfit ESPECIALLY the cool shoes! Yes you can do it. I think sometimes we have to remind ourselves. You may need to pamper yourself some, get more rest, pat yourself on the back, take many you brakes even day DREAM of what will be due to these changes.

  5. Lacey says

    June 12, 2018 at 9:28 am

    Love this positive message!

    xo
    Lacey
    A Lacey Perspective

  6. Sam | Away She Went says

    June 12, 2018 at 10:16 am

    You can do it! It’s so hard when someone’s schedule changes. My boyfriend just got a job that’s Sun-Tues and every other Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. I’m already nervous about adjusting our schedule and losing a full day together (I work m-f), but we’ll make it work and find a new normal.

  7. Terra @ A Spork in the Road says

    June 12, 2018 at 11:46 am

    Great attitude and fabulous shoes. I’m about to have a new normal, too, and it’s completely upending everything I know and have built up to now. You’ve got this, though. You can do it.

  8. JoJo says

    June 12, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    Prayer is your lifeline! You look so adorable in these photos. I will be praying for you guys as you get through this new and challenging (but exciting) time!

  9. Jane Davidson | Typically Jane says

    June 12, 2018 at 1:41 pm

    Girl, wow that is a LOT for someone to take on! I needed this reminder today too. <3

  10. Tanvi Rastogi says

    June 12, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    You look fabulous in these pictures. PLus you have a great outlook.

    ❥ tanvii.com

  11. angie says

    June 12, 2018 at 5:45 pm

    what a wonderful outlook on life, it is something that I love seeing thanks for sharing
    come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

  12. Belle says

    June 13, 2018 at 8:20 am

    Such a lovely post! Love the leggings by the way!

  13. Ashley Hargrove says

    June 13, 2018 at 8:43 am

    Such a great post!! love the color of your leggings!

  14. rAINA says

    June 13, 2018 at 9:10 am

    GREAT INSPIRATIONAL POST- YOU CAN DO THIS! sEASONS ARE ALWAYS CHANGING AND RECOGNIZE THAT THIS ONE WILL BE BUSY AND HARD BUT A NEW ONE WILL COME SOON!

  15. Lalia Frolick says

    June 13, 2018 at 10:36 am

    I love your look here! The pop of color with the texture of the white top is so visually stunning. I can also relate to the adjustment in your life with your significant other at a transitional career point. my husband is going through the same time, and it’s very hard on us all. Thank you for sharing, and good luck!

  16. Laura Leigh says

    June 13, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    What a great message Ruthie and lesson you have learned! You two are such a great team and i love it – so inspiring.

    xo Laura Leigh
    http://www.louellareese.com

  17. Anna says

    June 14, 2018 at 3:47 am

    Yes this is so true! I love this Positive message! My husband has been helping through this Postpa and feminding Me that i can do this. So powerfuk!

  18. Tiffany Haywood says

    June 14, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    I had to learn this lesson myself during my husband’s military time. i was so dependent on him for certain things i nearly forgot i could do them myself – successfully! you’ve definitely got this !

  19. greta says

    June 14, 2018 at 10:16 pm

    I’ll be praying for you and your family and this period of transition. this will be such a great new chapter!

  20. What Corinne Did says

    June 15, 2018 at 1:17 am

    This post is so inspiring. Such a positive message. Best of luck with the transition, i am sure you got this! so many things we realize we can do ourselves!

  21. MaJoy Eticabla says

    June 15, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    I love these words : “Don’t take on extra commitments that you cannot handle.”It’s a sign of being a responsible and mature person, you have to know what you’re capable of and that you can’t do it all. (Majoy)

  22. Jasmine Boswell says

    June 16, 2018 at 2:22 am

    such a beautiful and positive outlook! and i totally feel ya girl, way to be inspiring!

  23. Kristina says

    June 18, 2018 at 5:01 am

    ThInking of you during this transitional time- i know i rely on my husband a lot too and im sure tHis will all be worth it in the end!

