*Resolutions or Nah?*

As the calendar turns to a new year,  are busy not only preparing themselves for the evening's festivities but they are also making their new year's resolutions.

I, for one, don't make them. New Years resolutions, that is. I believe in many cases these hastily made resolutions are a set up for disappointment and failure. "I'll begin to diet today." "I'll start going to the gym today." 

How is it that by simply making these declarations at midnight on new years eve are these resolutions to become a reality? Determination, goal-planning both make it work. And why wait until a new year to set a goal? Why not begin right away? What motivates us to make these resolutions?

I have on-going goals (resolutions if you must) that I make and work on throughout the year. I set them, write them out, share them with a select few and find someone who will hold me accountable to these goals.  You need someone who will not only hold you accountable but who will encourage you as well. Partner up with someone who is positive, someone who has successfully accomplished what you wish to accomplish.

Think your goals through. Make them realistic. Write them down in as much detail as possible. Envision the steps, the process, the end results. Think about this often. Submerse yourself in it.

Enjoy each step along the way. You may become frustrated; that's okay. You may become discouraged when it seems it isn't coming together quite as planned or fast enough. Keep going. Don't give up. Even small steps will eventually get you to where you want to be. Have patience! (Not a great strength for me! Admittedly!) 

New Years resolutions tend to be made in haste, when the clock is chiming midnight. They are not necessarily well thought out, though they are well-intended ideas, they are short-lived ideas. Don't wait until the clock chimes, the confetti falls, begin now. Jump right in.

Unlimited.

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend. One of those new-age conversations, where you don't really talk..........talk.....you know, when you hear each other's voices....but the electronic sort. Surprisingly, it wasn't even a conversation about our mutual passion of photography....it began with music and somehow at some point, a message popped up that said something like, "You write?" In which I promptly responded, "Yes. I write." Or something like that. In essence - the conversation became less about writing and more about talents and gifts and the limits we place upon ourselves.

It got me to thinking. What limitations am I placing on myself? We all limit ourselves to some degree, whether we think we do or not.

Fear. Lack of Funds. Lack of guidance. Fear. Comfort. 

When we are too comfortable, we limit ourselves.

When we are fearful, we limit ourselves. 

When we lack the guidance on how to achieve our dreams, we limit ourselves.

So how do we overcome these limitations? How do we live a limitless life?

Fear is natural. There is nothing wrong with a little fear. It's when we allow it to hold us back...when we allow it to stifle our dreams and creativity it becomes a problem. I admit, I've allowed fear to hold me back. Fear of the unknown, fear of failing.  Admittedly to some (large) degree, I like things mapped out for me. I like to have a plan. Yes. The plan can change, but there has to be some sort of plan. And I have had a fear of failing...what if it doesn't work out? What will I do then? But not trying is the biggest failure of all.

I hate asking for help. And that has limited me in so many ways. While I am (slightly) better at it now, it still hinders me greatly. Asking for help and guidance can un-limit you; it can remove some of that fear...that lack of knowledge in how to get to that dream. It can help remove some of the doubt, some of the insecurities.

I truly sleep, eat, and breathe photography. I've had a camera in my hand since I was in elementary school. I have taken thousands - probably millions at this point- of photographs. I've been pursuing it for over 14 years, now, but it wasn't until 3 or 4 years ago when I seriously began putting my ALL into it. It was then that I stopped comparing my work to others, I stopped being insecure about my work and I began to network, meet other phenomenal photographers and (very slowly) began asking questions, asking for input....and just shooting. Being insecure about my work held me back...being insecure about myself held me back even more. Fear held me back.

I write. But many don't know this. Oh, they know I write for digital magazines, it's all over my social media pages. But they don't know I write anything else. Not many do. Why? Because I am insecure about what I write. I don't think it's good enough. There again I limit myself. I am afraid.....crazy, huh? I criticize myself harshly. Perfection is not a positive trait.

I limit myself. No one else. Just me. But with a new year approaching, I am ready to be Limitless. To push my boundaries more. To really really pursue what I love. All the time. I am ready to take that leap into the unknown...and I know it will all work out (somehow, gasp!) Because it has so far.

Recently, I had not only my palms read but my cards as well. I was absolutely shocked at the things she knew about me...so specifically. She was incredibly detailed and really got me to thinking.  About a lot of things. Seriously. How did she know so much? Am I that readable? Do I need to put on my poker face?

I went in with an open mind...completely ready to hear what she had to say. And she said a lot, in such a little time. Things confirmed that I need to continue to work towards. She confirmed that I am on the right path; that I shouldn't give up and keep moving, despite any distractions that may come my way, despite the negativity around me.

We all have distractions. We all have adversity. The thing is: How do you manage it? How do you deal with it?

We're a week into the new year and I am ready for new things. A Newer Me. Changes are coming. Get on board or get off the train.

{48 Hours.}

48 hour fast and detox. Two Days. No Food. Just Juice. Just Juice. Watered down juice: grapefruit, orange, lemon and water. The question was, Could I do it?

My biggest concern was weight-loss. I mean averaging between 89 - 90 pounds, I couldn't afford to lose a pound. Not. One.

Day One: Not so easy. I couldn't stop thinking about food. And my stomach growled so loud....it was insane!! Headache plus lightheadedness and then, it passed, quickly. Just. Keep. Drinking. 8 oz an hour to complete a gallon a day. Two gallons of fluids in TWO DAYS!!??!?! What was I thinking? I kept telling myself I could do this. Don't give up. Detoxing. Cleansing. Not only physically but mentally as well.

