This is kinda scary

This is kinda scary, because I've been wanting to write more honestly for a long time, but the scary thing with writing is that sometimes it means people will read it.  Eeee...well, here goes nothing, continue reading if you'd like.  I'm about to put words to the inner hamster wheel that's been spinning in my head for the last, let's just say 13 months. Confessions of a closet creative.  Big changes and thoughts happening here.    I'm not sure that I can even blame this restlessness on anything anymore and believe me when I say that I've tried to pin this spinning and over thinking on a lot of things: mommy hormones, lack of sleep, repressed creativity, boredom, ADD, comparison, the almighty dollar, but what I keep coming back to is that it doesn't really matter what I blame it on, because ultimately that won't change a thing.  About a month ago, I stumbled upon a blog (I know, I know right...it's way easier to vicariously live through someone else and comparison is the thief of happiness) but trust me when I say I'm not just reading and comparing anymore I'm actually starting to do things, I'm Making Things Happen.  I've been incredibly inspired.  So inspired that I wrote and THANKFULLY secured funding to attend Lara Casey's Making Things Happen Conference 2013.  I have huge hopes for big things to happen and I'm slowly moving away from just thinking and planning to actually doing.  I started with a list a few weeks ago of things that worked and didn't work in 2012 and it jump started a self reflection process in hopes that this is a start of a very convicting and convincing journey.  Thankfully I am not on this one alone, my sweet love has agreed to Make Things Happen too and a few friends have also agreed to join me.  We all need cheerleaders and accountability.  So if you feel so inclined, check out Lara's Blog especially the beginning of January for steps to Make Things Happen.  Grab a pretty little notebook, stop making excuses, stop planning for the perfect time and start moving forward.  

Here's a little glimpse, 

STEP 4: What are the three biggest things you learned from what DID work?

1. The most important things and the things that work best aren't really things at all.  What matters in life and what tops my list of what worked for 2013 were not things, but rather relationships, people, interaction (real interaction not cyber interactions).  Good food, long conversations, laughing, thinking, learning, digging in and getting real.  This surface/make everything look perfect is for the birds and it isn't real.  Being real that's what works.  To thine own self be true!

2. God is so good and HE has it figured out...THANK GOD I'm not in charge!  Now if I could just learn to listen a little closer and better.

3. Patience and trust and a whole crew of people who encourage me will prevail.  

In a nutshell, there are a handful of people in my life who thankfully will not let me settle for less than what is grand.  The lesson learned from this is that they know me and I should trust them and be brave. 

STEP 5: What are the three biggest things you learned from what DIDN'T work?

1. Excuses and stress are not productive or healthy.

2. Busy is the opposite of happy. Too many projects spreads you thin. Slow down. Don't plan so much this year. Do less and do it very well, with great passion.  (I stole that one from Lara...but it's true!)

3. Do what you love and love what you do.  I cannot continue to wish I was working or doing something else.  This doesn't work and isn't productive for anyone involved.  Actions speak louder than words!  I borrowed this from Lara too...good reminder though!  He who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. - James 4:17 Work hard at doing good always. Humble yourself. Give your authentic heart to the people right in front of you.   You can't be authentic with the people right in front of you if you are wishing you were somewhere else.

Excited and grateful!

xoxo-A