  24. Jess Scull says

    June 18, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    You have such an amazing and positive outlook on life!

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Ruthie Ridley Blog was established in January of 2015 out of a strong desire to have a place for creative expression both with her love for all things fashion and deep faith in Christ. Ruthie loves classic, timeless style with a side of fun, flirty flair! Faith and family is the foundation of her life where everything she does flows out from. She believes that with hard work and chasing big dreams, anything can be achieved!

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10. Big tournament win for J and his team 🏆
11. Extra grateful for @overcome_fitnesscp in this season 🫶🏾
12. Happy birthday @sethdavid 🥳!! Happy 20th anniversary @deborahgiles @daniel_giles ❤️‍🔥
13. 🦆 on my favorite walk around the lake🤎
14. @ava_ridley09 award ceremony for life fitness. Currently squatting 205 🏋️‍♀️💪🏾
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16. @hiforrest concert for J with his best bud for his 13th!! @delani_eden you’re the best 😍
17.  @carlygulinomay & I Adventuring with our kids over Spring break🩷
In today’s episode🎙️we are talking about th In today’s episode🎙️we are talking about the power of discipline & the key to unlocking both long-term and short-term goals🚀
We truly believe that everything you want in life is on the other side of the hard and uncomfortable!!! 😌
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify or tap the link in our bio! #TheGoodStuffPodcast #Discipline #GrowthMindset #PodcastEpisode
WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MIRACLES YOU HAVE EVER WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MIRACLES YOU HAVE EVER WITNESSED GOD DO IN YOUR LIFE?!✨🫶🏾🕊️❤️‍🔥🙌🏾🙏🏾🤍

I’ll go first!! Earlier this week I was just thinking about how faithful God has been to me over the years! I think we all go through different highs and lows, but it’s so good to stop and look back and remember what God has done! 

Back in 2008 when Ben and I just got married, the market had crashed. I had purchased a home on my own in CT- We lost the house and our cars were repossessed - I honestly felt like we would never recover from that!!! Not to mention, I felt so much failure and shame attached to that season!

Fast-forward to 2019, we begin working with our dear friend  @cody.d.williams  on purchasing our very first home together and he told us all the work that needed to be done with our credit,etc. we took a year and did everything we could to get things right! Not only were we able to purchase our first home together in 2019, but everything from the past was no longer a factor & two years later we were able to purchase an even more magnificent property that we now call home 🏡 

Why was this a miracle for me? I think because I thought we would always be behind & nothing would ever change. We rented for 7+ years before we were able to purchase a home as a married couple and that started to discourage me! 

Just a reminder that little miracles happen everyday and that your worst is never the worst.  God can turn your situation around in a moment!!! The BEST is yet to COME!!! Keep believing ⭐️
Join us for a fun and inspiring conversation with Join us for a fun and inspiring conversation with our good friend @beckyfoxjohnson as we talk about navigating life as a strong female leader!!!💛
Becky is a phenomenal example of pioneering in spaces without a clear roadmap, breaking barriers, and leading with confidence!
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify or tap the link in our bio! #TheGoodStuffPodcast #WomenInLeadership #Trailblazer #PodcastEpisode
Thankful for the Cross ✝️!!! Happy Easter from Thankful for the Cross ✝️!!! Happy Easter from our fam to yours 🤍✨🕊️😘 + a little throwback to Easter 2012 just because 🥰
🚩 Relationship Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore 🚩 Relationship Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore! 🚩 ☀️Today on @thegoodstuffpodcast_ , we’re talking about our journey with relationship red flags—the ones we ignored, the lessons we learned, and how we ultimately knew our husbands were ‘the one!’ ❤️✨
We’re sharing our personal experiences, tough truths, and advice on not settling for less than you deserve. You don’t want to miss this one!🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify or tap the link in our bio!!
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of spending Earlier this week, I had the privilege of spending some quality time with other incredible creators at a retreat with @parkermanagement 🤍 It really felt like a retreat for my soul ✨Napa is also reallly good at forcing you to slow down and take in the gorgeous views 😌

Spending time with these wonderful humans this week reminded me that I still belong here, even though I might not look like everyone else (or feel like I fit in) that’s the beauty of it all right?

