Being proud of "fearing-less"!

Yesterday, after reading my post, a friend challenged me to make a list of things I had already "fear-lessly" done.  Sometimes, it's easy to forget all that we have accomplished on our journey because we're so focused on what we'd still like to accomplish.

Thought #2:
Being proud of "fearing-less"!

The above is a picture of the sign hanging above my display at Best of What's Around.  Meeting Danie Leever, and having the opportunity to share my work in her shop has been one of the best moments on this journey.  I believe the opportunity to be a part of her shop has helped me become less fearful of putting myself out there and more confident that each of my pieces serve a purpose for others on their journey. The sign, made by a friend and fellow vendor, Sarah Kruer from Imy's Joy, was a perfect addition to my display there.  I feel blessed to have found this amazing group of ladies and proud that I continue to "fear-less" each day.

Links to Best of What's Around and Imy's Joy:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-of-Whats-Around/368139286573932?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/imysjoy?fref=ts

What are you proud to say you "fear-less" today than you did yesterday?!?  Leave a comment below :-)

Seeking Adventures!

We are back from our fabulous weekend getaway!  So many great memories made with my family :-)  

Stepping out of the digital world gave me an opportunity to live in every moment without the added worry that I was forgetting to do something, respond to someone, etc. and gave me some time to feel at peace, to relax, and to reflect on where I am on my journey.

I had an opportunity to journal some things, which I haven't done in a while, and over the next few weeks will be sharing some of the thoughts I added to my list.  Hoping you can relate and will be willing to share your thoughts on each!

Thought #1:

Seeking Adventure-

Before now, I would't have considered myself an adventurous person.  In fact, I was less seeking out adventures and more worrying about what could, would, or might happen if I were to go on one!

Spending the weekend away from everything digital, focusing on my family, and enjoying the fresh air gave me some time to think about some adventures I'd like to go on.

So...I decided to create a "fear-less list" of things (sort of like a bucket list, but without that creepy name) of things I'd like to fearlessly do in the coming months.  I plan to continue to add to it as I think of new things, but this is what I have so far:

• go ziplining
• visit several art museums
• go on a road trip out west
• go horse back riding
• try water skiing
• play in a drummer's circle
• take a painting class
• write more
• attend a theatre/ballet performance
• see New York City
• watch the sunrise/sunset on the beach
• have a fire at night on the beach
• go to the park and picnic
• ride a bike on the cultural trail

I want to explore new things, be open to new ideas, and find new ways to enjoy life!  

I am interested in what you would add to your "fear-less list"???  

Post your thoughts in the comment section below!

Stepping outside for a while...

This weekend we're trying something new as a family! We are headed to the lake for a few days of rest and relaxation with friends!

I couldn't be more excited to spend some quality time with Chad and Caylee and to take a break from reality.

I'm hoping this weekend will help relax my body, refresh my mind, and rejuvenate my spirit :-)

I hope to focus solely on the moment, to make lasting memories with my family, and to feel joyful and relaxed by doing so.

I'm taking myself out of the digital world for a few days, but I'll be back Monday morning to tell you all about it!

Until then...

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