Hello Again!!!

Okay, okay...so I've been out for a while!

My last post about the fork...um yeah, totally hit it.  I've hit a few storms since then too.

All I can say is, I'm glad to be alive today: to be breathing the fresh air of the world around me, to be clearing out the clutter in my life, to be focusing on the good, for all my many blessings; to have a family that loves me, friends who sincerely care about me, fellow artisans and followers that truly believe in and support me.

I'm letting my heart lead the way, I'm loving every moment, I'm leaving the past and mistakes behind (even those most recent)...and putting one foot in front of the other.  I have no idea where I'm headed.  I'm definitely scared out of my mind.  But I know this part of the journey will serve a purpose...and that friends, gives me hope.

Glad to be back!  And excited about this new adventure!

More to come soon!!! :-)

Absolutely LOVE this <3 and just HAD to share :-)

I'm here at the fork...

So...there you are, on your path, minding your business, enjoying the beauty of life that is around you, praising the Lord for helping you see your way through the last storm, for showing you the light out of the darkness, and feeling truly blessed and happy.

Then...BAM!!!  FORK IN THE ROAD....

You forget all you have learned...you panic!  You worry!  You spend days pacing back and forth wondering which way to go, weighing your options, thinking about Robert Frost and whether that "road not taken" really is the best choice???  And the what-if's...and the unknowns.  And you are overcome with fear.

And it hits you...SMACK!
This "a-ha!" moment of sorts.  You are suddenly reminded: you are not in control...there is a plan...you don't have to worry or be afraid or ask about the what-if's or think about the unknowns.



This is true.  The next part of your journey will serve a purpose.  He knows the desires of your heart and has a plan for you.  Seek His will for your life, ask for His help with your decision, and pray that no matter what, He will be there to protect you and lead in the right direction.  Then, take a step down whatever path feels right.  No looking back.  Be confident in your decision and excited about what lies ahead.
And again, take in the beauty of the world around you, praising the Lord for his many blessings and for the light that is guiding you where you are going...wherever that is.

Life...

Hopefully your "storm is running out of rain" and you are venturing on to the next part of your journey.  Sometimes with all the hate and hard times in the world, it's hard to look to the brighter side of life.

This week has been especially rough and eye opening for me.  If I've learned anything, it's that we have to live every single second of life to the fullest; no doubts, no regrets, no fear.  Just open up our wings, take a leap, and fly...knowing that all will be okay if we trust in God and believe in the process.

He truly does have a plan for your life.  We may not understand it, or know what it is, but whatever it is, it serves a purpose for those living with and around you.  Trust Him.  Know He loves you.  And for now, LIVE!  Enjoy every single second of your life!  Share your love, be giving of your heart, forget the fear of the unknown, and plunge yourself into the beauty of your life.  LIVE!  God will take care of you, your heart, and your fears if you just trust and believe in Him.

It's a journey...a life to live, free of judgement from others, with hope of a brighter tomorrow...if you believe.  A reason to smile, to feel free of fear, to continue on.  And to love every single second of the life you're living...even through the hardest times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtM7vs9gdZg

Thank you Gary Allan...

Okay, so my last few posts have been about getting out there; thinking about what you want, working on adding that to your life, trusting in the process, and believing in yourself.  I hope many of you have taken my advice, have started doing something that makes you feel alive, like your life has a purpose, and are feeling the warmth of the love and joy it has created in your life.

Today's post is quite the opposite of the previous.  Inevitably, if you are doing all of the above, somewhere in the middle of all those bright and sunny days, you will encounter a dark and scary "storm".  I have traveled a long journey to get where I am today, some of which was quite bumpy and hard to see through.  Many times I found myself in a tough spot, a dark place, a "storm" of sorts.  And many times my attitude during those times didn't help me find my way out.  I always seemed to see everything bad...and nothing good in those times.  I was the victim, the worrier, the pessimist, the negative thinker.  Heck!  I was my own worst enemy.