I think after doing something for a very long time and in this space specifically, it’s easy to feel imposter syndrome, self doubt and the inability to “keep up”. Although an app or an industry has changed over time it’s so important to stay true to yourself.

 So grateful for this time away & I’m leaving with my cup overflowing! God is always on time with these types of things. Just when we need another boost or some encouragement, He sends all the right people your away! He is just good like that 🤩

*my outfits are linked in my bio 🫶🏾
What a week with these incredible humans✨Thank y What a week with these incredible humans✨Thank you @parkermanagement for loving on all of us so well😌🤍🌸🫶🏾
The perfect day in Napa Valley with incredible hum The perfect day in Napa Valley with incredible humans @parkermanagement !! Comment SHOP to get links to this look 🥰🫶🏾✨🥰

Follow my shop @ruthieridley on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

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Join us today as we sit down with @lisadunkly -one Join us today as we sit down with @lisadunkly -one of Ruthie’s close friends, who bravely shares her journey through grief, loss, and healing ❤️‍🩹 
After losing her husband at just 30 years old and 9 months pregnant, Lisa faced unimaginable pain—but through it all, she’s found joy, resilience, and a deep love for life. 🌿✨ Her story is raw, powerful, and truly inspiring.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify or tap the link in our bio! #TheGoodStuffPodcast #Healing #GriefJourney #Resilience #PodcastEpisode
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Me out here on a Monday trying to shine bright lik Me out here on a Monday trying to shine bright like a diamond 💎 because I literally lost mine this weekend 😳!!! (Swipe left to see💔) No lie, my diamond fell out of the prongs at Savannah’s 🏐 tournament, and I couldn’t find it! Get your diamonds, checked ladies!! I am really sad about it, but it could definitely be worse! I’ve had that beautiful ring for 18 years and I never got it checked! We will get it fixed eventually! @bmridley the ring 💍 is broke but it’s you and me forever baby ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

In other news, this super cute dress is $15🤯!! Comment DRESS to get deets to this entire look ❤️‍🔥💥🫶🏾✨😌😍😘
✨APRIL✨ was a “Beautiful Mess”😌 Showing ✨APRIL✨ was a “Beautiful Mess”😌 Showing you all the of the beautiful… I don’t have any pictures of the mess 😝!!! “But in all things we give THANKS!” 1 Thess. 5:18 ❤️‍🔥 (Comment “SHOP” for links to any of my looks)
1. Just because 🧡💁🏾‍♀️
2. Happy 72nd birthday to my dad 🎉
3. Date night with my boo 🤍
4. J is getting very tall 😭
5. Card games and chats with @mealigrace 🩷
6. @ava_ridley09 ⚽️❤️‍🔥💥
7. Family sideline fun 😌
8. Sav’s amazing 🏐 team in a tournament ✨
9. Happy birthday @nataliekresge 🥳
10. Big tournament win for J and his team 🏆
11. Extra grateful for @overcome_fitnesscp in this season 🫶🏾
12. Happy birthday @sethdavid 🥳!! Happy 20th anniversary @deborahgiles @daniel_giles ❤️‍🔥
13. 🦆 on my favorite walk around the lake🤎
14. @ava_ridley09 award ceremony for life fitness. Currently squatting 205 🏋️‍♀️💪🏾
15. Brunch + prayer with these 💎 
16. @hiforrest concert for J with his best bud for his 13th!! @delani_eden you’re the best 😍
17.  @carlygulinomay & I Adventuring with our kids over Spring break🩷
In today’s episode🎙️we are talking about th In today’s episode🎙️we are talking about the power of discipline & the key to unlocking both long-term and short-term goals🚀
We truly believe that everything you want in life is on the other side of the hard and uncomfortable!!! 😌
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify or tap the link in our bio! #TheGoodStuffPodcast #Discipline #GrowthMindset #PodcastEpisode
WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MIRACLES YOU HAVE EVER WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MIRACLES YOU HAVE EVER WITNESSED GOD DO IN YOUR LIFE?!✨🫶🏾🕊️❤️‍🔥🙌🏾🙏🏾🤍

