Present, future...or somewhere in between?

     Several times today, I have found myself in conversations about making plans for the future.  Earlier this morning, my husband and I had a long talk about this very topic.  About where we wanted to be and where we are right now. 
     It really makes you think about things...What do we want out of life?  Are we on our way, going in the right direction?  Or are some major changes in order?
     I think the answer to all of these questions is yes!  We are heading in the right direction.  We are making small decisions all the time that are moving us down the path that is right for us. But at the same time, maybe some major changes are in order sometime soon. 
     I also just ended the day today talking to a friend of mine.  Her family just made a big decision this week that will open up a new chapter in their lives.  I think that it will work out well for them.  But that doesn't mean that she is not scared of the change...I think that she is both scared and excited all rolled up in one! Change is scary, there is no getting around that fact.
     But taking the risk is worth it!  Playing it safe gives you a level of security that is hard to deny.  I know...I have spent the majority of my life just playing it safe.  But, when I have decided to  follow my instincts, it has brought only good things into my life. 
     If it is to scary to make those changes all at once and  take a completely different route in life, then just make those small changes instead.  Start making little daily decisions that don't seem to matter that much.  Start trusting your instincts more, make the small decisions that make you happy...
      Those small decisions may not seem like much, until you realize that you are out of that rut.  You are generally happier everyday.  You make enough of the small decisions during the journey and then you realize that you have changed your destination without even realizing it!!

Day Off...Woo hoo!!!

     Ahh...Had a day off from work.  Nice feeling!  Slept in late, got my hair cut, and had lunch with a friend.  Now, I get to set in front of the TV all day, right?!   Lol 
     I wish that was the way it worked!!  Actually, not really.  I took much of the day to really reflect on where I am and where I want to be at this time next year.  I am one that is definitely guilty of whining about changes I need to make in my life...and then I don't do a damn thing about them. 
     So, today, I spent time thinking of what I want to have accomplished by the end of 2014.  Then, I tried to break it down into smaller goals that will be much easier to reach.  It's so easy to just say that I can't get that accomplished, so I am not going to even start.
     Now that I have my yearly, monthly, weekly to-do list started, I can get started. I am going to do whatever I can to make our dreams come true.  By the end of this year, we will have a lot of choices that will be open to us.  I want to do whatever I can to be prepared for them. 
     I have a cousin that has been through a lot in the last few years.  He had been injured while deployed several years ago and had a long recovery to get where he is now.  Just about every time that I see his posts on Facebook, he is excited about his job or his classes in college.  And he almost always finishes those posts with these words, "Hard work and dedication pay off!"
     So, thank you, Drew!  You are my inspiration for 2014 to remember to keep working towards those goals that I set for myself.  Hard work and dedication to following my dreams will open up a lot of opportunities. 

It's all about you, baby!!

     Tonight, I decided that I am going to turn the tables on you.  Instead of reading about my thoughts and craziness, I want to hear about you.  What do you plan on doing for you in 2014?  What steps are you thinking about taking to become more content in life? To follow your passion?
     Are you going to start a gratitude journal? Learn a new skill?  Make sure to take time for yourself everyday?  Start living a simpler life? 
     Leave me a comment below and tell me what's going through your mind!  If you have been having trouble leaving comments, reply to the email posting when you read this instead.  I want to hear about you!  Small baby steps or big dreams...let's start this journey together!