On my journey, music has been an integral part of moving forward.  It speaks to me and my emotions like nothing else can.  It makes me stronger, pulls me together, gives me perspective, and sometimes sees me back into this life.

So for those of you in that tough spot...the dark place...a raging "storm", I wanted to share with you a song that really spoke to me today.  It is performed by a country singer who has had his own personal struggles.  The video itself may not pertain to your situation, but if you listen to the words...it seems the song is meant for any of us who have encountered hard times on the journey.

It is so true...Every Storm (Runs out of Rain)...and it really made me think today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q3LEadIk3w

Finding true happiness...

It has been said that "the secret to happiness is doing what you love, and the secret to success is loving what you do." ~Vanny Angel

I thank God everyday for the opportunities He's given me to find happiness in my work and success along the way.  Very happy to share that you will soon see the Flowers on Footprints Jewelry Collection in a local store here in Indy!  If you live in town, please stop by this Friday, February 1st from 11-6 for the Grand Opening of "Best of What's Around":
8745 E. 116th Street, Fishers, IN.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Best-of-Whats-Around/368139286573932

No matter where you are on your journey, set aside some time for yourself to enjoy those things that you love.  True happiness will come from finding who you are, what you really want, and pursuing those things.

A few powerful questions to get you thinking:

• What are some things you love you to do?   
• What do you wish you could do every day for the rest of your life?
• Why aren't you doing them now?

Hoping this year brings you much happiness and success!

Taking the next step...

With the beginning of a new year upon us, I encourage you to take some time to reflect positively on the past year of your journey; the lessons you've learned, the progress you've made, the fears you've overcome.

Then, make a promise to yourself for the upcoming year: stop talking and start doing! 

Getting Started:

• Make a list of the dreams that are alive within you
• Brainstorm ways to make time in your busy schedule to focus on them
• Having trouble??? MEDITATE (take 10 minutes, turn on some calming music, take a few deep breaths, and let your mind/body tell you what you want/need)
• Start looking for a place to start...OPPORTUNITIES are everywhere! 
• Overcome the fear of failure. Not every opportunity will end positively...be okay with it, learn from it, and move on.
• Be CONFIDENT! Don't worry about others; what they'll say or think about you, how they'll react, or whether they'll support you or not. You need positive energy on this journey, not negative people.
• Trust: that God has a plan for your life and that there is a purpose for your journey.
• Make a decision and take the first step...no matter how scary or uncomfortable it might be.
• BELIEVE: in yourself, in the dream, in the process. 
• Wait and see what happens...

Here is the next step on my journey: http://www.etsy.com/shop/FlowersonFootprints

I opened an Etsy shop! 

Can't wait to hear what this next year has in store for you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Don't let fear control your life...

Fear is something that is in all of us. It causes us to act and react in many different ways and is usually only overcome by looking it straight in the face.  If you are looking for ways to help your child or yourself overcome fears, consider purchasing the book "There's SomeTHING in My Basement" from my website: www.flowersonfootprints.com or contact me directly at: Nicole@flowersonfootprints.com
I am running a Holiday Special December 15th thru December 24th. See below for details:

***Purchase 2 or more books at regular price, get one handmade flower ring for free.***

• Visit my website: www.flowersonfootprints.com
• Go to book tab and order securely through paypal. Leave your color and size preference in the special notes section.
• To view rings, go to: http://www.facebook.com/FlowersOnFootprints?ref=hl
• If solely making a ring selection, go to the contact tab and click on the link to my email. Leave me a detailed description of your order.

Don't let fear control your life. 

"Hope and happiness" will come from believing in yourself, trusting in God's plan, and having faith that you are here for a reason.

If I've learned anything from the horrible tragedy that took place yesterday, it's that you have to enjoy every second of the life you're living; be thankful for what you have, make memories with those you love, and cherish the time you have with them. There is a purpose for your time on this Earth. Do what you love, make changes where necessary, and never be afraid to take a risk.