I’ll go first!! Earlier this week I was just thinking about how faithful God has been to me over the years! I think we all go through different highs and lows, but it’s so good to stop and look back and remember what God has done! 

Back in 2008 when Ben and I just got married, the market had crashed. I had purchased a home on my own in CT- We lost the house and our cars were repossessed - I honestly felt like we would never recover from that!!! Not to mention, I felt so much failure and shame attached to that season!

Fast-forward to 2019, we begin working with our dear friend  @cody.d.williams  on purchasing our very first home together and he told us all the work that needed to be done with our credit,etc. we took a year and did everything we could to get things right! Not only were we able to purchase our first home together in 2019, but everything from the past was no longer a factor & two years later we were able to purchase an even more magnificent property that we now call home 🏡 

Why was this a miracle for me? I think because I thought we would always be behind & nothing would ever change. We rented for 7+ years before we were able to purchase a home as a married couple and that started to discourage me! 

Just a reminder that little miracles happen everyday and that your worst is never the worst.  God can turn your situation around in a moment!!! The BEST is yet to COME!!! Keep believing ⭐️
Join us for a fun and inspiring conversation with Join us for a fun and inspiring conversation with our good friend @beckyfoxjohnson as we talk about navigating life as a strong female leader!!!💛
Becky is a phenomenal example of pioneering in spaces without a clear roadmap, breaking barriers, and leading with confidence!
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify or tap the link in our bio! #TheGoodStuffPodcast #WomenInLeadership #Trailblazer #PodcastEpisode
Thankful for the Cross ✝️!!! Happy Easter from Thankful for the Cross ✝️!!! Happy Easter from our fam to yours 🤍✨🕊️😘 + a little throwback to Easter 2012 just because 🥰
🚩 Relationship Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore 🚩 Relationship Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore! 🚩 ☀️Today on @thegoodstuffpodcast_ , we’re talking about our journey with relationship red flags—the ones we ignored, the lessons we learned, and how we ultimately knew our husbands were ‘the one!’ ❤️✨
We’re sharing our personal experiences, tough truths, and advice on not settling for less than you deserve. You don’t want to miss this one!🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify or tap the link in our bio!!
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of spending Earlier this week, I had the privilege of spending some quality time with other incredible creators at a retreat with @parkermanagement 🤍 It really felt like a retreat for my soul ✨Napa is also reallly good at forcing you to slow down and take in the gorgeous views 😌

Spending time with these wonderful humans this week reminded me that I still belong here, even though I might not look like everyone else (or feel like I fit in) that’s the beauty of it all right?

I think after doing something for a very long time and in this space specifically, it’s easy to feel imposter syndrome, self doubt and the inability to “keep up”. Although an app or an industry has changed over time it’s so important to stay true to yourself.

 So grateful for this time away & I’m leaving with my cup overflowing! God is always on time with these types of things. Just when we need another boost or some encouragement, He sends all the right people your away! He is just good like that 🤩

*my outfits are linked in my bio 🫶🏾
What a week with these incredible humans✨Thank y What a week with these incredible humans✨Thank you @parkermanagement for loving on all of us so well😌🤍🌸🫶🏾
The perfect day in Napa Valley with incredible hum The perfect day in Napa Valley with incredible humans @parkermanagement !! Comment SHOP to get links to this look 🥰🫶🏾✨🥰

Follow my shop @ruthieridley on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKShoeCrush #LTKStyleTip
@shop.ltk
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