Blast from the Past

     Wow...that is really all I can say is wow!  They say that you can't go home again, but sometimes you can find a way to visit the people in the old neighborhood, at least.  This weekend, I have been able to visit some of the people from my past, and it has been wonderful.
      If you have been reading some of my back posts, you will discover that I have always been somewhat resistant to getting out of my comfort zone.  I grew up in a small town, where everybody knows everybody.  Then chose to go to a fairly close state university, with someone I already knew as a roommate.  Many people from my hometown went to that school, so I was constantly seeing people I knew. 
     So, why in my sophomore year did I chose to go accept a summer job in Michigan, where I didn't know a soul??  I have absolutely no idea!!  In fact, the only other Hoosier that would be there lived several hours from me and I had never met her. 
     And then, you go and throw in some confidence issues into the mix...that just made for an interesting coworker.  I was friendly and helpful to everyone; but at the same time, uncertain of myself and a little homesick.  Some of the counselors already knew each other and had worked there for a few years.  I am sure they were just a little aggravated with me.  One counselor in particular took me under her wing and gave me a lot more confidence in myself.  Thank you, Cricket, I have always remembered that kindness!
     Because of Facebook, I have found a way to get back in touch with many of these wonderful people.  Since we all had nicknames for the summer, I couldn't just use Google to find anyone.  So, through the magic of Facebook, I have spent a fantastic weekend reconnecting with old friends by the names of Splash, Rainbow, Barney, Cricket, Iggy, Banana and Ling Ling. 
    Thank you, ladies, for a wonderful weekend!  I look forward to staying in touch with you!

Long day...Ready for a pillow!

     Today has been one of those long days that seem to go on forever.  Starting with waking up a couple of hours before the alarm sounded blared.  One of those mornings where you never really get back to sleep and feel the lack of zzzzz's the whole day.
     I'll tell you what...In these crazy, multitasking, merry-go-round type of days, you definitely want to be at your best.  Trying to face a day like that when you are a not operating at full speed, is not the easiest to do.  So, if I made no sense today, or made some small mistakes, please forgive me. I know for a fact, I worded something wrong at a staff meeting and got a good laugh from everyone.  Ahh, the joys of being sleep-deprived!!
     So, I wish you sweet dreams, while I take a nice long trip to lala-land.  Beautiful place, I should visit there more often!! I hope that you are starting the new year by taking good care of yourself.  And if that means that I see you on the beautiful island of lala-land, I will stop and buy you a drink! 

     Take care and I will see you tomorrow!! 

You only live once!

     This weekend has been quite the roller coaster ride.  Trying to keep up with everything at work can sometimes be a little overwhelming.  So, I have been trying to spend some time everyday, just relishing in good times with friends and family outside of work, too.  On Saturday, I spent some precious time catching up with a good friend of mine.  We started out as coworkers many years ago, but soon became more.  She is like a mom, a mentor and a confidante all rolled into one. 
     I took the time to watch a good movie and just relax.  Every one needs to take some "me" time and do whatever it takes to recharge!  After running a few errands and doing a few chores, my husband and I enjoyed going out on a date. 
     I had a good time just living "in the present" this weekend.  But, I also enjoyed planning for the future with my husband, also.  We spent the better part of the evening working out some details for having alternative energy in the near future, finishing planning out some of our renovation plans and also, trying to figure out the best place to put the rabbits we are going to start raising.
     The weekend ended this morning when I woke up and found out that a coworker from my job had passed away.  We knew that it was probably coming, but it still knocks you off guard for a moment. It reminds you just how short life is and that you need to spend more of life actually living it.  So, as you go about your day today making a living, stop and take a little time to enjoy and make a life, too.

New Year, New Beginnings

Happy New Year!!!

    I  hope that 2013 has been good to you.  I hope that you were able to begin taking some small steps toward the life you want.  I don't care how small they were.  Tiny, miniscule, toe wiggle even...it doesn't matter.  Just movement in the right direction counts.
    So, what do you have in store for 2014?  Have you already started to make those new year's resolutions?  I, for one, will not be.  Besides, they usually only last for one month, week, ...ok, ok, maybe a day or two, or three!!
   But I do plan on enjoying life, counting my blessings, and following my passions as much as I possibly can...everyday.  Even if it is only for five minutes on some days!!!  That is still five minutes that are all mine, in my control, to do with what I please. 
   So...Happy New Year!!!  This is your year.  What will you do with it?