Day Two: Wow. I was feeling really good. I woke up ready to take on gallon number two. Yep. Let's get this thing going! :o) No headaches, no food cravings, and this inner peace I hadn't felt in a long time. I even threw some chili in the slow-cooker, that's how good I was feeling! (That was pure torture mind you to smell it cooking ALL night long!)

And then, I drank my last glass of juice last night at about 11:30. It was over. Sleep called and I woke up feeling great. No food cravings. Still feeling mentally at peace.

Detox + Fasting for 48 hours was tough at first but it got easier. And I did lose weight, much to my demise. A pound or so. Which means I will have to eat regularly and healthy too. No chocolate and sweets. I'd like to eliminate the little bit of meat I have in my diet but I'm not quite ready to do that yet.

Starting the new year off with some peaceful, cleansing moments. Followed by some new, healthy goals.

....What's Stopping You?

What's Stopping You?

Life is short. Live in the moment. Be present. 

Create memories. Do something new each and every day.

What's Stopping You? 

Fear? Money? Lack of support? Lack of knowledge?

Make. It. Happen.

Don't let anything stop you from achieving your goals. Live life to the fullest.

.....Think about it: What's Stopping You? Overcome those obstacles, any way you can. 

[Separating Dreams from Reality]

The topic of "dreams" has been plaguing me lately. 

How does one effectively separate their dreams from reality? 

Dreams are good. Dreams keep the mind active, creative. Dreams give us something to work towards, look forward to.

Dreams can also hinder us, when we cannot effectively separate them from reality.

Realizing and acknowledging that some dreams will never become reality...that they will be just that...DREAMS. Nothing more, nothing less. Once one accepts this and creates that boundary with those dreams that are just fantasies, if you will, then the conflict ends. The understanding begins.

Some dreams are meant to be lived out. Others, fantasies, entertainment for our minds. Nothing is meant to be done with them...but to dream.

So dream on. But lose the confusion, the conflict......realize which dreams are to be lived out.....and which are not. But don't stop dreaming. Ever.

......Persistence & Patience = Dreams Accomplished.

....When you desire something so desperately? How hard will you work to get it? How many obstacles will you jump through to obtain it?

....Change. Yet. Again. Seems every time something good comes my way.....a door opens, drama surrounds me. Anyone else relate?

Working hard to achieve my dream(s.) Persistence and yeah, patience, as hard as that patience thing is....I have to have it. I want it. Self-employment, freedom. No longer asking "Mother May I?" Or more like, "Supervisor, May I?" Dreams. Passions. Pursuing them. Are you pursuing yours? What would you sacrifice for your dream(s)? Money? Time? Sleep? I am sacrificing a lot of sleep....and free time.

Holding down a nearly full-time job while working nearly every weekend as well to build a business......that's a sacrifice. Staying up late......lack of sleep.....that's a huge (HUGE!) sacrifice on my part. I LOVE sleep!

Building a business takes time. A whole lot of time. Trust me. It takes more than I ever thought I could give. It puts me way outside my comfort zone. But...I want this. Badly.

Can you see your dreams vividly? Do you think about them constantly? (I do.) Can you see yourself achieving your dreams....not necessarily all the hows...but can you see yourself doing it? Dream big.

Dreams aren't just for children. Life is short. Go after them. Whatever they are, no matter how big nor small. Get 'em!

Um, Yoga Anyone?

In my already crazy, hectic life, I've decided it's time to try something new....something I've been saying for years I've wanted to do. And since I have a goal not only to focus on my family and friends this year but also ME (which is honestly a challenge in itself, because I love to give to others,but have always tended to neglect myself) - I've decided to finally take up YOGA. 


Yes, I said it, Yoga. She who doesn't know how to sit still for a moment is going to take up some yoga....to learn to relax, and meditate, and get some exercise in my life. My life is hectic, as I mentioned.....always running from here to there.....mind constantly going, I need to learn to focus and relax. I'm excited as I will be doing this with a friend and her daughters and my six year old son (who did yoga when he was three, yes, three!!) are joining us as well.


I want to improve my life all around. I've never been much into fitness, though my son thinks I should take up running. (Yeah, like that will ever happen! I didn't like running in P.E. in school; there is NO WAY I will take up running now! And the ripe young age of 36!) 


So I am going to squeeze 15-30 minutes of yoga into my schedule (fingers crossed) daily! And maybe I will finally learn to meditate along the way as well (something else I have been saying for years I would love to do!) I have an active mind-like most women do! And a busy life! What with being a wife, and a mom, and working and going to school! 


I have gone out to gather most of the tools I will need to begin this Yoga venture! I'm not joining any class - way too embarrassing! I just simply want to do this on my own, with close friends. And what better way is there to bond with your child, than to exercise! 


It's NEVER too late to learn something new! And I can't wait to get this started! Yoga-expert here I come. (Ok, the "expert" part is really pushing it!)


More to come!








P.S. - So this morning, while on my way into work, I stopped by the Thrift Store (which I do on the rare occassion.) I had hopes of maybe finding an inexpensive yoga DVD, just in case my wonderful plans of sticking with this fall through, I won't have spent too much money! Well, I didn't find a DVD (yet!) but I did find a nice book educating one about yoga! All for the low price (wait, take a guess!) Ok....now I'll tell, $.49 - yes, 49 cents! And it was BRAND NEW! Nice!! I can't wait to get that DVD and get to Yoga-ing!